DADU Jan 16 Ustad Bukhari has guided the people through his poetry on the issues of Sindh and discussed their culture, life style, hardships and struggles.

Speaking at the 80th birth anniversary of Syed Ahmed Shah Bukhari known as Ustad Bukhari at Mehar press club on Saturday, writer Anwar Azad Kandhro said his poetry encouraged farmers, peasants and the working class.

The function was arranged by the Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Mehar branch. A number of poets, writers and citizens attended the programme and recited the poetry of Ustad Bukhari.

Mr Anwar said that poems, poetry and prose of Ustad Bukhari had unique diction and suggested to include his poetry in the syllabus of colleges and universities.

Short story writer Saleem Magsi said that Ustad Bukhari had been a teacher and led a busy life in teaching and writing poetry. He said that Ustad Bukhari continued his poetry even during the dictatorship of General Ziaul Haq.

He said that the government had not followed the guidance of Ustad Bukhari and added that Ustad Bukhari taught people how to live life in trouble. He demanded that the government should publish all of his poetry.

Writer Paveel Junejo said that his poetry had strengthened Sindhi language.

Ustad Bukhari discussed past, present and future of Sindh in his poetry. People respected him because he was a non-controversial poet.

Poet Nali Mitho said that the poetry of Ustad Bukhari was continuity of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Shaikh Ayaz.

He said that Ustad Bukhari was not only a poet, but also a scholar who guided the poor and destitute through his poetry.

Poets Sohail Abbasi and Akbar Kandhro recited the poetry of Ustad Bukhari on the occasion.

Earlier, relatives, friends and family members of Ustad Bukhari held a simple ceremony at his native home in Dadu and a cake was cut by Dr Syed Altaf Shah.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Altaf Shah said that Ustad Bukhari Academy was publishing the poetry of Ustad Bukhari.

He said that a committee had been formed to run the academy and preserve his poetry.

Family members, relatives and friends visited Wadhan Shah graveyard in Dadu and laid wreaths on the grave of Ustad Bukhari and offered Fateha.

Citizens, social workers and journalists also offered Fateha and laid wreaths on the grave.