Ustad Bukhari’s poetry is essential for inspiring resistance and raising awareness among people about the challenges faced by Sindh, including illegal canals, corporate land grabbing, and rising religious extremism
A report on “Jashan-e-Ustad Bukhari” program held at Sachal Goth Karachi to commemorate 32nd death anniversary of esteemed Sindhi Poet
Karachi, Sindh
“Ustad Bukhari‘s poetry continues to inspire generations and is essential today not only for raising awareness but also for inspiring the people to struggle against challenges faced by Sindh, including construction of illegal canals over Indus River, land grabbing on the pretext of corporate farming, and rising religious extremism in the province.”
These views were expressed by the poets, writers and other speakers at a remarkable program titled “Jashan-e-Ustad Bukhari” organized by Sindhi Shagird Tahreek (SST), a student organization, at the Sachal Library in Sachal Goath Karachi on Saturday Evening (19th October 2024) to commemorate the 32nd death anniversary of the revered Sindhi poet, Ustad Bukhari.
The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, with students, poets, and workers from the Awami Tehreek and Sindhiyani Tehreek coming together to pay tribute to a figure who has left an indelible mark on Sindhi literature and culture.
The program featured poignant speeches from prominent figures, including Advocate Vasand Thari, Central Organizer of the Awami Tehreek; scholar Dr. Sher Mehrani; Lal Jarwar; Pirh Soomro, a central leader of the Sindhiyani Tehreek; Dada Qadir Ranto; Naveed Abbas Kalhoro, Central President of the SST; and lawyer Kazim Hussain Mahesar. Each speaker reflected on Ustad Bukhari’s profound contributions to Sindhi poetry and culture, emphasizing his role as a voice for the people and a champion of their struggles.
Ustad Bukhari, born Syed Ahmed Shah Bukhari in 1930, is celebrated not only for his lyrical mastery but also for his deep-rooted love for the land of Sindh and its people. His poetry serves as a powerful expression of the community’s heritage, struggles, and aspirations. As the speakers noted, Ustad Bukhari’s work transcended traditional poetry; it became a voice for the oppressed, embodying the spirit of resistance against injustice and social inequality.
Central to Ustad Bukhari’s poetry is his affection for Sindh—its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the resilience of its people. He often drew inspiration from the rivers, deserts, and villages of the region, transforming these natural elements into symbols of strength and endurance. His verses gave voice to the struggles of the rural poor and landless peasants, shedding light on their socio-economic hardships while celebrating their unyielding spirit.
Bukhari viewed poetry as a form of resistance, using his words to challenge oppression and advocate for the rights of his people. His critiques of feudalism and political oppression resonated deeply, especially during times of political unrest in Sindh. His poetry became an anthem of protest, rallying the Sindhi people in their fight for cultural identity and regional rights.
Moreover, Ustad Bukhari dedicated a significant portion of his work to honoring the struggles of Sindhi women, portraying them as active participants in the quest for social justice rather than passive victims. His poetry celebrated their courage and resilience, acknowledging their vital contributions to the movement for rights and dignity.
Throughout his life, Bukhari maintained a profound connection with the everyday experiences and emotions of the people. His simple yet powerful language made his poetry accessible to all, allowing him to weave themes of love, resistance, and social justice into the fabric of Sindhi literature. His legacy is not only evident in his poetic works but also in his contributions to Sindhi arts through short stories and stage dramas.
Despite passing away in 1992, Ustad Bukhari’s legacy continues to inspire generations. His poetry remains relevant in today’s Sindh, where struggles for autonomy and justice persist. Advocates and scholars are now calling for his works to be included in academic syllabi to ensure that future generations are inspired by his commitment to the empowerment of the Sindhi people.
As the program concluded, the participants reaffirmed Ustad Bukhari’s status as not just a poet, but a true comrade of the people—a voice of the land and a beacon of hope for all who continue to fight for the rights of Sindh. His songs, cherished and sung by both famous and local artists, echo through the towns and villages of Sindh, solidifying his position as one of the beloved poets of the region, reminiscent of the great Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.
The “Jashan-e-Ustad Bukhari” program not only honored the memory of this legendary poet but also served as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and aspirations of the people of Sindh, a community that Ustad Bukhari immortalized through his heartfelt verses. Program was ended with musical concert.
Read: Revolutionary Feminism in Sindh
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