HYDERABAD, June 10: Rich tribute was paid to the noted writer and poet, Mr Shamsherul Haideri, at a literary gathering held at the residence of Mr Hameed Sindhi, the former vice chancellor of the Shah Abdul Latif University, here on Sunday.

The function was arranged under the aegis of Bazm-i-Rooh Rehan.

Speaking on the occasion, Shamsherul Haideri said that he had made it a cardinal principle of his life to speak out the truth loudly and clearly whatever the cost.

He said that all our institutions were degenerating.

“I will soon write a book on the destruction of Sindhi Adabi Board,” he announced and challenged that if the Board was handed over to him with two years grant, he would make it profitable and viable.

Speaking on the occasion, noted intellectual and chief of the Awami Tehrik, Rasool Bux Palejo, said that the singular quality of Shamsherul Haideri was that he was sincere and truthful as well as selfless.

He said if writers were to emulate Haideri, they could uphold the honour of pen. He said creative writing was more powerful and lethal than the sword and added that it was the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai from which he had sought inspiration in his struggle against one unit.

Mr Hameed Sindhi said that the civil society was degenerating and the prevailing situation had created anxiety among the people.

Others who paid tributes to Haideri included Imdad Hussaini, Niaz Humayoon, Eijaz Qureshi and Taj Joyo.