Abdul Rahman Mahesar

Sughar Abdul Rahman Mahesar, a renowned folk poet and teacher of many other folk poets, hails from the Khairpur Mirs state of Sindh. He was born on November 1, 1945, and completed his education up to matriculation. His family maintained a spiritual connection with the shrine of Pir Pagara. From a young age, he was inclined towards folk poetry and literary arts. His initial teacher in folk poetry was Haji faqeer Mahesar, and he received training in Sindhi folk literature from the famous scholar Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch.Sughar Abdul Rehman Mahesar dies - Newspaper - DAWN.COM - Sughar Abdul Rehman Mahesar diesعبدالرحمان مهيسر : (Sindhianaسنڌيانا) https://encyclopediasindhiana.org/article.php?Dflt=%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%20%D9%85%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%B1
In the literary world, Abdul Rahman Mahesar authored and compiled numerous books, including:
1. "Mahesar Ji Maam" (The Conversations of Mahesar),
2. "Mahesar Ji Moj" (The Joy of Mahesar),
3. "Mahesar Ji Mark" (The Smile of Mahesar),
4. "Mahesar Ji Masti" (The Enthusiasm of Mahesar),
5. "Dr. Baloch San Qurb Bharyoon Kacheryoon" (Intimate Conversations with Dr. Baloch),
6. "Faqir Mian Dad Tariq Jo Riwayatoon" (The Traditions of Faqir Mian Dad Tariq),
7. "Somer Ji Soch" (The Thoughts of Somer),
8. "Zila Khairpur Ja Haal Hayat Sughars" (Living Folk Poets of Khairpur District),
9. "Guni Jo Gun" (The Virtue of Guni),
10. "Daat Ja Deea" (The Lamps of Talent),
11. "Tareekh Derb Mehr Shah Jelani" (The History of Derb Mehr Shah Jelani).
Several other manuscripts and books of his remain unpublished. His association with radio programs began in 1964, and with Pakistan Television (PTV) in 1975. Until his later years, he hosted the folk poets' program "Singhar" on PTV Karachi Center. Abdul Rahman Mahesar received numerous literary awards, some of which are listed below, as provided by Aaqib Uddin Mahesar:
Notable Awards:
1. Sachal Sarmast Award - 1994,
2. Shahbaz Award - 2005,
3. Pakistan Television Award - 2001,
4. Sachal Award - 2001,
5. Qalandar Award - 1997,
6. Ruh Rahan Award - 2004,
7. Muhammad Malook Abbasi Award - 2006,
8. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Award - 2002,
9. Mehran Literary Society Award - 2001,
10. Folk Literature Award - 2002,
11. Sindh Folk Poets Conference Award - 2003,
12. Jalal Khati Award - 2005,
13. Sachal Sarmast Award - 1997,
14. Khairpur Festival Award - 1995,
15. Sindh Folk Poets Conference Award - 2005,
16. Sindh Manak Moti Organization Award - 1997,
17. Khan Sahib Abdul Hamid Jatoi Award - 2006,
18. Latif Gold Medal Award - 1490 A.H.,
19. Silver Medal Award - 1991,
20. Best Pag (Turban) Award - 2005,
21. Haml Faqir Laghari Award - 1990,
22. Sindh Soorya Badshah Award - 2004,
23. Shah Abdul Latif Award - 1998,
24. Radio Pakistan Hyderabad Award - 1980,
25. Mahesar Welfare Organization Award - 1973,
26. Position Award in Speech Competitions - 1961.
A more detailed introduction of Abdul Rahman Mahesar can be found in the book "Mahesar Ji Maam," written by Amanullah Mahesar and published in 1997, while Abdul Rahman was still alive.
Family and Early Life:
Abdul Rahman Mahesar is the son of Hafiz Muhammad Saleh, who was the son of Hafiz Muhammad Aqil, and grandson of Hafiz Abdul Rahman. He was born on November 1, 1945. His early religious education came from his father, Hafiz Muhammad Saleh. He memorized parts of the Quran and completed his English education up to matriculation. Abdul Rahman's uncle, Hafiz Abdul Rahman, was a spiritual guide of the shrine at Gambat and a revered teacher of the Quran. His family also maintained a long-standing spiritual relationship with the ruling families of Khairpur.
Abdul Rahman was the only son of his father, who had faced many hardships regarding the loss of previous sons named Abdul Rahman, but he insisted on keeping the same name for his son born later. This shows the deep conviction and faith of his father.
Children:
Abdul Rahman Mahesar has seven sons and three daughters:
1. Hafeez ur Rehman,
2. Habib ur Rehman,
3. Ajeeb ur Rehman,
4. Khalil ur Rehman,
5. Lateef ur Rehman,
6. Attique ur Rehman,
7. Kaleem ur Rehman
He ensured all his children received education according to his capacity.
Spiritual Connection:
The Mahesar family has long had a spiritual relationship with the shrine of Pir Pagara. Abdul Rahman took an oath of allegiance to Pir Pagara Shah Mardan Shah II and gained spiritual blessings.
Source of Livelihood:
Abdul Rahman's father, Hafiz Muhammad Saleh Mahesar, was both a religious scholar and a successful landowner, owning around 20-25 buffaloes. He was also well-versed in treating animal diseases. Abdul Rahman, during his school years, would bring milk to his teachers. His intelligence and good manners were evident from a young age.
Radio and Television Career:
Abdul Rahman Mahesar became affiliated with Radio Pakistan Hyderabad in 1964. He also participated in programs at Radio Pakistan Karachi and joined Radio Pakistan Khairpur in 1983. From 1975, he was a regular participant in Sindhi programs on Pakistan Television (PTV) Karachi, such as Mehran Rang, Sindh Singhar, Otaq, Kacheri, and Ras Rahan, making significant contributions to Sindhi folk literature.
Awards and Certifications:
1. In 1956, as a student, he won first position in a speech competition at the district level during the "Village Reform Festival" held at Kot Diji, Khairpur.
2. He received the Latif Award at the Shah Latif Conference in 1985.
3. He was awarded the Sachal Sarmast Award for best folk poet in 1994.
4. At the Haml Faqir Laghari festival, he won a trophy in 1991.
5. In 1992, the Sindh Folk Poets Conference in Tando Adam awarded him a silver medal.
6. He received certificates of recognition at Sindh Folk Poets Conferences in Larkana in 1981 and Kandiaro in 1996.
7. In 1996, he was honored at the Khairpur Festival for his excellence in folk poetry.
Mentorship in Folk Poetry:
His first mentor in folk poetry was Haji Faqir Mahesar. Initially, he began by participating in "Dhor" (a form of poetry) gatherings. From there, he moved into other forms of folk poetry. His association with Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch, the "Father of Sindhi Literature," further shaped his literary talents. Under the guidance of this great scholar, Abdul Rahman dived into the ocean of knowledge and produced works that are considered treasures for seekers of folk wisdom and literature.
Category:1945 births
Category:Folk poets
Category:Teachers
Category:2007 deaths
Category:Pakistani people