I still have that book with me in my library. This book was published by Mahatma Gandhi after the death of Mahadev Desai. It is a wonderful commentary on Gita, comparing all the regions with Shlokas of Gita. Papa had given me a book of Bhagwat Gita written by Mahadev Desai, the PA to Mahatma Gandhi. It is Sindhi translation of Bhagwat Gita in perfect poetry. His recordings of morning singing are available in our family. It used to be an experience listening to the sweet melodious voice in the early hours of the morning, while I was in slumber. My mother Nanki used to sing along with Papa. In the morning he used to sing Shah Latif, with the beat of tune with his hands on the book of Shah Latif. He remembered almost entire Risalo of Shah Latif by heart. I am saying this today publicly for the first time. No one knows that Papa’s poetry had traces of Walt Whitman. It is a fact that the book of Walt Whitman was on his bedside table until the end. Papa expressed to me that after reading Walt Whitman he has seen several changes in his poetry. It was complete works of Walt Whitman, the poet laureate of America. In the same way, I used to suggest books to him. In those fifteen days, I forgot about my studies, eating food and taking a bath. It took me about 15 days to complete reading the book. He said that this is an addictive book once you start you can’t keep it down. He suggested to me to read Count of Monte Cristo written by Aleixandre Dumas, while I was studying engineering. I could talk to him almost about anything. Besides being my father he is my Guru and my friend.

I have a very special relationship with my Papa. Hari Daryani ‘Dilgir’ is my father whom I call Papa.

Sindhi poetry for father