LAHORE – Dr Nabi Bux Baloch’s literary achievements especially for Sindhi language and literature are great assets for the nation and his sad demise is a big loss to literature, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Gul Khan Jakhrani said on Friday.
He was speaking at a condolence reference arranged for renowned educationist, historian, researcher and scholar Dr Nabi Bux Baloch, which was jointly arranged by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) and literary organisation Sindhi Adbi Sangat.
The reference was presided over by Dr Abdul Ghaffar Soomro while Shafi Muhammad Chandio, Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi, Mubarak Lashari, Hashim Abro, Professor Adnan Sheikh, Mir Mukhtiar Talpur and Abdaal Bela also spoke on the occasion. The proceedings were conducted by Hakim Ali Barro.
Jakhrani said that Baloch translated “Shah Jo Risaalo” and spread the message of renowned saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Baloch will be remembered as a refined educationist, administrator and writer, the MNA said. He said that Baloch contributed in various genres of literature, history, folk literature and linguistics.
Baloch gained appreciation for his literary work from critics around the world. PAL Chairman Fakhar Zaman sent a message saying that the death of Baloch was a great loss to Pakistani literature, as he was one of the pioneers of PAL and also a founding fellow member. In 1998 and 2001, he was awarded the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Tasawwuf Award.
In 2005, he got the Kamal-e-Fun Award. Zaman said that Baloch dedicated his life to the discipline of research and did a lot to confirm a reliable text of basis references including Chachnama, Tareekh-e-Masoomi, Touhfatul Karam Sindhi Lok Adab and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Ke Mustannad Mattan.
He said that Baloch had a versatile literary personality and made his mark and now his writings are a part of our literary tradition. Zaman said that PAL has already published an introductory book on Baloch under the series “Makers of Pakistani Literature”. Dr Abdul Ghaffar Soomro said that Baloch spent his life as a true scholar and without any expectation of financial benefits he continued working.
He said that among scholars of the subcontinent, Baloch has the honour of undertaking a number of big literary and research projects. Soomro said that the main area of his interest was Sindh literature and its origin and history. Shafi Muhammad Chandio said that Baloch wrote a number of books on various topics including history & culture, archeology, music, folk heritage etc. His work is available in Arabic, Persian, English and Urdu.
Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi said that his literary achievements are memorable and a great pride for Pakistan. Hashim Abro said that Baloch is a role model for our younger generations. Professor Adnan Sheikh said that Baloch worked as founder of Sindhi Language Authority, chairman Sindh Museum and honourary secretary of Mehran Arts Council.
Sheikh said that Baloch also worked as vice chancellor of Sindh University and provincial minister for education. Mir Mukhtiar Talpur said that Baloch represented Pakistan worldwide and made us proud with his literary achievements.
