HYDERABAD, March 17: Scholars from India and Pakistan on Thursday termed Shah Latif an embodiment of religious tolerance and Sindhiat. They were speaking at a literacy conference held at the Bhitshah Excellence Centre to mark the 262nd urs of the immortal poet.

In his presidential address, noted Indian intellectual Dr Motilal Jotwani said that Jalaluddin Akbar in politics and Shah Latif in literature had integrated messages of all religions and all languages and connected them with the message of Nanak and Kabir.

Noted scholar Dr G.A. Allana spoke at length on the mysticism of Bhittai and Romi and said that due to lack of interest in books, interest in research work was dwindling.

He urged the youth to promote studying culture without which they would not be able to understand the celestial poetry of Bhittai.

Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Qamar Mansoor said that Latif day would be observed in all district headquarters by the Sindh culture department in cooperation with district governments during the current year to disseminate the message of love and peace of the great poet.

The minister said that a fair would also be held in April at the native village of Marvi in Tharparkar district and added that horse and cattle shows would also be organized to promote the culture of Sindh.

Mr Mansoor said that next year, urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai would be celebrated at the international level and Ulema and research scholars would be invited at the fair.

He said that Shah Latif was a universal poet and heritage of the entire world adding that he could not be confined to Sindh or Pakistan or to any religion.

He announced that the book by Indian intellectual, Dr Motilal Jotwani on Shah Latif in English would be translated into Urdu and Sindhi languages by the culture department.

The minister said that the temporary employees of the culture department, who have served for 30 years, would be confirmed in service.

He also announced that Rs200,000 for noted scholar, Syed Mazhar Jamil, for his research in Urdu language and Rs100,000 for Manzoor Kanasro, director culture department, in recognition of his meritorious services.

Sindh Culture Secretary Mehtab Akbar Rashdi said that the Sindh culture department had initiated many programmes to bring scholars and intellectuals and younger generation together to teach and learn the poetry of Shah Latif.

Anwer Pirzado, Arbab Naik Mohammad, Mohammad Hussain Kashif, Mazhar Jamil, Taj Joyo, Inam Shaikh and Naseer Mirza spoke on the occasion.