During the time of journalism’s hijack by sycophants, Obaid Siddiqi chose to enter into the arduous field of journalism, thus strengthening the number of people with literary backgrounds in this domain. Although Obaid was interested in Urdu poetry, he joined the BBC and also served as the director of AJK Mass Communication and Research Centre in Jamia Millia Islamia (Delhi). His experience in journalism enhanced his literary conscience since he was also deeply involved with socio-economic problems of our society. His first collection of poetry was published as ‘Rang Hawa Men Phail Raha Hai’ in 2010.
Born in Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Obaid came to Aligarh Muslim University for higher studies in 1975. The literary environment of Aligarh encouraged him to explore the various dimensions of thought. Farhat Ehsas, Aashufta Changhezi, Mahtab Haider Naqvi and Tariq Chattari are few of the names from his peer group in Aligarh. In an interview held by Rekhta, he acknowledged the influence of Nasir Kazmi on his poetry. During his stint at All India Radio and BBC , he took up posts in Kashmir and London which hindered, for some time, his passion for writing. He continues to participate in literary activities and is also active within the Urdu poets’ circle.
