Mannu Bhai was voice of society marginalized sections
ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE):Speakers at a condolence reference held here on Tuesday remembered Mannu Bhai saying that he was voice of vulnerable, marginalized and oppressed segments of society who direly need help.
“Munir Ahmed Qureshi was buried but Munno Bhai is still around us and will remain in our heats forever”, said former Director General, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), Murtaza Solangi.
The reference was jointly arranged at Allam Iqbal Open University (AIOU) by the departments of Mass Communication and Urdu.
Renowned scholar Prof. Fateha Muhammad Malik, presided over the refrence while speakers included eminent journalists Hamid Mir, Rauf Kalasra and former Director General, PBC Murtaza Solangi.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui in his opening remarks said the Mannu Bhai will be long remembered because of his love for the common man.
Through newspapers’ columns he advocated the cause of the less privileged section of the society.
In famous TV’s drama ‘Sona Chandi’ he narrated the tale of those of lives a simple and ordinary life. By his death, he said they have lost another progressive voice of integrity and sanity, he remarked.
Prof. Fateha Muhammad Malik spoke about his long personal association with Mannu Bhai, stating they enjoyed together a student’s life in Government Collage Attack in early age.
They spent memorable time together in Rawalpindi’s literary and journalistic circles. Munnu Bhai has created a vacuum in progressive literature and journalism which can hardly be filled in many decades, he added.
Hamid Mir praised the Vice Chancellor for arranging the reference, remembering the great poet and columnist. It is difficult to believe that Manno Bhai is no more among them.
While recounting his personal interaction with him, he said he always idealized him as he served as a motivation force in columns’ writings.
Munnu bhai was a sincere, humble and an honest man. He deserved high appreciation because of his devotion and commitment for the social work.
Mannu Bhai’s love for the humanity reflected from the fact that he also associated himself with Sundas Foundation, Lahore, a charitable organization, Hamid Mir added.
While paying homage to Mannu Bhai, Rauf Kalasra said he holds him in high esteem since he was most favorite columnist of his mother.
He was impressed by him as he stood for the cause of weak people. He noted that the late columnist had also been on forefront raising the voice of South Punjab.
Murtaza Solangi spoke about Mannu Bhai’s association with Radio Pakistan, through which he highlighted socio-economic problems of the people.
He proposed that educational institutions needed to convey the message of such great personalities to the young generation for their upbringing.
Fateha was also offered on the occasion for the departed soul on the occasion.