What does it mean to me

To be a Sindhi?

 By Dr. Subhadra Anand

I am a child born free – but I am also a child born out of a division. Yes, I am born in 1947 when the country became free – but when the land of my birth was snatched away from free India. No, I do not remember anything of Sindh. In fact my early life was spent in Delhi. My father, who was a Sessions judge in Karachi got re-located as Custodian, Evacuees Property in Delhi and went on to become Joint Secretary, Ministry of Law and subsequently Judicial Commissioner, Goa, Daman & Diu.

My earliest memory was of a host of relatives descending on us from Sindh and father having to erect huge tents in the sprawling garden of our government allotted house at Wellesley Road in Delhi to accommodate the exodus. The incessant and animated chatter of relatives in Sindhi was the first language my young ears head and that was how I picked up my mother tongue.

But father, a government servant somehow had always resented being referred as a ‘Refugee’ and gave strict instructions to all of us in our growing years to refrain from calling ourselves Sindhis. The maiden name of ‘Jetley’ helped in camouflaging the Sindhi identity as we could easily pass off as Punjabis. In a cosmopolitan government colony since everyone spoke Hindi and English, mother tongues were relegated to the background.

But yet, the language of communication at home was Sindhi since mother could not speak English and had a broken knowledge of Hindi. But Sindhi identity was still a big blur as we hardly considered ourselves Sindhis.

After doing my schooling from Lady Irwin School, a Bengali School, I went on to Indraprastha College, for my graduation and onwards to the University of Delhi for my masters in History. Friends were made from all communities – Kashmiri, Punjabi, Maharashtrian, Tamil, U.P., Kayasth, Bengali, Oriya etc. but somehow no Sindhi found a place in the circle of friends. As a matter of fact, my future life partner was to be a non-Sindhi, a Punjabi from whom I have got my married name of ‘Anand’.

But somehow at the corner of my being was my primordial identity of being a Sindhi. In my unconscious lurked the desire to explore my antecedents and heritage. The fact that I was raised on Sindhi Kadi, Koki, DalPakwan, Sel Dabal, Sai Bhaji etc. contributed to my quest for this exploration. An inner voice drove me to my past and since I am historian I opted to do research on the Sindhi community. I had no idea how to go about it since there was no one in the Department of History in University of Mumbai who could guide me. I contacted Popati Hiranandani whose book, “Sindhis – a Scattered Treasure” had given me a starting direction towards my quest. Since Popati was not a recognized guide she recommended Dr. U. T. Thakur, a renowned sociologist and the writer of magnificent book “Sindhi Culture”. Dr. Thakur had retired from University of Mumbai and was settled in Udaipur. I wrote to him and he immediately asked me to come to Udaipur for discussion. I took the next flight and after meeting him I sealed my tryst with Sindhis to work for a PhD on the topic “National Integration of Sindhis”, a book that was later published by Vikas Publication. Never have I met anyone as genial and selfless as Dr. Thakur. His undying passion for Sindhi cause left me mesmerized. All vacations from College were spent in Udaipur seeking his guidance. He helped in tabulating the work I had done at Maharashtra Archives in Mumbai. Even though it took me 5 years to get my PhD, every minute was savored by me as a delicious Sindhi dish. I soaked myself in all aspects of Sindhi ethos. In my book, I have traced the history of Sindh, the Partition period, the resettlement of Sindhis in free India, the socio – exchanges they underwent and finally a plan for the preservation of Sindhi identity (a dream of Dr. Thakur which I wasn’t to implement).

I have been presenting lot of papers at national and international seminars on Sindhis and have tried educating the people on the problem of Sindhis. The highlight was a talk given to the senior faculty at Harvard University, U.S. on “Immigrant adjustments in host societies with special reference to Sindhis”. At St. Anthony’s College, Oxford University U.K., I spoke on the “Changing Pattern of Sindhi Society in Post Partition India”. Both these talks were very well received and evoked great admiration for Sindhis and their enterprising spirit, but at the same time the threat to Sindhi identity registered with the audience. Back home at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Indian History Congress at Mysore & Chennai and many other such conferences I forcefully brought forth the problem of Sindhis and was amazed, to see the positive response from all.

I was able to do all this work while I was a lecturer and Vice-Principal at R. D. National College, Bandra. However my commitment to Sindhi cause when I became the Principal of the College in the year 2000 slackened. Heavy administrative responsibility and work kept me away from my passion for Sindhis. But as a Principal, I have made Sindhi compulsory for Sindhi students in our Junior College. Besides a Certificate course in Sindhi, I have also introduced Sindhi as a second language in Std. XII and the first batch of Sindhi students appearing for the Board Examination did so well in the language that many more have been enrolled for it. Now there is no going back on Sindhi language in National College as the young generation of Sindhis are learning the language with great interest.

