Sufi renditions mark book launch

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 10

To the world, he is known as Bakhtwar Singh, a PCS officer, an administrator and a man of power. But to the literary community in city and region, he is known as Bakhtwar Mian, a poet and a promoter of folk artists, who otherwise are lost in oblivion if not for this celebrated facilitator.

Known among his peers for his touch of mysticism and uninhibited verse, Bakhtawar launched his second book of poetic compilations titled ‘Jogi Raavi Kinare Rehnda’ at Punjab Naatshala here today.

The evening was further celebrated with renditions of Bakhtawar’s poetry by young sufi artistes Yakoob and the famous Nooran sisters, who were once picked up by the poet himself and given a launch pad.

The book has 70 poetic verses, all inspired by experiences of his past and present, woven with themes of Sufism. He said, “I consider myself a mystic, though I was not always one, but as my writing progressed, so did my inclination towards the abstract grew as well.”

“I meditate a lot sometimes that cuts me off from my family and other people around me. But it brings me closer to my thoughts, my poetry,” he added.

Earlier, Bakhtawar had launched his book of poetry compilation titled ‘Paar Chenab De Usda Dera’. He is inspired by singers like Barkat Sidhu, who also gave him the suffix ‘Mian. A celebrated writer among his peers, Bakhtawar said the status of Punjabi literature and poetry needs a fresh boost as something is definitely a miss.

He said, “Since past few years, there have been several young and upcoming poets, but none could connect with the audience. The reason can be that there is something missing, maybe authenticity of thought. The audience needs to connect with the verse. The people will definitely start picking up Punjabi poetry books again.”

The evening was made entertaining by soulful performances of sufi singers Yakoob and Nooran sisters Sultana and Jyoti. Always excited while performing at Punjab Naatshala, the Nooran sisters said as long as they had an intimate audience, they do not mind if the platform was big or small. “Amritsaris have always appreciated our music,” said Jyoti Nooran.

With a great line up of Bollywood films with their songs like ‘Sultan’ and Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’, they say Bollywood was open to their kind of music. “Good music works anywhere, whether films or live shows. One has to sing from his/her heart and connect with the audience at a deeper level. We grew up learning music and it’s like ibadat to us,” said Jyoti.