MUHAMMAD Usman Deeplai (1908-1981) was a person of fearless spirit and determination Sindh has ever produced, whose 30th anniversary was on Feb 7.

Deeplai was born in the desert town of Diplo in an underprivileged family. He could not receive formal education beyond primary level.

Instead of taking up his family profession of trade and commerce, a lucrative business, he chose journalism voluntarily. Deeplai’s contribution to literature by any standard is no small achievement.

He wrote about 100 novels, 14 dramas, more than 100 short stories, nearly 500 essays and countless editorials in Shah jo Risalo and Muslim biographical works including translation of the Holy Quran in Sindhi.

Through these writings he tried to inspire forces to transform the moribund culture of Sindh which was beset with centuries-old superstitions and ‘pir parasti’.

I would request the provincial ministries of education and culture, as well as the vice-chancellor of Sindh University, to establish the ‘Deeplai Chair’ in Sindh University so that not only research scholars can benefit from the collection of his works but its literary and historical significance can be shared by the posterity. M. H. KURESHI Karachi