By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

The history of Sindh is not only found in ancient relics, inscriptions, or the tales of kings, but a significant part of it is also preserved in folk songs and folk tales. These folk songs, passed down through generations, still echo today with their original truth and charm. They are not merely music or melody, but living evidence of Sindh’s past, its social life, ethics, and cultural heritage. In these songs, one can see the reflections of the joys and sorrows of Sindhi people, their daily struggles, and their dreams. These are not just verses of poetry but the very language of the people’s hearts and their history.

Historical Glimpses and Folk Songs

There are many periods in Sindh’s history for which no formal written records exist. In such cases, folk songs help us understand the difficulties and social conditions of those times. For example, many folk songs from the eras of the Soomra and Samma dynasties speak of the bravery, loyalty, and generosity of their rulers. These songs beautifully narrate the legendary tales of heroines like Sassui, Sohni, Marui, Noori, and Leela, which still remain fresh in the memory of Sindhi people.

Take Marui’s story as an example; it is not merely a romantic tale, but a great symbol of truthfulness toward one’s culture, homeland, and honor. Through folk songs, we learn of Marui’s courage, patience, and love for her land. Similarly, other songs acquaint us with the wars, social tensions, and humanitarian events that occurred throughout different periods of Sindh’s history. Every word within these songs becomes a medium to understand that era’s historical context.

Social Values and Moral Lessons

Sindhi folk songs are built on the foundations of humanism, truth, and moral values. They teach the youth about good social conduct and encourage them to live meaningful lives.

Love and Loyalty

Folk songs present love not just as an emotion, but as a profound human value. The tale of Sohni and Mehar teaches us about great sacrifice and the truthfulness of love. Likewise, the story of Noori and Jam Tamachi breaks through class differences, offering an example of pure and genuine love.

Compassion and Unity

A strong sense of compassion for the poor and oppressed is evident in Sindhi folk songs. These songs have long raised their voice against growing injustices in society and have taught people to stand together. Ideas such as “walking together” and “being one hand” are repeatedly emphasized in these songs, highlighting the importance of unity in Sindhi society.

Nature and Simple Life

Many folk songs describe the beauty of Sindh, its river, riverbanks, and birds. These songs reveal the deep bond between humans and nature, teaching respect and care for the environment. For instance, songs related to the River Indus/ Sindhu daryah not only provide a sense of cultural identity but also instill environmental awareness.

The Heartbeat of the People

The greatest quality of folk songs is that they are a mirror of people’s lives. They do not glorify kings or rulers but present the real images of ordinary life. These songs are sung at weddings, festivals, and joyous occasions, as well as during times of grief and hardship. Their simple and honest language touches every heart.

Through them, we also learn how Sindhi people lived, what clothes they wore, what foods they ate, and what customs they practiced. In this way, folk songs become a valuable source for history, sociology, and anthropology.

Preservation and Future Efforts

In today’s age of globalization, where everything is fast and instant, preserving folk songs is a major challenge. The younger generation is often drawn toward modern music and culture. Yet, we must take steps to safeguard this priceless heritage. Cultural institutions, schools, and media should promote folk songs. Television programs featuring them should be produced, and schools should include them in their teaching. Young artists should be encouraged to present these songs in modern styles so that the new generation develops an interest in them.

Folk songs are not only a part of our past but also an important element of our present and future. The messages hidden within them can make our society more prosperous, peaceful, and progressive. That is why we must continue our efforts to keep them alive.

Read: Fragrant Frontiers: The World of Flowers

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post Sindh Heritage in Folk Songs first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Invisible, as vast as depth

They are so hard to measure

By money or even a treasure.

Nguyen Chinh, internationally renowned and vibrant poet from Vietnam, the Land of Blue Dragon, shares her poetry

Internationally renowned and Vietnamese vibrant poet Nguyen Chinh was born on 23 April, 1964. Her pen name is HONG NGOC CHAU and official name is NGUYEN CHAU NGOC DOAN CHINH. Now she lives in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. She obtained a Master in educational management. She achieved an Honorary Doctorate in Literature and Humanity from the Church and Prixton University. She is member of the Ho Chi Minh City Writers’ Association, Vietnam. She is also the Admin member of World Union of Poets (WUP). She was an investigator for the 14th Silver Medal of World Union of Poets as General Councilor. She is also contributor of Vishwa Bharati of Vishwabharati Research Centre in India as well as International Ambassador of the International Council of Writers & Artists. Poetess Nguyen is an administrator, moderator, group expert of many literary forums around the world.

VALUES

1. Human value is a concept

Invisible, as vast as depth

They are so hard to measure

By money or even a treasure.

2. They can’t show the human value

The true truth of humans, it’s true

The deep penetration with thinking

His lifestyle is laziness in thinking

3. Altruistic life and you have tolerant expression

If they love faith they will have fresh affection

They ignite their ambition and hopeful life

All over the world always give them smiles

4. They love themselves first over their affection

It’s an important foundation for a formation

They realize key strengths and potential

They upgrade their egos to be immortal

5. They shine wisdom and a personality

To share and care for a life of worldly

Giving energy sources of the same kind.

Human values must create all their life

6. Human values must be affirmed

How love to treat a life long-term

They spend months and years deep

Spread the happiness they received

***

AUTUMN

1. 1. I love autumn a lot, autumn in silence

With all my heart, my heart is redden

Not any words, we said, can be in vain

Material is true but we need not gain

2. True love is like a morning bright

Long-lasting love with eternal time

I love you as autumn has a yellow color

I give you my whole love of multi-color

3. It’s rather cold but my love is warm and deeply

I lean on your shoulder, your eyes are brightly

Your lips bloom a gentle smile like a flower

You and I gently walked on leaves as ever

4. The Milk flowers give off a strange scent

It brings our love into a fairy dream then

Autumn is quiet and peaceful for our loving

Dry yellow leaves rustle and blow in the wind

5. It’s interesting with nature here and there

Without saying we just look at each other

Only our two hearts flutter passionately

Our heartbeats2 harmony with humanity

6. My dear! You’re the best in my heart as ever

In worldly life show off hundreds of flowers

Daisies are bright, roses are red in harmony

I am a simple scented flower in fields only

7. My delicately gentle soul, you know it already

With my belief, I suck the honey of our country

Under the sky of freedom, I welcome the dawn

I’m not rich in luxury and coldness as you know

8. On quiet nights, millions of stars sparkle

In the vast universe, I’m only a star little

However, my mind shines with loyalty

With a nice dream, I love you so mostly

9. I live honestly and I hate all the deception

I’m not rich or famous but have ambition

I will live life with my ambition I dream

To breathe the joy of a realm of dream

10. I have appeared in your heart constant

With my deep love for our homeland

I live gently, frugally, and sincerely all my life

The lady is great you love, with your mind.

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Read: Missing Rhythm on the Way Home – Poetry from Vietnam

The post Values – Poetry from Vietnam first appeared on Sindh Courier.