HYDERABAD: A library named after former chief minister of Sindh late Syed Abdullah Shah that had been set up in Besant Hall Cultural Centre was inaugurated on Sunday.

The library was a tribute to late Shah’s contributions to cultural and literary landscape of Sindh and stood as a testament to his commitment to advancing the region’s history and literature, said Jahangir Siddiqui, chairperson of Endowment Fund Trust (EFT) for the Preservation of Heritage of Sindh, who presided over the inauguration ceremony.

He highlighted significance of the library for the people of Hyderabad, saying it was a collective responsibility to provide community with a well-functioning and accessible space for intellectual growth.

He reflected on vision and dedication of the late chief minister, whose tireless efforts led to publication of numerous works on history, literature and culture of Sindh.

He paid homage to his contribution to translation of works by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and said the decision to dedicate the library to Shah was a joint initiative of the board of trustees of EFT, recognising enduring impact of his contributions to cultural and literary heritage of Sindh.

He elaborated on the role of EFT in restoration and preservation of various heritage sites in Sindh including forts, mosques, graveyards, temples, and other historical structures.

Sobhia Ali Shaikh, director of Besant Hall, expressed her gratitude to Mujahid Iqbal, a London-based journalist, who had donated 10,000 books to the library many of which covered rich and diverse history of the subcontinent. The generous donation was expected to play a pivotal role in fostering reading culture in the region and furthering cause of cultural activism, she said.

The collection, primarily centered on historical works, would be an invaluable addition to the library and serve as a resource for future generations of scholars and history enthusiasts, she said.

Mujahid Iqbal shared his personal journey with books and spoke about how during a period of civil unrest in Pakistan he turned to books as a means of solace and intellectual enrichment. Over time, he said, his passion for history grew, particularly the history of the subcontinent.

His personal collection, much of which centered around historical events and figures of the region, was a reflection of his commitment to preserving and understanding the past. His donation to the library was a testament to his dedication to promotion of knowledge and learning, said Ms Shaikh.

The event saw unveiling of several thematic corners in the library, each celebrating different aspects of Sindh’s cultural and literary heritage. Among these were Amar Jalil, Altaf Shaikh and Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai corners, which were meticulously curated to honour the influential figures in Sindhi literature and culture.

The inauguration of the library was not only a celebration of preservation of heritage but also recognition of importance of intellectual engagement in shaping future of a society. This library with its extensive collection of books and its dedication to preservation of Sindh’s rich history was poised to become a cornerstone of cultural and intellectual activity in Hyderabad and beyond, said a press statement.

Shamsul Haq Memon, Prof Tauha Hussain Ali, Salim Gul Shaikh, Dr Nilofer Shaikh and Abrar Qazi also attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2025