By E. S.

Date:15-06-05

Source: The Nation

Punjab's Sufi-mystic poet Bulleh Shah (1680-1758) lived in the times of the downfall of the Mughal Empire characterised by ideological and political chaos. Religious bigotry was on the rise at the time. He wrote about common people, their sufferings and hopes. The message of his poetry to make efforts for peace and tolerance in the society is as relevant today as it was at that time. A seminar was held on 'Impact of Bulleh Shah's thinking on the culture of Punjab' on Tuesday at Alhamra, Lahore. The event was organised by Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture.

Punjab Minister for Communications Ch Zaheer-ud-Din was the chief guest. Those who presented papers and shared their views on the occasion included Syed Mowahid Hussain, Sibtul Hassan Zaigum, Shafqat Tanveer Mirza, Maqsood Saqab, Dr Nabila Umer, Shahbaz Malik and Raghbeer Singh. The seminar was also attended by a number of visiting Sikh yatrees from India.

Folk singer Manzoor Hussain Malang presented a kafi of the great mystic poet. A young girl Mirain Kazmi presented some folk music on violin. In the end singer Abid Baila sang some folk songs.

Earlier minister Zaheer speaking about Bulleh Shah said that he was a great man, who could not be compared with other poets. "We have to continue his mission of spreading peace and love to bring a positive change in society," he said.

"The poetry of Bulleh Shah is part of our golden heritage. There is no need to bring down the borders. We have to keep them but at the same time ensure that humanity prevails on both sides," he maintained.

Shafqat Tanveer said that rulers of Kasur had cast Bulleh Shah out of the city and our rulers have cast him out of Punjab. "The great mystic's poetry is not presented on Radio or TV. Only some sections of his poetry are used. Same is being done with the poetry of Allama Iqbal," he said.

Speakers highlighted Bulleh Shah's call for tolerance in the society and respect for other people's beliefs. The great poet condemned the misuse of religion by clerics and opportunists. The speakers read excerpts from his poetry and drew comparisons with the present day world to explain Bulleh Shah's message.

 

Bulleh Shah a lighthouse for generations’

The News: June 15, 2005
By our correspondent

PUNJAB Minister for Communications and Works Ch Zaheeruddin said that Bulleh Shah’s life and thought were a lighthouse for the generations to come since he had taught them to fight against evil no matter what the circumstances were and established the fact that a man was remembered by his deeds, not by his cast, creed or status.

Addressing a seminar on Bulleh Shah titled "Impact of Bulleh Shah’s thinking on the Culture of Punjab" at Alhamra Hall 3, organised by the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture Tuesday, the minister, who was representing the chief minister as the chief guest, said," We should not only advance the cause of Punjabi language but also spread the thoughts and teachings of great Punjabi poets and Sufis like Bulleh Shah who never bowed down to power and wrongdoers but fought against the tyrants of their times.

The minister said the Punjabis were not intruders or usurpers of others rights but a peace-loving nation which had made a mark in the world by helping others and serving humanity. "All great thinkers and poets like Ghalib and Bulleh Shah talked about the welfare of the people and service to humanity without any discrimination," he added.

"The borders should remain there and we must respect the sovereignty of each other but at the same time we should never forget that humanity and good deeds cannot be confined to one place," he said and highlighted the need for helping each other in the both Punjabs.

Sibtul Hassan Zaigham, Shafqat Tanveer Mirza, Maqsood Saqib and Dr Nabila Umer also shed light on the times and poetry of Bulleh Shah while Manzoor Hussain Malang presented the works of Bulleh Shah. Miran Kazmi, a young artist, presented Bulleh Shah’s poetry on the violin.

Punjab Culture Secretary Taimoor Azmat Usman and Adviser to Chief Minister Mowahid Hussain were also present on the occasion. A large number of Sikhs also attended the function.