Reports M - N - O

TOUR REPORTS/ARTICLES OF SINDHIS STAYING IN M.P.

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HOSHANGABAD (M.P.) (1996)
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DATIA (M.P.) (1996)
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BINA (M.P.) (1996 and subsequently 2008)
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GWALIOR (M.P.) (1996 and subsequently July 30, 2008)
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KATNI (Jul-Aug 1998) (January 2007)
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JABALPUR (Jul-Aug 1998) (January 2007)
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ITARSI (Jul-Aug 1998)
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BURHANPUR (Jul-Aug 1998)
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RATLAM (MP) : (Oct 2000) and every alternative year thereafter
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INDORE (MP) : (Dec 30, 2000) and (Oct 2005)
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Published in (1) "Chingoon" Sindhi dated 12-03-2001 (2) "Sujag Sindhi" Devnagiri dtd. 23-04-2001

TOUR REPORT OF SINDHIS OF INDORE ( M. P. ) dated 30-12-2000

(Mohan G, Rohira)

Recently, I got the golden opportunity of meeting the Sindhis of Indore particularly with the members of BSS (Bhartiya Sindhu Sabha) for one day (i.e. on 30-12-2000). The meeting with them took place at Kranti Kripalani Nagar for over 2 hours wherein various matters were discussed for strengthening the organization and for preserving our Sanskriti, our rich culture and our spiritual values. The report in a nut shell is as under:

The total population of this big and important city is 24 lakhs including 1 lakh Sindhis who mainly reside in big pockets like Larkana, Kranti Kripalini, Kamla Nehru and Vasanshah Nagars as well as Katju, Jairampur, Triveni and Bhagat Kanwar Ram Colonies. Nearly 60% of them speak in Sindhi, 5% speak in English (particularly those who stay in posh localities and are in service) and the rest speak in Hindi. They have only one Punjab Girls (Sindhi) High School with Sindhi (Devnagiri) as one of the subjects but there is no Sindhi Primary School. The city has 15 sindhi Dharamshalas and nearly 25 Sindhi temples including 2 Jhulelal Temples, 1 Radha Swami Satsang Bhavan, 1 Prem Prakash Ashram of Swami Teoonaramji and a big ashram of Sant Asharam Bapu.

They celebrate important festivals like Chetichand, Bhagat Kanwaram Varsi, Guru Nanak Jayanti. etc. with big processions and langars. On the occasion of Chetichand, a big procession is taken out with decorated colours and electric gadgets (with 80% contribution of BSS Workers) throughout the important Sindhi belts wherein over 5000 people including the local population take PREETI BHOJAN. Moreover the city has 4 statues of important sindhi personalities such as those of Bhagat Kanwaram, Hemu Kalani, Dholumal Gera and Dr. Kamalkumar Sachdev. 2 magazines are published by prominent Sindhis i.e. "Samrat Dahar Sen" in Sindhi (Devnagiri) by Shri Rajendra Sachdev & “Indore Mulakat” in Hindi (but with important Sindhi activities) by Shri Nandlal Sachdev. They have 22 sindhi panchayats but no central or general panchayat.

The BSS is active in the city. They have 100 active members who give more importance to good character and behaviour. They celebrate Sindhi Smruti day (14th August) every year. They also organize Swasthya shibirs (medical camps), distribute good literature, propagate for eradication of social evils like the dowry system and show and glamour, along with the co-operation of other sindhi organzations. Shri Vishindas A. Moriani is president & Shri Shankar Lalwani is Maha Mantri of BSS. The latter is also Parshad (BJP) and chairman PWD, Indore Corporation.

Thus on the whole, the Sindhis in this beautiful city are more or less well settled socially and financially and command good respect in the city. They also strive to preserve the rich culture and language. However the arrangements for learning Sindhi is very poor, which is disturbing.




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NEEMUCH (M.P.) (Dec 2002)
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MANDSUAR (M.P.) (Dec 2002)
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JAVRA (M.P.) (Dec 2002) (Nov 6, 2011)
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Tour Report of Sindhis of Madhya Pradesh (Oct-Nov 2005)

Published (1) partly in “Sindhiyat”, Jan-2006 (2) “Hindu” (Sindhi) Dec-12-2005, Dec-26-2005 (3) “Sujag Sindhi" (Dev), Jan-23-2006 and Feb-20-2006

(Mohan G. Rohira - Advocate)



I got a golden opportunity to meet important Sindhis living in some cities of M.P. during the recent Diwali Vacation in 2005. They were good enough to arrange long meetings of Sindhis at a short notice on my request for promoting our ancient culture, language & sanskriti as well as for cementing bonds of brotherhood in our community. The love & affection extended by them cannot be described. The taste of pudding is in its eating. The report in a nutshell is as under:-

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NAGDA (Oct 19, 2005)
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          This city is on W.Rly at a distance of 45 kms. from Ratlam.Its population is 1 lakh which includes 55 Sindhi families. They have one Puj Sindhi Panchayat whose President is Shri Bhojraj Daswani and Vice President is Shri Bhagwandas Lilani and a dedicated Social Worker is Shri Vasudev Chandnani on whose noble efforts a big meeting could take place at a short notice of a few hours. The city has one marvelous Jhulelal Sindhi Dharmashala & a temple at Jawahar Marg which was built recently with a sizeable contribution from a Philanthropist lady of Khar (Mumbai) i.e. Smt. Dhanwanti Devi Amarvani, not only for happy & unhappy occasions but also for lodging, which has enhanced the prestige of these few Sindhi families.

They always meet on happy & unhappy occasions such as marriage & death ceremonies. At least 80% of them speak in their mother tongue Sindhi at home and among themselves. So long as Sindhi is spoken even in small towns in this way, there is no damage to our ancient rich language and culture of Mohen Jo Daro. Of course there is no Sindhi school or Sindhi class. They are mainly in business and they are well off on the whole. They celebrate Chetichand as Sindhiyat day by closing shops, by taking out a big procession and by arranging Priti Bhojan for all. They have made a Sindhi Telephone Directory and plan to make a big Telephone Directory. They are united and have cordial relations with local people. They promised to keep a laminated Murti of Jhulelal on each & every Sindhi Shop on the lines of Bangalore Sindhi Samaj. There is a Sindhi press reporter and the President of Lions Club of Nagda is also a famous Sindhi Dr. S. R. Chawla. The places worth seeing are Greeson factories and a famous Birla Mandir.

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UJJAIN (Oct 20, 2005)
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          The population of this prestigious ancient city (Avantika Nagri) is 8 lakhs including 25,000 Sindhis. They have 19 Sindhi Associations, each of them having contributed a lot in their respective fields. The main organization among them are Sindhu Jagrat Samaj (President, Shri Arjan Khatri), Sindhu Seva Ujjaini (President, Shri Tulsidas Dhanwani and Founder President,  Shri Tirathdas Ramlani), Madhavnagar Sindhi Panchayat (President Shri Tulsidas Dhanwani), Lai Lohana Panchayat (President Shri Mohandas Vaswani), Puj Sindhi Sukkur Panchayat (President, Shri Murlidhar Kataria), & Sindhi Cloth Merchants Association (President, Shri Vasu Khatri). Each of these Associations have published a separate Sindhi Directory. They have built famous temples such as Alakh Dham in Free Ganj whose Mahant is Swami Atamdas who is widely honoured by all of them. Recently, they have started Swami Shanti Prakash Ashram in Sindhi Colony from 9.6.2013. Other temples (Jhulelal Mandirs) are in Gordhandham Nagar & Satram Sindhi Colony. There are 2 Sindhi Dharamshalas for happy & unhappy occasions with Lodging arrangement also - Shri Nenumal Gagandas Jethwani Dharamshala (Opp. Alakh Dham in Free Ganj) and Sindhi Hindu Dharamshala in Satram Sindhi Colony. Besides these, there are 3 other Sindhi Public places for happy and unhappy occasions and meetings such as Jacobabad Sindhi Dharamshala & Puj Sindhi Sukkur Panchayat Dharamshala (both at Boxipura) and Dhanwani Community Hall in Saket Nagar. They normally don't speak in Sindhi but they have assured that they will put their best efforts to speak in their mother tongue Sindhi. Though they have one school managed by them, unfortunately it does not have any Sindhi subject for which they were persuaded to keep Sindhi at least as one of the subjects. However, one Sindhi luminary Shri Chimanlal Lakhani takes Sindhi classes on every Sunday for 2 hours. The other famous Sindhi social and political worker is Shri Shiva Kotwani who has remained as MLA for a long time. Though they have no Sindhi Central Panchayat, Sindhu Jagrat Samaj arranges Chetichand Mela in co­ordination with other Sindhi Associations, on a grand scale, such as with long procession, Jhankies, Bhandara and musical parties. The other melas are Parbrahma (Chhadi) 'Sinhastha' and Kavi Kalidas Samaroha etc. They have given many valuable suggestions such as constitution of a Sindhi All India Co-ordinating Body for getting our Legitimate Rights from the Govt., starting Sindhi T.V. Channel etc. They have also agreed to keep a laminated Murti of Jhulelal at each & every Sindhi shop / office. At least 95% of them are in business and are well off financially on the whole. The tourism Deptt. at Bus Stand, (near Rly. Station) arranges daily Luxury Bus Service 'Ujjain Darshan' for 4 hours showing all the important Tourist & pilgrimage places such as Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling, Har Sindhi Mandir, Raja Bharthari Gufa etc.

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DEWAS (Oct 22, 2005)
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          This city of 3 lakhs strength is near Ujjain. Though there are only 700 Sindhi families, they shine in every field. They have 5 Big Associations such as (i) Puj Sindh Hindu Panchayat, Dayanand Chowk (President Shri Parmanand Raichandani, Secretary Shri Srichand Manwani), (ii) Sindhi Mahila Mandal (President, Smt. Kantadevi Punjabi), (iii) Sindhi Yuva Sangathan (President, Shri Anil Talreja), (iv) Sindhu Seva Samiti (President, Shri Anandram Khattar), (v) Shri Guru Nanak Graha Nirman Sahakari Sanstha (President, Shri Sureshkumar Manwani). Each Association is working efficiently in its respective field in which ladies & youth are not lagging behind. They have built 2 big Dharamshalas for lodging as well as for happy & unhappy occasions - Sindh Hindu Panchayat Bhawan at Dayanand Chowk & Sindhu Bhawan Trust (with a huge garden), at Ujjain Road. The temples here are par excellence such as (1) Sindhi Gurudwara at Mohan Dham, Jai Prakash Marg, (ii) Swami Parmanand Bhandar at Alankar Market, (iii) Shri Anandpur Trust at Peetha Road, (iv) Sant Asudaram Seva Samiti at Vasudev Pura. On an average, 50% of them speak in Sindhi. Almost all of them are in business and are well off financially. There is no trace of Sindhi school or classes. However they have surpassed other cities in celebrating Melas particularly 'Chetichand Mela' so much so that our heart is dancing to participate in it even at the cost of Mumbai Chetichand Mela! On such an auspicious day they close their shops, take out a huge procession with 'Jhankies' and 2 'Langars' (one for them & one for poor people) and arrange Cultural Programme for 5 continuous days. The famous Mumbai Builder & Sindhi Social Worker Narsingh Golani's name was respectfully taken by them. They also celebrate Diwali Milan, Devi Mata's 'Jagran' and 'Visarjan' (in which they are second to Calcutta City only). 2 Press reporters Shri Ramesh Talreja & Shri Khubchand Manwani stay here. One Hindi 'Namcheen' weekly Newspaper is published from here with a Sindhi Column. They have published a useful Sindhi Directory which is worthy of seeing by every Sindhi. They have also got arrangement of Ambulance Service. They strongly desire that an all India Sindhi Coordinating Body should be formed at the earliest, Sindhi programmes should be telecast on T.V. & viewed on Radio, particularly when they are not arranged in M.P. The places worth seeing are 2 famous temples of Mata Tulja Bhawani Devi & Mata Chamunda Devi on a hill nearby which are venerated by one and all which no visitor to the city can afford to miss.

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MHOW (Oct 25, 2005)
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This city of 1 1/2 Lakh strength is hardly at a distance of 20 kms from Indore. 115 Sindhi families stay here, most of them at M.G. Road, near Rly. Station, having their shops nearby. They have one Puj Sindhi Panchayat whose President is a famous Advocate Miss Geeta Lakhwani & Vice President is Shri Pupchand Savlani.  Apart from these, one more dedicated worker & Treasurer is Shri Nanikram Makrani. The Mahila Samaj of this city is very active so much so that the President of Puj Sindhi Samaj is a dedicated iady and the attendance of ladies was more than Gents in the meeting. They have one Sindhi Dharamshala with Jhulelal Temple at Plouton Road meant only for happy & unhappy occasions, hence they were advised to make it fit for lodging also so that any Sindhi visitor could stay in the Sindhi atmosphere without wasting money on Hotels. Apart from not having Sindhi school, they mainly speak in Hindi. However they have assured me to speak in Sindhi in future, at home & among themselves for preserving our ancient rich language & culture. They are mainly (say 90%) in business and are quite well off financially on the whole. They are not lagging behind from other cities in celebrating annual melas, particularly Chetichand. On this auspicious Sindhiyat day, they close down their shops, keep path Sahib of Sri Guru Granth Sahib for 3 days, take out procession in the city with Jhankis and arrange 'Langar' for all Sindhis. They arrange entertainment programme for children along with 'Priti Bhojan' in the function of Devi Mataji. These activities Serve as moral boost among the community, particularly youngsters. They have made a Sindhi Telephone directory and have planned to have a marvelous Sindhi Directory along with other social activities in the near future. They also agreed to keep a Jhulelal Murti on every Sindhi Shop on the lines of Bangalore Sindhi Samaj. The city has a big Military Camp & School as well as many famous temples, i.e. Swarga Mandir, Gurudwara, etc and a sufficient number of various factories.


