SINDHI SARMAYO
Interview with Chandru Punjabee
by Ram Jawhrani
Sindhi Sarmayo by Ram Jawhrani highlights the selfless efforts put in to promote SINDHI language, literature, culture and heritage, along with information about their personal achievements. |
It has been the tradition since time immemorial that one's wealth is bequeathed to one's children/ heirs and the inheritors in turn try to preserve and augment it. Now whether the acquired wealth is augmented or depleted depends on the capabilities of the inheritors. We always get to see JWALAT & KAMAALAT.
In a similar vein each community has a wealth of culture, customs, traditions, heritage etc. which is passed on to the next generation. But sometimes due to constraints of time and circumstances instead of getting augmented this wealth gets depleted. Take the case of Sindhis, who after Partition were busy for some time striving to meet the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter; and re-settling themselves, due to which their culture, customs, traditions and heritage took a back seat.
It is a universal fact that cultures and civilizations are not built in one day or a year but take centuries to develop. In these centuries civilizations evolve from the experiences, knowledge, intellect and hard work of their ancestors, educationists, intellectuals, scholars etc. By the same token these can't be wiped out overnight. The only difference is that the future generations may either add something or drop something as per the changing times.
Therefore while handing over this priceless treasury of culture to the next generation we have to ensure that the process is correct and optimal. The youth will definitely take good care of this wealth only if they realize how precious and valuable it is. Not only will the youngsters take good care of it but also augment it because everyone aspires to move towards better values and culture. Therefore some new customs and traditions are added while a few are dropped.
Today we have with us one such Sindhi who has immense love for Sindhi culture. He has inherited the customs and traditions from his parents which he has maintained meticulously inspite of changing times. He has lots of enthusiasm and passion to preserve his culture and heritage. He strives to ensure that our culture remains intact in the hands of the youth. According to the new generation he has a novel way of thinking – the picture of our rich culture should remain the same, but only the colours to be filled in must be new as per the current times so that it becomes more beautiful and the future generation is attracted towards it.
He is our friend, brother Chandru Panjabee. He is the President of International Sindhi Panchayat Federation and this honour was accorded to him by our late Dada Nari Gursahani to which he has done full justice.
R. Jawhrani : To begin with when and where were you born?
C. Punjabee : First of all Mr. Ram thank you very much for this opportunity. I was born on 19th May 1954 in India, at Ulhasnagar.
R. Jawhrani : In that case you must not be much aware about the Partition. Have you heard any stories from you elders?
C. Punjabee : I have almost 99% knowledge of Sindh and how our ancestors migrated during the Partition. Had I been born in Sindh, I would have told you that I have 100% knowledge. As I started growing up I learnt that I was born in a refugee camp. Our ancestors, who were landlords in Sindh owning huge acres of land and buildings, had suddenly to leave everything overnight and come to India as refugees. Few of them got some accommodation by way of claims from the government of India, but those were of poor quality and mostly consisted of military barracks. Having taken birth in such barracks I know the history of Sindh almost 99%.
R.Jawhrani : Have you read about the catastrophe of Partition in any book?
C. Punjabee : Dada Ram Punjwani, our professor at Jai Hind College and the cultural ambassador of Sindhis has written many books. One of them is 'Anokha Azmooda' which details the experiences Sindhis went through during and after partition.
R. Jawhrani : What did your ancestors experience when they came to India?
C. Punjabee : My father and grandfather owned showrooms of 'Plymouth' and 'Dodge' cars in Quetta. My father had just got married about a year and a half earlier. My mother was pregnant when they left Sindh in 1947 and within a month after coming here my eldest sister was born. My father began his life from scratch with the petty amount they managed to bring along with them. With that he started construction business in partnership with one Mr. Radhakrishna. They bought quarries near Ambernath and Kalyan as they had received order for construction and supplying construction material from Century Rayon factory. But unfortunately instead of stone, mud was dug out from that quarry. So my father started his career here after about a year at a meager salary of Rs. 150/- per month. Inspite of going through such severe hardships, he gave us the best of education and I am very proud of my father. He brought us up by Imparting good thoughts and great values. I have seen what all my parents have gone through. My father was from a very well to do rich family and he faced so many difficulties after coming here. I have heard that my grandmother used to save a penny every time a hawker passed ° by. Assuming that she had bought the wares the hawker was selling she used to save that penny in the piggy bank. From those savings she used to buy us nice clothes.
