Apni jaan nazaar karoon

Background 1. When and why was it written? This immortal national anthem was written in the backdrop of the September 1965 Pakistan-India War. When war suddenly broke out in September 1965, Radio Pakistan played a historic role in boosting the morale of the nation and armed forces through war songs and national anthems. This song was written to pay tribute to those "warrior men" of the Pakistani forces who were sacrificing their lives at the borders. 2. The poet and singer (Who wrote it and who sang it?) • Poet: This spirited and devoted song was written by Pakistan's renowned lyricist Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum. Sufi Tabassum created several masterpiece national songs during the 1965 war. • Musician: Its immortal melody was composed by Master Inayat Hussain, who blended the rhythm of a march with stirring music in such a way that it goes straight to the heart. • Singer: It was sung by Pakistan's queen of melody Noor Jehan in her enchanting and captivating voice. 3. How was this song made? During the 1965 war, the Radio Pakistan studio in Lahore was active twenty-four hours a day. Sufi Tabassum would write the verses at night, Master Inayat Hussain would compose the tune by morning, and Madam Noor Jehan would come to the studio amid sirens and explosions to record it. Madam Noor Jehan sang these songs without any compensation, purely out of love for the nation. During recording, emotions ran so high that often those present in the studio would have tears in their eyes. Detailed explanation of the poem (Explanation) Overall, this poem reflects the sentiments of an artist (poet or singer) and an ordinary patriotic citizen, who feels insignificant before the warriors fighting at the border. Verse 1: I offer my life, I present my loyalty, O warrior of the nation, what can I give you? Meaning: The poet addresses the protector of the homeland (the warrior), saying: O brave soldier of the nation! You are making such a great sacrifice for the country and people that I have nothing to give you. Even if I lay down my life at your feet and dedicate all my loyalty to your name, your sacrifice still cannot be repaid. I am bewildered—what gift can I present before your greatness? Verse 2: You have burned the enemy like a flame, emerging victorious at every step, the cry of triumph echoing with such bravery, how can I reward you? Meaning: This verse depicts the battlefield. The poet says that when the enemy attacked the beloved homeland, you descended upon them like a blazing fire and reduced the enemy's evil intentions to ashes. Because of your courage, at every step the cry of Pakistan's victory and success rings out. It is beyond my power to repay such unparalleled bravery and valor. Verse 3: May God keep His blessings upon you for all your life, may He preserve your courage and your honor, I present the prayer of your noble passion for martyrdom. Meaning: Here the poet, moving away from material things, offers prayers as a gift to the warrior. He prays that Almighty God keep His mercy and blessings upon you throughout your life. May He preserve your courage, your bravery, and your dignity forever. With the fervent desire for martyrdom with which you have entered the battlefield, I present before God the prayer for the acceptance of this pure passion of yours. Verse 4: You have kindled a fresh fervor in my heart, you have given new courage to my songs, so why should I not present the melodies of these songs to you? Meaning: This verse especially expresses the poet and artist's own emotions. The poet says: O warrior! The tales of your bravery at the border have kindled a new enthusiasm and passion in our hearts as writers and artists. Your valor has given words and courage to my songs. Therefore, now the greatest thing I possess is these songs of mine, so why should I not dedicate the sweetness of my voice, the resonance of my words, and these anthems to you? When this national anthem is heard today, it brings before our eyes that historic atmosphere of September 1965, when the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its forces. Would you like to know more about other songs of that era or more poetry by Sufi Tabassum?