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KHANDWA (Oct 27, 2005)
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          This city stands on the C.RIy. Junction Station. It has population of 3 lakhs which includes 975 Sindhi families, out of which 750 families stay in Sindhi Colony and remaining 225 families stay in Padam Nagar. There are 3 main Sindhi Associations such as (i) Pujya Sindhi Panchayat, Sindhi Colony (President, Shri Bhagwandas Artani, Secretary, Shri Mohanlal Diwan & 'Sanrakshak', Shri Gehiram Sitlani), (ii) Jhulelal Navyuvak Mandal, Sindhi Colony (President, Shri Udhavdas Udasi & Secretary, Shri Radhakishan Udasi), (iii) Sindhi Panchayat, Padam Nagar (President, Shri Shankarlal Tirthani & Secretary, Shri Bhagwandas Ahuja). Sindhi Colony residents have 2 Sindhi Dharamshalas for happy & unhappy occasions - Shewa Mandli and Jhulelal Sindhi Dharamshala, as well as Baba Tirathdham & Balakdham Gurudwaras, Shivdham & Swami Shanti Prakash Temples. Padam Nagar residents also have constructed a new Temple which is going to be inaugurated on Makar Sankranti day of January 2006. Sindhi is mainly spoken in Sindhi Colony where as Padam Nagar Sindhi residents (hardly 4 kilometers away) mainly speak in Hindi. The city has one school managed by Sindhis but unfortunately Sindhi is not taught there even as one of the subjects. They are mainly in business and are primarily in middle class financially. However Padam Nagar Sindhi residents are better off financially. They celebrate Chetichand as Sindhiyat day and take out procession in city along with Baharana Sahib & close down their shops. Dasera is celebrated through Daserra Utsava Samiti by burning the effigy of Ravana. Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated through Tirathdham Gurudwara. Sindhu Seva Samiti (President, Shri Maniklal Lalwani & Secretary, Shri Dilip Ahuja) manage school upto 8th standard as well as Nari Shalla. In all 35 members attended the meeting. They also agreed to keep a Jhulelal Murti in every Sindhi Shop in the near future. They gave many valuable suggestions such as creating dedicated & selfless Sindhi leaders, establishing an All India Sindhi Coordinating Body as well as Sindhi T.V. Channel, arranging Community marriages, taking active part in politics etc. The places worth seeing are Nagachun Talao & temples of Nav Chandi Devi Dham, Laxrni Narayan, Bhawani Mata, Rameshwar & Sai Baba. Here also Shri Narsingh Golani has done some creditable work in social field.





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BHOPAL (M.P.) (Aug 2007)
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Tour report of Sindhis of some cities in M.P. (Aug 2008)

Published in (1) “Suhaag Sindhi” weekly, dt. Sep 22, 2008 (2) Hindvasi Sindhi weekly, dt. Oct 26, 2008

Mohan G. Rohira

(Advocate)


Recently I got the golden opportunity to meet Important Sindhis living in some cities of M.P. They were good enough to arrange long meetings of Sindhis at short notice on my request for promoting our ancient culture, language and Sanskriti as well as for getting legitimate political rights from the Central Govt, and for boosting the morale of community. Most of these reports have already been published in these columns. The reports of remaining cities are shown in a nutshell as under :

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DABRA (Aug 1, 2008)
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This small town with a total population of 1 lakh is situated in Gwalior Distt. The total strength of Sindhis is 500 families. Shri Tikamdas Santwani is President, and Shri Satypal Davani is Secretary of Puj Sindhi Panchayat, Dabra . They have 2 Sindhi Darbars, namely Sant Bhagatram Darbar & Seth Ladharam Darbar wherein arrangement for marriages etc. is made with a total strength of 500 and 1000 respectively. These darbars also provide facilities and lodging. They have 4 sindhi temples. The Sindhis here are mostly in one or other business and nearly 90% of them speak in Sindhi with children at home and among themselves. The city has Sant Kanwarram Mahavidyalaya and a Higher Secondary School under Management of Sindhis but alas! Sindhi language is not taught there even as one of the subjects. Hence they were persuaded to start Sindhi subject in future. They celebrate important annual festivals such as Chetichand, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sant Godriwala & Swami Teoonram Jayanti.They take out procession in the city on the auspicious occasion of Chetichand and they close their shops & schools on that day. This day is also declared as a public holiday in whole M.P state. Let us hope that our community will succeed in persuading central Govt. to make this day a National Holiday in whole country under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Shri. Dwarkadas Hakvani is Press Reporter. They have published a beautiful Directory of Sindhis of the city. They are united and mix with themselves on happy & unhappy occasions. Their relation with local masses are very cordial. This Sindhi Panchayat is engaged in many social activities such as helping in marriages of poor girls & widows, giving free medicines to needy persons, serving drinking water to thirsty passengers throughout the day and the year at railway station and also helping sindhi needy passengers. In case of marriages of girls coming from other cities, the total expenses of marriage are fully met by boy's side only which is rare in our community. Sindhis of other cities can learn a good lesson from this custom. They suggested that Sindhi Community should unite and forget all their differences & should do selfless social service.

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SAGAR (Aug 4, 2008)
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          This famous city with a total strength of 5 lakhs is situated on Bina-Katni section of central Railway. From the Sindhi population point of view, it can be divided into 2 bastis (Areas) - Subhash Nagar and Civil Lines. Nearly 10,000 Sindhis stay in Subhashnagar and 2000 in Civil Lines. Nearly 98% Sindhis are in business & practically all (nearly 99% of them) converse in Sindhi language among themselves & at homes which is a satisfying trend but sorry to say that, though they have one school upto VIII Standard under their control, even Sindhi is not taught there as one of the subjects, for which they were persuaded to start the same.

The President & Secretary of Sindhi Panchayat respectively are Shri Tekchand Lahirwani & Shri Mohanlal Sonia, whereas the President & Secretary respectively of Sri Guru Nanak Trust (in Civil Lines Basti) are Shri Lakhanlal Bajaj & Shri Prataprai Phulwani. There is also one Hari Madhav Samiti in this city. All these social organizations are doing marvellous social activities (as in case of Dabra city mentioned earlier) i.e. giving free tuition and dresses to poor students, helping in marriage of poor girls & widows, arranging free medical camps, arranging drinking water for thirsty passengers at Sagar Rly. Station during summer season & helping needy Sindhi passengers etc. Like Dabra City, here also all marriage expenses are   met by boy’s side in case of girls coming from other cities. The important annual festivals of Sindhis here are Chetichand, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sai Milanram's Varsi, Jhulelal Chalisa, Guru Punam, Navratra etc. A Priti Bhojan and procession with "Jhankis" is arranged by them on the noble occasion of Chetichand. They have 4 Sindhi Dharamshalas, namely Geeta Bhawan with hospital, Sai Milanram Sindhi Darbar, Jhulelal Sindhi Dharamsala (all in Subhasnagar Basti) and above mentioned fourth Sri Guru Nanak  Trust and Dharamshala (in Civil Lines Basti). While passing through Subhashnagar Basti, one feels like passing through mini Sindh! They suggested that all important Sindhi Associations throughout India, inspite of having different political affiliations, should unite under one banner in the interest of real progress of our community with tangible results for getting legitimate rights of Sindhis from the Govt. The places worth seeing are Garapra Hanuman Mandir, Rajghat Dam, Lakha Talao & Sagar University etc.

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VIDISHA (Aug 5, 2008)
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          This tiny  town of 1 lakh population is situated on Central Rly. near Bhopal.  The Sindhis Strength is 400. The President of Puj Sindhi Panchayat is Shri Radha Kishin Motwani & Secretary is Shri. Harish Wadhwani. Sant Hirdaram Sindhu Seva Trust & Sai Jhulelal Mandir (President, Shri Gurmukhdas Chhugani & Secretary Shri Suresh Motiani) are situated in Dandapura Sindhu Colony. Moreover, Sindhi Dharamshala and Gurudwara are situated in Bajaria area. Nearly 97% of them are in business. However as compared to above 2 cities, they are lagging behind in using Sindhi Language (i.e. nearly 50%). Hence the importance of speaking in Sindhi was emphasized. However in celebrating annual festivals, they are no less than above cities such as Sri Guru Nanak  Jayanti and mainly Chetichand wherein they arrange "Bhandara" (Joint meals) and take out a big procession in the streets inspite of being less in number in the city. They also close down their business establishments on this auspicious occasion. They have produced a beautiful Sindhi Directory of the city. Many of them in the Panchayat are dedicated workers and do yeoman Social activities such as helping financially in the marriages of poor girls and widows, arranging Netra Shibirs (Eye camps) twice a year irrespective of  community, arranging Marriage Bureau (I/C Shri kishinchand Gurdasani), helping needy Sindhis even at Rly. Station etc. They are united & often meet together on happy and unhappy occasions and keep cordial relations with local people. The places worth visiting around the city are famous Sanchi Stupa, Udaigiri, Sidheswari Durga Mandir, Ranch Mandir, Shivalaya and Durga Mata Mandir, etc..

Thus on the whole, it would be seen that Sindhis are having blessings of Sri Laxmi Mata. However they don't take interest in Political field or in running Sindhi schools, (which I emphasized in the meetings). However they have been more or less preserving our rich language of Mohen -Jo-Daro days by conversing in Sindhi. Furthermore for keeping their identity, most of them are keeping Murtis of Sai Jhulelal in their homes or shops / offices (as in case of Bangalore city arranged by Bangalore Sindhi Samaj), which is a satisfying factor.


TOUR REPORTS/ARTICLES OF SINDHIS STAYING IN MAHARASHTRA

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VARDHA (M.S.) (1995)
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NAGPUR (M.S.) (1995) and (Jan 2007)
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BHUSAWAL (Jul-Aug 1998)
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JALGAON (Jul-Aug 1998)
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CHALISGAON (Jul-Aug 1998)
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TOUR REPORT OF SINDHIS IN SOME CITIES IN MAHARASHTRA (March 1999)

Published in (1) N E W S L E T T E R of BHARATIYA SINDHU SABHA (English) March 1999, (2) “Sindhi International” June 1999 (3) “Hindustan" (Sindhi) Apr-24-1999 (4) “Sujag Sindhi", Devanagari May-3-1999

(To open new branches)


Tour Report of Sindhis of Kolhapur, Gandhinagar, Ichalkaranji, Sangli, Miraj and Karad from 7-3-99 to 11-3-99 by Mohan G. Rohira & Bhagwan S. Budhrani


We had gone on tour of above mentioned cities during 2nd week of this month for a 5 day tour on behalf of BSS for promoting its ideals and opening new branches. At the start of the journey, we had a little physical inconvenience as a morcha of over 100 persons entered in our Reserved II sleeper compartment at midnight which disturbed our sleep for the whole night and we could not go to toilets even. However, on arrival at Sangli, we received so much love and affection (at the hands of Shri Ajit Advani & others) as well as mental, intellectual & spiritual satisfaction that it surpassed physical discomforts several times! Meetings were held in each of above cities for 2 to 3 hours in the Sindhi Community wherein various matters were discussed regarding unity & improvement in the Sindhi Community, suggestions & information were collected, Sindhi, VHP, National, Spiritual & BSS literature was distributed. There was good enthusiasm,  good hospitality was extended to us everywhere so much so that we cannot forget it. It is rare in big cities like Mumbai. The people were moved by the grand objectives of BSS. The branches of BSS were opened and its convenors were nominated in each of above cities with the consultation of genuine Sindhi social workers.

As we learnt in various meetings of above cities, practically all speak in Sindhi except in Kolhapur city where nearly 50% speak in Sindhi. They meet together on marriage and death-ceremonies. In some of the above cities, Sindhis directories are being prepared. Ichalkaranji Sindhis have published a directory, which is enclosed herewith. They don't get Sindhi programmes on T.V./Radio and suggest that Sindhi channel should be started immediately. Further reports for each city are as under:

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SANGLI (Mar 7, 1999)
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          Shri Ajit Advani arranged a meeting of the General Sindhi Panchayat at his residence on 07/03/1999 from 10 AM to 12.30 PM. Ten persons were present. The city has a population of 4.5 lakhs wherein 175 Sindhi families stay. There is one Purusharthi Sindhi Dharamsala (mainly for marriage purposes only), one General Sindhi Panchayat whose President is Shri Vishindas Gidwani and Secretary is Shri Gopichand Gidwani. They have acquired 27000 sq.ft. plot on Kolhapur Road for constructing Panchayati Hall etc. & for 5% homeless Sindhi families for which they require financial help. They were advised to start their own contribution first and then approach other Sindhi philanthropists. Shri Ajit Advani was appointed as convenor of this new branch. His address is as follows: 545/2, Kokane Plot, near Dainik Jana Pravas, Kolhapur Road, Sangi-416416, Phone: 0233-373844-R, 0233-325846-0, 09823013660-Mobile.

