HYDERABAD: A programme was held under the aegis of Besant Hall Cultural Centre and Sindh Indigenous and Traditional Crafts Company on Saturday evening in connection with the celebration of Sufi Saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai’s 281st urs. Homage was paid to Sindh’s most venerated literary and spiritual figures.

The two-day programme featured a series of lectures, discussions and evocative performances, providing a multifaceted exploration of Bhitai’s contributions to the Sindhi literature and culture.

It featured a distinguished panel of scholars and speakers, each offering unique perspectives on Latif’s enduring legacy.

Noorul Huda Shah, a celebrated short story writer and scholar, delved into transcendental aspects of the saint’s poetry. Her analysis highlighted how Bhitai’s work transcends conventional boundaries of poetic expression, positioning him as a figure whose poetry journeys through eternal realms.

She said that his poetic thought was deeply intertwined with Sindhi identity, serving as both a reflection and a formative element of Sindhi culture. His transcendental approach to poetry, characterised by its spiritual depth and universal themes, distinguishes him from other poets, she said. Bhitai’s exploration suggestes his work operates on a level that surpasses ordinary poetic discourse, engaging with themes that resonate on a universal scale.

Jahangir Siddiqui paid tribute to Abdul Hamid Akhund, Secretary Endowment Fund Trust for Preservation of the Sindh Heritage. He described Akhund as a monumental figure in Sindhi literary heritage, emphasising his pivotal role in preserving and promoting Sindhi culture. His admiration for Akhund underscored broader cultural context in which Bhitai’s poetry exists.

Dr Fehmida Hussain focused on relevance of Latif’s poetry in modern age. She urged literature students and scholars to engage deeply with Bhitai’s work, emphasising its continued relevance in an era marked by uncertainty and bewilderment.

According to her, Bhitai’s poetry offers valuable insights and guidance for navigating contemporary challenges.

She said that themes of love, humanity, and resilience pervade Bhitai’s work provide a counter-narrative to the disillusionment prevalent in modern society. Her call for action with a renewed engagement with Bhitai’s poetry reflected a broader recognition of need to connect historical literary achievements with present-day concerns.

A former civil servant and educationist, Shafeequr Rehman Paracha’s talk reflected understanding of Bhitai’s poetry. He emphasised that the poetry was rooted in experiences of the underprivileged, rather than elite. This perspective highlights Bhitai’s commitment to representing voices of marginalised communities and reinforces idea that his work is fundamentally humanitarian.

His comparison of Bhitai’s poetry to that of other poets suggested that the saint’s work stands apart due to its distinctive qualities and its focus on the human condition. He referenced a memorable anecdote from era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Bhutto’s remark that Bhitai would have been subjected to political persecution if he were alive. This anecdote served to underscore Bhitai’s role as a symbol of resistance.

Dr Sher Mehrani’s comparative analysis of Bhitai’s poetic style with that of global poets provided a broader context for appreciating the sufi saint’s unique contributions. Mehrani’s examination highlighted the distinctiveness of Bhitai’s poetic diction and thematic concerns.

Besant Hall Director Sobhia Ali offered a reflective perspective on state of literature. Quoting Goethe, she remarked on decline of literature as indicative of a broader decline in national cultures. Her assertion that Sindh is lucky to have a towering figure like Bhitai underscored importance of preserving and celebrating literary heritage. Her commentary emphasised enduring impact of Bhitai’s work and its potential to guide future generations towards cultural and intellectual prosperity.

The event concluded with a performance by renowned sufi singer Manjhi Faqir, whose soulful rendition of sufi music provided a fitting tribute to Bhitai’s spiritual legacy.

‘Sufi Mehfil’ created a transcendent experience for audience, reflecting spiritual and emotional depth of Latif’s poetry. This performance highlighted integral role of music in expressing and preserving the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Bhitai’s work.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2024