Pen and books: The Journey of BSAC, Fight for Education, Culture and Identity
Shahgul Baloch
The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) is one of the most active student organizations in Balochistan. It has been working for the educational, cultural, and social awareness and development of Baloch students. The organization aims to promote education, unity, discipline, and Baloch identity and culture. BSAC plays a vital role in shaping and educating Baloch youth by spreading the message of unity and collective progress. It works through peaceful and democratic means to educate students, provide knowledge, and instill a sense of responsibility among them.
BSAC often organizes seminars, study circles, cultural programs, and book-reading activities to promote awareness about the value of education. It also raises its voice for students’ rights and works to ensure justice, equality, and empowerment. The organization encourages Baloch youth to stand up against injustice and strive for equality and progress.
In October 2025, BSAC will hold its Fourth Central Council Session to promote social, cultural, and educational awareness across Balochistan. This year’s session is dedicated to the courageous women of Balochistan and held in the memory of two great Baloch literary figures — Ata Shad and Azat Jamaldini.
Ata Shad, one of the most respected, talented, and famous poets of Balochistan, was born in 1939 in Singanisar, Turbat (Kech). His real name was Muhammad Ishaq, but he became known by his pen name Ata Shad, meaning “Voice of Happiness.” From an early age, he showed a deep interest in his mother tongue, Balochi, and developed a profound connection with Baloch literature and poetry. He received his early education in Turbat and later pursued higher education at Karachi University.
Ata Shad was not only a poet but also a teacher and mentor. He wrote poetry in both Balochi and Urdu, expressing his ideas, emotions, and love for his nation, culture, and identity. His poetry reflects a deep sorrow for his homeland and the history of the Baloch people. Through his words, he encouraged Baloch youth to pursue education and take pride in their heritage.
Azat Jamaldini, another prominent poet and writer of Balochistan, was born in 1926 in Noshki district, in a small village called Jamaldini. From a young age, he showed great interest in reading, writing, and learning, which turned into a lifelong passion for literature. Jamaldini dedicated his entire life to promoting the Balochi language through his poems, essays, and articles. His work encouraged Baloch youth to learn about their mother tongue, history, culture, and identity and to contribute to its preservation. He played a crucial and influential role in shaping the intellectual growth of Baloch youth.
The upcoming Fourth Central Council Session of BSAC will honor the memory of Ata Shad and Azat Jamaldini, reminding the youth that their legacy lives on. The session aims to inspire Baloch youth to follow in their footsteps — embracing creativity, knowledge, and cultural pride. Moreover, this year’s session is dedicated to Baloch women, recognizing their courage and contribution to society.
For years, BSAC has worked tirelessly to promote educational values, cultural awareness, and unity among students. The organization continues to remind Baloch youth to stand up, stay united, and work for the progress and identity of their nation.
Saba Literary Festival, a literary organizational texture of organization
Sabe Festival is one of the most unique and meaningful events that brings together students and young people from diverse backgrounds. It serves as a vibrant platform for them to express their talents and creativity in a variety of fields such as music, art, drama, poetry, and photography. Through these activities, the festival encourages self-improvement, personal growth, and confidence building among participants.
More than just an event, the Saba Literary Festival is an opportunity for young individuals to develop essential life skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, and time management. It provides an environment where participants not only discover their potential but also learn how to collaborate, organize, and take responsibility in meaningful ways.
In addition to this, the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) — the organization behind the festival — plays a crucial role in nurturing the academic, cultural, and creative growth of students. BSAC’s efforts extend beyond promoting education and leadership training; it also emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and community engagement as vital tools for holistic development.
Through initiatives like the Saba Literary Festival, BSAC creates a safe and inspiring space where students can freely explore their identities, share their voices, and connect with others through their art and talent. Ultimately, the festival not only celebrates the creativity of Baloch youth but also strengthens unity, cultural pride, and the spirit of learning within the community.
Balochistan Kitab Karwan: A campaign of promoting books reading culture
The campaign was explored to address the educational crisis in Balochistan by promoting literature, history and philosophy to encourage the Baloch youth to reconnect them to their cultural roots and preservation of their identities culture and heritage and encouraging to develop a reading habits. Despite BSAC is facing obstacles including crackdown, harassment from the government. Balochistan, despite its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, has long struggled with low literacy rates, poor infrastructure, and limited access to educational resources. Recognizing this gap, a group of passionate volunteers, students, and intellectuals came together to launch Balochistan Kitab Karwan. Volunteers engage with local communities, especially students, teachers, and parents, to create awareness about the power, education culture through developing the reading environment. BSAC carries the Balochistan Kitab Karwan from one city to next city to each location, they set up book stalls and interact with the community.
Their aim is to spread knowledge and promote reading across Balochistan. Balochistan Kitab Karwan is more than just a book distribution campaign. It is the symbol of hope, resilience, and transformation. It is a symbol of journey that moves the youth toward enlightenment progress and resistance against the injustices for Baloch students’ right.