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MIRAJ (Mar 7, 1999)
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          Shri Ajit Advani took both of us to this city of 2 lakhs population with 135 Sindhi families. He had managed meeting of Puj Sindhi Panchayat on the same day i.e. 7-3-99 at Udasi Darbar from 5 to 7 PM wherein 14 persons were present. Shri Naraindas K. Menghani is President & Shri Ramesh Shadija is Secretary of this Panchayat. The city has one Sindhi Temple. Shri Naraindas K. Menghani was appointed as convenor of this new branch of BSS. He is staying: C/o. Puja Cutlery Store, Ganesh Market, Miraj-416410 (Distt.Sangli) (Phone No.:Shop-221802, Res.-224267)

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GANDHINAGAR (Mar 8, 1999)
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A meeting of Sindhi Samaj took place at Sadhu Vaswani High School on 08/03/1999 from 8:00 to 10:30 PM wherein 12 persons were present. This meeting was arranged by Shri Shewakram Advani, Advocate. This town has a Sindhi population of 20,000 out of a total population of 25,000. There are 10 Sindhi Panchayats according to different business/vocations. There is also one Central Panchayat. There is also a branch of All India Sindhi Samaj. There are 3 High Schools, out of which one Sadhu Vaswani High School is with Sindhi (Arabic) medium and two other English High Schools with Sindhi (Arabic) subject, 2 Primary schools with Sindhi (Arabic) medium and 2 Primary Schools with Sindhi as one of the subjects. They arranged 4 of our lectures on the same day i.e. 10-3-99 including one in Satsang of Swami Devprakash Maharaj and others in Sadhu Vaswani High School before students. Shri Shewakram Advani, Advocate staying at near-P.O., Gandhinagar - 416 119 (Distt: Kolhapur) (Phone: 610026) was appointed as convenor of BSS’ new branch. He is to be assisted by Shri Ambritlal M. Nagdev.

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ICHALKARANJI (Mar 10, 1999)
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A meeting of Sindhi Panchayat was arranged by Shri Jawaharlal Chhabria, city VHP President at his office (above Kriyana Shop) at Mahatma Gandhi Chowk, Ichalkaranji on 10/03/1999 from 10:00 to 12:30 PM wherein 11 persons were present. The city has 1000 Sindhis among a total population of 3.5 lakhs. Shri Shankarlal K. Mulchandani, staying at ward no.4, House No.126, Dr. Hedgewarnagar, Ichalkaranji - 416 115, (Distt. Kolhapur) (Phone Nos.0230-430310-shop and 423024-Residence) was appointed as convenor of BSS new branch. He will be assisted by the above mentioned Shri Jawaharlal Chhabria, Advocate.

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KOLHAPUR (Mar 11, 1999)
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Here the meeting of Kolhapur Sindhi Samaj could not take place as its President, Shri Ramesh Lalwani, was out of station. However, he met us at his residence at the last moment on 10-3-99. He was appointed as convenor of BSS new branch on the recommendations of the above Sindhi leaders. He is staying at Trimurti, 250/B, 33 E, Nagala Park, Kolhapur (Phone: 661515-R, 641515 / 641212-0). He discussed and gave some valuable information about the activities of the Sindhi Panchayats. We were in meeting for 2 hours approximately The Sindhis are 250 families in a total population of 10 Lakhs.

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KARAD (Mar 11, 1999) and a number of times thereafter
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Meeting of Puj Sindhi Panchayat, Karad took place on 11-3-99 from 5-30 PM to 8-00 PM at Mohan Trading Co.'s office in Shaniwar Peth, Karad, where 26 persons were present including Shri Ajit Advani of Sangli and Shri Narsinghdas Savlani of Gandhinagar. Shri Kishinchand Gopalani, staying at 43, Shaniwar Peth, Karad - 415 110 (Phone: 21637-R) was appointed as convenor of new branch of BSS. The President of above Panchayat is Shri Jiandram Sachdev and Secretary is Shri Ramesh Sachdev. The President of the other organisation i.e. Sindhi Yuvak Manch is again Shri Ramesh Sachdev and Secretary is Shri Anil Sachdev. There are 45 families in the total population of 75000.

On the whole, Sindhis in all above cities are increasingly interested in preserving Sindhi culture, sanskriti and language and highly conscious of the same.



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SINDHUNAGAR (Ulhasnagar), The Pride of Sindhi community
(Jun 5, 2011)
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Published in (1) Akhand Sindhu Sansar (Dev), dt. Oct 1, 2011 (2) Hindu Sindhi, dt. Jun 30, 2011 and July 1, 2011 (3) Sindhiyat English dt. Jan 15, 2012 (4) Samvad Sindhi, dt. Nov 1-15, 2011

Recently I got the opportunity to visit Sindhunagar (Ulhasnagar) on an invitation from  Hamlog Circle for reading  my article  “Survival of Sindhi Community in Danger” in the Town Hall in their Sindhi Samaj Political Seminar. On that very occasion many Important personalities had come there who discussed the problems of Sindhi Community with particular reference  to those of Sindhunagar and their Solution. The report in a  nut shell is as under:

This city is at a distance of 60 Km from Mumbai and it is divided from 1 to 5 Nos. There were Military Barracks during  British Rule which were given to nearly 90000 Sindhis  -who came  from Sindh (Pakistan)- by the Govt. after partition of India. This town was  called Kalyan Camp at that time. However on 08-08-1949, it was renamed as Ulhasnagar.

There were no civil amenities at that time, never-the-less the hardworking and enterprising Sindhis , by their ceaseless efforts with their sweat labour( e.g. by selling Biscuits and pepper mints in the local trains, doing menial work like  doing boot polish etc. ) slowly , gradually and  ultimately most of them reached to a high level within a few years. They have made small and big  cottage industries to such a level that now Sindhunagar is  popularly called a “mini Japan” .

Earlier (1949) with a  population of 90000 Sindhis, the city has reached to the strength of 6 lakhs (in census of 2011) with the small area of  nearly 13 km and thus it has become the one of the densitiest cities in India. Though percentage vise Sindhis  have  reduced themselves to nearly 50% due  to their  migration from the city, they would  be around 3 lakhs  even now.  Thus this city has become the biggest centre of Sindhi Community in the world, where we got the glimpse of Sindhi Culture and Sanskriti and thus it can rightly  be called “mini Sindh” in India. I have been travelling  throughout the  length and breadth of India  during  last 28 years & have met important Sindhis of over 100 cities and towns (whose report is mentioned in my book. “Fragrance of Sindhi Community”) but I have not  found  any city so far whose Sindhis have no connection with those of Sindhunagar in one way or other .

But  alas! The local non-Sindhis & the  state Govt. do not want  to change the  name of city from Ulhasnagar to Sindhunagar . In my tour I have also seen that in small towns Sindhis have been allowed  to maintain names such as jhulelal Nagar (As in Allahabad etc.), Sindhunagar (Bhavnagar  , Bhilwara etc. ), Sant Kanwar nagar ( Bhopal, Jalgaon etc.), Sindhi Market (Ahmedabad etc.) , Sindhi Colony, Sindhi Bazar, Sindhi  Pada etc., even though the population of Sindhis in these cities is hardly a  few thousands. Then what is the harm in changing the name  of Ulhasnagar particularly with Sindhis population of nearly 3 lacs ? Moreover, with this ulterior motive against Sindhi Community, the State Govt has divided this town in 3 constituencies.Ulhasnagar 1,2,3, as one constituency, Ulhasnagar 4 and Kalyan as 2nd Constituency, Ulhasnagar 5 and Ambernath as 3rd  constituency, so that no Sindhi person could be  elected easily as  an MLA, particularly Knowing that  Sindhis are already having minority problem as they are scattered throughout India after partition. To add insult to injury , nearly  15000 Sindhis have become  Christians due to temptation of prosperity etc.)

However recently the awakening has come here and its  residents , with the help of bold persons like Shri. Dilip Lalwani & others, have  demonstrated admirable unity by closing of all the shops, stopping movement of trains and bearing lathis of police  and converted the whole city into a  police  contoment for saving  855 irregular buildings. Consequently the Maha. Govt. was pleased and persuaded at least to promulgate an ordiance for regularization of these buildings (Though it yet remains to be finalized).

Here the Municipal Corp. has 37 Sindhi Corporators out of Total 76 Corporators. Moreover the presidents of 3 Main Political parties are Sindhis, such as Dr. Jairam Lulla (Congress) , Bhabhi Jyoti Kalani ( NCP) , Shri. Jammu Purswani (BJP), Shri. Kumar Aialni (MLA-BJP), Shri Sitaldas Harchandani – Ex.MLA-BJP) etc. It is therefore hoped that now all sindhis will be united after forgetting their petty differences, and create selfless, brave and foresighted leaders like  Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare and after passing the resolution for change of city’s name from Ulhasnagar to Sindhunagar in UMC and get it passed by Maharashtra Govt. Not only  that but, they will be able to persuade Govt. to make one Constituency of  Sindhunagar as it was so previously. It is also hoped that they will solve all other problems with ceaseless efforts, such as reconversion of 15000 Sindhis into their original Hindu religion speak Sindhi with their children, sending their children in Sindhi Schools etc. It is also hoped that they will not make further migration from the city but those who have left will come back like attraction to a  magnet by treating  the city as their Karma bhoomi, Janmabhoomi and Dharmabhoomi and by making it as a beautiful hub of Sindhi Community  and the pride  city of Bharat.       

The city has numerous literary, social, religions etc. Sindhi associations, Panchayats, Trusts, Ashrams temples etc. which are doing neomen social services in different fields with different names  e.g. Jhulelal Trust. Sai Baba Educational Trust, Navjivan circle trust, Amar pir Rajavir Charitable Trust, Swami Shantiprakash Education Board Trust, Yoga  centre, Asharam & Radheyshyam Gaushalla, Sai Lakh Jivan Ghot Guashalla, Puj Challiho Sahib, Sonara Navjavan Mandal Panchayat, Puj Larkana Panchayat, Puj Dharmawadi Panchayat, Sindhu Youth Circle, Kalpana  Friends circle, Hum Log circle, Ram Japo Ashram , Bharatiya  Sanskar Ashram , Hari Kirtan  Darbar, Shyam Seva Niketan, Parmanand  Bhandar, Gurudwara Shri. Guru Singh Sabha, Gurudwara Gur Sangat Darbar, Prajapita Braham Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya etc. etc. More over Recently a new Central Panchayat for whole city has come into existence representing all the 5 Nos, areas lead taken by Hum Log Circle.

The city has a good  number of Sindhi Dharamshallas with the names such as Shikarpuri, Jhulelal, Dharamdas, Swami Teoonram, Lakshamibai Isardas Dharamshallas etc. The Temples are also built near these Dharamshallas with same names. A good no. of hospitals are found in the city with the names  such as Swami Servananand (No. 5) , Paryani (No. 4) , Balani (No. 4) civil and central Hospitals (No. 3) etc. The Sindhis of this city are mostly engaged in business and industries and hardly 5% are in Service. The Sindhis are normally not appointed in Govt. jobs due to step motherly treatment meted out to them by the Govt.

Here the Sindhis mainly (90%) speak in their mother tongue at home and among themselves. Three Primary Sindhi Schools and Jhulelal High School have sindhi medium of instruction in their schools. The remaining S.E.S. High School, Netaji High School and Swami Shanti Prakash High School have one Sindhi subject compulsory for Sindhi students. Hence these schools are contributing preservation of Sindhi languages and culture to a great extent. The Sindhi (Arabian) script is used in these schools.

A good number of daily Newspapers are published from this city such as Sandesh Bharat, Leader Express, Town Darshan , Nagar News, Nagarvasi, Ulhas Vikas etc. (daily) , Duniya Samachar (weekly), Dhanushdhari (Hindi-Sindhi) etc. They  have also published one commercial Directory which describes the business activities of Sindhis of Sindhunagar, Ambarnath, Kalyan and Dombivali.

The Murti of Jhulelal Sai is normally found on the shops / offices etc. of Sindhis here to preserve their identity. Sindhi programmes can be seen here on Sindhi – Kutchi and local cable T.V. Channels.

They celebrate important auspicious annual festivals and anniversaries with flying colours. Specially on Chetichand day , they  take  out “Maha Yatra” from Jhulelal Temple (No. 1) to Swami Shanti Prakash Ashram (No.5) with Bahrana Sahib & Jhankies , distribute Prasad and burn crackers enroute and finally take  “Priti Bhojan” together  at Swami Shanti Prakash Ashram . Similarly procession and “Langar” is  arranged at Gur Sangat Darbar (No. 4) on the auspicious occasion of  Guru Nanik Jayanti .

The City has many worth seeing tourist places like Birla Mandir (No.1), ancient Shiva Temple (No.5) wherein a big mela is arranged on Mahashivratri day, Moreover the aforesaid Temples are also worth seeing . All these worth seeing places have made  this city a pilgrimage place of Sindhis in India. Hence one and all particularly lucky sindhis should at the earliest, visit this Important Sindhunagar, the centre of Sindhi Culture and Sanskriti.                                             

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SATARA (Nov 16, 2003)
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NASIK
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Published in (1) "Hindu Bhoomi" Sindhi Weekly dt. 15/03/2004, (2) "Sujag Sindhi" Weekly (Devnagari) dt.  19/04/2004

Tour Report of Sindhis in Nasik (March 1, 2004)

By Mohan G. Rohira

I got golden opportunity to meet important Sindhis of Nasik in March, 2004. They were good enough to arrange an urgent extraordinary meeting of office bearers of all Sindhi Organizations on my request, for promoting our ancient culture, language and sanskriti and cementing the bonds of brotherhood in our Community. The report in a nutshell is as follows:-

This ancient city of pilgrimage has a total strength of 15 lakhs including 25000 Sindhis. They are scattered throughout the City. However nearly 60 families stay in Hollaram Colony. They speak mainly in Sindhi at home & among themselves. They are quite well off in their respective various businesses and have earned a good name in the City. They have built many Dharamshalas for staying purposes at nominal rates for pilgrims in Panchvati, near Godavari River, such as Baba Ramdas khatwari Dharamshala, Advani Dharamshala, Khanchand Javeri Dharamshala, Radhakishin Motumal Dharamshala, Seva Kunj, Swami Teoonram Amrapur Dham etc. These Dharamshalas have beautiful Temples in their premises. In addition, Dada Manoharlal Gurudwara, Panchwati & Jhulelal Temple in Hollaram Colony, are also places worth seeing.

