Farigh Bukhari, born as Syed Mir Akbar Shah on 11 November 1917 in Peshawar, was a pioneering literary figure whose multilingual contributions left an indelible mark on South Asian literature. Widely recognized by his pen name, Farigh Bukhari (فارغ بخاری), he emerged as a prominent poet, writer, and translator deeply involved in political and social commentary through his literary work.
Early Life and Literary Journey
Raised in British India, in what is now modern-day Pakistan, Bukhari began writing at a remarkably young age in 1934. His early exposure to Urdu poetry culminated in his participation at a mushaira in Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he recited his first ghazal under the supervision of Urdu poet Raza Ali Wahsat. This marked the beginning of a literary journey that would span over six decades.
His writing, characterized by emotional depth and imaginative language, often carried undertones of protest, humanism, and social justice. He wrote in Urdu, Pashto, and Hindko, making his work accessible to a broad audience across linguistic and ethnic lines.
A Progressive Voice in Literature
Farigh Bukhari was associated with the Progressive Writers’ Movement, a collective of writers who used literature to challenge colonial rule, promote equality, and oppose war and oppression. His poetic voice was particularly critical of military aggression, as seen in his reaction to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. His poetry collection titled The Tragedy of East Bengal is a moving account of the political and human cost of the conflict in former East Pakistan.
In 1952, he published Zairo Bam, an Urdu collection that resulted in a raid on his home by local police. Authorities accused him of possessing the formula for an explosive device called the “zero bomb,” leading to his arrest. Despite this, Bukhari remained committed to writing on themes like pluralism, justice, and peace.
Contributions to Pashto and Hindko Literature
Alongside Raza Hamdani, Bukhari played a pivotal role in introducing Urdu literature to the Pukhtuns of Attock and translating Urdu works into Pashto, becoming a key figure in the literary fusion of languages in 20th-century Peshawar. He is remembered as one of the earliest multilingual poets from the region who bridged cultural and linguistic divides.
Notable Works
Farigh Bukhari’s bibliography reflects a rich and diverse literary output, touching on folklore, romanticism, resistance, and political activism. Some of his notable works include:
- Sarhad Ke Lok Geet (1974)
- Albam (1978)
- Khushboo Ka Safar (1978)
- Farigh’s Poems: Songs of Love & Struggle (1982)
- Piyasi Haath (1982)
- Dusra Albam: Qalmi Khake (1982)
- Ghazaliyya (1983)
- Tahrik-i Azadi Aur Bacha Khan (1991)
His book Tahrik-i Azadi Aur Bacha Khan documented the freedom movement led by Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a noted Pashtun leader and non-violent activist. This book was later published by the University of California in 2007, well after his death, underlining its enduring significance.
Legacy and Death
Farigh Bukhari passed away on 13 April 1997 in his hometown of Peshawar, leaving behind a legacy of resistance poetry, cross-cultural literary advocacy, and progressive thought. Today, his work continues to inspire generations of writers and thinkers in Pakistan and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Farigh Bukhari was more than a poet—he was a bridge between cultures, a voice for the voiceless, and a literary warrior against injustice. His multilingual writings brought together communities divided by language and politics. His commitment to truth and justice through literature places him among the most influential writers of 20th-century South Asia.
SEO Keywords: Farigh Bukhari, Urdu poets of Pakistan, Pashto literature, Progressive Writers’ Movement, Peshawar poets, multilingual poets, Tahrik-i Azadi Aur Bacha Khan, Urdu poetry on politics, writers of East Bengal conflict
Would you like this formatted for a specific blog platform like WordPress or Medium?