Blossom Real in You…

From the desk of a Sindhi senior citizen…. 

ByManohar Lal Baharani

In the year 1999, United Nations envisioned an elevated stature for citizens upon attaining the age of 60 years amongst the society of all ages. Thus we all get conferred with super stature as seniors in the society; without any pre qualification requirements, performance tests, examinations etc.,; just on the time line of dawn of 60th year of our opening of eyes to watch this amazing world. Senior citizens currently are the fastest growing segment in the society today.

At youth stage, imbibed with respective family values and an academic foundation; we

perform on various tasks during the productive career spanning three to five decades and earn our livelihood as well. We all shall attain the grey hair stature; by acquiring many skills and rendering the competent services in varied fields for over three to five decades that is unique to each one of us. While performing on various tasks in given systems; we get tuned to work place infrastructure, colleagues, support services, facilities for performing on various activities plus also perks to have good leisure time / fun & fellowship through clubs, car allowance, magazines, leave travel and more. The functioning within the given situations keeps adding in our mind a feel of being worthy on many counts. Our social status also gets recognised by the position that each one of us attains over the timeline. The hierarchal growth continually keep empowering our mindset. Many times our mind and bodily actions takes initiatives to showcase our stature through self praise. Here begins the first milestone of entry into the world of ego and slowly an exit from the real self. Over the period of three to five decades each one of us turn out to be matured competency unique personality of different kind. Some considering themselves as “Sarvagun Sampanna” (An illusion of having all accomplished qualities) and some as “learners”.

While we feel happy to enjoy all the tangible & intangible benefits of being senior citizens; there are reasons to retrospect on the expectations that the society of all ages develop in this social fabric. At this juncture, concurrently with an elevated social stature; each person also exits from the position / facilities / perks / ambiance of place of work wherever each one has been working in an organisational system, stops getting the financial compensation of his services, other facilities, perks etc., except for the pensioners. Most of us find it difficult to appreciate the impact of these detachments on our intellect-mind- body. We continue to live in the dream world of earlier life that was prior to attaining the status of senior citizenship. The more we continue to live on the baisakhee (harvest festival) of past glories, more we invite the ripples and lose the sanctity of real self as senior citizens. At this juncture the senior citizens leave the footprints that are either commanding respect or encountering isolation and become a separate segment detached from the society of all ages!!!

After superannuation from an organised sector in Ranchi having Sindhi population of just 18 families we moved to Bhopal city in the year 2012. Bhopal has over 250,000 Sindhi population. Preceding one decade; through intermingling on various platforms; I got a fresh insight to current livelihoods of my Sindhi community. Majority of first generation Sindhi community; upon uprooting from Sindh; had opted out for individual family run businesses as a measure for earning their livelihood. The second generation mostly continued the family businesses; attained praiseworthy growth on economic front; but encountering new dimensions through separations of family members in the growing families trees. Life support needs are being served by people; over 60% working in the informal segments. Growth trajectories of informal firms are set to get intensified in the foreseeable future. Sindhi communities dominate the scenario as percentage of their total population in this un-organised sector. Challenges and constraints emerging from technological advancements for transitioning to an organised sector for attaining qualitative improvements corresponding with rising incomes in the livelihood of the people involved in the informal works are many for Sindhi community. Inadequacy in literacy drives, low priorities for quality education, withered families situations and many more challenges are upcoming besides many of the individual family owned businesses are gradually fragmenting. To study the devils in details that hinder the paths for Sindhi communities move to an organised sector is now a research question for the next generation; I believe. Next generation therefore need to catch up with the technological advancements and we the senior citizens need to blow the wind beneath the wings of dynamic individual family owned informal sectors to grow in an organised ways. Sindhi communities have made an impressive progress in attaining economic growth; many raising from ground zero after uprooting; during the last seven decades. Yet, their productivity in converting financial gains of time and money into a qualitative human capital remains lower than achievable on many fronts; I think. A food for thought for the high net worth Sindhi people to sponsor research & other initiatives for interventions on select topics aimed at contributing to an all-round excellence in the lives of Sindhi communities in various informal sectors worldwide.

Like Love has many facets, an ego too enjoys having many facets too!!!….while the first one blossoms your inner self the later creates the barriers and hibernates your real self!!! Culture is expected to function as an instrument of pleasure, not the torture….we; seniors; the custodians of culture need to keep on nurturing...as an intergenerational gesture of good will… Experiencing the influence of egoist seniors is something like social inclusion obviating hugs!...togetherness with physical distancing!!… an induced cultural diversion!!! 

Life moves on with many incidental coincidences....some woven by white thread some by black thread...all that is to be treated some thing like breathing....take in and take out....for a pleasant voyage of life...either by respecting diversities or ignoring the dislikes…. We walk sometimes upright and disguise our fragility of having heart exposed!!!! Blossom the real in you…to obviate living in a world that no longer exists!!! 

