WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO JOIN IN A COMPETITION FOR MAKING ARTWORK FOR SINDHI FLAG, SYMBOL AND SINDHI NARA, ANY BODY CAN PARTICIPATE WITHOUT ANY AGE BAR. SELECTED PARTICIPANT WILL BE HONOUR IN A FUNCTION IN MUMBAI. YOU CAN SEND YOUR ARTWORK ON FOLLOWING E-MAIL BEFORE 26TH JAN 2011. PL KEEP IN MINDOUR SINDHISHAAN,WHEN YOU ARE MAKING ART WORK. E-MAIL – episode@rediffmail.com
T MANWANI ANAND, GENERAL SECRETORY, SINDHI SAMAJ INTERNATIONAL FORUM
Jaun Elia (Urdu: جون ایلیا, December 14, 1931 – November 8, 2002) was a notable Pakistani Urdu poet, philosopher, biographer and scholar. He was widely praised for his unique style of writing. He was the brother of renowned journalist and psychoanalyst Rais Amrohvi and journalist and world-renowned philosopher Syed Muhammad Taqi, and husband of famous columnist Zahida Hina. He was a man of letters, well versed in Arabic, English, Persian, Sanskrit and Hebrew.
Jaun Elia was born on December 14, 1931 in an illustrious family of Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. He was the youngest of his siblings. His father, Allama Shafiq Hasan Elia, was deeply involved in art and literature and also an astrologer and a poet. This literary environment modeled him along the same lines, and he wrote his first Urdu couplet when he was just 8.
Read more : Wikipedia
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ANALYSIS: Why don’t black Americans swim? — Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur
…only five out of 24 SHC judges are of Sindhi origin. Sindhi lawyers contend that the ratio of Sindhi judges is not being maintained. They demand equal ratio of judges in the SHC and a just ratio between the interior [rural] and Karachi. They say no fresh appointments should be made from Karachi, as 19 out of Sindh’s 22 districts are completely ignored, which is a violation of the fundamental and social rights of the people of Sindh. They say they will not accept the decision of the JC if lawyers from interior Sindh are not elevated.
Remarkably, as there are few black swimmers in the US today, here until 1971, there was no Bengali player in the cricket team. Today, they have a team that comprehensively defeated New Zealand recently. …
Read more : Daily Times
[The Christmas Eve, 2010 in the Austin, Texas downtown, with a resolve to remain of Sindh wherever I live – Mohammad Ali Mahar].
A Tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. Singer and Lyrics: Ms. Dilshad Mirza.
Altaf criticises US court order against intelligence personnel
BHIT SHAH: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Saturday reacted to a purported US court order seeking appearance of top Pakistani intelligence personnel to testify in a compensation suit in respect of the Mumbai attacks. …
Read more : Daily Times
By: Abdul Khalique Junejo.
Holding of general elections and subsequent formation of government, some times coalitions, is just a routine matter and a normal course of life in the countries of Western Europe. But not so in the case of Belgium, the country considered and called to be the ‘Capital of Europe’ since it provides headquarters for European Union and the NATO. The recently held general elections in this tiny country of about 10 millions people made bigger and eye-catching head-lines in the world media; not for any ‘Landside Victory’ but because of a split mandate, a mandate that threatens to split the country. For example the news paper carried the headlines; “Separatists claim victory in Belgian election”. These developments have generated extraordinary interest in this part of the world as many regions /peoples here are encountering the problems of similar nature.
Belgium, being situated between France and Holland, is a bi-lingual country comprising the French-speaking Wallonia people and Flemish-speaking Flanders. For many years the emphasis on the linguistic identity has been on the rise and recently quite vociferous voices have been heard for the dissolution of Belgium and creation of a separate country for the Flemish-speaking people of Dutch origin. New Flemish Alliance, the party advocating for separate country, has emerged as the largest party, not only among the Flanders but in the country as a whole. This has given an exceeding impetus to the demands for the parting of ways between the Flanders and the Wallonia.
Pakistan was created by conjoining of different peoples with their own distinct identity based on history, language and culture. After creation of the new country, these peoples (Bengalis, Sindhis, Balochs etc) started demanding recognition of their identity and asking for the promotion of their culture and language. In response the state-organs used the force of gun and the state-intellectuals used the force of pen to suppress such demands and, instead, promote and impose ‘single identity, single language and single culture’. This ‘strategy’ created strong reaction which manifested itself in the shape of mass movements for the ‘restoration’ of different identities.
One of these movements, Bengali, culminated in the ‘split’ of Pakistan and creation of a new country. Bangladesh while Sindhi and Baloch movements are getting fiercer by the time.
