MITHI, Oct 17: Despite being a disabled person Abdul Rehman Naqash was not an armchair journalist/writer but he was a man of action who wrote in the light of his experiences and observation.

These views were expressed by the intellectuals and journalists of Thar while paying glowing tributes to late Abdul Rehman Naqash and speaking on the occasion of his fourth death anniversary, which was commemorated at press club here the other day.

They said that Naqash was one of the most respected and loved public figure since he was of the firm belief that as same blood runs in the veins of all men, hence they should not be treated with discrimination on the basis of colour, caste or religion, and the exploitative forces have no right to tease the downtrodden or do any injustice with them in the society.

Addressing the gathering Dr Allah Nawaz, acting director, Tharparkar Rural Development Programme, said though Naqash was physically no more with us but he had left the legacy or righteousness, honesty and truthfulness which can guide us during troublesome time.

Airing his views at this occasion, another speaker Comrade Nandlal Malhi said Abdul Rehman Naqash was a fearless and bold writer.

He never hesitated to highlight the excesses of feudal and other vested interests over the unprivileged, in the newspapers through his columns.

The participants were seen gripped by the sorrow of the separation of Naqash (owing to his death in an accident), when noted vocalist Sadiq Faqir sang a nostalgic Vayee of Sheikh Ayaz, “Sakhi piya khe milayn ta chayjan ta chandni to siva na theendi” at the conclusion of the gathering.

Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion were Dominic Stephen, Vishan Thari, Khatan Jani, Alim Soomro, Prem Shivani, Hemandas Chandio, Dr Shankar and others.