HYDERABAD, Aug 22: The Sindh minister for culture and tourism, Bashir Ahmed Qaimi, has said that Mohammad Usman Deeplai was born in the far-flung area of Thar where no opportunities for education were available, yet he had made a great name in the field of culture and literature.

He was unveiling a book written on the life and works of noted writer and journalist Mohammad Usman Deeplai at the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, Sindh Museum, here late Wednesday night. He offered his full support for the promotion of Sindhi literature.

Renowned intellectual and research scholar, Dr Nabi Bux Khan Baloch presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, he said Mohammad Usman Deeplai had waged a relentless battle throughout his life against the social evils, feudalism and in support of the peasantry.

He said that Mr Deeplai was a “Qalandar” and a prolific writer.

He said against heavy odds Mr Deeplai had fought against the social evils through his writings.

The vice-chancellor, Sindh University, Mazharul Haq Siddiqui, called upon the youth to emulate the late Mr Deeplai.

He said that Mr Deeplai had started his work just with Rs50 but he had not only written 163 books but also got them published.

He said there was a great scope and all that the youth had to do was to learn a lesson from the late Mohammad Usman Deeplai who throughout his life had worked with a missionary zeal.

Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo in his speech said that the late Mr Deeplai was an exponent of truth and only truth.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Ali Deeplai, the son of the late Mohammad Usman Deeplai said that it was highly regrettable that the people of Sindh and its institutions were more often than not ignored at the time of awards.

He said his father was given a posthumous Pride of Performance Award 22 years after his death, and added that even this award was given after great controversy because some people had raised certain objections.

The others who spoke on the occasion included Dr Suraiya Soz Deeplai, the daughter of the late Mohammad Usman Deeplai, Prof Syed Qavi Ahmed, Dr Qasim Bughio, Shaukat Hussain Shoro, Prof Aafaq Siddiqui, Hameed Sindhi and Habibullah Siddiqui.

They paid tributes to the services of the late Mr Deeplai in the cause of literature.

The book “Mohammad Usman Deeplai — an outspoken journalist and writer” is compiled by Mr Taj Joyo and printed by the Sindh Manak Moti Tanzeem which organized the function along with Mohammad Usman Deeplai Trust.