I am now due to retire as Principal at the end of the academic year and have very concrete plans for the Sindhi cause. This is because, to me, being a Sindhi means to bring about a unity amongst the scattered Sindhi community and to device a plausible plan for the preservation of Sindhi language, customs and identity. Sindhis must get their due place and recognition in society. I do intend to work in that direction because to me “It means a lot to be a Sindhi”.

Dr. Subhadra Anand is author of the book

‘Tryst with Koki’ : Link to purchase the Book

Courtesy: Sindhi Shaan 

(Published in October-December 2006 issue)

Sindhi Mutton and a course

on Sindhi Culture

By Shakuntala Bharvani

“Tina dear, the marriage ceremony begins at 11am, so you can have a little rest and then get ready.”

My niece Tina had arrived early that morning from Canada to spend a fortnight with us before she returned to her parents, and then on to the University of British Columbia to complete her graduation. When IRB and I picked her up from the airport at 3am, she happily announced, “Aunty, Dad said I must learn something about Sindhi culture from you. He says you know everything.”

I phoned cousin Kamal as soon as we reached home and gave him a piece of my mind. Never mind what time it was in Canada and whether or not he was busy.

“What instructions have you sent me through your darling daughter? I must teach her something about Sindhi culture? Firstly, you are shirking your own responsibility and secondly, courses in cultural studies are taught over a period of two years! There’s nothing I can do in two weeks!”

“You are the Professor, sis, and you know everything. I was born in Calcutta, schooled in Panchgani, flew off to Ohio for my graduation. Moved to Dubai to work for two years. Then to Hong Kong and Singapore. After that, as you know, I came to Canada and met my Bengali wife Mitali, born and raised in Toronto. How would I know anything about Sindhi culture?”

“You should! Your blood is Sindhi, and you were born to Sindhi parents,” I scolded him in as firm a tone as I could muster. For Kamal, two years younger than me, has always been like a younger brother. We had spent many happy days together while growing up in Calcutta.

“I’m sure in all the various places I have stayed in, my blood has got diluted. I will soon be heading for Texas as my Sindhi partner says the property market there is booming.”

“Before you go off to Texas, take time off to study and then teach Tina something about Sindhi culture.”

“Sis, I can’t take any time off! Don’t you know Sindhis are the original gypsies? And I am one such. It’s in my blood.”

“Ok, ok,” I said, quite amused, “as usual you have all the answers. You haven’t changed at all! But what shall I teach her?”

“My dear sis, teach her anything. Don’t you remember how you taught me to buy Sindhi mutton? Teach her that.”

“I don’t remember buying Sindhi mutton! And I don’t like going to smelly butcher shops. Anyway, I’ve become veg. What a strange thing to ask me to do. By the way is that a part of Sindhi culture?”

“Of course it is! It is part of our heritage. I was in New York in the Indian area at Jackson Heights, when a man came to the butchery and asked for ‘Sindhi mutton’! I thought the butcher wouldn’t understand, but the fellow smiled and replied, ‘Yes, of course sir. We have tender mutton chops cut the way Sindhis like’. He was obviously familiar with this special Sindhi cut and quality!”

“Well if that is all you want her to learn, then just take her to Jackson Heights on your next trip!” I suggested as helpfully as I could.

He continued as though he hadn’t heard: “I remember that day when Uncle, your dad, was not feeling well and he wanted to eat photay jo teevan. He felt it would be good for his sore throat. So we went to the New Market and I told the butcher: ‘Aadha killo mutton’ and he instantly packed up a parcel in a newspaper and handed it to me. You grabbed it and gave it back to him and announced authoritatively: ‘Bak-ree ka nahi, bak-ray ka. Ye jaldi vapas lo. Aur budhe bakray ka nahi. Chhote bakray ka. Aur chops kato!’

You were fourteen, and scrawny. And I was twelve. The butcher laughed shamelessly and stared at you, a chit of a girl, ordering him. You held your ground and refused to budge and pointed to the cut you wanted. Then without uttering a word, he unpacked the parcel and gave us the fresh cuts you had pointed at! When we came home, your dad said the mutton was better than anything he had ever purchased.”

“Kamal, you’re making this up. I don’t remember this incident.”

