KARACHI, Aug 31: “Though straight mostly while addressing realities of life, Alvi has also supplemented his poetry with expression and imagery, without compromising on the subtleness of subject and his romanticism.”
This was what speakers and critics felt about Zia-e-Sakhun, the first poetry collection of Salman Zia Alvi, at its launching ceremony at the Arts Council of Pakistan here on Wednesday night.
The literary session, organised by the Muhibban-e-Bhopal Forum, was presided over by a noted academic figure, Prof Viqar Rizvi.
Possessing a rich academic and literary background, Salman Alvi has also remained associated as a marine engineer with major shipping firms and the Pakistan Marine Academy for long.
The 86 poetic works, including couplets and poems dominated by ghazals, by Alvi are spread over a period of 20 years – 1963-1983 – encompassing his professional travels as engineer and reflected in his book.
He has not only dreamt of beauties but also experienced them, in addition to his close observations to the delicacies of life and understanding of nature in his travel covering various ports and his stay for a considerable time in some parts of the world, said a speaker.
Dr Viqar Rizvi, a former head of the Pakistan Study Centre, University of Karachi, said that Alvi had referred to and also maintained many platonic aspects in his poetry with all artistry and quality of poetic pretty damsel. Most of the time in less words, with simple and crisp writing, he discussed some big issues of the life and society as well in a befitting manner without any intricacy in thoughts, he said, adding that he had been effective as he talked from the bottom of his heart.
However, Alvi came up with the notion that he had been failing to enjoy or learn the real traits of literature and he still needed to know about the sophistications and craftsmanship of poetry.
I could not find much time for the purpose due to my professional obligations, but the way I have been appreciated by my seniors and critics will go a long way towards my dedication to the poetic undertakings.”
Dr Abdul Mukhtar said that Alvi, despite being an engineering professional, had tried to find ways for remaining close to everyday life.
Prof Ijaz Farooqui said that Salman never showed as a novice and he deserved all respect.
Shujaat Ali Beg said that Salman Zia Alvi was in a position to observe and understand things, besides analyzing different aspects of life for a literary presentation. Naqqash Kazmi said the poet was unique in his ghazals and poems and had delivered something praiseworthy that was at par with those of Asatiza.
Shagufta Farhat, chairperson of the organising forum, said that Alvi had got many reason to continue with his poetic verses.