The city has many important Sindhi organizations such as Ghotki Sindhi Panchayat, Upanagar Sindhi Panchayat, Sidco Sindhi Panchayat, Swami Shanti Prakash Panchvati Sindhi Panchayat, Sindhu Sahitya Kala Sangam, Sindhu Social and Cultural Association, Jhulelal Mitra Mandal, Nasik Sindhi Samaj Seva Samiti etc. Not only that, but they have also formed a central body of all these organizations namely, 'Nasik Sindhi Panchayat’. Every organization is playing important role in their respective fields. However their detailed activities can not be mentioned here for want of space. They have also formed "Nasik Distt. Sindhi Panchayats Federation" in 1994 comprising of Sindhi Associations from 17 Talukas, who meet bimonthly in different cities turn by turn and compete among themselves for doing social work etc. Recently Puj Sindhi Panchayat Devlali and Puj Sindhi Panchayat Malegaon have earned the names of "Adrash (Ideal) Panchayat". Recently the members of this Federation helped the Sindhis of Malegaon in all respects (including getting insurance claims from Insurance companies) who suffered monetarily during Communal riots. This bold action has raised the morale of Sindhis of Malegaon. The Sindhis of other cities should learn from this noble example.

The city also has H.A.B. Sindhi High School (Sindhi medium) and H.A.B. High School (English medium but with one Sindhi subject). Sindhi Primary School is running with full force. It is a matter of pride for the Community that these schools show a good result in annual S.S.C. examinations. They celebrate important festivals such as Cheti Chand, Maha Shivratri, Puj Chaliha Sahib, Ganesh Chaturthi, Mata jagaran, etc. They take out procession with Jhankis and eat together on the occasion of the 1st 2 Melas above. They are not lagging behind in the field of Banking. They have established "Jhulelal Bank" having branches in Jalgaon and Dhulia. This report will be incomplete without mention of 3 important personalities. One is Dr. Pt. Vijay Setpal. He is also a famous music Director & Poet, having composed many songs in Hindi & Sindhi. The other one is Shri Mohan Talreja. He is a famous Singer on T.V. and Akashvani and has produced many audio & video cassettes in Sindhi, Hindi & Marathi, which are popular among the masses. Last but not least, is Shri Mayaram Kukreja "Dard". He is a famous Writer, Poet and Journalist and has arranged many Kavi Sammelans and has written a number of articles in different fields (and without his valuable help I could not have got most of above useful information). The places worth seeing in this ancient city are Tapovan, Bhakti Dham, Someshwar, Pandav Caves, Mukti Dham, Ved Mandir, Science and Money Museums, Trambakeshwar Jyotirling, Godavari River, etc. which can be conveniently visited in a day under the conducted tour of Maharashtra Tourism.

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Urli Kanchan (June 21, 2005) and (May 18, 2013)
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Tour Report of Sindhis of Urli Kanchan (June 21, 2005) and (May 18, 2013)

Published in (1) “Aseen Sindhi”, June-July 2005 (2) “Hindu” (Sindhi) Jul-14-2005 (3)“Hindvasi” (Sindhi) Jul-24-2005 (4) “Sujag Sindhi" (Dev) Jul-4-2005

Mohan G. Rohira, Advocate

I got a golden opportunity to meet the important Sindhis of Urli Kanchan (30 kms. from Pune on Sholapur Rly. Line) during end of June 2005. The love and affection extended by them cannot be de­scribed. The taste of pudding is in its eating. They were good enough to arrange a meeting of Sindhis at short notice on my request for promoting our ancient culture, language and sanskriti as well as cementing bonds of brotherhood in our community. The meeting continued for 3 hours wherein 34 people were present. The report in a nutshell is as under:-

This is a small town having a total population of 50,000 only, including 150 Sindhi families. However they are not lagging behind in social field. They have formed a Puj Sindhi Panchayat and a Jhulelal Mandli whose President is Shri Ghanshyamdas Chawla and Secre­tary is Shri Rajesh Rohira. They do a lot of social service unitedly wherein the younger generation also takes active part. They have a Sindhi Guru Nanik Darbar where daily kirtan and aarti takes place and it is also used for happy and sad occasions. They mainly speak in Sindhi (nearly 80%) at home and among themselves. This fact I have noticed particularly in 40-50 small towns visited by me during the last 20 years, which shows that the Sindhi language cannot die as long as Sindhi language continues in small towns. However, there are no Sindhi classes there, though they have promised to start such classes shortly. They are mainly in business and are well off financially. They celebrate important festivals, i.e. Chetichand, Guru Nanik Jayanti and Chaliha Sahib annually together with priti bhojan and take out processions on these occasions where local people also participate. Hence they have got good relations with local people and command good respect in the town. They have also promised to close shops on the occasion of Chetichand so that Maharashtra Govt. could be persuaded to declare Chetichand as Public Holiday under the Negotiable instruments Act. They strongly desire that a Sindhi TV channel should be started, sooner the better, so as to boost the morale of particularly young generation in our community for Sindhiyat. They are shortly publishing a Sindhi Directory. They always meet together on occasions such as marriage or death ceremonies etc. The places worth seeing are Prayagdham (Anandpur Darbar) and a very famous Nisargopchar (Nature Cure) Ashram inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi where all kinds of pa­tients are cured successfully. Hence it is a must see place for everyone.

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Pune (M.S.) (2009)
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Lonavla (Sep 1, 2010)
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TOUR REPORT OF SINDHIS IN LONAVALA (Sep 1, 2010 and a number of times thereafter):
(Mohan G. Rohira , Advocate)

Published in (1)  Hindu Sindhi October 29, 2010 (2) Akhanda Sindhu Sansar dt. Nov 1, 2010

This city is a hill station on Mumbai Pune Road at a distance of 120 Km from Mumbai. Its total strength is 1 Lakh including 45 Sindhi families. They have Puj Sindhi Panchayat whose President is Shri. Vijay Daryanani and secretary Shri. Kamal Lachhu Bajaj (Son of Famous Lady Social worker Smt. Hemlata Bajaj). They do some social activities for the Community through this Panchayat. These Sindhi families speak in their mother tongue amongst themselves. About 10 persons among them know to write and read Sindhi Script. Most of them are in business and are well off. Sixteen important hotels, out of total 85 hotels in the city, belong to Sindhis. They celebrate important annual festivals together, particularly on the noble occasions of Guru Nanak  Jayanti & Chetichand. Moreover they also take out procession with "Jhankies" on the auspicious day of Chetichand every alternate year. They mostly keep Murtis of Shri. Jhulelal in their Shops/ Hotels for preserving their identity. Places worth staying here are Amrit Vela Ashram, Sadhu Vaswani Trust, Prem Prakash Ashram, Shahani Holiday Home, Manghnani Elders Home, Sri. Karunanidhi Senior Citizens Home etc. These places include important temples also. Moreover one cannot afford to miss here Karla Caves, Vedant Academy, Bushi & Lonavala Dam, Wax Museum, Kaivalyadham Yoga College & beautiful scenes enjoyable at this hill station.


Tour Report  of Sindhis staying in some cities of Maharashtra (Oct 2014)

In order to cement bonds of unity and create consciousness among the Sindhi masses for getting political and other rights  from the Central Govt., I have so far travelled and visited 110 cities / towns of India since 1987, met officials of Important Sindhi organisations, got first hand information regarding Sindhi Community which has been published in these columns.  The readers can visit “www.fragrancesindhicommunity.blogsppot.in”  for ready reference.  Continuing same efforts, I have visited following 4 cities of Maharashtra recently.  The report in a nutshell is as under:

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Gondia (Oct 2014)
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This town’s total strength is 135873 (as per 2011 census) which includes 14000 Sindhis (i.e. 10%). Out of that nearly 2000 know Sindhi Script.  Practically all (say 98%) speak in Sindhi at home and among themselves.  Nearly 5% Sindhis are in service, the remaining all are mostly in all main businesses.  They have 800 shops in the town and some have small factories.  46 members were present here in meeting which took place on 26.08.2014.  Their names & mob. Nos. were noted (as in case of other towns/cities).  Enough inspiration and emotions were visible in the meeting.  Some members (particularly Rajkumar Notani & Murlidhar Aswani) gave foreceful suggestions for getting ‘Sindh Pradesh’ in India.  Some Sindhis of this town are courageous, revolutionary & bold enough (as those of Godhra city of Gujarat) and they have unity among themselves.  They close down all shops if any injustice is done to any Sindhi in the town.

            They have 21 associations i.e. Sindhi General Panchayat (President Mahesh Kumar Ahuja & Secretary Chandrasen Ramnani, (2) Srinagar Sindhi Panchayat (President Suresh Harjani), (3) Sukkur Panchayat (P-Indrakumar Hotchandani), (4) Jhulelal Panchayat (P-Harish Velvani), (5) Sindhi Sikhshan Sanstha (P-Bhagatram Thakrani), (6) Sant Kanwarram Sikhshan Sanstha (P-Gangadhar Lubhani), (7) Sindhi Navyuvak Sewa Mandal (P-Gopal Dhirwani), (8) Sindhi Sevadhari Mandal (P-Dayaldas Basantwani), (9) Badhte Kadam Sindhu Seva Samiti (P-Mahesh Lalwani), (10) Mata Toli Panchayat (P-Kishore Wadhwani), (11),  Sindhi Siksha & Sahitya Sangat (P-Prataprai Motwani), (12) Pir Shivnath Sevak Mandal, (13) Sant Kanwar Ram Seva Samiti, (14) Sindhi Manihari Panchayat, (15) Gondia Blood Donars Association, (16) Ek Disha Sindhu Seva Samiti, (17) Ashirwad Colony Panchayat, (18) Jhulelal Colony Panchayat, (19) Surajmal Colony Panchayat, (20) Nirankari Mandal Seva Samiti, (21) Hari Madhav Seva Samiti.  Every association is doing enough social work in its own field and celebrating annual functions with one an others’ co-operation.  Badhte Kadam Sindhu Seva Samiti has also purchased Ambulance equipped with Ventilator for serving the patients in emergency.

            Here  Sindhis have 3 Bhavanas  namely 91) Sindhi Manihari Panchayat Bhawan & Temple, (2) Sukkur Panchayat Bhawan & Temple (both in  Sindhi Colony), (3) Srinagar Sindhi Panchayat Bhavan (in Srinagar locality).  Furthermore there are more temples such as Sant Kanwarram Temple (in Sindhi School), Jhulelal Temple (in Sindhi  Colony), Prem Prakash Temple of Swami Jeoouramji which was well built 14 years back with an area of 10,000 sq.ft. at Barkoli (Sindhi Colony).  More over the town has temples of Nirankari, Radhasoami & Anandpur Sahib.  Sindhi schools are also functioning have which are managed by Sindhi Sikhshan Sanstha & Sant Kanwarram Sikhshan Sanstha but alas! even  Sindhhi Language is not taught here even as one of the subjects. Many annual functions take place here.  Particularly Chetichand is celebrated for continuously 2 days, wherein they take out procession in the town, arrange joint food and close down their all shops.  They keep photograph of Sai Jhulelal at home or at shops.  The worth seeing Nagjira National Park is hardly 40km away from this town.

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Amravati (Oct 2014)
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This city has total strength of 10 lakhs which includes 30,000 Sindhis (i.e. hardly 3%).  The break up details of Sindhi families area-wise is as follows: Dastoor Nagar 1500, Kanwar Nagar (including Sindhunagar, Ambanagar, Baba Hardasram Society etc.)  1200, Krishnanagar 1000, Rampuri Camp 1000 and the remaining families stay in Naniknagar, Sahakarnagar, etc. localities.  They do not have Sindhi Central Panchayat here.  Only Dastoor nagar & Kanwarnagar have Sindhi Pandhayats.  Pujya Dastoor nagar Sindhi Pandhayat has 3 Pramukhs.  Out of these, names of 2 persons are Shri Ramchandra Kamna & Shri Nandlal Khatri.    Their secretary is  Shri Jaiprakash Haswani.  Priya Sindhi Panchayat Kanwarnagar has Shri Indirlal Nanwani as President & Shri Premchand Kukreja as secretary.  They have published a nice Telephone Directory which gives much useful information regarding Sindhi community of the town - particularly of that locality.  The third association is  Sindhi Sikhsha & Sahitya Sangat whose President is Shri Shankarlal Batra.  Every association is doing enough social work in its respective field and celebrate annual functions with one an others’ co-operation.  Such as Sant Rajaram Varsi, Sant Kanwarram Jayanti etc.  They celebrate Chetichand in their locality.  On this auspicious day, they take out procession and close down their shops for half day.  They keep photograph of Jhulelal Sai at their home / shops.  They are mostly in business.  This town is a hub of readymade garments.  The other main businesses are cloth, medicines, factories (nearly 50) etc.  Shri Nanikram Ahuja, a press reporter, publishes 2 newspapers - “Pratidin” in Hindi and “Virat Kesari” in Marathi.

