In a collaborative effort between the Creative Arts Forum and the Knowledge Centre, the launching ceremony of the sixteenth anthology book of poetry in Sindhi for children, titled “Rusan parchan raand asaan jee” (Severing ties and reconciling is our game), authored by renowned poet Dr. Zulfiqar Siyal, took place here on Saturday. The event was presided over by the venerable octogenarian poet and writer, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Shaad, and was attended by a sizable gathering of children, literary figures, and book enthusiasts.
During the ceremony, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Shaad commended Dr. Siyal as a distinguished poet and writer with a rich literary legacy. He highlighted Dr. Siyal’s extensive contributions to Sindhi literature, particularly his fifteen previous books of poetry for children, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection with one’s inner child in order to effectively write for children. Dr. Siyal’s profound understanding of the significance of writing for children was evident in his creative output and love for young readers.
Dr. Zulfiqar Siyal shared insights into his prolific literary career, revealing that he had penned around two thousand poems for children, a thousand of which have already been published, with plans to compile and publish the remaining works in the near future. Despite the challenges posed by writing for children, Dr. Siyal expressed his unwavering commitment to the craft, emphasizing the importance of innovation and diversity in his poetry to capture children’s interest and facilitate their learning.
Professor Mukhtiar Samo, the esteemed writer and founder of the Larkana Knowledge Centre, underscored the significance of producing literature tailored for children, emphasizing its crucial role in their academic, social, and intellectual development. He lauded Dr. Siyal’s anthology for its engaging and educational content, which not only entertains but also enlightens young readers on various topics ranging from science and culture to social values and historical landmarks, enriching their vocabulary and expanding their horizons.
Poetess Yasmeen Brohi highlighted the relevance of one of Dr. Siyal’s poems, which advocates for the importance of breastfeeding and advises against feeding children packaged milk. She praised the poem for its valuable message, which resonates not only with children but also with educated mothers.
Several other speakers, including Ghulam Mohammad Ghazi, Abdul Haee Bhutto, Samee Sajid Jonejo, Anees Gul Abbasi, Ustad Gul Dayo, Comrade Kareem Baloch, and Sarmad Mahar, shared their thoughts and appreciation for Dr. Siyal’s literary contributions during the ceremony.
