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Sindhis Yesterday Today and Tomorrow

SINDHYAT

Who are Sindhis? What is their ancestry, history, culture, language, music, literature, philosophy, and beliefs? Where is the Sindhi community as a whole now? Is Sindhi youth equipped well to retain their identity? Will "SINDHYAT" the proud heritage of several thousand years survive the next millennium?

An attempt is made here to compile and place before you the valuable information, which hopefully will help in answering some of these questions at the time of the Fifth International Sindhi Sammelan-1998 which is being held at the world-famous Silicon Valley in San Francisco, California, USA. It is hoped that this modest effort, as a small initial step, in the present-day technologically driven times will help to kindle the warmth in the young hearts of Sindhis of the World in creating a global community of a Borderless Sindhi Nation of tomorrow.

What name could be more appropriate for this presentation than "KALH AJYU AIN SUBHANH" "Sindhis-Yesterday Today and Tomorrow".

SINDHIS

Sindhis are the descendants of the ancient civilization that originated along the Sindhu River Valley. Sindhu River emerges from the Himalayas. Ravi and Beas Rivers merging with it in Punjab, the North Western Province of India, and flowing through Sindh, now in Pakistan; Sindhu finally reaches the Arabian Sea at North of Rann of Kutch. This is the Great Sindhu that gave Sindh and Hind their names. Sindhu is the oldest name in Indian history and geography. Vedas the most ancient scriptures invoke Sindhu over thirty times while reference to Ganga is made only twice.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN SINDH

Amongst more than 1500 settlements consisting of small towns and cities discovered along the alluvial plain of Sindhu River Valley, the most noted areas of civilizations are at Harappa in Punjab, Mohen-jo-Daro in Sindh, and Dholavira in Kutch. These are dated around 5000 B.C. 

The Oldest Civilization on earth - Mohen-jo-Daro in Sindh
[Pic Courtesy: wiki commons]

 

 Mohenjo-Daro located on the west bank of Sindhu River near Larkana derives its name from Sindhi "Mohan-jo-daro" the 'Mound of the Dead. Here settlements built on high plains were found to be made of baked mud-brick. Many large buildings found in the excavations were used as granaries for the storage of abundant agricultural wealth.

 

All major housing blocks had one or more private wells. Drains were used to remove rain or wastewater from a central drainage system. Importantly enough all drains are found covered. Streets ran on a north-south and east-west grid.

The most famous is the Great Bath a large water-tight structure made of tightly fitting bricks that may have served as a public pool or ritual bathing area. The knowledge and civic sense in town planning employed by the Sindhu civilization represent characteristics of a highly advanced ancient society.

While several archaeological findings in other parts of the world emphasize lavish palaces, kings, gods, tombs, and temples; the civilization of Sidhu at Mohen-jo-daro exhibits a distinct republic structure free from evils of greed, slavery, and oppressive excesses of other contemporary ancient civilizations of the world.

Evidence of the Sindhu River Valley script has been found in the form of writings on a wide variety of objects including seals, molded clay, pottery, tools, utensils, and copper tablets. No link has been found between Sindhu Valley script and Mesopotamian or Egyptian writings. The closest link if any maybe with an ancestral Dravidian language spoken in Southern India.

The absence of large cemeteries or any royal burial monuments suggests that the dead were not buried; most probably cremated at the bank of Sindhu. This practice is strikingly similar to the present-day Vedic custom of cremation of the dead along the bank of the Ganga River in North India.

From all indications, there was a great prosperous town on the bank of a major river with robust agriculture and advanced society yet no arms or weapons were found. Apparently, it must have enjoyed peaceful, cultured, and secured living through its own law, order, and justice. Earlier theories advanced by western scholars tried to suggest that Sindh was sacked by "Aryans". Now however the detailed studies support the fact that the Sindhu Civilization itself was "Aryan" which traveled to the far west and later to the plains of Ganga.

Some of the techniques used by the Sindhu Valley Civilization have continued to be used by present-day craftsmen in both India and Pakistan. Potters in North India and Pakistan still use the same methods of manufacturing pottery. The bead makers of Khambhat ( Gujrat-India ) and Peshawar ( Pakistan ) use many of the same shaping and drilling techniques in the manufacture of beaded ornaments. An important sense of historical continuity exists among the past and present-day Sindhu River Valley Civilizations.

