LAHORE: An English translation of Raja Sadiqullah’s Punjabi book, Pehla Puur, published under the title of, The Fragrance of Seven Colours, was launched at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (Pilac) on Saturday.

The launch was presided over by veteran journalist Hussain Naqi and the chief guests were the translator of the book, Dr Munawar A Anees, and the poet, Raja Sadiqullah. The event was moderated by Afzal Saahir.

Speaking on the occasion, Khaqaan Haider Ghazi, director of Pilac, threw light on the process of printing of the book as it had been published by the institute. He said Sadiqullah’s poetry was deep rooted in Punjabi culture and language. He congratulated Dr Anees for a splendid translation.

Seher Sadiqullah, the daughter of the poet, said the launch of the book was a proud moment and a great honour for her. She hoped that the translation of Punjabi collection into English would introduce it to the younger generation.

Writer Talat Naveed said she felt proud about the poet and the translator and commended both of them. She read out some of the poems from the book Pehla Puur as well as their translation.

Sarmad Farogh Arshad said the craft of Pehla Puur was fantastic and different and Sadiqullah had his own diction and metaphors. The central dogma of the book was well-maintained. He also held the translation in high esteem, saying that the translation did not damage the soul of poetry.

Professor Zubair Ahmed underlined the importance of translation, saying that the Punjabi book had gone international with the translation and its audience was global. He held the poet in high esteem for writing such rich Punjabi poetry and also eulogised the translator for doing such a splendid translation of the book.

Punjabi novelist and poet Nain Sukh said Sadiqullah’s poetry had tradition, fluency and musical value to it. Iqtadar Javed said Punjabi poetry was given a worldview with the translation of this book.

Hameed Razi said poetry translation was a difficult task as it was a creative work and the translator of a book should be considered a co-creator. He said Sadiqullah’s poetry was like a painting.

Raja Sadiqullah said that it was his first contemporary Punjabi poetry collection which was translated into English.

Hussain Naqi held Sadiqullah’s book in high esteem, saying the translation of the book would introduce it internationally.

Singer Mojeeb Qureshi sang some of the poems from the book Phehla Puur.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2025