Curtains fall: Sarkash Sindhi loses battle against cancer, dies at Chandka hospital

SUKKUR:

Sindh lost another of its illustrious sons on Monday, when the renowned poet and writer, Sarkash Sindhi, lost his battle against prostate cancer at the Chandka Hospital in Larkana. Sindhi was suffering from the ailment for the last ten years, and suffered a paralysing stroke a year and a half back that left him bedridden. He was admitted to the hospital last Saturday, after his condition had deteriorated.

The provincial culture minister, Sassui Palejo, and culture secretary, Abdul Aziz Uqaili, visited Sindhi’s residence in Shaikh Zaid Colony fifteen days ago and announced a reward of Rs100,000 for the poet. The culture department had already given Sindhi Rs600,000 prior to this grant.

Born on October 1 1940 in Dadu, Sarkash Sindhi received his primary education in his hometown. His family moved to village Jalalpur near Dakhan district in Shikarpur, and later to Ratodero.   Sindhi was a primary teacher by profession, and was living at his residence in Larkana for the last 32 years. He had written nine books on Sindhi poetry.

Sindhi left behind his widow, two daughters and a son. The Sindhi Adabi Sangat announced three-day mourning throughout Sindh in the wake of the icon’s demise.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2012.