Literary critics and intellectuals have said influence of feudal lords and increasing corruption in education department are the main causes of declining education standard and multiplying backwardness in rural areas of Sindh.
They were speaking at a workshop on Sindhi novelette 'Mokhi', written by Amar Leghari, here on Saturday. The programme was organised by the literary committee of the Karachi Press Club.
Rauf Nizamani, a renowned critic, presided over the workshop, while Ustad Nizamani, editor quarterly Jhoongar, Ameer Abro, president Indus Forum, and Ishaque Mangrio were the main speakers, who discussed the theme of the novelette, its presentation, approach of the writer towards the womenfolk and over all trend of corruption and the declining standard of education.
"These are real characters of the society and the author being an eyewitness of the happenings has portrayed the unavoidable truth," Rauf Nizamani said.
Talking about the role of woman in traditional system, particularly in romance, Nizamani said, males had always betrayed the dedication of women.
Ishaque Mangrio said: "Sindh is not that being portrayed through media in terms of honour killing and isolated couples, seeking support of the judiciary to turn their dreams true. There are many things, which should also be focussed positively."
He said: "The author has personally observed the issues of rural areas, realities and bitterness of feudalism and tried to focus these in his work, which inspires readers."
"It seems, these characters and atmosphere in which they are playing their role are out of media's reach, hence these things remained untouched," he said.
Ameer Abro said: "In fact, it is a strong network of corruption from bottom to top, from teacher to head of institute, from supervisor to district officer and all of them have been involved in this menace."
The speakers said media as well as writers had played their role to expose these evils and it was the responsibility of lawmakers to implement their own-made policies to bring change in the society.
They said the author had exposed the culture of corruption and declining role of teachers, which have destroyed the standard of education in the province.
The author in his novelette has focused the way of teaching, influence of inspection teams visiting government-run rural schools, arranging examinations and approach of feudal lords, who rule over the village people