History Of

“WE BHAGNARIS” 

By Lachu Gehi & Neeta Mehta

We are original habitants of the villages Bhag and Nar (twin villages) in the princely state of Kalat in Plains of Southern Baluchistan, also known as Kachhi plains, which is a lowland bay opening southward from Sibi towards Sind.

The region was mainly inhabited by Muslim tribes known as Brahui and Baloch. Hindus were a small minority (about 5%). However, near-about all the business was in the hands of Hindus and they were generally respected by all the Muslim tribes. The Hindus got themselves affiliated to particular tribes. In pre-colonial days there was constant warfare and blood feuds between various ethnic tribes. But the Hindus were generally not harmed although affiliated with rival tribe. In fact, there was an unwritten law that in case of inter-tribal wars Hindus will not be harmed.

Almost all the business and trading activities were carried out by Hindus. They organized exchange of goods between highlands of Central Baluchistan and Afghanistan on one hand and lowland of Sind, Kachhi and Las Bela on the other. The goods produced in the highlands included grain, wool, woven carpets, skins , tobacco, almonds, potash, dates and dry fruits while imports from lowlands included textiles, oil, fats, shoes, utensils, spices, salt, and cattle. The nomadic Muslim tribes provided camels for transportation and protection necessary to secure caravans. The Hindu merchants also used seasonal migration of nomadic tribes for transport of their goods.

The growing tendency towards a settled way of life in many tribal territories brought the construction of permanent housing and Bazaar shops. The numerous Hindu families thus separated from their affiliated tribes and moved into the various settlements which include BHAG, Dadhar Sibi and Bela

Search for a Better Life

However our ancestors, who were enterprising and forward looking, wanted a better life both socially and economically. They therefore migrated to safer and more prosperous places like Punjab and Sind. The migration was not sudden and en-masse, but gradual spread over more than half a century from early nineteenth to late nineteenth century. They had to encounter lot of difficulties enroute. There were no modern means of transport available. There were no bridges built over Sindhu River and other waterways. While very few migrated to Punjab most of our ancestors migrated to Jecambad, Shikarpur and Sukkur in North Sind and Hyderabad and Karachi in South Sind. Those who migrated to Punjab and North Sind merged with the local population of the respective places as they were few in numbers. Since the number of Bhagnaris who migrated to Jecambad, Hyderabad and Karachi was high, they could preserve their individual identity.

“Bhagnari Nyaat”

Those of us who migrated to Hyderabad (Sind) and hailed from Bhag village preferred to be called "BHAGIS". The few who hailed from Nar village were called "NARIWALS". As the time passed both BHAGIS and NARIWALS got united and thus BHAGNARI COMMUNITY was born.

Most of the Bhagnaris, barring few, who had earlier settled in Hyderabad (Sind), came to settle in Karachi, which was a bigger city and had better opportunities. In Karachi, most of Bhagnaris lived in "Pamoo Dalal Street" (South Karachi) and a few families settled in north of Karachi city in Soldier Bazar, Dhobi Ghat and Camp areas. Gradually, barring a few families all others shifted to "Pamoo Dalal

Street". Later this street became known as "Bhagnari Pada". Incidentally even today "Pamoo Dalal Street" in Karachi, Pakistan is known as "Bhagnari Pada". As more and more families came to south Karachi, they settled in the adjacent streets of Bhagnari Pada viz. Chainamal Street and Mohamed Shah Street. The Bhagnari Pada is part of Karachi old town where first Hindu inhabitants of Karachi including Bhagnaris were settled. The other Hindu inhabitants were Chhaprus, Nasarpuris, Wawas, and Brahm khatris.The Bhagnaris were among the first Hindu settlers of Karachi.

Shree Chainamal Mohandas was the first President of Shree Bhagnari Panchayat.

Bhagnaris, being hard-working and enterprising people, WE BHAGNARIS, struck deep roots in the soil of Karachi and made rapid progress in all the fields. Some Bhagnaris started their own businesses and few among them constructed their residential buildings and rented out excess accommodation to Bhagnaris only. With the passage of time many Bhagnaris entered business and most of them were successful in their ventures. The above events prove that Bhagnaris who had migrated to Karachi progressed well and prospered there too. Four Bhagnaris had the honor of being Justice of Peace and many also held license of Revolvers/Guns. One Bhagnari Mr. Kalumal Nasta was chief judge of Sind Small Causes Court.

We were in Karachi (Sind) for over a century. We studied in Sindhi medium schools and were Sindhis in all other respects yet we did not leave our Bhagnari language.

