Partition Tales

By Sikiladi (Monica Gokaldas)

The Escape Route

They left their abundant homeland to become refugees of not another land ; It was their own country that had split into two nations and suddenly they were misfits in the land of their birth, the land of their ancestors. One could argue that they weren’t the only ones – the impact was borne by other communities too, yet, there was a stark difference. The two countries had their own Hyderabad, their own Punjab and furthermore even another Bengal was created but the zealous yet timid Sindhis got no land to call their own post the partition.

They lived as refugees in various parts of the Hind that was not that far, yet extremely far Sindh. Having lived in their huge mansions, it was traumatic to live in the congested camps with meagre belongings. They had left behind a huge chunk of their way of living, their luxuries, their property and some even got separated from their loved ones. To leave was not a choice, it was a necessity that arose from protecting their dharmic values -being born as Hindus they chose to die as Hindus. It would have been easier to convert to the other faith and continue living there, but their morals did not permit them to do so.

Ganga and her next door neighbor and friend Pevi had lived like madams in their own huge premises and between the two friends – they had a dozen children. When the call for partition came their husbands were in a rush to sell off the property and escape. However, that would have taken some time and it wasn’t any safe for the women and children to be at risk at such a vulnerable time. They told the family to escape to the Hindu territory whilst they could manage the affairs and then leave.

The ladies left along with a dozen kids tagging along. The transport was becoming an issue and in the process of reaching the border they had to part away with a lot of their wealth. Ironically, things haven’t changed much from those days – alone women, unescorted by men are often gullible and taken advantage of. Children were quite young and the slightly older ones had the responsibility of gripping hold on the younger ones hence they couldn’t have carried much luggage with them.

Pevi and Ganga were told at the border that al the vehicles were overloaded and there wasn’t any space left for them to board. They pleaded to the guards to allow them as they had young daughters with them and it wasn’t safe to stay put like that in such a place. Slyly the guards laughed out and told them to leave the daughters under their care and that sent shivers across the spines of these mothers.

They were scared, they had to migrate to the other side somehow but had no resources left with them. The journey till the border had made them sacrifice a lot. They checked with each other and realized that they both were left with a gold coin each. The smart brain of the Sindhi women played its part. They offered to bribe the guard to be allowed to escape through an underground tunnel that they had come to learn about from their sources.

One of the guards appeared a bit soft so they targeted him. They told him that they were left with just one gold coin and they were willing to give it to him if he allowed all of them to escape through the tunnel. He was charmed by the bribe and allowed them. Pevi chose to lead the path, leaving her infant child with Ganga, as it still needed some digging on the way. Ganga decided to let the children follow Pevi and then giving the coin to the guard followed the trail holding two infants in her grip – her son and Pevi’s daughter. The toddlers were well taken care of by older siblings as they balanced themselves with the little bit luggage and the younger ones.

It was a long struggle passing through the roughly dug, dark and dreary tunnel with hungry and fearful children being told not to cry or they might be caught. The babies and toddlers mouths were tied up by scarves so they don’t cry out innocently. They weren’t sure if they would finally make it to the other end and a thought even came across Ganga’s mind ,”What if the news about the tunnel was false and they land up in the same country”. She was worried as she had given away the only coin she was left with and had six children to feed till her husband could reach them.

Patience and perseverance paid off finally as they reached the other end of the tunnel and the area seemed very unfamiliar. Pevi went out first with two children and told the rest to stay put while she could check out the situation. Once she was convinced that they were in Hindustan, she signaled the rest of them to come out and gave a helping hand to each one to pull up and out from the dark tunnel. Some people questioned them about their being non Hindus and they successfully convinced them and then asked for help and were assisted by some security personnel and brought to a refugee camp. 

Settling Down

Then finding their relatives and meeting their husbands after few weeks they gradually picked up the threads of their lives and started afresh. Life was tough, challenges brought in a new issue every time but they braved it and faced it all with the assurance that they were safe in this land. There were hundreds and thousands like them that had similar stories and each one found a way out somehow but eventually they got scattered to various parts of this new India and submerged themselves with the speech, the dialect, the mannerisms, the food habits, the attire and a lot more to be accepted by the local population as one amongst the rest of them.

