THE 41st death anniversary of Allah Baksh Sarshar Uqaili was observed on Jan 15. He was a renowned man of letters and mystic poet of Sindh.

Uqaili was fond of writing since his adolescence and wrote many books containing Islamic stories and short stories. He kept on progressing in the skill and got many short books and books comprising mystic poems published.

It was due to his hard work and devotion that he became the vicegerent of Makhdoom Talibul Maula. Soon he opened the Sindh Library and the Bazm-i-Talibul Maula Academy in Hyderabad.

Apart from literary circles, he is also well-known in bureaucratic circles because he clinched the topmost position in whichever department he got a chance to work in.

He was popular for his sincerity towards his office. His loyalty towards his work was exemplary.

Recently Pir Mazhar, the education minister of Sindh, was heard quoting on the provincial assembly floor as to how well-versed Sarshar Uqaili was where office protocol and decorum were concerned and how superbly he used to handle them.

There are many lessons that government personnel can learn from his life.

He held many top posts but was above corruption. Besides, he used to run societies for literature and music and founded many such institutions.

He was an invitee to almost all mushairas because of his keen interest in poetry.

It is a pity that Sindh which once gave rise to great mystic poets and spiritual leaders is seeing a decline in its rich culture and traditions. Few of today’s youth are aware of the treasures which their homeland carried and was renowned for at one time.

Cultural societies, which are mostly non-governmental organisations, are anxious for the revival of their culture and traditions.

However, governmental organisations that are actually responsible for taking care of these national assets are unmindful or seen absent where such things are concerned.

Because of this numb attitude, the country is fast losing its foremost assets of history and culture -- the basis of identity of a nation.

SYED AREEB UDDIN Karachi