Remembering legends: New book throws light on struggle of Pukhtun heroes

Author compiles radio narrations, interviews and research

PESHAWAR: The new generation is hardly aware of Pukhtun heroes, poets and freedom fighters who made a name for themselves through their commitment to serve their people.

Pashto book Atalaan is an attempt to revive these legendary figures and provide young people with the opportunity to learn about their hard and inspiring struggle. Penned by Afghan writer Baaz Muhammad Abid, Atalaan is a compilation of transcripts obtained from Radio Mashaal, which also published the book. It was launched at a ceremony held at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday.

Unsung heroes

Speaking on the occasion, Bacha Khan University Charsadda Vice Chancellor Fazli Rahim Marwat said women were not included in the book. However, he hoped their contribution will also be chronicled in another book.

“Our system of education has portrayed our heroes as our enemies,” he said. “The book will help create awareness about them.” Pashto writer Abasin Yousafzai said a majority of these figures are not even mentioned in school curricula.

“How will the youth know about them?” he questioned. “Pukhtuns ruled the region for several centuries and established a strong system of governance. However, their efforts were never recognised.”

According to Yousafzai, a large number of Pukhtun heroes were women.

“Rulers such as Razia Sultana provide welcome proof that Pukhtuns are progressive people who believe in empowering women,” he said.

He lauded the book, saying it draws upon authoritative sources and provides accurate information.

Pervaiz Mahjoor, a Pashto writer, said the past can never be disconnected from the future. “If we want to flourish in the future, we need to take inspiration from the past,” he said.

Sneak peek

Atalaan is a largely journalistic venture rather than an academic endeavour that seeks to document the lives of both renowned figures and lesser known personalities from the region. The book includes sections on Khushal Khan Khattak and Hamza Baba. Yet, lesser known heroes, such as Darya Khan Afridi, have been given equal coverage. As the reader leafs through the pages of the book, fascinating details about Afridi’s struggle to give a voice to Pukhtuns during the Mughal era come to life. Similarly, the book also talks about nationalist poet, Malang Jan, and proponent of non-violence Abdur Rauf Benwa.

Biographies of at least 20 heroes are included in this volume in addition to interviews of experts, academicians and researchers.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2015.