“Cook some photay jo teevan and send me some. Then you’ll remember. Also saee bhaji. A dabba full of each item, please!”

And he rang off. 

Excerpted from

"MY SINDH A journey to the beloved Homeland"

by Shakuntala Bharvani : Link to purchase on Amazon

Submitted by Saaz Aggarwal : Website Link

The Science of Mantras

By Vini Melwani

A Mantra is a magical collection of words, strung together like pearls on a string, whose mere sound and vibration uplift and create an extraordinarily rippling positive effect, leading one to a higher level of consciousness.

Being Vedic in origin and Sanskrit in verse, Mantra chants or hymns were recited by our great seers as teachings of the Vedas. Sanskrit, an ancient, highly mathematical, and sacred language, is considered by some linguists to be perfect. The exact historical date of mantra chanting is difficult to determine, however, all mantras start with the primordial sound Om, which is believed to have its origins at the time of the creation of the cosmos.

Our whole existence is a reverberation of sound, vibrations and energy. A mantra is a spiritual conduit and exudes all of these. When sound is uttered in a particular way and pronunciation, it evokes a unique vibrational energy, capable of opening up a different dimension of life and experience within you. The effective force created, places into motion whatever one is trying to manifest through the mantra.

Science believes a mantra can create a neural linguistic effect as it activates a particular kind of energy in the body when chanted rhythmically with awareness and understanding. As such if chanted regularly, a mantra is believed to wipe out anger, fear, depression, and aid in respiratory, digestive, reproductive and circulatory disorders. It has been documented that just listening to mantras regulates blood pressure, the heart rate and brain waves, and similar to regular medicines there are specific mantras for specific purposes.

The mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is said to be the five-syllable mantra, na ma si va ya. While exploring its symbolism, our five senses come to mind and while chanting the mantra, those five senses are evoked. The different syllables are said to purify and refine the five elements of our being, our chakras, or centers of subtle energies. On a an elemental level, the mantra symbolizes the five fundamental ways our world is structured and the aspects of our being, na is earth, ma is water, si is fire, va is air and lastly ya is space or ether. Om being a cosmic vibration and sacred symbol, representing the source of all manifest existence.

On a symbolic level this mantra addresses a Deity, Lord Shiva, which when chanted evokes His presence and power. One cannot deny the strong symbolisms mantras have or their place at the helm of Hinduism. They are used in rituals enabling believers to express devotion to or appease Deities, much like prayers, and are uttered to fulfill desires or even to cast spells.

However, the next time you recite a mantra, feel the magic manifested and the abundance it creates it all aspects of your life, not just on a spiritual or religious level, harness its power on a scientific and cosmic level.

Excerpt from

Vini Melwani's Blog HINDUISM SYMBOLISM

Be Blissful

27th Sadhu Vaswani Sadhana Camp

 ByTeam PRO - Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune

December 26, 2023- Be Blissful – 27th Sadhu Vaswani Sadhana Camp held in Pune 

26th - 29th December 2023, Sadhu Vaswani Mission held the year-end Sadhana Camp in Pune, Dada’s hometown. Themed as Be Blissful, this 4-day retreat marked the 27th Sadhana Camp and was held at The Royal Orchid Hotel, Pune. Guided by Didi Krishna Kumari, the retreat featured inspirational talks by her, AV of treasured moments with Dada J.P. Vaswani, recorded discourses and Q&A by Dada, recorded discourses by Sadhu Vaswani, group activities, yoga, meditations, bhajans-kirtan, and mantra chanting.

A total of 500 participants from across India and the world, including London, New York, China, Panama, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Rajkot, Bilaspur, Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore, among others, attended the camp. Many youths and children above the age of 10 years, attended the camp.

26th December 2023, the early hours of day 1 of the Sadhana Camp was fused with activity yet marked by immense enthusiasm. The foyer at the resort held a divine ambience with lifelike cutouts of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani, blessing guests. Outside the hall, were marquee lights with the words 'Dada Shyam' written on it, greeting everyone. A corner of the hallway was decorated with orange blooms and blue lightings, as well as a large cutout of our beloved Dada sitting on a chair, giving the camp a blessed atmosphere.

Soon it was time for the first session at noon. The altar in the camp hall was beautifully decorated with lamps and majestic statues of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P Vaswani. A short one-hour bhajan and kirtan session followed by lunch was organised. In the 5:15 pm session, Didi Krishna gave her inaugural talk, welcomed all participants and applauded them for leaving aside everything from their otherwise busy lives and attending the 4-day camp.

