THIS is apropos the article ‘Learning Sindhi’ by Zubeida Mustafa (June 8). The writer has underlined the need and advantage of being bilingual in Sindh where like Urdu, Sindhi is recognised as a medium of education and is the official language in offices related to local government.

Sindh’s socio-political landscape would benefit greatly if stalwarts like Zubeida Mustafa come forward as advocates of mutual harmony among the permanent residents of this province, respecting and using the language of each other as a bridge to create harmony and peace between the two communities.

The Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) is doing a commendable job by arranging Sindhi language classes for professionals and intellectuals. The provincial government should also focus seriously on this issue and set up Sindhi classes at different localities in Karachi so that people can avail themselves of an opportunity to learn easily.

The writer rightly asserts that an overwhelming majority of Sindhis understand and are at ease with Urdu and have no problem interacting with Urdu speakers. It is some Urdu speakers, especially those who work in far flung areas of Sindh who face communication problems where the locals are more at ease with Sindhi.

Being a Sindhi, I hail the zeal Zubeida Mustafa has shown for Sindhi and appeal to both communities to sow the seeds of compassion and harmony.

Abdul Samad Channa
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2018