THIS is apropos of the report ‘National heritage being taken care of’ (Aug 24), and the editorial 'The Talpur tombs' (Aug 27).

Your persuasions are bound to serve as a wake-up call for citizens of Hyderabad, the province of Sindh and the country at large as these historical sights are not the ‘Talpur legacy’ alone but a national heritage.

However, the present dismal state of such important architecture not only gloomed me, but also took me back to 1972 when I was studying in Government College, Hyderabad. Because of lodging near the famous Tilak incline, my favourite route for an evening walk was the road leading to Hirabad that ran parallel to Talpur tombs. Strolling was manageable in those days as vehicular traffic was thin and the city growth was still well under control. Notwithstanding my desire, I could not see the shrines from inside because of tendency in deferring things to the other day and, meanwhile, I moved out to another place.

Your suggestions that "the provincial government can play its role at the umbrella level by creating awareness amongst students and the public by arranging heritage moots and through textbooks" should receive due attention from the quarters concerned. But to speak in earnest the people are afraid whether the city's Endowment Fund Trust would deliver to the expectations of the public as goes the daily experience about the government departments.

To supplement the above suggestions the following can produce quick results for awareness of the public.

A drama serial in Sindhi/Urdu, on the Talpur dynasty be prepared on the pattern of 'Sword of Tipu Sultan' (Indian production), and sponsored on the electronic media.

The various episodes should visit the period of Mir Tala Khan, founder of the Talpur tribe, through the end of the Talpur rule in 1843, and restoration of dominions in 1855; their subsequent life under the Raj until the partition of India.

The books, ‘A visit to the court of Sinde’ by Dr Burrns and ‘A glance at Sindh before Napier’ by Edward Backhouse Eastwick, be reprinted and made available at reasonable price for wide reading of the public. The city of Shahdadpur was founded by Mir Shahdad Khan Talpur in 1713. This may be celebrated as an event in 2013, and the city of Mirpurkhas, established in 1806, by the Talpurs, be also highlighted against the background of history. The people who settled in Hyderabad after independence be persuaded through discussions and counselling to help out in restoration of archaeological sights. The beautification of the city would benefit all citizens and also narrow down ethnic division.

Finally, I suggest the members of the Talpur clan, who have always enjoyed a political clout in Sindh and majority of them are economically well-off should also create a fund and invite public participation for improvement work of heritage sights of their forefathers on a long-term basis. How nations pay homage to the remains of their ancestors, a historical welcome of the mummies of ancient Egypt by president Valery Giscard d'Estaing of France (1974-1981) is an example to be evaluated.

SIKANDAR ALI SHAH Kandiaro