Jamiluddin Aali facts for kids

Jamiluddin Aali (born Nawabzada Mirza Jamiluddin Ahmad Khan; January 20, 1925 – November 23, 2015) was a famous Pakistani writer. People also knew him as Aaliji. He was a talented poet, songwriter, and scholar. He also wrote plays, essays, and newspaper columns.

Aali's Early Life and Career

Jamiluddin Aali was born in Delhi, India, on January 20, 1925. His father was Amiruddin Ahmed Khan, and his mother was Syeda Jamila Baigum. She came from a well-known family.

Aali studied Economics at Anglo Arabic College in Delhi. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1944.

Moving to Pakistan

In 1947, India was divided into two countries: India and Pakistan. Aali and his family moved to Karachi, Pakistan, on August 13, 1947. This was a big change for many families at that time.

He started his career working as an assistant. This was in the Ministry of Commerce. In 1951, he passed a tough exam to join the civil service. This meant he could work in important government jobs.

Aali also worked at the President House from 1959 to 1963. Later, he joined the National Bank of Pakistan in 1967. He worked there until he retired in 1988. He also earned law degrees from the University of Karachi in 1971.

A Brief Time in Politics

Jamiluddin Aali was a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party. He ran for election to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1977 but did not win. In 1997, he became a member of the Senate. This is another important part of Pakistan's government. He served for six years.

Aali himself was not always sure why he got involved in politics for a short time.

Writing and Songwriting

Jamiluddin Aali started writing poetry when he was young. He wrote many books and famous songs. One of his most popular songs was "Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan." He wrote it during the 1965 war between India and Pakistan.

This song became very famous. Shahnaz Begum sang it, and Sohail Rana composed the music. It was first shown on PTV on August 14, 1971.

Aali also wrote other well-known songs:

• "Hum Maain, Hum Behnain, Hum Baitiyan" (for International Women's Year in 1976).
• "Jo Nam Wohi Pehchan, Pakistan" (at the request of former President Ghulam Ishaq Khan in 1986).
• "Mera Inam Pakistan" (sung by the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan).

Aali's Family Life

Jamiluddin Aali married Tayyba Bano in 1944. They had five children together. They had three sons and two daughters.

His Passing

Jamiluddin Aali passed away on November 23, 2015. He died in Karachi from a heart attack. His funeral prayer was held at the "Tooba" mosque in DHA, Karachi. He was buried in an army graveyard in Bizerta Lines, Karachi on the same day.

Literary Contributions and Activities

Aali played a very important role in promoting the Urdu language. In 1962, he became the honorary secretary of the Anjuman-i Taraqqi-i Urdu. This is an association for promoting the Urdu language. He worked hard for many years to help the association grow.

He also helped a lot with the Urdu Dictionary Board. This board created a huge 22-volume Urdu dictionary. Aali's efforts were key to this big project.

Collections of Ballads

Aali wrote several collections of ballads, which are like long poems or songs that tell a story.

• Aye Mere Dasht-e-Sukhan
• Ghazlain Dohay Geet (published six times)
• Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan (published five times)
• La Hasil (published three times)
• Nai Kiran

Couplets Collection

He also wrote a collection of dohas, which are short, rhyming couplets.

• Dohay (published three times in Urdu and once in Devnagari script)
• His dohas showed his amazing creativity and talent.

Travel Books

Aali wrote several books about his travels.

• Duniya Mere Aagye (The World Before Me)
• Tamasha Mere Aagye (The Spectacle Before Me)
• Iceland (a travelogue about his trip to Iceland)
• Hurfay (a series of four books)

Famous Songs Written by Aali

Jamiluddin Aali wrote the lyrics for many beloved Pakistani songs.

• "Aye Watan Ke Sajelay Jawanoo" (sung by Noor Jehan during the 1965 war)
• "Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan" (sung by Shahnaz Begum in 1968)
• "Hum Mustafavi Mustafavi Hain" (the official song for the 1974 Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore)
• "Mein Chota Sa Ek Larka Hoon" (I Am a Small Boy)
• "Mera Paigham Pakistan" (My Message is Pakistan, sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan)
• "Ab Yeh Andaz-e-Anjuman Hoga"
• "Hum Maain, Hum Behnain, Hum Baitiyan" (We Are Mothers, We Are Sisters, We Are Daughters)
• "Jo Naam Wahi Pehchan, Pakistan Pakistan" (The Name is the Identity, Pakistan Pakistan)
• "Aye Des Ki Hawaao, Kushboo Mein Bas Ke Jao" (O Winds of the Land, Go Filled with Fragrance)
• "Itne Bare Jewan Sagar Mein, Tu Ne Pakistan Diya" (In Such a Big Ocean of Life, You Gave Pakistan, sung by Allan Faqir)
• "Yeh Kavita Pakistani Hai" (This Poem is Pakistani, sung by Nighat Seema)

Awards and Honors

Jamiluddin Aali received many awards for his contributions to literature and Pakistan.

• Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) Award (2004) – one of Pakistan's highest civilian awards.
• Pride of Performance (1991) – another prestigious award from the President of Pakistan.
• Adamjee Literary Award (1960)
• Dawood Literary Award (1963)
• United Bank Literary Award (1965)
• Habib Bank Literary Award (1965)
• Canadian Urdu Academy Award (1988)
• Sant Kabeer Award – Urdu Conference Delhi (1989)
• Urdu Markaz New York "Nishan-e-Urdu" Award (2000) – received at the First International Urdu Conference at the UNO.