Indeed the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro are the most eloquent testimony of the glory of ancient Sindh. For Sindhis of the world, it is the most precious place and source of pride on this planet earth.

HISTORY OF SINDH

Sindhu River the main lifestream of Sindh has contributed to the economic well-being from ancient times. Ports and towns have flourished in its delta allowing navigation and trade from the ocean to the inland up through Punjab. Arabs from the west regarded India as heaven. Sindh being the rich territory at the frontiers was therefore invaded numerous times by plunderers and greedy empires of various aggressors from Greece, Turkistan, Persia, Iraq, and Arabia.

The ancient history of Sindh can best be summarized as Vedic times through 3000 B.C., thereafter the Aryan culture followed by a gap and subsequently the rule of King Jaydrath in 1300 B.C. The religion of Arabians before Islam was very much similar to people of Sindhu Valley, pantheistic. When the Arabs captured Sicily in 53 H, they got hold of the gold idols, which they sold to the king of Sindh.

Alexander the Great's invasion (326-325 B.C.) faced hostile encounters and resistance in Sindh. This was greatly influenced by Brahmins who had persuaded the Sindhi King Sabbas to stand up and fight. To the horror of the local people, Alexander had a whole lot of Brahmins slaughtered. However, he was so impressed with the quality and spirit of the Sindhi Brahmins that he captured and kept ten Brahmins with him. It is known that these ten Brahmins imparted the wisdom and philosophy of Sindh to Alexander by answering many of his questions.

Greeks had noted that Sindhis were tall and slim and wore white leather shoes with thick soles "Juthies", to appear taller. Vanity in Sindhis is neither recent nor imported! Alexander had himself found Sindhis "healthy and temperate and partaking of community meals". Obviously, the system of "langer" did not start with Sikhs. Greeks have one thing in common - Sindhi "bhoonda or buja" - the peculiar gesture of denunciation with an open outstretched hand. In Greek, it is known as "the moudja" which comes very close to buja. Was this a gift from Sindhis to Alexander or the other way around?

From 100 B.C. to 100 A.C. Sindh came under the influence of Buddhism which was embraced by Emperor Kanishka whose third successor Vasudeva was King of Sindh. His coins have been found in Mohen-jo-daro. Around 200 A.C. Vedic influence reemerged in the upper classes and Buddhism became weaker. Thereafter Sindh again saw a variety of invaders till Gupta Dynasty took control of India's rule in 450 A.C. In the 6th century Rai Sahasi the King of Sindh, was a brother of the king of Chittor in Rajasthan. He was succeeded by Brahmin King Chach. He annexed Multan and fixed the border of Sindh with Kashmir and Iran. He had deodar and poplar trees planted along the frontier.

Chach had two sons Dahir and Daharsiah. Dahir ruled upper Sindh at Alor and Daharsiah ruled lower Sindh at Brahmanabad, near modern Nawabshah. Between 638 A.D. and 711 A.D., the Arabs launched as many as fifteen attacks against Sindh. In the last attack of 712 A.D., Mohammed Bin Qasim succeeded in defeating King Dahir. It was on the evening of Thursday the 16 June 711, the saddest day in the History of Sindh when the Sindhi King died due to treason in the local camp. After two years Arabs influence remained confined only to the port Debal and the coastline. Dahir's son Jaisiah assisted by Bappa Rawal of Chittor (A.D. 739-753) defeated the Arab army of Salim who surrendered and signed the peace treaty that Arabs would never attack Sindh. It is significant that in the succeeding centuries Arabs never did attack Sindh.

Soomras the indigenous population of Sindh, a Rajput clan took over the rule by the middle of the 11th century. Names of 21 rulers for nearly three centuries are recorded in history. During this period Sindh saw patriotism and folk literature. Soomras were Hindus with some Muslim influence, who became nominal Muslims while retaining their Hindu culture.

Folk stories of Rai Diyach and Lila-Chanesar are famous which have been made immortal by Shah Abdul Latif the Mahakavi of Sindh in his immortal compositions "Sur Sorath" and "Sur-Lila-Chanesar".

