Preserving culture: Book on Waris Shah launched

The book launch was followed by musical performances

A book on the life and times of famed Punjabi poet Waris Shah was launched at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage on Friday.

The book is based on the research of Punjabi literary scholars Sajjad Haidar, Shareef Kunjahi and Muhammad Asif, said a press release. Poet and columnist Ataul Haq Qasmi was chief guest on the occasion. Qasmi appreciated Lok Virsa’s role in publishing and highlighting the work of Waris Shah.

“Promotion of Pakistani culture and safeguarding the values of our people is the prime objective of Lok Virsa”, said Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed. The book launch was followed by a musical performance of Heer by the Sufi singer Areeb Azhar and traditional Heer singers from Waris Shah’s hometown, Jandiala Sher Khan. They included Taimur Afghani, Taimur Chaudhri, Fareeha Nawaz and Sain Bodi.

Waris Shah is best known for ‘Heer Ranjha’, based on the romantic traditional folk tale of the same name. It is considered one of Punjabi literature’s quintessential works.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2015.