Anik Bishthar by Pritam Singh Safir (1983)

Pritam Singh Safir (1916–1999), a revered Punjabi poet and former Delhi High Court judge, is celebrated for his lyrical fusion of romanticism, mysticism, and patriotism, deeply influenced by Sikh philosophy and India’s socio-political landscape. His poetry collection Anik Bishthar (Manifold Expanses), published in 1980 and awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983, represents the zenith of his poetic oeuvre, showcasing his ability to transcend personal emotion through spiritual and revolutionary fervor. Rooted in the cultural and historical ethos of Punjab, the collection draws inspiration from Gurbani and Guru Gobind Singh’s legacy. This review argues that Anik Bishthar is a masterful work of Punjabi poetry, distinguished by its lyrical intensity and philosophical depth, though its dense Sikh-centric imagery and traditional style may challenge some readers. Through an analysis of its thematic richness and poetic craft, this review highlights Safir’s enduring contribution to Indian literature.

Anik Bishthar comprises forty-eight poems that explore themes of spiritual transcendence, patriotic sacrifice, and social justice, interwoven with romantic and mystic sensibilities. The title, derived from Guru Arjan Dev’s Sukhmani, evokes the boundless expanse of divine and human experience. The poems reflect Safir’s engagement with Sikh history, particularly the valor of martyrs, alongside his empathy for global struggles, such as those in Palestine and Tashkent. One poem celebrates Indian soldiers at the Chhamb sector during the Indo-Pak war:

“These martyrs, like strings of a sitar, / Play sacrifice’s tune, soothing scars afar.”

This metaphor encapsulates the collection’s reverence for selfless heroism. Other poems address the plight of laborers and peasants, advocating for a socialist society, while mystic verses explore the soul’s union with the divine, likening the universe to “a waterfall gushing from the Almighty’s unseen peak.” Safir’s imagery draws on Punjab’s landscapes—rivers, fields, and gurdwaras—blending traditional Punjabi forms like ghazal with modern lyricism, creating a tapestry of emotional and intellectual resonance.

Anik Bishthar is a poetic triumph, radiating with Safir’s ability to harmonize romantic passion, mystic elevation, and revolutionary zeal. His language, steeped in Punjabi’s melodic cadences and enriched by Gurbani’s spiritual lexicon, creates a vivid sensory and philosophical experience. A poem on divine creation exemplifies this:

“From the unseen, the cosmos flows, / Like rivers from mountains, where eternity glows.”

This imagery, praised by The Sikh Encyclopedia, showcases Safir’s fresh and natural metaphors, aligning with Coleridge’s dictum that philosophical depth is essential for great poetry. His patriotic fervor, evident in tributes to Chhamb’s martyrs, resonates with national pride, while his global outlook—expressed in poems about Palestine’s resilience—adds a universal dimension, distinguishing him from regionally confined poets. The Sahitya Akademi Award lauded the collection’s “rich poetic sensibility and specialized diction,” affirming its lyrical consistency and emotional intensity.

The collection’s strengths lie in its thematic versatility and cultural authenticity. Safir’s integration of Sikh history and philosophy, particularly Guru Gobind Singh’s influence, imbues the poems with spiritual gravitas, as noted by critics like S.S. Sekhon. His socialist advocacy for laborers and peasants aligns with the progressive ethos of Punjabi literature, akin to V.N. Tiwari’s work. The poems’ brevity—often 10–20 lines—delivers concentrated emotional impact, balancing accessibility with intellectual depth, making it a staple for Punjabi literary studies. The interplay of romantic and mystic elements creates a philosophical depth that invites contemplation, appealing to readers familiar with Punjab’s spiritual heritage.

However, Anik Bishthar has limitations. Its dense Sikh-centric references, such as allusions to Sukhmani or Sikh martyrs, may require cultural and religious grounding, potentially alienating non-Punjabi or non-Sikh readers. For instance, a poem’s invocation of Guru Gobind Singh’s Zafarnama carries profound weight only with familiarity with Sikh history. The traditional poetic style, while elegant, lacks the experimental innovation of later poets like Surjit Patar, which may render it less dynamic for modern audiences. The scarcity of English translations restricts its global accessibility, a common challenge for Punjabi literature, and Safir’s patriotic and mystic focus occasionally overshadows nuanced exploration of contemporary social issues like gender or caste, unlike peers like Dalip Kaur Tiwana. Additionally, the collection’s intense lyricism can feel overwhelming, with its emotional weight demanding sustained reader engagement.

Anik Bishthar is a radiant cornerstone of Punjabi poetry, showcasing Pritam Singh Safir’s lyrical genius and profound engagement with Sikh spirituality, patriotism, and social justice. Its evocative imagery, philosophical depth, and cultural resonance make it a timeless work, though its Sikh-centric focus and traditional style may require contextual knowledge for full appreciation. This collection is essential for poetry enthusiasts, scholars of Punjabi literature, and those interested in Sikh philosophy, offering a vibrant exploration of the human and divine. Readers are encouraged to approach it with an openness to Punjab’s spiritual and historical nuances to fully savor its luminous beauty. Its Sahitya Akademi recognition underscores its enduring literary significance, cementing Safir’s legacy as a poet of manifold expanses.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers of poetry, Punjabi literature, and Sikh studies.

Reference : Safir, P. S. (1980). Anik Bishthar. Ludhiana: Lahore Book Shop.