Memorial: Three poets leave behind rich trove of Sindhi literature

Dars, Malik and Abro led their readers through a series of excellent poetry.

HYDERABAD:

The death of Sindhi writers, Mansur Malik, Hassan Dars and Tariq Alam Abro, in the same month has left an irreplaceable gap. To celebrate their contributions, the Sindhi Language Authority (SLA) organised a conference on Thursday. “Dars was a poet envied by all Sindhi writers,” said SLA chairperson Dr Fehmida Hussain. “The terrible loss of three writers in the same month has come as a severe shock to their readers.”

For Dr Hussain, Sindh has lost a man who was bound to be known as one of the best poets of the 21st century. “Malik contributed 11 books to Sindhi literature including five books of poetry. Abro, had a literary flair and personality which impressed everyone he interacted with and the ability to create art,” she said. Referred to as the poet of young hearts, according to Hussain, Dars was a literary genius. “He possessed the ability of greats such as Shaikh Ayaz,” she added.

Writer Rasool Bux Dars described the three as currently the best poets in Sindh. “It’s a misfortune that all three left us at the same time. Their deaths will create a gap which will not be filled easily,” he said. Radio Pakistan director Naseer Mirza who knew Abro since 1978 claimed he had learnt a lot from him. “He was a connoisseur of art and literature. A poet of nature, Abro could interpret different seasonal hues,” he said.

“These writers formed a strong bond with their readers while transforming and depicting places in Sindh as idyllic or surrounded by different traditions, deserts and mountains,” said scholar and social activist Jami Chandio.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2011.