Pashto Language Blog

The purpose of today’s blog entry is to acknowledge the services extended by Professor Mangel to Pashto Literature. Professor Mangel has wide portfolio that extends to Pashto drama, Pashto Ghazal, Pashto Nazam, and Pashto Novels, and Pashto Translations. His contribution to the Pashto literature is indispensible and he is considered an authority in Pashto literature.

The real name of Aseer Mangel is Isam-ud-din, and he was born in 1956. Unfortunately he did not receive a formal education during his early childhood. In 1976, he left for Abu Dhabi, but was forced to return to Pakistan and seek admission in local college. Aseer graduated in 1981, obtained a masters degree in 1983, and joined the town library as librarian in 1983. In December 1986, Aseer join the Press Information Department in Peshawar and started his professional career as an editor. After passing the public service commission exam in 1991, he was then appointed as Lecturer at Government Degree College Tangi. Currently Aseer Mangel is serving as Assistant Professor Government Post Graduate College, Nowshehra.

Some of his scholarly contribution to the Pashto Literature include “Kojdan”— a Pashto drama, “Tarla”— Pashto novel, “Da Karami pa Gharha” – a novel, “Shago key Ragona” – autobiography, “Fasana-e-Kohsar” – translation of some of the finest Pashto novels and dramas into Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, “Kohsaroo key ye Loog” – Pashto translation of Tahir Afridi Novel, “Pashto Afsany Key Saw Saal” a historical overview of the step by step development of the Pashto novels during the past 100 years, “Apshama” the collection of Aseer Mangal Ghazals and Nazams, and “Da Rangoono Baheer” which is the collection of some of the finest Ghazels.

I feel that Aseer Mangel has unparallel talent and craze for poetry, and this could be confirmed by going through his book “Apshama.” While reading various Nazams and Ghazals in the book, the reader feels enchanted by the sweet words of Aseer Mangel. In addition the literature work of Professor Sahib may be regarded as a starting point for understanding Pashto literature. A good way to start and get an initial idea about the Pashto literature and its history is “Pashto Afsany Kay Saw Saal.” This work presents the historical overview of the Pashto novels during the last 100 years.

Professor Preshan Khattakk, whose real name was Gahami Jan Khattakk, was born in on 10^th December 1931 in Karak. From the very beginning, Professor Preshan Khatak showed exceptional intelligence and creativity. He got his early education in his village, then went on to obtain a Masters Degree in History, and joined Pashto Academy (Department of Pashto at Peshawar University) as Assistant Research Officer. Due to his exceptional talent and leadership skills, he was then named as Director and then Chairman of the Pashto academy. He was then given the charge of Vice chancellor at Gomal University Dera Ismaeel Khan.

Professor Preshan Khattakk is known as an unmatched scholar not only in Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa province of Pakistan but throughout the country. His contribution to Pashto literature is unparalleled.  His book (in Urdu) entitled, “Pashtoon Koon” (Who are Pashtoons ?) was one of the best sellers throughout the country, and is considered an authoritative reference on its subject matter. Professor Pareshan Khattak has written various masterpieces in Pashto literature including “Drana Pakhto” and “Leek Dood.” In addition, Professor Sahab has published his poetry under the title of  “Tanakay” and “Hagha Dwa Malalaye Stargay.”

The poetry of Professor Pareshan Khatakk is mostly in the form of Nazam, and Ghazaal and most of his works are considered as masterpieces in Pashto Literature. The reader while going through the contents of his poetry becomes enchanted in the selection of words and the philosophy shaping his poetry. His books entitled “Pukhtana Kochay,” “Dozakhi Pakhto,” “Drana Pukhtana,” “Khyber,” “Iteraff,” and “Aziza Meena” are popular not only in Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa, but also throughout Afghanistan. Professor Pareshan Khattak died of heart failure on 9^th April 2009, and was buried in Hayat Abad Peshawar.

The Afghan American Youth Council is a US-based non-profit organization that works for the wellbeing of the people of Afghanistan on multiple fronts including economic uplifting, cultural awareness, and social awareness. The organization was formed by Afghan natives residing in the United States who have a need to help people living in their home country.

The Afghan American Youth Council, collects funds from various individuals within the USA as well as other parts of the world. The funds that are collected by the organization are then used for various carefully chosen projects. The Afghan American Youth Council has had the privilege to host various events outside Afghanistan that are intended to promote and raise awareness around Afghan culture. The organization recently participated in a parade that was held at the Fairplex in Pomona where they were able to spread awareness around Afghan culture to the thousands of people in attendance.

In addition the organization arranged different events including the Afghan Art & Film Festival that was held in June 2005. The event may be regarded as revolutionary because it was the first organized showcase of Afghan culture in USA. The Afghan Art & Film Festival was held in major cities in New York, Virginia, California, and Canada.

The Afghan Jeshen (celebration) Festival was held on the day of liberty for the country — August 21st 2005 in Marina Del Ray Burton Chase Park. Approximately 500 guests belonging to different sectors attended.

The Afghan American Youth Council also organized the Eid Benefit Concert in January 2005 at the Hilton Hotel in South Bay, CA. The funds generated from the concert were used to finance the medical training program held in Afghanistan. In addition the organization is working with and providing support for non-governmental organizations like Muslim Aid, Malalay Elementary School, and Islamic Relief.

It is believed that organizations like Afghan American Youth Council not only help raise cultural awareness around the country in the rest of the world but also, through their benevolence and humanity help people in different parts of the world work for the betterment of their natives who have existed in calamities for decades.