Tour Report of Sindhis Staying in 8
Cities / Towns of West Rajasthan
(Mohan G. Rohira, Advocate – Mob:
9321448147)
It was learnt from Govt. and private sources
that people staying in Rajasthan-Sindh border areas are normally speaking in
Sindhi or its dialects even in present times.
Hence just to confirm this fact and to study and survey the real
situation on ground level, (so that such favourable situation could be utilized
for betterment of Sindhi Community in future in the long run), I got the golden
opportunity to go to following 8 cities / towns of West Rajasthan during the
pious days of Sindhi and Hindu New Year of Chetichand (2014). Pre-arranged Meetings were held for 2:3 hours
in each place on my request with the office bearers of Sindhi Associations
(particularly Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha) wherein various matters were discussed
regarding unity, Sanskar and social service in the Community for its betterment
and to claim legitimate rights from Central Govt. after forming a co-ordinating
body or Mahasangh. Suggestions &
informations were collected, Sindhi & national literature was
distributed. There was good enthusiasm
(even more than that in earlier meetings), a great love & affection and a
good hospitality was extended to me everywhere which can not be described in
words. The names of attendees and their
mobile numbers were noted in all meetings.
One particular point which was noticed everywhere, was that the Murtis
of Bhagwan Jhulelal, are normally kept in particularly all Sindhis’ shops / offices
or homes for keeping Sindhi identity.
However wherever these murtis were in short quantity, they promised to
keep the same in near future. On the
whole Sindhis are generally well off financially at most of the places. Further report of each city / town in a
nutshell is as under:-
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Bikaner: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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The total
population of this ancient Kingly City is near about 6½ lakhs, which includes
1000 Sindhi families (nearly 7000 persons).
Most of Sindhi families stay in Pawanpuri (446), Rath Khana (132), Dhobi
Talai (49), J. N. Vyas Colony (64), Muktaprasad Colony (55), Ganga Shaher (21),
and remaining families stay in other areas.
They are mainly (90%) engaged in business particularly in Readymade
cloth, hosiery, shoes, etc. They have
good relations with local masses & command a good image in the city. They celebrate 4 annual functions, namely
Chictichand, Asu month’s moon, Chaliha Sahib and Sant Kanwar Ram’s Varsi. They arrange rally in the city with Jhankies,
Priti Bhojan and “Sindhi Bhagat.” Sant Kanwar Ram Sindhi Samaj Trust
Dharamshalla Mandir (Dhobi Talai) arrange Priti Bhojan on the occasion of Sant
Kanwar Ram’s Varsi. In addition to
aforesaid temple, the other temples are Shri Amarlal Mandir Trust & Sant
Kanwar Ram Seva Samiti Mandir (Both in Rath Khana). Here the Sindhis have numerous Sindhi
Associations which do a lot of Social Work in their respective fields and celebrate
annual functions with co-operation of one an other. The main among them are (1) Sindhi Central
Panchayat Sanstha (President – Shri Kishinchand Satyani, Vice President Shri
Lalchand Tulsiani), (2) Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha (P-Shri Shyamsunder Ahuja), (3)
Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha Yuva Morcha, Pavanpuri (P-Shri Tikam Parwani), (4) Matra
Shakti Satsang Mandli, Dhobi Talai (P-Smt. Jasoda Ramchandani), (5) Prem
Prakash Mandir, Pawanpuri (P-Smt. Veena Badlani), (6) Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha
Mahilla Morcha, (P-Smt. Bharati Gulabani), (7) Vishal Sindh Samaj Sanskratik
Manch (Secretary – Shri Pawan Devani)
etc. etc. Sindhi Central Panchayat Sanstha have prepared a wonderful ‘Sindhi
Smarka 2012’.
The chief Virtue of the Sindhis of Bikaner is
that they have prepared a huge ‘Rangmanch’ since last 14 years under the
direction of Shri Suresh Hindustani wherein so many Arts are created. They have made more than 100 dramas (i.e.
Maharaja Dahirsen, Hemu Kalani, Karo Sago, Shahadat, Chief Minister, etc.)
which have been shown in more than 40 cities / towns of India and have been
suitably rewarded. Similarly the dramas
“Sujanapa” and ‘Chikha’, as directed by Shri Nanik Hindustani, have been
suitably rewarded. Thus it will not be
exaggerating to state that Sindhi Rangmanch of Bikaner has built a separate
special identity in the country and Shri Suresh Hindustani has proved to be a
famous Director in the country. (He is
also a good worker of Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha).
