Jigar Moradabadi

Ali Sikandar (6 April 1890 – 9 September 1960), known by his pen name as Jigar Moradabadi, was an Indian Urdu poet and ghazal writer. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958 for his poetry collection "Atish-e-Gul", and was the second poet (after Mohammad Iqbal) to be awarded an honorary D.Litt. by the Aligarh Muslim University.

Biography
He received oriental education in Arabic, Persian and Urdu in Moradabad, and started to work as a travelling salesman.

Jigar moved to Gonda, near Lucknow, where he befriended Asghar Gondvi.

He died on 9 September 1960 in Gonda.

Legacy
His Sufi Poem Yeh Hai Maikada Was Sung By Many Sufi Singers Like Sabri Brothers, Aziz Mian, Munni Begum & Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi

Acclaim
Jigar Moradabadi belonged to the classical school of ghazal writing and was a mentor to Majrooh Sultanpuri, who became a prominent lyricist in the Indian film industry and penned many popular songs in Urdu.

Jigar was only the second poet in the history of Aligarh Muslim University to be awarded an honorary D.Litt., the first was Muhammad Iqbal.

Faiz Ahmad Faiz, the distinguished Urdu poet and academic, regarded Jigar Moradabadi as a master craftsman in his field.

Jigar Fest - 2018
Progressive Foundation organized three days Jigar Fest at Moradabad in 2018, to celebrate Jigar's Birthday.

Day 1 - Mushayra by Rahat Indori, Wasim Barelvi etc. Day 2 - Kawwali Nights by Chand Qadri Day 3 - Musical Night by Sheeba Alam