HYDERABAD: Speakers paid rich tribute to fiction writer, novelist, short-story writer and poet Agha Saleem for his services in Sindhi literature.

His death had left a vacuum in Sindhi language and literature which could not be filled for centuries, they said, adding that he had a multi-dimensional personality.

They were speaking at a condolence reference held at the Sindhi Language Authority (SLA) on Sunday.

In his presidential address, Dr G. A. Allana termed Agha Saleem a noted novelist, poet, columnist, researcher and drama writer. But, he said, his major contribution was research on Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and its translation into English which he did in a truly professional manner as a researcher.

Abdul Hameed Sindhi said Agha Saleem had a personality which believed in love for life. He said Sindhi language and literature were his focus of attention. His style had spiritual and philosophical touch, he maintained. He said his work and services could guide Sindhi literature for centuries.

SLA chairman Sarfaraz Rajar said Mr Saleem always remained energetic in his life. He believed in mysticism which was clearly evident in his personality, he said, adding that he was a sea of knowledge.

He said many of his works remained incomplete and if his family collaborated with the SLA, it would be got published. He said he wanted a monument constructed in the memory of Agha Saleem at the SLA after approval from the board of governors.

Taj Joyo said Saleem had a towering personality and what was so far written on him did not match his contribution. He said the list of researchers on Bhitai was too long, but Agha’s was entirely different for he departed from the conventional way of research to put it in a new direction.

Novelist Ghulam Nabi Mughal said Agha Saleem was a twinkling star of Sindhi literature and his work would always be remembered.

Others who also spoke on the occasion included Dr Noor Afroz Khawaja, Shaukat Hussain Shoro, Naseer Mirza, Zulfiqar Halepoto, Dr Tanvir Junejo, Sarwar Nawaz.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2016