HYDERABAD, June 1 Services rendered by Shaikh Ayaz for the cause of Sindh and Sindhi language and literature were fondly remembered during a concert. The concert was organized by the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, Hyderabad in collaboration with the Culture Department at Sindh Museum late on Monday evening.

Speakers demanded setting up an institute in his name in Shikarpur which happens to be Shaikh's birthplace and inclusion of his poetic work in educational syllabus, besides bringing out postal stamps on his birth anniversary.

New editions of Shaikh Ayaz's three books compiled in Sindhi and Urdu were also launched.

Speaker, Sindh Assembly, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said that Shaikh Ayaz was the peoples' poet and is widely read and his poetry hummed in every street of the province. He was esteemed by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who appointed him as the vice chancellor of the Sindh University.

Mr Khuhro stressed on setting up libraries all over as knowledge helps a nation to prosper.

Provincial Culture Minister, Ms Sassui Palijo said that Shaikh Ayaz's poetry was effective enough in creating a new zeal and spirit among his followers. She called upon the people to organize such concerts as these help in easing the nerves of people who are reeling under price hike, poverty and allied problems.

Director General, PBC, Murtaza Solangi appreciated the corporation's efforts of acknowledging Shaikh Ayaz's poetry and said that the man never bowed before dictators and tyrants. Film actor Mustafa Qureshi and writers Inayat Baloch and Hameed Sindhi also lauded his contributions towards Sindh and its culture.

Rubina Qureshi, Bedil Masroor, Shafi Faqir, Hanif Lashari, Deeba Sahar and Faqeer Sarwar Ghafoor kept the audience enthralled by their sweet melodies.