MITHI, May 2: Sindh minister for culture and tourism, Sassui Palijo, has said that Thar-born Marvi was a towering personality as she did not bow to a wicked and cruel ruler.

She was speaking after inaugurating Marvi Mela at Marvi Jo Khooh near Bhalwa village, Nagarparkar, on Friday.

The people of Thar were the identity of culture of Sindh, whose masses remember Benazir Bhutto as “Marvi Malir Ji” because she sacrificed her life but did not bow before the wicked forces, Sassui Palijo said.

“In past lot of injustices and excesses were done by the local heavy weights, whose slogan was bullet and dhanda, however, the voters rejected them and voted for the party of Benazir Bhutto, whom they consider as the Marvi of this century”, said Sassui.

“Not only black crows are found in Thar but Thar has also vast deposits of black gold (coal). The previous government kept the people on lip service and could not explore and exploit the coal, however, PPP’s government is determined to get the work started on three mega projects of Keti Bundar, Gorakh Hill Station and Thar coal”, she said.

She announced that the culture department would organise Marvi Mela every year, a Marvi rest house would be constructed at Bhalwa and a Marvi memorial would be built near Marvi Jo Khooh. She said, Marvi award would be given to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto posthumously during the Marvi Mela. She visited Marvi Jo Khooh and the stalls.

Speaking at the occasion, MNA Mahesh Kumar Malani said, as Marvi is a symbol of patriotism and righteousness, the present government would not forget her greatness. Mr Malani announced to electrify Bhalwa village out of his development fund.

Among others, Shams Jafrani, secretary culture, Wali Mohammad Rahimoon and Dur Mohammad Kamal also spoke on then occasion. Horse/camel race, malakhra and a musical programme was also arranged at the mela.

Meanwhile, adabi conference, malakhra, exhibition of handicrafts and a musical programme would be held on Saturday at Mithi.