Cultural Loss

In the process, Their ways of worshipping hadn’t changed but got altered a bit as they picked up new strands of religion by getting introduced to Ganpati Bappa and somewhat missing out on Jhulelal devotion, Fasting for Navratri and Ganpati festival but missing out on Lal Saeein jo Chaliho fasting, Visiting Vaishno Devi and missing out on Hinglaj Mata darshan. They didn’t mind it as this made them fit into the society they were part of, happy at being Hindu enough at least.

A bigger sacrifice was unknowingly made of the language. The men no longer could work for someone doing their accounts in Vankai script, they had to learn to do it in Hindi or English or learn the language of the state they were in. Children too were initially being laughed upon when they spoke in their mother tongue because the trends had changed to accepting English or Hindi as the common language of communication. The Indian Government hadn’t given Sindhis a state, so to recognize their language seemed far fetched and Sindhi wasn’t taught in any of the schools for nearly twenty years. The parents had to encourage their young ones to learn the local languages adapt to this life. Hence an entire generation was deprived of the mother tongue Sindhi. In the process they lost the very precious aspect of their culture and the coming generations weren’t taught the language too as this wasn’t found attractive. English gained prominence and alas! the very force that caused the rift between the nation, still rules the population through its language. Not only Sindhis but entire Indian population is still colonized by language of the British. This article itself is proof of the same language colonization.

Today the Sindhis that still live in Sindh are struggling as they live in harsh, insecure conditions. Those whose forefathers couldn’t leave the region due to inability or due to their affection to their motherland are bearing a terrible brunt of the separatism of religions. Each day the Sindhi girls are falling victims to abductions, forceful marriages, forceful conversions and the Indian side is giving refuge to those who have managed to escape. It’s a matter to time, till they get the migrant status specified and they gain permits and are accepted as Indians.

As we witness these present day refugees , it brings to our minds the status our ancestors who would have faced similar, or even harsher situations and thus my heart goes out for them. They are residing in various camps in different parts of India and looking at them one realizes how much of our culture and traditions are forgotten by our Sindhis in India.

The children who come, they speak their native dialects such as Sindhi, saraiki, Gujarati which is albeit different fro the one we know of in the Indian side. They have to be taught Hindi and English to fit into the society – so history repeats itself again, right in front of our eyes. They are now gradually forgetting the Sindhi language as they pick the new languages to do the schooling and take up professions.

The womenfolk refuse to wear jeans, pants and tops and prefer traditional Indian outfits but in some time, this might change too in the guise of adaptation, acceptance and modernization. It would be only fair to label it as colonization by attire as the men have discarded their traditional salwars and opted for trousers like rest of the population.

The women folk oft times display their talent of the famous Sindhi embroidery and it must be promoted to a big extent to revive their rich art. Their traditional musical tones and folk music is incomparable and I urge those reading this to make some effort at reviving and popularizing this art too. Then of course in some camps such as Pune the women are making some income by making papads, Khicha and kachris that can be exported as well. More women must be encouraged at camps at other states as well to produce these traditional goodies and make our Sindhi food popular.

Looking at the scenes from Sindhi Weddings and the attire of brides and grooms from the refugee camps brings to mind the scenes from old sindhi movies and of course a similarity is found in our old family albums of black and white era – the photographs bearing a hallmark of the studio or the photographer, having rounded edges as a design for special effects.

They have moved on! We have moved on! Let’s look back at what have we left behind.

First published on https://sikiladi.com

Sindhi Boli Otaak

By Dr. Devendra Kodwani

Sindhi Boli Otaak is an Podcast series started by Dr. Devendra Kodwani.

The purpose of starting the podcast series is to record talks/dialogues mostly in Sindhi language, so that listeners can hear spoken Sindhi. His hope is by listening spoken Sindhi, listeners will feel good about beautiful Sindhi language, its heritage and its richness.

