hazaron khwahishen aur arman

The famous couplet hazaron khwahishen aisi ki har khwahish pe dam nikle,

bahut nikle mere arman lekin phir bhi kam nikle by mirza ghalib reflects the eternal struggle of human desire and dissatisfaction. Every human being carries countless wishes, dreams, and aspirations. Some are fleeting, some profound, but all share the common trait of stirring our emotions. Ghalib captures this essence beautifully, revealing how even when many desires are fulfilled, it often feels like it is never enough.

"hazaron khwahishen aisi ki har khwahish pe dam nikle,
bahut nikle mere arman lekin phir bhi kam nikle"

exploring human desire

Desires are what drive humans forward, giving purpose and meaning to life. Khwahishen or wishes, as Ghalib calls them, can be simple or complex, materialistic or emotional, short-term or lifelong. Yet, the poet observes that despite fulfilling many arman (deep desires), there remains a lingering sense of incompleteness. This notion resonates with all generations because the human mind constantly seeks more, rarely settling with what is at hand.

universal relevance

The beauty of this couplet lies in its universal relevance. It is not confined to any one era or individual. Whether in the context of love, career, or personal growth, the feeling of wanting more is omnipresent. Mirza Ghalib understood that desires are infinite, and even if some are achieved, the sense of insufficiency continues. This is why the couplet touches hearts across cultures and languages.

emotional depth

Ghalib’s words convey emotional depth. There is both melancholy and realism in acknowledging that life rarely grants complete satisfaction. The phrase bahut nikle mere arman lekin phir bhi kam nikle implies a subtle resignation—a recognition of human limitations. It teaches patience, introspection, and the acceptance that longing is an inherent part of the human experience.

literary significance

From a literary perspective, this couplet demonstrates Ghalib's mastery over conciseness and profound meaning. With only two lines, he captures complex human psychology and philosophical thought. The juxtaposition of hazaron khwahishen against kam nikle emphasizes the paradox of life—abundance in desire, scarcity in fulfillment. This balance between brevity and depth is why Ghalib remains one of the most celebrated poets in Urdu literature.

conclusion

Ultimately, this couplet reminds us to reflect on our own desires. While ambition and longing are natural, recognizing the limits of fulfillment can bring inner peace and contentment. It is a meditation on the human condition: no matter how much we achieve or desire, the yearning persists, shaping our experiences and emotions. Ghalib’s insight continues to resonate because it mirrors the eternal struggle between desire and satisfaction.