            This city, particulary kanwarnagar & Sindhunagar localities, has many Ashrams, Temples, Hospitals, Bhawans & Dharmshellas (most of them with lodging & boarding facilities) etc.  such as (1) Swami Teoonramji’s Prem Prakash Mandir, (2) Sant Kanwar Ram Mandir [Pujya Devri Sahib] - where Shri Manoharlal, Sai Kanwar Ram’s grandson and Sai Pesuram’s son is staying at present], (3) Shadani Darbar & Dharamshala (of Raipur) and Shadani Sant Rajaram Charitable Hospital, (4) Swami Shivbhajan Maharajji’s Jai Samadha Ashram, Dharmshala & Maharaj Rup Bhajan Charitable Hospital, (5) Sant Dr. Santosh Kumarji’s Jai Shivdhara Ashram (whose, programme is telecast daily on  ‘ Sant sang’ T.V. Channel & ‘Sindhi Sajan’ T.V. Channel), (6) Sai Sadhramji’s Sant Satram Dham (SSD) and Bhavan, (7) Sant Kanwar Ramji’s Pujya Darbar Sahib, (8) Pujya Seva Mandli and Dharamshala, (9) Sant Baba Asudaram Charitable Homeo Hospital, (10) Shiv Mandir, (11) Sant Kanwar Ram Dharamshala (12) Baba Hardasram Dharamshala etc.  Above mentioned Jai Shiv Dhara Ashram serves cold water to passengers of Amravati Rly. Station and Bus Station in hot season.  Like-wise many social activities, giving medical help, arranging daily Satsangs etc. are going on here in every Ashram which cannot be described here in this limited space.  While visiting these Ashrams of Kanwarnagar & Sindhunagar, I felt as if I was visiting Pilgrimage places of Sindhis in ‘mini sindh’ with much peace of mind!   The readers can themselves experience & verify this feeling by visiting these pious places.  The test of pudding is in its eating.  Even though the population of Sindhis here is hardly 3% of the total population, however they have raised their image in the minds of city masses due to their neomen & philanthropic serves through their Ashrams & hospitals.

            The city has many worth seeing other temples also such as Ambadevi Mandir (where Sri Krishna had eloped Rukmani), Sati Dham Mandir, ISKCON Mandir, Sai Baba Mandir, Vaishnodevi Mandir, etc.  17 memers were present in the meeting of Kanwarnagar Sindhi Panchayat on 28.08.2014 and 13 members were present in the meeting of Dastoor nagar Sindhi Panchayat on 30.08.2014.

[Note:  In the meeting of Kanwarnagar Sindhi Panchayat a young member Shri Sunil K. Harwani got up with emotion and offered his services along with his companions for any cause of Sindhi Community’s benefit].

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Malegaon (Oct 2014)
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This city is at a distance of 35 km by road from Manmad Rly. Station.  It has 8 lakh population, which includes 125 Sindhi families (700 members).  Nearly 50% of them speak in Sindhi at home & among themselves.  The remaining speak in Marathi or Hindi.  Most of them (say 95%) are engaged in one or other businesses such as Power Loom, Plastic Pipes (used in telephones & agriculture), Readymade & general cloth etc.  Mostly they keep photograph of Jhulelal Sai at home or at their shops.  Majority of them stay in New Jhulelal Sindhi Colony  (40 familiees) and old Sindhi Colony (43 families).  Both colonies are near to each other.  They have one Jhulelal Mandir between both colonies.  They have built one “Sindhi Mangal Karyalaya” for the purpose of arranging marriages and other social functions.  They have one “Pujya Jhulelal Sindhi Panchayat” whose young President is Shri Sanjay (Suresh) Chandru Fatnani & Secretary is Shri Srichand Jethwani.  They also have Shri Bharat Kumar Talreja as Vice President and Shri Mukesh Janani (Press Reproter) as Treasurer.  This Panchayat does some social activities for the community and celebrates annual functions such as Mahashivaratri, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Ganesh Utsav, Lala Loi, 23rd June as Jhulelal Mandir’s establishment day etc.  On the occasion of Chetichand they arrange joint food and close their shops for half day.  On the day of Chaliha Sahib they arrange joint food as well as take out procession in the city.  They have prepared a Sindhi Directory.  The city has one Bhaikot old Fort wherein a School & Municipal office is situated at present. 30 members (including 50% youngsters) were present in the meeting here on 02.09.2014.

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Manmad (Oct 2014)
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This town has big Rly. Junction station on Central Rly.  Its population is one lakh which includes 65 Sindhi families.  5 Sindhis are in service.  The remaining are in one or another business such as watches, wine, sweets, kriyana, cloth, etc.  They speak in Sindhi at home and among themselves, 12 of them know Sindhi script.  They  have one “Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Manmad Shahar”  whose President is Shri Naraindas Phulwani, Vice President is Shri Bhagchand M. Lalwani and Secretary is Shri Rajesh (Babu) Kanayalal Daryani.  They do not have any Sindhi Dharamshala, Bhawan or temple, however, one Jhulelal Mandir is under construction.  They do some social work for the community and celebrate some annual functions.  They arrange joint food on Chetichand & Guru Nanak Jayanti and close down their shops for a half day.  They also take out procession on the occasion of Chetichand.  They have prepared a Directory of Sindhis of the town so that they can contact all by telephone or by SMS.  They compulsorily keep the photograph of Sai Jhulelal at their home or at shops.  The town has a 3000 years ancient Nagapore Shiv Temple at a distance of 5 kms and a nice Gurudwara (with AC & non-AC rooms for staying) near the Rly. Station.


Note:  Due to late arrival of train, official meeting could not take place here.  However the above information was collected from abovementioned young secretary Shri Rajesh as well as from other Sindhis.


Tour Report & Sindhis staying in 30 cities of Maharashtra
Mohan G. Rohra, Advocate Mob: 9321448147
        
          In continuation of my efforts to bring Sindhi community united and to preserve our identity and rich culture by getting in touch with the office bearers of various important Sindhi organizations across 174 cities/towns in India and abroad so far, recently I got the golden opportunity to visit following further 23 cities/towns of Maharashtra during 18 days of October 2018. In addition, the office bearers of Sindhi community of 7 further cities of nearby areas also took part in these meetings.
          One important gratifying and worth noting factor which was normally seen in these cities was that Sindhis here on the whole, say 70% to 80% speak in their mother tongue at home and among themselves. Of course such percentage is lower to some extent in a few big cities. After settling financially, they are getting awakened day by day to preserve their Culture and Language. If this trend continues, our ancestral and ancient rich language has no danger of getting extinguished. Though most of Sindhi schools in these cities have been closed to a great extent, however Sindhi classes are being run by some devoted social workers. They are expert in celebrating annual festivals and thus they have been preserving our rich Culture and Sanskriti. They are well versed in Marathi language. They have become very successful in many businesses of the cities due to their qualities of hard work, patience, perseverance and ability coupled with having mixing nature and control on local language. They have become even owners of big hotels in some cities and thus on the whole they are well off with the grace of Sai Jhulelal. Some of them have become famous Doctors, Advocates, and CA. or have occupied good jobs. They have good relations with local people and command good respect among them due to their humble and hospitable nature. However they have no interest in politics and hence politically, they are far behind like those of other cities. They are more or less united and do so many social activities mainly for their community by forming Panchayats/associations. They often meet together on happy and unhappy occasions. They often keep the photos of Sai Jhulelal, Guru Nanik (and in some cities those of Sai Kanwar Ram also) at their homes / shops, which helps to identify them. As compared to big cities, the Sindhis of small towns are more attached to Sindhyat and they are also more hospitable. Moreover they have built many temples, Panchayat Halls and Dharamshallas for the community where even local masses are also benefited. We really feel proud of such philanthropists! The names and mob.Nos. of all attendees in each city’s meetings were noted down, Sindhi and national literature was also distributed at such meetings. Remaining details of these 30 cities/towns in a nutshell are as under:

