HYDERABAD: Scholars and writers have called for more research on Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai’s philosophy, which is relevant to this day, and claimed that the Sufi poet has presented a concept of existentialism that is remarkably close to the western one.

They were speaking at a literary conference, part of the second day of urs celebrations of Bhitai in Bhit Shah on Sunday. Bhitai’s message could guide entire world for which many had been dreaming of for centuries, they said.

Shaukat Ujjan, a researcher, said in his paper that Bhitai’s concept of existentialism was quite close to the western philosophers’ ideas, but he went even a step further in his concept. His existentialism was finite and had a unique meaning, he said.

Mukhtiar Ali Abro, director of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Board, discussed the role of Bhitai’s poetry in the lives of 21st century youth and asserted that even on the 282nd urs Bhitai’s poetry was not only relevant but fresh. It was still a beacon light for youth as his poetry offered solution to various issues in this scientific age, he said.

He said that Bhitai taught people how to handle social, political and economic issues. He even guided people about sectarianism and religiosity and all these elements in his poetry proved that he was not only a philosopher but he would remain relevant in every age, he said.

Syed Azhar Ali Shah read out his paper Bhitai kay jogi aur inki fikr, mentioning that jogi derived its definition from yoga which meant that despite facing difficulties in life one could keep roaming about.

Amar Fayyaz, director of Abdul Majid Bhurgari Institute of Language Engineering, said that Bhitai-pedia had been developed with the help of Artificial Intelligence and now Shah jo Risalo was available in 230 languages of the world including Balochi and Punjabi.

He said that researchers and educationists would benefit from Sindhi language data kept on open source and termed it a new dimension of keeping Sindhi language and Bhitai alive.

Sindh Minister for Culture Zulfikar Ali Shah said that Bhitai had discussed all aspects of life and subjects in his poetry, and emphasized the need for bringing together Sindhi and Baloch intellectuals to keep youth away from external influences.

He said that such joint literary gatherings could help the youth and they could not be misled. Similar conferences should be held in other provinces as well, he said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that he was taking away a message of peace and love from Bhitshah. Balochistan and Sindh shared a strong bond for centuries. He said he was happy to celebrate Marka-e-Haq.

Director General Dureshahwar Syed’s book ‘The Poetry of Shah Abdul Latif’ was launched on the occasion.

Sindh governor visits Bhitai shrine

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori paid his respects to Bhitai and told journalists at the shrine that “we all are sons of Bhitai”.

He said that people needed to follow message of Bhitai and lauded arrangements for Bhitai’s urs. He vowed to serve people of Sindh without discrimination and said Ajrak was identity and honour of Sindh.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2025