In the late 19th century, a few villagers migrated from Bahu Dashtiari (modern day part of Iranian Balochistan) to Gwadar. In 1937, a star was born in that family, who they named Abdul Majeed.
Majeed acquired his early education during 1940s and early 1950s from Saeedia School (an Omani administrated institution), which today is known as the Model High School. He later studied in Karachi, under the supervision of Baloch scholar Molana Khair Mohammed Nadwi. He remained his student for some time before returning to his hometown.
On returning to Gwadar, he was appointed as a teacher in the same school he studied from, where he taught for many years. His students were the second generation of Gwadaris being educated within Gwadar, and hence he earned the title ‘Ustad’.
During late 1950s, Ustaad Abdul Majeed Gwadri revived the classical tradition of poetry in the Baloch society through ancient Balochi words and techniques of poetry that were almost forgotten. This lead to significant development of the Balochi language. As a result of his efforts, many other young and educated followed his suit, pouring in creativity in the Balochi literature.
Most of Ustaad’s poems were politically inspired and reflected the changing dynamics of 1960s’ era. The political movements were celebrated in the form of art and literature, which were previously treated as insignificant for decades.
From there originated the masterpiece, “Chuken Balochani”. A perfect mixture of ethnic consciousness coupled with cultural heritage, Ustaad stimulated social integrity and nationalism through these words in the people of Gwadar and beyond. Even today, “Chuken Balochani” remains one of the most heard Balochi compositions of all time.
This soon earned him another title, “Gwadri”. He could always be seen on the beach in Gwadar, with a pen and paper in his hands through which he emphasised on equality, the situations of Balochistan in general, of Gwadar in particular and his own personal experiences to reflect his ideology.
Through this he gained credibility and became a symbol of hope and an identity of nationalism. According to many renowned writers and poets, Ustaad used a unique diction and diversity of words.
For his exceptional literary services, Ustad Abdul Majeed Gwadri has been honoured with a literary award by the Pakistan Literature Academy for his book ‘Gulen Bandat’. His poetry collection include; Tranj, Shand, Jaz o Talmal. Redage’n Reez, Shadr o Arjal, Las o Almas, Abram, Gulen Bandat and Abadman.
Due to his dual nationality, Ustaad left Gwadar in 1968 and joined the Oman army as a civilian teacher. For years, he taught English and Balochi there, while continuing his perseverance toward his language and literature in Balochistan as well.
