Swedish Nobel Laureate’s poetry translated into Urdu

LAHORE
The poetry of Swedish Nobel Laureate Erik Axel Karlfeldt has been translated into Urdu and published in Pakistan through the efforts of Fakhar Zaman. The book has been translated into Urdu by eminent writer Asim Butt and published by the National Book Foundation.
Early this year, Fakhar Zaman was in Sweden when a function was arranged in his honour by the mayor of Avesta, a well known city of Iron museums, historical importance and the home city of the Swedish poet. There it was decided that Karlfeldt's poetry should be translated into Urdu. As mentioned in the foreword to the book, Fakhar Zaman has said that Karlfeldt was a poet par excellence and his poetry exudes the freshness of imagery reflected in his fullest profundity in the fragrance of flowers, beauty of lush green meadows, pristine waterfalls, idyllic vistas, glistening snow, rustle of the yellow autumn leaves and the swaying pine trees.
Zaman further says that Karlfeldt poems are as innocent as the smile of the child and as pure as the tears of a lonely heart. He continues that Karlfeldt unique poetry is not limited to one country rather it transcends all borders, religions and all creeds. He concludes that this book will further strengthen the cultural and literary ties between Sweden and Pakistan.
Renowned Swedish living poet Peter Curman has termed Karlfeldt’s poetry as a melodious song of the blackbird who always returns to the landscape of Dalarna where Karlfeldt was born in 1864 and died in 1934. Distinguished Swedish scholar Dr. Christer Asberg has praised the different shades of Karlfeldt ‘s poetry, especially his human dimensions, intellectual broad mindedness and overwhelming affection for the people at large.
Organiser of Karlfeldt Association Ms. Karin Peres has said that early next year there will be a big celebration on the literary works of Karlfeldt and an international conference will also be held on peace and poetry in Avesta. Fakhar Zaman told this correspondent that the book launch will take place both in Lahore and Islamabad in the first week of December where the Swedish Ambassador to Pakistan will hopefully participate as chief guest.