05 October 2004	Tuesday	19 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Oct 4: The death of Dr Mulkraj Anand, who was author of widely-acclaimed English novels, 'The Coolie', 'The Untouchables' and around a dozen others, was mourned at a meeting held by the Irteqa Adbi Forum at the PMA House on Sunday.

Dr Mohammad Ali Siddiqui moved a resolution recalling the historic role played by the author from his first novel published in 1936 to the end of his literary career. Born in 1905, in Peshawar, Dr Anand was educated at the MAO college Amratsar and later moved to England, where he attended Cambridge and the London universities.

Dr Anand was the co-author of the manifesto, adopted by 'Progressive Writers' at their famous conference held in 1936. He was a great humanist and an intellectual of high merit.

Meanwhile, the meeting held by the Irteqa in honour of the noted Indian story writer, Jeelani Bano, was presided over by Begum Hajra Masroor. Jeelani Bano read out a short story written by her, depicting the socio-political scenario in urban India.

Another story was presented by Zaheda Hina based on the Afghan war and carnage in the peace-loving villages in that country. A story describing the life of slum-dwellers was presented by Ms Shahnaz Shoro.

Begum Hajra Masroor briefly surveyed the history of Urdu fiction and its importance in literature. She complained that the short story writers were not given the due importance. Jamal Naqvi, secretary of the forum, welcomed the guests and introduced the chief guest, Jeelani Bano, to the audience.