By Syed Shams Uddin
Sarfaraz Aakash, a distinguished Urdu poet hailing from Damote, Sai Valley, Gilgit, made his long-awaited public appearance recently, thanks to the commendable efforts of the Gilgit Media Network (GMN). The network deserves immense recognition for bringing to the spotlight a poet of such grand stature, whose reclusive nature has kept him away from the public eye for far too long. Special acknowledgment is also owed to Sher Alam Shehbaz, who played a pivotal role in reaching out to Sarfaraz Aakash and persuading him to share his poetic gems with the world. Aakash, known for his aversion to publicity and his quiet dedication to the craft, has finally graced us with his profound literary presence.
In a remarkable display of poetic prowess, Aakash introduced himself to the audience with a striking couplet that immediately commanded attention, offering a glimpse into his mastery over composition, diction, and the grandeur of his expression. The sheer sophistication of his opening verse hinted at the heights of his poetic standing and set the stage for what was to follow. As he read out his verses, the audience must have been left in awe of the effortless flow and the deep mystic themes woven throughout his poetry. His words resonated with a rare depth and spiritual insight, captivating all who listened.
This moment was nothing short of extraordinary, revealing that even in the remote valleys of this land, poets of such caliber exist, carrying within them complete and presentable Diwans that rival those of renowned literary figures. Sarfaraz Aakash's emergence is not just a significant cultural event but a testament to the richness of Urdu poetry flourishing in the unlikeliest of places, inviting us to delve into the mystic beauty of his verse and the profound wisdom it imparts.
Aakash's contentment in quietly pursuing his poetic endeavors and his apparent disregard for fame or publication has kept his Diwan, a complete collection of his verse, away from the literary world’s embrace. The hallmark of his poetry lies in the depth of his introspective Sufi themes, the elegance of his diction, and the effortless grace with which his verses flow, all of which demand to be shared with a wider audience. It is a disservice to the present generation and those to come that his grand work remains confined to his personal sphere.
In light of this, it is imperative that the literary community—particularly Arbab-e-Zaoq Gilgit—take up the mantle of reaching out to Sarfaraz Aakash. They must persuade him to publish his Diwan, thus enriching the ongoing literary activities in the region and offering a lasting contribution to Urdu literature. Such an effort would not only bring immense cultural value but also align perfectly with the majestic pursuits of the literary circle in Gilgit. The publication of his Diwan would be a testament to the vibrant literary heritage of this land, ensuring that his poetry, with all its grandeur and mysticism, serves as a beacon for generations to come.
A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...
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