HYDERABAD: The voice of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai still echoes in the modern age and his wisdom could guide today’s youth just as it guided the generations before.

This was stated by speakers while discussing the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai at a lecture programme titled ‘Relevance of Shah Abdul Latif’s Poetry in Postmodern Era’ organised by Dr N.A. Baloch Chair at the Department of Sindhi, Sindh University (SU).

Describing his poetry as a ‘sea of knowledge’, they said that poet’s thoughts, though centuries old, continued to captivate hearts with their depth and presentation. SU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalilur Rehman Khoumbati chaired the event.

In his lecture, intellectual Jami Chandio said that societal values, ideals, traditions and even standards of life and living had drastically changed in the postmodern era. He said prevailing society was consumed by endless desires and hollow hopes were overwhelmed by capitalism and technology. He said, however, Latif’s values and ideals related to life, society and culture remained inspiring and beautiful.

“His philosophy not only guides disillusioned and estranged modern individuals, but also imparts essence of true love,” he said. He added that Latif’s poetry offered paths for leading a meaningful life in the world.

“His verses are filled with profound symbolism that must be understood,” he said. He noted that Latif’s expression was not conventional or superficial but deeply symbolic and emotional.

According to Jami Chandio, characters in Latif’s poetry were not only real, but also symbolic, emotional and imaginative. “Through them, Latif conveyed his inner love and passion. These characters reflect society and people of his era,” he said.

He emphasised that Latif’s thoughts, though centuries old, continued to captivate hearts with their depth and presentation and that they still had power to guide people of prevailing age provided that they just embraced them sincerely.

“In an era of shattered ideals and capitalist chaos, Shah Abdul Latif’s poetry remains a timeless compass of love, culture and human values,” said acclaimed the writer and scholar.

He said the characters in Latif’s poetry were not merely folkloric but symbolic representations of love, resistance and inner struggle. “They reflect the pain and beauty of their time — and ours,” he said.

VC Prof Dr Khoumbati praised termed the session essential for shaping thinking of younger generations. “Shah Latif’s message is an enduring heritage. His wisdom can guide today’s youth just as it guided the generations before,” he said.

Director of Chair Dr Fayaz Latif Chandio thanked the guests and highlighted Latif’s poetry as a sea of knowledge. He said: “Today, we could gather only a few pearls but those are enough to inspire a lifetime.”

Others who also participated in the event were Dr Noor Mohammad Shah, Dr Rehana Mallah, Dr Shazia Pitafi, Dr Naveeda Katpar, Dr Ghulam Ali Buriro, Dr Riyazat Buriro, Ghulam Rasool Chandio, Munir Chandio, Murtaza Siyal, Dr Shah Murad Chandio, Dr Nawab Kaka, H.M. Chandio and Hassan Mujtaba.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2025