Mohammad Taskeen Manerwal (Pashto: محمد تسکین مانیروال), born on 15 September 1949 in Swabi, Pakistan, was a celebrated Pakistani intellectual, writer, and poet. Revered in Pashto literary circles, he was known for his lyrical poetry and deep connection to his cultural roots. Manerwal left an indelible mark on Pashto literature before his passing on 10 January 2022.
Early Life and Education Of Mohammad Taskeen Manerwal
Born into a family that valued education, Taskeen was one of six siblings. His father, Mohammad Yameen, worked as a school headmaster, instilling in his children the importance of knowledge. He was affectionately called “Manerwal,” a nickname derived from his village, Maniri, located in the Swabi district. The name “Taskeen” was given to him in memory of an elder brother who had passed away.
Taskeen’s academic journey began in 1953 when he started primary school. He completed his matriculation from Swabi High School in 1965 and went on to study at the Government Post Graduate College, Swabi, where he finished his intermediate education in 1967. He later completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1977 and a Bachelor of Education in 1980 through private studies.
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Career in Education Of Mohammad Taskeen Manerwal
Manerwal embarked on his career as a schoolteacher in 1969, dedicating himself to education for three decades. He rose through the ranks and ultimately retired as a headmaster from the Department of Education in 1999. His career as an educator reflected his dedication to nurturing young minds, and his influence extended beyond the classroom.
Literary Contributions
Manerwal’s journey as a poet began when he was a fifth-grade student, and his work was heavily influenced by renowned Pashto poets Rahman Baba and Khushal Khan Khattak. While at Government Post Graduate College, Swabi, he contributed to the publication of the Neelab Magazine, which introduced his writing to a broader audience and caught the attention of established Pashto poets like Abdul Ghani Khan.
Taskeen Manerwal’s work resonated deeply with Pashto-speaking communities both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His poetry collection, Cha Kha Khoshay Shara Wy (“That Was a Beautiful Desert”), published in 2011, solidified his reputation as a poet of romance and nostalgia. His poetry frequently explored themes of love and beauty, weaving them with imagery of the Pashtun landscape.
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Personal Life
Though Manerwal never married, he once said that his poetry would be his legacy. He was a passionate advocate for peace, a sentiment that pervaded both his writing and his personal philosophy. Colleagues recall his disinterest in politics and love for Sufi poetry, which he often read in his leisure time. Taskeen’s life was not without challenges, but he found solace in his poetry, which he hoped would immortalize him among his people.
Death and Legacy
Taskeen Manerwal passed away on 10 January 2022 in Swabi and was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Maniri Payan. His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from prominent figures, including Qaumi Watan Party Provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, Awami National Party Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Aimal Wali Khan, and others.
Despite his passing, Taskeen’s legacy endures through his poetry, which continues to inspire readers and poets alike. His contributions to Pashto literature remain celebrated, and his words live on as a testament to his love for his culture and his people.
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