QUETTA: Besides introducing modern Balochi poetry, free poem, metaphors and new poetic techniques in Balochi language and literature, renowned poet Atta Shad also gave Baloch literature a new identity with his distinguished poetry, said Dr Abdul Saboor Baloch, Turbat University’s dean faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the director of the Institute of Balochi Language and Culture, on Sunday at a gathering organised to mark the poet’s 27th death anniversary.

“Atta Shad not only incorporated beautiful experiences of the ghazal in the Balochi language but also played an important role in introducing new genres of free poem and verse to Balochi poetry. Therefore, the history of modern Balochi poetry is incomplete without remembering his contributions,” he added.

Other speakers at the gathering highlighted the impact of his works on Baloch society, which included writing a number of critical literary essays on diction and symbolism.

“His unique style gave him a prominent place in literary circles, and the poet abandoned outdated expressions and metaphors and discovered a new poetic language for his poetic expression,” they said.

Renowned Urdu and Balochi poet, playwright, critic and researcher Atta Shad was born on Nov 1, 1939, and passed away on Feb 13, 1997. He is considered to be the architect of modern Balochi poetry. He also penned several plays and serials for national broadcaster PTV, including Chakar-e-Azam based on the life of legendary Baloch folk hero Mir Chakar Rind.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2020