Udeesha Lit Fest: Read books, not shelves; amroha-born renowned poet Jaun Elia deserves a place in syllabus, Says Muntazir Firozabadi

BAREILLY: A strong case for reclaiming serious literary reading and restoring poets to academic discourse was made at the five-day Udeesha Literature Festival in Moradabad, where poet and writer Muntazir Firozabadi delivered an in-depth lecture on renowned Urdu poet Jaun Elia, emphasising his literary depth, patriotism and deep-rooted connection with western Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking to TOI, Firozabadi said Jaun Elia could not be reduced to viral couplets on social media. “Jaun Elia can be understood only through books. His poetry carries layers of thought that cannot be grasped through fragments online,” he said, adding that the poet was widely misunderstood despite his popularity among Gen Z.

Quoting Jaun Elia, Firozabadi recited: ‘Hum aandhiyon ke ban mein kisi Karwan ke thay, Jaane kahan se aaye hain, jaane kahan ke thay. Kya poochhte ho naam-o-nishaan-e-musafiran, Hindustan mein aaye hain, Hindustan ke thay.’

“Jaun sahab was a true patriot. This is something everyone must know,” Firozabadi said. “That is precisely why Jaun Elia deserves to be included in academic syllabi.”

He also spoke about Elia’s intense emotional bond with Amroha, recalling an incident when the poet, during a visit to his hometown, rolled in the soil, covering himself in mud. “It symbolised his love for his land. Everyone cried when they saw Jaun Sahab crawling in the sand,” he said.

Drawing a powerful metaphor, Firozabadi added, “Amrohe mein Baan nadi ke paas jo ladka rehta tha, Ab woh kahaan hai, maiN to waheeN hooN Ganga ji aur Jamuna ji, the most outstanding example of Ganga–Jamuni tehzeeb.”

Advocating curriculum reform, he said Jaun Elia should be taught across schools and colleges. "It will not only enrich language but also cultivate thought," he said.

Firozabadi also urged readers to treat books as living texts rather than decorative objects. “Books are not meant for cupboards. Unread books lose their knowledge,” he said.

The session stood out as a reminder that Jaun Elia must be reclaimed not merely as a social media phenomenon, but as a poet of ideas, land and literary legacy.

Udeesha Sahityotsav, running till January 26, will host writers, poets, musicians, theatre artists, journalists and thinkers from across the country. The programme includes sessions on poetry, storytelling, theatre, journalism, mental health, social media, artificial intelligence and contemporary social issues, along with musical and cultural performances each evening.

The festival also features a book fair, art and photo galleries, folk performances, food festival and live sand art installations by Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik.

Moradabad Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said the event is being organised with an aim to promote cultural dialogue and provide a platform for both established and emerging voices, while showcasing Moradabad’s literary and artistic heritage at a national level.