MITHI: A book titled “Soun Sarikhiyun Aurtoon” (The women worth like gold) written by Usman Rahukro was launched here in the town the other day.

The book is written on 70 prominent women who have played their due role and are still active in their respective fields.

Speaking on the occasion, poet Ayub Khoso said the writer had done a wonderful literary work.

He urged that the women mentioned in the book, who are still alive, should be appreciated in their life time as they were the role model for the coming generation, especially for girls.

“Most of the women like Markhan Shaikh, who was the first ever Sindhi poetesses during the Soomra Dynasty, is not known to many men of letters despite the fact that her poetry was very charming and her poems are still sung in wedding ceremonies,” he added.

Drama writer Hafeez Kumbghar said Thar and lower Sindh had produced some giant and brave women like Mai Bhaktawar who had sacrificed her life by fighting for the rights of peasants.

Professor Nakash Alwani said history of Sindh was incomplete without Ms Benazir Bhutto, Noora Leghari, Rani Thakar etc., who had fought British forces along with the Hur freedom fighters.

Poet Asi Zamini said Rahukro had set a precedent in the literary history of Sindh. Poet and writer Bharumal Amrani said the book should be translated in other languages to introduce the brave women to the people speaking other languages.

Nationalist leader Nawaz Khan Zaur said Sindhi women had not only suffered at the hands of various taboos, but had also done a lot in every field.

Usman Rahukro said he had decided to write the role of many women like Ami Abro, Salimat Halepto, Meena Bheel and many others, whose contribution was hitherto hidden. Others also spoke on the occasion.

Prominent singers from Thar and other parts of Sindh performed during the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2018