In her talk she mentioned that the nature of our true self is sat chit ananda.  Our original nature is ananda, but we have forgotten that.  She added, “Happiness does not depend on outer things. It is an inner attitude. When we feel hurt or disappointed, we blame others. But others cannot steal our happiness, it is solely in our hands.”  She then encouraged everyone to take charge of their own happiness. She mentioned that during the 4 days of the camp together they will discuss the 4 keys to unlock the door of happiness. The first key she said was ‘Firm Resolve’ and she requested everyone to make a strong resolve to always be happy.  She further conducted an interactive session where she told all to choose one negative trait that they would like to give up and one positive trait that they would like to pick up in 2024.  The participants could write these on a huge board that was put up outside the hall.

In the 7 pm Inaugural session, she lit the akhand jyot with the recitation of Dada’s prayer.  Sadhu Vaswani’s recorded discourse on Arise! Awake! was played next. This was followed by a recorded video upadesh of Dada on ‘Are You Happy?’ In his message Dada said, ‘The truly happy man is even he who desires nothing, who claims nothing, and who expects nothing’.

The night session was ‘Treasured Moments’ where participants fondly reminisced their memories with Dada.  Dr. Harish Mirchandani, Hydrabad, Ankita Milani, Singapore, Dr. Sonal Kalwani, Bilaspur and Mr. Chandru Mohinani, Pune shared their personal experiences that showed how Dada’s love had a transformative power and each of them had experienced it in multiple ways.

Following the personal experiences, a video clip of treasured moments featuring Dada and devotees at the earlier camps conducted years ago was shown. Love and devotion for Dada could be seen in the eyes of all devotees.

This year, Dr. Harish Wadhwani, music maestro, added his touch to the Theme Song of the Sadhana Camp 2023 – which was sung at the end of every session:

Khapay Keen-a Duniyaa Jee Milkiyat Ain Maal

Khapeen Toon Asaan Khay Mithaa Bal Gopal

Tuhinjey Dar Bhikhaarin Pinaa Ik Ee Daan

Kar Aasees Anjali Thiyaan Aatma-vaan

Day 1 concluded with Maha Mantra chanting and guided meditation.

One of the participants, Mr Harish Ludhrani said in awe, “I feel, I have come to heaven.”

The schedules for day 2 and day 3 began with morning havan, mantra chants, discourse by Sadhu Vaswani and guided meditation by Dada J.P. Vaswani on Be Love, Live Love. A yoga session for physical and mental well-being was conducted thereafter. Those that couldn’t participate in the yoga activities went for a silent walk.

Day 2, 27th December 2022, after the havan and yoga, the morning session had bhajans and kirtans, followed by a group activity on letting go. During the group activity the participants were given balloons and they had to blow their negativity into the balloon and tie the knot of faith and forgiveness, and then they were asked to let go of the balloons symbolising the letting go of their negative feelings. 

Dada’s recorded talk for the day was on the Secret of Happiness. In his message, he said that the secret of true happiness lies in accepting the Will of God and learning to merge our will with His Will. To accept is to triumph over circumstances and not let them touch the joy and the peace of the soul, knowing that whatever happens is for our ultimate good.

The evening session began with bhajans and kirtans followed by Didi Krishna’s talk. She expounded on the second key to happiness which she explained was ‘Forgive and Forget’. She said when we forgive, we feel peaceful, and we feel calm. She gave a beautiful example on how forgiveness can help build bridges in our broken relationships. She asked the audience if they would like to build bridges or walls and requested those who wanted to build bridges instead of walls to raise their hands. All the participants devotedly raised their hands.

The spiritual energy continued in the next session when the entire hall reverberated with the chants of Radhe Krishna. A recorded Question & Answers session with Dada followed, where several interesting responses were given by Dada, he spoke about how prayers are always answered, how prayers can improve our health and how Sadhu Vaswani can visit us in our dreams if he chooses whether or not we pray earnestly for the Atman reveals itself to whomever it chooses.

It was time again for ‘Treasured Moments’. Anita Lulla, New Jersey; Raju Bharat, Kolkata; Bhagwanti Nanwani, Pune; Rajesh Hotchandani, London; Aarti Patil, Pune and Rekha Parwani, Pune shared their memories and the miracles they experienced with Dada. The 2023 Sadhu Vaswani Mission highlights followed the live experiences.

All the participants were served sumptuous meal for the 4 day- camp. A variety of food choices were available for all. 

