Re: Bulleh Shah and Punjab University
Like all sufis Bulleh Shah didn’t go on to malign a particular personality. His over all poetry gives message of harmony and equality. Making some of his poems controversial and leaving other non-controversial poetry by him is the fear of right winger like first Head of Punjabi Department of Punjab University. Can anyone say that none of Bulleh Shah’s poetry is thought provoking. If he was that bad, why he is now included in Punjab University syllabus? Why the same people couldn’t resist with proper reasoning not to include him in syllabus?
I gave you example of Waris Shah’s poetry and quotes from Sultan Bahoo against the pre-concieved notions / rituals and I can brought many from Shah Latif’s poetry too. Waris Shah did portrayed problems and vices done in his era, without being protective of such rituals and didn’t keep silence just because these were performed by respected clergy and so does other Sufis including Bulleh Shah. Rituals are part of religions, but no ritual is above humanity and talking against exploitation through rituals is not a bad idea IMHO. You may disagree to it.