95th birthday: University of Sindh pays homage to Shaikh Ayaz

He was a legendary poet who introduced new trends in Sindhi poetry, say speakers

HYDERABAD: Glowing tributes were paid to Shaikh Ayaz on his 95^th birthday at a special ceremony organised by the Institute of Sindhology, University of Sindh (SU).

Speakers termed Ayaz a legendary poet who introduced innovative trends in Sindhi poetry with the help of his vast study of occidental poetic tradition, immense imaginative power and creative flair.

The event was presided over by SU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat, while Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sassui Palijo was the chief guest. Ayaz was one of the most well read individuals in Sindh, Palijo said, adding that besides composing great poetry, Ayaz also wrote mellifluous prose.

"Each couplet, each stanza, each short and long poem in almost all genres by Ayaz reflect the depth and unfathomable scope of his observation, intuition, intellect, experience and imagination," she said. Palijo called herself lucky to have been born in an epoch that allowed her to see Ayaz in person. There was a need for serious research on many aspects of Ayaz's poetry, she said.



Prof Burfat said that Ayaz pulsed in every heart in Sindh due to the enchanting and appealing attributes of his poetry. "I am indeed elated to head a university once headed by poet laureate of Sindh Shaikh Ayaz," the SU VC remarked. He added that poetic translation of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's 'Risalo' in Urdu was a milestone accomplishment of Ayaz.

Ayaz was deeply impressed by leftist intellectual Hashoo Kewalramani, said writer Madad Ali Sindhi. He termed Ayaz as a revolutionary poet who fueled the hearts of the youth through his poignant poetry.