LARKANA: Speakers at a gathering highlighted the literary services and works of five prominent writers who contributed substantially to the promotion of different genres in Sindhi literature.

The speakers at the session titled: Sarjanhar Sadiyun jaa, held recently at the local press club extolled the works of Dr Sikander Mughal (science), Ayaz Bhagat (history), Prof Mukhtiar Sammo (children literature and education), Muhammad Ali Pathan (fiction) and Jawad Jafferi (poetry). The event was organised by the Sindhi Adabi Sangat (SAS), Larkana chapter, and presided over by renowned writer and literary critic Naganer Channa.

Dr Zulfiqar Rahujo speaking about contribution of Dr Sikander Mughal, writer and paediatric surgeon, said there had been a dearth of science literature in Sindhi because it needed special liking and attitude to study science. There were not many writers inclined to writing on science, he said.

Dr Mughal had been producing science literature for 40 years, he said, adding that his books in Sindhi dealing with various branches of science were unique.

Dr Ahsan Danish presented his paper highlighting literary works of Prof Mukhtiar Sammo. He said Prof Sammo had composed very interesting poetry for children in Sindhi besides writing and working for the promotion of education of youth.

He said his first book for children was published in 1980 while the latest one some three years ago. He said people writing for children were doing a great job because ignoring literature for children was tantamount to ignoring education and training of young generation.

Jeal Oad presented his paper on the works of Ayaz Bhagat on history in Sindhi language. He said Bhagat had written on many such historical places and events which had hitherto been neglected by other writers.

He was a prolific writer whose 13 voluminous books written on various historical places of Sindh had great importance.

Naveed Sandhelo said Muhammad Ali Pathan had profusely been writing Sindhi fiction; his 24 published books had enriched Sindhi literature to a great deal.

He said Pathan had special command over writing a short story. Themes of his stories were taken from society which made them real. He appreciated the writer’s consistency in producing literature in Sindhi.

Mumtaz Luhar said Jawad Jaffery was a poet of great calibre whose Sindhi and Urdu poetry had widely been sung by singers.

Jaffery belonged to a literary family, he said, adding that his grandfather was also a poet.

Dr Sikander Mughal, Prof Mukhtiar Sammo, Ayaz Bhagat, Muhammad Ali Pathan and Jawad Jafferi also spoke on the occasion.

Concluding the session, Nanagar Channa said it augured well that a tribute was paid to the senior writers who had been working for the promotion of various genres of Sindhi literature selflessly. He urged Sindh government to establish a separate board for children’s literature.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2022