November 03, 2008	Monday	Ziqa'ad 4, 1429

HYDERABAD, Nov 2: Shahzada Mohan Lal, son of Sufi singer Bhagat Kanwar Ram, has said that his father was given the title of “Bhagat” in recognition of his services for the humankind.

Mohan Lal, who has come from Lucknow to be chief guest at a function marking his father’s 69th death anniversary at the Institute of Sindhology, said that Bhagat Kanwar was equally popular among Hindus and Muslims of Sindh because of his devotion to Sufism.

He was a real son of the soil who lived and died for Sindh, he said.

The Bhagat was a great exponent of love, peace and human values, which he spread through his Sufi ragas, Mohan Lal said and thanked the institute and the university for holding the function.

Other speakers said that Bhagat had devoted his life to serving the poor regardless of their creed or religion. He was a great humanist who would give to the poor whatever he earned something from his concerts, they said.

The vice-chancellor of the Sindh University, Dr Mazharul Haq Siddiqui, who presided over the function announced establishment of Bhagat Kanwar Ram Memorial Corner at the Institute of Sindhology. The university held the function in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism.

Dr Mazharul Haq Siddiqui urged the Bhagat Kanwar Ram Memorial Committee to give all important articles available with them to the institute to be put on display at the Bhagat’s memorial corner.

Hameed Sindhi, renowned short story writer, said that although Bhagat was famous for his Sufi ragas his greatest quality was his service to the poor.

Monis Ayaz, director general of the Department of Tourism, lauded the efforts of Sindh University for the promotion of Sindhi culture and traditions. People like Bhagat were direly needed today to promote love and brotherhood among people, he said.

Among others who paid tributes to the great Sufi singer included Taj Joyo, Amar Sindhu, Shoukat Hussain Shoro, Wali Ram Walabh and S.G. Bhagia.