1) Daund: - This town of 2 lakh strength is situated near Pune. Only 150 Sindhi families stay here. 8 doctors and one advocate are among them. Nearly 2% of them are in service and the remaining are engaged in different businesses. They have formed Daund Sindhi Panchayat (President Kalachand Abichandani, V.P.-Prataprai Lund and Secy. Prataprai Kukreja). They have one Guru Nanik Sindhi Dharamshalla at Jhulelal Chowk. Moreover they have Guru Nanik Darbar, Jhulelal Mandir and Devi Mata Mandir. They celebrate many annual festivals. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, they take out Prabhat Pheri for 5 days and close down their shops for whole day. On occasions of Chetichand and Chaliha Sahib they take out procession in the town and close their shops for half day. They have published a directory of Sindhis of the town. They gave many suggestions in the meeting such as starting of DD Sindhi T.V. channel and checking the conversion of Sindhis of Ulhasnagar. The meeting of the Panchayat took place on 8-10-2018 at 3 pm at Guru Nanik Darbar, Gandhi Chowk wherein 12 members were present.
2) Ahmednagar: - This ancient and famous city has population of 6 lakh which includes 8500 Sindhis. They have formed many Sindhi sassociations, the main among them are   1) Hind Seva Mandal, 2) Sant Kanwar Ram Seva Samithi, 3) Ahmednagar Sindhi Education Society (Secretary Shri Damodar Bathija)
4) GuruKripa Trust, 5) Jhulelal Mandir Samiti, 6) Gambat Sindhi Panchayat, 7) Sindhi Yuva Samiti and chief among them is 8) Ahmednagar Sindhi General Panchayat whose President is shri G.R. Madhyan (Lalu Seth). They have built many Dharamshallas etc. such as Radhakrishin chetandas Madhyan Sindhi Dharamshalla, Sindhi Mangal Karyalaya (Bhutkal wadi), Sant Kauwar Ram Sindhi Dharamshalla (Mali Wada) and Gambat Sindhi Dharamashalla. Most of them (say 90%) are in various businesses and remaining are in service. Some are in professions. Among them 15 are Doctors, 6 are CA and 4 as advocates. They have one St. Vivekananda (English) High School managed by Sindhi Education Society with strength of 1100 students, including 250 Sindhi Students. In spite of that no Sindhi subject is taught here as one of the Subjects. They have also prepared a directory of Sindhis of the city. They have built many religious places such as Jhulelal Mandir, Guru Nanik Mandir, Bhai Sahib Kalyandas and Khushaldas Mandirs, Guru Nanik Darbar (Shriji Pura). They celebrate many annual festivals. On occasion of Cheti chand and Cheliha Sahib they take out procession, arrange ‘Priti Bhojan’ (joint food) and close their shops for half a day. On Guru Nanik and Sant Kanwar Ram Jayanti, they take out ‘Prabhat Pheri’. The worth seeing tourist places in the city are Chand Bibi Mahal, Tank Museum and Fort. The meeting of Sindhi General Panchyat took place on 09-10-2018 at 10.30 AM at St. Vivekanand High School where in 30 members were present including Lady Teachers. Shri Bihari Shahani was behind the certain to make this Ahmednagar program a grand success.
3) Sri Rampur:- This town has population of one and a quarter lakh which includes 1200 Sindhis. Most of them have come here originally from Garhi Yasin city of Sindh and now they live in Sindhi colony here. Their Panchayat’s name is “Sindhi Samaj Sri Rampur” whose President is Shri Bhagwan Valecha and Secretary is Dr. Bharat Gidwani. Both stay in ward No. 1 of Sindhi colony here. Most of them are in one or another business. Among them there are 4 Doctors and 2 CA. They often meet one another on happy and unhappy occasions and celebrate annual festivals. They take out procession and arrange “Priti Bhojan” on the auspicious occasions of Chetichand and Chaliha Sahib. They close their shops for a half day on last day of Chaliha Sahib. They arrange “Akhand Path Sahib” and ‘Langar’ (joint food) for 3 days. Wherein nearby Ten Thousand persons of the town take food. On the day of “Bhog Sahib” i.e. 3rd and last day, they close down their shops for a half day. Thus they mix up with the local masses. They have 2 Mandirs i.e. Jhulelal Mandir and Sindhi Mandir in Sindhi colony. However they do not have any Sindhi Dharamshalla here. They have prepared a directory of Sindhis of the town. The town has worth seeing 2 gardens and one Gurudwara. The meeting of Sindhi Samaj took place on the same date i.e. 9-10-2018 at 9 PM at Sindhi Mandir ward No. 1, Sindhi Colony, wherein 32 members were present.
4) Shirdi: - This village town of only 32000 Strength has become very famous pilgrimage place due to pious Temple of “Sai Baba.” Ninety Sindhi families (nearby 500 members) stay here. They have “Pujya Sindhi Panchayat” (President Shyamlal R. Thanwani, Ex P. Rameshlal Premani, and Secretary Kanayalal Makhija). They do not have any Sindhi Dharamshalla. However they have one Sai Jhulelal Mandir in Shivaji Nagar area. They are mainly in business. One Sindhi Advocate is also here. On the occasion of Chetichand and Chaliha Sahib, they take out procession and arrange “Langar” (joint food). They close shops for half day only on Chetichand day. They also celebrate other annual festivals such as “Akhand Tij”,”Lala Loi” and “Chand” (moon) of every month. The visit of this village is incomplete without having a Darshan of Sai Baba Mandir (under Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust). The meeting of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat took place in Ex. President’s Hotel Guru Krupa on Nagar Kripa Road on 10-10-2018 at 9 pm wherein 15 Members of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Shirdi as well as 11 members of nearby Copergaon Sindhi Panchayat were present till mid night.
5) Copergaon: - This Tiny town of 80,000 strength is at the distance of 14 kms from Shirdi. 25 Sindhi families (125 members) stay here. Shri Tulsidas Khubani is president and Shri Bhagchand Sharma is Secretary of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat here. Shri Satish Bachumal Krishnani is President of Pujya Jhulelal Trust. They do not have any Dharamshalla. However in spite of being in minority, they are constructing a Temple. They are united and meet often among themselves during happy and unhappy occasions. They celebrate Chetichand festival since 1952 with dignity wherein they take out procession in the town, arrange Priti Bhojan for all Sindhi families and close their shops for full day. They also celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on a large scale since last 46 years so much so that they get best district award since last 11 years. One Sindhi Doctor stays here. They have prepared Sindhi Directory of town’s Sindhis. Kudos to these Sindhi Brothers who (11 persons) attended the aforesaid Shirdi meeting on 10-10-2018 from 9 Pm to 12 midnight by travelling 14kms.
6) Manmad: - The details of this city have already been given by me which have been published 4 years ago in these columns and which can be viewed on aforesaid website blog. However the main changes are being given here. The name of new association is “Pujya Jhulelal Sindhi Panchayat Seva Bhavi Sanstha.” (Regd. 15-1-2018). (President Murlidhar Wadhwani, V.P. Dilipkumar Tejwani, Secy. Laxman Kaurani). Smt. Usha Dilipkumar Tejwani is Municipal Councillor. The City’s population is one lakh and a quarter. Sindhis have 100 families here. They do many social activities. Sindhi Yuva Mandli serves food to sick and handicapped persons in their homes. The merit students are awarded every year. Recently they have purchased big plot of 3000sq.feet where they are planning a big community Hall, Jhulelal Mandir, rooms for staying and arranging other facilities. The meeting of both associations took place on 11-10-2018 at 9.30 pm at Jhulelal Mandir, Phule Chowk wherein 21 members were present.
7) Aurangabad: - The population of this historical and ancient city is 15 lakh which includes 400 Sindhi families (1500 members). Many Sindhi associations are located here such as 1)Pujya Sindhi Panchayat (ubavara) whose president is Shri Kalyandas Matra and Secretary is Shri Shewakram Tolwani; 2) Pujya Sindhi Panchayat (P. Shri Raju Seth Tanwani, secy. Shri Bharatbhai Nihalani) 3) Jhulelal Seva Samiti (founder President abovementioned Shri  Raju Seth Tanwani) 4)Pujya Marathwada Sindhi Mahapanchayat ( P- Shri Kishanchand Tanwani, secy. abovementioned Shri Kalyandas Matra), 5) Shahaganj Jal Ashram Seva Samiti etc.
          Here most of Sindhis (Like other those of other cities) are engaged in one or other businesses, nearly 15% are in services. There are 8 Doctors, 5 CA and 5 Advocates. In Sindhi colony, they have 1) Sant Kanwar Ram Kutiya and Mandir, 2)Sindhu Bhavan (with good Jhulelal Mandir) and Sindhi Seva Samiti Mandir with good staying arrangement. They also have another Jhulelal Mandir (in shahaganj city area). T hey also celebrate annual festivals on a grand scale. They take out “ Vahan Rally” on motor cycles and close down their shops for whole day. Those who open their shops are fined heavily. Hence no body opens shops on this auspicious day. They also arrange ‘Samuhik Priti Bhojan’ (joint food) on this day as well as on Guru Nanik Jayanthi and Chailha Sahib. Many tourist attractions are located here. Such as ancient Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Makbara (like Taj Mahal of Agra’s shape), Aurangzeb’s tomb, Jyotirling Shiva’s Temple etc. The joint meeting of ubavada Sindhi Panchayat and  Pujya Sindhi Panchayat, Aurangabad took place on 12-10-2018 at 5 PM at shri Shivaji Sindhi Housing Board, Sindhi colony wherein 16 members were present which included office bearers of Sindhi Organizations of far and nearly cities of Beed, Paithan and Selu.
8) Paithan: - This tiny town of 65000 strength is at a distance of 50kms from Aurangabad and it has no Railway Station. Only 20 Sindhi families stay here. They do not have any Dharamshalla or Temple. They have one Sant Kanwar Ram Seva Samiti (President Shyamlal L. Panjwani, V. P. Rajkumar Rohira, and Secy. Ghanshyam Ahuja). In spite of being in minority, they celebrate Chatichand festival on a grand scale. They take out procession, distribute Prasad and use crackers throughout the procession till they reach river for immersion of ‘Bahrana Saheb’. They also give rewards to students and arrange Bhandara (joint food) on such occations. The Ladies arrange the festivals of Guru Nanik Jayanti and Gokul Ashtami. They are quite united and meet often on happy and unhappy occasions for which they have prepared a whats App group. The worth seeing places here are Nath Sagar Dam, Eknath Maharaj Mandir and sant Gyaneshwar udyan. The aforesaid information was collected from abovementioned President Shri Shyam L. Panjwani when he attended aforesaid Aurangabad meeting on 12-10-2018.
9) Beed: - This is Dist. Head quarter city, having no Railway station at present. This city of 7 lakh population is at a distance of 90kms from Jalna. The no. of Sindhi families staying here is 55. They have one “sant Kauwar Ram Seva Samiti” (President Dr. Madanlal Jeswami, secy. Jaiprakash Kalina). They take out procession, arrange ‘Priti Bhojan’ and close down their shops for the whole day on the auspicious occasions of Guru Nanik Jayanti and Chetichand. They also celebrate other annual festivals such as Sai Satramdas Jayanti, Sant Kauwar Ram Jayanti and varsi etc. They have prepared a Sindhi Directory for Sindhis of the city. They have one Sant Kauwar Ram Dharamshalla with Jhulelal Mandir. Here there are 4 Doctors, 2 C.A. and one advocate among Sindhis. The worth seeing spots are Kapil Mahadev Mandir and Vaishno Mata Mandir. The aforesaid information was collected from above mentioned President Dr. Madanlal Jeswami when he attended aforesaid Aurangabad meetion on 12-10-2018 (which is 110kms away from his home town Beed).
10) Selu: - This small town of one and a quarter lakh population is at a distance of 40kms from Parbhani. Only 55 Sindhi families (500 members) stay here. They have Pujya Sindhi Panchayat (president is shri Ram Basantram Kukreja and secretory is Shri Manoj Hariram Kanchani. His brother shri Mayaram Hariram Kanchani is a social worker and In charge of HariDaya marriage bureau. They celebrate annual festivals with great enthusiasm. They take out procession, arrange ‘Langar’ (joint food) and close down their shops for half a day on the occasions of Guru Nanik Jayanti and Chetichand. They also celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jahyanti, Janmashtami, Swami Shantiprakash Jayanti, Diwali etc. They have a big mangal Karyalaya with 5000sq.feet area wherein they do all ceremonies such as marriages etc. They also have one Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Gurudwara (Mandir). Among them, there are 2 Doctors, one Lecturer and some engineers. 10 persons are in service and remaining all are engaged in various businesses. The worth serving places are Baba Sahib Maharaja Temple (Guru of Shirdi Sai Baba) and 3 gardens. This report was collected from above mentioned Shri Mayaram Hariram Kanchani when he attended aforesaid Aurangabad meeting on 12-10-2018 (which is 200kms away from his home town selu).
11) Jalna: - 250 worthy Sindhi families stay in this city of 3 Lakhs people here. Shri Sukhdev Bajaj is President of Pujya Sindhi Panchyat. He is a great personality associated with many social associations such as Secretary, Sindhi Shiksha and Sahitya Sangat, Secreary M.G. Nathani High School and Jr. College, President Sant Kanwar Ram mission, I/C Martimonial Centre etc. (which includes local associations of the masses) which is a sign of Pride for Sindhis! The Vice President and Secretary of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat respectively are Shri Nandlal Talreja and Shri Kishore Dembla. Shri Girish Bajaj is incharge of Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha. They have one Sindhi Dharamshalla with Temple in Sindhi Bazar. They also have one “Dadi Deva Hall” in SSD garden. They are engaged in various businesses. 5% are in service. They have 10 Doctors, 4 advocates and 2 CA among them. They have one M.G. Nathani High School and Junior College and Primary School with Hindi Medium under their management. However no Sindhi Subject is tough here now. On behalf of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat they have distributed murtis of Sai Jhulelal (with marble) in each Sindhi home. Most of them also keep the photos of Sant Kanwar Ram at their homes/shops. They celebrate annual functions properly. They take out motor cycle rally on chetichand day and procession on the occasion of Chahiha Sahib and Guru Nanik Jayanti. They arrange blood donation camp on Sant Kanwar Ram Jayanti and Varsi. They also celebrate Holi. They arrange ‘Priti Bhojan’ on all such festivals. The worth seeing places are Dat Ashram (in city), and Ambar Matsoya Devi Mandir (25kms). The meeting of this Panchayat took place on 13-10-2018 at 9pm at Sindhi Mandir in Sindhi Bazar wherein 17 members were present.
12) Parbhani: - This is Dist. Head Quarter city with population of 4 Lakh which includes 100 best Sindhi families (510 members) they have 2 associations 1) Pujya Sindhi Panchayat (President Dilip Radhakrishin matra, Secy.Thakurdas Gurdasmal Gehi), 2) Sant Kanwar Ram Seva Mandal (P- Khubchand Manghwani, Secy. Sunil Khairajani). Both association do social work in their own field as well as work in co-ordination with each other and also celebrate annual festivels. They take out procession on the noble occasions of Chatichand, Chaliha Sahib and Guru Nanik Jayanti and arrange ‘Priti Bhojan’. They close down their shops for half a day on Chetichand and Guru Nanik Jayanti. They get first pride in the city every year since last 25 years in celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, which is a matter of pride for Sindhi Community!
