Rich tributes: AIOU holds condolence reference for Munnu Bhai

Speakers eulogised the eminent writer and remembered him for his qualities of head and heart

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a condolence reference held on Tuesday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) paid tribute to late Munnu Bhai for his qualities of head and heart.

Addressing a condolence reference, they particularly eulogised him for raising a voice for the oppressed sections of the society, through his writings.

The reference was jointly arranged by the university’s departments of mass communication and Urdu.

It was presided over by the renowned scholar Prof Fateha Muhammad Malik, while speakers included eminent journalists Hamid Mir, Rauf Kalasra and Radio Pakistan ex-DG Murtaza Solangi.

AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui in his opening remarks said the Munnu  Bhai will be long remembered because of his love for the common man.

Through newspapers columns he advocated the cause of the less privileged section of the society.

In the famous TVs drama “Sona Chandi” he narrated the tale of those who lived a simple and ordinary life. By his death, he said they have lost another progressive voice of integrity and sanity.

Prof Malik spoke about his long personal association with Munnu Bhai, reminiscing the time they enjoyed together as students in Government Collage Attock in their early years. They spent a memorable time together in Rawalpindi’s literary and journalistic circles.

Munnu Bhai has created a vacuum in progressive literature and journalism which can hardly be filled in many decades, he added. Hamid Mir praised the VC for arranging the reference, remembering the great poet and columnist.

It is difficult to believe that Munno Bhai is no more among them. While recounting his personal interaction with him, he said he always idealised him as he served as a motivating force in columns’ writings.

Munnu Bhai was a sincere, humble and an honest man. He deserved high appreciation because of his devotion and commitment for the social work. Munnu  Bhai’s love for humanity is reflected from the fact that he also associated himself with Sundas Foundation, Lahore, a charity organisation, Mir added.

While paying homage to Munnu Bhai, Rauf Kalasra said he holds him in high esteem since he was the most favorite columnist of his mother. He was impressed by him as he stood for the cause of weak people. He noted that the late columnist had also been at the forefront raising the voice of South Punjab.

Murtaza Solangi spoke about Munnu Bhai’s association with Radio Pakistan, through which he highlighted socio-economic problems of the people.

He proposed that educational institutions needed to convey the message of such great personalities to the young generation for their upbringing.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2018.