Indian and Iranian Poets

India–Iran Joint Issue: Hafiz and Kabir

India and Iran share centuries-old cultural and civilisational ties. These historical connections have influenced both nations in the fields of culture, art, architecture, and language. In the contemporary era, these links have continued to grow stronger through regular high-level exchanges and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Indian Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Iran in 1993 and 2001 respectively. Later, Seyyed Mohammad Khatami visited India in 2003 and was honoured as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade.

During this visit, the New Delhi Declaration was signed, outlining a vision of strategic partnership aimed at creating a more stable, secure, and prosperous region. Key areas of cooperation between the two countries include energy security, regional transit routes, reconstruction of Afghanistan, and the promotion of trade and commerce.

Joint Issue of Postage Stamps

The joint issue of postage stamps by India Post and Iran marks another milestone in strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations. The stamp set portrays two great poets, philosophers, and mystics — Kabir and Hafez — whose works continue to inspire people across cultures and generations.

Kabir – The Mystic Poet of India

Kabir lived in the early 15th century during the Bhakti Movement, a period that brought philosophy and religion closer to common people through a direct personal relationship with the Almighty. This movement also led to significant social transformation.

A weaver by profession, Kabir emerged as one of the greatest mystic poets in Indian history. His poetry, composed in Hindi, is renowned for its simplicity and profound meaning. Kabir’s couplets, known as Doha, express deep philosophical ideas in a few powerful lines, often conveying what others might take pages to explain.

Kabir strongly criticised social evils and religious hypocrisy, offering a new direction to Indian philosophical thought. His straightforward approach has universal appeal and continues to guide people in both social and spiritual life. Over 500 verses of Kabir are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, reflecting his enduring influence.

Hafiz – The Luminous Star of Persian Poetry

Hafez, also known as Shamsuddin Muhammad of Shiraz, is regarded as one of the brightest stars of Persian literature. His poetic heritage includes approximately four to five thousand verses, consisting of nearly 500 ghazals along with elegies, couplets, and inscriptions.

Drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Quran, Hafiz refined the poetic form of the ghazal, a lyrical poem composed of several couplets connected through symbolism rather than logical sequence. His famous work, the Divan of Hafez, holds a place of honour in Iranian homes.

The themes of Hafiz’s poetry include divine and human love, fate and fortune, the beauty and illusion of creation, human emotions, and the spiritual quest for union with God. His poetry is admired for its rich, colourful language and profound philosophical depth.

Hafiz was laid to rest in Shiraz, where his tomb, known as Tomb of Hafez, attracts visitors, tourists, and pilgrims from around the world.

Se–tenant Stamps

The joint stamp issue celebrating Hafiz and Kabir symbolises the shared cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom of India and Iran. By honouring these two great poets and mystics, the Department of Posts highlights the enduring influence of literature, philosophy, and mysticism in strengthening the bonds between the two nations.