Blend of Classical & Modern Feminine Perspective on Love

Introduction:

Parveen Shakir, pronounced as [ˈpəɾʋiːn ʃɑːkɪɾ], was a prominent figure in Urdu literature.

Parveen Shakir Syed was born on 24 November 1952 in Karachi, Pakistan, and passed away on 26 December 1994 at the age of 42 in Islamabad, Pakistan. She is laid to rest at the Islamabad Graveyard in H-8, Islamabad. Parveen Shakir was a poet, teacher, and civil servant, known for her contributions to Urdu literature. She held a BA, MA, and PhD degrees, with Harvard University and the University of Karachi being her alma maters. Shakir’s literary period spanned from 1976 to 1994, during which she excelled in genres like Ghazal, free verse, and prose, with romance being a central theme in her works.

The Literary Movement of Post-Modernism

She was associated with the literary movement of Post-modernism. Among her notable works is “خوشبو” (Khushbu) from 1976. Parveen Shakir received several awards during her career, including the prestigious Pride of Performance award in 1990 and the Adamjee Literary Award in 1976. She was married to Syed Naseer Ali and had a son named Syed Murad Ali.

Talent in Both Prose and Poetry:

Parveen Shakir began her writing journey at a young age, showcasing her talent in both prose and poetry. She contributed columns to Urdu newspapers and wrote articles in English dailies, initially using the pen name “Beena.”

Civil Service of Pakistan:

After teaching for nine years, she entered the Civil Service of Pakistan in October 1982, where she served in the customs department. By 1986, she was appointed as the second secretary of the Central Board of Revenue (now Federal Board of Revenue) in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Exceptional Literary Contributions:

In 1976, Parveen Shakir gained widespread recognition with the publication of her first poetry collection, “Khushbu” (Fragrance). Her exceptional literary contributions led her to receive the prestigious Pride of Performance award in Pakistan.

She went on to publish more volumes of poetry, such as “Sad-barg” (Marsh Marigold) in 1980, “Khud Kalāmi” (Soliloquy), and “Inkār” (Denial) in 1990. These collections were later compiled in “Māh-e-Tamām” (Full Moon).

Additionally, she released a collection of her newspaper columns titled “Gosha-e-Chashm” (Corner of the Eye). Posthumously, her works from diaries and journals were published in “Kaf-e-Āina” (The Mirror’s Edge), further solidifying her legacy in Urdu literature.

Writing Techniques in Parveen Shakir’s Poetry

Parveen Shakir’s poetry showcases a blend of classical tradition and modern sensitivity, particularly in her ghazals and free verse (āzād nazm). In her ghazals, she delves into the feminine perspective on love, romance, and related themes like beauty, intimacy, separation, and distrust.

Metaphors and Similes in Ghazal:

Her ghazals typically consist of five to ten couplets, often interconnected. Shakir skillfully employs metaphors and similes in her poetry to evoke powerful emotions and lyrical beauty. For instance, in one of her renowned couplets, she beautifully captures the essence of fragrance as a metaphor.

Through her adept use of literary techniques, such as metaphors and similes, Parveen Shakir creates a rich and evocative portrayal of the female experience in her poetry, making her work resonate with readers on a profound level.

In Parveen Shakir’s poetry, she skillfully employs metaphors like fragrance, air, and flower to symbolize different aspects of relationships, love, and betrayal. By using metaphors such as butterfly, cloud, rain, storm, and moon, Shakir vividly captures various emotions and experiences in her poetry.

One of Shakir’s poignant metaphors involves loneliness, where she uses the moon to symbolize solitude and separation. Through this metaphorical language, she conveys the profound sense of being alone amidst a world full of transient connections and shared destinies.

Shakir’s iconic couplets, like the one highlighting the wisdom of the younger generation, and her exploration of social issues in her free verse, demonstrate her versatility as a poet who not only delves into themes of love and romance but also fearlessly addresses societal norms and inequalities in her work.

Different Style to Celebrate Femininity:

Parveen Shakir’s poetry delves deep into themes that are often considered taboo, especially when it comes to women’s experiences. She courageously explores the complexities of love, the societal pressures and constraints uniquely faced by women, and the urgent call for gender equality and representation across all spheres of life.

