Sher on Self-Praise

There are indeed many other excellent masters of poetry in the world.

But people say that Ghalib's style of expression is something truly unique.

This couplet is a classic example of 'ta'alli' or poetic self-praise. While Ghalib acknowledges the existence of other talented poets, he subtly asserts his superiority by citing public opinion. The focus is on the distinctiveness of his 'andaz-e-bayan' (style), suggesting that artistic identity matters more than mere technical skill.

There are indeed many other excellent masters of poetry in the world.

But people say that Ghalib's style of expression is something truly unique.

This couplet is a classic example of 'ta'alli' or poetic self-praise. While Ghalib acknowledges the existence of other talented poets, he subtly asserts his superiority by citing public opinion. The focus is on the distinctiveness of his 'andaz-e-bayan' (style), suggesting that artistic identity matters more than mere technical skill.

Is there really anyone in this world who does not know who Ghalib is?

He is indeed an excellent poet, but he has a very notorious reputation.

Ghalib uses wit and irony to comment on his own public persona. He acknowledges his mastery over poetry but simultaneously admits to his scandalous lifestyle, suggesting that while people admire his art, they disapprove of his character. It highlights the paradox of being celebrated for talent yet condemned for conduct.

Is there really anyone in this world who does not know who Ghalib is?

He is indeed an excellent poet, but he has a very notorious reputation.

Ghalib uses wit and irony to comment on his own public persona. He acknowledges his mastery over poetry but simultaneously admits to his scandalous lifestyle, suggesting that while people admire his art, they disapprove of his character. It highlights the paradox of being celebrated for talent yet condemned for conduct.

O contemporaries, the generations to come will feel proud of you.

Whenever they recall it, they’ll remember that you once saw Firaq with your own eyes.

The poet addresses his peers and turns a simple meeting into a badge of honor. Seeing the poet becomes a kind of “witness” to greatness, something later generations will admire. The couplet blends self-aware fame with the idea of legacy: a moment of presence today becomes pride and memory tomorrow.

O contemporaries, the generations to come will feel proud of you.

Whenever they recall it, they’ll remember that you once saw Firaq with your own eyes.

The poet addresses his peers and turns a simple meeting into a badge of honor. Seeing the poet becomes a kind of “witness” to greatness, something later generations will admire. The couplet blends self-aware fame with the idea of legacy: a moment of presence today becomes pride and memory tomorrow.

I am spread over the whole world; my presence is felt everywhere.

What I say is considered reliable and carries unquestioned weight.

Meer Taqi Meer presents a bold, almost kingly self-portrait: his influence “shades” the entire world. The second line turns that influence into linguistic authority—his utterance is treated as proof. The metaphor suggests the poet’s word has become a standard people trust, mixing pride with a deep faith in the power of speech.

I am spread over the whole world; my presence is felt everywhere.

What I say is considered reliable and carries unquestioned weight.

Meer Taqi Meer presents a bold, almost kingly self-portrait: his influence “shades” the entire world. The second line turns that influence into linguistic authority—his utterance is treated as proof. The metaphor suggests the poet’s word has become a standard people trust, mixing pride with a deep faith in the power of speech.

From my very infancy, Urdu was mixed into me like a dissolved tonic.

So whatever I kept saying naturally turned into beautifully phrased speech.

The poet (Firaq Gorakhpuri) claims Urdu is so deeply ingrained in him that it feels like it was part of his earliest nourishment. “Ghutti” suggests something given at the start of life, and “husn-e-bayan” points to elegance and charm in expression. The emotion is pride and intimacy with the language: eloquence is presented not as effort, but as an inborn, effortless flow.

From my very infancy, Urdu was mixed into me like a dissolved tonic.

So whatever I kept saying naturally turned into beautifully phrased speech.

The poet (Firaq Gorakhpuri) claims Urdu is so deeply ingrained in him that it feels like it was part of his earliest nourishment. “Ghutti” suggests something given at the start of life, and “husn-e-bayan” points to elegance and charm in expression. The emotion is pride and intimacy with the language: eloquence is presented not as effort, but as an inborn, effortless flow.