Kamran Khowaja
Hyderabad
A book of eminent scholar writer and linguist Syed Qalander Shah Lakiyari, titled “Nahe Ner Nihar”- Sindhi Translation of Allama Iqbal,s poetry book Israr -e -Khudi was launched at a fascinating ceremony at Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium Hyderabad on Sunday evening.
Speakers on the occasion of book launch paid glowing tributes to Syed Qalander Shah Lakiyari for his life long service in the field of literature and education.
They said that his dedication towards his students and his innovative work in the field of Sindhi and English literature put him among the ranks of prominent figures of the country.
Zainul Abdin Laghari a noted research scholar said that it was a revolutionary move of Prof Qalander Shah to translate Persian literature substantiated by National poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal into Sindhi. “Qalander Shah pioneered the message of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and mysticism.
His student and a noted writer himself professor Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti said that One always fell short of words while sharing views about personalities like Professor Qalander Shah.
He further mentioned that Qalander Shah was able to translate Iqbal into Sindhi because he has significant command over Persian language and he understood the true meaning of Iqbal,s poetry.
Highlighting the contributions of seasoned philosopher towards society Tufail Chandio said that he gave youth the message of relentless and sustained struggle.
Dr Ali Murtaza Darejo said that compiling English to Sindhi dictionary published by Oxford was one of his notable miracles in the filed of literature.
“Qalander was a responsible author”; he commented. Secretary Sindhi language Authority Dr Ahsan Danish urged his sons Dr Sardar Shah, Qutub Al Din and Qazim Shah to compile remaining work of the illustrious scholar to preserve his “scattered” legacy.
Canadian based Sindhi Scholar Dr Wali Muhammad Shah, Arshad Sommro and Dr Mumtaz collectively mentioned that Qalander Shah was more concerned about his students and future of Sindh. Dr Niaz Ahmed an internationally recognized author and scholar said that; through this book Shah had translated the feelings of Iqbal.
He further mentioned that the author opted classical genre of Sindhi language to give befitting meaning to Iqbal’s ideas. Towards the end Dr Sardar Shah and Qutubul Din Shah thanked audience. Rasool Bux Tamimi, Dr Khalil Khumbati professor Naik Muhammad Sheikh among others were in attendance at the event.
