The Department of English at the University of Gwadar held a commemorative event on the first anniversary of the renowned Balochi poet, Mubarak Qazi. The Department of English at the University of Gwadar organized a commemorative event on the first anniversary of the renowned Balochi poet, Mubarak Qazi. The event took place in the university's main seminar hall on 18th September 2024 and consisted of three segments, each focusing on different aspects of Qazi’s life and literary contributions.
The program commenced with a warm welcome by Mr. Farooq Baloch, Head of the Department of English, who expressed his gratitude to the attendees. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of exposing students to the works of local poets and writers alongside their studies of foreign literature. "The English Department at Gwadar University goes beyond teaching foreign languages;
The first segment of the program focused on the life and works of Mubarak Qazi. Miss Fatima, an English department student, delivered a comprehensive presentation, providing an in-depth account of the poet’s life, his literary journey, and his published works. Her speech highlighted Qazi’s significant role in Balochi literature, inspiring both contemporary and future generations.
Renowned writer KB Faraq took the stage next and spoke about the thematic depth of Mubarak Qazi’s poetry. He noted that Qazi’s works reflected the socio-political challenges of his time, urging students and scholars to analyze his poetry through modern critical lenses. “His poetry was a mirror of his era, and it remains relevant today,” Faraq remarked.
Amber Samin, a distinguished Balochi poet, engaged in a critical discussion about Qazi’s famous poem, Ushtar Prayat Kant. Samin explored how Qazi used this poem to depict the historical period of oppression and injustice, emphasizing the oral traditions that shaped his storytelling.
Balochi language researcher Dr. Rahim Mehr Baloch praised the simplicity and accessibility of Mubarak Qazi’s poetic expression. “His poems were easy to understand, yet they carried profound messages resonating with people from all walks of life,” Dr. Rahim stated. He further elaborated on the cultural and linguistic contributions of Qazi’s work to the Baloch community.
Poetic recitations and performances took center stage in the second segment of the program. A lineup of poets including Samin Zeb, Azar Murad, Adnan, Ghaffar Shohaz, Wasim Waris, KB Faraq, and Amber Samin captivated the audience with their poetry readings, honoring the memory of Mubarak Qazi. Additionally, in third segment the young poets performed in the musical segment, bringing a creative and emotional depth to the event. Their performances were well-received by the audience, adding a musical layer to the poetic tributes.
The event was masterfully moderated by Mehrul Nisa and Abdul Rehman Shohaz from the English department, who ensured a smooth flow of the proceedings.
A large number of faculty members and students from various departments of the University of Gwadar attended the event, reaffirming the university’s commitment to preserving and promoting Balochi literature and culture.