Much-awaited recognition for writers, poets of Sindh
KARACHI: The first Shah Latif excellence award ceremony will be held in the middle of March to honour writers and poets of Sindh. The selected names for these awards have also been finalised. This was stated by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Social Welfare, Rauf Siddiqi, during a press conference at his office on Tuesday.
He said that these awards aim at paying tribute to one of the greatest Sufi poets of Sindh, who contributed in spreading love and brotherhood amongst people of this region. Previously, these awards were given by different NGOs. However, they have now been given the status of government awards and from now on its ceremony will be held in March every year. “A committee was made to select the names for the awards where each of the nominees would be given Rs50,000” he said. The names selected for the first Shah Latif excellence award are:
Scholar/writer
For Sindhi: Amar Jaleel
For Urdu: Shaukat Siddiqi
Poet
For Sindhi: Tanveer Abbasi
For Urdu: Late Ilyas Ishqi
Performing Arts (acting, direction, drama)
For Sindhi: Late Haroon Rind
For Urdu: Sheema Kirmani
Folk music: Late Mai Bhaagi
Other than the Shah Lateef excellence award, the minister also announced the commencement of the Sheikh Ayaz Award, which is named after the great Sindhi poet Sheikh Ayaz. Similarly, there is also a Josh Award, which is named after the great poet Josh Malih Abadi. However, no cash prize will be given to the nominees of these categories.
The list of selected nominees for these categories is:
Sheikh Ayaz award
Writer: Asad Muhammad Khan
Poet: Late Mohsin Bhopali
Critique and research: Ahmad Hassan
Translation: Hassan Abidi
Life time achievement award Late Raees Amrohi
Josh Award
Writer: Ali Baba
Poet: Imdad Hussaini
Critique and research: Siraj-ul-Haq
Translation: Atta Muhammad Bhabhar
Life time achievement award Dr. Ayaz Qadri
Rauf Siddiqi said that these awards aim to pay respect and tribute to the literary legends of the province.
He also emphasised that is necessary to encourage writers and poets as they contribute in the spreading of harmony and peace.
Source: The News
Date:2/21/2007