Bulleh Shah’s poetry recited at book launch

May 15, 2015
LAHORE: A book launching ceremony titled “Bulleh Shah: A Selection Rendered into English Verse by Taufiq Rafat” was held at the Alhamra Arts Council on Thursday.

The event was organized by the Kinnaird College for Women’s International Center for Pakistan writing in English (ICPWE) in collaboration with Taufeq Rahat Foundation (TRF). Neelam Hussain moderated the book launch ceremony. Those on the panel were Najam Sethi, film director Sarmad Sehbai, Punjabi language poet and scholar Mustaq Soofi, ICPWE Director Muhammad Athar Tahir. Speaking on the occasion Najam Sethi said that this book is “a selection rendered into English verse by Taufeeq Rahat” came into published form after tireless effort of Taufeeq Rahat.

He said that Shah’s poetry is universal and made tremendous contribution Bulleh pointed out the negative thoughts, ill behaviours present in ruling elite of his time. Talking about Taufeeq Rahat said that initially idea to publish Bulleh Shah verses into English when we sit together in vanguard publishing house. Mushtaq Soofi while addressing to the participants said that Taufeeq Rahat and Bullah Shah had one thing common; love for their motherland, indigence people and sense of belonging portraying beautiful landscape of Punjab. Bullah Shah poetry gripped not only Punjab, but whole northern India. It was big achievement for Punjabi language people, translating Punjabi poetry
in English and Taufeeq Rahat work is enduring.

Sarmad Shebhai read Punjabi verses of Bhullah Shah and Ather Tahir narrated it English verses rendered by Taufeeq Rahat. Poems which were read were “Ghoongat Ohlay naah”(Up with your veil love”, “Stop the spinning wheel girl”, “Ek nuktay vich gal mukti hay”(One point settles it all). Muhammad Saeen folk singer, sung the kalam of Baba Bulleh Shah on the occasion. Bullah Shah’s poetry is rural and colloquial at the same time, Athar Tahir said.
Daily Tmies: — PUBLISHED JUL 15, 2015