The podcasts will not be about Sindhi language or culture only but will contain topics of general interests. Devendra is voracious reader and likes to share ideas and information that may be educational.

Devendra grew up in a refugee camp in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India where his parents found themselves after partition of India. He studied through Sindhi medium schools until his higher secondary before switching to English medium for his university studies.

Devendra has two bachelors degrees, one masters and a PhD. Currently he is professor in a British university.

Before starting podcast Devendra helped develop Let's Learn Sindhi CD-ROM working with Sindhi Sangat. This can be downloaded from Sindhi Sangat site.

He also helped develop Romanized Sindhi script which contains world's first audio-text- Sindhi English Dictionary in English, Devnagiri Sindhi and Arabic Sindhi scripts.

Along with Sindhi Boli Otaak podcast series, Devendra intends to write short pieces about Sindhi Boli on an accompanying blog Sindhee Boli Otaak

Please subscribe to podcasts on Apple Podcasts and other podcasts distributing channels like Spreaker and Spotify.

If you have ideas or books to discuss about that you have written or want to discuss, or want to provide any suggestions, please write to Devendra at Sindheeboli@gmail.com

Tryst With Koki

By Dr. Subhadra Anand

 The book is now live as an eBook on Amazon globally as well as print edition. 

eBook - The book is available on US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and India stores. 

Indian link

International link

International Print Edition -  The book is available on US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Japan, Canada and Australia store.

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon India

Tryst With Koki, by Author Dr. Subhadra Anand was recently launched at the Crossword Book Store , Kemps Corner in India by Shobha De, an Indian novelist and columnist, who also wrote the Foreword in the book

The book is fiction based on facts taken from the  author's well researched  book," National Integration of Sindhis". The story revolves around the Advani family whose fortunes in Karachi are destroyed in the wake of the Partition of India. From staying in the upscale Clifton locality  the family finds itself  in the depressing squalor of the Ulhasnagar Camp. It is a gripping narrative of the life of 18 year old Sheila Advani as it takes her through unimaginable challenges. The story brings into  focus other members of the family too, one of  which joins the lowest rung of a Sindhwarki job while the other becomes a lawyer. But the struggle continues till fortunes take a turn for the better  through hard work and resilience.  Each and every Sindhi who had to abandon a homeland  and seek life in every corner of the globe would identify with it. It is an ode to the indomitable spirit of the Sindhi Community.

The stash of Kokis, that quintessential long lasting Sindhi flatbread laden with ghee, chillies, onion and coriander that Sheila  packed in her luggage when she left her home held the key to her survival and forbearance. Koki could well be a metaphor for the power house of energy Sheila was to become. This is her story , a journey of myriad extreme emotions , success and losses -- Her tryst with Koki

Global Forgiveness Day

By Naresh Singhani

PRO, Sadhu Vaswani Mission

Stanford University, USA has featured Sadhu Vaswani Mission's Global Forgiveness Day campaign in their prestigious newsletter. The Mission's campaign aims to promote forgiveness, healing, and peace on a global scale. In Australia, Radio Station 1188 2NZ highlights the Global Forgiveness Day Initiative.

2nd August, Global Forgiveness Day, an annual initiative by Sadhu Vaswani Mission, unites people from all walks of life to embrace forgiveness as a transformative force. Started in 2012, the campaign fosters empathy and encourages individual well-being and healing broken relationships, both personally and collectively.

The highlights in western media expand the campaign's reach, enabling a global dialogue on the significance of forgiveness. “The feature by Stanford University & Australain Radio Interview will reach many young minds who are the builders of a new world of peace and harmony," says Didi Krishna Kumari, Executive Head, Sadhu Vaswani Mission.

"It is our founder Dada Vaswani’s vision that hearts at peace will create world peace,” said Anita Singhani, spokesperson for the campaign.

4 Cities and a State in USA Declare 2nd August 2023 as Global Forgiveness Day, commemorating Revered Dada Vaswani’s Birthday 

State of New York, City of New York, Town of Secaucus, Town of East Brunswick and Town of Guttenberg, New Jersey in USA have proclaimed August 2, 2023, as Global Forgiveness Day, recognizing the significance of this day in promoting love, peace and healing among individuals and communities worldwide. These proclamations underscore their commitment to embrace forgiveness as a powerful catalyst for positive change in communities worldwide.