The other Sindhi Associations in India get inspiration from this Sindhi
Organization. The worth seeing ancient
places of Bikaner include Jhunagadh Fort & Museum, Lalgarh Fort &
Museum, Karni Mata’s Temple at Deshnok, Naganechi Devi Mandir, Laxminath
Mandir, Kodamdesar Mandir & Talao, Kapil Munis Kolayat Mandir & Sarovar
etc. The camel ride of Bikaner is also
famous. Nearly 50% Sindhis here speak in
their mother tongue among themselves & at home. The 16 members were present in the meeting of
Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha on 19/03/2014 and 11 members were present in the General
Meeting on 20/03/2014.
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Jaisalmer: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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This ancient
gigantic and artistic town derives the population of 1 lakh along with 40
Sindhi families (250 persons). Out of
these 30 families stay in Gandhinagar colony.
Inspite of being in such a small number, they have created their
separate special identity in the town.
They are mainly engaged in business of Fruits, General Stores, Kriyana,
Vegetables, etc. Nearly 3% of them are
in service. They have made one Pujya
Jhulelal Sindhi Panchayat whose president is Shri Savaldas Varjani &
secretary is Shri Hiralal Sadhwani. The
later is also Sanyojak of Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha. The other Association here is “Sindhu Siksha
Evam Sanskritik Sansthan”, whose president is above named Shri Savaldas Varjani
& Secretary is Shri Asharam Mulchandani.
Both these associations alongwith Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha do some social
activities for the Community & celebrate annual functions with one an
other’s co-operation. They arrange
procession with Jhankies and Priti Bhojan on Chetichand day. They take out ‘Bahrana Sahib’ on every New
Moon Day right from the year 1998. They
also celebrate Hermu Kalani day (21st January), Sindhu Sumrati Day
(14th August) and Swami Teoonram Jayanti every year. Moreover ladies arrange satsang of Sri
Jhulelal and Swami Tenuram on every Friday and Saturday respectivley in
Jhulelal Mandir, Gandhi Colony. They do
not have any Sindhi Dharamshala at present.
However, they are aspiring for the same.
Accordingly they have purchased a 120 x 180 sq.feet plot of land for
that purpose, wherein they expect to make a beautiful Dharamshala with Temple
of Jhulelal Sai. It is expected that
some Philanthropist Sindhis will also
help them financially for its construction. They have full faith in Sai Jhulelal. In the year 2007 there was a famine & no
rain in this town and water in Garhisar Sarover was dried up. However surprisingly & suddenly rain
water came in Garhisar Sarover on New Moon Day (the day of immersion of Bahrana
Sahib) from 40 kms faraway place and thus they were able to immerse Bahrana
Sahib in this Sarover on that New Moon Day as usual! They speak mainly (90%) in Sindhi among
themselves and at home. There are many
important worth seeing tourist places here.
Such as Jaisalmer Fort & Museum (which includes many jain &
other temples), Folk Lore & Desert Culture Centre Museum & maru
Sanskratik Kendra (in/charge N.K.
Sharma, email ID: deemsueum@yahoo.co.in)
wherein Puppet show is also shown daily on Rajasthani Culture. There is another Museum in its vicinity near
Garhisar Sarovar wherein Model of ‘Momal Meri’ (Palace) of ‘Jeejal Sindh’ is
kept wherein Kak River used to flow nearby in those days (as per literary
creation of Famous Sindhian Shakespeare poet Shah Akdul Latif). ‘Patwa havelis’ of Jaisalmer are very famous
throughout the world. Here the foreign
tourists prefer camel ride. Many Sindhi
tourists go to nearby Sindh Border from here; make camel ride and enjoy Sindhi
folk lore & Sindhi Sangit (Sung by Sindhi Muslims who make up & down
trips daily from Sindh). Here meeting
took place on 22/03/2014 wherein 19 members were present (including 11 ladies).
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Barmer: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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This town has
capacity of 1 lakh people. Like
Jaisalmer, this town is also near Sindh border.
The railway train going to Sindh, passes from this town and furhter via
Gadra Road & Munabao. The number of
Sindhis staying here is around 6000.
