May 17, 2008	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 11, 1429

KARACHI, May 16: A compilation of Rasa Chughtai’s complete poetical works “Teray aaney ka initizar raha” was launched on Friday at a function held at the Arts Council of Pakistan.

The function was largely attended by many literary figures who shed light on the various dimensions of Chughtai’s poetry.

Prof Sahar Ansari said that Chughtai, better known as Pyaray Sahib in the literary circle, expressed his ideas in simple language containing metaphors that draw on his experiences.

He said that Chughtai’s poetry found favour with the young generation on account of its relevance to life and its subjects.

Prof Ansari , however, deplored that Rasa Chughtai, despite his literary stature, had not been given the status he deserved.

He lauded the Arts Council of Pakistan for publishing the works of Rasa Chughtai. Prof Ansari said that Chughtai was a full-time poet and imagery in his poetry combined with his eloquence reminded him of Nasir Kazmi.

He said: “By writing on subjects like telephone or sweater one does not become modern; it is the treatment of ideas presented in one’s poetical works that makes them appear novel and unique, which is the characteristic of Rasa Chughtai’s work”.

Prof Ansari also read out some of his favourite verses from the poet’s new book.

Ahsan Saleem, a free-verse poet, while reading one of his articles published on the poet, said that Chughtai’s poetry was like a whisper that presented complex subjects in a very subtle yet tasteful manner.

He said that Chughtai’s work embodied a particular facet of sensibility which was unique in its own way.

Javed Saba said that Rasa Chughtai, a man of few words in real life, was quite vocal in his poetry. “He dreams and presents a few of those dreams to his readers,” he added.

Poet Hasan Akbar Kamal in his remarks said that the poet was his mentor and he had been inspired by him.

At the end, Rasa Chughtai thanked the gathering and the publishers for their support and presented a copy of his book to Yousuf Jamal who presided over the function. Chughtai read out some verses from the book.