Global Forgiveness Day, an annual initiative led by Sadhu Vaswani Mission, focuses on fostering understanding, empathy and love among individuals and communities. It encourages people to let go of grudges and animosity, leading to a more harmonious and peaceful society. The initiative has touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring positive transformation and healing across borders.

The day commemorates the birthday of the visionary spiritual Master Revered Dada J.P. Vaswani. He dedicated his life to spreading the message of forgiveness, empathy, love and peace.  By declaring his birthday as Global Forgiveness Day, they acknowledge his enduring legacy and the importance of embracing forgiveness as a path towards a more harmonious society. The proclamations recognize the efforts of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, which has been instrumental in spreading the message of forgiveness and peace. The proclamations call upon all residents, organizations, and communities to join in observing Global Forgiveness Day. Through acts of forgiveness, love and kindness, we can collectively contribute to a world filled with empathy and hope.

As part of the celebrations, an event was also organized at the Consulate of India, New York on 2nd August at 2PM local time, designated as The Moment of Calm – with 2 minutes of silence in practicing forgiveness. Similar Moment of Calm sessions were organized in many cities across the world, including Pune, the headquarters of Sadhu Vaswani Mission.

Dada Vaswani a visionary knew ‘forgiveness’ is the need of the current times. He emphasised that this could be cleared and hearts could be at peace by harnessing the strong and transformational power of Forgiveness. He believed, “Hearts at peace will create world peace.”

The Sadhu Vaswani Mission holds annual campaigns under the initiative Moment of Calm where individuals forgive and seek forgiveness, clear their hearts, and experience true peace. This year, the Moment of Calm held a campaign themed ‘Forgive and Flourish’ highlighting the potential of forgiveness to improve all areas of one’s life including personal, professional, social, and spiritual. A fun and awareness activity – sharing of forgiveness bands was also conducted. As they shared, they earned the title of a ‘Peace Ambassador’. Many showcased the ‘Peace Ambassador Badge’ on social media.

In India, educational institutions across cities from Pune, Delhi, Nashik, Bhopal, Rajkot, and Bilaspur, among others joined the celebrations. Children prepared posters, wrote slogans, and shared forgiveness bands with great zest and fervour. Individuals across professions and businesses, children, and the elderly participated in the observance of Moment of Calm at 2PM - a time designated on Global Forgiveness Day, people wherever they may be pause for 2 minutes, forgive and seek forgiveness, clear their hearts, and experience peace.

At the Pune Headquarters, one of the participants, Jaya said, “It’s only when you choose to forgive that you realise that what you are holding on to is not worth its space in your mind. Such effort makes it possible to let go.”

As a part of the 105th birthday celebrations, the Sadhu Vaswani Mission also held celebratory programs from July 31st to August 2nd. The programs featured performances by students of Sadhu Mission’s schools and colleges, satsangs, recorded talks by Sadhu Vaswani, Dada Vaswani, and live talks by Didi Krishna Kumari. In her message she spoke on Dada and narrated a few inspiring life incidents from his life. Langar – fellowship meals was held for all.  

As a part of the celebrations, week-long service activities for the poor and needy, transgenders, limbless, unprivileged children, elderly, visually impaired, and mother cows were held. Concessional/ free medical treatments were also offered by the Mission’s healthcare institutions.

For more information on Global Forgiveness Day, please visit www.momentofcalm.org

Follow the updates and join the conversation on social media using #GlobalForgivenessDay 

About Sadhu Vaswani Mission: 

Sadhu Vaswani Mission promotes love, compassion, and forgiveness. Founded by Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, the non-profit organization fosters a world of peace and harmony through humanitarian projects.

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Revered Dada Vaswani's 5th Anniversary

Observed by Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune

By Team PRO
Sadhu Vaswani Mission 

Sadhu Vaswani Mission held a morning procession, prayers, satsangs, talks and sevas to observe the 5th Mahayagna – anniversary of Spiritual Master Dada J.P. Vaswani.

