LARKANA: On the 10th death anniversary of Comrade Sobho Gianchan-dani, a progressive intellectual and leftist politician, a gathering was held by the Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Larkana chapter, here at Seeta Villas the other day.

Presiding over the event, seasoned politician and writer Amanullah Shaikh said the three personalities which impr-essed him the most were G. M. Syed, Mir Ghous Bakhsh Khan Bizenjo and Comrade Sobho Gianchandani.

He said G. M. Syed taught people to their love homeland while Sobho Gianchandani gave the lessons of garnering affection for and links with the oppressed and down-trodden people.

Besides being a communist, he said, Gianch-andani was also a nationalist. He served in jail and underwent tortures, but did not budge back at any cost. He was compelled to migrate after the partition but he did not leave Sindh. Sobho being a lawyer advocated the petitions of labourers and farmers in the court without charging any fees from them, he said.

Dr Sikandar Mughal, a prominent writer who contributed a lot to the literature of science in Sindhi language, said Gianchandani wanted to establish an unconventional society, but after dissolution of the Soviet Union his dream as of all communist were shattered. He also talked about the Middle East situation and Palestine.

Engineer Niramal, son of Comrade Sobho Gianchandani, talking in relation to the family ties said: “Our father treated us like friends and fulfilled our all wishes.

“After my birth when I came of age, I found my father in jail and my mother weeping for him all the time. My father experienced very difficult days in his life, but he did not compromise on his principles.”

Dr Pirih Sakina Gaad, a writer and poetess, said Comrade Sobho was the source of inspiration for us all. Dr Zulfikar Rahujo said the lamp of enlightenment which was lit by Comrade Sobho Gian-chandani was helping to show us the right path.

Others who also paid tributes to Gianchandani, included Siraj Kalhoro and Meeral Abro.

Sindhi Adabi Sangat secretary Aijaz Solangi presented an address of welcome and writer Essa Memon conducted proceedings of the gathering.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024