R. Jawhrani : Where did you complete your education?
C. Punjabee : Initially I did my schooling in New Era School at Ulhasnagar. Thereafter we shifted to Nepean Sea Road in Mumbai. I graduated in 1976, with Bachelors degree from J. J. College of Architecture, Mumbai which was the only college of Architecture in Maharashtra at that time. I think at that time there were only about 14 - 15 Sindhi architects in India.
R. Jawhrani : Why did you choose architecture? Were you interested in it or was it at someone's suggestion?
C. Punjabee : From childhood I was good at drawing. Since early days I had made up my mind that I must do something on my own. I wanted to bring about a change in my life as well the life of others through my designs which could be well appreciated. Therefore I chose architecture.
R. Jawhrani : What did you do after completing your education?
C. Punjabee : One of my father's friend, Mr. Ram Chawla was a well established architect in Mumbai. When I was in my final year of graduation, he told my father "when your son completes his graduation in architecture, tell him to join me." So after graduation, with the grace of the almighty and my parents, I started my first venture in partnership with Mr. Ram Chawla and opened our first office in Dubai. One Mr. Gope Daryanani, a renowned builder in Mumbai who owned the Company Indosaigant, was also with us.
R. Jawhrani : How did you start your business in India?
C. Punjabee : The next office for Indian operations we established in India in 1977. We used to keep meeting architects, builders, interior designers and many plots of land would also be offered to us. In 1979, we were offered a plot at Vile Parle. On that plot we started our first construction activity as builder and developer. Thereafter there was no looking back and God has been very kind. This is how we started our construction business.
R. Jawhrani : Can you name any 5 persons, who helped you initially to establish your career?
C. Punjabee : During the first purchase, I didn't know that I would have to cross so many hurdles in Mumbai for developing a plot of land. Shri Suresh Prabhu, was the corporator of Vile Parle at that time, and was closely related to Shri Bal Thakarey. He helped me a lot. Shri Balasaheb Thakareyji himself has been a source of great strength to me. We have had good relations with Shri Balasaheb Thakareyji, since 1977 because his son Shri Binda Thakarey used to study commercial art in the building adjacent to our college. Since those days we have been friends and used to frequently visit each other's residence. We also had good relationship with his mother, Maa Saheb. All of them have helped a lot. It is the guidance rather than help that counts a lot. Their Guidance has been of great help. So these two persons Mr. Suresh Prabhu and Shri Balasaheb Thackerayji were the ones who helped us immensely in our initial days. Thereafter Ajmera Builders, Kamdar Builders, some ministers like Shri Satish Pednekar, Shri Chandrakant Tripathi, Shri Vilasrao Deshmukhji, Shri Vasant Dada Patilji also have helped.
R. Jawhrani : How did you get involved in the social field?
C. Punjabee : I stay at Juhu. In 1982, Purshotam Bhagtani of Andheri Sindhi Panchayat approached me. They wanted to help poor Sindhis and assist in the marriage expenses of children of poor families. They showed me their plans which I appreciated a lot. With the grace of God our business activities were doing very well at that time. We agreed to help them in their social causes. He invited me as the Chief Guest at one of the functions. He was the first man who introduced me to the social cause of Sindhis. Soon one after the other Sindhi organizations and associations started approaching us for various social causes. We have always helped them all. Thereafter I have never looked back and been with the Sindhi community 100%.
R. Jawhrani : Well, I can't say about all the organizations, but it seems most of them approached you only for monetary help.
