Ayaz Gul’s poetry holds a profound place in Sindhi literature, echoing the spirit of an era
By Nisar Banbhan
Poetry is the voice of the heart’s deepest yearnings, a mirror to the soul’s hidden sorrows. When these pure emotions rise, they manifest as words, turning the poet’s silent suffering into a lyrical tale of longing. Poetry, rich in both depth and melody, is an art that transcends mere expression. Literature, like a river in endless flow, carries fresh waters with every wave. And within the vast, flowing stream of Sindhi literature, countless names have shaped its evolution. Among these, one name shines with unmatched brilliance—Ayaz Gul, the poet cherished by yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Ayaz Gul’s poetry holds a profound place in Sindhi literature, echoing the spirit of an era. The wave of modernity that swept through Sindhi poetry after the partition revived its form and imagination. Among the pioneers—Sheikh Ayaz, Adal Soomro, Imdad Hussaini, Ustad Bukhari, Ibrahim Munshi, and Wafa Nathan Shahi—Ayaz Gul stands out as a radiant torchbearer. Sheikh Ayaz, celebrated for liberating the ghazal from foreign influences and grounding it in Sindhi tradition, paved the way for poets like Ayaz Gul. With his innovative genius, Ayaz Gul introduced new dimensions to modern Sindhi poetry. His brilliance lies not only in form but in thought, as he brings forth fresh ideas and concepts, captivating the youth and inspiring them to write with the same fervor.
Ayaz Gul has explored every poetic form—songs, ghazals, kafi, and poems—infusing them with his emotions, thoughts, and observations
A master of the Sindhi ghazal, Ayaz Gul infused new life into the genre. After Sheikh Ayaz, it is Ayaz Gul who is revered as one of the finest poets of Sindhi ghazal. His verses, vibrant with love, resonate like the intricate hues of Andalusian tapestries. Born on March 6, 1959, in Sukkur, Ayaz Gul is celebrated by both the literary elite and the common folk. A poet of the heart, his essence embodies love, kindness, and sincerity. Today, a new generation of Sindhi poets follows his path, experimenting with style while drawing inspiration from his artistry.
Ayaz Gul, with his vast experience and keen observation, has given Sindhi ghazal a new identity. His poetry reflects every shade of life, every nuance of society, capturing the joys, pains, and struggles of Sindh. Ayaz Gul’s poetry strikes a deep chord with the youth, who find in his words the pulse of their own hearts. His verses echo through university corridors, on the lips of students weary from their studies, who seek solace in his songs. On quiet nights, when a student hums Ayaz Gul’s or Haleem Baaghi’s lyrics from the rooftops of hostels, even the silent rocks of Jamshoro seem to tremble. Ayaz Gul, without a doubt, is a poet for all ages, whose verses continue to inspire generations.
A master of the Sindhi ghazal, Ayaz Gul infused new life into the genre. After Sheikh Ayaz, it is Ayaz Gul who is revered as one of the finest poets of Sindhi ghazal
His journey as a poet began early, fueled by a love for words and literature. After completing his primary education in Sukkur, he chose teaching, sharing his knowledge in the Sindhi Department of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. The year 1971 marked a pivotal point in his career, as he poured his heart into writing, shaping the landscape of Sindhi literature. Ayaz Gul has explored every poetic form—songs, ghazals, kafi, and poems—infusing them with his emotions, thoughts, and observations. Music, too, has a special place in Ayaz Gul’s heart. His room is adorned with audio and video cassettes and photographs of artists who have immortalized his verses. For poetry, like a jealous lover, demands undivided attention and does not tolerate distraction. Those who treat poetry as a fleeting fashion are quickly forgotten, lost in the storms of time. But those who dedicate themselves to the craft, nurturing it with hard work, study, and observation, elevate poetry to an act of devotion. Ayaz Gul is one such poet—through persistence and struggle, he has carved a unique place for himself. The images, colors, and depths of emotion in his poetry resonate with the soul, enriching life with their presence.
Read: The Exiled Memories
As the eminent Dr. Tanveer Abbasi once remarked: “Ayaz Gul will forever shine like the fourteenth moon in the history of Sindhi poetry.”
For me, Ayaz Gul has always been more than just a poet—he has been my guide and mentor, helping me discover my potential and encouraging my growth. I consider myself truly fortunate to have Ayaz Gul as my teacher, the one who connected the dots of my life. He is not just a mentor but also a benefactor, offering the cool shade of kindness and warmth. His guidance has grounded me, and his presence brings a deep sense of friendship that blooms within me, uplifting my literary spirit. Among poets, he holds a special place in my heart, and my bond with him strengthens my sense of self-worth. On September 28, 2024, after many years, I had the honor of spending time with my beloved Sain Ayaz Gul in Sukkur. The memories of that day are etched in the soil of my mind. It was as if I had relived the innocence of my youth, in a university brimming with grace and beauty. That day, I saw my Sain Ayaz Gul in the prime of his youth, weathered by life’s storms yet standing tall, a figure deserving of admiration. I left that day with all my prayers for him and the unshakable belief that he holds me close to his heart.
Read: Ayaz Gul’s two books declared ‘Best Poetry Books of the Year’
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Nisar Banbhan is a seasoned professional with nearly 24 years of diverse experience, including 3 years in journalism, 21 years in a public sector organization, and a longstanding career in writing and freelancing. He specializes in content creation, scriptwriting, screenwriting, lyricism, poetry, short stories, and the crafting of articles and columns in both Sindhi and Urdu.
