DADU: Writers, researchers and intellectuals have stressed the importance of promoting research on the life and poetry of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.

They were speaking at the Shahbaz Literary Conference held under the auspices of the Sindh department of culture at Shahbaz Auditorium, Sehwan.

Delivering his presidential address, Prof Dr Ramzan Bamri said: “Much has been said about the personality of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, but it is still insufficient. He was among those who believed in the oneness of God; he spread the message of Islam.” He added that Qalandar Shahbaz was a mystic, devout worshiper and a poet, and emphasised that his poetry should be included in the educational curriculum to enlighten the new generation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah welcomed visitors from Punjab and Balochistan, acknowledging that Sindh was the land of Sufis.

He recalled the tragic bombing at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, mentioning that despite the attack, the devotees of the saint never stopped coming. “Even today, millions of people visit the shrine and perform dhamal in reverence.”

He assured the audience that the department of culture would continue to support cultural programmes, not only by providing assistance but also offering financial support as per available resources.

Culture department Director General Manzoor Ali Mahesar highlighted the necessity of spreading the message of Sufism to eliminate negative trends in society.

Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner Ghazanfar Ali Qadri urged everyone to follow the example of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s message and raise their voices against injustice to rid society of harmful tendencies.

Dr Sakina Samoon, presenting her paper, spoke about the Sufi way of serving God and humanity. She said Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s ancestry traced back to Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq and that he was a follower of the Twelve Imams, emphasising his rich spiritual lineage.

Former caretaker federal education minister Madad Ali Sindhi discussed the historical significance of Sehwan, calling for the restoration of the old markers at the shrine of Shahbaz Qalandar.

Dr Sher Mehrani, a researcher, emphasised the enduring relevance of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s poetry which guided society through the teachings of truth and justice.

Dadu Deputy Commissioner Mukhtiar Ali Abro underlined the historical misconceptions about the youth of Sindh, asserting that the real reason they attended the annual fair was to listen to the spiritual teachings of Shahbaz Qalandar and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, and not just to hear music.

Notable researcher Prof Sajida Parveen described the major tragedies in history that led to the loss of countless lives, highlighting the role of figures like Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in promoting peace, love and brotherhood.

In a fascinating address, Dr Qadeer Kandhro explored the concept of tauhid (oneness of God) in Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s poetry, while another researcher, Anwar Sagar Kandhro, talked about the importance of understanding the meaning of a topic before engaging in discussion.

The conference concluded with performance of renowned artists, including Ustad Hanif Lashari, Ustad Wahid Lashari, Zamin Ali, Diba Sahar, Sanam Marvi and other, who showcased their talents, bringing the vibrant spirit of Sufi music and poetry to life.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2025