On Saturday, a special event commemorating the 281st urs of Sufi Saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai was held at Besant Hall Cultural Centre. The event, organized by the Besant Hall Cultural Centre and the Sindh Indigenous and Traditional Crafts Company, honored Bhitai, a revered figure in Sindhi literature and spirituality.
The two-day event featured lectures, discussions, and performances that explored Bhitai’s significant contributions to Sindhi culture and literature. A panel of scholars provided diverse insights into Bhitai’s enduring legacy.
Noorul Huda Shah, a noted short story writer and scholar, discussed the spiritual dimensions of Bhitai’s poetry. She highlighted how Bhitai’s work goes beyond traditional poetic forms, presenting him as a poet whose verses reach profound spiritual and universal realms. Shah emphasized that Bhitai’s poetry reflects and shapes Sindhi identity, making it distinct in its depth and universal appeal.
Jahangir Siddiqui paid tribute to Abdul Hamid Akhund, Secretary of the Endowment Fund Trust for Preservation of Sindh Heritage. Siddiqui praised Akhund for his crucial role in safeguarding and promoting Sindhi culture, situating Bhitai’s work within a broader cultural context.
Dr. Fehmida Hussain addressed the relevance of Bhitai’s poetry in today’s world. She urged literature students and scholars to engage with Bhitai’s work, which she believes offers valuable perspectives on contemporary challenges. Hussain noted that Bhitai’s themes of love, humanity, and resilience provide a counter-narrative to modern disillusionment, advocating for a renewed engagement with his poetry.
Shafeequr Rehman Paracha, a former civil servant and educationist, offered insights into Bhitai’s focus on the experiences of the underprivileged. He compared Bhitai’s poetry with that of other poets, highlighting its unique humanitarian perspective. Paracha shared an anecdote from the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, noting that Bhitai would have faced political persecution if alive today, underscoring his role as a symbol of resistance.
Dr. Sher Mehrani presented a comparative analysis of Bhitai’s poetic style with global poets, emphasizing the unique aspects of Bhitai’s diction and themes.
Besant Hall Director Sobhia Ali reflected on the state of literature, quoting Goethe to highlight a perceived decline in national cultures. She expressed that Sindh is fortunate to have a figure like Bhitai and stressed the importance of preserving and celebrating literary heritage. Ali’s remarks underscored the lasting impact of Bhitai’s work and its potential to inspire future generations.
The event concluded with a performance by renowned Sufi singer Manjhi Faqir. His soulful music provided a poignant tribute to Bhitai’s spiritual legacy. The ‘Sufi Mehfil’ offered the audience a transcendent experience, reflecting the spiritual and emotional depth of Bhitai’s poetry and highlighting the role of music in preserving his cultural and spiritual contributions.