LARKANA: A Sindhi novel by Agha Waqar Khuhro depicting plight of rural women was launched posthumously at a ceremony held under the aegis of Sindhi Adabi Sangat in Naudero on Wednesday night.

Writer and researcher Imam Rashdi, who presided over the ceremony, said that Aiwaz mein Azra (Azra given in redemption), maiden novel by the author, focused on living conditions and social problems of boatmen who earned their livelihood by catching fish in the Indus.

The novel painted in a very artistic manner woes of women who were given in marriage to compensate for the slur brought upon the families of their would-be husbands by allegations that their brothers had illicit relations with their in-laws’ families, he said.

He said the novel’s theme was heart wrenching as Khuhro had impressively depicted fishing community’s culture and unfolded many social complexities woven into the fabric of the rustic society.

He said that Khuhro’s book would occupy a significant place in Sindhi literature. People should read it to understand societal problems of this land and authorities concerned should build a memorial named after the late writer, he said.

Well-known poet Manzoor Mangi said that Khuhro was a practical man whose life was itself a voluminous novel. He had abandoned all his desires and committed himself to serving society through his writing, he said.

In his novel he had vividly described agonies of a woman who had been enslaved in outdated tribal traditions. He lived only 40 years but contributed to society in a very positive manner in the short time he had, he said.

Dileep Kumar, vice president of Pakistan Peoples Party Naudero, said that Khuhro was also an actor besides being a playwright and novelist. He did full justice to whatsoever character he wrote or acted on stage, he said, adding that PPP Naudero would award the writer Shaheed Rani Award in recognition of his great contribution to society.

Shafique Khuhro said that his elder brother had produced written material of at least 10 more books including his anthology, which would be published soon.

Liaquat Abro and Sahib Khan Shaikh said that Khuhro was a great soul who faced many agonies meted out to him by the insensitive elements in society which finally took his life.

Among others who attended the ceremony were writer Essa Memon, former secretary of Sindhi Adabi Sangat Larkana chapter Mujeeb Kandhar, Abdul Qayyum Kartio and Abdul Rahman Supero.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2021