(Pakistan News & Features Services)
Aziz Memon, National Chair, Pakistan Polio Plus Committee, condoled the death of Bapsi Sidhwa, an internationally-acclaimed author and literary icon, who passed away in Houston, Texas, USA, at the age of 86, on December 25.
She was hailed as a celebrated novelist, credited to have left an indelible mark on global literature, in her own lifetime. Her passing is not only considered a profound loss for the literary world but also for Pakistan, India, and the global Zoroastrian community.
“We send out our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the sad demise of your aunt, Bapsi Sidhwa. She contracted polio at the age of two and was home schooled until she was fifteen. Polio helped shape her outlook on life and resilience. She is a beacon of light to all those who are victims of this crippling disease," Aziz Memon, who’s also Trustee, The Rotary Foundation (2020-24) besides being Member, International Polio Plus Committee, wrote to Isphanyar M Bhandara, a member of National Assembly and CEO, Murree Brewery, Pakistan.
It may be recalled that Sidhwa had gained international acclaim for her novels, particularly her collaborative projects with Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta. Her 1991 novel Ice Candy Man inspired the critically acclaimed film Earth (1998). She also famously wrote Water: A Novel (2006), which served as the basis for Mehta's Academy Award-nominated film Water (2005).
Through her deeply evocative writing, she was hailed for masterfully weaving together history, culture, and personal experiences, securing her position as one of the most celebrated authors of her era.