Partition And Its Aftermath

The members of our community were well settled, with most of them leading a contented and peaceful life. The Partition of India caused a huge disruption in our lives in 1947. The provinces which had a Muslim majority were included in Pakistan while other parts of the country remained in India. Since Sind state had a Muslim majority the same was included in Pakistan.

Once again, a life of uncertainty, fear, religious and economic persecution by Muslims, left the community with no other alternative but to migrate to India. The life had become full of panic and anxiety. Situation was getting very tense. There was always fear of breaking communal riots by Muslims who had migrated from provinces which were included in India. They wanted to occupy properties of Hindus and drive them out of Pakistan even kill them. The Bhagnaris stored heavy soda water bottles and acid in their homes for self defense against the rioters. In order to save their lives and valuables, all Bhagnaris and Hindus wanted to flee Pakistan as early as possible and reach India safely. Since land route to India was unsafe and the trains were being attacked and passengers, massacred, the only safe route out was by sea. However, only a limited number of ships were available and securing tickets was a big problem. Thanks to a few selfless and courageous Bhagnari social workers, who not only arranged tickets for most of us but also helped us in salvaging what ever possible, we were able to reach India safely.

All of us had to leave behind our properties, homes, business and rich heritage. This was the second time Bhagnaris had to fight against religious tyranny and move to save their traditions. Thus another chapter began in India for all of us.

In India

Most of Bhagnaris settled in Mumbai and primarily in Mahim area. With this the tradition of our Panchayat began to revive. There are many Bhagnaris from other parts of Pakistan particularly from Jacobabad and Bhag (our original native place), who migrated to Udaipur and Indore. Many residents of Kataria Colony have relations in Udaipur and perhaps in Indore.

Picking Up The Pieces

The early life of Mumbai was not an easy one. Instead of getting a sympathy of local people we were not only un-welcome, but also earned their ire. Slowly, by our tolerance we were able to adjust to the new life-style and started blending with the local population. Most of the Bhagnaris started acquiring accommodations as per their needs and financial capacity. Those of our unfortunate Bhagnari brethren who could not afford to acquire accommodation on their own had to move to the Government refugee camps at Kalyan, Bhandup, Matunga and Chembur. The life in these camps was rough.

Revival of Shree Bhagnari Panchayat In the year 1948, after meeting unofficially, several times only in groups, the first organised meeting of the Panchayat was held on 24th April 1948. Initially during the first year after migration i.e. from 24th April 1948 to 13 November 1949, several meetings of the Panchayat were held mainly to reconstruct the records of Bhagnaris. During the years between1949 and 1955 about 80 meetings were held and most of the records regarding our community were regularised. Since our Panchayat did not have office of its own, all the meetings were held at the residence of our Head Maharaj Ramchand Sharma in Mahim. We express our sincere gratitude to late Ram Maharaj.

Panchayat

Gradually, Bhagnaris started taking interest in all activities of Panchayat. Traditional festivals like Maha Shivratri, Holi, Shravan, and Umavas were revived and celebrated. The first constitution of Panchayat was published in 1954 but was not registered with any Government authority. The official membership of Panchayat had reduced from 240 to 200 due to deaths, migration of some of our brothers to other places. However the membership soon started picking up especially after the building of Kataria Colony and at present, membership is over 500 families.

Poor Aid

Huts were constructed at Malad for our unfortunate brethren who could not afford to have roof above their head. Monthly monetary help was rendered to the deserving and needy Bhagnari families. In some cases, clothes and food-grains were also distributed to our needy brethren. The poor aid in form of monthly allowance to poor widows, medical assistance, educational aid was also continued to be given even after most of the Bhagnaris had at least permanent shelter and means of livelihood, but this was not being done in organized manner, as there was no permanent corpus for this purpose.

Donations used to be collected as and when need arose from generous Bhagnaris. In 1974 when Shree Kanayalal Nasta was Mukhi, he constituted a separate charitable institution under the name of "Bhagnari Welfare Society" and got it registered with Charity Commissioner, Government of Maharastra. The permanent corpus was built up by collecting donation from generous Bhagnaris. The corpus kept on increasing, specially due to the special efforts of Mukhi Naraindas Talreja who has devoted his life to the betterment of less fortunate Bhagnaris. Apart from income of corpus to help needy Mr. Ramchand Popley has been funding in a very big way including expensive Hospital treatments. The community will ever remain grateful to him. Of late many Bhagnaris from Dubai are coming forward to help. Special mention be made of Mr, Ashok Gehi who has been generously helping in meeting medical expenses.