C. Punjabee : Brother Ram, actually it's not like that. When a person feels like doing something for society he does move forward in that direction. Maybe he starts with offering monetary help but for doing that also he has to take a few steps: whether this requirement is genuine or not. Apart from the organizations that approached me, I went to various other institutions and orphanages and helped them not only monetarily but in many other ways also. To start with monetary help was extended as you know everyone needs money. In Ulhasnagar through my contacts I made arrangements and provided for some facilities for a few of them in such a way that they would be getting regular monthly income permanently. They would not have to come to us again and again seeking help.
R. Jawhrani : This clearly demonstrates that you had that passion for social service, of giving back to the society, so you helped the organizations who approached you and also those whom you felt were needy. Other than just helping the organizations, with which organizations have you been yourself associated?
C. Punjabee : You will be glad to know that I been associated with almost all the Sindhi organizations. There was a time during 1991 - 93, I used to get invitations for being the Chief Guest during Cheti Chand festivals, from all the Sindhi organizations right from Churchgate to Borivali. I would gladly accept the invitations and do whatever I was expected to as the Chief Guest. I have been associated with Nanik Rupani's Priyadarshini Academ'y. In 1983 I was invited to be the Vice President of Sindh Panchayat Federation of Dada Nari Gursahani. I have also been associated with your Sahyog Foundation. I have been a patron of many Sindhi organizations like Andheri Sindhi Panchayat, Institute of Sindhology - Adipur, etc. I have been associated with many Sindhi organizations in India directly or indirectly since 1982.
R. Jawhrani : You have been associated with these organizations since 3 decades. What has been your experience? Do you feel that all these organizations are performing their duties diligently towards the community or not?
C. Punjabee : This is a very good and interesting question raised by you. Basically amongst all these 60 - 70% organizations are very good and are doing a wonderful job. Just like your Sahyog Foundation helps the poor and needy specially the ladies by offering them sewing machines, which would, be a source of income for them, in similar manner there are many organizations also who are performing very good social service by helping the poor and middle class families in various ways. There are a few organizations who are bringing about awareness amongst Sindhis.
But I must admit it is a sad thing that a few Sindhis are more interested in their own personal agendas and are not doing much for the Sindhis. Mr. Nanik Rupani's Priyadarshini Academy holds functions every year where great dignitaries from Chief Ministers to Prime Minister are invited. It is sad to note that he has not done much for Sindhi brothers and sisters. He is very close to me and I have spoken to him in this regard. Mr. Rupani, I am sure can do a lot for Sindhi Community from all the contacts which he has. But I seen that there are a few Sindhis who are wholly committed to the community, while there a few who are not only involved in various social services of Sindhis but Non-Sindhis as well.
The Honorable Ex-Deputy Prime Minister Shri L. K. Advani who is like my father was very close to my father Mr. Jeevandas Punjabee who was the President of the Jan-Sangh of Thane district long back. Shri Advani Sahab and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sahab have visited our home several times. I am told when Shri L. K. Advani was the Deputy Prime Minister many Sindhi organizations approached him, with various problems faced by the Sindhi community. He said that he was not a Sindhi leader but a national leader and would look at those problems not from community point of view but from national point of view. Here I must say that I personally feel that even the Community at that time had approached such a tall leader not with proper specific demands which the Government could have thought of giving or the demands were absolutely absurd. Well each one has his own way of thinking. I feel that being a Sindhi, if I die doing some social service for the Sindhis I would be very happy and definitely proud of that. I am of this clear and firm thinking that I am and shall always remain committed to our Sindhi community.
R. Jawhrani: It is noted that many government officials like Ministers, Governors and best of Councils are invited as guests at our various functions as you just now mentioned. We have used this to our individual advantage. Have you ever felt that through your contacts with so many dignitaries at government level, something could be done for the community? Have you ever tried to use your contacts for benefit of Sindhi community?