However, the Sindhi epic of the period par excellence is the "Umar Marvi". Marvi reminds us of Sita in her confinement in Lanka. Interestingly enough, both Ravana and Umar, old villains, were gentlemen enough; they did not force their will on their captive beauties. The Umar Marvi is an all-abiding source of inspiration for Sindhis and Sindhyat in Hind, Sindh, and all over the world.

From 1500 to 1700 A.C. Moghuls ruled Sindh. During this period Thatta was the Capital for lower Sindh. In the later part of the 17th century Kalhoras gained power in the upper Sindh and subsequently took over the administration of the whole Sindh. During this period Sindhi poetry reached its climax in the compositions of Shah Abdul Latif.

HISTORY OF SINDH read More

Talpur Amirs came in power from 1782 A.C. till 1843 A.C. They were defeated by Britishers who annexed Sindh to the Bombay Presidency. During the Talpurs period, many forts and outposts were built along the frontier.

During British rule the introduction of railway lines, creation of Sukkur Barrage for improved irrigation system as well as eradication of Hurs the armed bandits brought about safe living conditions. Education at the college level also became possible with Sindh being attached to Bombay University in the Bombay Presidency.

India's independence from British rule in 1947 resulted in the unfortunate partition of the country with Sindh falling into Pakistan the Islamic State. Sindhi Hindus were forced to abandon their ancestral homeland along with all their valuable possessions. It was the tragic saga of sufferings with the dreadful physical, moral, mental, and economic predicament of a very large peace-loving Sindhi Community. The saddest part of the story is that Sindh was the only state which was wholly given away in partition, unlike Punjab and Bengal. Sindhi Hindus gave the greatest sacrifice in India's freedom. Little they knew that by taking an active part in the Quit India Movement during the freedom fight against the foreign rule they will turn out to be the refugees in their own country.

Sindhi Language

 The Sindhi language has gone through transitions with the history of Sindh. The original script was a descendant of Prakrit and Sanskrit. Devnagri Script was used before the Britishers took over the rule of Sindh in 1843. Perso- Arabic Script was developed by Britishers for Sindhis and imposed as an official script in 1853.

Today the Sindhi population living in minority status in various parts of India and elsewhere in the world lacks the availability of Sindhi language education in the mainstream curriculum of the local schools and colleges. Naturally, the new Sindhi generation has neither the opportunity nor the incentive to learn their own language. Currently, even in Pakistan, the official language in Sindh is not Sindhi but Urdu.

This alone could be the single biggest blow to the survival of the Sindhi community. Devnagri script has received success in the small number of schools located in the pockets where Sindhis started their new life as refugees. Sindhis have since scattered all over India and other continents of the world where Sindhi is not taught in either Perso-Arabic or Devnagri script.

The question therefore arises, will the Sindhi language survive as a viable language in Arabic or Devnagri script excepting Sindh and some parts of India? What will happen to Sindhis who are spread all over the world? Is there an easy solution? Can Sindhi be saved from extinction by introducing once again a new script? For a change could we consider adopting Roman Script? Our new generation learns Roman Script all over the world. Computer knowledge is fast becoming an inseparable part of future education and daily life. This field too is dominated by the English Language.

Should we not, therefore, adopt Roman Script to teach Sindhi to our youth? Transcription in the Roman script using Sindhi phonics could be a matter of research and development by expert educationalists. The Britishers devised the present Perso-Arabic script for us in 1853. Why should we not evolve a Roman Script for our dear Sindhi? It may be the only logical and practical solution for a Borderless Sindhi Nation of tomorrow.

Survival of language is a fundamental requirement for the identity and success of a community. Parents must cultivate the habit of speaking with each other in Sindhi to create a healthy example for younger generations. Sindhi families should proudly speak and greet each other in Sindhi at parties and all social functions. In the global society of the 21st century, Sindhi should not become a naturalized second class citizen without language, culture, and identity of his own

PLACES OF SINDH

The area of Sindh is about 54,000 square miles. Districts Sukkur in the North is adjoining Punjab. Karachi and Thatto in the South are two coastal districts along the Arabian Sea. Some major cities of Sindh are Karachi, Thatto, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Nawabshah, Khairpur, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu, and Sehwan.

