About Us
June 9th, 2007In a world awash with battle of ideas, it seems timely and urgent to recount the life and legacy of an eminent Afghan scholar and diplomat, the late Abdur Rahman Pazhwak (1919-1995) through this foundation that serves as a repository of his thoughts, deeds, literary writings and poetry. Pazhwak’s life and legacy offer a ray of hope for the future of Afghanistan and illustrate his stride for a free, and just international system.
Pazhwak belongs to the elite ranks of those who dedicated their lives to the betterment of human condition and the service of human potential and freedom worldwide. A study of Pazhwak’s life achievements and struggles attests to his intellectual brilliance and commitment to the cause of liberty and human rights. Indeed, as the world just celebrated the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it may be noteworthy that Ustad Pazhwak was among the authors of the declaration and that the declaration’s passage occurred on his watch as the elected President of the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations.
Today, the launching of this website represents a small step by Pazhwak Foundation, envisioned as a non-profit entity, to organize, translate and disseminate the substantial body of work left behind by Ustad Pazhwak and attempt to make it available to the Afghan people, and audiences in the U.S. and worldwide. Ultimately, Ustad Pazhwak’s legacy and writings belong to the Afghan nation and the universal ideals of humanity. Pazhwak Publications, Inc., the parent organization, reserves copy rights to all of Ustad Pazhwak’s works and aims to collaborate with other foundations, companies and individuals who may share an interest in Ustad Pazhwak’s life and legacy along the road of furthering the universal cause of freedom, democracy and education in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Pazhwak’s themes and messages mostly depict the challenges faced or facing the Afghans, and for that matter the silent suffering caused by tyranny, rigidity and oppression anywhere. Pazhwak’s poetry and short stories are full of imagery and symbolism, but the echoes are unambiguous: human liberty and dignity are inalienable rights bestowed upon individuals by God, regardless of gender, color, social class or race. Ustad Pazhwak’s work seemingly illustrates human yearning for freedom, love and beauty in a world that frequently stifles free choice and expression, in particular in Afghanistan and, to a broader extent, the region.
Additionally, the setting for most of his writings takes the reader to a breath-taking journey of nature and ancient way of life in Afghan villages. As is the case with most of his writings, the journey echoes memories of Ustad Pazhwak’s upbringing in Baghbani, a beautiful village in Surkhroad district of Nangrahar province as well as other locations in Afghanistan and beyond. Throughout his writings, his love for the Afghan culture and inhabitants show combined with his passion to see them and the rest of the world liberated from oppression, deprivation and hardship. His writings gain further significance and relevance considering the tragic unfolding of events in the past few years and attempts by extremists, particularly militant extremists acting under the guise of Islam, to influence our future and the direction of human civilization nowadays.
On this topic, it is relevant and thought-provoking to take special note of Ustad Pazhwak’s perspectives that exemplify his frank and insightful views regarding existing gaps, as well as bridging the divide, between the East and West. Ustad Pazhwak appears critical and restless glaring at the divide, yet ultimately anticipates a convergence of the East and West. In his own words “the East and West both stand in a position of shared spiritual needs and look forward to the absolute divine union of human souls and a true connection of the hearts that beat in the chest of the universe.” Furthermore, the journey in self-examination and reflection portrayed for instance in “Wanderer” aims to challenge the readers and generate a debate about beliefs and biases. The words strive to explicate the longings and frustrations of a young man who is seeking the truth and inevitably takes on the obstacles in the way. The stark observations and passionate objectivity illuminate awareness, celebrate the bonds between men and women, and worship the beauties of nature and faith. Despite hints of futility and discontent, Ustad Pazhwak remains steadfast and loyal to his roots and land while bearing his soul, voicing his concerns and expressing his belief in the union of East and West as the ultimate solution and triumph of humanity.
The original Dari and Pashtu versions of Pazhwak’s poetry and short stories are brilliant, engaging and beautifully written. In my opinion, the philosophical and real life issues raised in these works are worthwhile reading, especially in light of the dangerous trend unleashed by the extremists in the East and West who advocate a clash of civilizations. For the Foundation, however, the task and the objective have been straight forward and humbling: disseminate his works in their original form and language, and attempt to translate as many of these complex and poetic works into the English language as possible.
The website is in its infant stage and I take responsibility for any distortion, shortcomings and mistakes. Hopefully, the Foundation will be able to improve the quality and quantity of materials made available over time, and make it easier for Afghans, Afghan-Americans and others interested in Afghan literature and society to enjoy the richness of Afghan writings and perspectives. I have certainly done my utmost to understand and protect the integrity of Ustad Pazhwak’s writings and thoughts. I hope that readers, Afghan and non-Afghan, truly enjoy this site and take something with them as a result of their exposure to modern Afghan literature and philosophy.
I wish to extend my gratitude to Graham Horwood for creating the website, Homayoon Shinwary for creating the banner, Parween Pazhwak for typing the stories in Dari (my sister and a noted young poet and writer), Debbie Lincoln for edits, Barmak Pazhwak for feedback, Solomon Messing for posting pictures, Ann for creating the picture gallery, and other family and friends whose input and encouragements have sustained me through the years of struggling to gather and preserve Ustad Pazhwak’s poetry, other writings, photographs and memories. I look forward to feedback and support from readers interested in globalizing Afghan literature and contributing to the cause of freedom and stability in Afghanistan and elsewhere. It is a privilege and responsibility for Pazhwak Publications to make Ustad Pazhwak’s writings and thoughts available to readers as best as possible. Thank you for your time and interest.
All the best, Farhad
Farhad F. Pazhwak
Student and grandson of the late Ustad Pazhwak