Ustad Daman

Ustad Daman was introduced originally as part of the struggle for independence from British rule. A tailor by profession, in 1930, he stitched a suit for Iftikharuddin, who got impressed by his inspiring poetry verse, when the two met each other at his shop. He invited Ustad Daman to recite his poem at a public meeting organised by the Indian National Congress, where Ustad Daman became an instant hit. Pandit Nehru, who was present at that public meeting, dubbed him the ‘Poet of Freedom’ after listening to his revolutionary anti-imperialist poetry.[1]

At the time of 1947 Partition of British India, his shop and house were burned down by rioting mobs and his wife and young daughter were killed. However, Ustad Daman decided to stay in Lahore and the newly created country of Pakistan. He remained, throughout his life, a fierce opponent of dictatorship, civilian or military, and all corruption and hypocrisy. His work and poetry were published as 'Daman dey Moti' after his death by his devoted followers and admirers. The poems he wrote are still widely quoted in the Punjab as well as in other regions of Pakistan.[3]

He first wrote under the pen name "Humdam", which he later changed to "Daman". The title "Ustad" (meaning teacher or expert) was bestowed on him by the local people. After that he became a regular participant in political public meetings. He believed that the unity of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs was essential, if the struggle for freedom from the British, was to be carried on successfully.

The following poems of Ustad Daman were used in Pakistani films:

• "Bach jaa mundia maurr taun, mein sadqey teri tore taun" Sung by Noor Jehan, lyrics by Ustad Daman and music by Feroz Nizami, film Chan Wey (1951)[4]
• "Changa banaya aee sahnun khidona" Sung by Noor Jehan, lyrics by Ustad Daman, music by Feroz Nizami, film Chan Wey (1951)[5]
• "Na mein sonay jai na Chandi jai mein pittal bhari paraat, meinun dharti qali kara de, mein nachhaan sari raat" Sung by Humaira Channa, lyrics by Ustad Daman, music by Kaalay Khan, a PTV, Lahore production.

Veteran Pakistani film actor Allauddin used to visit him frequently in his one-room-residence in Lahore near Anarkali Bazaar. He had a lot of respect for Ustad Daman and treated him like a father-figure. Ustad Daman used to call him 'my adopted son'.[1] Although very unwell, Ustad Daman was last seen at the funeral of Faiz Ahmad Faiz on 20 November 1984. He died two weeks later on 3 December 1984.[2]

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

• Ustad Daman: The People's Poet