We lost an iconic son of Larkana on 15 December 2025. His death ended a long era of a nationalist and ideological trajectory of over eight decades. He remained loyal to his political and ideological beliefs until his last breath. I came to know him in 1972 when I joined the Larkana Municipal Corporation. He was in charge of the library and archives of the Municipal Corporation. The Municipal Library was well stocked with books by well-known authors in English, Urdu, and Sindhi.

Surprisingly, a large number of English classics adorned the shelves of the library. I read most of the classics during my stay in this city of learners and learning. While sitting in the library, Comrade Gul Gaad radiated knowledge and enlightenment. The following is how I have reminisced about my Larkana days:

“I was living and growing with a well-read circle of nationalists and friends in the town. This was bound to motivate me with a desire to strive and stand on par with them in terms of reading and learning. This sense of competition proved to be the stepping stone for my subsequent success in the federal and provincial competitive examinations. It is true: the company you keep makes or breaks you. It would be pertinent to mention a few of the friends who played some role in shaping my life in Larkana. To me, a person who helps set a few souls on the right path of education and learning is more worthy than a half-lettered Minister or legislator.

Mr Gul Mohammad Gaad was an employee of the Municipal Committee and an avid reader. He was somewhat an institution in himself—academic in his manners, conversation, and discussions, and professorial in his appearance and gestures. He had taken a good number of youngsters under his wings and acted as a kind of guide........

© The Friday Times