Life’s Journey

from innocence to an

Intelligently Ignorant...

...Sindhi...

By Manohar Lal Baharani

My parents migrated as refugees from Sindh Province of undivided India in 1948. Majority of people had their eyes filled with the feeling of last sight of their place of stay carrying sacred spectacle of the city in their eyes. After all how long could any one have lasted shrouded in fear?. The fear of being stabbed at any moment, the fear of being robbed, the fear that, any moment, the women of house might lose their honour. The odour of fresh blood had begun to assault their nostrils, and the deathly silence on the streets used to hurt the ears. Any one could be shot to death at sight despite so much of brotherhood with neighbouring communities for so many years / generations!!. Parents were constrained to loose all the rights to live in Sindh Province!!! leaving behind home, land, shops and entire property / assets. 

My parents were allotted a barrack accommodation in the Bhusaval city of Maharashtra State. The terror remained in the top of their mind… even for getting a refugee certificate.. parents encountered responses like they are presently refugees… neither in India nor in Pakistan.. so do not expect shelter either here or there… spend night under the tree or near railway track or in a park until the refugee certificate gets issued… what was self evident … also needed an evidence for getting into the refugee barrack…. where I was born on March 04,1951. The  stature of a respectable family got dropped to ground zero forcing start the day for hunting some task to earn living and listen to sorrow songs in the night hours. Choice of food was an end of pipe dream, heath care beyond imagination, social security need itself was forgotten…the only driving force was to earn the livelihood and there was nothing to loose!!!

My childhood witnessed many untold stories of partition and the economic hardship prevailed all over the barracks in the world around that time. The wailing of children, the lamentations of the mothers, the grave faces of the young and hushed voice of old with a barrage of unanswered questions loaded in minds with a common question… now what?.. Inspired by my mother, I was admitted to the school and the teacher also happened to be a Sindhi lady named "Kalaan Daadi". While we were being taught to recite the National Anthem; I had just innocently asked this question that "Sindh" was a part of undivided India and is no more in India than why it is appearing in the National Anthem now?. The teacher had kept silent with a little bit of wet eyes and that was the reply to me as well. Now I am 73 years but that silent response has carved indelible imprints in my mind therefore as fresh now as in that time.  

The humanity is witnessing even now uprooting in some parts of the world, leaving behind the lessons of the past uprooting. I also continue to sing National Anthem that includes “Sindh”…. and continue to lead life but now from innocence to an intelligently ignorant person!!!…. as there is nothing to loose by singing National Anthem with word Sindh in it.

Embosom nice thoughts… the comments / critics from the readers / mentors shall be sportingly received…. Responses could contribute in enrichment of my life as well….best wishes…Manohar Lal Baharani.

Any "thoughts, comments, criticism, mentoring" for Mr Baharani can be emailed to

info@sindhisamachar.com

we would be happy to forward those on to him.

Sadhu Vaswani Mission Commemorates Historic Ram Mandir Consecration with Sacred Satsangs and Ceremonial Havan in Ayodhya

By Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune

Celebrating the historic Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, Sadhu Vaswani Mission held special satsangs, havan and talk by Didi Krishna Kumari. An afternoon satsang from 12:15 to 1 pm and an evening satsang from 6:45 to 8 pm took place.

 The afternoon session timings coincided with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. People attended the satsang from far and wide. All immersed themselves in the divine symphony of Ram Naam.

The evening session took place near the sacred samadhis. Central to the setting a magnificent cutout of Lord Ram was placed. This centrepiece was beautifully decorated with lamps, diyas, bells, and flowers, creating a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting ambiance.

The event began with the rendition of Gita shlokas, pre-recorded by Rev. Sadhu Vaswani. Following this, the gathering participated in Aarti, further enhancing the devotional atmosphere. The highlight of the evening was the soulful Ram kirtans, which resonated throughout the venue. Devotees actively engaged with the singers, collectively chanting ‘Jai Ram, jai jai Ram’ in a harmonious chorus.

