Naveed Miraj, Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, highlighted the contributions of the legendary Kazakh philosopher, thinker, and poet, Abai Qunanbaiuly, to literature, culture, and societal progress on Monday.
Addressing a book launching ceremony for ‘The Book of Words’ and a Kazakh-Urdu-English Phrase Book at the National Library of Pakistan, Ambassador Kistafin eloquently traced the remarkable journey of Abai Qunanbaiuly, from his humble beginnings in the shadow of the Chingiz Mountain to his emergence as a beacon of enlightenment in Kazakh society.
He emphasized that Abai Qunanbaiuly was a towering figure in Kazakh literature and culture.
The event, graced by esteemed guests and dignitaries, including the Director General of the NLP, Asif Iqbal Khan, General Director of the Diplomatic Insight group of companies, Muhammad Asif Noor, President of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Dr. Farhat Asif, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, Dr. Saad S. Khan, Director of the Institute of Educational Technology at Allama Iqbal Open University, Mr. Irfan Ali Ansari, and former DG of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, Dr. Khalid Iqbal Yasir, showcased the profound impact of Abai’s contributions to literature, culture, and societal progress.
With a blend of historical insight and personal reflection, Ambassador Kistafin painted a vivid portrait of Abai’s multifaceted genius. From his early years steeped in traditional Kazakh nomadic culture to his later exploration of Russian and European literature, Abai’s quest for knowledge and social justice shaped his literary oeuvre and philosophical outlook.
The ambassador underscored Abai’s unwavering commitment to societal progress, noting his advocacy for education, women’s empowerment, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Despite facing adversity and personal tragedy, Abai remained steadfast in his principles, leaving an indelible mark on Kazakh literature and identity.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of Abai’s magnum opus, “The Book of Words,” a collection of poems and philosophical reflections that transcends cultural boundaries.
Ambassador Kistafin introduced the audience to this timeless masterpiece, emphasizing its universal themes and global reach through translations into multiple languages, including Urdu and the four official languages of Pakistani provinces.
In a historic collaboration between the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) and Kazakh National University al-Farabi (KazNU), the first-ever phrasebook was presented, further strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
As the event concluded, Ambassador Kistafin expressed gratitude to all attendees for their support and envisioned continued collaboration between Kazakhstan and Pakistan in the realms of literature, culture, and academia. With Abai Qunanbaiuly’s legacy as a guiding light, the bonds between these brotherly nations are set to flourish, inspiring future generations of writers, thinkers, and activists.
