BASHIR Ahmad Moriani, a short story writer of eminence and poet passed away in Karachi on Feb 26. His departure marks the end of an era that heralded modern Sindhi literature.

He was 81.

Born on March 10, 1935 to a family of moderate means in Shikarpur, he acquired his early education from his native town and graduated with a master’s degree from Sindh University, Jamshoro, in 1958. He took keen interest in literature particularly contemporary Sindhi literature which at the time was undergoing fundamental transformation.

A new notion of social realism was taking over. Sindhi literature was moving away from the influences of Persian and Arabic which had crept into its diction over a span of many centuries. Deeply influenced by these changes Moriani wrote short stories and composed poetry that were published by leading literary magazines.

He joined the civil services in 1958. For a while he also worked as a teacher. His career in bureaucracy helped him climb up the ladder in various administrative departments but that put an end to his literary pursuits.

His short stories differed from other writers in terms of technique and plot execution. Stories such as Tukri, Chuhri and Zindagi Jo Rog illustrated the acute class divisions and exploitation that exist in society. Some of his stories were also translated in other languages.

He also composed poetry in various genres such as doha, free verse and ghazal. His first poetry anthology Asnam-i-Khayali appeared in 1955 before he joined the civil services. It was followed by a novel Ajanabi (1957). His short story collections include Zindagi Ji Raah Tay (1953), Choond Turki Kahaniyoon and Adhoori Udam (1984).

After retirement he settled in Karachi. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2016