Glowing tributes paid to Munnu Bhai at SDPI 

Civil society, journalists, writers and friends paid glowing tributes to late Muneer Ahmed Qureshi commonly known as Munnu Bhai at a reference held in his memory at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday.

Munnu Bhai’s writings, plays, columns and poetry reflect the true face of the society, who valiantly continued his struggle for human rights, and stood against dictatorship and tyranny with courage and determination, said renowned poetess Kishwar Naheed.

She said Munnu Bhai, like a doctor, had sensed the pain of the oppressed class, which reflect in his writings, columns and poetry.  “We have to keep the thoughts and works of Munnu Bhai alive and keep continue his struggle for the betterment of the society,” she added.

Hamid Mir, senior journalist and anchor person, said that Munnu Bhai’s love for humanity demanded that we should make his mission and struggle as our mission and struggle. Recalling his memories and days spent in Munnu Bhai’s company, Hamid Mir said that there is great contribution of Munnu Bhai in his becoming a good columnist. He said Munnu Bhai was very courageous and brave, as he wrote so many plays, columns and poetry mostly against tyranny and dictatorship.

 “I can’t see any replacement of Munnu Bhai, as we may need dictators like Gen. Ayub, Gen. Yahaya, Gen. Zia, and Gen Musharraf to produce a Munnu Bhai”, Hamid Mir added.

SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri said sustainable development was not possible without the creation of good literature, which voice for social justice, equality, peace and harmony. Literature is incomplete without Munnu Bhai’s writings, he said, adding that social justice within and across generations was imperative for sustainable development. “We cannot move forward without studying Munnu Bhai’s writings and poetry, as Munnu Bhai had written a lot on all shortcomings of the society when it comes to social justice.  Dr Abid recalled that SDPI has the honour to pay tributes to Munnu Bhai as the living legend.

Speaking on the occasion, eminent writer and historian Ahmed Salim said Munnu Bhai was very outspoken and played a very significant role on social justice through his work. His writings are based on facts and depict the ground reality, he said, adding that “We should continue Munnu Bhai’s struggle for social justice, and equality.

 Prof. Jalil Aali said Munnu Bhai was a complete civilization, who represented us on all fronts. He was very kind, friendly, witty in nature and very high on moral grounds, who never ever let down anyone in his writings, Mr Aali said. “Munnu Bhai’s writings carry a rational approach and sublime thoughts. His readers are of diverse age groups and people from almost all the age groups were fond of his plays and poetry,” Mr Aali added.

Veteran journalist and writer Fareeda Hafeez said there cannot be another Munnu Bhai, as his work is matchless. She further said there is a constructive criticism in his writings and poetry.

Dr Humaira, SDPI’s research fellow, said today’s reference aimed to share Munnu Bhai’s works with the young generation, who strived for the have-nots throughout his life.