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June 11th, 2007Welcome to Pazhwak Foundation. The website intends to serve a variety of purposes, but primarily exists to act as an online repository of Abdur Rahman Pazhwak’s life works, ideas and memories (1919-1995). As such, it is home to Ustad Pazhwak’s life and legacy (Ustad is traditionally an honorific term or title conferred upon master artists, scholars and poets). Pazhwak Foundation, reserves intellectual property rights to all of Ustad Pazhwak’s works and aims to collaborate with other foundations, corporations 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 globally. Copying, printing and sharing of materials online are permitted, unless otherwise stated. Publishing a collection of Ustad Pazhwak’s works, however, requires prior permission and agreement.
Furthermore, in a world awash with battle of ideas likely to determine the fate of Afghanistan and beyond, it seems timely and urgent to recount the life and legacy of a contemporary and preeminent Afghan scholar and diplomat. Pazhwak’s story and thoughts truly depict the national ethos of Afghans and offer a ray of hope for the future of Afghanistan while illuminating his stride and ideas for freedom and peace worldwide.
Ustad 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. His achievements and struggles attest to his intellectual brilliance and commitment to the cause of liberty and human rights. For instance, it may be noteworthy that Ustad Pazhwak played an important role in the drafting and final passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an advocate and 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 and independent entity, to organize, translate and disseminate the substantial body of work left behind by Ustad Pazhwak. The hope is to provide materials to scholars, journalists, students and other audiences, Afghan and international, who may be interests in recent Afghan history and contemporary Afghan literature. In my opinion, Ustad Pazhwak’s legacy ultimately belongs to the Afghan nation and the universal ideals of humanity and liberty.
Pazhwak’s writings as an author and poet mostly depict the challenges faced or facing the Afghans and human beings in general, woven with his sentiments and beliefs, to draw attention to the silent suffering caused by tyranny, rigidity and oppression anywhere. Pazhwak’s poetry and short stories are full of imagery, symbolism and sincerity entailing unambiguous messages that: human liberty and dignity are inalienable rights bestowed upon individuals by God, regardless of gender, color, social class or race. Ustad Pazhwak’s writings seemingly illustrates human yearning for freedom, spirituality, love and beauty in a world that frequently stifles free choice and expression.
Additionally, the settings for some of his writings take the reader to a breath-taking journey of nature, life in Afghan villages, ancient Afghan history and the affairs of human heart and mind. Some of his writings also echo his youthful memories of growing up in Baghbani, his native and beautiful village in Surkhroad district of Nangrahar province where he is laid to rest. Moreover, throughout his writings, his love for the Afghan culture and inhabitants show combined with his passion to see them liberated from oppression, deprivation and hardship. His writings and example perhaps gain further significance and relevance considering the tragic unfolding of events in the past few years and attempts by militant extremists to affect Afghanistan’s culture and direction.
On this topic, it is noteworthy again that Ustad Pazhwak’s perspectives show the contrast between those who sincerely wish to promote the common interests of humanity by bridging the gaps and those who would rather amplify the divides. For example, Wanderer, a short sentimental story ultimately anticipates a convergence of the East and West. In Ustad Pazhwak’s 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.” His other writings also reflect his critical outlook and passionate objectivity to illuminate awareness, celebrate the bonds between men and women, and worship the beauties of nature and faith.Despite occasional hints of frustration and futility, Ustad Pazhwak almost always remains hopeful, steadfast and principled, while bearing his soul, voicing his concerns, and expressing his belief in Afghan exceptionalism and the ultimate triumph of freedom and human civilization.
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 to understand the complexity of Afghan society, national values and challeneges ahead for the Afghans, especially as the dark forces of extremism attempt to spread chaos, fear and hatred. For the Foundation, however, the task and the objective remain straight forward and humbling: disseminate Ustad Pazhwak’s body of works in their original form and attempt to translate as many of these complex and poetic works into English and other languages 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 to readers over time, and make it easier for Afghans, Afghan-Americans and others interested in Afghan literature and society to enjoy the richness of Afghan literature and perspectives. I have certainly done my utmost to understand and protect the integrity of Ustad Pazhwak’s writings and thoughts and memories. 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, Hashber Shinwary for creating the banner, Parween Pazhwak for typing materials in Dari (Parween is a noted contemporary poet and writer on her own rights), Barmak Pazhwak for feedback and edits, Solomon Messing for technical assistance, Ann Duchez for setting up the picture gallery, and my parents whose support and encouragement have been crucial to preserving Ustad Pazhwak’s legacy. I look forward to feedback and support from readers and partners 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 Foundation in conjunction with 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