U.S. Provides Equipment To Lady Health Workers
ISLAMABAD: More than 1,500 Lady Health Workers who work in areas in Punjab and Sindh provinces affected by the floods will receive kits of basic equipment to assist them as they offer vital health care services to families in their communities. This donation is part of the United States’ continuing support for Pakistan’s flood relief and recovery efforts.
The kits were donated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to Pakistan’s National Program for Family Planning and Primary Health Care. Kits include blood pressure monitors, scales, thermometers, blankets, tents, and basic furniture. This equipment will enable Lady Health Workers to set up health houses to provide basic services in flood-affected communities. …
Read more : ONLINE
Sindhi folk dance Chhalaro performed by Sudha Masand and group at Nagpur India. Migrant Sindhis from Sindh are settled in Nagpur, India. Hindu Sindhis are scattered all over the world and India but mostly concentrated in Ulhasnagar (near Bombay) and Nagpur in province of Maharashtra.
Sindh – Karachi : Bangladesh’s government has decided to confer Bangladesh National Award to Sindh nationalist leader late G. M. Sayed, late Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizinjo from Balochistan, [the poet of Sindhi language, Late Sheikh Ayaz from Sindh, who strongly opposed the military operation and as a president of Sukkur Bar Association he passed a resolution against the brutal military operation and genocide of Bangalis due to it he put behind the bars. During his imprisonment (May 1971 to January 1972) in Sukkur Jail, he wrote his “Jail Diary”. He had also behind the bars from 1965 to 1968 due to his revolutionary poetry in military dictator Ayoub Khan era . In later years it becomes a piece of Sindhi revolutionary literature.], Baadshah Khan, Abdus Samad Achakzai, Khair Bakhsh Marri, Ahmad Saleem, Tahira Muzhar, Zafar Malik and Air Marshal (R) Asghar Khan are among the 40 Pakistanis who were chosen for the award.
G. M. Sayed was the first leader in west Pakistan who had dare to strongly condemned and opposed the genocide of Bangladeshis in 1970 by Pakistani security forces during darkest times of dictatorship. The authoritarian authorities of that time decided to give punishment to G. M. Sayed, therefore, they put G. M. Sayed under house arrest and his house was declared a sub-jail. He had been detained without trial until his death. He was declared “Prisoner of Conscience” by Amnesty International.
G.M. Syed mainly advocated for non-violence, democracy, secularism (Separation of religion from the state), national self-determination, unity among all south Asian nations and states, social and economic equality for all. Long live the struggle of Saeen G. M. Syed for the religious harmony, unity among all south Asian nations and states towards universal peace.
Now Bangladesh selected G.M. Sayed and several other individuals from various countries to award them with its highest civilian decoration.
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For more details : Examiner.com
Sunnis as well as Hindus in Sindh, as they have done for centuries, joined the Shia minority in their mourning processions.. the same has held true for Hindu and traditional Sindhi festivals. Centuries old reports observe how entire cities participated in celebrations such as Holi and Ddiyaarii.. one 17th century observer noted that Thatto was closed for days for Holi celebrations.
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Sindh demonstrates traditional religious harmony
By Jan Khaskheli, Karachi
People in Sindh have again shown sectarian harmony, a tradition set by their elders hundreds of years ago, taking out Muharram processions together. In all big and small cities and towns of rural Sindh, including Hyderabad, Sukkur and Khairpur, processions have been staged peacefully through marked routes.
People are keeping a close eye on any attempt to create sectarianism in the holy month of Muharram. They say that there is no visible security threat in their areas during the Ashura processions and Majalis. It is an old tradition that people of each sect visit major mosques of their villages and towns for Eid prayers while on the occasion of Ashura they gather at Imambargahs.
There are many Imambargahs in Hyderabad, Khairpur and small towns like Hala New, Matiari and Sehwan. Some of them are as old as 150 years, and hundreds of people from neighbouring areas come there to attend Majalis and take part processions, and take Niaz (food).
In Sehwan, the shrine of Qalandar Lal Shabaz is one of the most attractive places for visitors. It is on this shrine that processions from all neighbouring towns converge on Muharram 8 travel to join a big procession through fixed routes. As far as security is concerned, people say it is the government that makes such arrangements, otherwise people join the processions without any fear.
People give credit of this to Sufi saints, who played a key role in the region in teaching them to avoid spreading hatred rather and to promote peace and love. …
Read more : The News
The Great Wall of Sindh looks like a great wall of China. Such a rich heritage but unknown to the world, sadly neglected !!!
Courtesy: Geo TV – You Tube Link
… province in Pakistan’s south cultivate sunflowers by providing seed, fertiliser and technical assistance, a statement issued here said. “This project will jumpstart the local economy by creating direct and indirect employment and increasing farmers’ incomes,” said USAID Economic Growth.
