Sindhi-Hindus

Masters of Robust Economy

By Waseem Palijo

Sindhi-Hindus are small business and money minded community, located in both Pakistan and India; onset, in Pakistan they live in Sindh and Baluchistan provinces and in India they settled after partition in different provinces and cities, even they are scattered in entire India & far from each other. After partition they were reluctant to leave Sindh due to their love with this land, so a year later,  in January, 1948 religious riots erupted on the streets of Karachi and hastily broke into all over Sindh, which led them to leave their motherland.

However by going in hordes,  ships, air and railways, some of them directly settled in U.S, Canada, England and other countries but majority migrated  to India.

This community is culturally different from other Hindus as they have centuries old language, culture, traditions, cultural God like JhuleLal, norms, Mystical lifestyle even they dine with their Sindhi Muslim friends without grudge. If we talk about the business and economy then this community is at a highest pitch. By leaving their people, blood-relatives, land, culture, language, properties and assets behind they did not sit quietly, they were in plight and many educated people lived in a misery life in refugee camps in India and other countries & many died due to lack of medical treatment in refugee camps, albeit they didn’t gave up, it became their target to enter in the world of enterprise and this community exerted in business, some started business by selling toffees, chocolates and snacks in trains and many others launched the carts & pushed carts on the streets of Mumbai & in entire India. The outcomes they got after many years, and today they all are very well known business class personalities of India and Middle-east, Europe.

Karachi, Hyderabad and Bombay(Mumbai) was the center of Sindhi-Hindus for trade in the entire world. These international cities were also built by Sindhi Hindus, they used to import and export the goods, households, cotton & etc. Before Karachi, Hyderabad and Bombay, they also traded from Thatta’s port, the richest city which had been the trading partner of Muscat and marketplace, which remained the trading center in 12th century and then it was Shikarpur which opened the paths for Sindhi-Hindu merchants in rest of the world. By taking advantage of sea roots many Sindhi-Hindus established their businesses in Middle-east, India, China, Spain, Italy, and Japan, Sindhi-Hindus were well educated than Sindhi-Muslims.

The people who suffered trauma after partition, drove the taxi’s on roads, sold goods in trains, launched carts on the streets of Mumbai and other parts of India, started selling snacks on bi-cycles, established small shops in middle-east, china, Spain, England, are now the billionaires of today’s world. Like, Micky Jagtiani who drove the taxi in London now he is the middle-eastern billionaire, he is a college dropout, and started his career from a small baby product shop, today he is the owner of Landmark Group, landmark group has many departmental stores in different countries of the world just like India, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and others. Niranjan Hiranandani is a real estate businessman, billionaire of India, and Owner of Hiranandani Group. He started his career from a textile weaving unit. One of my Facebook friend asked me, ‘do you know that in 1970 a Sindhi use to sell Pani Puri on the roads of Mumbai, now he is the millionaire and owner of 3 Marla hotel in Bandra named Elco Pani Puri Bandra, which is very famous in Mumbai, even many Bollywood superstars go there to enjoy the taste’.

Business is the first priority of Sindhi-Hindus, beside business they are part of Bollywood . There are many famous Sindhi superstars and celebrities in Bollywood. Kareena Kapoor’s mother Babita kapoor is a Sindhi, she hails to Burns road Karachi, Director of Sholay Movie G.P Sippy, Rajkumar Hirani director of P.K movie originally belongs to Mehrabpur, Sindh, singer Vishal Dadlani, actresses Preeti Jhangiani, Kaira Advani, Hansika Motvani, Tamannha Bhatia and many others, actors like Ranveer Singh Bhavnani, Jacky Bhagnani are also Sindhis who made their career in film industries. Shobha Lalchandani editor-in-chief of Hindvasi Sindhi magazine and a proud Sindhi who is playing a major role in promoting Sindhi language, literature & culture in India. 

This article was originally published by Bawarij

Sindhi Spirituality

Nurturing Harmony in Diversity

By Anil Matai 

Introduction:

The Sindhi community, a vibrant and resilient group with a rich cultural heritage, has long been an embodiment of spiritual harmony and coexistence. Rooted in the Sindh region of South Asia, the Sindhi people have cultivated a unique blend of spirituality that transcends religious boundaries and celebrates the diversity of belief systems within their community.

1. Historical Tapestry of Sindhi Spirituality:

    

The spiritual landscape of the Sindhi community is deeply woven into the historical fabric of the region. Over the centuries, Sindh has been a melting pot of various cultures and religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This diverse heritage has given rise to a spiritual ethos that embraces pluralism and tolerance.

