LARKANA, Jan 24: Sobho Gianchandani, a leftist leader of yesteryear and writer has agreed on Tuesday to travel to Karachi for more medical treatment.

Talking to Sindh Minister for Culture Sassui Palijo, who visited his house along with secretary culture Abdul Aziz Uqili here, Mr Gianchandani agreed in the presence of his family members to undertake journey for further treatment in Karachi, which he had earlier declined to opt.

His son Nirmal said that he was in the initial stage of respiratory disorder and had been put on nebuliser a fortnight ago.

Now he was recovering and doctors had suggested his more tests, he said.

Talking to the minister, 90-year-old Gianchandani shared his memories of prison and his contribution to Sindhi and English literature with the reference to his election as an MNA in general elections of 1988 which was later annulled.

Sassui Palijo appreciated his struggle and commitment and said the culture department would extend all kind of assistance to him. She asked Mr Gianchandani for early visit toKarachi and assured him that her department would look after him and bear expenses of his treatment.

She said the department would not make it public that to how much extent it was supporting Sobho Gianchandani and Ibrahim Joyo.

Book launchingThe minister later launched the English translation titled ‘Fluttering Feelings’ of the poetic collection of Mohammed Ali Pathan at Arts Council.

Speaking on the occasion, she lauded the services of writers and intellectuals hailing from Larkana which she said was rich in literature.

She said translations of Sindhi anthologies in English would open new avenues for promoting Sindhi literature the world over.

She announced a grant of Rs500,000 for District Historical Society of Larkana and Rs1 million for Arts Council.

She said the arts school and arts complex being constructed adjacent to the council’s building would be ready by 2013.

Mohammed Ali Pathan, Jam Jamali and others also spoke on the occasion.