Birth of Kataria Colony

Ever since Bhagnaris came to Mumbai, our revered Mukhi Late Shri Takandas H Kataria had a desire that most of the Bhagnaris should live in one locality, preferably in one residential complex. His dream came true when he purchased a plot of land at Cadell Road, Shivaji Park- a decent higher middle class and peaceful locality. Even before collecting the cost of the plot from Bhagnaris, Late Shri Takandas H Kataria started the construction of the site. Thus BHAG CO-OPERTIVE HOUSING SOCIETY LTD. came into existence. The first building of our housing society number 'A' was funded by Late Mukhi Shri Thakandas H Kataria himself. Loans were granted to deserving Bhagnaris to acquire flats in the said society. The building was completed in 1954 and was offered to allottees for occupation.

Later, an adjacent plot was also purchased for construction of additional buildings for accommodating more Bhagnaris. All the buildings were designed by our architect Shri Issardas Motumal Kanar, who was later elected as President of our Panchayat. Construction was being supervised by Late Shri Harkishindas D Gehani who took over as President of our Panchayat after the sad demise of Mukhi Shri Takandas H Kataria.

In the finest display of Bhagnari teamwork, Shri Takandas H. Kataria, Shri Issardas M Kanar and Shri Harikishindas D Gehani, Shri Naraindas Talreja, Shri Parsram Motumal Nasta, Shri Vishindas Katreja and other dedicated Bhagnaris, 'B', ' D' 'E' and ' F' buildings were subsequently completed. 'G' Building was completed in 1968. In 1974 'H' building was also redeveloped and A LANDMARK, appropriately named KATARIA COLONY, housing 150 Bhagnari families came into existence.

Social Evolution- From Tribal to Modern

The Culture can not be and should not be frozen. Through evolution of society, historical events, discovery of new lands, scientific invention and birth of new ideas have changed our culture from tribal to most modern. The large joint families used to be common in our community. The change in way of our work, more and more working women, increased mobility and migration, have made nuclear families part of our culture. The other change that has come to our community is inter caste marriages. Till some years back endogamy (marriages within the community) was the rule. However in recent times marriages with spouse outside the community have become more frequent. In modern times this can not be prevented. This phenomenon poses long time challenge to the very existence of our community. We can convert this challenge into opportunity by encouraging non Bhagnari spouses (both sexes) to integrate themselves in our community by becoming members of Bhagnari Panchayat.

We Bhagnaris have adjusted well to our present environments and will continue to do so. The change is a challenge and Bhagnaris will meet it face on in right direction.

Excerpt with permission from

Mr. Lachu Gehi

https://ebhagnaris.in/

With much thanks to Neeta Mehta

New Jersey USA

Tryst With Koki

By Dr. Subhadra Anand

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

GET YOUR COPY OF

"Tryst With Koki"

HERE

My COVID 19 Message

By Tikam Matai

Retired Project Manager

MBTA, Boston, MA 

Human race has gone through a lot of unavoidable calamities like floods, cyclones, earthquakes mudslides and lot more. But this Covid-19 pandemic has brought this world to its knees. Pandemic like this has been unheard till now in our life time. It has

suspended everyday life for all of us. This is nothing but WRATH OF DIVINE POWER. In the entire world, people have lost moral values. No body knows the DARK SIDE OF THE HUMAN SOUL. These days there is more crime, hatred, cheating, murder,

abundant lies, rapes and jealousy. Everything is at its extreme. Many world leaders have also become selfish. They just want to hold their power, misguide people and never practice what they preach. Everything is going in the wrong direction. This has caused lot of suffering. Poverty and hunger have taken toll all over the world.

Additionally, there is economic turmoil all over the world because of this pandemic.

All kinds of precautions have taken around the world as per guidelines of medical professionals like wearing masks, gloves and following social distancing and using sanitizers. Some people who defy these guidelines and suffer.

Pandemic is still on the rise and 11 million people have been affected around the world. Five million people have died around the world. This is a very sad situation and everybody is worried about it. Some people have gone into depression!!!

The only way to avoid worrying about is to take a deep breath, listen to yourself and your mind. Sit quietly for some time in a room, close your eyes, remove all negative thoughts and repeat that I am a happy and a blessed soul. Ask “Oh Lord”, make me

strong enough to face this situation. By doing this in few minutes you will feel upbeat. Continue this exercise daily as many times as you can.

