19 August 2017 – An award distribution ceremony, lauding recent achievements in both creative writing and research in Sindh, was organised by EFT in August 2017 and held at the National Museum auditorium, Karachi. The EFT Board of Trustees decided that cash awards were to be distributed at such a ceremony every five years, in order to encourage and promoted original writing and research in the province.
Entries for books published during 2012-2016 in Sindhi or on Sindh (in Sindhi, Urdu and English) from authors and publishers were called for through the press. The entries were assessed by judges and cash awards worth Rs. 50,000/- to 100,000/- were given to the winners in three categories:
- Research work in Sindhi.
- Research on Sindh in other languages.
- Creative literature in Sindhi
The award for creative literature in Sindhi for poetry was given to Imdad Hussaini for his book, Kirni Jahiri Pal, and Fazlullah Qureshi for his book, Kujh Yaadoon Kujh Gaalhyoon. Ustaad Amir Ali was given an award for his research work in Sindhi on the Shah Jo Raag and Dr. Fahmida Hussain for Adyoon Aaun Anjaan on research. In the category for English literature, Salahuddin Qureshi received a posthumous award on his book, Sindhi: A time capsule of heritage and Nasir Aijaz on his book, Hur: The Freedom Fighter.
This was followed by a Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to renowned short story writer and Sufi mystic Amar Jaleel, for his contribution to literature. The award ceremony was followed by an evening with Jaleel who recited his humorous poem, ‘Neth Goonge Galhayo [Thus spake the dumb]’ in his unique style. He read the poem in Sindhi, Urdu and English for the understanding of the audience.