ALKHOBAR, 21 May 2004 — The small Sindhi Community of Alkhobar recently held a poetry session organized by the Bazme Shair-o-Sukhan to highlight the works of the 17th century Sindhi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. The Pakistan Embassy mission’s deputy head, Mohammad Raza Otho, was guest of honor.
Speakers paid tributes to Bhitai for his poetry that spoke of women rights, unity and piety. Dr Mushtaq Ahmed urged the government of Pakistan to introduce Bhitai’s works in the school curriculum. “It is unfortunate that the work of the most eminent Sindhi poet has no mention in the school curriculum,” he said.
Dr. Abid Ali, the general secretary of Bazme Shair-o-Sukhan spoke about the mystic qualities of Bhitai’s poetry quoting several verses from his book, Shah Jo Risalo.
“His poetry appears romantic, but in reality it has a deeper mystical meaning.” The poet, he said, had immortalized many characters of Sindhi folklore like Noori Jam Tamachi, Omar Marvi, Sussi Pannu etc.
Gul Hina Mushtaq and Maria Abid, students at the Pakistan International School, spoke about Bhitai’s works. Hina said that Bhitai cautioned the youth against being idle and had also invented the musical instrument called Tambur. She appreciated singer Abida Parveen for highlighting the message of Bhitai through her songs. Maria Abid said Bhitai’s work was greatly appreciated in the West and even taught at some universities.
“His works have been translated into more than 20 languages,” she said.
Mohammad Raza Otho said he was pleased to see that the girls’ parents had taught their children well about Bhitai. He also urged Sindhi parents to teach their children their native language. “UNICEF’s research has shown that a child’s earliest learning should be in his own language,” he said.
Otho also urged journalists to help convey the message among the Sindhi community to have Bhitai’s work and life history incorporated into the Federal Board curriculum.