They were the people, Who were denied their ancient land 5000 years old Civilization. Moen Jo Daro. They paid supreme price for FREEDOM OF INDIA. They were the people, Who dwelled on the banks of river Sindhu, Where Rig Veda was evolved, Then Upanishads took shape, Who believed in peace and tranquility and in universal brotherhood. But in the year 1947, were forced to migrate. They came empty handed, many with only clothes on their back. Assigned in dilapidated barracks, leaking roofs and missing privacy and had to stand in line for free rations. But, instead of whining or moaning, they stood proud and erect. They took, not arms, but creative intelligence, they believed in knowledge and education and went forward.
Next 50 years, they traversed many lands and oceans by hard work and perseverance. They spread prosperity everywhere. They built new houses. They built new hospitals. They built new schools and colleges. Gave free aid and scholarships and advanced trade and industry.
The Original Unique five Million Sindhis of Sindhu-Sarswati Civilization, the peaceful people, the hospitable people, the generous people, the proud and independent people, the self-reliant people without a millimeter of their land. They survived, they are survivors,they are tough, they are SINDHIS LIVING IN INDIA.
SINDHIS HAVE BUILT MORE COLLEGES AND HOSPITALS IN INDIA AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PEACE LOVING & HARD WORKING COMMUNITY… BELIEVE IN BROTHERHOOD IS STATELESS.
Courtesy: Sindi e-lists/ e-groups, Sat, September 11, 2010.
Kalan Kot Fort (urdu) كلاں كوٹ قلعه: Old name Tughlikabad تغلق آباد Kalan Kot was built probably in 14th century along with Thatta. Sámúí deserves notice from the attempt which has been made to establish it as the celebrated Minnagara of the ancient geographers. It was the capital of the Jáms of the Samma Dynasty, and, according to the Tuhfatu-l Kirám, it was founded by Jám Pániya,* under the Makli Hill, about three miles north-west of Thatta.
Subsequently, the fort of Tughlikábád was built by Jám Taghúr or Tughlik, on the site of the older Kalá-kot, about two miles south of Thatta; but that, as well as its predecessor, was left unfinished by its founder (p. 272). By a strange vicissitude, the name of Tughlikábád is now comparatively forgotten, and that of Kalá-kot erroneously called Kalán-kot (the great fort), though for a time superseded, has restored the just claims of Rájá Kalá, and still attracts the attention of the traveller. Lt. Burton calls it Kallián-kot. I fear to differ from so good a local authority, but believe Kalá-kot to be more strictly correct. …
Read more : INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION
Punjab: a province, State or a country?
by Azhar Ali Shah, Nottingham, UK
… how much legal authority provinces enjoy in terms of establishing direct relationships with foreign countries but I have come across many instances of such actions in terms of Punjab and nought in terms of any other States/ Provinces of Pakistan. For example, * Shahbaz Sharif celeberates Turkey Independence Day, * Shahbaz in Dubai * Shahbaz in Glasgow. And many other such involvements. I just wonder if CM of Sindh could start establishing such relations with neghbouring countries including Iran, India and China?
Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists.
The conference on South Asia was organized by International Center for Peace & Democracy (ICFPD) in collaboration with Baloch Human Rights Council (Canada). The conference took place at Hotel Radisson Toronto, Canada on December 11, 2010.
SOUTH ASIAN PERSPETIVE ON REGIONAL STABILITY THE ROLE OF THE STATE: DEMOCRACY, DICTATORSHIP, AND EXTREMISM
– ICFPD
Following is the speech delivered by Dr. Zafar Baloch, president of Baloch Human Rights council (Canada) in the conference.
Continue reading Speech of Dr. Zafar Baloch (BHRC) to the conference on South Asia
I do not understand why pieces of apparel have to be given the status of cultural symbols; only those countries and nations that are culturally bankrupt need to impose them as symbols. This symbolism also reveals the inherent feeling of inferiority and the consequent need to make them appear as important and necessary.
Since last year, at the behest of a commercial television station in Sindh, a so-called ‘Cultural Day’ is being observed in the province. The two media groups that now want to own it celebrate it on two different days. This supposedly Cultural Day is observed by people wearing a Sindhi topi (cap) and an ajrak (shawl). These are being turned into symbols of Sindh; on this day, with a lot of fanfare and enthusiasm, many people adorn themselves with these symbols and the youth dance. Some political, cultural and social outfits wholeheartedly participate in it and, sadly, all believe that, with this, they are reinforcing Sindhi identity, which I think they are not. Sindhi identity is much larger and more varied than two pieces of attire. This Cultural Day is nothing but the commercialisation of culture and a means for raking in profits for television stations and the makers of topis and ajraks.
