HYDERABAD, Dec 31: Tributes was paid to poet Shaikh Ayaz at a literary gathering at Bhitshah on Sunday to mark his 4th death anniversary.

The function was organized by the Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur.

In his presidential address, the chairman of the Sindhi Language Authority, Prof Dr M. Qasim Bughio said that the 20th century had created a lot of problems for the human race but it had also given us electricity and computer which were a blessing for the world.

He said that the 20th century had also given us scholars like Dr Nabi Bux Khan Baloch and poets like Shaikh Ayaz who were a great asset to the Sindhi language and literature.

He said that the poetry of Shaikh Ayaz was a mirror to the recent past which reflected not only the problems but also all other matters which had engulfed Sindh and the world.

He said that Mr Ayaz had studied in depth the world literature and classical poetry of Shah Lutufullah Qadri, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, Sachal Sarmast, and his own contemporary poets and writers and was also influenced by them.

Prof Bughio said that as far as poetry was concerned, he was equal in stature to any poet in the world.

He called upon all the literary and cultural organizations to work for the development and promotion of Sindhi language and society.

Speaking on the occasion, the head of Shaikh Ayaz chair, Malik Nadeem said that a conference would be convened at the national level on the works and philosophy of the great poet.

He disclosed that the English translation of Shaikh Ayaz’s poetry would be published very soon.

The chief guest of the function and PTV producer, Karachi centre, Bedil Masroor, who is also a noted vocalist, said that it would have been much better if the mortal remains of Shaikh Ayaz had been laid to rest in Shikarpur.

He stressed the need for publishing research work on Shaikh Ayaz for the benefit of the people.

The others who spoke on the occasion included Altaf Aseem, Taj Joyo, Abdul Ghaffar Tabassum, Dr. Adal Soomro, Prof Ayaz Gul, Idrees Jatoi, Dr. Yousuf Khushk and Shaukat Noonari.

LUMHS: The Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro has captured two seats in the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council in the elections of the council held on Sunday.