Shaikh Ayaz’s poetry reflects his deep understanding of global literature, influenced by both Eastern and Western thinkers
Naveed Sandeelo
This era is marked by the emergence of fusion literature, which transcends regional boundaries to achieve global recognition. In this context, numerous novels, stories, and plays are being written, earning literary acclaim and worldwide readership. The world’s great writers have always been influenced by their surroundings, reflecting the complexities of human experience, societal norms, and cultural values in their works. Throughout history, renowned writers and poets have emerged, first as national and then as international figures. Their works, when translated first in English, the lingua franca, later on into various languages, have been recognized as part of world literature, reaching every corner of the globe.
Literary giants like Bhittai, Bulleh Shah, Rumi, Pushkin, Pablo Neruda, Shakespeare, Shelly, Keats, Camus and Shaikh Ayaz have played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of their nations. They have challenged societal norms, status quo, fought for justice, and inspired generations. They have attempted to convert their dreams into reality. They never ignored their people’s pains, sorrows and sufferings, rather they are eternal part of them at grand. Their characters, like Sassui, Marui etc. are not mere protagonists but symbols of resistance against oppression.
In this perspective we see that Shaikh Ayaz’s poetry reflects his deep understanding of global literature, influenced by both Eastern and Western thinkers. His poetry is a testament to his profound knowledge of world literature, encompassing a wide range of themes and ideas.
Having deeply connected with modern international literary movements and philosophical trends like Sartre he over-emphasis on individual freedom and to act according to their will and choice. For this act one has to encounter challenges and take risks on one’s own account. As we see same in the female character of Shah Latif’s Suhni, who is always in challenging position, yet courageous enough to face the taboos and angry waters of Indus to cross them to meet with Mehar, the beloved on other side of river. Ayaz’s poetry is a call to action, urging readers to take control of their lives, to challenge the status quo, and to fight for justice. His message is clear: individuals have the power to choose their path, to create their own destiny. He writes, جو چاھين سو چونڊ تون، مڻيو توڻي ماڳ، ڀوري تنهنجو ڀاڳ آهي تنهنجي وسَ ۾. ‘Choose what you want, you have the power, your fate is in your hands.’ This is the essence of his poetry, which continues to inspire writers and poets around the world.
Sheikh Ayaz’s contributions to Sindhi literature are immense. His poetry and stories, interviews and prison diaries, literary letters and speeches, have been widely acclaimed, and he is considered one of the greatest writers of Sindhi literature.
Ayaz’s poetry is not just a reflection of his own experiences and emotions but also a call to action, urging readers to take control of their lives and to fight for justice. His legacy continues to inspire writers and poets, reminding them of the power of literature to transform society.
In today’s world, literature has transcended geographical boundaries, becoming a global phenomenon. In this context, Shaikh Ayaz’s poetry serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring readers to strive for a better world.
Ayaz’s poetry is a testament to the power of literature to bring about positive change. His poetry continues to be widely read and studied, and his legacy as a great Sindhi poet and writer remains unchallenged.
To become an immortal and unparalleled character in history, one must sacrifice like Jesus, drink poison like Socrates, or be brutally murdered like Makhdoom Bilawal. One must renounce personal interests and risk their life for the sake of social justice and the oppressed. In place of mere nostalgia, one must create new thoughts, new ideas, and a new human being, thereby creating a new world.
The characters of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, such as Sassoi, Marui, and Ramkali, are not just traditional folk story characters, but rather Latif’s own unique creations. They are rebellious, brave, fearless, and determined individuals who defy societal norms and choose their own path. Similarly, Shaikh Ayaz’s poetry reflects his deep understanding of global literature, influenced by both Eastern and Western thinkers. His poetry encompasses a wide range of themes and ideas.
To reach the pinnacle of greatness, one must have a deep understanding of global literature, like Shaikh Ayaz. One must be well-versed with the works of renowned writers and poets, such as Shakespeare, William Blake, Rumi, Pablo Neruda, Pushkin, Gogol, Ibsen, Dostoevsky, Sartre, Nietzsche, Khalil Gibran, Kabir, Meera Bai, Kalidas, Tagore, Heine, Isaac Babel, and Anna Akhmatova.
Only then can one create literature that inspires and transforms society. Shaikh Ayaz’s poetry is a shining example of this.
In conclusion we may say that the peculiar purpose of poetry is to awaken others, to speak the truth, and to fight for freedom. Ayaz’s message is clear: individuals have the power to choose their path, to create their own destiny. From Marxist ideology and Elliotean perspective there is social function of poetry and its objective role which must awaken masses for the best of their lives. Being a revolutionary poet Ayaz urges the same message in one of his Ghazals couplets that reads:
گونج ان جي ڇا ڪبي محبوب اي! ڪونج جي پيغام پهچائي نٿي
What echo does it have, my beloved! If crane doesn’t convey the message.
Read: Manik – The Rebel Writer of Sindh
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Naveed Sandeelo is Lecturer at Department of Philosophy University of Sindh Jamshoro. Author of five books. Three books are on the subject of philosophy. Doing PhD at the department of Philosophy University of Karachi.