Advocating spurious cultural symbols helps exploiters distract people from the real threats to their identity and rights. The Sindhis participating in this frivolous celebration return home thinking that they have done enough for Sindh and their annual ritual, which it will now become, is adequate to protect the rights of Sindhis. The rights of Sindh demand sacrifices, dedication and struggle, not dancing and frivolity.
The true symbols of Sindh are its valiant sons who sacrificed their lives without hesitation. Makhdoom Bilawal Bin Jam Hassan Sammo (1451 AD/ 856 AH to 30th Safar 1523 AD/929AH) preferred to be ground in the grinder used to extract oil from seeds than to accept the fiat of the Afghan Arghun rulers. He needs to be emulated; his teachings are the cultural symbol needed to awaken the Sindhis. The poetry of Shah Abdul Latif should be made a cultural symbol and the Sindhis should be encouraged to read and memorise his enchanting verses to promote Sindh and its culture and history. His poetry will give them an insight into Sindhi history, geography and culture. …
Read more : Daily Times
by Nizamuddin Nizamani
General Ziaul Haq organically changed the socio-political landscape of the state and turned the country’s mass into a ticking bomb by planting the seeds of religious fundamentalism. To counter the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy, he initiated a military operation in Sindh and created sectarian and ethnic militant groups in Karachi and other parts of the country
The world community celebrates Human Rights Day on December 10. The envisaged purpose seems to accept the truth that despite the claims of modern, scientific, human-friendly development and globalisation, still some heinous human rights violations are the order of the day in some regions, while realising the universal truth that all humans without discrimination have equal rights to live and develop.
It seems that the UN and related bodies have bitterly failed to guarantee access to basic amenities for common people globally in general and the global south specifically. Even the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) seems a distant dream. …
Read more : Daily Times
* Areas of interest include solar and wind energy, technical education, tourism, industries, agriculture, public-private partnership, livestock and fisheries
KARACHI: Swedish government is exploring the potential of investment in various areas of Sindh intends to put in $300 million.
The head of Swedish trade delegation and Minister of Trade Ewa Bjorling said that her delegation’s visit to Pakistan is to explore the possibilities of investment as Sweden government intends to invest $300 million in Pakistan. …
Read more : Daily Times
The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah launched the first ever comprehensive encyclopaedia of the Sindhi language, ‘Encyclopaedia Sindhiana’ on Saturday, Dec 4, 2010 at a ceremony at Karachi’s Regent Plaza hotel.
The ceremony was also attended by Ms Sassui Palijo, the Sindh Culture Minister, Ms Sharmila Farooqi, Information Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr Abdul Salaam Thaheem, Minister for Technical Education and a large number of Sindhi scholars and intellectuals including Dr GA Allana, Mr Mazhar Siddiqui, Sirajul Haque Memon and others. …
Read more : Sindhiyat
Courtesy: GeoTV, 04 December, 2010
via – ZemTV – You Tube Link
by Altaf Shaikh
Last week I had a lecture in Sindhi & Urdu Departments of Osaka University, Osaka Japan. It was nice to speak with japanese professors and Japanese students in Sindhi language. It was also nice to visit Osaka after some 30 years. During my ship service as Marine engineer I was a regular visitor of Osaka from 1970 to 1980. Mr. Mamiya San is Head of Sindhi Dept. He did M.A. from Sindh University in 1990.
December 3, 2010
50,000 Mega Watt Electricity for 500 Years can be Produced from Thar Coal Reservoirs — Samar Mubarakmand
– To read report at BBC urdu, CLICK HERE
via – Siasat, To read report in Urdu, CLICK HERE
According to “We Journalists” 16 Tv channels, 35 daily newspapers 20 FM radios, K.U.J, We Journalists, Karachi and Hyderabad press clubs, along with all press clubs of Sindh, finally decided to celebrate cultural day jointly on 4th December, 2010 over the platform of “Sindh Media Forum”.
Consul General Karachi William Martin supports Sindh Cultural Day, December 4th, 2010. Honorable William Martin delivers a message for the occasion & even he can speak in Sindhi. Ms. Andie of U.S. Consulate is also a great woman. She has great regards for Sindh & Sindhi language. She learned Sindhi language during her posting in Karachi like she knew Bhasha Indonesia.
The history of Ajrak goes back to 5000 years.. It had been used by King priest, the symbol of Indus valley Civilization. The people of Sindh are the Guardian of the culture,the customs and the rituals of 
Sindhu-Sarswati (Indus) civilization.
Centre wins over Sindh on GST collection – By Khaleeq Kiani
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25: In a major breakthrough, the Sindh government has agreed to surrender its rights over collection of general sales tax on 10 crucial services to the Federal Board of Revenue for one year, paving the way for the smooth adoption of new tax laws by four provincial assemblies. …
Read more : DAWN
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