KARACHI, May 2: The Vice-Chancellor of University of Karachi, Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, has said that the Sindhi language has a glorious past, a praiseworthy present and a bright future. Pirzada Qasim, who was speaking as chief guest on the last day of the four-day ‘International conference on Sindh — past, present & future,’ pointed out that the literature produced during the 60s could be described as discovery and identity of Sindh.

“Today’s writer has narrated his true feelings on subjects pertaining to land — whether its economy, society or politics — with wisdom. Their work has been appreciated. Although at times their tone appears to be aggressive, yet young writers and poets are producing literature with dedication.”

Dr Pirzada’s remarks on ‘Contribution of Urdu and other languages’, which was the topic of the morning session, stressed the need for translating masterpieces of the Sindhi fiction and poetry into Urdu. This, he said, would help strengthen mutual affection and cohesion in the province.

He described the Sindhi culture, civilisation, traditions and mode of living as manifestations of love, sincerity and sacrifice and said that Urdu-speaking people needed to understand the poetry and message of Shah Latif.

Others who read out their papers were Prof Saleem Memon, Dr Fehmida Hussain, Mazhar Jamil, Fateh Muhammad Malik, Mobin Mirza, Dr Qazi Khadim and Dr Sehar Imdad.

In his paper on ‘Role of Urdu and other Pakistani languages in the development of Sindhi language and literature,’ Prof Saleem reviewed last two centuries in their historical and literary perspective.

He said that after partition Sindhi literature became stagnant but pointed out that from 60s onwards a new diction was being practiced and new fiction was being produced.

Mazhar Jamil analysed Urdu fiction writers whose work covered the historical and cultural background of rural Sindh. Among these writers Muhammad Khalid and Akhtar stood prominent whose works ‘Naukot to Deplo’ and ‘Chakiwara main Wisal’ were called exemplary.

National Language Authority chairman Shaikh Muhammad Malik termed Pakistani languages, particularly Sindhi, as big and important languages. He paid tributes to Shmasul Ulema Mirza Quleeg Baig and said he was a supporter of the Urdu-Sindhi liaison. He also paid homage to Pir Hissamuddin Rashdi for terming Sindh as the birthplace of Urdu.

Prof Dr Qazi Khadim, Prof Dr Sehar Imdad and Mobin Mirza in their papers presented comparative reviews of Sindhi literature.

Prof Shaukat Shoro and Dr Fehmida Hussain conducted the question-answer session.