Literary world’s loss: PPC pays tribute to late Praful Bidwai

The Indian writer, columnist and peace activist served more than 45 years of his life in literary efforts

KARACHI: A condolence reference for Indian writer, columnist and nuclear peace activist Praful Bidwai was held at the Pakistan Medical Association Society (PMA) organised by the Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC) Sindh, on Friday.

Bidwai is remembered for his anti-nuclear stance for attainment of world peace. Serving more than 45 years of his life in literary efforts, he passed away on June 23.

Karachi University Pakistan Study Centre director Dr Syed Jaffar Ahmed said that the loss of Bidwai is as if a window to the Indian politics has closed. "Bidwai had been a useful source in understanding Indian politics," he said.

Citing similarities between India's Aam Admi Party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Ahmed also commended Bidwai's analytical approach. "Through his writings, we get to learn about the inherent authoritarianism in both parties," Ahmed said.

Highlighting Bidwai's efforts for peace in South Asia, economist Dr Kaiser Bengali urged that Pakistan needs to fight against the status quo. "If Iran, US and Europe can unify, there is no reason why India and Pakistan cannot," he said.

Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research executive director Karamat Ali shed a light on Bidwai's life and activism. Claiming that he was an internationalist at heart, Karamat said, "Bidwai didn't feel obligated to any country, he was concerned with the issues that affect humans everywhere."

Talking about his works on communism, Karamat said that Bidwai is one of the few organically intellectual people.

Bidwai's ashes will be immersed in River Indus on Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2015.