Reimagining the American Dream:

A New Era of Inclusion and Opportunity 

By Sunil Tolani

In the heart of America’s bustling cities and quiet towns, a new narrative is unfolding. This story, rich with the ethos of compassion, opportunity, and relentless optimism, is redefining the very essence of the American Dream. Spearheaded by visionaries like Sunil Tolani, CEO of Prince Organization, this transformative movement champions inclusivity and second chances as cornerstones for a thriving society.

The American Dream has long been depicted as a pursuit of prosperity and happiness—a beacon for individuals worldwide seeking a better life. However, amidst evolving societal landscapes, this dream is undergoing a profound metamorphosis. It’s no longer just about achieving personal success but about uplifting others along the journey. At the forefront of this change is an unwavering commitment to those often left on the fringes—refugees struggling to find employment and formerly incarcerated individuals yearning for a fresh start. His dad had a simple rule: If someone needs your help, and you can give it, you do. 

“Royal Hospitality is our standard,” asserts Tolani, encapsulating his organization’s dedication to excellence not only in service but in human dignity and respect. This mantra extends beyond mere words; it’s a lived philosophy that permeates every aspect of Prince Organization’s operations.

For refugees, finding meaningful employment can be an insurmountable hurdle due to language barriers, cultural differences, and limited networks. Recognizing these challenges yet focusing on the untapped potential these individuals bring—resilience, diverse perspectives, and unmatched work ethic—Prince Organization shines as a beacon of hope. “When you treat people with love, dignity, respect,” Tolani explains, “you get twice that in return.” The outcome? A motivated workforce that shows up on time and excels in their roles, ultimately benefiting from significantly lower turnover rates.

Similarly transformative is the company’s pledge to offer second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals through comprehensive social services support. Prince Organization underscores its belief in rehabilitation over retribution by fostering an environment where past mistakes are not lifelong barriers to employment opportunities but lessons for growth and redemption.

“Our motto is to make a difference every day—one person at a time,” Tolani shares passionately. This approach transcends traditional business metrics; it’s about creating ripple effects of positive change throughout communities by being purposeful in actions and interactions. Together they strive to impact the world around them for generations to come.  

Trust forms the foundation upon which Prince Organization stands—a trust rooted deeply in mutual respect among colleagues and transparent communication across all levels of the hierarchy. Employees aren’t just workers; they’re valued members whose expectations for fairness, enjoyment in collaboration, and search for meaningful work are met with unwavering dedication. “We want their work to have special meaning,” says Tolani—an affirmation that each individual’s contribution aligns with their purpose and the collective mission of making societal impacts and contributing to an agile environment to do their lifes work .

As an immigrant himself who cherishes America’s generosity yet contributes doubly back into its fabric through philanthropy and humanitarian efforts. Tolani embodies what he preaches—the limitless potential when opportunity meets hard work enriched by gratitude towards one’s adopted homeland.He calls moving to America his “ rendezvous with destiny.”  Tolani has come to appreciate the many freedoms we have here and he usually tells people “The U.S. does not have streets paved with gold nor dollars falling from trees, but instead, they are paved with opportunity. All it takes is planning and hardwork mixed with self-discpline to build a life and be proud of it. 

Sunil Tolani’s life story mirrors countless others who arrive on America’s shores fueled by dreams not solely for themselves but aspiring to contribute positively to their new home nation’s narrative. His stance on immigration echoes historical movements driven by necessity or ambition: “Migration began when Moses escaped Egypt,” he reminds us poignantly highlighting that migration is an enduring reality shaped by humanity’s quest for freedom or prosperity.

Through social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Tolani extends his advocacy beyond corporate realms into global conversations around inclusivity, diversity empowerment, amplifying voices that advocate for systemic change within societies increasingly defined by multicultural identities, aspirations, resilience against adversities encountered along journeys towards realizing new American Dreams manifesting through shared efforts, compassion, empathy above all recognition shared humanity binds us together regardless backgrounds beliefs aspirations.  They are constantly striving to be the best version of themselves,staying true to their values and offersing shelter and sustenance to guests as his mother always said to him “A good name is better than riches and gold.” 

In conclusion—or instead without explicitly saying so—the evolving American Dream championed by visionaries like Sunil Tolani serves as a testament to America’s enduring spirit embracing diversity and inclusion while propelling forward narratives centered around compassion and mutual upliftment, thereby enriching both individual lives and national ethos alike heralding dawn new era filled with promise opportunity everyone calls land opportunity home irrespective past circumstances origins thus truly embodying Royal Hospitality standard every facet endeavor undertaken under guiding principles love dignity respect coupled unwavering faith human potential transform societies world large one purposeful act time. “I hope to be a needle mover. I hope to make a positive impact…in people’s lives, in my family legacy and in my personal legacy,” Tolani said.  Adding “We exist, first and foremost, to nourish our people”. Hospitality is innately altruistic. I am most sensitive to guest scrutiny, that’s what keeps me up at night is the possibility that our hotel might lose its license to operate—the one that relies on maintaining guests’ trust by being a force for good in the communities in which we operate. Maintaining that license means trying to create and sustain a culture that’s humble, hungry and ready to grow.

