HYDERABAD, March 7: Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Abdul Rauf Siddiqui has said that the ministry of culture has decided to request consulates of different countries to get Shah Jo Risalo translated into their languages to spread his message throughout the world.

He was speaking at the Shah Latif Award distribution ceremony on the conclusion of the three-day 263rd Urs of Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Bhit Shah late Tuesday night.

He said in furtherance of the objective, his department would provide assistance, including the services of scholars.

He said Shah Latif was a great Sufi poet who had indomitable faith in Wahdaniyat (oneness of God) and preached love, peace and universal brotherhood. He said that Shah Latif was immortal like his poetry and his message was bulwark against hatred and prejudices.

Mr Siddiqui said nations were not built by rulers but by intellectuals and writers.

He said his department would not only protect the interests of writers and poets but would also perform its due role in the promotion of culture and literature.

Congratulating the artistes, writers, intellectuals and journalists who were conferred Latif Award, the minister said that it would go a long way in encouraging men of letters and artistes and provide incentive to upcoming writers.

Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Minister for Auqaf, Zakat and Ushr Manzoor Panhwar said that the visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to Bhit Shah and his announcement to provide a ‘huge amount’ for renovation and expansion of the shrine was a proof of the fact that the government was interested not only in preservation of the national heritage but also in its promotion.

He said his ministry had prepared plans for renovation of major shrines in Sindh to protect, preserve and promote national, religious and cultural heritage.

On the occasion, four books written on the poetry of Shah Latif were also launched.

Later, the ministers gave away Latif Awards to the artists and writers. Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Faqir Gul Mohammad were given the best singer award, banjo player Mohammad Aziz best instrumentalist award and Anwer Pirzado posthumous award as expert on Shah Latif. Naz Sehto of the Kawish TV Network (KTN) received the best journalist of electronic media award, Altaf Memon of daily Kawish best journalist of print media award and Abdul Aziz Memon of daily Sham best photographer award.

Besides, Matiari EDO (education) Sajan Mallah, director, animal husbandry, Mohammad Essa Memon and Salahuddin Panhwar of social welfare department were given best performance awards.