First Sindhi language poetess honoured

Literati, activists, politicians, and government officials got together in a conference to honour Markhan Sheikh

BADIN:

Literati, activists, politicians, and government officials got together in a conference on Sunday to honour Markhan Sheikh, the first female poet of the Sindhi language.

The "Markhan Sheikh Literary Conference" was organised by the Laar Aurat Forum in collaboration with the Sindh Culture Department in Badin.

Speakers called for greater government support to research and preserve her six-century-old poetry.

The speakers included well known figures such as Professor Hussain Musarat from the Women's Action Forum, MPA Yasmin Shah, Professor Abdullah Mallah, Professor Dr Tufail Ahmed Chandio, Khadim Talpur, President of the National Democratic Party, and Bakhtawar Jamali, President of the Laar Aurat Forum, Badin.

The speakers highlighted that Markhan Sheikh, who lived during the late Somroo and early Samma eras, was born in Shaikh Kiryu near Rupa Mari.

Despite the passage of 600 years, her poetry continues to resonate, especially among the women of Sindh, with her verses still sung at weddings and other joyous occasions.

Markhan Sheikh's poetry is not only remembered for its celebratory themes but also for addressing societal issues and public grievances.

Her work, often directed at her mentor Sheikh Kiryoo Bandari, reflects the depth of her engagement with the struggles of her time.

The speakers urged the government to commission comprehensive research on Markhan Sheikh's contributions to Sindhi literature and to take necessary steps for the preservation of her poetic legacy.