Zubair Qureshi
No creative writer can be Universal without being recognized locally and Sheikh Ayaz (1923-1997) is the most prominent and well-recognized Sindhi poet after Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Sachal Sarmast.
These views were expressed by former Chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) and celebrated literary figure of Pakistan Iftikhar Arif at an online “Sheikh Ayaz National Literary Conference” organized by the PAL Monday marking the 23rd death anniversary of the poet.
He was presiding over the event. Among those who expressed their views and highlighted various aspects of Sheikh Ayaz’ poetry included Ghafoor Memon, Dr Anwar Hakkaro, Dr Ishaq Samejoo, Dr. Abdullah Jan Abid, Dr Fayyaz Latif, Dr Makhmour Bukhari, Mehboob Zafar, Dr Zia-ur-Rehman Baloch, Sindhoo Perzado , Adal Soomro, Ayaz Gul, Ahmed Saleem, Fatima Hasan, Madad Ali Sindhi, Dr Hakim Ali Bararo and others.
The Seminar was conducted by Dr Hakim Ali Bararo. Eminent Sindhi language scholar Taaj Joyo was of the view that Sheikh Ayaz converted the primitive genres of poetry into innovative/modern genres.
They were of the view that Sheikh Ayaz was the poet who converted the primitive genres of poetry into innovative/modern genres and following his literary legacy, Sindhi poets and writers made their mark in this genre of literature.
Earlier, at the beginning of the online national literary conference Chairman of the PAL Dr Yousuf Khushk welcomed the audience and spoke on the merits and achievements of the great Sindhi poet.
Shiekh Ayaz he said through his creative artistic thinking and vision as well as literary achievements enriched Sindhi literature and made it popular all over the world wherever Sindhi speaking people lived.
He also paved the way for the writers of Sindhi literature, said Dr Khushk adding Ayaz’ poetry speaks about the neglected and downtrodden classes of society and he identified himself with the marginalized segments.
