Sindh's past, whether that is in terms of its history with the Indus civilisation or in terms of teachings by prominent personalities such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, offers valuable lessons for people today.
This was stressed by speakers during the fifth Latif Literature and Music Festival, which was recently organised by the Siraj Institute of Sindh Studies and the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) in Tandojam. The event drew literary and cultural enthusiasts from across Sindh to the university's main auditorium. The event held on the weekend (October 26) commenced with a soulful rendition of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai's poetry, mesmerising the audience.
Social reformer and the founder of the Sindh Graduate Association, Dr Suleman Shaikh; Sindh Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri; renowned scholar Dr Fahmida Hussain; and other esteemed literati, musicians, and artists from across Sindh were among prominent attendees of the event.
Dr Suleman Shaikh highlighted Siraj Memon's deep devotion to Sindh and commended his family for preserving his intellectual heritage. He emphasised the importance of teaching Bhittai's philosophy scientifically to today's youth, drawing on the significant contributions of Siraj Memon and Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo, who founded the Servants of Sindh Society during a period of political stagnation in Sindh.
Dr Fateh Marri praised the Siraj Institute's modern interpretation of Shah Latif's teachings and announced plans to establish the "Siraj Institute of Rural Development" and an agricultural museum showcasing Sindh's agricultural advancements and literary contributions.
Dr Fahmida Hussain, chairperson of the Siraj Institute, discussed the varied interpretations of Bhitai's poetry, stressing the importance of understanding his work within the context of social sciences. She emphasised the relevance of Bhittai's teachings in today's era, encouraging youth to appreciate his work's depth and social significance. She further said that today's society needed practical implementation of Latif's message.
Eminent writer Taj Joyo applauded the collaborative efforts of Siraj and Shabbir Kumbhar on the Indus script of Mohenjo Daro and praised Kunbhar's book, Sindhu Likhat aen Siraj, which advanced the digitisation of the Sindhi language, Bhittai's Ganj, and the Indus script. However, he stressed the need for further efforts to complete the digitisation of Sindhi literature, calling for government support.
Ayaz Latif Palijo, head of the Awami Tahreek political party, noted that Sindh pioneered the Indus Valley Civilization 5,000 years ago, inventing various tools for daily use. He emphasised that Sindh's glorious past offers valuable lessons for today.
Other notable speakers included Dr Abida Ghanghro, who highlighted Bhittai's resistance to outdated customs, and Amar Sindhu, who advocated for women's rights in Sindh. Dr Saleem Memon praised the university for hosting the impactful event.
During the closing ceremony, Jinnah Sindh Medical University Vice Chancellor and son of Sirajul Haq Memon, Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, expressed gratitude to the guests.
The event also marked the launch of two significant books: Sindhu Likhat aen Siraj by Shabbir Kunbhar and Kundhi Kalean Vich Mein, a collection by Dr Fahmida Hussain.
A panel discussion on "Shah Latif's Message for Youth," moderated by Kainat Thebo, featured Sindh's Provincial Minister for Labour Shahid Salam Thebo.
Other notable attendees included Sindh Information Secretary Nadeemur Rehman Memon, esteemed writer Ghazi Salahuddin, Sadiqa Salahuddin, famed broadcaster Naseer Mirza, actress Ghazal Siddique, actor Ayub Khoso, Ishtiaq Ansari, human rights leader Iqbal Ahmed Detho, and various other political and social figures.
Noted Sindhi singers, including Rajab Faqeer, Samejo, Faheem Alan, Master Wali and other musicians, enthralled participants through their performances. Saif Samejo, during his brief discussion with the crowd, vowed to continue organising events to promote Sindhi culture.