Canada-based poet dedicates poem to Bhatti
In a tribute, Antao-Xavier called the slain minister a ‘freedom warrior’.
KARACHI:
Pakistani-born poet, children’s author and publisher Cheryl Antao-Xavier has dedicated a poem from her upcoming collection, “Bruised But Unbroken”, to the slain minority affairs minister Shahbaz Bhatti.
On Saturday, Antao-Xavier, presented Shahbaz Bhatti’s brother Peter with a copy of her book in Toronto, Canada, at a memorial service in his honour. She also handed Peter Bhatti a plaque with the poem inscribed on it.
In her tribute, Antao-Xavier called Bhatti a “freedom warrior” and a “martyr” who “must people the shadows of our minds” -- referring to his credentials as a rights campaigner and a defender of public freedoms. Both as a rights activist and as a minister, Bhatti struggled for the repeal of the country’s blasphemy law.
Antao-Xavier, a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada and the national coordinator for the Canadian Federation of Poets, said that she had invited Peter Bhatti to attend the launch of “Bruised But Unbroken” on April 30.
Another poem pays tribute to Salamat Masih, who was accused of committing blasphemy at the age of 14.
Her first book, “Dance of the Peacock” was published in 2008.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2011.
Pakistani-born poet, children’s author and publisher Cheryl Antao-Xavier has dedicated a poem from her upcoming collection, “Bruised But Unbroken”, to the slain minority affairs minister Shahbaz Bhatti.
On Saturday, Antao-Xavier, presented Shahbaz Bhatti’s brother Peter with a copy of her book in Toronto, Canada, at a memorial service in his honour. She also handed Peter Bhatti a plaque with the poem inscribed on it.
In her tribute, Antao-Xavier called Bhatti a “freedom warrior” and a “martyr” who “must people the shadows of our minds” -- referring to his credentials as a rights campaigner and a defender of public freedoms. Both as a rights activist and as a minister, Bhatti struggled for the repeal of the country’s blasphemy law.
Antao-Xavier, a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada and the national coordinator for the Canadian Federation of Poets, said that she had invited Peter Bhatti to attend the launch of “Bruised But Unbroken” on April 30.
Another poem pays tribute to Salamat Masih, who was accused of committing blasphemy at the age of 14.
Her first book, “Dance of the Peacock” was published in 2008.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2011.