OCTOBER is a unique month in the world of Sindhi language and literature. It is the month when a great writer, known as the 'Father of modern Sindhi literature', Mirza Qaleech Baig, was born ( Oct 7) in the beautiful city of Hyderabad, and his birth anniversary is observed during this month.

Mirza Qaleech Baig was a multifaceted person. He was a devoted government officer. He was a recognised poet, playwright, and also a trend setter in Sindhi prose writing. As an author of more than 350 books, including several dramas, life-sketches and travel accounts, Qaleech Baig represents the agonies of the people, their inhuman exploitation, as well as their urge for progress and prosperity.

This intellectual genius devoted his life to the development of the Sindhi language and literature and in recognition of his services as a writer, patron and moderniser, he was given the title of 'Shamsul Ulema.

Mirza Qaleech Baig made major contributions in various fields of literature including journalism, drama and poetry.

It is also in the second week of October when Sindh lost a great preacher of Sindhi Sufi values, Syed Ahmed Shah Bokhari alias Ustad Bokhari, whose works changed the consciousness of millions of people. His prime qualities of heart and head earned him appreciations across Sindh and abroad.

As many of their books are out of print, I hope these will be made available to readers, as soon as possible.

H.A.
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