C. Punjabee : Dada Nari Gursahani used to give away awards every year. There was a committee formed for selecting the awardees and I was the Chief of that committee. One day I asked him, 'Dada, why are you giving these awards to Sindhis and non-Sindhis?' I would like to convey to the Sindhi community through your medium the reply that Dada Nari Gursahani gave. He said that 'I am doing all this and calling so many public figures so that whenever we have a problem regarding our community they should be aware of us and should know us so that they can be helpful and assist us in getting our work done and we at that time got many problems solved for Sindhi Community from various State Governments.
Dada Nari Gursahani not only fought the cases of our Sindhi community in the High Court and Supreme Court (which did free of cost) but used all his contacts with ministers and other bigwigs for the benefit of our community. He was the Trustee of 22 Sindhi colleges. I would like to mention one interesting thing here. During those days we faced the problem of the Special Quota for Sindhis being decreased in our colleges. He used his personal relationships with all the dignitaries and got the quota restored. Even I have used my contacts with all the government officials through our organization Sindhi Panchayat Federation and through Dada Nari Gursahani for the benefit of our community.
R. Jawhrani : It's true that during such difficulties Dada Nari Gursahani played a very crucial role. But don't you feel it ironical that in our own country we have to fight for our own rights?
C. Punjabee : This is because there is some lacuna either in the process or in the persons whom we elect as what should be happening is not happening. Just consider this while we are conducting this interview, the government of India, Congress ruling Party has passed a resolution yesterday in the Parliament and have agreed to the demands of one Mr. Anna Hazare who is representing the Civil Society, only because the Civil Society demands were made in a very clear manner and they got it. But we Sindhis, I feel have never put our demands as clearly as we need it at any time.
R. Jawhrani : When we quit Sindh and migrated here the rights and privileges we enjoyed in Sindh became zero over here. Do you think we can hope for getting those rights and privileges from any government which comes to Power?
C. Punjabee : Brother Ram, today I will share with you something which, other than my family, I haven't shared with anyone else. In the freedom struggle where our great leaders like Shri Mahatma Gandhiji, Shri Jawaharlal Nehruji and others sacrificed their whole lives, Partition was the biggest misery. This is what I personally feel. From what I have read in history it seems that this was pre-planned by the British. Some say that this was planned by Mr. Jinnah or Shri Mahatma Gandhiji or Shri Jawaharlal Nehruji, but history says that this was planned by the British. I am a person who even today believes that if India and Pakistan can get united again, and if I can be of any help in anyway, I would be too pleased to do it.
About 7 to 8 years back, I met Mr. Musharraf in Dubai. I have met Madam Benazir Bhutto couple of times in Singapore when she was the Prime Minister of Pakistan. I have found that the people of Pakistan are exactly the opposite of what is depicted to us here in India about them. I have found that the Sindhis of Pakistan are very nice and respect Indians.
Now coming back to your question that we haven't got the rights which we were entitled to over here, I can only say that till date the leaders whom we have nominated and sent forward for this purpose, didn't have their demands clearly chalked out. I, myself have worked with many of those leaders and understood their styles of working. They had plenty of self-vested interests. They couldn't do much for the community because they didn't want to do it in the first place; they were only interested in their selfish gains. If today my brother Ram Jawhrani as a Sindhi can do so much, perform and show results and a few others like him who also deliver results only goes to show that where there is a will there is a way. But if the persons didn't have the will, then what could be expected of them?
R. Jawhrani : Can we conclude that it was our leaders who didn't show us the correct path or mislead us?
C. Punjabee : Absolutely correct.
R. Jawhrani : After quitting Sindh, we faced a lot of difficulties but now we stand on our own feet, which is a fact. But during these 5 to 6 decades do you agree that we have lost our language, culture and traditions?
C. Punjabee : No, I don't agree with this. I have been to places all over the world and found that we Sindhis have a lot of love, intimacy and respect for each other which is our good asset. Today if any Sindhi anywhere in world wants to speak with his children and grandchildren in Sindhi, he doesn't wait for any suggestions but teaches and speaks with them in Sindhi. I have observed many Sindhis all over the world even today are doing this.
