The Concept of Humanism in the Poetry of the Progressive Writers' Movement: A Critical Study

Abstract

The Progressive Writers' Movement in Urdu literature established humanity, society, and social justice as the foundation of its intellectual and literary vision. The poets associated with this movement portrayed human beings as dignified individuals beyond the boundaries of religion, race, color, and class, while raising a powerful voice against oppression, exploitation, imperialism, dictatorship, and social inequality. This article presents a critical study of the concept of humanism in the poetry of prominent Progressive poets, particularly Firaq Gorakhpuri, Ali Sardar Jafri, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi, and Habib Jalib. The study demonstrates that, for these poets, humanism was not merely an emotional attachment to humanity but a practical commitment to social justice, human freedom, equality, peace, tolerance, and the protection of human dignity. Furthermore, the article highlights how these poets transformed literature into an effective instrument of social change and played a significant role in awakening human consciousness and promoting humanitarian values.