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August 25, 2002
In brief
THOUGH it is difficult to write for a nation which has taken to the Net and is not interested in reading, some writers have worked with dedication to promote their language. They have used their command over words to put their feelings and ideas before the people. Faridoon is one of them. He spreads his message of hope through this collection of poetry, Khoboona taberoona.
The book addresses several issues of which the most vividly portrayed are romanticism, sufism, patriotism and nationalism. Faridoon, who also happens to be an artist, has designed its cover as well. Thus he portrays the essence of the book graphically.
Faridoon’s work has matured a great deal over the years. His first book Da saba zerai was published in 1986, and now Khoboona taberoona shows how far he has come.
He is influenced by sufism and expresses his views on the subject profoundly. According to him sufis never die, as they free themselves from worldly cares and passions long before death sets its icy hands on them. He also feels that love and romance are extremely important to add colour to life and make it fulfilling.
Faridoon expresses scepticism at the lack of sound leadership in the country. He feels that only good leaders would be able to end the uncertainty prevailing in Pakistan.— Ashfaq Yusufzai
Khoboona taberoona
By Faridoon
Available at all bookstores
97pp. Rs35
AT one time Islamia College, Lahore, established by the Anjuman-i-Himayat-i-Islam, was Punjab’s only institution set up by a private Muslim organization. The second volume of its history provides insight into the state of Muslim education in Punjab in 1910-1935.
The previous volume had covered the history of the foundation of the college and the services rendered by it in the fields of literature and sports.
The author, Ahmed Saeed, has painstakingly researched his subject, drawing information from the archives of the Anjuman, college magazines, private correspondence and newspapers, especially the dailies, Inquilab, Ehsan, Zamindar and Paisa Akhbar. He devotes separate chapters to each principal, namely, Henry Martin, Leich Wilson, Alexander Wilson, Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Dr B.A. Kuraishi.
The book also talks of the mundane college activities, even things like the pay scales and service conditions of teachers and principals at different times. There are interesting trivia about the teachers, their teaching methods, strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. The list of personalities associated with the college as teachers, or organizers/administrators who later became prominent, in Indian Muslim public life is fairly long with Allama Iqbal and Maulana Maudoodi among them. — S.H. Zaidi
Islamia College Lahore ki sad sala tareekh, Vol 2
By Ahmed Saeed
Idara-i-Tehqiqat-i-Pakistan, Danishgah Punjab, Lahore
ISBN 969-425-091-9 327pp. Rs180
IN addition to being a young artist, Rawal Rath also writes fiction and poetry in the Punjabi language. His collection of poems, Kad muksan chhutiyan kehr diyaan, explores social and political injustices and religious fanaticism. Rath’s poetry though revolutionary, also verges on mysticism and romanticism.
The beauty of our rural areas has been brought out through the mention of Sindhi and Punjabi folk characters. The anthology is dedicated to the peasants of Sindh and its legendary heroes of the likes of Hoshu and Hemu, sons of the soil, who sacrificed their lives for their land. Through his verse, Rath also reveals the story of misery and courage of the common folk. His words are a reflection of the class based society and its exploiting forces.— Anwer Abro
Kad muksan chhutiyan kehr diyaan
By Rawal Rath
Ilyas Ghuman, Chairman Institute of Punjabi Language & Culture, 24, Ameer Road, Bilal Gunj, Lahore. Tel: 042-7244969
Email: ghumman@pol.com.pk
126pp. Rs125. US$12.50
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