Gul Hassan Kalmati
Gul Hassan Kalmati was a Pakistani travelogue historiographer, scholar, and writer from Sindh. He was well-known as a 'people's historian' who wrote extensively on the history and culture of Karachi and its pioneers. He was also a social activist. He fought for the rights of the indigenous people of Sindh against land grabbing and development projects.
Early life and education
Gul Hassan Kalmati was born on 5 July 1957 at Gadap Town, Arzi Baloch Village in Karachi. He had eight siblings.He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978 from Sindh Muslim Arts and Commerce College Karachi and in 1983, he obtained a Masters in Journalism and later on, he also received a M.A. degree in Sindhi Literature from the University of Karachi.
Career
Kalmati was a schoolteacher in Lyari. Later on, he was an employee of the local government department in Sindh government.Literary work
Kalmati wrote more than 11 books in Sindhi, English and Urdu on various topics, including:Karachi Sindh Ji Marvi., a comprehensive history of Karachi from ancient times to the present dayKarachi Ja Lafani Kirdar - Immortal Characters of KarachiKarachi Jon Rehaishi Scheemon -.Coastal Islands of Sindh - Charna to Jaki, a detailed study of the islands along the coast of Sindh and their ecological and cultural significance.Immortal Characters of Karachi, a biographical collection of the personalities who contributed to the development and diversity of Karachi.Sindhu Ji Safar Kahani, a travelogue of his journey along the Indus River from its source to its delta.Barf Jo Dozakh, a memoir of his experience of getting stuck in snow in Chitral.He also wrote columns and articles for various newspapers and magazines, such as Dawn, The News, Daily Ibrat, and Daily Awami Awaz. He was also associated with various social and cultural organizations, such as Sindhi Language Authority, Sindhi Adabi Board, and the Pakistan Writers Guild.