HARIPUR: Speakers at a function here on Sunday advised the young generation to study the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz by setting aside all the ideological biases and priorities whatsoever.

The event was held to mark the death anniversary of famous progressive poet and trade unionist Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The event was organised by the local chapter of Ajuman Taraqipasand Musanifeen. The local poets, educationists, journalists and writers attended the function.

The speakers highlighted different aspects of Faiz’s personality, his literary works and ideology. They said that the history of sub-continent’s literature would remain incomplete without Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

“Faiz not only struggled for improving the life standard of peasants and downtrodden of the society through his literary works but also practically founded labour union and faced the wrath of dictators,” said Prof Waheed Qureshi.

He said that Faiz was in fact a vocal advocate of peace and tranquility in the society. He attributed the economic wellbeing of people to lasting peace, he added.

Prof Waheed said that his detractors had differences with Faiz’s ideology and poetic works but they publicly admitted that he was not only a great poet but also a man of principles.

He also shared the quotes from the books of Qudratullah Shahab, Noon Meem Rashid, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi and some others, who acknowledged Faiz as a great human being.

Tahir Gul, the president of Anjuman Taraqipasand Musanifeen Haripur, and Rizwan Razi also discussed in detail the political struggle of Faiz and paid rich tribute to him.

They stressed the need for in depth study of Faiz’s life, the movements he remained associated with and his personality. They also recited different poems of Faiz and shared the background of his literary works. During the second session of the event, a poetry recitation session was held.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2021