R. Jawhrani: At every occasion, meetings, samelans, conferences, gatherings etc. one thing which is surely heard is 'Save Sindhyat'. Now what is this 'Sindhyat'?
C. Punjabee : Our social and cultural values which we left behind in Sindh, Pakistan prior to Partition, the things that our elders have narrated to us about Shikarpur, Thatta, Hyderabad, Sindh. It is but natural that the same social and cultural atmosphere cannot be got now here in India. This is because we Sindhis are no longer living in those states, districts or neighbourhoods as our ancestors lived in Sindh. Today when I go to the functions held at Ram Panjwani's 'Sita Sindhu Bhavan', and meet the Sindhis there I find the same values there. I also see the Sindhi values when in my house or your house where we have small functions and we call Sindhi singers and performers.
R. Jawhrani : You mean to say that 'Sindhyat' is still alive and existing in India and it is more in places outside India.
C. Punjabee : Yes. As you said that at every function or occasion we hear we are losing our Sindhyat. This is our fear because we have lost our base. After migrating to India, we could not see that Sindhyat at any one place but in various nooks and comers. I firmly believe that even today if you go to any Sindhi's house in Jakarta, you will surely find Sindhyat. I am proudly saying that I have seen this Sindhyat in the houses from the poorest of poor Sindhi to the richest of rich Sindhi.
R. Jawhrani : It's really good to know this. We Sindhis are good in almost every field be it business, commerce, industries, sports, medicine, engineering etc. What is the future of Sindhis in the political field?
C. Punjabee : The way India is shaping up today, the civil society is extremely angry with our politicians. Today corruption has crossed all limits. History is proof that whenever anything goes beyond limit, change is eminent. In this change I see that in future you will find lot of civilians coming forward to join politics. In olden days maybe your wife as well as my wife wouldn't have permitted us to enter politics and make a career in politics. But today if I can put my son in politics then there will be nothing like it because I want to see that there is no corruption. In future many changes are going to take place in politics. These old parties like Congress, BJP, SP, BSP etc. maybe replaced by the political parties of the youth. When these new regional parties consisting of youth come forward a great power will come up in India and India shall move forward.
R. Jawhrani : Do you think that we are still lagging in the Political scenario and our children are not taking keen interest in it?
C. Punjabee : If you look at this from the Sindhis' point of view then if one amongst the lakhs of Sindhis here in India can become the Deputy Prime Minister of the Country India which is Bharat, I feel that we have achieved a lot. After this, in future also if quite a few of our intellectual Sindhis come forward then surely they will achieve a very good position. I feel that such a time is now coming soon where Sindhis will enter politics in substantial numbers.
R. Jawhrani : In modem times it is observed that there are two governments which run the country. One is the government in the Parliament and the other government is the media. I feel that we Sindhis are lagging behind in media also. What should be done in this regard?
C. Punjabee : Actually it is because of our shyness that we are behind in this field. A person like you who has done a lot in the media should approach the government for a Sindhi channel or something in media for the Sindhis. I had personally approached the Former Information and Broadcasting minister Mr. Priyaranjan Das Munshi for allotment of a Sindhi channel, who informed me that even Mr. Ram Jethmalaniji had called him and asked him for the same. The Government of India and State Government are ready to give us many facilities. So now we should come together for example your Sahyog Foundation and our International Sindhi Panchyat Federation and approach the government united. Then even the government won't be able to refuse us and I am sure we Sindhis will also come on top in the media field. But I feel that there are many Sindhi brothers who are too engrossed with their businesses that they cannot afford time for such social and cultural causes.
R. Jawhrani : Our children are also not much into print and electronic media. Maybe our children are not to inclined to take up journalism. I feel that we should encourage them towards this because today I don't see any strength greater than that of the media.
