Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo

Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo is a Pakistani teacher, writer, scholar and Sindhi nationalist. He remains a living legend of Sindhi literature who authored, translated and edited hundreds of books and brochures throughout his life.

Early life and education

Joyo was born on 13 August 1915 in the village of Abad near Laki, Kotri, Dadu. This location is situated within the Jamshoro district of Sindh, Pakistan. He received his basic early education in the locations of Laki and Sann. After completing these initial studies, he passed his matriculation from Sindh Madarsatul Islam in 1934.

He moved to Bombay to pursue higher education. In 1938, Joyo passed his B.A. from DG Sindh College at the University of Bombay. During his life, he maintained an affiliation with the Theosophical Society.

Career

Upon his return to Karachi in 1941, Joyo accepts a position as a teacher at Sindh Madrasatul Islam. He announces himself as a committed Marxist during this period. He writes a book titled Save Sindh, Save Sub-Continent from Feudal Lords, Capitalists and Communalism. This specific work angers administration authorities—a situation that leads to a conflict with Pir Ilahi Bux. Because of this dispute, Pir Ilahi Bux orders the removal of Joyo from his teaching job.

He secures new employment at Thatta Municipal High School. Later, he moves to Hyderabad where he works at a training college. In 1951, Joyo is appointed as the secretary of the Sindhi Adabi Board. Although he retires from his professional job in 1961, he receives offers to return to the same role multiple times.

He continues serving as the secretary of the Sindhi Adabi Board until 1973. Joyo also serves as the chairman of the Sindhi Adabi Board. His professional contributions extend to his involvement with the Sindh Textbook Board. He spends 70 years writing about Sindh and the Sindhi people.

His literary output includes many translations of famous European books. He writes story books, text books for school children, prefaces and essays. He studies diverse writers including Plutarch, Rousseau, Chekhov and Brecht.

Personal life

Joyo lived to see his 100th birthday on 13 August 2015. He often states that his soul guides his pen whenever he sits down to write. He passes away on 9 November 2017 at the age of 102. His death occurs at the residence of his elder son in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan.

Awards and recognition

The President of Pakistan presents Joyo with the Pride of Performance Award in 2010. In 2013, he receives the Kamal-e-Fun Award. This honor is a literary lifetime achievement award granted by the Pakistan Academy of Letters.