THIS refers to the news item, ‘Sadequain documented’ (Feb 17), regarding the book launching of ‘The Saga of Sadequain’ in Lahore. Salman Ahmed, the writer of the book, pointed out during the launching ceremony of the book that Sadequain was a generous person who never wished his paintings or works to be sold.

However, the price of the book (Rs21,500) is too steep for an average citizen. An ardent fan of Sadequain can’t even dream of having it in his collection of books.

Sadequain was a man of great qualities.

He always used to dress up in the simplest form — a cotton kurta and pajama.

He lived a simple life, unaware of any class differences. He believed in humanity, irrespective of worldly status. For him a beggar on the street was as respectable as any ruler or high official.

Ironically, the same Sadequain is being confined to the coffee tables of the privileged class of the country by keeping the price of the book so high.

The work being done by the Faiz Foundation and the Faiz Ghar jointly to contribute to one of the greatest poets of Urdu can be an example for the Sadequain Foundation. In a simple and realistic way, they have made it possible for the layman to get familiar with Faiz, and their efforts have resulted within a short time in taking Faiz to every nook and corner of the country.

I request the Sadequain Foundation to bring out an edition of the book at a reasonable price, and not to confine this great artist to the coffee tables of our elites.

A. AQIL Lahore