Many people have drifted from the right path even when they know that we are not permanent on this universe. We have come here empty handed and we will leave this place empty handed!! Some are born with some incurable disease. Who is doing all this

and making such decisions? Nobody knows what is destined for tomorrow.

God has made all people equal, then why there is hate. After death we all become same dust. White, Black, Brown, rich and poor people, everyone’s color of blood is red.

We all have become materialistic, I need this, I need that, there is no end to our desires. We brag about our belongings. In this world of 7.5 billion people who knows us. As single individual among 7.5 billion people we are equivalent to a grain of sand. We are so full of ego, as if I know everything, I have everything, I am super human being.

Every day we have to train our mind that as long as we are in this world, we have to do right things, then the life will become peaceful. Mind is not a dust bin to keep anger, hatred and jealousy. But is a treasure box to keep love, happiness and sweet memories. (Swami Vivekananda)

If we want peace in our life we need generous heart, kind speech, service to others, love and compassion. (Lord Buddha)

Living with these ideals can smoothen our life. Hopefully this pandemic will go away soon, then we may see a world order with compassion and love.

The greatest error of a man is to think that he is weak by nature, which is not so. Every man is divine and strong in his real nature. What are weak and evil are his habits, his desires and thoughts not himself. (Rishi Ramana)

My Gurudev used to tell me “If you live with simplicity and truthfulness, God will not show a single difficult day in your life.

God Bless You!!

WINNERS OF JUNE'S TRIVIA

VINOD AHUJA

MOHINI GEHANI

MONICA GOKALDAS - Nairobi

ASHOK R HIRWANI - Pune, Maharashtra, India 

ASHOK THADANI - Gurugram, Haryana, India

JULY TRIVIA

Guess who these Famous Sindhi Personalities are.

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

 Bhagnaris

 By Lachu Gehi

In the land of Bhag, where the Nari river flows,
A community emerged, with stories to disclose.
From Balochistan's embrace, we journeyed afar,
To the bustling streets of Karachi, our new avatar.

We are the Bhagnaris, with a language of our own,
Saraiki, we speak, a heritage well known.
Though mistaken from Sindh, our spirit stays true,
Unwavering in our roots, no matter where we pursue.

From the shores of Karachi, to Mumbai's vibrant beat,
In Mahim and beyond, they find solace and retreat.
United in Kataria Colony, their heartbeat aligned,
Over a hundred families live here, harmoniously entwined.

Though small in numbers, our bond stretches wide,
Across India's expanse, UAE, and lands worldwide.
Through websites and Facebook, we remain connected,
A thread of unity, never to be neglected.

Oh, Bhagnaris, may our community thrive,
May our language echo and forever survive.
With hearts intertwined and spirits held high,
May blessings of unity always be nigh.

3000 to 4000 strong, we stand tall and true,
Preserving our heritage, a remarkable virtue.
God bless our journey, with continued unity,
May the Bhagnari spirit shine with serenity.

**********

Happy Father's Day

By Harshita Thadani

To my darling Papa written by your princess.

Where do I begin to thank my most loving Papa,,
Showering upon me his love the minute I opened my eyes,
Engulfed in hugs and kisses  always,
From birth until death did us apart.

You were so handsome, so proud of us, so loving and so caring,
I  miss all the fun times we shared together,
The birthdays we celebrated in the most ostentatious way,
Holding my hand teaching me to walk every day.

I should have never let go of your hand Papa knowing you were leaving me half way,
This little princess of yours remembers you every single day.
Teaching me to bicycle, skate were just a few of the activities,
Besides your gift of laughter and fun always.

“Thank God for everything he has given you”, you  said,
Never say you glass is half empty it is always half full,
Look at life always with a positive attitude,
Papa your golden words have come a very long way.

We never value the impact of words taught during childhood,
While  somewhere in our mind they have graced themselves,
As life unfolds so do all your teachings,
Here  I am following your footsteps and now understand its meanings.

God has decorated his heaven with celebrating your presence,
That is the thought I now have to live with,
He lends us the best for a very short time,
We live with the sacrifice while he has one of mine.

A Sindhi taxi passenger tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question. 

The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the footpath, and stopped inches from a shop window. 

For a second, everything was quiet in the cab. Then the driver said, "Look, don't ever do that again. You scared the living daylights out of me!"

The passenger apologized and said, "I didn't realize that a little tap would scare you so much." 

The driver replied, "Sorry, it's not really your fault. Today is my first day as a cab driver — I've been driving a funeral van for the last 25 years." 

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.