Celebrating 100 years of a living legend

A tribute organised to honour the life and works of writer Ibrahim Joyo

KARACHI: A prominent Sindhi literatus, writer, philosopher and intellectual who authored a number of books of politics, culture and history, Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo, celebrated his 100th birthday at Pakistan Arts Council on Thursday.

The main auditorium was packed with his fans, family members, politicians, civil society activists, artists and media personnel.

"It is an honour for me to be with the living legend on this historical day," said renowned the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) head and a medical expert Dr Adibul Hasan Rizvi."It may seem difficult for anyone to live a clean life [with principles] but he did." He said he will always remain grateful to Joyo because of his constant support to SIUT.

Read: A tribute to Ibrahim Joyo’s progressive thinking

Information minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said that it was an honour for him too to be part of the birthday celebrations. "He is an asset of Sindh," he said. Recalling an encounter with Joyo Khuhro said, "I asked Joyo sahib to spend 50 more years and he [Joyo] assured me that he will try."

Mohsin Joyo, the grandson of the maestro, shared his memories and remarked that Joyo was humbled by the love and respect of his fans. "What a journey," he quoted Joyo's words on his 100th birthday. "I have never seen him wear any other colour but white," he said. "He is a man of consistency."



Narrating Joyo's journey, Mohsin said that Joyo started writing in 1942. "He wrote 'Save Sindh, Save Continent' in 1946 but during that time he earned just Rs30 and was living in a single quarter in Karachi.""He is not only a great writer and scholar but a great inspiration for entire family," said Joyo's granddaughter Bushra Joyo. She said that Joyo loved reading books and suggested others to read books as well.

The audience honoured Joyo and Rizvi by giving them standing ovations several times. "We are proud of these personalities," said Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Primary Health Standing Committee member. "He [Joyo] has spent the entire day with a smile on his face," said University of Sindh former vice-chancellor Mazharul Haq Siddiqui. "He continues to distribute ilm and intellect among people," he added, praying that Joyo may live more centuries. "Such people live for centuries through their writings," he added.

Read: Sindh celebrates 100 years of Ibrahim Joyo

Prof Muhammad Saleem Memon said that the committee formed to celebrate the 100th birthday of Joyo organised events in different cities of Sindh. He said that 24 books authored by Joyo have been published since July 2014. Several institutes and literary figures were awarded shields during the function. Dance artist Sheema Kermani along with her students performed on number of local songs.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2015.