Urdu poet of the masses, a beacon of progressive literature movement. He championed the cause of secularism, social justice and equality as a member of the Communist Party of India. In early days he wrote much of his poetry while in prison as a freedom fighter. He wrote many books much admired; Asia Jaag Utah, Khoon ki Lakir, Pathar ki Diwar and edited works by the ancient Indian poets. He receieved many awards such as doctorate from the Aligarh Muslim University and honoured by Harvard University for his struggle for peace. Jaffri was born in Blarampur, in UP and died of a brain tumour in Bombay where he lived.