Most of them stay in Nehru Nagar (Sindhi Colony), Mahavir Nagar, Station
Para (a Sindhi word still retained), Kalyanpura, Seth Harumal Mohalla, Roy
Colony, etc. At least 80% of them
normally speak in Sindhi at home & among themselves. Some of them are in lower middle class
category. Nearly 2% of them are
engaged in service. The remaining are in
business of various varieties such as big Hotels, Readymade Cloth, Show Rooms,
Kriyana, Stationery, bakery, Vegetables, making military goods (being border
area) etc. Hence it can be safely said
they have control practically on every business of the town though they are
hardly 6% of the total population (i.e. like salt in wheat flour). Since there are mines in the vicinity of this
town and being a border area, nearly 400 factories of oil, coal, granite, POP
etc., have been established here by big companies. The town has a number of Sindhi
Organizations, who do a lot of Social Work in their respective fields and
celebrate annual function with co-operation of one an other. The names of such organizations are (1) Pujya
Sindhi Panchayat (Central) Barmes (President : Shri Naraindas Rajwani,
Secretary, Laxmandas Badlani), (2) Nehru Nagar Sindhi Uppanchayat (P-Sitaldas
Jivnani, S-Mirchumal Karipalani), (3) Mahavir Nagar Sindhi Uppanchayat
(P-Talloram Menghani, S-Ghanshyamdas Tansukhani), (4) Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha
(Pradesh P-Bhagwandas Tharwani, Distt. P.-sonu, Khemani and City P-Raju
Shahani), (5) Jhulelal Yuva Seva Samiti (P-Sunil Sev-Kani, Gen. Secretary,
Haresh Lalwani), (6) Jhulelal Mahila Seva Samiti (Smt. Nirmala Motiani &
others). Many Sindhi Mandirs are found
here such as Jhulelal Mandir (Gurudwara Road), Sant Rituram Mandir, Mata
Asribai Ramapir Mandir, Mata Dhilibai Mandir, etc. They have made 3 Bhavans, namely (1) Sindhi
Panchayat Bhavan at Gurudwara Road, near Rly Station, (2) At Nehru Nagar,
Sindhi Colony, (3) At Mahavir Nagar.
They celebrate many annual functions such as Jayantis of Guru Nanik,
Guru Gobind Singh & Baba Ramapir, Varsis of mata Asribai, Guru Nihalgiri,
Sant Reluram and Sant Uderdinomal. They
celebrate Chetichand on a grand scale for full one week. In the joint meeting of Pujya Sindhi
Panchayat & Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha on 24/03/2014 (wherein 22 members were
present including 8 ladies), they distributed the hand bills for Chetichand
Mela showing such programme from 28/03/2014 to 02/04/2014 for various
activities such as Rangoli Competition (for ladies), fancy dress competition,
moving chairs competition (for youngsters),
Antakshari. Sindhi Tok Show, Mata Ji Chowki, Kalash Yatra, Cultural
programme, Sanman Samaroh, Vahan Rally, Shobha Yatra with Bahrana Sabib,
Satsang (By Jhulelal Mandli) Bhajan Sandhya and Bhandara (wherein local people
also participate) etc. on different days & places throughout this
week. They close the shops for whole day
on this auspicious occasion of Chati Chand.
They announce this program in Sindhi language on the mike sitting in a
taxi in Sindhi localities daily throughout this week. The Sindhis of other cities can get
inspiration from such noble programs of Barmer Sindhis. They have cordial relations with local
masses. The worth seeing tourist places
here, are Shri Jogmata Mandir on the Hill (with 540 steps) along with Naganechi
Devi Mandir enroute. The other Mandirs
are those of Jains, Shivji, Mataji, Baba Ramdev, Guru Gorakhnath &
Mahalgiri Marhi, etc.
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Balotra: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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This town is
between Barmer & Jodhpur on Rly line.
Its population is 1 lakh including 170 Sindhi families, who stay in
different localities such as Naya Pura, Gandhi Pura, Sabzi Mandi, Sadar Bazar,
Kachahari Road, etc. They have many
social Associations who do much social work in their respective field &
celebrate annual functions with co-operation of one an other. Their names are (1) Sindhi Panchayat Sanstha
(Regd.) (President – Gobindran alias Babubhai Ahuja, Secretary – Vasudev
Basrani), (2) Sindhi Yuva Shakti (P-Manish Kumar Lalwani, S- Sanjay Ahuja &
Pravakta Raja Sangtani), (3) Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha (P-Indir Kumar Basrani,
S-Prakash Soni), (4) Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha Mahila Mandal (P-Kanshilya Khyani,
S-Kavita Sangtani). They have Seth
Shambhumal Sindhi Panchayat Bhawan, Sindhi Dharamshalla & Jhulelal Mandir
in Nayapura. They normally (95%) speak
in Sindhi among themselves and at home.
They are engaged mainly in business such as cloth, vegetables, fruits
etc. Nearly 10% of them are in
service. The town has 4 Sindhi Doctors
(Dr. H. M. Khyani Dr. Hemant Khyani, Dr. Mohanlal Meghnani, Dr. Santosh Singh
Shivnani, etc.). They celebrate Asu
Month’s New Moon, Hemu Kalani Shahidi day and Chetichand etc. On the auspicious occasion of Chetichand,
they close their shops, take out procession in the town & arrange
‘Bhandara’. They suggested that Govt.
should be persuaded to make Chetichand as National Holiday. The above named Shri Raja Sangtani regularly
sends the social activities of Sindhis of the town to Shri Mukesh Advani of
Sindhu Darshan. Here the worth seeing
tourist spots are Braham Dham Mandir, Mata Rani Bhagtiani Mandir, Ramchhod
Bhagwan’s Khir Mandir and a very famous Shri Nakhoda Jain, Tirathasthan (at
Mewanagar) which is at a distance of only 10 km. from the town. The pilgrims & tourists come and stay in
this Tirathasthan in thousands throughout the year and can take food together
in thousands at a time. Two meetings
took place here on same day on 25/03/2014.
