A plea from Balochistan’s bards

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province that is rich in minerals, also boasts a vibrant cultural legacy encompassing classical music, art, and literature. Eminent singers and renowned poets have played pivotal roles in promoting Balochi culture and literature among its people.

Balochistan has nurtured versatile and universally acclaimed poets due to its people's deep appreciation for harmonious souls and poetic expression. As the American poet Walt Whitman noted, "To have a great poet, there must be a great audience." Poets eloquently convey the language of love, peace, and compassion, serving as bearers of profound human emotions and truths through their poetry.

Literature cannot secure a rightful place in history without the support of audacious individuals to champion it. Every flourishing literary tradition owes its success to the sincere and diligent efforts of those who speak its language. Similarly, Balochi, as the mother tongue of an enduring nation, boasts notable personalities to be proud of.

Balochi literature has been blessed with illustrious figures within its fold, including luminaries such as Syed Shah Hashomi, Gul Khan Nasir, Zafar Miraj, and several others who breathed new life into the language and literature during challenging times. These poets represent the Baloch and Balochistan in their poetry and highlight different issues and their love for their land.

However, interviewing a group of Baloch poets reveals how in their quest to enhance poetic culture in Balochistan, they have been suffered in their journey due to an unsupported environment in a socio-economically struggling province.

Doli Baig, a renowned Balochi poet, hails from the Zameena Tookh district Pasni. Belonging to a family of shepherds, he was only five or six, when his family moved to Pasni where they began work as fishermen to support their family. Despite growing up in trying circumstances, he remained steadfast in his dream and started writing Balochi poetry, novels and short stories.

"I have written a lot but have not been able to publish my work yet due to financial constraints,” he says. "But I do hope that I am able to publish a compilation in my life.”

Doli Baig is not the only one to suffer from these hardships in his journey, there are several Baloch poets, who have been facing the same challenges to accomplish their drea

Bashir Bedar from Tump district, Kech has also written poetry and novels in Balochi. "I have received a lot of appreciation and encouragement from people who have seen my work,” he says.

People often ask Bedar why his stories and poetry have not taken book form yet. "I am a retired teacher and my sons are jobless so the entire burden of supporting my family is on my shoulders,” he says. “Therefore, I can't afford to publish my work yet".

It's unfortunate to hear that Rashid Deedar, an emerging Baloch poet from District Kech, faces financial challenges and economic struggles that have succumb to drugs and alcohol.

"Why wasn’t I supported by the society? Why was I left to struggle without any respite or hope?” he asks rhetorical questions.

Certainly, Balochistan has nurtured numerous talented individuals across various artistic fields, encompassing filmmakers, singers, dancers, actors, and renowned poets. However, it's regrettable that while there are organizations in Balochistan aimed at supporting the people, there appears to be a lack of dedicated support for Balochi poets within these institutions.

"Several Baloch poets have inspired me to write poetry,” says Arif Aziz, who also finds it impossible to publish his work in book form due to limited finances.

Literature plays a pivotal role in a nation that is alive for the people and society. The importance of literature for a nation is essential to enhance it with various sources and poets play a crucial role in thriving literature with their poetic love and inspiration.

It is interesting to note that the deteriorating state of Baloch poets may be influencing its literature with pain and suffering, but literature only advances when writers and authors bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the craft. Creative thinking and pushing the boundaries of traditional forms contribute to literary evolution. As literature often reflects the changes and challenges in society and culture, writers draw inspiration from contemporary issues, historical events, and cultural shifts, which can lead to the development of new themes and genres. Literature can be impacted due to the invisibility of poets or poetry.

"Poets are the heart of a nation and poetry the root of literature,” says Ghafoor Shad, assistant professor at the University of Turbat and chairman of Balochistan Academy, Kech. “I have faced the same kind of financial struggles as a writer and did not find any support so far but my journey continues. The same is happening with other Baloch poets and I feel that the entire Baloch nation should support these poets and writers.”

"We live in a society where poets are in darkness,” says Ardad, a writer. “This means that our literature and nation are also in darkness.”

It is surprising that Balochistan has trillions worth of gold and gas, but its people's lives are still in darkness, because of which poets, singers, and actors have had to abandon their quest in this hapless province.

No society can progress without poetry and literature because it is the heart of a society. Balochistan has produced several distinguished poets, including Atta Shad and Saba Dashtyari. Irshad Parwaz, Muneer Momin, Amjad Rahim, Manzoor Bismil are among the young and popular poets of Balochistan, but they need support from the people as well as the government to keep their poetic journey alive in Balochistan.

Depressingly, the current disappointing economic scenario and struggling poets and writers have almost halted the production of literature in Balochistan.

Literary figures play an indispensable role in promoting culture and literature in a nation and society. Hence the government must play their active and positive role to support Balochi writers and poets in Balochistan.

The introduction of new technologies such as digital publishing, and the internet has had a significant impact on the dissemination and accessibility of literature. These innovations have made it easier for writers to reach wider audiences.

Literary movements and schools of thought often emerge, bringing together writers who share common ideas and styles. These movements can lead to the exploration of new literary techniques and themes.

Awards and recognition for literary achievements can motivate writers to excel and inspire others to pursue writing as a career.

Educational institutions play a vital role in nurturing new talent and providing a platform for aspiring writers to develop their skills. Creative writing programmes and literary workshops contribute to the growth of literary talent.

Translating literary works from one language to another helps literature cross cultural boundaries and reach a global audience. It promotes the exchange of ideas and influences between different literary traditions.

But none of the above can be materialised in an environment where people are struggling for livelihood and live a hand-to-mouth existence. The government and private sector must help Balochistan progress in the employment, health and education sector.

In essence, literature progresses when writers continue to push creative boundaries, when diverse voices are celebrated, and when the cultural and societal context evolves. It is an ever-evolving art form that reflects and shapes the world in which it exists.

Tabish Feroz is a freelance journalist based in Turbat. All information and facts are the sole responsibility of the writer