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Sindhi literati demands more exposure, govt patronage

By Amar Guriro

KARACHI: Prominent Punjabi poet, writer and Pakistan Academy of Letters Chairman Fakhar Zaman has demanded the Sindh government to include the pro-humanity messages of Sindhi Sufis and Sufi poets in the syllabi of colleges, schools and other educational institutions.

“There is a dire need to spread the messages of Sufis, as it is the only way in today’s conditions to bring harmony and tolerance among the different sects of society,” Zaman said. Addressing the Sindh Writers Conference on the topic of ‘Pro-humanity in the poetry of Sindhi Sufis’, arranged by the Pakistan Academy of Letters at the Arts Council, Zaman announced that conferences on the poetry and messages of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and other Sindhi Sufi poets will be organized every year in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta. “Not only will conferences on the works of Sindhi Sufis be organized in other provinces but conferences on the messages of Sufi poets of other provinces such as Baba Bulleh Shah and Rehman Baba, will be organized in different cities of Sindh and other provinces so that the messages of peace can be spread at a national level,” he said.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Sindhi writers Amar Jalil, Ali Baba, Tariq Alam Abro, Naseer Mirza, Arbab Naik Muhammad, Zaib Sindhi, Imdad Hussani, Sehar Imdad, Muhammad Qasim Bhughio, Taj Joyo, Dr Zulfqar Siyal, Dr Fahmida and several other literary personalities, writers, columnists, poets attended the conference.

Zaman demanded that the provincial government establish a residential colony in Karachi for the writers and poets of Sindh and added that it should also make a Sindhi Writers Club to highlight the work of Sindhi writers.

“The writers will not be able to write properly till they are not given due respect and financial support,” he said, adding that he hopes the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government supports the revolutionary steps for Sindhi writers. He said that PPP founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto established the Pakistan Academy of Letter in July 1976, showing his concern for the work of writers.

“We expect the current PPP government to initiate different projects for the expansion of the province’s literature. We will soon start a FM radio service and a television show to highlight literature and the works of writers,” he announced. Zaman also demanded that the Sindh government establish writers clubs and centers at the district level throughout the province where the work of local writers can be highlighted.

Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah said that the majority of the Sindhi writers and literary personalities are poor and added that his government will do whatever possible for them, announcing a donation of Rs 1 million for the Pakistan Academy of Letters. When asked by a journalist about the residential colony meant for Sindhi writers and writers clubs, Shah told the journalist that he is not a poet or a writer and should not worry about such colonies and clubs.

Famous novelist, drama writer and short story writer Ali Baba said that the Sindhi writers of the younger generation are working more efficiently as compared to the writers of the past. Talking to this scribe during the conference, Ali said that these young writers have filled the gap that was created by the death of famous Sindhi poet Sheikh Ayaz.

“When it comes to writing short stories, these young writers have left behind the famous short story writer of the past, Naseem Khirl,” he added. Ali is currently writing his next novel called Moen-jo-Daro that will reveal the bitter facts of the ancient Indus civilization and will be ready for publishing by next year.

Famous Radio personality Naseer Mirza said that Sindhi literary personalities have never ever accepted dictatorship and have always written for the restoration of democracy.

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