PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function here on Tuesday termed noted poet Ghani Khan as a restless soul of renaissance in Pashto literature owing to his unique style of expression.

The function was held at Edwardes College Peshawar Pashto Literary Society as part of series of the guest lectures on social, cultural and literary contributions of Pakhtun heroes.

The students, faculty members and fans of Ghani Khan attended the event. The old hall of Edwardes College echoed with the popular anthem ‘Ay Zama Watana’ (O’ my homeland) composed by Ghani Khan that set the stage for a scholarly guest lecture on the life and art of Ghani Khan.

Speakers ask students to explore literary giants as they promote peace and good values

Prof Yar Mohammad Maghmoom Khattak was the keynote speaker, who shed light on the works and life of Ghani Khan. He dwelt upon his lifelong associations with Ghani Khan and answered various questions raised by the participants.

“Ghani Khan had a special regard for Edwardes College Peshawar due to its literary environment and had graced us as chief guest on different literary events during his lifetime,” he recalled.

Attaullah Jan, the vice-principal of the college, while chairing the function, called upon the students to explore literary giants like Ghani Khan, who had devoted their entire lives to spread peace, humanism and good values in the society. He said that Ghani Khan (1914-1996) was in fact the restless soul, representing the rebirth of Pashto literature in the early 20th century.

Haider Jan, chief of Pashto Literary Society, said that students should learn from such events as most contents being presented there would benefit them. He said that guest speakers would be invited to share their knowledge about Pakhtun heroes and their services so that students could know about achievements of their leaders in their respective fields.

Ramza Hanif, a student, said that she learnt a lot about life and art of Ghani Khan during the lecture. She said that her elder sister had years ago done a thesis on the paintings of Ghani Khan and since then she had become his diehard fan because of his strange philosophy, innovative and revolutionary ideas.

Mr Khattak in his research said that Ghani Khan had mastery over poetry, prose, art, philosophy and politics but poetry and art were his main strengths. He said that being a restless child of renaissance in Pashto literature, he crafted such wonderful images that no other poet or artist among his contemporaries could do.

“Ghani Khan was a gem of men, an emblem of typical Pakhtun culture and a distinct voice that always sang out songs of peace, universal brotherhood and humanism,” he said. Samiud Din Arman, the co-head of Pashto Literary Society, said that Ghani Khan motivated youth to think positive and contribute to society.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2018