Akmal Lewaney, known by his pen name Lewaney, was a Pashto language poet. He was born in 1946 in the village of Shamozai, Mardan District. Lewaney's education was limited to the second grade, but this did not hinder his literary journey. He started his career in poetry at the age of 15 with his first book of poetry "Yao So Gallona". Over the years, he wrote several notable works including "Lewantob", "Chapawoona", "Ajeeba Paigham", and "Toortam". Lewani was not only a poet but also an important part of the Pashto literature and national movement, known for his unique style of expression, witty humor and efforts to promote book culture through his mobile stalls. He died on 10 May 2024 after a long illness, leaving behind a rich legacy in Pashto literature.[1][2]

Akmal Lewane
Born1946
Shamozai village, Mardan
Died10 May 2024
NationalityPakistani
OccupationPoet
Known forPashto literature, Nationalist poetry, Humorist poetry

Early life and education

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Lewaney was born in 1946 in the village of Shamozai, Mardan.[3][4] He attended school up to the second grade and learned to read and write but could not continue his education as he had to work in the fields with his parents.[5]

Career

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Lewaney was associated with Tehreek Khudai Khidmatgar of Bacha Khan.[6] He was 15 years old when he wrote his first book of poetry "Yao So Galuna". His books of poetry include Lewantob, Chapawoona, Ajeeba Paigham and Tortam. He used to set up a stall to sell books at any literary or cultural event and earn enough profit to feed his family.[5]

Contributions to Pashto literature

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Akmal Lewane was known for his unique style of expression and his witty humor.[5] He was an important part of Pashto literature and national movement. He was promoting book culture through his mobile stalls.[4] He was a symbol of humor and nationalism.[7]

Bibliography

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  • Tortam[2]
  • Ajeeba Paigham[2]
  • Chapawuna Lewantob[2]

Death

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Akmal Lewane died on 10 May 2024 after a prolonged illness.[8][9]

References

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  1. ^ "Noted Pashto poet falls ill, admitted to KTHBy".
  2. ^ a b c d "Born to poetry: Akmal Lewaney talks about how poetry helps him deal with personal trauma | Political Economy | thenews.com.pk". www.thenews.com.pk.
  3. ^ "د کتابونو بنجاري په نوم ياد پښتون قام پاله شاعر اکمل لېونی په حق ورسېد". Voice of America. May 9, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Ailing poet puts books on sale to collect money for treatment". 24 August 2020.
  5. ^ a b c "Pashto poet Akmal Lewaney passes away". The Nation. May 10, 2024.
  6. ^ "د کتابونو بنجاره؛ د خدايي خدمتګارو د تحریک غړی او د پښتو ژبې مشهور شاعر اکمل لېونی مړ شو". افغانستان انټرنشنل پښتو.
  7. ^ "Aimal Wali Expresses Grief Over Death Of Nationalist Poet Akmal Lawani". UrduPoint.
  8. ^ "اکمل لېوني ته به "د کتابونو بنجاره" ويل کېده". مشال راډيو. May 9, 2024.
  9. ^ "مشهور شاعر اکمل لېونی وفات شو". May 9, 2024.