One of the Devotees shared, “The positivity of this sacred place increased the joy of this event.”

The session concluded with an enlightening talk by Didi Krishna Kumari. She motivated the audience to chant Ram Naam with every breath and bless all from your heart. She said, “The more you bless others, the purer your conscience gets.” Her words resonated with the attendees, leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and minds. 

**********

The inauguration of Sadhu T. L. Vaswani Monument

outside the World Trade Centre

By Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune 

The inauguration of Sadhu T. L. Vaswani Monument outside the World Trade Centre, Mumbai, took place on Thursday, 22nd February 2024, commencing at 5:30 PM.

The inaugural function kicked off the upcoming beautification of the Marg, starting with the installation of a monument of Sadhu T. L. Vaswani. Followers and many residents gathered at the inauguration spot. The place was beautifully arranged with a dais and chairs for the audience.

Jai Motiani, secretary & trustee of Sadhu Vaswani Mission Mumbai Centre, said, “Few of Sadhu Vaswani’s teachings like, ‘Children of the Earth ye all are one’ and ‘if you want to have peace, spread peace all around’ plus ‘service of the poor is worship of the Lord’ in English, Marathi and Hindi has been engraved on three sides of the monument, as the bedrock of his teachings. Dada Vaswani, who took over after T. L. Vaswani, continued spreading his message and carried on the philosophy.”

Bella Shah, activist-organiser, added about the location, “This initiative is a perfect mix of the civic and spiritual. We hope it becomes a symbol of the togetherness of communities, as peace and unity are at the core of the teachings. This is also the beginning of a planned uplift/beautification of the entire Marg, starting from here and stretching to the end of the road.”

Social worker Navnath Lalge added, “In the hurly-burly of life, this may become a spot of quiet contemplation and introspection. We see employees rushing to their workplace or home. Visitors are seen searching for transport during peak hours. This installation may remind us that outwardly we all are on different journeys, but the most important one is the journey within.”

After bhajans, which had set the audience clapping in sync, there was a burst of applause as former corporator Makarand Narwekar took the mic. Narwekar made a point about the site, terming it as “Particularly apt, as it stands next to S B Somani Garden. This garden is one of the few pet parks in the city and in that respect, fully aligned with Dada’s philosophy of being good to animals.” Former corporator Harshita Narwekar added that she had, “Grown up listening to Dada Vaswani’s teachings. Hence, it was a privilege to be part of this initiative.”

Chief Guest Didi Krishna Kumari highlighted three teachings to the audience which were, “Live in the world and enjoy the world but do not become attached. Live as a pilgrim or a traveller. Then, accept what life gives you; problems are not stopping stones but stepping stones and finally, save the planet. Plants and animals are necessary to maintain ecological equilibrium,” she ended as the sun slipped away too, perhaps to mull over a thought-provoking Thursday.

The atmosphere was filled with reverence and excitement as the attendees came together to celebrate this significant milestone. The inauguration ceremony honoured the legacy of Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, whose name adorns the newly inaugurated Monument, serving as a reminder of his profound contributions to society.

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International Sindhi Retreat

Submitted by Sister Henna - NY

A WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR'S SUCCESS STORY

Ms JAYA B HINDUJA

(Soni Gautam name after marriage) 

MAX-G

EXPERTS IN MENS GROOMING

Ms Jaya Hinduja: Baccalaureates in Commerce, Management CEO & Founder of Max Global Trade Pvt Ltd. Mumbai, INDIA.

Award winner of Industry Leaders Award 2022 in the category of Women entrepreneur in men's Grooming Industry.

Award winner of Women leader forum. (2022). 

An Indian philanthropist CEO and founder of Max Global trade Private Limited also an award winner of Industry Leaders Award in the field of women's entrepreneur in Men's Grooming Industry.

