KARACHI, May 10: Speakers at a seminar on Friday urged the masses to follow the teachings of the great sufi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, in order to restore love and peace in the province of Sindh, in general, and in the city, in particular.
They were speaking at the seminar organized by the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Chair of the Karachi University, in connection with the 258th death anniversary of the sufi poet that was observed a few days back. The subject of the seminar was “Thoughts of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.”
The speakers, in their well-researched and thought-provoking papers beautifully punctuated with Bhittai’s poetry, paid rich tributes to the great poet whose poetry preaches the message of love, peace and harmony.
They said that almost all of Bhittai’s poetry was based on first-hand observations and experiences, and that he rarely used the experiences of other people. As he had travelled a lot and met many people, he enjoyed the benefit of viewing different cultures while living with different peoples in different areas.
They said that he reproduced what he had seen and experienced throughout his life in his poetry. They said that during his travels and meetings with different people, he also learnt many languages and that he used selected words from over 11 languages in his poetry.
They said that his poetry was living example of pure Sindhi language and an anthropological study of people of that time, as it shows how the people lived, conversed, etc, at that time.
The speakers said that many things and objects that were commonly used at that time had been mentioned in Bhittai’s poetry, but many of these objects had phased out or had been abandoned with the passage of time.
They suggested that research be done and a list of such objects and words be prepared and published with their pictures and explanations, so that the newer generations that have never heard these words can understand what they mean.
They said that Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, through his poetry, highlighted the plight of the poor masses, a majority of whom were exploited. He criticized the exploiters while supporting the downtrodden masses, they added. He had also criticized the so- called religious Pirs who exploited their disciples for personal gains.
They said that Bhittai respected women for their sincerity, honesty, commitment, etc, a lot of which was clear from his poetry through which he had highlighted the struggle of various heroines in folk tales such as Mumal, Sassi, Sohni, Marvi and others.
They urged the masses to read and understand Bhittai’s poetry and the message of love and peace that he was trying to convey. They also regretted that the number of the learned people who could correctly read, recite and understand the works of the sufi poet was declining rapidly.
The collection of Shah’s poetry, called Shah Jo Risalo, literally means Shah’s message for Mankind. His poetry has been translated into many languages. The speakers said that though a lot of work has been done on the poetry of Shah Bhittai, a lot of work was still needed.
A brief resume of the Bhittai Chair’s activities was also presented and the audience were informed that it had published many books and research journals in the past few years.
Ali Ahmad Brohi, Dr Abu Zar Wajidi, Siraj-ul-Haq Memon, Dr Nigar S. Zaheer, Qalandar Shah Lakyari, Anwer Pirzado, Rakhman Gul Palari, Ali Raz Shar, Samina Qureshi, Dr Fahmida Hussain and others also spoke.
Jam Ameer Ali and Nasrullah Nasir recited Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s poetry.
Three books published by the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Chair were also launched on the occasion. The books were Shah Jo Risalo (Volume 3) compiled by Banhoon Khan Shaikh; Sindhi Adab Jo Fikri Pas Manzar written by Dr Ghafoor Memon and Chhapar Keen Day written by Janat Ali Mohammad Munghani.
Rakhman Gul Palari, Ali Raz Shar and Anwer Pirzado presented critical reviews of the books.
