LARKANA: The Sindhi Adabi Sangat (SAS), Larkana district chapter, organised a ceremony for the launch of a research book in Sindhi language Olhando Phital Naro authored by a young researcher, Ahmad Ali Soomro, at the local Press Club the other day.
The ceremony was presided over by noted writer Mukhtiar Sammo president district historical society. He noted that Mr Soomro has compiled Sindh’s history on a scientific basis through his research on the dried-up western stream. “His research work is of a PhD thesis standard”, said Mr Sammo, pointing out that the young author has recorded authentic history by following proper research principles which is a source of pride for future generations. History gives us inspiration, awareness and identity, he said. Mr Sammo’s speech was punctuated by the references all around the world in the context of old rivers. He talked and stressed on writing and preserving history and events, like the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, by local writers.
Author Ahmad Ali Soomro, described the topic and research of his book as the work on “a forgotten chapter of history that once carried the legacy of a magnificent civilisation.” He said gathering missing links of history amidst of blurred evidences which had survived through ‘chest history’ helped him to write on the subject.
Focus remained on finding out the actual route of the dried-up western stream through all ups and downs of history and unclear references littered in different history books written both by English rulers and indigenous sources, he said.
The subject kept on expanding as he touched certain unexplored avenues in the history connecting the people, inhabitants, culture, civilisation, migrations, transport through irrigation system, echo system and the elements which helped assist the people of that time how to earn livelihood and survive on the banks of rivers, he said.
Young writer and journalist Nisar Khokhar praised the author’s work, comparing its significance and depth to Abdul Qadir Junejo’s English-language book on the Haakra River. He drew resemblance between both works of literature and research. Researcher Essa Memon said Soomro has made a commendable effort to dust off Sindh’s history by offering a progressive and enlightened perspective. He said of the three big libraries that existed in the world, one in Thatta was ruined by invaders and the library of Alexandria (Egypt) was burnt down by Arabs, leaving only one library in Greece from where most of references are present in the history.
“We direly need indigenous intake to correct our history,” he said.
Noted writer and poet Baqa Ullah Bozdar, speaking as the guest of honor, called the book “a credible and authentic historical reference for those interested in history.”
Dr Zameer Ahmad Soomro, the author’s brother, revealed that Ahmed’s life remained surrounded by books, driven by curiosity since childhood, and this book is a true reflection of that spirit. Being his younger brother, he said, I always saw him taking keen interest in literature since his childhood. He had the habit of spending his all pocket money on buying books, Dr Zameer said.
The ceremony was also addressed by Mumtaz Luhar, Ali Pathan, Adal Solangi, Sahib Khan Mirani, Raees Ahmad Khan Jatoi and others.
SAS district secretary Roshan Totani, welcomed the guests and held out the assurance that such programmes would continue to be organized by the organisation.
Mohammad Nawaz Mirasi presented a Latif Ji Wai (verse of Shah Latif Bhitai) and Mumtaz Luhar recited a ghazal at the programme.
A large number of literary figures, academics, journalists, lawyers and intellectuals attended the ceremony.
Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2026