The Institute of Sindhology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, organised a seminar on the personality and character of Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro, a renowned writer, columnist, politician, journalist, judge and social reformer of Sindh.

The programme, titled “Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro: Personality and Character,” was held at the Pir Husamuddin Rashdi Auditorium of the Institute and presided over by Vice Chancellor, University of Sindh, Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri (TI). The son of Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro and Director of the Anti-Corruption Department, Mir Nadir Ali Abro, was the chief guest. Renowned writer and author Taj Joyo, Dr. Ahsan Danish, Muneer Chandio, and Comrade’s daughter and renowned psychologist Dr. Abida Taj Abro were among the guest speakers.

Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri termed Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro an exemplary personality of Sindh and said that his services in the fields of literature, politics, journalism and social welfare constituted a bright chapter in history.

He said that his merit-based and justice-oriented decisions as a judge were a unique aspect of his personality. He said that no society could progress without hard work, merit and justice, adding that Comrade’s life reflected his commitment to these principles.

Addressing the students, the Vice Chancellor said that the purpose of organising such programmes at the university was not only to acquaint students with the work and character of exemplary personalities but also to provide them with an opportunity to receive practical training so that they could draw inspiration from such personalities and move forward.

The Vice Chancellor said that Comrade had also made vigorous efforts for the education and development of girls. He not only provided his daughters with better education and training and opportunities to progress but also struggled extensively for this cause in society as a whole.

He said that the Otaq culture, which was becoming rare in the present era, was upheld by Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro. His Otaq served as a centre of intellectual, literary, political and social activities, with its doors open to the common and distinguished alike. His hospitality was still remembered.

The Vice Chancellor said that such personalities would always be remembered for their unique work and character. He also congratulated the Director of the Institute of Sindhology for launching the seminar series to remember and pay tribute to such outstanding personalities.

Earlier, Director, Institute of Sindhology, Dr. Fayaz Latif, welcomed the distinguished guests in his opening remarks and highlighted the objectives of the seminar. He said, “The purpose of launching this series is to remember and pay tribute to personalities who have played prominent roles in different fields.”

He said that Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro was an invaluable figure who had played exemplary roles in various important fields. “Such personalities are like trees that provide shade and bear fruit,” he said.

Addressing the seminar, Mir Nadir Ali Abro said that Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro was a multifaceted personality who established himself in every field in which he worked.

He said that in court, he was a strict judge, while at his Otaq, he was a refined and hospitable host. Renowned politicians, writers, poets, social reformers, farmers and labourers of the country used to visit his Otaq, where everyone was treated with equal respect.

He said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was his close friend and that several rulers of that time were also his close friends. However, he never sought any personal favour from anyone. If he ever sought assistance, it was for the welfare of poor farmers and labourers.

“My father was a principled and generous-hearted person,” he said. “He had great respect for daughters. Even at home, he loved his daughters more than his sons. He provided equal opportunities for the education and upbringing of his sons and daughters. That is why all his daughters and sons reached important positions in Grade 20 and retired from them.”

He also thanked Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri and Director Dr. Fayyaz Latif for organising the seminar.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned writer Taj Joyo said that Comrade had different dimensions to his personality. He was a brave politician, competent lawyer, justice-oriented judge, excellent writer and social reformer. He was fundamentally a progressive-minded person.

He said that renowned politicians of the country were his close friends and that his struggle for public causes was exemplary. He said that Comrade had played a fundamental role in establishing the Sindhi Adabi Sangat in Larkana. “I consider myself fortunate to have met Comrade,” he said.

Renowned author Dr. Ahsan Danish said that the character of such personalities inspired people. He said that Comrade’s association with journalism was also exemplary, as he had served as editor of the popular newspaper Al-Waheed of his time.

He said that Comrade’s Otaq was like a classroom where awareness and inspiration were promoted. He particularly encouraged young people. “Such personalities serve as guides for us,” he said.

Renowned writer and novelist Muneer Chandio said that Comrade was a people-friendly personality who had an unbreakable bond with poor working people. He said that Comrade possessed a character of great stature.

Renowned psychologist Dr. Abida Taj Abro became emotional while recalling memories of her father. She said that her father was sympathetic towards the poor and was an extremely honest and kind-hearted person. He used to quietly help those in need, sometimes without even his family knowing about it.

She said that he was a loving father who treated everyone at home with respect and affection. She said that her father never discriminated between his daughters and sons; rather, he preferred his daughters more. “Our reaching higher positions was the result of the excellent education and upbringing provided by our father,” she said.

On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Director and guest speakers also jointly unveiled the recently published research journal Sindhi Adab and the Sindhology Newsletter, published by the Institute of Sindhology.

The Director also presented a Lungi as a gift to all the guests seated on the stage.

At the end of the ceremony, Assistant Director, Institute of Sindhology, Ghulam Rasool Chandio, thanked all the participants. The event was moderated by young poet Muhammad Ali Ghanghro.

The ceremony was attended by Comrade Taj Muhammad Abro’s son Prof. Gohar Taj Abro, Director, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Chair and Convention Centre, Dr. Rehana Mallah, Dr. Rashida Bhatti, Faheem Noonari, Mor Mugheri, Sarang Jam Saqi, Mir Mudabbir Ali Abro, Salma Qayoom Sheikh, Sajida Soomro, and a large number of university teachers, officers, students and literary and academic personalities.