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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.
Daily
Times:Monday, February 02, 2009
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