Condolence: Glowing tributes paid to Wakhi icons, Dr. Boghshoh and Pir Ali

PT Report

Islamabad, February 8: Speakers paid glowing tributes to recently deceased Professor Dr. Boghshoh Lashkarbek and Pir Ali, two literary icons of the Wakhi community who played an important role in preservation and promotion of the Wakhi language and culture, at a condolence reference held today in the federal capital. The condolence reference was jointly organized by the Initiative for Promotion of Pamiri Arts and Culture (IPPAC) and Pamir Times, in collaboration with Gojal Educational and Cultural Association (GECA).

Dr. Boghshoh was a Mascow based linguist and scholar who contributed a lion’s share to the research on various Pamiri languages, including Wakhi.

Renowned poet and singer, Pir Ali, was a lover of nature and a Wakhi poet and singer. He also served at the court of the state of Hunza during his youth, before the state was abolished in 1974.

The condolence reference was addressed among others by Dr. Beatte Reinhold, a renowned scholar of the Wakhi language, from Munich, Germany. She highlighted the intellectual contributions of Dr. Boghshoh and paid tributes to him for his role in development of the Wakhi and other Pamiri languages.

From Gilgit, the condolence reference was addressed through Skype by by Alwaiz Muhammad Aslam, renowned anthropologist and linguist Fazal Amin Beg and Sultan Ahmad. They were joined by other members from the Wakhi community. Mirali, a Japan based Wakhi poet and activist, also addressed the condolence reference on Skype.

In Islamabad, the condolence reference was attended by a large number of people, including a few women. Speaking at the occasion Farman Ali, Ghlam Amin Baig, Azam Baig Tajik and others highlighted the life and work of Dr. Boghshoh, while also sharing details of their association with the professor. The speakers also said that appreciating literary icons and artists is vital for promotion and preservation of the Wakhi language and culture. They urged the society to reward.

Speaking at the occasion, renowned social figure, Gohar Shah said that it is responsibility of the new generation to build on the works of Pir Ali and Dr. Boghshoh and play an effective role in promotion of the unique heritage of the Wakhi community.

Haider Murad, as artist, polo player and poet, shared details about the personality and life of Pir Ali. He said that late Pir Ali was in love with flowers and he used to converse with nature by talking to the flowers in his songs. Pir Ali was also comfortable in singing in Persian, Burushaski, Khowar and Shina, said Murad.

Fazal Rehman Shirin Sado sang an eulogy in praise of the deceased literary icons. Renowned performer and anchor, D.W.Baig, also sang a eulogy in praise of Dr. Boghshoh, written by Fazal Amin Beg and composed by D.W. Baig.

Video of a short informal talk by Dr. Boghshoh in 2011 was also shown during the gathering. It had been recorded by Pamir Times and uploaded on its Youtube channel back then.

Read more about Dr. Boghshoh: http://pamirtimes.net/2014/02/03/professor-lashkarbekov-boghshoh-renowned-linguist-anthropologist-passed-away-moscow/