LARKANA: A galaxy of well-read literati and other literature buffs praised the style and knowledge of short story writer Mukhtar Janveri that reflected in his travelogue Hal heineen seen hot’dai (Go to your loved one with heart) at its launch here on Sunday and termed it a guidebook for those intending to visit Iran and Iraq for pilgrimage.

The author has frequently travelled to the two countries in 1991, 1995, 1997, 2002, 2012 and 2016.

The speakers at the ceremony noted that the author precisely narrated his observations, feelings and experiences to guide readers about the history of various shrines and cautioning them against certain risks.

The ceremony was organised by the Larkana Arts Council’s literature committee and presided over by trilingual poet Ahmed Sultan Khoso, the Additional Comm­issioner-I of Larkana, Akhtar Janveri, a renowned Sindhi short story writer and elder brother of author Mukhtar Janveri. Dr Bashir Ahmed Shah, Nisar Khokhar and Prof Mukhtiar Samoo were the guests of honour.

Prof Samoo described Mukhtar Janveri as a “very knowledgeable person” and his style as “very interesting”, pointing out that the author presented a brief history of sacred places in Iran and Iraq which would be of great interest and benefit for pilgrims. The intending pilgrims must read this book before setting out to these countries to know about the places, the society, the way of life and system in these countries, he said, adding that the book also contained knowledge of the holy personalities buried there.

Akhtar Janveri, also a former DIG, said perhaps it was the maiden attempt made by anyone in Sindh to pen down a travelogue enriched with deep and minute information about the land, society and shrines in the two countries. “Prior to this book, such journeys were compiled in book shape but they do not focus on portraying such a complete picture,” he said.

He observed that the author appeared more studious and particular to his point of view. “Hopefully, he will continue to enrich the Sindhi literature with his next books,” he said.

Dr Bashir Ahmed Shah, who has tremendously contributed to the studies on Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, said that going through the book would tell us how difficult was the journey. “Surmounting all impediments, the author has successfully and scientifically taken along the readers to know about the two countries and the history of shrines, besides making an attempt to give a clue to missing links of history,” he pointed out.

According to Dr Shah, writing a travelogue in its true spirit is an art as it’s all about penning down events and making observations with honesty. He lauded the author’s successful effort.

Poet Ahmed Sultan Khoso, in his presidential speech, called the author “a multi-angle personality”, and said he had the art of explaining things in very simple fashion and language and the talent to take along his readers.

Khoso also spoke of Mukhtar Janveri’s capabilities and innate abilities being an engineer and executive district officer for works and services when both had worked together in Larkana.

“Besides guiding pilgrims, the book cautions them against unexpected disappearance of travel guides who are supposed to accompany the caravans,” he said.

Short story writer and poet Mohammad Ali Pathan noted that it was the first published book of Mukhtar Janveri but he had written fiction and plays as well. If he continued to get his books published, this would be a welcome contribution to Sindhi literature, he added.

Poet and writer Jawad Jafferi termed the author’s travelogue “unique in style and diction”.

Mukhtar Janveri highlighted contents of his travelogue and said he had honestly tried to produce a book that could serve as a handbook to pilgrims visiting sacred places in Iran and Iraq. He also briefly spoke about the attitude of many caravan leaders, “who cheat pilgrims and leave them in the lurch during the journey”.

He said he would soon come up with a travelogue about China. Mumtaz Lohar also shed light on the book and recited poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and earned applause from the audience.

Others who spoke included Nisar Khokhar, Ahmed Ali Sabir Chandio, Rizwan Gul and Shahmeer Soomro.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2020