LARKANA: Literati and scholars speaking at a literary sitting at the Larkana Arts Council late on Sunday evening paid homage to the late short story writer and playwright Tariq Alam Abro. His two books Chand raheen tho dour, a collection of dramas, and Subah jo sitaro were also launched.

Speaking at the gathering, eminent poet and former Sindhi Adabi Sangat general secretary Dr Adal Soomro described Abro as a talented and brave writer who could not be bogged down by any influential person.

He spoke truth without thinking about the consequences, Dr Soomro added.

Noted short story writer Akhlaq Ansari said Abro’s life was littered with contradictions which should also be discussed.

He said the late writer had made a reference about him (Ansari) as one of the characters of his famous Sindhi novel Rahji wayal manzar.

Poet Robina Abro said that the philosophy and message of Abro present in his literary works would continue appealing generations.

Poet and social activist Humera Noor said that Abro didn’t have dearth of words but he avoided to be verbose in his writings.

Amar Iqbal observed that Abro’s novel written in the background of his days in the University of Sindh earned him popularity.

Rakhyal Morani said that the late playwright was not only a fiction writer but a good poet, too.

Rizwan Gul, Qurban Mangi, Benazir Shaikh, Nanger Channa, Mumtaz Lohar, Dr Waheed Jatoi, Razia Tariq Abro (Abro’s wife) and Larkana Commissioner Akber Leghari, who is also president of the Larkana Arts Council also paid homage to the late short story writer.

Awards were given away to Dr Ahsan Danish, Rubina Abro, Dr Waheed Jatoi, Zafar Jonejo, Nisar Khokhar and Nanger Channa by the Tariq Aalam Abro Academy on their best performances in various fields of literature.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2016