Discussion session: ‘Rashid spoke for underprivileged everywhere’

Academics say Rashid’s poems help readers understand world affairs

LAHORE: Nazar Muhammad Rashid (NM Rashid) is amongst one of the most significant poets of Urdu language in the generation following Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Fakhrul Haque, principal of Punjab University’s Oriental College, said on Saturday.

He was speaking at an event on Rashid’s poetry and philosophy organised jointly by Books n Beans and Kuch Jan Loh, an organisation working for promotion of art, literature and culture among the youth.

Haque, whose PhD research was on Rashid’s poetry, said Rashid’s foremost contribution to Urdu poetry was free verse.  He said the subjects chosen by Rashid in his poetry were unique. “His poems are not limited to the political and social context of the region. They speak for all underdeveloped countries and underprivileged people,” he said.

Dr Ziaul Hassan, a professor of Urdu at Oriental College, said Rashid’s poetry was often described as difficult to understand. However, he said, this may be said of the work of every significant poet.

He urged the readers to keep reinterpreting Rashid’s work in view of the changing times.

Hassan said Rashid’s poetry had gained more influence with time. “His poetry can be reinterpreted in context of politics in the post 9/11 era,” he said. “Rashid’s work can help you understand why and how the global affairs have shaped up the way they have,” he said.

Abid Farooq, another speaker at the session, said it was impossible to write about the history of modern poetry in Urdu language without mentioning Rashid’s work. “He is widely known for his highly abstract and complex thought,” he said. “Rashid’s style of writing was unique. He chose to write in free verse rather than the conventional Ghazal,” he added.

Rashid had written on the tribulations of a modern man and the lifestyle promoted by the capitalist social order.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2016.