On July 12th, the day began at 5:30 am with the Prabhat Pheri – morning procession. Didi Krishna led the devotees, singing kirtans through the streets. 

Satsangs, talks and sevas were held during day, evening and night sessions. Didi Krishna said, “The separation is there but in his radiant form he is closer than ever before.”

This was followed by a satsang at the Sacred Samadhi where devotees from across the globe had gathered. At 09:01 am, the time of Dada's passing on, a silence was observed. 

On July 13th, Didi Krishna gave a stirring talk on Dada. In her message she said, “Dada was an embodiment of every teaching of his Guru, Sadhu Vaswani. Yet, he remained humble. If we wish to translate his teachings into reality, we must imbibe his virtue of humility”. Devotees present were moved to tears by her words. Said an attendee, Sonia, "Dada is ever-present. He listens to the tiniest whisper of our hearts. His ever-living presence, unconditional love, and timeless teachings draw us to the Mission.” Devotees then partook from the guru langar – fellowship meals.
 

Programmes in homage and tribute to Dada Vaswani were also organised by the Mission's schools and colleges. It included plays, musicals, and speeches on the life of Dada Vaswani.

Service activities included distribution of ration kits to the poor and needy, distribution of books and stationery to children, distribution of fruits to the ailing patients in the hospitals, and cows were fed.  

About Sadhu Vaswani Mission: 

Sadhu Vaswani Mission promotes love, compassion, and forgiveness. Founded by Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, the non-profit organization fosters a world of peace and harmony through humanitarian projects.

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CALL TO ACTION

Lost Homeland of Sindh

Ulhasnagar Partition Gallery

By Vandana Govindani 

@doorwaytosindh (Facebook and Instagram) 

A permanent exhibition on Sindhis Journey from displacement to resettlement at the Partition

Museum in New Delhi. In partnership with Sindhi Culture Foundation & The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust

If you stayed in Ulhasnagar between 1948 and 2023

and wherever you are now...  

Do get in touch with us via our email below.

doorwaytosindh@gmail.com

WINNERS OF JULY'S TRIVIA

SATISH THADHANI - Pune, India 

ASHOK THADANI - Gurugram, Haryana, India

ANIL SADHWANI - Lagos

AUGUST TRIVIA

1. Was the territory of Sindh divided between India and Pakistan during partition?

2. Which mode of transport was used by the Sindhis to leave Pakistan?

3. Sindhi Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India, what was set up for these migrants to stay in by the Indian Government?

4. Which two major cities in India did the Sindhi migrants settle in the most?

5. Where is the word "Sindh" derived from?

Send your answers to Info@SindhiSamachaar.com for a shout out in our next issue.

Hindustan

By Jyoti Raheja 

Hindustan aye munju desh pyaro

Hindustan aye asanje akhinjo taaro

Sindhin kayo aa naalo roshan

Hinn sa aye asanje diljo naato.

Sindh (Pakistan) ma nikri aayase

Thodi jameen je laay tarsi rayase

Hindustan dinno aa Sindhin ke

ashiyano

Hindustan aye asanje akhinjo taaro.

Sindhin kayee aa deshji tarraki

Naalo kadyo aa Hinduja,

Hiranandani, Advani

Asanje desh prem ke na lalkaro

Hindustan aye asanje akhinjo taaro.

Thode vakt mein kaya kam vadda

asan

Mehnat kare Sindhin pehenji

pehchan aa thaayee

Vyaapar mein, dhandhe mein asanjo

mukabalo naaye

Sindhinkhe tavaa samjho chhaye?

Hindustan sa asaan rahdaase judyal

Agmein Hindustani po Sindhi aanyu

Desh matho aye garv asakhe daado

Hindustan aye asanje akhinjo taaro.

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By Harshita Thadhani - New Jersey, USA

A Sindhi was approached by a woman after giving a political speech…

Lady: If you were my husband I would poison your tea.

Sindhi Politician: If you were my wife I would gladly drink it!

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.