President and Founder of the Urdu Writers Society of North America
Irfan Murtaza is a name synonymous with the promotion and preservation of Urdu literature in North America. Serving the Urdu community for over two decades, Irfan's contributions have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Irfan has lived in the United States for the past 38 years, seamlessly blending his cultural heritage with his new home.
Irfan's passion for poetry began at the tender age of 15. His literary journey took a significant turn when he presented his work at his first mushaira in 1987. Over the years, he continued to hone his craft, eventually founding the Urdu Writers Society Inc. As the current president, Irfan's leadership has been instrumental in promoting Urdu literature across the United States.
Irfan Murtaza's dedication has not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated twice for the prestigious civil award of Pakistan, "Sitara-e-Imtiyaz." His work's impact is further highlighted by an M.Phil thesis submitted and accepted at Islamia University, Pakistan by Mr. Ejaz Ahmed Bajwa. This thesis underscores Irfan's tireless efforts in promoting the Urdu language and literature in North America and his significant contributions to poetry and prose.
Best known for his evocative love poems, Irfan Murtaza has published five books and released three CDs. His first book, "Puraanay Gher Kay Mosam" published in 2002, reflects his experiences in his homeland and resonates with anyone who has left their roots. In 2005, he released "Chanda" a collection of 88 love poems, and "TasveeraiN" which features imaginary conversations with 32 famous Urdu writers. His 2007 publication, "Dhanak Kay Rung Aur Tum" includes 125 love poems. His latest poetry collection, "Sulagti Rait Per Sajda" released in April 2019, features 95 Urdu Ghazals. Irfan recently completed two books emphasizing his journey to Cambodia and Vietnam. He is also working to publish his next book of imaginary conversations along with English translations of his Urdu poetry.
Irfan Murtaza's influence extends beyond the United States. He has traveled worldwide to read and promote his books, visiting countries such as Pakistan, England, and Singapore. His poems, including "Jo Bhi Tha Keya Thora Tha" "Ab Bhi Aysa Hota Hoga" and "Puraanay Gher Kay Mosam" are celebrated within the global Urdu community.
An accomplished artist, Irfan's paintings focus on historical structures, monuments, and statues. His subjects often revolve around nature, capturing animals and landscapes through both painting and photography. His artwork can be viewed at www.ARTBYIRFANMURTAZA.com. Notably, one of his paintings is displayed in the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan's lobby at the Sahabzadah Yaqoob Khan Building. Another painting, "PREIST-KING," is housed at the National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi.
In 2021, Irfan embarked on a new artistic journey into calligraphy. Samples of his exquisite work are exhibited on his new website www.CALLIGRAPHYZONE.com, showcasing his evolving talent and continuous passion for artistic expression.
Irfan Murtaza's life and work epitomize a deep commitment to cultural preservation and artistic excellence. His efforts have significantly enriched the Urdu literary community, inspiring future generations to cherish and promote this beautiful language.