Literary giant: Shaikh Ayaz’s life and work commemorated
Tributes paid to the humanist poet on 17th death anniversary.
Writers and intellectuals at a literary event here on Monday commemorated contribution of Shaikh Ayaz to Pakistani literature, in general, and to literary and intellectual heritage of Sindh, in particular, said a press release.
Widely considered as one of the noted progressive poets and writers of the last century, he passed away in 1997.
The commemorative gathering was organised by Islamabad-based Pakistan Intellectual Forum (PIF) in connection with the 17th death anniversary of the poet.
A number of literary personalities, students and others paid glowing tributes to Ayaz, a humanist poet, who wrote more than 50 books on various genres of language and literature.
He said the late poet was passionately in love with his mother tongue, motherland and its people.
“Ayaz spoke of equality of women and men belonging to all nations of the world. He spoke about humanism and promotion of humanitarian values in the Pakistani society and the world over,” Dr Soomro said.
Speaking at the event, Dr Qasim Rind, professor at Preston University apropos Ayaz’s literary work said, “Those who read and reflect on his poetry and prose, feel and opine that his poetry, like butterflies in spring, awakens the spirit, stirs the imagination and explores the possibilities with each stroke of its rhythmic wings.”
He said, “Ayaz’s prose and poetry are indeed, a deal of joy, pain and wonder.” “I have always found his poetry as a great healer in the worst of times in my life,” Dr Rind said.
“Ayaz, both, in his poetry and actions was a great crusader against social injustice and other ills and evils such as extremism, intolerance, militancy and terrorism etc.”
Dr Rind highlighted that Ayaz’s entire work was based on the concept of humanity propounded by his spiritual mentor and great Sufi scholar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
A resolution was also passed at the gathering, demanding establishment of Shaikh Ayaz University, in Ghotki or in any other district in Sindh.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2014.
Widely considered as one of the noted progressive poets and writers of the last century, he passed away in 1997.
The commemorative gathering was organised by Islamabad-based Pakistan Intellectual Forum (PIF) in connection with the 17th death anniversary of the poet.
A number of literary personalities, students and others paid glowing tributes to Ayaz, a humanist poet, who wrote more than 50 books on various genres of language and literature.
He said the late poet was passionately in love with his mother tongue, motherland and its people.
“Ayaz spoke of equality of women and men belonging to all nations of the world. He spoke about humanism and promotion of humanitarian values in the Pakistani society and the world over,” Dr Soomro said.
Speaking at the event, Dr Qasim Rind, professor at Preston University apropos Ayaz’s literary work said, “Those who read and reflect on his poetry and prose, feel and opine that his poetry, like butterflies in spring, awakens the spirit, stirs the imagination and explores the possibilities with each stroke of its rhythmic wings.”
He said, “Ayaz’s prose and poetry are indeed, a deal of joy, pain and wonder.” “I have always found his poetry as a great healer in the worst of times in my life,” Dr Rind said.
“Ayaz, both, in his poetry and actions was a great crusader against social injustice and other ills and evils such as extremism, intolerance, militancy and terrorism etc.”
Dr Rind highlighted that Ayaz’s entire work was based on the concept of humanity propounded by his spiritual mentor and great Sufi scholar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
A resolution was also passed at the gathering, demanding establishment of Shaikh Ayaz University, in Ghotki or in any other district in Sindh.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2014.