PESHAWAR: Speakers at the launching ceremony of a Pashto poetry book here on Friday urged the poets to use their inborn talent for spreading progressive thoughts in the society.

The Bacha Khan Markaz, Peshawar, conducted the launch of third Pashto poetry collection titled ‘Daa Sa Oshu’ by senior poet Ghandal Khan here. A large number of poets, rights activists, political workers and poetry lovers attended the event.

The new Pashto poetry volume was voice of the poor masses affected by war, militancy and social injustices, said the speakers. They stated that poet Ghandal Khan Ghandal had not received formal education, but was well aware of the political situation being developed around him.

ANP leader Sardar Hussain Babak while chairing the event pointed out that the role of poets and writers had been significant in every age and therefore they should come forward to spread progressive thoughts and the concept of pluralism in the society. He said that his party had always given due respect to the works of literati.

New Pashto poetry collection launched

“Bacha Khan Markaz is open for all kinds of cultural and literary activities as most poets and writers cannot afford to arrange such events on their own. A five-minute poem may have a stronger impact on the audience than the one hour long speech because poets know how to electrify their message to yield the required results,” said Mr Babak.

Speaking as chief guest, Prof Abaseen Yousafzai said that Ghandal Khan Ghandal was a mason by profession and had not received any formal education, but was able to bring out three poetry volumes in Pashto. He said that Mr Ghandal was an extempore poet with lofty thoughts though he could not write a single word himself.

Mr Yousafzai said that such bards were genuine as their language being very direct and simple had a magical impact on the folk and could win over hearts of the masses.

He said that it was the responsibility of poets and writers to educate and guide the masses regarding different political, social and cultural issues.

Sahar Katuzai, a noted poet, said that Ghandal Khan hailed from Shabqadar and had brought out his maiden poetry collection ‘ Bewafa Yaar’ in 1983, which was followed by his second poetry collection titled ‘ Betanru Garaywaan’ in 2015. He said that his third collection ‘ Daa Sa Oshu’ had also won a great appreciation from literary circles.

Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai said that Mr Ghandal had been actively participating in literary events since his teenage and had motivated young students in his village to compose poems to show their love for their land and people.

Hayat Roghani, another poet, remarked that Mr Ghandal’s poetry had a message for masses and bards like him to contribute to the society. Prof Zar Mohammad Sangar, Fazal Momand, Ghulam Haider and Murad Ali also spoke at the event.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2019