On December 27, 2024, the world will celebrate the 227th birth anniversary of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, a renowned Urdu poet born in Agra in 1797 and who passed away in Delhi in 1869.

Ghalib lived in a historic haveli located in Gali Qasim Jaan, Ballimaran, near Chandni Chowk, which had deteriorated significantly by the late 20th century.

In the late 1990s, Uma Sharma, a prominent kathak artist, spearheaded a movement to restore Ghalib's haveli, collaborating with cultural enthusiasts like Abid Hussain and Firoz Bakht Ahmed.

The restoration project garnered support from the Delhi government, leading to the evacuation of the haveli's occupants and the establishment of a small museum dedicated to Ghalib.

Each year, an homage to Ghalib is organized on his birth anniversary, featuring a procession to his haveli, speeches, and a mushaira, primarily coordinated by Uma Sharma.

Pavan K Varma, an author and former diplomat, reflects on Ghalib's enduring legacy and influence in his writings.

Ghalib's poetry embodies Sufi ideals and transcends religious boundaries, showcasing his spiritual eclecticism and critique of religious orthodoxy.

He expressed a belief in a singular God while rejecting ritualistic practices, emphasizing devotion over formalities in his couplets.

His spirituality is often described as Vedantic, with poems that probe the nature of existence and the divine, revealing profound philosophical insights.

Ghalib's writings frequently mock religious authorities, demonstrating his fearless critique of those who claim to be guardians of faith.