C. Punjabee : Here, I would like to inform you that since the past 6 - 7 years a new course has been started by Mumbai University known as Bachelors of Mass Media. More than 50% of the students opting for this course are Sindhis. Even my son, Mr. Harsh Punjabee has graduated from National College in the same course and thereafter he did higher studies in London. He is fully involved in Media and has acquired 2 TV Channels, one for the News and the second one for the Entertainment and he is looking forward to do something really good based on Sindhi Communities Values. Today Sindhi students are opting for the new educational courses which have come up in the Media field. After this to establish themselves as thorough and good journalists they might take another 2 - 5 years. But I assure you that Sindhis have already set their foot in this media field and will surely come up. You will have to just wait for a couple of years more to see them.
R. Jawhrani : Have you as the President of International Sindhi Panchayat Federation, (one of the oldest Sindhi associations, who had members like Dada Nari Gursahani) made any plans for the future for Sindhis?
C. Punjabee : Under the aegis of my organization I have been to about 12 - 15 talukas of India and met Sindhis. I have provided them whatever facilities they needed in their provinces or talukas. Ours is an International Organization, spread over all the world from Europe to Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong etc. Here I would like to inform you that there are Sindhis belonging to the Middle Class all over the world. They are in such a position that they can neither ask for help nor can say anything to anyone. I listen to the demands of all such Sindhis and try to fulfill those of at least 50% people through this organization. My colleagues in this organization are quite devoted and fully co-operate with me. In future also whatever God has given me I would be glad to give it back to the society in the best possible manner. I have a Larger Dream which I would like to share with you. Under this organization I want to build a huge complex for Sindhis not only from Ulhasnagar, Adipur etc. but from the whole world. There Sindhis shall get a place of Residence and a Work Place at subsidized price. I have completed the plans for this and with the co-operation from brothers like you I would like to covert this dream into reality.
R. Jawhrani : Just like Gandhidham, where the Sindhis tried to build a township for themselves?
C. Punjabee : At Gandhidham, due to its location many of the Sindhis backed off and didn't go there to stay. I have been to Gandhidham many times. I think once or twice I have also been there with you. The pattern will be similar to Gandhidham but I would like to make this township somewhere close to Mumbai for Sindhis. This is because those Sindhis who are born and brought up in a particular place would like to stay somewhere close to it only. Today if you tell a Sindhi from Mumbai, London or Dubai to go and stay at Gandhidham, maybe he won't agree to it. But if we try to build such colonies close to Mumbai and New Mumbai and try to attract Sindhis there are 2 benefits in it. One is that if a Sindhi comes and stays there he will get all the elements related to Sindhiyat, the culture, the tradition, the customs etc. and they can recollect all the memories' left behind in Sindh. But even if he doesn't wants to stay there and decides to sell his place to another Sindhi then maybe he will earn a good profit also. I wish to bring the Sindhis together in one place who are presently scattered all over not only in technical terms like Gandhidham but in such a wonderful way that they would love to spend the rest of their lives over there with their children and grandchildren. Today in Ulhasnagar also there are only 40% Sindhis left while the remaining are non-Sindhis. At such a place when even the children grow up Sindhyat will be visible and this fear of Sindhyat being wiped out will vanish.
R. Jawhrani : We had got this opportunity in Ulhasnagar where all Sindhis could stay together. Now you are nurturing a similar concept where Sindhis can preserve and promote their culture and traditions. In India, Ulhasnagar was regarded as a place of Sindhis, but now you inform me that only 40% Sindhis remain in Ulhasnagar. Do you think in the new township which you propose, Sindhis will stay permanently or will they take this as an opportunity to just earn profit and sell off their places to non-Sindhis and move out?
