HYDERABAD: Speakers at a literary session organised by the Besant Hall Cultural Centre on Thursday night questioned the narrative being built around the division of Sindh, stressing that Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s poetry continues to serve as a symbol of resistance, unity and historical identity.
The session, titled “Ghatu Ghar Na Aya – Rediscovering Surs Ghatu and Samundi”, was convened to commemorate the 283rd annual Urs of the great Sufi saint.
Opening the discussion, Saif Samejo reflected on Bhittai’s surs Ghatu and Samundi, describing them as narratives of journeys. He explained that while many of these journeys appear to be outward voyages across rivers and seas, their deeper significance lies in spiritualism — which is why Bhittai’s poetry resonates with every generation.
Prof Dr Basharat Lanjwani, a faculty member at the University of Sindh and a folk singer who has performed at Bhittai’s shrine for nearly 25 years, remarked that Sindh stands at a critical juncture in its history where discussions regarding the division of the province, particularly Karachi, are becoming common.
Literary session on surs Ghatu and Samundi explores the Sufi saint’s maritime identity, socio-political foresight and spiritual depth
Dr Lanjwani argued that Bhittai had sensed historical anxieties during the Kalhora period, observing foreign presence from Portuguese navigators to the British establishing themselves along the coastline —symbolising the gradual encroachment of external powers upon Sindh. He noted that the concerns reflected in Bhittai’s poetry later materialised through repeated invasions and the loss of Sindh’s political and maritime autonomy.
He emphasised that Bhittai’s works should become an essential part of the educational curriculum, as his poetry encompasses history, sociology, geography, political science, philosophy and literature.
Visual anthropologist Atta Chaniho examined both surs from an anthropological perspective, noting that Bhittai portrays the courage, ethics and navigational knowledge of Sindhi traders and fishermen. He observed that while Bhittai’s fishermen venture into the salty sea, they always return to the sweetness of the Indus, seeking not gold, but the pearls of their homeland. He elaborated that Bhittai’s concept of mu’allim represents a master guide possessing complete knowledge of sea routes and navigation.
Sindhi Language Authority (SLA) Chairman Dr Sher Mehrani highlighted the spirit of resistance defining Bhittai’s literary universe, pointing out that the poet frequently refers to both the sea and the Mehran River as the Sindhi sea and Sindh’s maritime identity.
Dr Mehrani asserted that Bhittai’s poetry teaches not only spirituality, but also the responsibility of protecting one’s homeland, cultural identity and historical heritage. Quoting French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, he said great literature creates weak and oppressed characters capable of confronting the powerful.
According to Dr Mehrani, Bhittai accomplished this over three centuries ago: Moriro overcomes a monstrous fish not through physical strength but through intelligence and courage; Marui triumphs over Umar through unwavering commitment to her people; Sasui persists despite unimaginable hardship; and Sohni carves her destiny despite social condemnation.
The event concluded with a musical tribute to Bhittai, as surmis (heroines) of Latif recited a soulful waee. Renowned folk singer Faheem Allan Faqir sang “Ayal Karyan Kean Muhnjo Neehn Palyo Na Rahy”, while Saif Samejo performed selected verses from Shah Jo Risalo.
Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026
