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HYDERABAD, April 19: The beautification plan of Bhit Shah, development works at the Mazar of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan and development works at tourist resorts, including the Gorakh Hill Station in Dadu, will be completed without any delay.
This was stated by Sindh’s Chief Secretary K. B. Rind while speaking at the Mehfile Sama’a at the 259th Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai at Bhit Shah on Friday night.
Expressing the Sindh government’s determination to develop and maintain the cultural and historical places, he said that the government would endeavour to preserve the heritage of Sindh.
The chief secretary said that development of the tourist resorts would promote cultural activities and improve the economy of the respective areas.
Mr Rind praised the uncountable numbers of artistes and Faqirs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, who had for over 259 years had helped spread the message of the great poet.
He said that presently the provincial department of culture was actively encouraging and patronising artistes.
Later, the chief secretary announced Rs50,000 each for Gohar Waryam Faqir from Shikarpur and Abdul Rehman Maheesar of Khairpur for their medical treatment.
Mr Rind also presided over the Latif Award ceremony and presented awards to Ms Fahmida Hussain, chairperson of the Shah Latif Chair of the University of Karachi for her outstanding research on Shah Latif.
Prominent artistes, who participated in the Mehfile Sama, included renowned vocalist Abida Parveen, Sohrab Faqir, Anwar Hussain Vistro, Ms Allah Wasai, Barkat Ali, Ms Taj Mastani, Sonia Kanwal, Nirma Kanwal, Amber Mehak, Gulbahar Joyo, Iqrar Waheed Ali, Zamin Ali, Raza Alam, Maulvi Mohammad Ashraf Sikandari, Ghous Bakhsh Brohi, Mohammad Urs Bhatti and Qadir Bakhsh Mitho.
SUGHAR KUTCHEHRY: Renowned scholar, writer and historian Dr Nabi Bux Khan Baloch has paid rich tribute to Sughars (folk singer-storytellers), saying that these people had, throughout the centuries, promoted the true Sindhi language and folk wisdom.
He was presiding over a Sughar Kutchehry at Bhit Shah, which was held in connection with the three-day Urs ceremonies of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on Friday evening.
Dr Baloch stressed the need for promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Sindh, saying that the apathy of the people in general and institution was loosening its roots.
He, however, said that people in the heartland of Sindh were still committed to their culture, adding that such people must be identified and encouraged.
The scholar acknowledged the services rendered by the Bhit Shah Cultural Centre and the provincial department of culture for promoting the culture of Sindh.
Stressing the need for teaching the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai to the youths of Sindh, saying it would not only help disseminate his message but would also go a long to preserve the true language of the land.
The Sughars presented Salam, Risalo and Gujharat (odes to Imams, Shah Latif’s poetry, and riddles) in the Kutchehry.
Prominent among those, who participated in the kutchehry, included Abdul Wahab Abro, Waryam Faqir Shaikh and others.
