KARACHI: Speakers at the launching ceremony of three books in Sindhi on Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and literary criticism at the University of Karachi on Tuesday called for a greater study of the Sufi saint’s poetry.

The books launched at the Sindhi department were Taj Baloch’s Jadid adab jo tajzio (Analysis of modern literature), Dr Sher Mehrani’s book Shah Latif ji shairi jo jaded abhias (Modern study of Shah Latif’s poetry) and Dr Ghafoor Memon’s Shah Latif ja fikri rukh (Philoso­phical facets of Shah Latif). The three books were published by the Sojhro Publications, Karachi.

The speakers praised Dr Memon for writing a book on Bhitai by applying modern theories of philosophy, including its metaphysical aspects, etc.

“It is time we examined Bhitai’s thinking with a modern prism and fresh perspectives. He was not just a Sufi saint and a man of religion. He continues to lead us with his philosophical sensibilities,” said writer Manzoor Kohiyar.

Ali Raaz Shar said Bhitai was highly relevant to the 21st century and it was time researchers looked out for hidden aspects in his poetry.

Researcher Rukhman Gul Palari said aesthetic aspects of Shah Latif’s poetry were universal, which included even those related to the oppressed and ordinary segments of society.

Speaking about the book on literary criticism, Dr Ghafoor Memon said it was a good addition to the existing body of work in the field of criticism in Sindhi literature.

The audience was informed that the book offered a critical analysis of novel, short story and poetry in Sindhi literature.

Taj Baloch, Abdul Qadir Mangi, Shiam Kumar and Mukhtiar Abro also spoke.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2015

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