Bhitai
KARACHI: The National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) organized an event titled “Haasil-e-Zeest” to celebrate the life and works of famed Sufi mystic and poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.
Seasoned politician Mahtab Akbar Rashdi read some excerpts from Shah Jo Risalo. It is a masterpiece collection of Shah Abdul Latif’s poetry. It contains universal themes such as love, longing, struggle, truth, oneness with the beloved, etc. Mahtab Akbar Rashid is a member of the NAPA Board of Directors and a former bureaucrat.
Along with the original Sindhi text, Rashdi also read poetic translations in Urdu by Agha Saleem.
She emphasized the significance Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai attached to the role of women. She said that he was one of the earliest feminists who presented many heroic characters of women in his collection.
Earlier, Prof. Saleem Memon, Director Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai Chair University of Karachi introduced the audience to the subject.
He read a well-researched and informative paper on the life and works of the late Sufi poet Shah Latif Bhitai. It traces the significant moments of Shah Latif’s spiritual journey and introduces the philosophy and thought of the great Sufi poet.
He said that Shah Latif’s poetry transcended time and space. His ideas and ideology covered universal themes that are relevant for all the times to come and continue to inspire generations.
The evening ended with a recital of Shah Latif’s Kalaam by renowned folk singer, Master Wali. He was accompanied on banjo and dholak by local musicians. His signing captivated the audience and presented Shah Latif’s poetry melodiously with pathos and finesse.
