MITHI: Men of letters paid tribute to eminent writer and poet Shaikh Ayaz for contributing profusely to Sindhi literature and highlighting various aspects of the Thar region in his poetic and prose works.

They were speaking at the launch of a book authored by Prof Noor Ahmed Janjhi Waari te was (Rain on the desert land) written on Shaikh Ayaz. The event was held here at Gadi Bhit by the Ghulam Mohammad Janjhi Foundation, which was named after the father of Prof Noor Ahmed Janjhi.

Noor Janjhi said that after Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, it was Shaikh Ayaz who introduced the nature and other beautiful aspects of the desert region (Thar) four decades ago when it was little known to the people even in Pakistan.

He said there was still great need to research on the poetry of the iconic poet which he composed about Thar.

It had been the practice of the foundation to bring out a book on the literary work of the late poet about Thar every year, he said, adding that his new book was an addition to further understanding the philosophy of the great poet, he said.

He told the audience that his previous book Karoojhar te Bahri (The fire on the foothills of Karoonjhar) to spread the message of Ayaz was received well and his efforts were lauded.

Rochiram, a lawyer, said that such efforts to a write book on the poetic and prose works of the giant of the Sindhi literature would greatly help the new generation of Thar and other parts Sindh. He said Ayaz was a regional poet, but his message, like Bhittai, was universal.

Poet Piyaro Shivani said the love shown by Prof Janjhi to promote the message of Shaikh Ayaz was a step towards positive direction at a time when Thar was passing through the transition phase.

Poet Shankar Lohano, Chaman Thari, Partab Shivani and others also spoke on the occasion and highly lauded the efforts of Prof Janjhi and the foundation.

A large number of people attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2018