Tribute to Mumtaz Mehr
Chehra WebDesk
Tribute to Mumtaz Mehr: The Luminary of Sindhi Literature By Ramesh Raja Karachi, January 26, 2026 – The literary world mourns the loss of Mumtaz Mehr (1942–2026), a distinguished short-story writer, critic, and intellectual, whose life was devoted to Sindhi literature. Born in Sukkur to Muhammad Salman Mehr, Mumtaz Mehr earned a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Karachi University in 1966. Though he also engaged in journalism, his enduring identity was that of a literary visionary and critic. Mumtaz Mehr’s short stories, including Zindagi Jo Wahkro (1977), Manzil (1983), and When I Will Be Sixty-Four (2010), reflect profound human insight, exploring themes of memory, loneliness, and social realities. His acclaimed story When I Will Be Sixty-Four portrays the struggles of aging and emotional isolation, capturing both urban life and the intimate complexity of human relationships. Several of his works have been translated into English and Urdu, widening his literary impact. As a critic, Mumtaz Mehr was uncompromising and intellectually rigorous. His works Vichaar and The Evolution of the Sindhi Short Story remain essential references for understanding Sindhi literature. He rejected superficial flattery and advocated for honest, thoughtful literary criticism, earning both admiration and respectful debate among peers. I personally had the privilege of seeing Mumtaz Mehr as a very deep reader at Jamshed Memorial Hall, Library of Theological Society. My friend Shaheed Dara F. Mirza once told me, “He is the man who reads here, and that’s why this library exists.” That dedication to knowledge and reflection defined not just his work, but his very presence. Even in his final days, Mumtaz Mehr found joy in simple pleasures—music, memory, and thoughtful conversation—reflecting a life lived fully in thought and intellect. He passed away on 24 January 2026, leaving a void in Sindhi literature, particularly in professional literary criticism. Yet his legacy endures—in his stories, his critical works, and in the minds he inspired to think, question, and reflect. Sindhi literary circles, including Sindhi Adabi Sangat and Bazm-e-Rooh Rahan, have expressed deep grief over his passing, praising his lifetime commitment to literature and intellectual integrity. Mumtaz Mehr was not just a writer or critic; he was a guiding conscience, a voice of reason, and a tireless advocate for truth in Sindhi literature. His words and works will continue to illuminate the literary landscape for generations to come.