C. Punjabee : I would like to clarify something to you. I was born in Ulhasnagar but have since shifted from there to Mumbai and nowadays I also reside in London, as you know very well. The township and colonies that I have planned have been done with so many amenities that the next 10 generations would not want to shift from there. We Sindhis moved to Ulhasnagar as refugees during Partition. At that time we had zero facilities. Every monsoon our roofs used to leak, I think even today those who are staying in the barracks face this problem. Like you just said some while ago that none of the political parties or leaders came to our rescue to offer us facilities.I still remember Dada Sanmukh Israniji (the very first MLA of Ulhasnagar and dearest friend of Shri. Daulatram Mangtani, my father in law) with whom I have spent quite some time and was the owner of Wasco Radio. He had informed me then that Shri Kamraajji (a very tall leader of Congress) had told him to go and offer Ulhasnagar base to Sindhis. We Sindhis were actually treated as third grade citizens after Partition; nobody was there to look after our needs or demands then.
R. Jawhrani : Those were the barracks belonging to the lower class employees of the military, where we were dumped. This is clearly mentioned in history.
C. Punjabee : When Shri. Kaamrajji gave this work to our elder brother Dada Sanmukh Israni of settling the Sindhis, he couldn't even complain to them that we were offered such third grade facilities. In Ulhasnagar when social and cultural conditions started deteriorating, going from bad to worse, the law and order situations becoming bad, many Sindhis like you and me shifted to Mumbai.
R. Jawhrani : You are absolutely right. Now the question arises that we Sindhis didn't get the rights under any government, lets not name any of them. Our elders have still being saying the same thing that we were not given the rights. Some of the Sindhi organizations have started the slogan of getting a Landless government, so that we should be entitled facilities like other states. This is because at this time none of the states will offer us land. Do you think our demand for a landless government will be beneficial to us?
C. Punjabee : Brother Ram, I have noticed one thing that we Sindhis are scattered all over the Globe. But even today we have our power, we have earned a lot in monetary terms, we have earned good positions and reputations and are quite well settled. I feel that if we keep our demands at the correct platform through the correct leaders then we will surely get them 100%. The township about which I just spoke to you, I want to make it so strong that it has at least 5 corporators, 2 MLAs, 1 or 2 MPs in the government. If we remain scattered and make representations through various organizations then none of the governments will pay heed to our demands. I had requested you that on New Year's Eve call upon all the big shots of various organizations and institutions and arrange for a function. If we Sindhis put forward our demands in unison then we will surely get our demands fulfilled.
R. Jawhrani : Do you think that our Sindhi NRI brothers staying abroad can pressurize the government in getting our demands fulfilled? This is because the NRIs invest a lot in India which is a source of great revenue for the government. Do you think that we should start such an NRI movement and will the Government listen?
C. Punjabee : If you collect a few Sindhis from India as well as from the NRI Category and approach the government then we will surely get what we want from the government. I am speaking to such a generation whom I can recognize. I had met Late Dada Kundandas Totaldas many a times who since the last 10 years has been fighting with the government to get our demands fulfilled. May be there was a flaw either in their demands or in their approach. I am telling you with surety that if you approach a few Sindhi leaders and NRIs and we unitedly approach any ruling government we can easily get our rights and demands. R. Jawhrani:It's good to know that you are so optimistic and hopeful and you want to do so many things for Sindhis. In the end I would just like to ask one question. Recently I heard that you are planning to make some serials or films on Indian culture and traditions. Could you throw some light on this?
C. Punjabee : To promote Sindhyat we have to make Sindhi films, dramas and also promote Sindhi media like you just said a while ago. Whenever any Sindhi brother has approached me in this regard I am always there to help them. I have announced the making of Sindhi serials and films to show Sindhi culture and values to the next generation. Now we are in the process of production of these. You will see all these very shortly. Before we close this interview I want to convey a message to our Sindhi community.
R. Jawhrani : Yes, definitely!
C. Punjabee : We have a misconception that we haven't got political rights. I believe that we haven't asked for them in the right way. I have met many ministers in Delhi as well as Chief Minister and others at State level many a times. I have been close to quite a few of them. Whatever I have asked for, they have tried their level best to grant it. I guarantee you that if you along with leaders like Shri Ram Jethmalaniji approach the right Leaders at this time, we will surely get our demands fulfilled.