Karachi port was the largest and most advanced town of Sindh at the time of partition. Karachi Port had its anchorage situated in the sheltered lagoons between the islands of Manohora and Kiyamari. It had the character of the fastest growing cosmopolitan city with contributions from various communities such as Parsees, Gujratis, Punjabis, Sindhis, and Britishers. In 1947 the Capital of Pakistan was set in Karachi and later it was detached from Sindh. The Government of Sindh was shifted to Hyderabad.

There are many other towns of importance to Sindhis from a historical and religious point of view. Famous Sadhbelonear Sukkur-Rohri is an island-temple in the middle of Sindhu Nandi (River). Nasarpur where Udero Lal Sain and Halla where Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai was born, both are located in Hyderabad District. Hyderabad was a city with its distinct skyline dominated by "Mangh" the wind-catchers. This energy-free ventilation system provided a cooling draft inside the houses during the intense heat of summer. The simple principle deployed was based on the direction and temperature of prevailing winds.

SINDHIS OF LAST TEN CENTURIES

From the people born in Sindh in the last ten centuries, who had the most significant effect on the religious, social, political, and cultural history of not only Sindh but India as well; some prominent personalities are mentioned here. While this list may not be complete by any means no omissions are intentional.

At the beginning of the 11th century, Mirkh Shah the fanatical ruler of Thatta ordered the Hindus to embrace Islam. Hindus collected en masse at the bank of Sindhu Nandi and prayed to Lord Vishnu's Avtar of water-Varun Deva for a savior. Legend has it that emerging from the river Sindhu, Lord Varun Deva blessed Hindus and consoled them by announcing that he will be born in Ratan Lal's family in Nassarpur to deliver them from the oppression. In year 1007 Udero Lal was born to Ratan Lal and Devaki. Many miracles happened thereafter. Mirkh Shah along with his minister Yusuf finally conceded defeat apologized, repented, and sought forgiveness from Amar Lal Udero Lal. He taught unity, love, and harmony between the two communities. Since then Hindus pray Varun Deva's Avtar as "Jhoole Lal Sain" and Muslims pray as "Zindah Peer"- The Living Saint.

Sindhis are no doubt proud of their Avatar "Jhoole Lal Sain" who preached the secular principle of peaceful coexistence a thousand years ago. The birthday of Shri Udero Lal Sain is celebrated as "Sindhyat Day" where ever Sindhis live. This day is also very significant as it marks the beginning of the new moon, the first month Chaitra known as "Chet" of the new year as per "Vikram Sambat" the calendar observed by Sindhis since the days of Vikramaditya the Hindu King of India.

Cheti Chand is a very auspicious day for Sindhis. On this day Bahrano Sahib and Sindhi cultural programs are arranged. Sindhis worship Udero Lal with a slogan of "Ayo Lal - Jhoole Lal". The procession is taken out to the riverfront or seashore, people dance and sing along the way. The Sindhi folk dance called "Chhej" is performed with the procession. Bahrano Saheb is immersed in water along with rice and sugar prasad called "Akho". It is a custom to sing Lal Sain's Panjras and Palav to seek his grace. This great cultural heritage, after the partition of India, was re-enthused in Sindhis by the dedicated effort of Dada Ram Panjwani who was Professor of Sindhi from Dayaram Jethmal (D.J) College of Karachi and later Jai Hind College of Bombay.

About one and a one-half century in the middle of the 12th century, "Lal Shahbaz" of Sehwan became the first Sufi saint of Sindh. His shrine stands today where India's King Vikramaditya is believed to have worshiped Shiva in 50 B.C. Lal Shabaz is also believed to have preached love and tolerance in Sindh. Many Sindhi Sufi Saints were born in Sindh.

In post-partition India, the famous Sindhi song "O' Lal Muhinji Pat Rakhijain Bhala Jhoole Lalan; Sindhuria Ja, Sehwan Ja, Sakhi Shahbaz Qalander Dama Dam Mast Qalander" is sung to the glory of the two great preachers seeking their benign protection.

