Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's Poetry: Reflecting Deep Ecological Cognizance and Human Connection to Nature

Abstract

This paper, by establishing a connection between human responses towards nature and ecological awareness, examines how Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (a Sufi poet) depicts and reflects these aspects in his poetry. His verses portray the ecological, philosophical & spiritual themes that pictorially paint the beautiful scenery of his motherland, Sindh Pakistan. The study focuses on the poetic world of Shah Latif, which creates a sacred connection between humans and nature, showing his deep love for environmental awareness. It examines how Shah Latif, in his poems 'Sur Sarang', 'Sur Asa', 'Sur Sasui-Kohiyari', 'Sur Khambat', 'Sur Karayal', and 'Sur Kamod', translated by Elsa Kazi, portrays nature and human interactions with it. The study explores how his ecological vision can be applied to modern Eco-art discussions, offering new perspectives on the relevance of his environmental ideas in today's context. Based on the theoretical framework of Eco-art by Cheryll Glotfelty (1996) and Félix Guattari (1989/1990), as well as other ecological works, this research looks at Shah Latif’s poetry in terms of these concepts concerning his reflections upon nature and viewpoints regarding environmental changes. This study’s specific focus on the representation of the ecological themes in Shah Latif’s poetry, his delineation of environmental issues, respect for nature and the promulgation of awareness among folks adds more to the dynamics of Eco-art in contemporary literature.