HYDERABAD: Speakers described late Sirajul Haq Memon as a great intellectual, linguist and researcher of the 19th century who throughout his life worked for development of Sindhi language and society. They were speaking at his second death anniversary organised by the Siraj Institute of Sindh Studies and the Sindh Education Trust on Sunday.

They said that it was due to his efforts that an interest was created in the Sindhi society to obtain knowledge for which Sindhi people should be beholden to him. They said his services could not be forgotten. Moreover, he was a great short story writer, novelist and linguist, they added.

Dr G A Allana said Memon had rejected hypothesis, suggesting Sindhi was a product of other languages and other languages in the subcontinent had their origin in Sindhi. He had conducted intensive research on the topic and the critics of his days had criticised him. “He was a journalist, man of character and novelist.”

Dr Allana urged the youth to study his books that would give them plenty of knowledge regarding Sindh. “He always stood for truth. His writings always depicted the issues of Sindh. His writings would be preserved in golden words in history.”

Prof Qazi Khadim said Memon was a friend of Sindh and had a realistic approach in his life. He said that through his writings he had thrown light over the contribution of different personalities. He said his services could never be forgotten.

Prof Saleem Memon said that Memon’s novel depicted Sindhi nation’s unity through which the nation challenged the tyrant and oppressor which has no parallel in history.

His writings had raised issues of youths and he was never afraid of dictatorship.

Writer Madad Ali Sindhi observed that Sirajul Haq Memon had a treasure of words. He said through his writings he always projected political, historical and realistic aspects of Sindh. He said his writings are in fact history of Sindh.

Former vice chancellor Sindh University Mazharul Haq Siddiqui said he was a man who was patient, tolerant, cultured and large-hearted. He believed in hard work and said his writings had preserved the culture of Sindh.

Jami Chandio said Memon had a multidimensional personality as he used to socialise but the one who loved his language. He said his research proved that Sindhi was not born out of other languages and it was a language in itself historically. “Sindh is lucky to have a man like Sirajul Haq Memon,” he said and added his writings were a great treasure for Sindh.

Amar Sindhu termed him as a real representative of his era. She said he made a name in education, politics, journalism and advocacy. She said it was he who laid foundation of modern Sindhi journalism and had struggled for Sindh’s development.

Memon’s son, Amjad Siraj Memon said his father had introduced new ways for the development of the Sindhi language and therefore his work should be termed as ‘labour of love’. He said he made sure his sisters obtained education.

The chairperson of the Sindhi Language Authority Fehmida Hussain said each and every book of Memon was filled with information about culture and education. Liaquat Aziz, Ejaz Qureshi, Taj Joyo, and others also spoke on the occasion, eulogising his services for Sindhi language and society.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2015

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