People from various walks of life fondly remembered Syed Qalandar Shah Lakiyari as they took to social media on Monday to commemorate the third anniversary of his passing. December 4 marked the 3rd death anniversary of the distinguished educationist, poet, philosopher, writer, and researcher, who departed this world at the age of 80. Born on May 1, 1940, in Ahmed Khakhar village near Bulri Shah Karim town of Tando Mohammad Khan district, Prof Lakhyari made significant contributions during his tenure as a lecturer and later head of the English department at Sindhi University.
Professor Lakhyari is acknowledged for introducing innovative teaching methodologies and promoting literature in various languages within educational institutions in Sindh. Despite not holding a PhD in English, his extensive experience and professional skills led authorities to authorize him to supervise and educate PhD students. Many of his students continue to serve the country in various capacities.
Upon retirement, he proposed the publication of an English-to-Sindhi dictionary, later compiled by a team of skilled scholars, including Dr Ghulam Ali Allana. His relentless efforts led to the approval and publication of the first-ever English-Sindhi dictionary by the internationally recognized Oxford Publishing House.
The literary giant possessed a profound knowledge of poetry, music, and literature, prompting him to translate a compilation of Persian poetry by Allama Muhammad Iqbal. His son, Syed Sardar Ali Shah Lakiyari, mentioned that the Sindhi translation of Iqbal’s poetry, compiled by his father, would be launched by the end of this month.
Former students fondly recalled the transformative impact Professor Qalandar Shah had on their lives. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, now a noted educationist, expressed that being his student was always an honour. Other students, Dr Phulu Meghwar and Faisal Farooq Tamimi hailed him as the literary giant of Sindh. In recognition of his services, the Government of Pakistan bestowed upon him the Vice Chancellor Gold Medal, the Shah Latif Award, and the President Pride Of Performance Award in 2013.
