MINGORA: Speakers at a function here on Monday said that literature guided nations in the direction and promoted love, beauty and peace.

The function titled ‘Jashn-i-Roghani’ was organised by ‘Zulfan Band’ and Swat Public School and College to pay tribute to renowned Pashto poet Abdur Rahim Roghani.

A large number of poets and writers including Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, Rahmat Shah Sayel, Iqbal Shakir, Hanif Qais, Usman Ulasyar, Zafar Ali Naz and Wajid Ali Khan attended the event.

Riaz Ahamd Hairan and Shahab Shaheen of Zulfan Band said that they decided to celebrate the living heroes in any field in their lifetime. They said that they would hold more such events in the future.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai said that Mr Roghnai was pride of Pakhtun nation as he was not only popular in Pakhtunkhwa but in the entire world. He said that great poets and writers depicted their land and culture in their writings.

Iqbal Shakir said that Mr Roghnai pleaded for peace as it was must for development and formation of a healthy society. “Literature always guides nations into the right direction and appease human being by taking them towards love, beauty and peace,” he added.

Ihsan Yousafzai said that Roghani was one of the shining stars of Pashto poetry.

Ethics and morality were the main themes of his poetry as he always addressed the new generation about importance of modern education, ethics and civilisation, he added.

“He does not hesitate to give examples of the developed and civilised western nations and ask his nation to follow in the footsteps of those nations to get education and make development,” said Mr Ihsan.

Other speakers said that poetry of Mr Roghani conveyed a message about the value of time and importance of unity for nations to make progress.

Mr Roghani said that he expected that other living heroes would also be celebrated in their lifetime.

On the occasion, Mr Roghani books were auctioned and one of his books was bought at Rs60,000 by Wajid Ali Khan through the highest bid.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2017