LARKANA: Speakers showered praise on Muslim Shamim at a book launch ceremony for his work Dabistan-i-Larkana which detailed life and times of 12 prominent personalities of different fields produced by this historic city.

In his book, Mr Shamim had also tried to compile literary, political and social history of Larkana and work towards uniting Sindhi and Urdu writers on one platform, they said at the ceremony which was organised by Larkano District Historical Society (LDHS) at Arts Council here on Sunday evening.

Abdul Razzaq Soomro, former ambassador, said that many men of letters, including the author, migrated to Larkana from India after independence who worked in their own way for the promotion of literary and academic activities in the city.

In those days, Sindhi-Urdu mushairas were held where poets would present their poetry in both languages in a manifestation of the bond of love between the two communities, he said.

MPA Mehtab Akbar Rashdi said that She said that Mr Shamim lived in Karachi but called Larkana his second native place which spoke volumes for his unflinching love for the city. The book revealed that the foundation of progressive Sindhi literature was laid in early 20th century in Larkana by Kishan Chand Baiwas, she said.

She said the initiative for the establishment of LDHS was taken by the then Larkana Deputy Com­m­i­ssioner Moham­mad Has­h­im Memon in 1985 who was a visionary, honest and brave officer.

Mr Shamim, the author, said that though Walipur in Patna, India, was his birthplace he always considered Larkana his second native place where he had received unconditional love and enlightenment.

“Today’s gathering for me has given me much strength and happiness I will feel much honoured if LDHS treats me as its member,” he said.

Retired Vice Admiral Shah Suhail Masood said that he had a very strong bond of love with Larkana.

“It is my native place and I feel as if whole Larkana has played an important part in my upbringing besides my own parents,” he said.

He said that though he had mostly lived away from Larkana he had instructed his Sindhi staff to speak with him in Sindhi so that he could keep his bond with the language alive which “…is a very beautiful language indeed” he said, adding Mr Shamim had done well by writing the book.

Prof Mukhtiar Samo, chairman of LDHS, said that by writing book on prominent personalities the author had rendered a service to the city’s history.

He urged people to nurture interest in history as it was a permanent source of inspiration for the nation.

Khalid Chandio said that Mr Shamim actively participated in political movements for the rights of Sindh and was one of the few writers who had worked as a bridge between Sindhi and Urdu speaking writers.

Zulfikar Ali Kadri, Dr Bashir Ahmed Shaad and Prof Riazat Buriro said that Mr Shamim’s book would always keep him alive in peoples’ hearts. His book highlighted the city’s rich traditions and also commented on literary and political scene of Larkana, they said.

Towards the end of the programme, singer Saleem Raza Kumbhar sang poetry of Prof Mukhtiar Samo which was loudly applauded by the audience. Writers, political and social workers and students attended the book launch ceremony.

Earlier, Gul Mohammad Gaad presented his book Larkano Sahsebano to Mr Shamim. Gifts of books published by LDHS and Arts Council and Ajraks were also presented to distinguished guests.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2019