LARKANA: Speakers at the book launch of an anthology in English by a debutant poetess Rafia Bukhari said the poetess depicted feelings of Sindhi woman in her poetry and raised voice against discrimination being meted out to womenfolk in society in general.

Ahmed Sultan Khoso, poet and additional commissioner of Larkana, who presided over the ceremony organised by Knowledge Centre here the other day said that Ms Bukhari had represented feelings of Sindhi woman in her book Painful payment and touched many core issues of society.

He said that she had indeed given voice to the voiceless woman through her poetry. Ms Bukhari like many Sindhi writers and poets could express her feelings in languages other than their mother tongue with ease and command. She had composed effective poetry in English which was appreciable, he said.

Prof Mohammad Hashim Solangi said that by composing poetry in English Ms Bukhari had taken a big step forward on the path of her literary career. Her poetry was characterised by depth and clarity of thoughts and vivid description of her soul in an unrhymed poetic art, he said.

Prof Mukhtiar Samo, poet and founder of Knowledge Centre, said that Ms Bukhari had raised many philosophical questions about life and its many aspects in her poetry. Besides pointing out weaknesses of society and discrimination being meted out to womenfolk she had also cited examples of bravery and loyalty of woman from classic cultural history of Sindh, he said.

He said that the poetry which failed to stir up new thoughts and encourage one to pursue just path did not serve its cause and Bukhari’s poetry was not purposeless, it touched hearts.

Prof Jam Jamali, former secretary of Arts Council of Pakistan, Larkana, said that the poetess was not a weak woman as she seemed very formidable feminist fighter in her thoughts. She resisted the male dominated society and rebelled against cruel customs of honour killing and forced marriage, he said.

Prof Abdul Waheed Chandio said that Ms Bukhari did not fall victim to techniques of poetry. She did not suppress her feelings but expressed them confidently because she knew the value of her words and emotions, he said.

Mohammad Ali Pathan and Ali Bakhsh Pathan said that colours of creativity brightly shined through her poetry.

The poetess said that freedom of expression was a blessing and it was a fundamental right of every individual. “Being a Syed it was not easy for me to write. Initially, I was a little bit nervous to show my words to the world but the encouragement and motivation by my mother and other relatives always stood by my side. It increased my passion and gave me power to make dream come true.”

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2021