HYDER ABAD: The works of Shaikh Ayaz revolted against old-fashioned trends of Sindh and his iconoclastic views attracted people belonging to every walk of life. He opposed centuries-old traditions prevailing in society. These thoughts were expressed by writer and poetess Fehmida Riaz at a programme titled Shaikh Ayaz Mela: celebrating Shaikh Ayaz at a local café on Tuesday.

`Ayaz was an inborn poet who brought about a significant change in Sindhi diction through his popular Sindhi poetry.

He wrote in all genres, including poetry and prose.` She added Shaikh Ayaz was also an educationist as he had held the post of vice chancellor at University of Sindh.

`He would often say life is bigger than ideology but ideology comes out of it [life],` she said.

Regarding his writings in Urdu she said when he wrote his poetry in Urdu he became self-conscious and seemed not much familiar with the language. Therefore, he wrote more in Sindhi. `Sindh is self-sufficient in its literature while Punjab promoted Urdu a lot and enjoyed it more.

According to her Shaikh Ayaz was fortunate that his people were with him while the people were not with Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

She acknowledged his influence on her poetry.

Fehmida said Ayaz was a significant poet, but his works had not reached more people even though he was more popular among his own people. `If anybody read Ayaz`s poetry, he would come to know about the period when he was writing.

She also shared some moments which she had spent with the poet. She then recited works of Shaikh Ayaz which she had translated into Urdu and compiled a book titled Halga Meri Zanjir Ka, and entertained audience with her unique style. At the end of her reading she received a big applause.

A documentary on Shaikh Ayaz was also shown during the programme and Sindhi poetess Rubina Abro paid a poetic tribute to him.

A musical programme was also held in which folk singers Aslam Fakir, Zulfiqar Ali and Mazhar Ali gave outstanding performances.

Writer Amar Sindhu said the progressive, humanist, secular and patriotic genius of Shaikh Ayaz, both in poetry and prose had always been acknowledged, admired and cele-brated in his life and continued af ter his passing away. `Even today, he held a strong influence on contemporary poetry and was a source of inspiration for Sindhi society.

Amar said his contribution to Sindhi literature was immense and incalculable.

`His poetry was an essence of his worldly experience, his dreams, vision and intellect as well as love, rebellion and hatred.

He produced his own diction, imagery and sensibility, which was too profound to separate from the hearts and minds of the class who thought, struggled and created.Giving more details about the Shaikh Ayaz Mela she said remembering Shaikh Ayaz is akin to a creative festivity. With the intent of such festivity, the Khanabadosh writers` café Hyderabad, of which Amar is one of the co-founders, had designed the mela, the first time in the history of Sindhi literature to organise such an event, in order to recall his memories, his works and his genius from Dec 18 to 25.

The festival encompasses a range of events and activities including photo exhibition, recital of his poetry, documentaries and meetings with his family and friends.