December 10, 2007	Monday	Ziqa'ad 29, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: Renow-ned Sindhi poet, writer and scholar Dr TanVeer Abbasi was remembered here at a seminar on his 73rd birth anniversary organised by the Academy of Letters in collaboration with the Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Sindh Graduates Association and Shah Abdul Latif Cultural Association.

Speakers paid tributes to his trend-setting poetry and the progressive lead he gave to younger writers and poets. His influence on Sindhi literature was described as formative since not only in the realm of thought but also in the evolution of the modern sensibility his work has played an important role. Writers and poets continue to seek inspiration from his writings.

Speaking on the occasion, Iftikhar Arif, chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, analysed the salient features of his poetical work that distinguished him from other poets of his time. He said the lyricism of his verse finds strength in the use of similes that he draws from real life which immediately capture his audience who respond as the images are transmitted through recognition and association.

Secondly it is the nobility of thought and the purity of passion that informs his verse. His verse is a dialogue with the human soul, an active conversation that engages and ennobles the mind and liberates the creative energies.

He said that Dr Abbasi’s influence on the poets and writers of his day and the coming generation will continue to give a positive direction to their creative work.

Mr Arif said Dr Abbasi was a dynamic person who remained active on many fronts simultaneously. His association with the Bazm-i-Sufia Sindh, Bazm-i-Khalil, Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Sindh Forum, Sachal Sarmast Yadgari Committee, the Poetry Society of London, the Sachal Chair, Pakistan Writers Guild, Shah Abdul Latif University and many other organisations heightened their stature and resulted in their improvement.

He said the Academy had published a book on Dr Tanveer Abbasi’s life and works by Dr Addal Soomro which is a part of the Academy’s biographical series on the “Makers of Pakistani Literature”.

Chairman of the Sindhi Department at Shah Latif University, Khairpur, Dr Addal Soomro said that Dr Tanveer was a very loving and generous person and his progressive thoughts were very popular among the new generation.

Prof (Dr) Mukhtiar Talpur said: “Tanveer had a charming personality and he travelled to remote parts of Sindh to collect the poetry of various mystic poets including Sachal Sarmast, Saami and Shah Abdul Latif. The strength of Tanveer’s poetry lay in the true path of life he advocated.

Irshad Abbasi, brother of the late writer said Tanveer’s poetry was a message for promotion of peace, beauty and love. It was a true reflection of his age that provided the basic guiding principles for the coming generation.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr Qasim Brohi, Manzoor Ali, Paras Abbasi, Dr Saim Ali Soomro, Zahid Jatoi and Engineer Wali Muhammad Memon.

Earlier, a large number of poets, writers and intellectuals laid a wreath at the poet’s grave in Islamabad.

Dr Tanveer Abbasi was a recipient of many national awards among them the Writers Guild award, Institute of Sindhology award, Sachal Sarmast award, Sindh Graduates Association gold medal, Latif Academy medal, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Narain Shiyam award, India, Sindhi Adabi Sanggat award, Shah Abdul Latif excellence award and Pride of Performance.

Dr Abbasi’s publications include Ragain Hoin Rubab, Shair, Suraj Hathali Ke Nechay, Yeh Dharti, Tanveer Kahay, Sajan, Hussan, Shaoor, Ghoom Ke Dekhi Duniya, Tarora, Mashal Jin Ke Charray, Aagay Jana Hai Mujhay, Khawab Se Khoobsurat Haqeeqat, Shah Latif Ki Shairy, Maut Na Jin Ko Mar Saki, Khus Khair Muhammad Haisnani Ka Kalam, Nanak Yousaf Ka Kalam, Bachon Ke Bol, Jadeed Sindhi Shairy, Sarmast- Research Journal, Sindh Ke Azeem Sufi Bazurg and Sachal Sarmast.