Introduction: A Story of Perseverance and Passion
The story of a cobbler, Munawar Shakeel stands as a beacon of inspiration and hope. Munawar has defied the odds to become a winning author. The journey of an awarded cobbler not only challenges our perceptions but also inspires those who are facing difficult situations to chase their dreams.
The story of Munawar is a powerful reminder that hard work and passion can break any barrier or hurdle, he published 5 books and received prestigious awards under his belt.
A Cobblers’ Unlikely Path to Authorship
Cobbler’s profession passed down through generations in his family, the story of Munawar Shakeel began in a small town called Rodala, near Jaranwala, Faisalabad. Munawar was born in 1969, lost his father at a very young age he found himself responsible for his family. Munawar life was marked by hardships, his passion for reading and writing never waned (decreased).
In spite of a lack of resources, Munawar found a way to educate himself, with a meager (limited) monthly income of just Rs 250 to Rs 300. To engage him in the literature he had very little amount of money to buy books that were really expensive for him.
But this self-motivated learning led him to become a successful poet and author.
A Deep Love for Literature: Four Hours of Reading Daily
He had a deep love for literature every day without missing, approximately he dedicated 4 hours to reading, including literature, poetry, or philosophy. His passion grew over time and he started to join literary groups.
His love for reading became his experience of life that provided him a wealth of material to draw from his writing.
The Literary Triumphs of Munawar Shakeel
Munawar Shakeel is the author of five remarkable books in Punjabi, each one a reflection of his deep empathy for the struggles of the marginalized. His poetry speaks to the pain, sorrow, and injustices faced by the lower classes, making his work both relatable and poignant. His books include:
- Soch Samandar (2004)
- Pardes Di Sangat (2005)
- Saddiyan De Bhait (2009)
- Jhora Dhap Gawachi Da (2011)
- Akhaan Mitti Ho Gaiyaan (2013)
Each of these books has earned him accolades and recognition from prestigious literary organizations like the Royal Adabi Academy, Jaranwala, and the Pakistan Writers’ Guild. His works have not only won awards but have also resonated deeply with those who find themselves voiceless in the face of society’s upper class.
Choosing Punjabi: A Language of the Heart
Unlike many who choose to write in more globally recognized languages, Munawar proudly writes in Punjabi. He believes that the beauty and authenticity of his language give his work its true voice. “Punjabi is my mother tongue, and it holds deep cultural significance,” he shares. “If we want our culture to thrive, we must nurture our native language. My poems in Punjabi are my contribution to preserving that heritage.”
Munawar believes the government should invest in preserving and promoting the rich linguistic traditions of the country, especially Punjabi, which has been sidelined in the face of mainstream languages.
Poetry that Speaks to the Soul
One of the most powerful aspects of Munawar Shakeel’s work is his ability to give a voice to the oppressed. His poetry often reflects the pain and struggles of those in the lower strata of society. Here’s a glimpse of his poetic brilliance:
“Innu kinne paani ditta, innu kinne boya aey
Patthar de jo seene uttey, boota ugya hoya aey”(Who watered it, who sowed it,
Shakeel, Munawar. Cobbler.
The plant that grew on a heart of stone)
These lines capture the essence of Munawar’s work—an exploration of the struggles of life and the resilience required to survive and thrive despite overwhelming odds.
Views from a Mentor: Ghulam Mustafa Azad Naqeebi
Ghulam Mustafa Azad Naqeebi, a respected literature teacher and mentor to Munawar, has been a guiding force in his literary journey. According to Naqeebi, the people of suburban areas are brimming with talent; what they lack is access to resources. Munawar’s work, he notes, is a reflection of the everyday struggles of the downtrodden, and his poems never resort to superficial themes like love or romance. Instead, they delve into the deeper realities of life, which resonate with the common people.
No Shame in Hard Work: A Message for Us All
Despite his literary success, Munawar is unashamed of his humble profession. “There is glory in hard work,” he says. “I take pride in repairing shoes, and I want others to understand that no job is too small if you approach it with dedication and pride.”
He encourages others to pursue their passions, whether it’s literature, art, or any other field, without worrying about societal expectations. Munawar’s story proves that success is not defined by one’s profession, but by the passion and persistence with which they pursue their goals.
Conclusion
The life of Munawar Shakeel is witness to the power of resilience, passion, and hard work. He became an author with a family background as a cobbler. The thing that made him an author is his love and passion for the field. He faced many problems and limited access to the books but he didn’t give up. He worked hard and succeeded in his mission, satiating his thirst for writing.
You also have dreams and goals in your life that can be achieved only by hard work and consistency. You should work for your goals, you cannot compare your life with the life of Munawar because he had a very challenging life. If in spite of this he made it, then you can also make your dream true.
The success story of Munawar is proof that talent knows no boundaries, no matter what is you family background or where are you from.
Also Read: From Hindu to Muslim: Maryam’s Inspiring Journey of Faith and Transformation in the UAE
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