Karachi: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has approved the set up of a women’s university in Bhitt Shah, Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination Makhdoom Jamil Zaman informed the Sindh Assembly on Wednesday.

He was speaking on a resolution moved by Anwar Ahmed Mehar to pay tribute to the great poet of Sindh, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The resolution that was passed unanimously read: “This assembly resolves to pay tribute to the Saint Poet of Sindh Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on the occasion of his 265th death anniversary.”

Makhdoom Jamil said that Shah Latif had portrayed the dignity and respect of women in his poetry.

He also highlighted injustices meted out to women. He said Shah spoke about the love for the motherland and raised his voice against the tyranny of the then rulers who hatched a conspiracy to assassinate him. He said that the greatness of Shah’s poetry lies in the fact that it bears relevance for all the times to come.

Taking part in the debate, Anwar Mehar termed Shah Latif as a great cultural asset of Sindh whose mystic poetry was unprecedented.

He said Shah Latif portrayed the character of Sassui in his poetry as symbol of loyalty and Marui as love for relatives and country. He also recited several poems of Shah Latif.

Dr. Sikander Mandhro said many great poets, especially

English poets, were understandable for educated class only but Shah Latif was being equally loved and understood by both the educated and uneducated people. He said that uneducated people may understand Shah’s poetry more than educated people.

Ram Singh said Shah Latif twice visited Hindus religious place Hinglaj. He believed Latif had vast experience of travelling as he used to walk up to six months for “research” for his poetry.

Minister for Law Ayaz Soomro, without naming anyone, said he appreciates those who now talk about Shah Latif, though they felt difficulty in “digesting” Sindhi language till recently.
Source: The News
Date:2/12/2009