SINDHIS OF LAST TEN CENTURIES (Cont...)

The most famous Mughal King, Akbar was born in Sindh. Humayun defeated by Shershah ran to Sindh and sought shelter from Rana Birsal of Unmarkot. Here in 1542, Akbar was born. The history of India under Moghul King Akbar is famous for his tolerance and nonoppressive policy of rule.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai the great Sufi saint and philosopher (1689-1752A.D.) is the greatest poet of Sindh. His poetry "Shah-jo-Risaalo" is a valuable treasure of the Sindhi language and literature. His poetry with mystic symbolism depicted the true spirit of Sindhi culture. Spiritual people get true happiness in reciting his poetry and worldly people enjoy the folklore stories in their own way. Shah Latif was a poet of both masses and classes.

Shah Latif realized God within himself and this experience is expressed in his poetry. Shah Latif in his early years traveled with Yogis the Hindu holy men to Hindu Pilgrimage centers like Dwarka and Hinglaj. In their company, he got the true knowledge. He also had spiritual discussions with many Sufis. Shah Latif says God is not away from us. Longing for God must be sustained and one day we will get the vision of God within. This is an essence of Vedantic philosophy in his poetry. Professor Kalyan B. Advani presented a complete monumental Sindhi Sufi classic "Shah jo Risaalo" in 1958. The meaning of difficult words and the gist of every unit is given in simple language.

Sachal Sarmast a great Sufi saint and eminent poet (1739-1829A.D.) Was born in Daraza village, Khairpur, Sindh. In his poetry he spoke about God, "God is truth, truth is God". He did not confine himself to the narrow boundaries of religion. His name Sacho, Sachal, or Sachedino signifies one who speaks the truth. Sachal was also lost in the ecstasy of God; he composed his poetry in ecstasy. Therefore he was called Sachal Sarmast. After Shah Latif, the next position is given to Sachal Sarmast for his poetry and open revelation of divine mysteries and message of oneness with God. "Sachal-Jo-Kalaam" compiled by Nimano Fakir the disciple of well known "Sakhi Sain" of Shah Daraz, is a compilation of 700 Kalaams and 184 dohiras of Sachal.

 نماڻو فقير

            SINDHIS OF LAST TEN CENTURIES (Cont...)

 

Sami Sahib is regarded as a distinguished Saint Poet of Sindhi who expounded Vedic wisdom in simple slokas or verses in the form of Sindhi 'bait. Born in 1743 in Shikarpur Sindh his name was Chainrai Bachomal. He learned Sindhi and Hindi. He learned Hindu Shastras in the company of saints. He was devoted in his search and with the blessing of his Guru Swami Meghraj, he developed great poetical power. Over 2100 slokas written by him under his pen-name "Sami" dedicated to his Guru, embody Bhakti Movement espousing unity of Godhead, unity of existence equality based on religion and cast.

 

Sami Sufi Saint of Sindh (ChainRai Bachumal)

                         Satgur purkh sujan, rakhyo hath-u mathe te ;

Ve-ee nikri man moon, Sami khincha tan.

Vasya mengh mahir ja, bhariya mena nihan,

Achi beetha pan, sanamukh muhinja supreen.

                Translation :

                My true and wise Guru put his hand upon my head;

                And all the tussle, Sami says was banished from my mind

                Showers of mercy fell, and my eyes were filled like fountains ;

                The Lover himself came and stood face to face with me.

Sindhis have also been devoted followers of Guru Nanik Dev and Sri Guru Granth Saheb. Many Sindhi Gurudwaras were established all over India by Sindhis who left Guru Sangats in Karachi and Hyderabad. Dada Chellaram, Bhai Bhagwandas Saheb, Tilli Jiandani, Ishwar Balani, and many others continued prachar of Gurbani in India and served the Sindhi community.

 

Guru Nanik

 

Other notable Sindhi Sufi saints include Sain Moolchand Kripalani and Sain Rochaldas. A doctor by profession, Sain Rochaldas started a homeopathic dispensary in Sindh that continues to this date in Shanti Nagar near Bombay where every Sunday over four hundred needy receive free medical treatment.

