LARKANA: Speakers at a condolence reference paid tribute to writer, researcher and poet Sarmad Chandio, who passed away last week, for his extraordinary contribution to Sindhi literature and flawless art of versification.

The reference was held to commemorate late Chandio at Arts Council Larkana under the aegis of its literature department on Monday evening.

Prof Mukhtiar Samo, writer and founder of Knowledge Centre Larkana who presided over the gathering, said that Chandio was a dedicated and indefatigable writer and researcher, who had written 75 books on poetry and prose equal to 75 years of his age. Many of the books were yet to be published, he said.

Chandio was considered an authority on illm-e-Urooz and shandveidya, the prosody of versification, and two different structural techniques of composing different genres of poetry in Sindhi and other languages.

His work on great Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai was unique of its kind in which he tested couplets (bait) of Bhitai on the basis of that technique and found them highly perfect.

His novel on Bhitai was yet to be published which he had written in his lifetime. Chandio had produced many students in poetry who had now earned big name and fame through their poetic works, he said.

Faqeer Paryal Dayo, secretary general [central] of one faction of Sindhi Adabi Sangat, said that Chandio had a special flair of composing geet and wai, two peculiar and original genres of Sindhi poetry.

Aziz Qasimani, son of Chandio who was a poet in his own right, said that his father was among pioneers of meter of Sindhi poetry. His poetry was great depth of thought and was an example of flawless art of versification, he said.

Dr Ahsan Danish said that Chandio’s poetry was a conglomeration of classic and modern traditions of Sindhi poetry.

Adil Abbasi said that Chandio was very loud in his thinking, which was manifested in his poetry and other literary works. He was a good speaker as well who spoke smoothly and convincingly on any topic of literature, he said.

Prof Jam Jamali, former secretary of Arts Council, said that Chandio’s contribution to richness of Sindhi literature would always be remembered.

Dr Riaz Buriro said that Chandio was very active in progressive politics in his past but when he came to literature he did not look back and did a huge literary work.

Dr Preh Sakina Gaad said that they had learnt a great deal from Chandio in many literary gatherings. His speeches were full of information and inspired everyone in the audience, she said.

Malhar Sindhi, chairman of literature department of Arts Council, said that it was obligatory upon them to pay homage to the writers, who worked selflessly for the promotion of literature, while they were alive.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were; Prof Ghulam Hussain Katpar, Sattar Hullio, Panjal Sangi, Ustad Gul Dayo, Hubdar Totani, Madhosh Bhutto, Koral Kurbdar, Saleem Raza Kumhar, Saleh Abbasi, Ashfaque Chandio, Punhal Jagirani, Deedar Shaikh and Sughar Dado Dittal Abro.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2022