LARKANA: Speakers at the launch of a compilation of short stories Budandar beriyoon (Sinking boats) translated from Urdu and English into Sindhi showered praise on the translator, Mumtaz Lohar, and said his work had enriched Sindhi literature.

Akhtar Janveri, short story writer and retired DIG, who presided over the programme held under the aegis of Sachal Adabi Markaz here on Sunday evening, said the book contained 17 short stories of well known Urdu and English writers and Lohar had done a great job by translating the literature of other languages into Sindhi. The fact that the book launch coincided with his birthday had doubled his joy, he said.

He said that literary fiction produced around the world could not be confined now within the barriers of languages or countries. The art of translating stories set in other cultures was difficult but there were some talented souls who had taken on this challenge and the best stories written in various languages in the world were being translated into Sindhi frequently, he said.

Dr Bashir Ahmed Shaad, researcher and writer, said that Lohar spent every moment of his life in productive activities. He was a sensitive person who felt agonies of others and his translation met all requirements and standards of a good translation, he said.

Dr Zameer Ahmed Soomro, principal of Chandka Medical College, said that he had known Lohar as a hard-working and able schoolteacher but got closer to him when he came to him for treatment of his fractured leg after a road accident. He found him to be fine natured person who always respected people around him, he said.

Prof Mukhtiar Ahmed Samo, writer and founder of Knowledge Centre, said that Lohar was a creative writer besides being an able translator. His had written three books of best short stories and poetry, he said.

He said that translation was not less important than creative work because it enriched literature. The theme, characters and situation of translated stories in the book depicted social milieu of Sindh which Sindhi readers would find very impressive, he said.

Nisar Khokhar, columnist, said that Loahr’s diction too was interesting. His work was different from many as was his personality, which made one happy and inspired, he said.

Lohar said that he had experienced many hard days in his life. Writing was not simply a mental exercise for him but it served as a catharsis for his inner self, he said, adding that many stories in the book were translated during his recuperation after the road accident.

Dr Ahsan Danish said that all stories in view of their diction and theme were worth translating and the quality of translation was appreciable.

Dr Riazat Buriro said that pain and suffering of characters seemed to be oozing out from the stories as translated into Sindhi by Lohar.

Sikandar Abbasi, short story writer, said that Lohar was an amicable person who always welcomed friends.

Towards the end of the programme, the gathering demanded in unison that original logo of Sindhi Adabi Board should not be replaced with a new one.

Aziz Qasmani, Ustad Gul Dayo, Rizwan Gul, Riaz Junejo and Khawar Qabilai also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the translator’s birthday cake was cut and the participants shared in his celebration.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2022