Sadhu Hiranand Advani was the Vivekanand of Sindh. He was a social reformer, educationalist, journalist, and a man of service. He was a picture of humility and simplicity. Born in Hyderabad, Sindh (1863-1893 A.D.); he grew up to be a brilliant student. He was sent for a college education to Calcutta. He came in contact with great personalities like Shri Keshab Chandra Sen and Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa. To propagate the right kind of education he established the Nawalrai Academy, an ideal school, where special attention was paid to character building along with education. Within a few years, the school became famous as Sadhu Nawalrai Hiranand Academy. Poor and deserving students were given special care. Sadhu T.L. Vaswani studied in this academy. During an epidemic of plague in Hyderabad, he looked after the sick. He awakened Sindhi women and started education for girls. He started Sindh Sudhar paper in Sindhi. He was a man of simplicity and sacrifice. Rishi Dayaram Gidumal called him the 'Soul of Sindh'.

Sindhis of Twentieth Century

Sadhu T. L Vaswani was not only a great saint but also a philosopher, philanthropist, eminent scholar, social reformer, patriot, and poet of a high order. Born in Hyderabad, Sindh in 1879, he was brought up in a religious atmosphere. Great social reformer Sadhu Hiranand was his teacher. In the matriculation examination, he stood first in Sindh. After a degree from Bombay University, he became a lecturer at Karachi College. Later he became Principal of Vidya Sagar College at Calcutta and many other colleges in Lahore, Bihar, and Patiala. He continued his Divine pursuit while teaching. He started Mira's School in Hyderabad and started a movement to emphasize character building in the youth.

Dada T.L. Vaswani wrote both prose and poetry in Sindhi and English. "Noori Granth" is a collection of Dada's devotional Sindhi songs. After partition, Dada settled in Pune, India. Here he started schools, narishala, hospitals, and several other institutions. Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Pune is one of the largest Sindhi institutions of education and service. Dada left for the heavenly abode in 1966. His successor, Dada J.P. Vaswani has not only continued the activities of the mission but made it grow into an International Organization. Truly the Mira Bhoomi at Pune is like a place of pilgrimage for all Sindhis.

Bhagat Kanwarram was the best devotional singer of Sindh. Thousands of people would listen to his melodious songs for hours at stretch. Bhagat Kanwarram was a true messenger of God. He awakened divine love in the masses by traveling to towns and villages of Sindh.

Born in Sukkur (1885-1939A.D.); Kanwarram grew up under the spiritual guide Saint Satramdas. He learned Gurmukhi and knowledge of music. Soon thereafter he started performing Sindhi Bhagat - singing and dancing. While singing devotional songs he danced in the love with God. With the blessing of his master, he became a saint himself.

He lived on meager earnings from his shop and distributed all offerings received from Sangat to the poor. The story of robbers who wanted to rob the village Jarwar is well known. How the dacoits were ashamed by the hospitality of Bhagat Kanwarram and listening to his melodious devotional Kalaam they changed their mind and left without robbing the village. In 1939 while traveling to Manjhanda Durbar, Bhagat Kanwarram was shot and killed by followers of Pir Bharchondi. Thus Sindh lost a Jewel of the Sindhi community.

Sindh was blessed with the birth of several Saints and Fakirs. It would be impossible to list the names of all those poised souls to be listed here. A picture of the Saints of Sindh shows some of those elevated souls.

In the early part of the Twentieth Century, Freedom Movement inspired several Sindhis right from the college level. Prominent persons were Acharya J.B. Kirpalani, Swami Govindanad, and Professor N.R. Malkani. Other persons who came to the forefront and participated actively in Gandhiji's movement were Professor Shyamdas.P.Vaswani, Professor Ghanshyam Shivdasani, Dr.Choithram, and Shri Jairamdas Daulatram Alimchandani. Among early women leaders, Ganga Behn, Kiki Behn, Ambi Khilnani, and Jethi Sipahimalani played a significant role in public life related to the freedom movement.

Before 1930 Hyderabad and Karachi became two major storm centers in the Bombay Presidency. So far only the Hindu Sindhis were active in the freedom movement. On the eve of the historic Congress Convention of March 1931, to be held in Karachi; the Britishers hanged Sardar Bhagat Singh and his two colleagues Sukhdev and Rajguru. Rioting broke out and Gandhiji feared that it may mar the wonderful work of Sindhi Workers. Luckily the Session went peacefully. A high light of the session was the first time participation of Frontier Red Shirts led by Khan Abdul Gaffar.

