Bhittai declared ambassador of humanity as 283rd Urs conference enters day two
HYDERABAD: Literary figures and scholars have described Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai as an ambassador of humanity, declaring his philosophy and ideology the very soul, culture and treasure of Sindh’s civilised identity that has preached brotherhood, truth, tolerance and ethos for centuries.
They were speaking on Thursday on the second day of the 283rd annual Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai in Bhitshah during a literary conference chaired by Prof Dr Fateh Mari, vice chancellor of Sindh University.
Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Minister for Culture and Archives Syed Zulfikar Ali Shah said the provincial government was striving hard to provide better facilities to devotees every year so that the message of Sindh’s mystic values, love and brotherhood could be effectively disseminated among guests and visitors arriving from across Pakistan.
He stated that Sindh has always stood for peace, tolerance and harmony, while Bhittai’s philosophy has consistently advocated love, unity and high moral standards.
Scholars and ministers stress leveraging digital media, quality translations and modern technology to connect youth with the Sufi saint’s philosophy
He urged literary circles, intellectuals and academicians to play a pivotal role in connecting youth with literature, scholarship and Shah Latif’s philosophy. He maintained that reading habits are declining due to digital spaces, demanding that increased opportunities for academic and literary activities be provided to the youth.
A debate titled “Importance of Bhittai’s Poetry During Crisis of Character and Values” was also organised during the conference. Sindh Language Authority (SLA) Chairman Dr Sher Mahrani, Dr Noor Ahmed Jinjhi, Dr Makhmoor Bukhari and Dr Fayyaz Latif Chandio shared their insights.
The SLA chairman remarked that Bhittai’s ideology cannot be confined to any particular region or era, adding that his message has become all the more crucial today when society faces a crisis of moral values.
Dr Noor Jinjhi noted that Bhittai’s poetry teaches tolerance, brotherhood and loyalty to the soil. He stressed the necessity of disseminating the saint’s message to the new generation through modern means of communication and technology.
Dr Makhmoor Bukhari pointed out that Bhittai’s poetry is not merely a masterpiece of literature, but a comprehensive social and ideological code guiding people toward tolerance and empathy.
Fayyaz Latif Chandio observed that Bhittai immortalised the downtrodden and oppressed, including women, through his poetry, which is why Shah Jo Risalo will continue to be taught from new perspectives in every era.
Prof Mohammad Jurial Sangi, Dr Shazia Pitafi, Ustad Laghari, Madad Ali Sindhi, Dr Suleman Shaikh, Taj Joyo, Aamab Gopang, Shabnam Gul, Dr Saeed Hashmi, Dr Ali Murad, Dr Ahsan Danish, Dr Rehman Palari and others also presented research papers.
The speakers noted that characters from Shah’s poetry remain relevant and potent in Sindh’s social and cultural life, representing truth, loyalty, courage, patience and human-friendly values. They emphasised that female characters such as Marui, Sohni, Sassui, Noori and Momal serve as shining metaphors for loyalty, human greatness, sacrifice and sagacity.
Furthermore, they called for introducing Bhittai’s philosophy and poetry globally through modern technology, digital media, foreign languages, research projects and high-quality translations. This, they said, would enable the younger generation to establish a strong connection with the great mystic poet, the Sindhi language, and their folk literary and cultural heritage. They also urged the government, alongside literary and cultural bodies, to conduct research on ‘Latifiyat’, organise academic conferences, and promote Latif’s message through gatherings and translations.
Several books were also launched during the conference, including Shah Jo Risalo (zeer, zabar saan) by Ghulam Shabbir Pirahahin; Latif Paras Diary, compiled by Ustad Laghari; Dairo Dost Jo and Waya Jee Ameer De, both by Dr Parveen Musa Memon; Shah Abdul Latif Jo Risalo (Kachhi Waro) by Dr Abdul Ghaffar Soomro; Dr H.T. Sorley: Life and Works by Mukhtiar Ahmed Mallah; Risala Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (Urdu translation) by Agha Saleem; and Shah Latif Alamgeer Shair by Dr Ahsan Danish.
Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026
