LARKANA: Speakers at the 65th death anniversary program of renowned poet Nawaz Ali Niaz Jaffery held at Sachal Adabi Markaz here on Thursday evening said Jaffery was among those who pioneered culture of mushaira and literary conferences in Larkana.

Akhtar Janvry, short story writer and former DIG who presided over the program, said that Jaffery was a highly sought after poet of his time, whoalways received great applause for his poetry in mushairas.

He was among those literary figures, who were at the forefront of introducing and popularising the culture of mushaira and literary conferences in Larkana. He was a dedicated teacher and a revenue official also, he said.

He was not only well versed in the knowledge of technique of poetry but also had a command over the language. His poetry carried very deep and important messages, which inspired people ofall ages, he said.

Prof Mukhtiar Ahmed Samo, writer and founder of Knowledge Centre, said that Jaffery`s poetry was composed nearly a century ago but it corresponded well to modern life also and impressed today`s people equally as it did his contemporaries.

He said that he deserved the title of `Umdatul Shuara` (best of the poets) given to him for his tremendous contribution to the enrichment of Sindhi poetry and language.

Jaffery`s heirs deserved praise for preserving hispoetry by getting it published in book form, he said.

Prof Dr Bashir Ahmed Shaad, writer and researcher, said that Jaffery`s poetry reflected history of his era. He was a seasoned poet, who would be remembered long because ofgreat appealof his poetry, he said.

Jawad Jaffery, grandson of the poet, said that his grandfather had a multi-dimensional personality, who besides being a poet was a good educator, officer and practitioner of eastern medicine.Sajjad Jaffery, another grandson ofthe poet, said that his grandfather was a poet of high calibre and a kind hearted human being. Anthology of his poetry and other manuscripts would be published soon, he said.

Prof Rizwan Gul, poet and principal of Government Commerce College Larkana, said that Jaffery was very popularin mushairas. People used to listen to his poetry with profound interest, he said.

Sami Sajjid Junejo, Prof Irshad Ali Solangi, former controller of examination of Sindh Public Service Commission, Wafa Aslam, Sajid Sahito, Dr Imdad Shaikh, and a large number of admirers of the late poet attended the gathering.