13 members were present in Joint General Meeting during the day time
& 11 members were present in the joint meeting of Sindhi Yuva Shakti &
Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha during the night time.
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Jodhpur: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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This city is also
fondly called as ‘Suryanagiri’. It’s
population is 17 lakh including 40 thousand Sindhis. They are settled in many different areas of
the city. They have nearly 25 Sindhi
Social Associations, all of them can hardly be described here. However some main associations are mentioned
here for brevity’s sake.
1) Jodhpur Sindhi
Samaj Society (President – Dhirubhai Goswami, Sri Vice President – Harish
Devnani, Gen. Secretary – Kanayalal Tewani),
2) Sindhi Cultural
Society (P-Mahesh Santani, S-Sushil Manglani),
3) Sindhi Youth
Welfare Society (P-Prem Thadani, S-Bhagwan Mulani),
4) Pujya Sindhi
Panchayat (P-Indir Tahiliani, S-Ram Tolani),
5) Bharatiya Sindhu
Sabha (P-Tirath Dodwani, S-Pradip Gehani),
6) Bharatiya Sindhu
Sabha Mahila Samiti (P-Leela Kripalani),
7) Jhulelal Mandir
Vikas Society, Sojati Gate (P-Bhagwan Murjani, S-Prem Thadani).
In addition to these associations different
localities of city like Chopasini Housing Board, Bhasini Housing Board,
Sardarpura, Ratanara, Pratap Nagar, Shaktinagar etc. have their own Sindhi
Panchayats. Some more description of
above referred (Sr.No.2) Sindhi Cultural Society is worth noting here. Right from the year 1982 this Society has
been continuously and vigorously working for the advancement of Sindhi
Literature, Language, Art, drama and Culture etc. This Society has played so many dramas on the
stage before Public not only in Jodhpur City, but also many other cities in
India and thus has made their special identity in the field of drama
particularly among Sindhi Community.
This Society has also prepared a beautiful “Sindhu Kalash 2008” Smarka (Suvenir)
which includes among other things, the details of 300 Sindhis doing service in
the city. Today Sindhi culture is alive
mainly due to such associations.
Likewise, here other Sindhi Associations are also playing their
important role in their respective fields & celebrate annual festivals in
cooperation with one an other which can hardly be described here for want of
space. They take out Rallies in the city
and arrange Priti Bhojan on the auspicious occasions of Chetichand, Guru Nanaik
Jayanti & Hemu Kalani Shahidi day.
They celebrate Chetichand on a grand scale in different localities of
the city for full 3 days. In the meeting
of all Sindhi Associations dated 27/03/2014 (wherein 78 persons attended
including 17 ladies) they distributed the hand bills of Chetichand Mela,
showing programme from 01/04/2014 to 03/04/2014 such as Bhandara, Pujya Bahrana
Sahib, “Sanman Samaroh”, “Sindhi Bhagat”, Shobha Yatra etc. More over they also celebrate birthdays of
Sant Kanwar Ram, Raja Dahirsen and Ramapir.
They have built many Dharamshallas (for marriage
purposes) along with Mandirs side by side in different localities. Such as Sindhu Mahal (Chopasini Housing
Board), Mata Asribai Dharamshalla, Shri Ramapir Mandir & Motiram
Dharamshalla (Sardarpura), Sindhu Bhavan, Dada Laungmal Bherwani Dham & ‘Marhi”,
Sindhi Hindu Dharamshalla (Ratanara) Sant Kanwar Ram Dharam Shalla (Pratap
Nagar), 4 Jhulelal Mandirs at Sojati Gate, Shaktinagar, Tisari Pulya and
Sardarpura, Ishwar Prem Ashram (Suraj Nagar – incharge Nitya Mukta Anitaji),
Swami Teroonram Prem Prakash Mandir (Tisari Pulya, Chopasini Housing Board),
Jhulelal Mahal, Sant Lila Shah Swargashram (Swanchigate), Sindhi Swargashram,
(Housing Board & Kaga), Hemu Kalani Chowk (Sardarpura), Sant Kanwar Ram
Murti (Pratapnagar Dharam Shalla). Many
Sindhi personalities stay here. For
example Shri Jethanand Lalwani (Founder Jhulelal Yuva Mandal, Press Reporter
& Dancer), Shri Virumal Hemnani & Shri Ashok Kripalani (Drama Artists),
Shri Harish Devnani (Drama Director, Artist, Ex-member, Raj-Sindhi Academy
& Raj Sangit Natak Academy, Founder President, Sindhi Cultural Society
etc.), Riya Mulchandani (President Ward-5, B.J.P.), Sunita Jhamnani (Parshad
Ward 7), Ganesh Bijani (Opp. Leader, Jodhpur, Muni. Corp. – B.J.P.), etc. Many
sindhi journalists stay here and edit Sindhi / Hindi periodicals such as (1)
Sindhu Kesari (Editor: Shri Kanayalal Tewani), (2) Jai Amarlal (Editor: Shri
Ashok Mulchandani), (3) ‘Mehran’ (Editors: S/Shri Deepak & Rajendra
Bherwani), (4) ‘Mir Dayanand Vani’ (Editor: Shri Nandlal Rane). Nearly 40% Sindhis of this city speak in
Sindhi among themselves & at home.