          They have on Dharamshalla in wadgali area. It was 2 rooms and 2 Halls and a Jhulelal Mandir. Most of them are in business. Some of them are even owners of Hotels and Factories. Moreover 2 Doctors, 2 advocates and one CA are among them. They have prepared a Directory for Sindhis of the city. They are very loving and hospitable so much so that 8 persons came to receive me at Jalna Railway Station! The worth seeing places are Narsinh Bhagwan Mandir, Parleshwar Mandir Avandha Nagnath 8th  Jyotirling Shiva’s Mandir, (40km) and ‘Tri Dhara’ (3 rivers -15 km). The Panchayat runs matrimonial Centre also. The meeting of both associations took place in Jhulelal Mandir on 14-10-2018 at 5pm wherein 26 members were present which included 6 Ladies.
13) Nanded: - This pious city of Gurudwaras with Samadhi of Guru Govind Singh has population of 6 Lakhs. 225 noble Sindhi families stay here. Most of them stay in Sindhi Colony. Their association’s name is Pujya Sindhi Panchayat (President Naraindas M. Rangwani, V.P. Dr. Prakash Nihalani and Secy. Narendra n. Pamnani ). They are engaged in chief business of the city. 2 Doctors, 2 CA and one R.T.O. are among them. They are active in doing social work particularly for the community. They have published Sindhi directry of Sindhis of the city. The managing committee members work in co-ordination with one another. They have Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Jhulelal Mandir Bahvan (regd.) having 7 rooms for staying. Further 19 rooms are under construction. Next to it is Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Jhulelal Mandir which is the best mandir among whole Marathwada Region. They also have Bhawandas Manghnani Sindhi Dharamshalla and Mangal Karyalaya (at Venkateshnagar, Hingoli Gate). They celebrate annual festivels on a grand scale. On Chetichand day they take out procession and close their shops for whole day. They take out ‘Prabhat Pheri’ on Guru Nanik Jayanti. They also celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali etc. and arrange ‘Priti Bhojan’ on all festivals. Ladies sing Bhajans on the occasion of ‘Navratra’.
          Here Shri Chandraprakash Lalwani and Shri Pritamdas Khyani seen matrimonial centre with co-operation of Samadha Ashram and Social Forum of Nagpur. Dr. Bharat Jethani a great artist of Bharat Natyam stays here. He is also co-ordinator in cultural activities, Govt. of India. Moreover above mentioned vice President Dr. Prakash Nihalani has received PhD degree on the topic “The Contribution of Sindhi Community in Development of Maharashtra”. Here worth seeing attractions are 17 Gurudwaras, Kaleshwar Mandir, Vishnu Dam and Guru Gobind Singh’s Samadhi (at Gobind Baug, Sindhi Colony) etc. The meeting of Panchayat took place on 15-10-2018 at 5 PM of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Jhulelal Mandir Bhavan, Bafna Road (near Sindhi Clolny) wherein 30 members were present including 4 ladies.
14) Hingoli: - This town has a population of two and a half lakh with 22 Sindhi families (125 members). Their association’s name is Pujya Sindhi Seva Samiti (President Kanayalal Udharam Nenwani, Secretary Dr. Amar Ganwani). Shri Anil Rajkumar Nenwani is Mun. Corporator (congress). They all are united and often meet among one another on happy and unhappy occasions for which they have formed whatsApp group. They celebrate annual functions. They take out procession and close down their shops for half a day on occasions of Chetichand. They take out Prabhat pheri on Guru Nanik Jayanti. They arrange Priti Bhojan on both these occasions. They own one Nirankari Bhavan on station road from where they do all their social activities. 2 Sindhi Doctors stay here. Nearly 90% are engaged in business and remaining are doing service. This town is famous for Sant Namdev’s birth place and also for Avandha Nagnath 8th Jyotirling Shiva’s temple (20k.m.). The meeting of abovementioned Samiti took place in Nirankari Bhavan on 16-10-2018 at 12.30pm for a short period (as I had to rush for meetings of Washim and Akola on the same day). 13 members were present in the meeting.
15) Washim: - This tiny town of one and a quarter lakh census have accomodated 175 Sindhi families (1000 members). Out of them 12 are Doctors, 5 Advocates, 2 CA and one is Lecturer. The remaining are engaged in one or an other business. The name of their association is Pujya Sindhi Panchayat whose President is Shri Gokuldas Jivnani. His brother Shri Bhimkumar Jivnani is President of “Namami Gange” (Washim district). The Later’s wife Smt. Chanda Bhimkumar Jinvani is mun. corporator (BJP). They take much interest in celebrating annual festivals. They celebrate Chetichand festivel for 3 days and Guru Nanik Jayanti for 8 days. They take out procession and close down their shops for whole day on both these auspicious occasions. They have one Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Dharamshalla and one Sindhi Gurudwara (which they are still developing by spending a lot of money) and 4 temples (2 of Sai Jhulelal, one of Shankar Bhagwan and one of Sri Ramchandra). Moreover they have Anandpur Kutia, Nirankari Bhavan and Radhasoami Satsang Hall. The town has Guru Nanik Market with 200 shops belonging to Sindhis which is a matter of pride for Sindhi community. They normally stay in Sindhi colony and Ishwari colony. They are united and meet very often on happy and unhappy occasions. The 2nd meeting took place on same day i.e. 16-10-2018 at 5 Pm on behalf of Panchayat at Sindhi Gurudwara wherein 17 members were Present.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
16) Akola: - Nine Lakh is strength of this city wherein 3000 brave Sindhi families (nearly 23000 members) stay. Nearly 90% of them stay in Sindhi Colony and the remaining stay in Adarsh Colony and Nimari Camp. Out of them 15 are Doctors, 12 Advocates, 12 CA, 3% in Services and remaining are engaged in various businesses of the city. They have prepared Sindhi Directory of the city. They have arranged many religious and social places which are lacated mainly in Sindhi Colony. Such as Jhulelal Bhavan (including Mandir), SSD Dham (with Mandir), Baba Hardasram Bhavan, Sant. Kanwar Ram Dharamshalla, Anandpur Darbar, Hare Madhav Satsang Bhavan Baba Garibdas Darbar, Radhasoamy satsang Hall (5 Acres), Nirankari Satsang Bhavan, Sant Asaram Bapu Kendra, Prem Prakash Mandir (I/C Jyoti wadhwani Mob. No: 9561421755). In this manner here Sindhi Colony looks like a pilgrimage place!
          Here Guru Nanik vidyalaya (High School) and Junior College with English medium is managed by Sindhis wherein 2300 students take part, out of which 70% are Sindhis but unfortunately no Sindhi subject is taught there. Their principal is Shri B. L. Virvani. Moreover “Sindhu Senior Citizens Association (Happy Home)” is located in Adarsh Colony. They have 400 members and do many activities such as spiritual journeys, Dasahera Milan etc. Many annual festivals are arranged by Sindhi here. They celebrate Chetichand for 8 days, Guru Nanik Jayanti and Chaliha Sahib for 2 days where in they take out procession and arrange ‘Bhandara’ (joint food) on these occasions. They close their shops for half a day on Chetichand day. Shri Harilal Kripalani manages “Adarash bahu udashaya sanstha” (Metrimonial Centre) on behalf of “Jai Shiv Dhara Ashram”.  Many attractive places are located here such as Salazar museum, Talasar Ram Mandir and abovementioned Sindhis’ religious places. They have 8 Sindhi Associations. Above that is Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat whose President is Shri Kanayalal Lekhrajmal Rangwani and Secretary is Shri Harish Banwarilal Parwani. The latter is also secretary of Sindhu Senior Citizens Association, V.P. of Pujya Sukkur Sindhi Panchayat and President of “Waheguru Seva Samiti”. The 3rd meeting took place on the same date i.e. 16-10-2018 at 10pm on behalf of Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat at Jhulelal Bhavan, Paki Kholi wherein 10 members were present.
17) Shegaon: - This village of 80,000 populations is at a distance of 50km from Akola. It includes 80 hard working Sindhi families (400 members). They have Pujya Sindhi Seva Mandal whose President is Shri Shyamlal F. Kashilani. He is also Ex-President of Shegaon Nagar Nigam. Hence Sindhis get good respect in this village. The Secretary of aforesaid Mandal is Shri Kishanchand J. Gwalani. The President had built Sindhi Dharamshalla (near Rly. station) in name of his parents which has been converted by him as F. M. Kashilani convent English School. However no Sindhi subject is taught in this school. They have one Sri Guru Nanik Darbar (I/C Mohanlal S. Das Matta) near Gajanand Maharaj Mandir. There is one Sindhi Doctor and one Sindhi CA. This rest all are in business. They take out procession and arrange ‘Bhandara’ (joint food) on the occasions of Chetichand, Chaliha Sahib and Guru Nanik Jayanti. The worth seeing places are Anand Sagar Garden and Gajanand Maharaj Mandir, Sindhis are united here and they meet are happy and unhappy occasions. The meeting of aforesaid mandal took place on 17-10-2018 at 5pm evening at Sri Guru Nanik Darbar wherein 16 members were present.
18) Khamgaon: - This tiny town has capacity of one and a quarter masses. The no. of Sindhi noble families is 700 (2200 members). Pujya Sindhi Panchayat has Hiranand nathani as President, Amit T. Nagrani as V. President and Ashok Jaswani as Secretary. They have 3 Dharamshallas - Pujya Sindhi Panchayat Dharamshalla, Pujya Bahavalpuri Panchayat Dharamshalla (with mandir) and Sindhu Bhavan (which is still being developed). Their other religious places are Jhulelal Mandir (in weekly Bazar), Mahadev Ma Vaishno Dham Mandir, Anandpuri Kutia (4000sq.ft area) Radhasoami Dera, Nirankari Mandir, 2 Prem Prakash ‘Asthans’ etc. (all in Sindhi Colony).They have 4 Sindhi Doctors, 5 Advocates and one CA. 10 Persons are in service and remaining all are in various business. One high quality Hotel (Guru Krupa Inn) is owned by a Sindhi (Mohan Bhagyavani – where I stayed for a night as their guest). They take out procession and arranges ‘Langar’ (Joint food) on the occasion of Chetichand and Guru Nanik Jayanti. They put shutter on their shops for whole day on Chetichand day. The meeting of Pujya Sindhi Samaj took place in their Dharamshalla on same date i.e. 17-10-2018 at 9pm wherein 18 members were present which included many youngsters (which is a healthy sign). Moreover 2 persons from nearby (15 km) Nandura town had also attended this meeting.
19) Nandura: - In this tiny town of one Lakh census, kind hearted 150 Sindhi families (700 members) stay here. Most of them stay in Sindhi Colony. This town is at a distance of 15km from Khamgaon. Pujya Sindhi Panchayat’s president is Shri Digambar Arjundas Ramchandani. He is also president of Nandura Sindhi Urban society and he does so many social activities in which he is assisted by his nephew Shri Deepak Rajkumar Ramchandani as well as Shri Prakashlal Keshavdas Hargunani, secretary of the Panchayat. They have one Sindhi Dharamshalla in Sindhi colony. Many religions places are owned by them. Such as Baba Madhavdas Udasi Darbar, Sant Nirankari Bhavan (both in sindhi colony), Anandpur Darbar (in sankalp colony, market). They take out procession, arrange ‘Bhandra’ (joint food) and close down their shops for whole day on the noble occasion of Chetichand. They take out ‘Prabhat Pheri’ and arrange ‘Langar’ (joint food) on Guru Nanik Jayanti. They also celebrate Sant Kanwar Ram Jayanti and Varsi and Guru Gobindsingh Jayanti. Three Sindhi Doctors and 6 Sindhi CA. stay here. However there is no Sindhi Brahmin. They often meet together on happy and unhappy occasions. Bada Hanuman Mandir (height 105 feet) along with Balaji Sansthan are worth seeing places here. The meeting of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat was cancelled here on 18-10-2018 due to Dasahara festival. However abovementioned Deepak R. Ramchandani along with his cousin Prakash attended the aforesaid meeting of Khamgaon, a day earlier i.e. on 17-10-2018 and the above report was collected from them.
20) Malkapur: - This small town of one and a quarter strength is at a distance of 30 km from Bhusawal. 300 kind hearted Sindhi families (nearby 1800 members) stay here. Out of them 250 families stay in Sindhi colony and remaining stay in the town area. They have one ‘Sindhi Samaj Seva Mandal’ whose president is Shri Ashoklal Rupchand Rajdev and secretary is Shri Tarachand Paryani. Shri Mukesh Lalwani is mun. councillor (Shiv Sena). Shri Naraindas nihalani is Ex Chairman Malkapur Nagarpalika and Vice President, Urban Bank. Thus here Sindhis are caring not only for our community but for local people also and therefore they command good respect in the town. They own one “Smt. Khushibai Rajpal Sindhi Samaj Seva Mandal Dharamshalla” in Sindhi colony. They also have 5 religions places such as Sant Asharam Bappu Mandir, Nirankari Mandal, Radhasoamy Satsang Mandir, Braham Kumaris Centre and Anandpur Darbar. They also celebrate annual festivals nicely. On Chetichand day, they take out procession, arrange ‘Bhandara’ and close shops for half a day. On occasion of Guru Nanik Jayanti, they take out ‘prabhat pheri’, arrange ‘Langar’ and close their shops for whole day. They have 10 Doctors, one Advocate and 2 CA of Sindhi community. 20 persons are in various services and the remaining are occupied with one or another business. The attractive worth seeing places are Gurudwara Kadamsar Sahib (in Sangatwadi), Gauri Shankar Mandir, Nalgandapur Dam (15km), Dubeshwar Mandir (at ‘sangam’ of Tapti and Purna rivers). They meeting of Sindhi Samaj Seva Mandal took place at aforesaid Dharamshalla on Dasahara day i.e. 18-10-2018 at 8 pm wherein 66 members were present which is a good record. Moreover many youngsters attended this meeting, which is a matter of pride!
21) Bhusawal: - This city of three and a half lakh census has big railway Junction Station. Nearly 20000 Descent Sindhis stay here. Out of that 85% of them stay in Nanik Nagar and remaining stay in the city area. They have 2 associations 1) Pujya Sindhi Panchayat (P-Gokul Karda, Secretary Sudhamadas Bathija, V.P- Ramesh Nagrami and Deepak Chandwani – (Editor of Hindustan Best Samachar), 2) Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha (BSS) wherein Shri Denish Dodani is ‘Sanyojak’, BSS Maharashtra state and Smt. Mamta Lalchand Chhabria is in charge of ladies wing of BSS. They have 8 Sindhi Doctors, 5 CA, 2 Advocates and 2 Parshads (Niki Batra Mob. no.9923252521 and Ramesh Nagrani Mob. no.9371920781). Adarsh High School belonging to Sindhis has become Hindi medium School where no Sindhi Subject is taught now. The attractive places are 2 gardens, Mathnoor Dam, Power Station (Deep Nagar). (the further information of this city has been given by me in these columns in my previous trip of 1998 which can be viewed on my aforesaid website blog). Here 2 meetings took place on 19-10-2018 one with youngsters at 4 pm wherein 13 members were present which included 5 ladies. The second meeting took place at 7 pm on behalf of Pujya Sindhi Panchayat at Baba Koturam Darbar, Anand Dham wherein 38 members were present which included 3 ladies and 2 members had come from nearby Jamner village (25kms away).
Note: - It is necessary to note that abovementioned Shri Deepak Chandwani contributed a lot in success of 3 meetings of malkapur, Bhusawal and Jalgaon by staying with me throught 3 days.
