LARKANA: The 102nd birth anniversary of progressive writer and communist leader Comrade Sobho Gianchandani was celebrated by Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Larkana unit, on Friday.

The programme was presided over by intellectual and political activist Jagdesh Ahuja. Family members of Comrade Sobho Gianchandani, writers and social activists participated in the programme. A birthday cake was cut and services and contribution of Comrade Sobho was highlighted.

Speaking to the audience, Jagdesh Ahuja said that G.M. Syed and Comrade Sobho Gianchandani were genius who stood firm with their aim whole of their life. He further said that there was a strong bond between literature and revolution. Youth of yore used to be attracted to revolution through literature but now this relation was terminated because Sindhi Adabi Sangat (SAS) had fallen to factional politics now.

He said that in past ideas and ideologies were talked about but now people talked about personalities only. It was need of the time that ideological and intellectual discourse and discussion on literature and politics should again be initiated. He said that during 1970 to 1990, vote was cast on some idealistic basis but it was now caste on personality cult and to serve the personal interests.

Nirmal, the son of Comrade Sobho, said that my father served very tormenting days in jail but did not budge back an inch from his lofty purpose of serving the land and the nation.

Rekha, the daughter-in-law of Comrade Sobho, said that her father-in-law was very honest and good person who worked for the emancipation of the downtrodden. He would be remembered for ever for his work.

Others who spoke included Shahmir Soomro, Musawar Mangi, Tashkeel Mirbahar, Hamz Ali Sohu, Ustad Gul Mohammad Dayo and Koral Kurbdar.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2022