Book launch: Progressive movements failed but Larkana’s four darwesh still remembered

Muslim Shamim’s book on the four comrades launched at Arts Council.

KARACHI: Of the numerous personalities that Larkana has produced, four comrades - Jamaluddin Bukhari, Hyder Bux Jatoi, Moulvi Nazir Jatoi and Sobho Gianchandani - will be remembered.

The speakers highlighted the struggle of these comrades at the inauguration ceremony of a book, titled ‘Larkana ke Chahar Darwesh’, on Monday evening. The book, written by communist leader and writer Muslim Shamim, was launched at Karachi Arts Council.

“A separate book needs to be written on each personality,” said writer Mazhar Jamil. “The role of these men is extraordinary.” He appreciated Shamim’s efforts in writing the book as well.

“Those who left the progressive movements are in the grip of globalisation and commercialisation,” pointed out communist leader Abid Hassan Minto. Highlighting the movements’ outcomes and failures in Pakistan, Minto said these movements failed everywhere since the first revolution.

The issues of the countries have not been resolved, said Minto, adding that the problems have become more complicated because of the anti-progressive forces. “Pakistan is a multi-national country and we support and respect those nations who take up these issues,” he said. The forces who want to impose religion through force cannot succeed, he added.

Minto also mentioned the disintegration of the Soviet Union and said that its causes have not been investigated properly.

Justice (retd) Syed Deedar Hussain Shah appreciated not only the role of the personalities discussed in the book but also paid respect to Shamim and Jamil for their affection with Sindh. “Despite threats, Comrade Sobho never left Sindh,” he recalled.

“Larkana is known for its politics, literature and culture,” said Prof Saleem Memon. “The book is a historical document not of Pakistan but the whole sub-continent.” He explained the contribution of all four men, adding that Bukhari’s struggle is unforgettable. “He spent most of his time in jails but never withdrew from the mission,” said Memon. “Hyder Bux Jatoi was not only a leader but a poet as well,” he added.

“Bukhari was Urdu-speaking by ethnicity but he always considered Sindh as his motherland,” pointed out Prof Aijaz Qureshi, adding that he was one of the great orators. “Moulvi Nazir was basically a religious person but he raised his voice against peeri-mureedi,” he added.

Qureshi suggested everyone read the book written by Hyder Bux Jatoi, titled ‘The Statement of Accused’. “The book carries the history of Sindh.” Qureshi said that he cannot forget the 12 years he spent with Jatoi.

Meanwhile, Amanullah Shaikh regretted the failure of nationalist and progressive movements in Sindh. Prof Sahar Ansari was of the view that the progressive movements in Pakistan had never surfaced with a clear vision. The failures and results of these movements are widely being discussed presently. “The new generation is not inclined towards this ideology.”

Bukhari’s son, Mukarram Sultan Bukhari, explained how his father and mother sacrificed for and served the party, saying that his father was an institution. “Taqat Ka Sarchashma Awam Hay [power lies in people] was my father’s slogan,” he claimed.

The book has six chapters with details on the works of the four comrades. Two chapters are on Sufi Shah Inayat Shaheed and the famous movement ‘Hari Tehreek’, respectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2014.