Book on Waris Shah launched at Lok Virsa

Islamabad
The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) on Friday launched a book on the life and works of renowned Punjabi 'sufi' poet and saint Waris Shah. The book is based on the research of three eminent scholars of Punjabi literature, Sajjad Haider, Professor Sharif Kunjai and Muhammad Asif.
The book launching ceremony was held at the Lok Virsa Complex, Garden Avenue, Shakarparian. Well known author, poet, columnist Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi was the chief guest on the occasion.
Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi appreciated the initiative of Lok Virsa in bringing out the publication and highlighting the contribution of Waris Shah.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr. Fouzia Saeed said that the promotion of Pakistani culture and safeguarding the cultural values of the people of the country is the prime objective of Lok Virsa. “We have published the book on Waris Shah on priority among the books that were recommended for publication under our ongoing publication programme,” she said.
The book launching was followed by musical performance of ‘Heer’ by famous singer Arieb Azhar and traditional ‘Heer’ singers affiliated with the shrine of Waris Shah at Jandiala Sher Khan Taimur Afghani, Taimur Chaudhri, Fareeha Nawaz and Sain Bodi.
A large number of people from different walks of life attended the event and appreciated the thrilling performances given by the artistes.
Waris Shah is known for his contribution to Punjabi literature. He is best known for ‘Heer Ranjha’, based on the traditional folktale of ‘Heer’ and ‘Ranjha’. ‘Heer’ is considered one of the quintessential works of classical Punjabi literature. The story of ‘Heer’ was also told by several other writers, but Waris Shah's version is by far the most popular today and is most widely quoted.