One of Shakir’s notable contributions to Urdu poetry is her use of female pronouns, both in the first and third person, to normalize and celebrate femininity within a traditionally male-dominated literary landscape. This linguistic choice not only gives voice to women but also amplifies the female perspective and experience in her poetry, particularly evident in her ghazals.

Shakir’s personal life, including her challenging divorce and the subsequent loss of custody of her son due to Pakistani legal norms, greatly influenced the themes she explored in her writing. This personal struggle fueled her focus on women’s issues, shedding light on the discrimination and hardships faced by women, especially those like her navigating life as divorcees in a conservative society. Her poetry serves as a poignant reflection of these struggles and a powerful call for change and empowerment.

Shakir’s Legacy in Urdu Poetry

Parveen Shakir’s legacy in Urdu poetry is profound and enduring. Following her premature passing, she has been recognized as one of the most significant modern poets the Urdu language has produced. Revered as a “great poetess,” her work has been likened to that of the renowned Iranian poet Forough Farrokhzad, placing her among the trailblazers who challenged traditional norms by authentically portraying the female experience in Urdu poetry.

Shakir’s poetry stands out for its boldness in addressing taboo subjects and advocating for women’s freedom of expression. Rather than avoiding difficult themes, she fearlessly embraced them, crafting provocative poems that confront the notion of women’s dependence on men. Influenced by her encounters with Pakistani societal norms, she used her poetry as a sanctuary for women battling against misogyny, particularly within the context of South Asian culture.

Her seminal work, “Khushbu,” holds particular significance in this regard. Through this collection, Shakir delved into the theme of separation, exploring not only the emotional solitude experienced by women but also the loss of social standing unjustly inflicted upon them in the absence of a man. Her verses poignantly allude to the multifaceted roles men are expected to fulfill for women, encompassing emotional, physical, financial, and societal dimensions.

Thematic Diversity

Parveen Shakir’s work has garnered recognition from various poets and the media, with accolades highlighting the depth and appeal of her poetry. One source commends her for capturing the essence of Urdu verse, praising her style and diverse expressions that offer stirring and engaging poetry. Another lauds her for the rhythmic flow and refined language evident in her writing.

Renowned literary figure Iftikhar Arif from Pakistan has commended Parveen Shakir for captivating the younger generation with her thematic diversity and realistic poetry. He acknowledges her for redefining the traditional theme of love by articulating her emotions in a simple yet profound manner, utilizing a rich vocabulary to convey a spectrum of thoughts with varying intensities.

The Delhi Recorder has acclaimed Shakir for infusing Urdu poetry with a beautiful feminine perspective, adding a unique touch to the literary landscape.

Parveen Shakir’s influence extended beyond her poetry, inspiring women to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. Her contributions in writing, teaching, and government service motivated many women to venture into sectors like journalism and public service, breaking societal barriers.

The Translation of Shakir’s Works into English:

The translation of Shakir’s works into English has further expanded her reach and impact. Notably, poets like Paiker-e-Hussain and Naima Rashid have translated her poetry, making it accessible to a broader audience. The publication of collections such as “Defiance of the Rose” by Oxford University Press has facilitated the dissemination of Shakir’s poetic brilliance to English-speaking readers.

Parveen Shakir Urdu Literature Festival:

The establishment of the Parveen Shakir Trust in 1994 stands as a testament to Parveen Shakir’s enduring impact on the poetry world. One of the significant initiatives of the Trust is the annual Parveen Shakir Urdu Literature Festival held in Islamabad. This festival serves as a platform to showcase works by various poets, including the esteemed Parveen Shakir, with the aim of fostering awareness and appreciation for traditional Pakistani literary forms and poetry.

The festival is strategically designed to engage the youth, aiming to cultivate a new generation of individuals dedicated to the study and appreciation of poetry. While the primary focus is on the youth, individuals of all ages are encouraged to participate and attend. The organizers of the festival emphasize that the event not only pays tribute to past writers but also seeks to perpetuate their literary influence, fostering creativity and literary engagement among the wider public audience.