In 1942 freedom movement went better in Sindh than in Punjab. Two Sindhi youths gave their lives for this cause. Hemu Kalani in the case of removing the rails and Nirmal Jivtani Poet for his writings. Prime Minister Allah Bux Soomro became so close to Congress that he carried Khadi the handwoven cloth material on his shoulders to hawk from door to door. G.M. Syed was disgusted with pro-Britisher reactionaries in the Muslim community. He was born in 1904. His writings in post-partition books make a revealing reading. He says that West Punjab has forcibly reduced Sindh to a colony of Pakistan.

Sindh's leaders were qualitatively the best in the whole country. Acharya Kirpalani (1888-1982) worked longest as General Secretary of Congress, a front-rank leader for sixty historic years. Jairamdas Daulatram Alimchandani (1891-1978) was editor of The Hindustan Times and after partition became Governor of Bihar, Union Food Minister, and later Governor of Assam province in India. Dr. Choithram (1889-1957) remained a lifelong public worker. It was through his efforts that reluctant Jawahar Lal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India agreed to compensate the Sindhi refugees for their property losses.

Professor Ghanshyam Shivdasani, a lifelong public worker was the leader of the Sindh Assembly.

Professor N.R.Malkani (1860-1974) left teaching, joined Gandhiji, and later took constructive work in Sindh. He helped influence Allah Bux in favor of Congress and introduced Congress to Pir Pagaro of the Hurs.

After the partition, Bhai Partap worked hard to establish Sindhi Refugees in Gandhi Dham Kutch. Maharao of Kutch on Gandhiji's asking gave Kandla land for Sindhi Resettlement Corporation. Kandla Port and a new town were started in Gandhi Dham to settle Sindhi refugees. After several decades and the dedicated work of several Sindhi Social workers, this place is finally showing the promise for a bright future. Indian Institute of Sindhology established at Adipur - Gandhidham is a center for advanced studies and research in Sindhi Literature and Culture

Amongst the prominent Sindhis who served in the highest ranks in the Indian Defense Force after the partition is Lieutenant General Ram D. Hiranandani - PVSM, MVC, who received the highest gallantry award "Maha Vir Chakra" Medal in operations of war from 1942 to 1986. He retired as General Officer Commander in Chief - Southern Command, Pune. Admiral Tahiliani reached the highest Naval Command as Chief of Indian Navy (1945-1970).

Sindhis are fond of music and cultural activities. Sindhi songs have played an important part in keeping the customs and traditions of Sindhyat alive. In the post-partition era, the prominent Sindhi singers who are not with us now, names of Master Chandur, Ram Panjwani, Bhagwanti Navani, C. H. Atma, and Bulo C. Rani are noteworthy.

Among present-day Sindhis, Shri Lal K. Advani born in Karachi (1927), is the most eminent leader having reached the position of Honorable Home Minister of Government of India. Lal Kishan Advani is a dedicated nationalist, who through his true patriotic efforts and statesmanship today leads the Indian political scene. Sindhis all over the world are proud of Lal's achievements.

 FUTURE OF SINDHIS

Sindhis are spread all over the world. With the grace of God, the inherent resilience of this community has made Sindhis successful in all social, political, and economic fields. We have reasons to be proud of the achievements of Sindhis as Businessmen, Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Technologists, and Entrepreneurs. Sindhi youth is second to none in educational achievements. Looking ahead we see a tremendous opportunity for this enterprising community to reach the unsurpassed heights of glory. With the help of computers and information technology, the Sindhis of the world will unite into a major economic and cultural force to be recognized by the world in the 21st century.

We may not have our own country for self-rule, we may be a small population to receive any significant political representation in any part of the world, but the most precious thing we possess is the Sindhi Spirit of Survival. Let the same spirit and pride of Sindhu River Civilization take us through the new millennium and beyond into a new BORDER LESS SINDHI NATION.  "Jhoole lal - Berai Paar"!

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