By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
The real name of the Sindhi language resistance poet Haleem Baghi is Abdul Haleem son of Muhammad Somar Saand. He was born on March 13, 1963 in the historical village of Rohal Wai near Umerkot, District Umerkot. He received his primary education from Haji Kali Khan Khosi Primary School and his secondary education from Government High School Umerkot. He obtained M.A. (Sindhi), B. Pharmacy, B.Ed and M.Ed from University of Sindh. He started poetry in 1977-78. His poetry is very popular among the younger and progressive generation of Sindh. His maternal uncle Juman Darbadar is also a poet. Thus, it is as if poetry was inherited by Haleem Baghi from his family. Nestled in the cultural heartland of Umerkot, Sindh, Haleem Baghi emerged as one of the most powerful nationalist voices in Sindhi literature. A poet, thinker, and passionate advocate for social justice, Baghi dedicated his life and words to uplifting the oppressed and awakening the conscience of society.
He started writing poetry in 1977-78. Ghazal, Nazm, Vai and Bait are his favorite genres. Haleem Baghi’s poems are masterpieces of resistance and romance, which have influenced many young poets of Sindh, but they are also very popular with ordinary readers. Haleem Baghi’s name is considered a representative poet among the young generation in modern Sindhi poetry. His collection of poetry “Shahr-e-Janan” has been published three times. Baghi’s upbringing in the harsh realities of rural Sindh marked by drought, poverty, and social inequality deeply shaped his worldview. From an early age, he was drawn to literature and the revolutionary spirit of Sindhi poetry. Over time, his pen became a weapon against tyranny, feudalism, and authoritarianism. His work became widely known for giving voice to the voiceless, particularly the marginalized communities of Thar and Sindh.
Haleem Baghi was not merely a literary figure; he was also deeply engaged in progressive political movements. He used poetry not just for artistic expression, but as a means of political resistance. His verses were often recited at protests, literary gatherings, and cultural events, resonating with the struggles of everyday people. His words had rhythm, but more importantly, they had a revolutionary pulse. In 2004, his selected poetry was compiled and published in a powerful anthology titled “Aray Shehr Jaana”. The book cemented his place in Sindhi literary history and offered readers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a poet who refused to stay silent in the face of injustice. His work spans themes of nationalism, identity, resistance, and hope blending romanticism with radicalism in a uniquely Sindhi voice.
Baghi’s poetry draws influence from the Sufi traditions of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and the progressive ideology of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. His diction was simple yet potent, making his work accessible to all, especially rural audiences. This ability to bridge intellectual thought and grassroots reality made him a beloved figure across Sindh.
Even today, years after the publication of his book, Haleem Baghi’s poetry continues to inspire a new generation of writers, activists, and cultural workers. In classrooms, literary circles, and protest marches, his verses live on reminding us that in the fight for dignity and justice, poetry can be both a torch and a sword. Renowned for his powerful, revolutionary voice and deep connection with the people of Sindh, Haleem Baghi has made significant contributions to Sindhi literature. While his poetry was widely shared through oral tradition, literary gatherings, and political events, his most well-known published work is This anthology is a compilation of his selected poetry, expressing themes of resistance, nationalism, social justice, love for the land, and the struggle of the common people. Apart from “Aray Shehr Jaana”, Haleem Baghi’s poems have been published in various Sindhi literary magazines, journals, and newspapers across Sindh.
The writer is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com
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