Speaker at a small gathering held at the graveside of internationally-acclaimed scholar, journalist, biographer and historian Pir Hussam-ud-din Shah Rashidi on his 41st death anniversary paid glowing tributes to him for his sublime literary work.
The graveside of an eminent historian is located within the boundary wall of the Mausoleum of Makhdom Hashim Thattvi. After laying floral wreaths on the grave of an illustrious scholar they share their views about his literary contributions. Writer Nawaz Ali Shouk said that Pir Rashdi had heartfelt affiliation and love for the people of Sindh and its every nook and corner that was the reason had been remembered by people of Sindh even after 41 years of his death. Dr Muhammad Ali Manjhi said Pir Hussam-ud-din Rashidi had authored, edited and translated about 50 books, columns and other literary material related to history, Islam, geography, poetry etc, in Sindhi, Urdu, Persian, English and other languages. The speakers rising up to the occasion all recalled the contributions of Dr Annemarie Schimmel who wrote extensively on Islam and Sufism.
Mr Rashidi had received his primary education from Molvi Muhammad Soomar and Muhammad Ilyas and learnt English from the station master of Nusrat Station. He began journalism at the age of 18 by joining a newspaper ‘Jagan’. Dr Muhammad Ali Manjhi further talking about the work of Mr Rashdi said that he translated Persian literature into Sindhi and wrote the history of Sindh in a new way. Following his fork for Persian language he was bestowed with the Medal of Nishan Sipaas Darja-e-Awal followed by the degree of doctorate by Tehran University and the government of Iran. Obhayo Khan Khushik, Dr Abdul Hussain Shah, Mohsin Shah Rashdi Naseer Mirza, Madad Ali Shah and Ghulam Ali were of the view that the young generation should learn from the work of Pir Rashdi who was way ahead of his time when it comes to research work and history writing.