Being born and brought up in Mumbai was always supported by her Parents that made her more confident. Being born and bought up in Sindhi family business was in her blood. A strong believer of innovation and passion and quotes that Success comes only when you can prove yourself and create a place for yourself between the crowds." We being today's entrepreneur need to understand that it is buyers' market, and we need to stand out from all the competitors, so innovation is a way out.

Being a successful entrepreneur and having perfectly mastered to conquer Global trust in men's grooming industry, Soni Gautam has set her goals and achieved them with dedication and hard work. Proudly says "we are MAX- G manufacturers and suppliers of Men's grooming products.

USP of her company lies in providing paraben and sulphate free formulation, giving an opportunity to the mass consumers to purchase skin friendly products in a very affordable price.

Max-G being an Indian company understands the hard work, emotions that men faces and herein promises less time consuming shaving products with added exotic fragrance to every dedicated father, son or husband those who don't have time even to look into the mirror and groom themselves. EVEN MEN HAVE RIGHT TO GROOM THEMSELVES.

Believing in being innovative & passionate about her work that makes her company an iconic brand. The motto of her company is caring, responsibility and excellence. Soni Gautam says that as entrepreneur we are here not only to derive gains but to give back a part of the profit we earn to create a better world, weather it may be through charity or guiding a needy. She has set a mission for her brand Max-G to support the charitable organisation with some part of the revenue to create a better world, herein she states that Almighty is your partner in your business when we understand this than there is no looking back.

This journey at the very outset was not very easy for her too; there was a disbelief among those who knew her. The next challenge was finding right people to believe in her dreams but it was her husband Mr Yash Gautam who strongly supported her to achieve her dreams of being an Indian women entrepreneur in men's grooming industry.

She choose to work for Indian mass & did understand how important it is for a mass to be economical and also save time and money with less time devoted for grooming.

MAX-G is certified in Manufacturing, MSME, ISO 9001:2015, International

Accreditation's, and IEC certification Aims in increasing the supplies in exports to 160 countries across the globe.

Soni Gautam dreams MADE IN INDIA products to be highly acknowledged and

preferred throughout the world so that we can increase our forex reserves that would contribute to make India the golden bird once again. 

Bird Woman

By Menka Shivdasani

On one of those days 

when the key refused
to fit the padlock,
I turned myself to air
and squeezed through 
the keyhole.
It was bright outside,
and I was tired
of all the jostling women—
Nomad, with her fraying
suitcase, Devil Woman
with her lacerated
tail, and that sad little lady
with her stained and grimy apron, 
who seemed so familiar,
disintegrating 
in a thousand homes.

All these women,
and a few more,
were crowding in,
and the keyhole
that sat on my shoulder
was at cracking point.

I knew I had somehow
lost my way 
in the brightness outside,
after all those years
in a dingy room.
Stretching my legs
was a strain and breathing
was a whole
new experience,
but folded up
behind my back
I found some wings.
They were slightly dirty, 
but once I got used
to their rusty screech,
I found, strangely enough,
they worked.  

I am making friends
with the birds now,
and have discovered
my talons too,
which sink perfectly
into the eagle 
with his beady eyes. 

Breathing is still
a problem sometimes,
but the air is warm 
and I have left those 
jostling women behind.

From Safe House, 2014

Mindfulness

By Suresh N Sippy

Seldom present in the present
Thoughts of past and future
Between memory and imagination
Most of time is lost 

A Sindhi walks in and orders.

Sindhi Customer: "Sai can I have Sarsoon ka Saag and Makki ki roti when you’re ready there"

Owner: "Oh. You must be a SardarJi", she replied.

The man was evidently offended and responded

Sindhi Customer: " Dadho cheeky! Just because I order Sarsoon ka Saag and Makki ki roti you assume I’m a Sardar. If I ordered a bowl of pasta would you that make me Italian?!"

Owner: "No"

She replied.

Owner: "But this is a laundromat"

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.