Sindhi poet Hassan Dars met his untimely death early on Thursday morning in the Hydrabad city following a tragic road accident.
Affectionately known as Dado (grandfather), the 45-year-old left behind a grieving widow, three children and hundreds of admirers who mourn the loss of an inspirational and socially active literary figure.
Born in the scenic village of Mashaikh Hothi within Tando Allahyar district, Hassan’s ascent to writing poetry began at an early age while he was attending primary school. He accredited his literary foundations to the wisdom and guidance of his teachers who encouraged students to read books as well as write in order to bring honor to their families.
His hobby of composing poetry encouraged him to learn more about Sindhi culture through frequent visits to villages where he would interact with people who sang folk songs, elders who would impart endless tales from the past and folklore writers. These encounters enriched his understanding of poetry and language, in addition to expanding his cultural knowledge.
Hassan was a poet by nature and would often recite his works with eminent Sindhi poet Shaikh Ayaz (late), who used to encourage him to continue writing poetry.
His marriage to fellow poet Amar Mahboob served to enhance his eminence among admirers, as the couple earned a great deal of respect in Sindh through their different styles of writing.
During his early years, the struggle for democracy had inspired young artists, singers journalists, poets as well as writers to use their respective instruments to advocate social change across the country. This was a time when Sindhi poetry flourished, as hundreds of books on poetry and short stories were published, which focused on the resistance of the masses.
Following the trend, Hassan too wrote several long poems which were translated later in Urdu and English. These writings were published in various books and periodicals, but a single compilation of his work has yet to be released. Several renowned singers have used his poetry in their music.
Inspired by Sufi poets as well as singers, Hassan traveled across the province to participate in Sufi festivals and pay homage to the shrines of saints. His journeys were not restricted to Sindh, as he visited parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa and Punjab.
Ashfaque Soomro, a close friend of the deceased, said that the legendary poet had a logical approach to life and he would use his poetry to highlight the grievances of his people. “He was a symbol of modern thought in Sindhi literature as well as society. His unique and logical thought separated him from other poets. Hassan was a catalyst for social change as well as an anthropologist who was committed to his cause.”
A multifaceted individual, Dars love for local horses prompted him to form a Sindhi horse lovers club which welcomed the membership of traditional riders and horse lovers. It was the first time that a different class of traditional Sindhi society was brought together on such a unique platform.
His repertoire of talents extended to journalism as well, as Dars has edited many Sindhi publications and had also written creative columns in which he commented on nature and politics. He worked in broadcast media as well and several documentaries are accredited to his name.
Renowned critic of Sindhi literature Rauf Nizamani commented that Hassan Dars was the poet of politics and romance. “I have read many of his poems, all of which were exceptional in terms of metaphoric language and flow. He had different ideas and a unique way of writing poetry. His death is a great loss for Sindhi literature,” he lamented.
Regarding the circumstances surrounding his friend’s death, Soomro demanded that there should be an official inquiry about the accident and the government should take step to improve road safety as well as emergency medical services.
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