Remembering a Great Legacy: Death Anniversary of Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar Commemorated

A deeply moving event was held at Sughar House to honor the death anniversary of esteemed Sindhi folk poet Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar, a literary icon whose contributions to Sindhi poetry and culture continue to inspire generations. Organized by Hafeez Brothers, the gathering welcomed renowned sughars and poets from all corners of Sindh, as they united to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Ustad Abdul Rahman Mahesar.
The ceremony commenced with heartfelt speeches that celebrated the late poet's life journey and sacrifices. Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar is widely recognized as one of the pioneering figures who paved the way for folk poets in Sindh. He was instrumental in bringing the voices of rural poets to the forefront, advocating tirelessly for them to have platforms such as radio and television to share their artistry. His dedication to enriching Sindhi literature was highlighted by multiple speakers, each reflecting on Mahesar’s unwavering commitment to elevating the status of folk poets, known as sughars, across Sindh.
During the event, President Of Sindh Sughar Abdi Bhalai Tanzeem  presented awards to several accomplished poets in acknowledgment of their contributions to Sindhi folk poetry. Among the award recipients were Sughar Ali Hassan Solangi, Sughar Shabir Abbasi, Sughar Ali Nawaz Langwani, and Sughar Muhammad Panah Piyassi Junejo, each of whom was honored with a certificate and a cash prize. These poets have continued in Mahesar’s footsteps, preserving and enriching the tradition of folk poetry through their dedication and talent.

The gathering also recognized the contributions of Sughar Khalil Rahman, who welcomed all the participating sughars and shared words of appreciation for their commitment to this art form. Khalil Rahman spoke passionately about the unity and pride that define the community of folk poets in Sindh, and the need to keep their legacy alive for future generations.

An emotionally charged moment in the event was when the attendees collectively paid tribute to Mahesar by sharing their own poetic verses, filled with admiration and respect. Many poets shared stories of how Ustad Abdul Rahman Mahesar had personally guided and mentored them, not only as a poet but as a compassionate individual who sacrificed much of his own comfort for the sake of folk poetry. “Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar was one of the sughars who truly struggled to give voice to us all,” said Sughar Ali Gul Gadhi, one of the speakers at the event. He added, “It was because of his relentless efforts that we, the folk poets, gained recognition. He advocated for us, enabling sughars to reach platforms like radio and television. Today, because of him, the poetic voice of Sindh echoes across media and beyond.”

Sughar Ali Gul Gadhi’s words highlighted the immense influence that Mahesar had on the folk poetry community, particularly in how he secured broadcast opportunities that introduced folk poetry to a wider audience. Many attendees recalled how, in his lifetime, Mahesar was relentless in his pursuit to ensure that the art of sughars was shared with as many people as possible. His efforts helped shape the culture of Sindhi poetry as it stands today, where folk poets have access to various media to express their art, a testament to Mahesar’s vision and determination.

The sughars also emphasized Mahesar’s devotion to creating a collective identity among folk poets. According to Sughar Shabir Abbasi, “Ustad Abdul Rahman Mahesar is not only a poet of his time but of all times. His poetry resonates with the spirit of Sindh, capturing its beauty, struggles, and essence. He will be remembered for as long as Sindhi poetry exists.”

Many poets, inspired by Mahesar’s passion, performed their own work, paying homage to his influence on their craft. Through their verses, they conveyed the essence of his legacy and expressed their personal gratitude. Each poet’s recital reinforced the unity and pride that Mahesar instilled within the community of sughars. They collectively described him as an “ustad” (master) who not only shaped their artistic expression but also advocated for their visibility and importance within Sindhi culture.

The evening closed with a solemn note, as the participants prayed for Mahesar’s soul, followed by the announcement of a commitment to organize this tribute annually. Rafiq Mahesar, along with other senior poets, expressed a resolve to keep alive the vision and values that Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar championed throughout his life. He was not just a poet but a crusader for Sindhi culture, inspiring countless sughars to embrace and express their heritage.

In his concluding remarks, Sughar Khalil Rahman encouraged younger generations to follow in Mahesar’s footsteps. He stated, “Our culture’s heartbeat is preserved in poetry, and Ustad Abdul Rahman Mahesar kept that beat alive for us all. It is our duty to carry it forward.”

The death anniversary ceremony of Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar thus turned into a powerful tribute to a literary giant whose life was dedicated to his people and their stories. His contributions to Sindhi literature remain invaluable, and his legacy continues to inspire both established and emerging poets across the region.

Remembering a Great Legacy: Death Anniversary of Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar Commemorated