LARKANA: Speakers at the book launch of a collection of 55 short stories Umeed jo kirno (A ray of hope) by Mohammad Ali Pathan showered praise on the writer and said he touched upon all issues of common man, significant and seemingly insignificant, and skilfully wove around them fascinating tales.

Ahmed Sultan Khoso, additional commissioner-I of Larkana and a poet in his own right who presided over the book launch at Arts Council of Pakistan recently, said that Pathan was a committed writer who had made it his mission to highlight problems of the common man in his writings.

He said that Pathan’s book was a valuable addition to Sindhi literature. Besides being a poet, Pathan had proved himself a good short-story writer and playwright. Urdu and English translations of some of his books had given him wide reach beyond the province and the country and earned him appreciation which he truly deserved, he said, adding that he was undoubtedly a successful writer who had a large readership.

Prof Mukhtiar Samo, writer and Founder of Knowledge Centre, said that Pathan was a prolific and full-time writer who had authored 45 books on prose and poetry. The book Umeed jo kirno was his 20th published work, he said.

Pathan had garnered strong and deep bond with his people and he closely observed their societal issues, which he turned into great literary creations with the help of wide study of literature and vast vocabulary, he said.

The characters in his stories were downtrodden and marginalised people who suffered at the hands of an unjust society. Oftentimes he picked themes for his short stories from news reports of tragic happenings and weird developments appearing in media, thus his stories also served as a mirror of contemporary society, he said.

The author said that he firmly believed that life was short, hence he wanted to contribute positively to amelioration the lot of the common man through his writings. Books brought enlightenment, “what I have learned from books and experienced in life is my great wealth. I like to spend this wealth of experience and learning on the betterment of people”, he said.

Prof Jam Jamali, former secretary of Arts Council, said that every writer contributed to compilation of history in his own way. Stories, poetry, novels and work on other genres of literature reflected prevailing conditions in a society. Pathan was also playing his role honestly and skilfully in this regard, he said.

Aziz Qasmani, writer and researcher, said that Pathan’s tales met all technical requirements of short stories. His contribution to literature would long be remembered.

Rafia Bukhari, English poet, said that Pathan was a realistic writer as most of his stories highlighted problems which had sprung out of recent Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent extended lockdowns.

Nangar Channa said that Pathan had also proved himself a social scientist who tried to heal wounds of his ailing society through his writings.

Prof Naveed Sandilo said that Pathan like Dostoevsky had also touched on destructive issue of gambling in his stories, which was very appreciable.

Mumtaz Lohar said that subjects of Pathan’s stories were ordinary and simple but they truly represented society. He had tried to awaken people from their slumber and showed them what was wrong with them and how they could bring positive change in their lives.

Ali Bakhsh Pathan said that Mohammad Ali Pathan had multidimensional personality and great qualities. He could write with equal ease in every genre of literature and that was why his poetry and dramas were widely liked.

Malhar Sindhi, chairman of literary department of Arts Council, Jahangir Abbasi and Mor Mugheri also spoke at the gathering while Talib Channa enthralled the audience by singing poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in his melodious voice.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2021