Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Tuesday held a condolence reference to pay tribute to renowned writer and journalist Munnu Bhai.

In his condolence message, Prof Fateh Mohammad Malik said, “Munnu Bhai was a courageous voice for democratic values and progressive thoughts.” He shared with the audience his memories of student life when he met Munnu Bhai. He said that the sad demise of Munnu Bhai had left a vacuum in the progressive literature of the country, which could not be filled for years to come.

“Munnu Bhai was the sole voice for the marginalised segment of the society, he added.

Rauf Klasra said, “I was always inspired by Munnu Bhai and in the first meeting with him he valued me a lot. Journalism is the profession to support frail voices in the society and not to writes diaries of the rulers and late Munnu Bhai was the perfect example of that journalism because he always surfaced the weak voices of south Punjab in his writings.”

Former state-run radio director general Solangi narrated the services of Munnu Bhai for the organistaion. “I learnt a lot of from late Munnu Bhai,” he said, and added that the message he delivered through his writings must be promoted for a peaceful and loving society.

Large numbers of people from different walks of life and students participated in the condolence reference. Mannu Bhae was born in Wazirabad, Punjab, in 1933 and was laid to rest on January 19, 2018 in Lahore. He was awarded Pride of performance award in 2007 for his services in writings.

Published in Daily Times, January 24^th 2018.