Awards and Accolades:

Parveen Shakir’s literary prowess was recognized early in her career when her debut book, “Khushboo,” received the prestigious Adamjee Literary Award in 1976. This accolade marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a celebrated poet. In 1990, she was honored with the Pride of Performance award, a distinguished recognition in Pakistan, underscoring her significant contributions to Urdu literature.

Following her untimely passing, Parveen Shakir’s legacy was further honored through the establishment of the Parveen Shakir Trust by her close friend, Parveen Qadir Agha. The Trust commemorates her memory by organizing an annual event and presenting the “Aks-e-Khushbu” award, keeping her spirit alive in the literary community.

Commemorative Postage Stamp:

In 2013, the Pakistan Post Office issued a commemorative postage stamp valued at Rupees 10 to pay tribute to Parveen Shakir on the 19th anniversary of her passing. This gesture immortalized her impact on Urdu literature and served as a lasting tribute to her poetic legacy.

Tribute:

On the 24th of November 2019, Google honored Parveen Shakir’s 67th birthday by featuring her in a Google Doodle. This gesture by Google highlighted her profound influence and celebrated her enduring legacy as a distinguished poet in the hearts of many.

Personal Life:

Parveen Shakir, a renowned poet, was born on 24th November 1952 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Her father, Shakir Hussain Saqib, was also a poet hailing from Laheriasarai in the Darbhanga district of Bihar, who migrated to Karachi after the partition of India.

Education:

Parveen was a highly educated individual. She obtained two undergraduate degrees, one in English literature and the other in linguistics from Sir Syed Government Girls College. She further pursued MA degrees in the same subjects from the University of Karachi. Additionally, she held a PhD and another MA degree in Bank Administration. In 1982, she qualified for the Central Superior Services (CSS) Examination and later in 1991, she earned an MA degree in public administration from Harvard University.

Family and Death:

Parveen Shakir married a Pakistani doctor, Syed Naseer Ali, with whom she had a son named Syed Murad Ali. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce. Tragically, on 26th December 1994, Parveen Shakir’s life was cut short when her car collided with a bus while she was en route to work in Islamabad, leading to her untimely death.

A road in Islamabad where the accident occurred is now named after her as Parveen Shakir Road in sector F-7, serving as a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy in the literary world.

References:

1.  Jump up to:^a b c Farooqi, Mehr Afshan (2 June 2019). “COLUMN: A BOUQUET OF POETRY”. DAWN.COM. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
2.  Jump up to:^a b “Parveen Shakir Urdu Literature Festival commences”. www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
3.  Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g} “Profile of Parveen Shakir”. urdupoetry.com website. 27 February 2002. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
4.  Jump up to:^a b “Perveen Shakir pioneered use of feminism in poetry”. www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
5. Jump up to:^{a b c d e} “Parveen Shakir birth anniversary”. 30 May 2013. Archived from the original on 30 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
6.  Shakir, Parveen (1976). خشبو [Fragrance] (in Urdu) (2nd ed.). Pakistan: Jahangir Books. p. 99. ISBN 969-8109-02-1.
7.  Shakir, Parveen (1976). خشبو [Fragrance] (in Urdu) (2nd ed.). Pakistan: Jahangir Books. p. 159. ISBN 969-8109-02-1.
8.  Shakir, Parveen (1976). خشبو [Fragrance] (in Urdu) (2nd ed.). Pakistan: Jahangir Books. p. 101. ISBN 969-8109-02-1.
9.  Shakir, Parveen (1976). خشبو [Fragrance] (in Urdu) (2nd ed.). Pakistan: Jahangir Books. p. 239. ISBN 969-8109-02-1.
10.  Jump up to:^a b Tejaswani, K. (2 February 2013). “Woman on Left; Woman on Rights: Poetic Sensibilities of Parveen Shakir” (PDF).

External links:

• Parveen Shakir at IMDb
• Parveen Shakir Ghazals – Parveen Shakir Ghazals on rekhta.org website
• Parveen Shakir Selected Poetry – The Website has research based segregation of Parveen Shakir’s Poetry into Love, Sadness, Social, Political and Religious Poetry
• [1] – Parveen Shakir: A Note and Twelve Poems, by C.M. Naim
• Hashmi – Five poems by Parveen Shakir, translated by Alamgir Hashmi
• Where am I? | Wo bin ich?, Retrieved 19 Jan 2016