Most of them are in all business mainly in cloth, vegetables, fruits,
stationery, ghee, oil, etc. Being a big
city, it has many worth seeing Tourist spots such as Mehrangarh Fort (on a hill
but with lift arrangement), Mandore Garden with Fort & Museum, Koyalana
Lake, Shastri Palace Balinath & Baba Ramdev Mandir (on Masuria Hill
Garden), Ganesh Mandir, Public Park, Zoo, Umed Garden, Shri Pragat Santoshi
Mata Dham (Lal Sagar) and abovementioned Sindhi Temples & Tirthasthans,
etc.
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Pali Marwar: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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Nearly 5000 Sindhis (700 families) stay in this town of 1 ½ lakh
population. Out of 5000, nearly 2500
Sindhis stay in Sindhi Colony, 1500 in Housing Board & the remaining 1000
stay near railway station & some other places. Nearly 75% of them speak in Sindhi at home
& among themselves. Their main
business in this business minded town are Kriyana, cloth, vegetables, hotels,
etc. Nearly 10% of them are in service. The main Association of this town is
Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha which is working for the advancement of Sindhyat,
patriotism, religon, service, Sanskar & unity through its team of dedicated
& selfless volunteers. The town
president of this organization is Shri Jaikishin Ramchandani and Secretary is
Shri Khemchand Navani. Further more its
Pali Distt. President is Shri Hiralal Lakhwani and Distt. General Secretary is
Shri Radhakishin Shivnani. This Sabha
has a Yuva Ikai (Unit) in the town whose President is Shri Surendra Nihalani
& a Vice President is Shri Jitendra Ramchandani. Both associations do a lot of social work to
reach at the above objects in cooperation with each other & also to
celebrate annual functions. On
Chetichand / New Year day, they close down shops / offices, arrange Priti
Bhojan and take out Rally with Jhankus in the town wherein local masses also
participate. They also arrange Priti –
Bhojan on the auspicious occasions of Sheranwali Mataji day, Asu month’s New
moon day and Chaliha Sahib functions.
They also take out procession on Ramnavmi day. They also celebrate jayantis of Hemu Kalani,
Raja Dehirsen, Sant Kanwar Ram & Sindhi Smriti day on a grand scale. They have cordial relations with local people
(particularly due to RSS inclination) and thus they command good respect in the
town. In Sindhi Colony, they have
Jhulelal and Sant Kanwar Ram Dharam Shallas (for marriage purposes) along with
Jhulelal & other temples. They have
built Hemu Kalani Statue at Hemu Kalani Circle nearby. Moreover they have built 3 Jhulelal Temples
one each at Housing Board, Rly. Station area & P.N.T. Colony. They (Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha) have prepared
“Pali Shahar Sindhi Samaj Janaganna Smarka 2008” which gives useful information
of the Community. Further more Sindhi language is taught here
with financial help of NCPSL wherein 80-90 students pass examination and get
certificate every year. Moreover one
Sindhi Language subject of 50 marks (optional) is taught in 4 schools of the
town to the students of Class IX and X who take this subject instead of
Sanskrit Language (optional) subject and for that purpose students are
encouraged for which they are praise worthy (since unlike Sindhi Language,
Sanskrit is also taught independently by so many independent
institutions). Here the worth seeing
places are Ganesh Sidhapeetha Naga Baba Mandir (Near Manthan Cinema), Shri Shantinath
Jain Mandir, Somnath, Venkatashwar and Raghunath Mandirs, Lakhotia Shiv Mandir
along with Lakhotia Garden. 46 members
attended the meeting on 29/03/2014.