22) Jamner: - This small village of 25000 population is at a distance of 25km from Bhusawal. Only 10 Sindhi families stay here. Being in  minority, they have not formed any association. Nor they posses any Dharamshalla or temple etc. they do not celebrate any festival but always go to Bhusawal or Jalgaon for the same. They are very much united and often meet together on happy and unhappy occasions. They care and speak only in Sindhi at home and among themselves. They keep photo of Sai Jhulelal at their shops and all of them are well of financially. Here shri Anil Lalchand Chandnani is the only Sindhi member of G.M. Foundation having 150 members. This foundation helps patients financially in hospitals of Mumbai. This gentleman along with Laxmichand Dudani attended aforesaid Bhusawal meeting on 19-10-2018 and both of them gave the aforesaid details of Jamner Sindhis.
23) Jalgaon: - The detailed report of this city has already been given in these columns in my previous trip of 1998 which can be viewed on my aforesaid website blog. However major changes are mentioned here. The present population of city is 8 lakh. The no. of beautiful Sindhis is 25000. Now they have formed central Sindhi Panchayat whose President is Shri. Mukesh Tekwani. He is also President of Pujya Larkana Sindhi Panchayat. The Presidents of other Sindhi Panchayats are shown here in brackets. Jocobabad Panchayat (Brijlal Menghwani), Amar Shaheed Sant Kanwar Ram Trust (Ramesh R. Mattani), Sindhi Panchayat, ‘Shahar’ (Sitaldas Javaharani), Bahavalpuri Panchayat (Ashokkumar Mandhani). Shri Sanjay K. Hirani is secretary of BSS Maharashtra state. The meeting of central Sindhi Panchayat was cancelled here since all were busy in preparation of celebration of coming annual festival in October month. However abovementioned Shri Sanjay K. Hirani arranged 2 meetings on same day i.e. 20-10-2018. One at 7 Pm with “Sindh Ki Kaliyan” ladies group at Mohali road wherein 23 ladies were present. Other meeting took place at 10 Pm at Baba Hardasram Bhavan wherein 5 youngsters were present. The famous attractive Ajanta caves are hardly 50kms away from here.
24) Pachora: - This small town of Seventy Thousand people is on the Central Railway between Jalgaon and Chalisgaon wherein 350 Pious Sindhi families (3000 members) stay. Most of them stay in Sindhi Colony. 12 Sindhi families stay in Bazar area. They have 6 Sindhi associations here. Some of them are Nagrani Sindhi Panchayat (P-Motumal Nagrani ), Mangatram Sindhi Panchayat (P-Kundandas), Navjeevan Seva Mandal (V.P. Vinodkumar Lalvani, Riyasati Sindhi Panchyat (P-Jairamdas Keswani) etc. In addition they have one Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat whose President is also Jairamdas Keswani. Ram J. Keswani is Nagar Sevak. They have 2 Sindhi Dharamshallas – Pujya Riyasti Sindhi Dharamshalla along with Jhulelal Mandir and other belonging to Navjeevan Seva Mandal with Shiva’s Mandir. Both are in Sindhi Colony. They have 3 Sindhi Mandir – Thahiryasingh Darbar, Metharam Darbar and Mohan Dham. They are engaged mainly in business, 2% of them are in service. They have 3 Doctors, 2 CA and one Advocate of the Community. They are financially so so. They celebrate annual functions properly. On the occasion of Chaliha Sahib, 100 persons remain on fasting for 40 days during day time and arrange ‘Bhandara’ (joint food) during night time. They take out procession on the last day and close their shops for half a day. On Chetichand day also they take out procession and close down their shops for whole day. Moreover they also celebrate Mahashivratri, ‘Varsis’ of Sant Thahiryasingh and sant Metharam etc. From here also Ajanta caves are at a distance of 50 km. The meeting of all associations took place on 21-10-2018 at 12 Noon at Jhulelal Mandir, Sindhi colony wherein 17 members took part.
25) Chalisgaon: - The detailed report of this city has already been given in these columns in my previous tour of 1998 which can be viewed in my abovementioned website blog. However some main changes are enumerated here. At present 375 worthy Sindhi families stay here. Out of them 10 are Doctors, one CA and two are Advocates. Previously Indira Gandhi High School had Sindhi medium of instruction. However now leave apart Sindhi medium, even Sindhi subject is not taught as one of the subjects. Shri Arjundas Vaswani Ex. President of Mirpur Sindhi Panchayat, a medical social worker who used to help Sindhi patients financially and arrange their admission in big hospitals of Mumbai is no more. Shri Bhojraj Punshi is now President of Mirpur Sindhi Panchayat, the remaining office bearers are same. This city is famous for Patna Devi’s Mandir, Bhaskaracharya’s birth place. Shri J.K. Moose the second top most Painters in the world used to stay here. Ramdev Baba’s temple is also located here wherein a big mela is celebrated every year. The meeting of Sindhi General Panchayat and Mirpur Sindhi Panchayat took place on same date i.e. 21-10-2018 at 9.30 pm at Indira Gandhi High School wherein 25 members took part.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
26) Dhule: - This city has population of 6 lakh. 950 Nice Sindhi families stay here. Out of this 600 families stay in Kumar Nagar (sakri road), 200 families in plot area, 12 families in city and remaining families in other areas. They have 8 Sindhi Doctors, 3 Advocates and 3 are CA. Some are teachers and a few are in service. The remaining all are engaged in one or other business and they are on the whole well off financially. They have 7 associations. Main is 1) Sindhi General Panchayat whose president is Gulshan Udasi (and his wife Kashish is Municipal Councilor). Secretary is Durukumar Lakhwani. He is also secretary of Bhagwan Jhulelal Trust. 2) Sri Ram Panchayat (President Anil Dodeja), 3)Ladkana Sindhi Panchayat (P- Santosh Dodani), 4)Ghotki Panchayat (P- Mohandas Harwani), 5)Gembat Panchayat (P- Lekhraj Mewani), 6)Pujya Bahavalpuri Panchayat (P- Kishore Relhan, Secy. Ravindra Kalra) 7)Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha (BSS) (P- Suresh Dandwani). All associations are working in their fields and with co-ordination with one another. They also celebrate annual festivals. They take out procession and close their shops for half a day on the occasion of Chetichand and Chaliha sahib. They take out ‘Prabhat Pheri’ on Guru Nanik Jayanti. They arrange ‘Priti Bhojan’ on all such occasions. They manage one Sindhi High School (named “Sindhu Ratna”) in which 600 students are participating. Out of them 200 students are Sindhis for whom learning of Sindhi Subject with any of 2 scripts is compulsory. This is a good example which should be followed by Sindhis of other cities. The chairman of this school is Shri Suresh Kundnani, a dedicated worker and Maharashtra state mantri of BSS. They have published a directory of city’s Sindhis
          They have built many Sindhi Dharamshallas. Practically every Sindhi Association has its own Dharamshalla. They have many religious places. Such as Swamy Teoonram Mandir (I/C Sant Dilip kumar Mob: - 9209986921), Baba Jugatram Darbar, Anandpur Darbar, Godriwala Dham, S. S. Dham, Bhai Mangatram Darbar, Radhaswami Satsang Hall (Dera), Sant Nirankari Bhavan, Bhagwan Jhulelal Mandir and its opposite Sindhu Bhavan (with good staying arrangement) etc. All these Dharamshallas and religious places are located in kumar nagar.  While passing through such places one feels that one is passing through mini Sindh! Here the worth seeing places are 2 gardens, Nakani Talao (sakri road), Panjra River and a famous Gurudwara. Two meetings took place here on 22-10-2018 at 1pm in Sindhu Ratna High School with Sindhi lady teachers wherein 12 members were present. Other meeting at 9 PM at Bhagwan Jhulelal Mandir Trust Hall wherein 41 members were present (30 members of Sindhi General Panchayat and 11 members of Jhulelal Sindhi Seva Mandal who had come all the way from Shirpur town which is at a distance of 60 kms from Dhule).
27) Shirpur: - As already mentioned this small town is at a distance of 60kms from Dhule. It has total population of 85000 only. The no. of Sindhi attractive families is 100 (500 members). This no. includes 100 Bahavalpuris also. The association’s name is “Shri Jhulelal Sindhi Seva Mandal (Regd.)” (P- Anil Awatram Kataria, V.P. Girdharilal Tejaram Bhashani and Secretary Rajkumar Satramdas Aswani). They are fully united, work in co-ordination and often meet among one another on happy and unhappy occasions. They love Sindhyat so much so that their 11 members had attended aforesaid Dhule meeting on 22-10-2018 from 9 to 11 pm by travelling 60kms at late night hours. They have 2 Doctors, 5 persons in service and remaining are in various businesses. They take out procession and close down their shops for half a day on the noble occasions of Chetichand and Chaliha sahib. They take out Prabhat Pheri on Guru Nanik Jayanti. They also arrange ‘Bhandara’ on the occasion of all festivals. They posses one Shri Jhulelal Sindhi Seva Mandal Dharamshalla in Lal baug area and one Shri Jhulelal Mandir at vijay stambh area. The worth seeing places in the town are 2 Balaji Mandir       s and a garden.
28) Amalner: - 450 wise Sindhi families (2500 members) stay in this town of one and a half Lakh people. Out of these 900 members stay in the town area and remaining 1600 stay in Guru Nanik Nagar, Sindhi colony which is at a distance of 3km from the town. They have 2 Panchayats 1) Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat, Sindhi colony (P- Govindram Hiranand Ahuja, Secretary Arjundas P. Nagdev), 2) Sindhi Samaj, Shahar (Regd.) (P- Shyamlal Gurdasmal Lulla, Secy. Premchand Pahlajrai Sainani). They have 3 Dharamshallas 1) Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat Dharamshalla, 2) Shivalaya Old Sindhi Dharamshalla (Both at chopra road, Sindhi colony), 3) Sindhi Housing Society Hall belonging to Sindhi Samaj, ‘Shahar’ at station road in the town area. They have Bhai Ludhdiasingh Darbar in the town area and remaining religions places are located in Guru Nanik Nagar, Sindhi colony such as Jhulelal Mandir, Mataji Mandir, Shivalaya, Anandpuri Darbar, Radhasoami Satsang Hall, Nirankari Satsang Hall, and 2 Gurudwaras. On Guru Nanik Jayanti they arrange 2 Programs and Bhandaras at both places i.e. in Sindhi colony during day time and in the town during night time by Jai Jhulelal Social Group. Chetichand is also celebrated on both places and they close down their shops for half a day. They also take out procession on both these festivals as well as on Chaliha Sahib. They also celebrate other festivals such as Navratra, Mahashivaratri, varsis etc. they arrange ‘Katha’ (Satsang) and breakfast for 15 days during the month of Kartik. They have 2 Sindhi Doctors and 2 CAs. Mostly they are in business. Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha has branch in this town whose President is Shri Motiram Ramchandra Hinduja (Bappu). Here the tourist places are Mangal Griha Mandir and Amba Rishi Takri. The meeting of Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat took place on 23-10-2018 at 8 pm at Sindhi Dharamshalla, Sindhi Colony wherein 17 members were present.
29) Dondaicha: - One Lakh people stay in this town, including 350 good Sindhi families who stay in Sindhi Colony. They have Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat. Shri Pahlajrai Makhija is its President and Shri Jaikumar P. Chainani is Secretary. Shri. Kishinchand T. Dodeja is Vice President. He runs matrimonial centre also. His wife Gitabai Dodeja is chairperson in water supply Dept. of Dondaicha Nagar Parishad. Almost all are in various business activities. Hardly 2% are in service. They have 2 Sindhi Doctors, 3 Advocates and 2 CA. They have one Sindhi Dharamshalla in Sindhi Colony, Shahada road. They have built many religious places in Sindhi Colony such as Neelkantheshwar Mahadev Mandir, Judyaram Darbar, Madhavdas Darbar, Godriwala Dham, Jhulelal Mandir, Swami Lila shah Mandir, Sri Krishin Mandir, Sri Ram Mandir, Mataji Mandir, Sindhi Gurudwara, Prem Kutia Satsang Hall etc. They also celebrate annual festivals nicely. On the occasions of Chetichand, Chaliha Sahib and Guru Nanik Jayanti, they take out procession, arrange Bhandara and close down their shops for whole day. They also celebrate Mahashivaratri, Navratra, Janmashtami, Baba Hardasram Jayanti, Baba Madhavdas’s and Baba Judiaram’s Varsis etc. Thus they have been preserving our rich culture and sanskriti. Many attractive tourist spots are located here. Such as Trang Kheda Dam, Malpur Dam Raval garhi, Shanti Dham Om Shanti (Braham Kumaris), Dada wadi Jain Mandir, Dondaicha bridge and aforesaid religious places of Sindhi Colony. The meeting of Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat took place on 24-10-2018 at 9 pm at Godriwala Dham, Sindhi Colony wherein 38 members took part.
30) Nandurbar: - Quarter to two Lakh is population of this city. One thousand families of hardworking Sindhis (7000 members) stay here. They have 5 following associations. (Their Presidents names are shown in brackets). 1) Pujya Ladkana Sindhi Panchayat (Nanikran B. Gurbaxani), 2)Pujya Riyasat Sindhi Panchayat ( Naranindas K. Wadhwa), 3) Upper Sindh Panchayat (Shankar H. Talreja), 4)Pujya Bubak Sindhi Panchayat (Shyamlal H. Chanchlani), 5)Pujya Sindhi General Panchayat (P- above mentioned Naraindas wadhwa, V.P. above mentioned Shyamlal H. Chanchlani). Each association is doing a lot of social work in its own field and celebrates annual functions in co-ordination with one another. So much so that some office bearers of their associations are common as mentioned above. They mainly stay in old and new Sindhi colony, Guru Nanik Nagar, Ganpati Nagar and Shikshak colony areas. They are mainly engaged in business line as in case of Sindhis of other cities. They have 3 Doctors and 2 CA. One of them (Santosh Nankani CA) has secured 3rd rank in recent all India competition. They take out procession and arrange Bhandara on the occasion of Chetichand, chaliha Sahib and Guru Nanik Jayanti. They close down their shops for whole day on Chetichand. They also celebrate Mahashivratri and every month’s Moon day etc. Larkana, Riyasat and upper Sindhi Panchayats have built Sindhi Dharamshallas for all.
          They have built many religious places such as temples in names of Baba Koturam, Baba Judiaram, Baba Garibdas, Thakur Ghanshyamdas, Bhai Khimyadas. In addition they have built Jhulelal Mandir, Radhasoami satsang Hall, Nirankari Mandal, Sachidanand Kutia and Swami Teoonram Mandir. (This is in old Sindhi Colony- I/C Shyamlal Rajani mob: 8888663858). The worth seeing places are C.B. Garden and water park. 2 Sindhi Parshads stay here – Shri Shaturgun Balani (Mob: 9881147736) and Shri Rakesh Hassani (Mob: 9552597722). The meeting of all associations took place on 25-10-2018 from 8 pm to 11 pm at Larkana Sindhi Panchayat Dharamshalla wherein 45 members took part.                
TOUR REPORTS/ARTICLES OF SINDHIS STAYING IN MEGHALAYA

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SHILLONG (1989)
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TOUR REPORTS/ARTICLES OF SINDHIS STAYING IN NEPAL

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KATHMANDU (April 1997)
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TOUR REPORTS/ARTICLES OF SINDHIS STAYING IN ORISSA

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Bhubhaneshwar (1995)
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