HYDERABAD, May 28: “Dard Wandi Jo Des” (The Land of Oppressed), a book written by noted short story writer Hameed Sindhi, was launched at a ceremony held the Sindh Museum here on Tuesday night.

The Bazme Rooh Rehan had organized the function.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sindh Chief Secretary K. B. Rind said a true writer was a mirror and messenger of the society and his writings were always based on his personal observations and the feelings and thinking of the society.

Hailing Mr Sindhi for writing the book, Mr Rind stressed that there was a need to continue the publication of good books and assured full cooperation of the Sindh government and the culture department in this regard.

In his speech, the author of the book said the Sindh government should not only encourage writers and literary organizations but also establish new institutions in consultation with writers.

Noted scholar and educationist Dr G. A. Allana said Mr Sindhi was an exponent of truth and throughout his life he had struggled for the survival of modern literature.

Paying tribute to Mr Sindhi for his literary services, intellectual Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo said his short stories would be considered as masterpieces at the international level if translated into other languages.

The Sindh secretary for culture, Gul Mohammad Umrani, announced that the culture department would publish the history of techniques of short story writing. He said a literary award of Rs100,000 for literature would be given during the current year.

Mehtab Mehboob, Qamar Shahbaz, Taj Baloch and others also spoke on the occasion.