In ancient times, the great Indus Valley Civilization flourished in Sindh, leaving behind a legacy of sophisticated urban planning and a profound connection with nature. This early civilization laid the groundwork for the spiritual reverence that Sindhis hold for the environment and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

2. Sufism: The Mystical Thread:

One of the most significant influences on Sindhi spirituality is Sufism, the mystical Islamic tradition. Sufi saints have played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual landscape of Sindh, emphasizing love, unity, and devotion to the divine. The teachings of Sufi saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai have permeated Sindhi culture, fostering a sense of spiritual inclusivity.

Sufi poetry, with its themes of divine love and oneness, resonates deeply within the Sindhi community. It serves as a unifying force, transcending religious boundaries and encouraging individuals to seek a personal, intimate connection with the divine.

3. Hindu Influence: A Tapestry of Devotion:

    

The majority of Sindhi people practice Hinduism, and their spiritual practices are deeply rooted in ancient Vedic traditions. The sacred river, Sindhu (Indus), holds a special place in the hearts of Sindhis, symbolizing purity and spiritual abundance. Festivals like Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year, are celebrated with fervour, blending Hindu rituals with the cultural richness of Sindh.

The reverence for saints and sages, prevalent in Hinduism, is seamlessly woven into the Sindhi spiritual fabric. This inclusivity allows for a harmonious coexistence of diverse beliefs, fostering a spirit of mutual respect among the community members.

4. Cultural Syncretism: Bridging Divides through Celebration:

    

Sindhi spirituality is a testament to the power of cultural syncretism. The community's festivals and rituals often showcase a beautiful blend of Hindu and Sufi traditions, exemplifying the coexistence of multiple spiritual paths.

The Urs (celebration of the death anniversary) of Sufi saints and the observance of Hindu festivals side by side reflect the unity that underlies Sindhi spirituality. This interweaving of traditions serves as a bridge, connecting people of different faiths and fostering a sense of shared spiritual heritage.

5. Community Values: Compassion and Social Harmony:

    

At the core of Sindhi spirituality lies a set of values that emphasize compassion, humility, and social harmony. The teachings of spiritual leaders and saints encourage selfless service (seva) and a commitment to the well-being of the community.

The concept of "Vandana," a term borrowed from the Sindhi language, encapsulates the spirit of collective worship and communal harmony. It reflects the belief that true spirituality is manifested through acts of kindness and support for one another.

6. Challenges and Resilience:

Despite the spiritual richness of the Sindhi community, historical challenges, including the partition of India in 1947, forced many Sindhis to migrate. The diaspora faced the challenge of preserving their cultural and spiritual identity in new lands.

In the face of adversity, the Sindhi community has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining its spiritual core while adapting to new environments. The spirit of unity and spiritual inclusivity has been a guiding force in overcoming challenges and rebuilding a sense of community across borders.

7. The Future of Sindhi Spirituality: Nurturing the Seeds of Wisdom:

    

As the Sindhi community navigates the complexities of the modern world, the preservation of its spiritual heritage becomes crucial. The younger generation plays a pivotal role in carrying forward the torch of Sindhi spirituality, ensuring that the values of inclusivity, compassion, and cultural syncretism remain vibrant.

Educational initiatives, interfaith dialogues, and cultural exchanges can further enrich the spiritual tapestry of the Sindhi community. By embracing the wisdom of the past and adapting to the evolving needs of the present, Sindhis can continue to be beacons of spiritual harmony in an interconnected world.

Conclusion:

The Sindhi community stands as a testament to the transformative power of spiritual harmony in the face of cultural diversity. Rooted in the historical confluence of various traditions, Sindhi spirituality fosters unity, tolerance, and a deep connection with the divine. As the community navigates the challenges of the modern era, the enduring spirit of Sindhi spirituality serves as a guiding light, inspiring future generations to embrace diversity and nurture a world where spiritual harmony flourishes.

Sadhu Vaswani

Center For World Peace

A gift of Thank You from all of us to you!

Forgiveness Journal Inspired by Dada’s teachings is available now.

Download your free copy here.

Please do share with all your loved ones.

Let us forgive all.

Let us love all.

And let us begin the

New Year with a clean slate.

Dada Shyam

WINNERS OF NOVEMBER'S TRIVIA

MAYA SHAHANI - Bahrain

JANUARY TRIVIA

 This month's Trivia is less Trivia and more of 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 used to make this,

could you email it in to us at;

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

A Sindhi husband decided to do yoga. 
As he was getting ready, 

the wife wakes up and opened her eyes.

Assomal: "Honey would you like to join me for Yoga?"

Mohini: "Do you mean to say I am fat?"

Assomal: "No no. If you don't want to get up, it's OK."

Mohini: "So now you think I am lazy, ha?"

Assomal: "No. You are misunderstanding me. I didn't mean...."

Mohini: "Aha! So I don't understand you, right?"

Assomal: "Now look I didn't say that."

Mohini: "So am I lying?!!"

Assomal: "All right! Its best I also don't go for Yoga

Mohini: "See! You never wanted to go. Just wanted to blame me."

The husband quietly goes to sleep again! 

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.