The Mirza Qaleech Baig Chair of the University of Sindh, Jamshoro organized an insightful lecture on “The Foundational Work of Mirza Qaleech Baig on Shah Latif Studies and the Relevance of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Message in the Present Era” at the Benazir Bhutto Convention Centre here on Wednesday.

Presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri, the event brought together eminent scholars, faculty members and students to reflect on the enduring intellectual and humanistic legacy of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and the pioneering contributions of Mirza Qaleech Baig in Latif studies.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Hafeez Qureshi said that Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s poetry embodied the universal message of love, peace and equality, values that continue to guide humanity today.

“Latif’s philosophy is not confined to spirituality alone,” he said, “it encompasses social justice, women’s empowerment and moral responsibility,” he said.

Dr. Qureshi noted that Sindh had always been rich in poetic tradition and that many poets before and in the Latif’s era echoed similar themes of humanity and devotion.

“To understand Latif’s message in its true spirit,” he said and added that one must also study history and archaeology to understand the poetry of Latif.

Citing the example of the ancient Indian region of Karnataka, he explained that Latif’s verses often reference places and events that required historical context for full appreciation.

Highlighting the scholarly role of Mirza Qaleech Baig, Dr. Qureshi said he compiled more than 800 verses and over 20 melodies (wayees) of Shah Latif and laid the foundation of Latif Studies on academic lines.

“Further research is still needed to explore the sources from which Qaleech Baig collected these compositions,” he added.

He underlined that Latif’s poetry promoted love as the fundamental value of humanity—a force that united all religions and cultures.

He urged educational institutions to integrate Latif’s works into modern curricula so that younger generations remain connected to their intellectual and cultural heritage.

He said Latif’s vision of labor as a form of worship and love for the land offered moral and practical lessons for today’s world, particularly amid growing economic challenges.

He also said that women in Latif’s poetry symbolized courage, steadfastness and truth, rather than mere figures of romantic devotion.

“Latif elevated the Sindhi language to a remarkable intellectual and literary height,” he said and added that Bhittai’s thought was a living philosophy, timeless, evolving and deeply relevant to modern humanity.

Dr. Qureshi also drew attention to the spiritual and ecological dimensions of Latif’s poetry, observing that his work reflects harmony between human beings, nature and the Divine.

He said that Sufism was the essence of Latif’s message—self-realization as the path to God.

Calling for more research and translations, Dr. Qureshi said Latif’s message must reach global audiences. “Latif’s thought is not just a historical treasure but a living philosophy that continues to inspire new meanings in every age,” he concluded.

Later, a question-and-answer session followed, in which students engaged Dr. Qureshi with queries about Shah Latif’s language, early Sindhi poets and interpretive themes in Latif’s poetry.

At the conclusion of the event, the Vice-Chancellor distributed certificates of appreciation to students and staff who actively participated in academic and literary activities organized by the Mirza Qaleech Baig Chair.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Shah, Registrar Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ali Jariko, Naseer Mirza, Prof. Manak Mustafa Shar, Dr. Shazia Patafi, Dr. Fayaz Latif Chandio, Dr. Makhmoor Bukhari, Hissam Mirani, Nadir Ali Mugheri, Muhammad Yousuf Joyo, Sikandar Burdi, Gohar Naz, Ghulam Murtaza Chachar, Dr. Rashid Khuhro and a large number of faculty members and students of the Sindhi Department were present on the occasion.

Director of the Chair Dr. Nawab Kaka expressed gratitude to all distinguished guests and participants for their presence and contributions.

Outside the venue, a bookstall displaying rare publications produced by the Mirza Qaleech Baig Chair also attracted considerable interest from visitors, including the Vice-Chancellor, who keenly browsed and purchased some titles.