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Marwar Jn.: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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The population of
this tiny town is only 20,000 and therefore they have only Gram Panchayat. Only 150 Sindhi families stay here. They reside near Rly. Station. They are engaged practically in all
businesses as such as Kriyana, Sweets, cloth, mobile phones, hotels, fruits,
vegetables, etc. There is only one main
Bazar near Rly. Station which is called as “Sindhi Bazar” right from beginning
(i.e. 1947). They have also made
“Jhulelal Chowk” recently in this Bazar.
Mostly all Sindhis have their shops / houses in this Bazar. They are united and mix up among themselves
on happy & unhappy occasions and they have prepared a mobile phone
directory for this purpose so that they can contact one an other on phone on
send SMS. They have one Pujya Sindhi
Panchayat whose Mukhi (President) is Shri Rajkumar Goklani, General Secretary
is Shri Prakash (Papanbhai) Aswani & Secretary is Shri Keshavdas
Manghnani. Moreover they have one Sindhi
Navyuvak Mandal having 2 ‘Sanrakshaks’ namely abovenamed Shri Papanbhai Aswani
& Shri Ishwarlal Narwani. Both
associations work in co-ordination for the welfare of the community and celebrate
annual functions namely Chetichand (New Year day) and Guru Nanik Jayanti. They close down their shops, take out Rally
with Jhankis in the town and then have Priti Bhojan on both occasions. They have good relations with local masses
& command good respect in this small town.
They practically all (100%)
speak in Sindhi at home and among themselves which is a shining example
& a matter of inspiration for Sindhis of other places. They have built a Sindhi Dharamshala in
Sindhi Bazar whose renovation and extension work is still in progress. They have also built Jhulelal Mandir (inside
this Dharamsala) wherein they have arranged Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Satnam
Sakhi Granth Sahib of Prem Prakash Mandal.
Being a small town, the worth seeing places are a few mandirs only such
as Shri Adinath Jain Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Satnarain Mandir, Shiv Mandir,
Radhakrishin Mandir, Mukti Dham etc.
Here 32 members were present (including 6 ladies in the meeting on
30/03/2014.)
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Udaipur: (Mar-Apr 2014)
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This beautiful
& gigantic city was established in the month of May, 467 years back in name
of Royal King Uday Singh, father of famous Patriot King Maharana Pratap and
therefore in the month of May every year the celebrations are made for that
purpose. 6 lakh people stay here
including half a lakh Sindhis. They are
spread practically in all corners of the city i.e. (1) Shakti Nagar, (2)
Hiranmagiri, (3) Jawahar Nagar, (4) Kailash Nagar, (5) Kamla Nagar, (6)
Machhlamagiri, (7) Swena Khera, (8) Gordhan Vilas etc. They have formed Sindhi Panchayats with
names of these 8 localities. In
addition, they have formed many other Sindhi Panchayats with the names of
cities located in Sindh province. Such
as (9) Pujya Balochistan Sindhi Panchayat (President Nanikram Khasturi,
Gen-Secretary Suresh Kotaria), (10) Pujya Jacobabad Sindhi Panchayat
(P-Gobindram Kalra, S-Vasudev Rajani), (11) Pujya Sindhi Sahiti
Panchayat(P-Tirathdas Nebhnani, S-Omprakash Ahuja), (12) Pujya Khanpur Sindhi
Panchayat (P-Harish Narinani, S-Rajesh Khatri), (13) Pujya Shikarpur Sindhi
Panchayat (P-Sukhram Balchandani, S-Hiranand Chainani), (14) Bharatiya Sindhu
Sabha (City P-Nanikram Khasturi, City S-Gopichand Rameja and Pradesh V.P.
Suresh Kataria). This Sabha is doing
wonderful social works and celebrates (with coordination with other
associations) 21st January-Hemu Kalani Day, 10th
April-Sindhi Bhasha & Sanskriti Competition Day, 16th
June-Maharaja Dahirsen Shahidi Day, 14th August-Sindhu Sanskriti
Day, 25th August-Maharaj Dahersen Jayanti and 15 days Bal Sauskar
Shibir in the month of June every year & it also cooperates with other
associations in celebrating Chetichand & other annual melas, (15) Shri
Jhulelal Seva Samiti (P-Prataprai Chugh, S-Sunil Khatri). This association includes representatives of
practically all other Sindhi Associations of the city and thus it looks like a
Central Sindhi Panchayat. This
association also does many social activities (with coordination with other
organizations) such as arranging “Saumhik Vivaha” (joint marriages), ‘Parichaya
Samelan”, celebrating Chetichand & other Melas etc. In addition to above, other associations
are Mehila Sangathan, Jhulelal Navyuvak Mandal, Sant KanwarRam Seva Mandal and
26 more Yuva Sangathans are formed in different localities in the city. Every association is working hard in doing
social work in its different field and celebrates annual functions in
co-ordination with other associations which cannot be described here for want
of space.
