Long gone: Fans celebrate Shaikh Ayaz’s birthday

Ayaz wrote over 50 books on poetry, plays, biographies, short stories in Sindhi, has poetic work in Urdu language.

HYDERABAD:

The fans of the late poet Shaikh Ayaz commemorated his 91st birth anniversary on Sunday, paying homage at his tomb in Bhit Shah and by holding literary events. Ayaz, who was born in Shikarpur on March 2, 1923, wrote over 50 books on poetry, plays, biographies and short stories in Sindhi in addition to his poetic work in Urdu language.

He made his first mark in 1963 through his poetic compilation bhanwar bharee aakash [swirls in the sky]. Although, his maiden poetic work gaey inqalab gaey [sing revolution sing] came before Pakistan’s independence, the translations of Shah Jo Risalo, written by the 18th century Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, from Sindhi to Urdu language established him as an authority in his domain.

Ayaz, the recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his literary works, died on December 28, 1997. His tomb is located close to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. He is regarded as a revolutionary and romantic poet.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2014.