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Imdad Hussaini (1940-2022): A Distinguished Voice in Sindhi Poetry

Imdad Hussaini: A Distinguished Voice in Sindhi Poetry Muhammad Habib Sanai Imdad Hussaini—a distinguished poet, short story writer, researcher, translator, and editor—was born on March 10, 1940, in Tikhurh, a village celebrated as a historic hub of Sindhi poetry and culture. His lineage traces back to the venerable Sufi saints and poets Shah Abdul Karim and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Reflecting on his heritage, Hussaini noted: “Our family belongs to the Jararpotas, the same lineage as Shah Karim and Shah Latif. Ours was a scholarly and literary household.” This intellectual environment was shaped by generations of writers. His grandfather, Qazi Asadullah Shah ‘Fida’, was a multilingual poet of Sindhi, Persian, and Arabic who edited and published the periodical Bahar-ul-Ikhlaaq . His great-grandfather, Meeran Muhammad Shah (I), was among the pioneers of Sindhi prose. Hussaini’s early literary sensibilities were deeply influenced by the women in his family. His grandmother, Bibi ...
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Siraj ul Haq Memon (24 October 1933 – 2 February 2013): A Life Dedicated to Sindh and the Sindhi Language

Siraj ul Haq Memon (24 October 1933 – 2 February 2013): A Life Dedicated to Sindh and the Sindhi Language By Muhammad Habib Sanai Siraj ul Haq Memon, popularly known as Siraj, was a renowned intellectual, short-story writer, novelist, researcher, lawyer, journalist, and linguist. He was born on 24 October 1933 in Tando Jam, a town near Hyderabad. His father, Muhammad Yaqub “Niaz” Memon, was a Primary School Teacher with a deep interest in literature. His translation of Diwan-e-Hafiz holds a distinguished place in Sindhi literature. Deeply influenced by his father's literary pursuits, Siraj developed an early interest in reading and writing. After completing his primary education in his hometown, he passed his matriculation examination from Noor Muhammad High School, securing third position in the university. His father had moved to Hyderabad to provide his children with better educational opportunities. Siraj's educational qualifications included a B.A. (Honours), an M...
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Rakhyal Morai (9 April 1965) and His Literary Output

  Rakhyal Morai (9 April 1965) and His Literary Output By Mohammad Habib Sanai In 2026, two books written and compiled by Rakhyal Morai have been published. The first is an anthology of his original 41 profiles and portraits of writers, friends, and relatives, entitled Shakhsan je Aaspaas (Around the Persons), and the second, Shaikh Ayaz, Nande Khando jo Wado Shaair (Shaikh Ayaz: The Great Poet of the Subcontinent), is an anthology of 44 articles written by Indian and other foreign Sindhi writers about Shaikh Ayaz and compiled by him. Prior to these, ten books, mostly compilations, had been published under his name. Birth and Early Education In a small hamlet called Haji Malik Dino Solangi, near Moro, in the house of Jaro Khan Solangi, a boy was born who was named Allah Rakhiyo. He is now well known as Rakhyal Morai, a renowned poet, profiler, compiler, editor and journalist. Rakhyal received his education up to matriculation in the town of Moro, District Naushoro Feroz...
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Makhdooom Muhammad Zaman Talibul Maula (4 October 1919 – 11 January 1993)

  Makhdooom Muhammad Zaman Talibul Maula (4 October 1919 – 11 January 1993) Muhammad Habib Sanai The twentieth century was an era of profound transformation, both globally and regionally. It witnessed two devastating world wars, the liberation of hundreds of nations from colonial rule, and unprecedented advances in science and knowledge. Amid these sweeping changes, Sindh asserted itself as an ancient and distinct civilization. At the same time, the trauma of Partition compelled many of its most creative minds and a substantial segment of its educated middle class to migrate, leaving behind a deep intellectual, literary, and cultural void. In these painful and destabilizing circumstances, several eminent personalities emerged who played a decisive role in sustaining and revitalizing Sindh’s cultural and intellectual life. Among the most distinguished of them was Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman Talib-ul-Maula . Makhdoom Muhammad Zaman Talib-ul-Maula was born on 9th Muharram 1338 Hij...
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Hakim Ali Shah Bukhari: Sindh's Renowned Researcher, Historian, and Archaeologist

  Hakim Ali Shah Bukhari: Sindh's Renowned Researcher, Historian, and Archaeologist Muhammad Habib Sanai Renowned researcher, historian, and the first professionally trained Sindhi archaeologist, Hakim Ali Shah Bukhari, was born on February 15, 1938, in the village of Ghulam Chandio in Dadu District, Sindh, where his early environment helped shape his lifelong engagement with the region’s rich historical and archaeological heritage. Education and Early Career He received his primary education from Ghulam Chandio School and passed the Sindhi Final examination in 1950. The same year, he enrolled in Government High School Dadu for further education, from where he matriculated from the University of Sindh in 1957. After passing his Intermediate examination, he got a clerical position in the Commissioner's office in Dadu. In 1962, he left the Revenue Department and in 964 was appointed as a teacher at District Council High School Johi. During this period, the University of S...
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Shoukat Hussain Shoro (b. 4 July 1947 - d. November 9, 2021)

  Shoukat Hussain Shoro (b. 4 July 1947 - d. November 9, 2021) Muhammad Habib Sanai Shoukat Hussain Shoro is regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern Sindhi short story, alongside Manik and his younger brother Mushtaque Shoro, during the 1970s. According to Qamar Shahbaz, Shoukat — lost in his thoughts, lonely and dejected amidst the bustling fair — was among the few young writers who gave a new direction and vision to the Sindhi short story. About his literary journey, Shoukat himself says : My grandfather and uncle owned a large collection of books of tales and legends, and my grandmother regularly told us stories. Very early in life, I had read Alif Laila , Hatim Ta’i , Mumtaz Damsaaz , and Dāstān-e-Amīr Hamza . I would regularly send my writings to Gulistān , a children’s periodical published from Hyderabad. During my high-school years, I also began translating stories and getting them published in the literary pages of Sindhi newspapers. “In the 1950s, Sindhi li...
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Naseer Mirza (20 July 1955)

  Naseer Mirza (20 July 1955) By Habib Sanai This July, the renowned poet, author, and broadcaster Naseer Mirza marks his 70th birthday. To celebrate his remarkable life and contributions, let us take a closer look at his journey and achievements. Early Life and Education Naseer Mirza was born on July 20, 1955, in Tandho Thoro, Hyderabad, into the distinguished literary family of the Mirzas — the same lineage that gave Sindhi literature one of its greatest icons, Mirza Qaleech Beg. Tragedy struck early in his life when, at the tender age of three, he lost his father, Naaser Ali Beg. From then on, his mother, Sharif Al Nissa, took on the responsibility of raising him. In his writings, Naseer Mirza has candidly mentioned being a shy and reserved child. However, a turning point came during his school years when the eminent playwright, publisher, and author Nisar Hussaini (2 February 1943-3 June 2006) became his class teacher in the eighth grade. Under Hussaini's mentorship, Na...
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