Day 2 concluded with Maha Mantra kirtan followed by guided meditation by Dada J.P Vaswani on Maha Mantra. As the day came to a close, a participant, Ahmed Yaveri, shared his experience and said, “The camp has been organised really well, and one can still feel the presence of Dada.”

On day 3, 28th December 2023, after the havan and yoga, the morning session had bhajans and kirtans, followed by a group activity titled, ‘Manifest Anything’.  They said that to manifest anything there are 4 steps, step 1- set the intention; step 2- visualise it; step 3- emotionalise it and step 4- actualise it.  They made the participants write one thing that they would like to manifest and then made them go through the 4 stages. 

The afternoon session began with bhajans and kirtans followed by Dada’s recorded talk on how one should build their life in the will of God. In the evening session Didi Krishna in her talk explained the third key to happiness which was ‘Control your desires’. She said that in order to keep our senses in control we must know when to use, when to withdraw and when to discipline.

Later, a Q&A session with Dada was played where he answered some interesting questions like, how to end the birth and death cycle? To which he answered, the simplest way is to walk the way of surrender. Responding to another question on whether one should expect acknowledgement from the Guru he said “Never, because the Guru knows what is best for the evolvement of the soul. He may choose not to acknowledge.”

In the night, a spiritual game show titled ‘Paas aur Paas’ was conducted, where contestants were asked several questions. In the end Didi was requested to occupy the HOT SEAT on stage. In the Rapid fire round, she was asked multiple questions, some of them were:

Mantra, you live by?

She answered, Time is precious.

Another question was, what would you like to do in your free time?

She answered, Just Be.

Following this a short AV of Magical Moments with Dada was played. On this day, Didi Krishna Kumari distributed prasad personally to each and every one of the 500 participants and the hotel’s hospitable staff. Following this, a palav – a Sindhi prayer was offered devoutly. The session ended with great applause and joy.

One of the participants, Parwani from China said, “Though it was a huge gathering, you allowed us our own space.”

On day 4, 29th December 2022, the concluding day of the Sadhana Camp, participants completed the checking-out formalities and gathered for the final sessions of Sadhu Vaswani’s talk, Didi Krishna's talk, group activity and Dada's Q & A.

Sadhu Vaswani’s in his recorded talk shared how to quench the flames of desire. It was followed by a guided meditation on Love God, Love All.

Didi Krishna started her talk with the fourth key to happiness which was ‘Atmavaan thyo’ i.e. ‘Be spirit-centred’. She said, life is full of challenges, so to face them we need to increase our inner strength, just like how we charge our mobiles we need to charge ourself, our soul.  Then she shared some practical suggestions on how to charge ourself. She concluded by asking the participants to affirm “I am happy, I am blissful.”

The final day’s group activity was on ‘Maan aur Taan ki Shakti’. To increase our maan ki shakti we need will power. The three steps of achieving will power are Self-control, Intention and Determination.

Before everyone headed for departure, the management and senior staff of the hotel was felicitated and a vote of thanks was offered. Finally, all the singers sang the concluding prayer.

The 27th Sadhana Camp was truly a blissful and calming experience for all. A felicitous conclusion to the year 2023.

  Last month we asked our readers to submit the recipe for Sindhi Daru for a piece we are working on and we would like to give a huge shout out to all those who responded with their versions.

The most authentic recipe we received was from Maya Shahani from Bahrain.

THANK YOU MAYA SHAHANI

If you have a recipe to share for authentic Sindhi Daru please send it to

Info@SindhiSamachar.com for a shout out in our next issue.

FEBRUARY TRIVIA

Sindh has a rich history, with famous sites. Can you name the ones in the pictures?

Please send your answers to

Info@SindhiSamachar.com for a shout out in our next issue.

A Request...

We at Sindhi Samachar are working on a project to preserve our Sindhi customs and rituals and in doing so we would like to acquire a recipe for Sindhi Daru which is drunk during our weddings in a steel "wati".

Please if anyone has the typical ingredients and measurements used to make this, could you email it in to us at;

Info@SindhiSamachaar.com

Launched with love for everything Sindhi, our newsletter, Sindhi Samachar, aims to be circulated amongst our Sindhi family and friends intended to forge unity and interaction within our community. We hope our brothers and sisters globally participate and contribute towards it with your views, Sindhi news, Sindhi jokes, or Sindhi recipes, which we will be happy to publish under your name.

Editor-In-Chief

Vini Melwani

Editorial Content

Raj Daswani

Geeta Raj

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in Sindhi Samachar by our contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the editorial team of Sindhi Samachar. Any content provided by our contributors, bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.