In addition to above annual functions, they
celebrate Chetichand (New Year’s day) on a grand scale with pump & dignity
for full week which includes blood donation, Bhandara, grand rally with 18
Jhankies of Band Bajas, riding on horses, youngsters on motor cycles, Mewar
Sindhu Brigade of Military with Weapons, dancing, showing martyr Hemu Kalani
being beaten by British Police, carrying Jyot and Babrana Sahib, passing
Through different roads of the city while dancing continuously for 5 hours in
the hot sun during the noon time.
(Luckily I was also inspired to dance with them on this Chetichand day
on 01/04/2014!). In the evening on the
very same day a wonderful Jhanki of Jhulelal Sai was made with 51000 paper
boats in Sanatan Mandir of Shakti Nagar locality. On the very same night (i.e. 01/04/2014) a
grand Mela bazar was arranged nearby wherein dancing of children was exhibited
on the stage & merit & lucky draw rewards were distributed. The Dasahara arranged by Sindhis of this city
is famous throughout the country. The
people from far away places came here to see the burning of effigies of Ravana,
Kumbhakarna & Menghnath. A Bhandara
is arranged on Sant Kanwar Ram Jayanti.
‘Mahila Holi Shok Milan (gulali) by ladies and ‘Shok Niwaran & Holi
Milan’ by Gents, ‘Samuhik Karyakram’ (joint program) is also arranged by
them. More over Ramnavami, Janmashtami
& Sant Kanwar Ram Jayanti (21st Jan.), are celebrated by Sanatan Dharam
Seva Samiti.
They have made 10 Sindhi Dharam Shallas /
Bhavans out of which Jhulelal Bhavan, Sanatan Mandir (Shakti Nagar) and
Surajpole Dharamshala are meant for not only marriage purposes but for lodging
also. The remaining ones are made only
for marriage purposes.. i.e. Sindhu Bhavan (Bhopalpura), Sindhu Dham &
Mandir (Jawahar Nagar), Jhulelal Ashram & mandir (Hiranmagri), Shiv and
Jhulelal Mandir (Pratapnagar), Sant KanwarRam Bhavan (Sahiti Panchayat, Sector
14), Sadhu Vaswani Dharmada Trust and Mandir (Tagore Nagar). They have made big ‘Vradhashram’ (elders’
home) named as ‘Sukhdham’ on an area of 20,000 sq.ft. wherein they have made a
nice arrangement for comforts of elderly persons. In addition to above they have made Sant
KanwarRam Mandir in Sant KanwarRam Colony, Kothi Baug.
Two Sindhi literary persons stay in this
beautiful city namely Shri Nandlal Parisramani who has written 10 – 12 books
and Shri Gopichand Rameja has written 3 books.
The main personality and a Doyen of Sindhi Community, i.e. Shri Prabhudas
Pahuja a 83 years old gentleman is staying here. He is founder President of above said
Jacobabad Sindhi Panchayat. He has done
neomen service to humanity and is held in high esteem even by non-Sindhis. Shri Gobindram Lakhani is editor of ‘Mewar
Sangharsh’ which is published twice a year.
The head office of ‘Sindh Panchayat Samadhar’ (By weekly) (which is
published from Neemuch) is having its head office here. Its editor Shri Kamal Vardhani is staying
here. The Sindhis of this gigantic city
mainly (60%) speak in Sindhi at home & among themselves. 10% of them are in service, the remaining
are in business i.e. Kriyana, Vegetables, readymade, cloth etc. On the whole they control practically main
businesses of the city and command good respect in the Society which is a
matter of Pride for Sindhi community. It
is gratifying to note that here Sindhi language subject (Devanagiri Script) is
taught in 4 High Schools which are Residency Girls High School, Girls High
School (Bhopalpura), NavBharat High School and Sindhi Bhasini High School
(Pratapnagar). Many worth seeing tourist
places are found here in this nice city.
Such as Govt. Museum , City Palace Museum, ‘Sahaliyon ki Bari’, Gulab
Baug, Karni Mata Mandir (on a hill and by Ropeway), Maharana Pratap Smark,
Rajiv Gandhi Park, Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, Shilpgram,, nehru Garden (by
boat). In addition there are 5 lakes
here (Pishola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Dudh Talai, Swamp Sagar) and therefore
this city is fondly and proudly called as ‘City of Lakes’. Many of these places can conveniently be
visited by conducted tours. Moreover
famous pilgrimage places like EKhigji, Shrinathji (Nathdwara) and famous
historical place ‘Haldi Ghati’ (wherein Maharana Pratap vigorously fought
Mughals) are located only at a distance of 50 – 60 kms. From the city. Here 14 members were present in the general
meeting on 02/04/2014.