Ghanti

By Urmika Wadhwa 

Name of the Filmmaker: Urmika Wadhwa

Name of the Film in Original Language: يٽنھگ

Name of the Film in English: Ghanti

Name of the Guide: Dr Shilpa Das

Names of the main crew members

Director: Urmika Wadhwa

Original Short Story: Harish Vaswani

Screenplay: Urmika Wadhwa

Director of Photography: Parth Pujara

Editing: Iniya Vasanthan

On-location Sound: Bhargav Soni

Production Designer: Deependra Yadav

Chief Assistant Director: Ikprabh Kohli

Assistant Director: Shashwat Brahmbhatt

Unit Producer: Rahul Jangid

Production Assistants: Manu Mathew, Dany P Joshua, Manu R

Costumes: Anshika Raj

Makeup and Hair: Disha Matreja

Genre/Duration/Language/Year of production of the film: Drama/25 min 03 seconds/ Sindhi, Gujarati, Hindi/2024

Address, Phone number and non-nid email address of the Filmmaker:

F-4. Phase 1, Ashok Vihar, Delhi – 110052, +91-9873333577, urmika.w@gmail.com

Address, Phone number and email address of the Producer/Copyright Holder: National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

Filmmaker’s Bio:

Urmika Wadhwa was born in New Delhi. She did her Bachelors of Arts in English and Masters of Arts in Sociology from University of Delhi. After that she worked with the Government of India as a public sector consultant at Quality Council of India, an autonomous body under the government. After working with various central ministries for 2.5 years, she joined the National Institute of Design as a Film Student.

Synopsis of the Film:

Ghanti is a short film adapted from a story of the same name. The story is written by Harish Vasvani, recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award for contribution to Sindhi literature.

It follows the journey of Baba, an old Sindhi man living in Ahmedabad with his son’s family, who longs to speak to someone in his mother tongue, before he dies.

Among Hindu Sindhi migrants today, the language is nearing extinction, as the only remaining speakers of the language are members of the grandparent generation.

The film attempts to raise awareness about this dying language and also seeks to ask - what happens when a thing as rich as a language and a culture dies? How do speakers of that language communicate authentically? And what account shall we keep of its loss, in the future.

In today’s increasingly homogenising world, Ghanti brings to the spotlight the subtle, unspoken sentiments and predicaments of being from a minority diasporic community alienated from its 

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Rasool Bux Palijo Remembered

 By Kalavanti Raja

The 6th death anniversary of Rasool Bux Palijo was held in Jungshahi-Thatta, Sindh by his party, Awami Tahreek.

Millions of Sindhis gathered to honor Palijo, a unique revolutionary thinker in Sindh's history.

The event was notable for several reasons:

• More than half of the participants were politically aware rural women, a rare feat for any party today.

• The gathering's discipline was exemplary, reflecting the revolutionary character of the organization.

• Girls paid tribute to the leader with a disciplined guard of honor.

• Palijo's initiatives in combining politics, literature, culture, and art were prominently reflected.

• The event embodied an ideal society and reflected the ideals of Sindh, including universal brotherhood, harmony, and tolerance for all oppressed nations, classes, and segments of the country.

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Learn To Meditate

By Sister Henna - NY

Sindhi Wife: Where are you going ?

Sindhi Husband: Watch the game at the Dhabba

Sindhi Wife: Why don't you watch it with me?

 Sindhi Husband: I want to see it with my friends.

Sindhi Wife: So I am nothing to you?

 Sindhi Husband: My god, OK OK I am staying.

Sindhi Wife: Why is the team in black?

 Sindhi Husband: They are in mourning.

Sindhi Wife: The commentator, how does he know all names?

Sindhi Husband: It's his job

Sindhi Wife: They scored!

Sindhi Husband: No, it's an offside.

Sindhi Wife: What is offside?

Sindhi Husband: Offside is the name of the coach.

Sindhi Wife: Where's the coach?

Sindhi Husband: He is off the field

Sindhi Wife: Why isn't he playing?

Sindhi Husband: No he doesn't play, he changes the players and the game tactics.

Sindhi Wife: Tell me, Sachin Tendulkar is there?

Sindhi Husband: No he died

Sindhi Wife: Oh my God, how?

Sindhi Husband: He had watched a game with his wife.

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.

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Vini Melwani

Editorial Content

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