LARKANA: Calling Muhammed Ibrahim Joyo a man of towering stature, communist leader Comrade Sobho Gianchandani said Joyo was the name of wisdom, commitment and conviction.

In his presidential address at the launching of Muhammed Ibrahim Joyo’s book ‘Save Sindh, Save Continent’ held here at Addul Latif Nizamani Labour Hall on Tuesday, he said Joyo had ceaselessly served Sindh with his academic and literary contributions.

He said Joyo was the man who really devoted his whole life to Sindhis and with his untiring efforts, he continued a journey towards giving Sindhi society translations of great books.

With his vision, Mr Sobho said, he contributed a lot in the shape of books, touching on a variety of subjects.

Comrade Gianchandani was speaking at the event organised jointly by the Sindhi Language Authority and the Writers Club Larkana.

Prof Saleem Memon, director of the Shah Abdul Latif chair of the University of Karachi, said Joyo was the icon of wisdom and unending struggle; he had become what he called an ‘ideal’ in Sindhi society.

Comrade Gianchandani said he himself, Joyo, Shaikh Ayaz and Niaz Hamayooni used to be in the lead position with G.M. Syed.

He criticised feudal lords for exploiting people and said Joyo and he wrote against them and raised their voice against the injustices.

Sindh was still in the clutches of feudal lords, he said.

Dr Adal Soomro, a well-known Sindhi poet, said the writer was known by the volume of work, contribution towards literature with commitment and such characters were remembered in history with praise and golden words. Joyo’s work, political and literary contributions and tendency to encourage young writers spoke of his love for literature, he said.

Dr Bashir Shad and Dr Pirih Sakina Gaad described Joyo as a multi-dimensional personality and said Joyo was a big and thick tree which helped young writers to flourish under his cool shadow of knowledge and learning.

They also referred to refaces of Shaikh Ayaz’s books and contributions of foreign translations in Sindhi literature done by Joyo.

Taj Joyo, secretary of the Sindhi Language Authority, Muhsin Joyo and Khalid Chandio also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the life and achievements of Joyo with special references of his academic and literary services.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2014