As far as the question of Sindhi speaking
area on Rajasthan-Sindh Border is concerned, it is worth nothing that as per
Dr. Nanikram Israni’s (Ex-Chairman Raj Sindhi Academy) book ‘Bharat me Bhoomia
ji Khoj” and Shri Gyan Hemmani’s article, “Geographical Boundaries of Sindhi
Language” (visit: www.youngsindhis.blogspot.in)
and also as per Govt. sources, people staying in Sindh border area i.e.
Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Jalore districts of Rajesthan as
well as Kutch area of Gujarat (total area nearly 47000 sq. miles) normally
speak in Sindhi or its dialects (i.e. Ladi, Thari, Saraiki, Kutchi, etc.). These reports pertain to the period 20 – 25
years back. However, in my above
mentioned 17 days tour of 8 cities (particularly Jaisalmer, Barmer Jodhpur), it
was prima-facie learnt on ground level that the aforesaid Sindhi speaking area
is considerably being reduced year after year.
Muslim Bhils who migrated to Jaisalmer distt. in 1990 and used to speak
in Sindhi language, but nowadays they are speaking in Hindi & Urdu. Same is the conditon of Barmer Distt. Its main reason is that Rajasthan Govt. has
not opened Sindhi medium Schools in these border areas. Even previous such schools have been
closed. They have encouraged the
teaching of only Hindi language in the schools.
The less educated Sindhis of these area have, neither insisted on opening
of Sindhi medium schools nor for teaching Sindhi language as one of the
subjects in Hindi Medium schools. The
border of Sindh is at a distance of nearly 100 kms. from Jaisalmer & Barmer
towns. However, Sindhi language is being
spoken within 50 kms from the border (like Gadra Road, Munabao etc.) and one
gets the glimpse of Sindhi Culture even today.
Nearly 2 lakh Sindhi Muslims stay in Barmer Distt. Likewise they stay in sufficient numbers in
Jaisalmer Distt. They normally speak in
Sindhi. They (and some Hindu Sindhis)
are disciples of Pir Pagara (of Pir Jo
Goth, Sindh) and are ‘Sufi’ (liberal) minded.
The representative of Pir Pagara also stays in Jaisalmer town even now a
days. As per Archealogical deptt. and
others (in Jodhpur) Sindhi folk singers & Artists are counted as Rajasthani
folk singers & Artists, Sindhi music instruments are treated as Rajasthani
ones & so on. They have names &
addresses of 200 Sindhi folklore singers & artists and they are prepared to
give such Sindhi Cultural treasure to any Sindhi Organization if demanded by
them (As per abovenamed Dr. Nanikram Israni).
Even now, it is never too late. It is high time to take advantage of the
above situation. Even now if any Sindhi
Organization moves in this direction by sending a special team to these border
areas, makes a thorough Survey and investigation of present actual situation on
ground level, more information is likely to come out. Then more action can be taken i.e. by
persuading Sindhi NRIS to open industries and make other facilities for
employment etc. available in these areas and then with the co-operation of
these Sindhi masses (sons of the Soil) and by making coordinating body of all
main Sindhi Associations of India & by making minimum common program (like NDA
/ UPA) by consensus, demand new Sindhi State from Central Govt. on the
Rajasthan-Sindh border as well as on an Kutch-Sindh Border even by amending the
constitution and thus all problems of Sindhi Community would be solved
automatically. (Since so many such
suggestions and establishment of Sindhi T.V. Channel etc., were received by me
in this aforesaid tour). Just as soil is
required for sowing seeds, likewise land is required for survival and
advancement of Sindhi language, culture and Sanskriti. Without such land how long can tree of Sindhi
Culture remain alive? Till such
consensus is achieved we can at least struggle & demand our legitimate
rights from the Govt. As we can not
forgive our pre-partition day so called ‘Sindhi leaders’ for not acquiring Sindh
Pradesh (on the lines of East Punjab & West Bengal) for not having
foresight, likewise if we do not take any serious & vigorous steps in this
direction within 10 – 15 years, the remaining Sindhi speaking areas on the
aforesaid borders will vanish and the coming Sindhi generation will curse us
for being passive. I am quite sure
that as we have passed the first examination of standing on our own legs
economically, we shall also pass in this 2nd exam of surviving and
advancing of Sindhi Language and culture, getting our legitimate rights from
the govt. and ultimately getting Sindh Pradesh in India, with the blessings of
Bhagwan Jhulelal. (For further
information please visit my blog : www.fragrancesindhicommunity.blogspot.in).
(Mohan G. Rohira, Advocate 9321448147)
