Ustad Daman facts for kids

Ustad Daman (born Chiragh Deen) was a famous Punjabi poet and writer. He was also known as a mystic, someone who seeks a deeper spiritual understanding. He lived from September 3, 1911, to December 3, 1984.

Ustad Daman became involved in politics thanks to Mian Iftikharuddin. Mian Iftikharuddin was a politician who supported the Pakistan Movement. He also owned a big newspaper in Lahore, Pakistan, called Pakistan Times.

A Poet's Journey

Ustad Daman's real name was Chiragh Deen. His father was Mian Mir Baksh. He was born on September 3, 1911.

Ustad Daman first became known during the fight for independence from British rule. He was a tailor by profession. In 1930, he made a suit for Mian Iftikharuddin. Mian Iftikharuddin was very impressed by Ustad Daman's powerful poetry.

Mian Iftikharuddin invited Ustad Daman to share his poems at a public meeting. This meeting was organized by the Indian National Congress. Ustad Daman became an instant hit there. Pandit Nehru, a famous leader, was at the meeting. He called Ustad Daman the 'Poet of Freedom'. This was after he heard Daman's poems that spoke against the British Empire. After this, Ustad Daman regularly took part in these meetings.

In 1947, when British India was divided, Ustad Daman's shop and home were burned. This happened during riots. His wife and young daughter were also killed. However, Ustad Daman decided to stay in Lahore, in the newly formed country of Pakistan.

He never remarried after that. He lived the rest of his life in a small room in 'Old Lahore'. Throughout his life, he strongly opposed unfair rule, whether by politicians or the military. He also spoke out against all dishonesty and hypocrisy.

After his death, his dedicated followers published his work and poems. They called the collection 'Daman De Moti'. The poems he wrote are still widely quoted in Punjab and other parts of Pakistan.

The famous Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz admired Ustad Daman. He would sometimes visit him in the Taxali Gate area of Lahore, Pakistan.

Songs in Films

Some of Ustad Daman's poems were used as songs in Pakistani films:

• "Bach jaa mundia maurr taun, mein sadqey teri tore taun" was sung by Noor Jehan. Ustad Daman wrote the lyrics. Feroz Nizami composed the music for the film Chan Wey (1951).
• "Changa banaya aee sahnun khidona" was also sung by Noor Jehan. Ustad Daman wrote these lyrics too. Feroz Nizami composed the music for the film Chan Wey (1951).
• "Na mein sonay jai na Chandi jai mein pittal bhari paraat, meinun dharti qali kara de, mein nachhaan sari raat" was sung by Humaira Channa. Ustad Daman wrote the lyrics. Kaalay Khan composed the music for this PTV production in Lahore.

Death and Legacy

Ustad Daman passed away on December 3, 1984. He was buried in the Madhu Lal Hussain graveyard in Lahore. His poetry continues to inspire many people in Pakistan.

See also

• Progressive Writers' Movement
• Habib Jalib
• Faiz Ahmed Faiz
• Munnu Bhai