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A. J. UTTAM
One
of the Trimurti of Sindhi literature and culture A.J. Uttam has played
a very important role in the development of Sindhi language and culture.
Inclined to the Marxist ideology he is the backbone of 'Nai Duniya' a
magazine published in Sind and revived in India. Author of several books
of short stories novels and many articles in journals A.J. Uttam is till
date an active contributor of analytical articles for 'Jhulelal' Weekly.
A veritable encyclopaedia storehouse of information and collector of books
on Sindhi art language and culture he is at present engaged in writing
a book on the 'Fifty Years of Sindhiyat'.
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PROF. ARJAN SHAD
Poet and literary critic of eminence Prof Arjan Shad is the writer of
the immensely popular 'Andho Doonhon' (Blind Smoke) an epic on the terrible
tragedy of partition for which he won the coveted Central Sahitya Akademi
Award. He has the distinction of being the first ever Ph.D. in Sindhi
from the University of Bombay his thesis being 'Sindhi Ghazal'. He was
Professor of Sindhi at Jai Hind College. As member of the Indian writers'
delegation Prof. Shad visited Soviet Union under the Indo-Soviet Cultural
Exchange Programme. He has been associated with various literary bodies
and other organisations.
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GOBIND MALHI
Well-known writer and political activist Gobind Malhi has been the most
prominent figure in the progressive school of thought in Sindlii literature.
His repertoire of writings include 23 novels, 30 short stories, over 2
dozen one-act play as well as numerous articles on various topics. Winner
of the Sahitya Akademi's Award for his novel 'Piyar Ji Pyas', Gobind Malhi
also produced and directed 'Sindhu Je Kinare' a Sindhi film. Vice President
of IPTA (1955), he pioneered the Kalakar Mandal and has given numerous
performances in India and abroad. Gobind Malhi was General Secretary and
later President of the Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli ain Sahit Sabha.
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KEWAL MALKANI
Member of Parliament and erstwhile minister of the BJP, Shri K.R. Malkani
is a journalist scholar and a perceptive student of Indian history. His
book 'The Sind Story' is a book of history which has become very popular.
Being a product of Hyderabad Sindh Shri Malkani has devoted a good bit
of industry and his historical insights for presentation of a panoramic
view of the land of his birth. He has been a lecturer editor and the general
secretary of the Editors Guild of India. His other publications include
'The Midnight Knock', 'The RSS Story' 'The Politics of Ayodhya' and 'Hindu
Muslim Relations'.
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KIRAT BABANI
Writer of short, stories, essays, plays, criticisms, autobiography, travelogues
and other articles Kirat Babani is a multifaceted personality who is seen
with reverence both in the social and literary field. His collection of
short stories 'Awaheen Sabh Nanga Ahiyo' won him a literary award. His
plays highlighting the freedom struggle have been performed by Sindhi
youth all over.
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DR. MOTI PRAKASH & KALA PRAIKASH
Dr. Moti Prakash and Kala Prakash can be said to be only husband and wife
duo who have each won the Central Sahitya Academy Award. Multifaceted
Dr. Moti Prakash is a poet, writer, artiste and educationist. He has written
several reputed poetry books novels and dramas and is the recipient of
the Gaurav Puraskar awarded by the Government of Maharashtra. His song
'Aandhi mein Jot Jagain Wara Sindhi Ain Khak Khe Sonu Banain Wara Sindhi'
has become a national anthem of Sindhis. Mrs. Kala Prakash's achievements
in literature equal those of her husband's. She has written several novels
stories and articles.
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POPATI HIRANANDANI
Popati Hiranandani was born in 1924 in Hyderabad (Sind). Starting off
as a schoolgirl writer her prolific writings include short stories, novels,
essays, criticisms, plays and articles on varied subjects in Sindhi as
well as in English. Recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award for her autobiography
'Muhinje Hayatig-ja Sona Ropa Warqa' (the golden and silver pages of my
life), Past President of 'Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli ain Sahit Sabha' and
one of the strong promoters of the 'Sindhiyat Movement' Popati Hiranandani
has travelled extensively over Europe and the Fast East delivering lectures
on Vedanta Philosophy. Singing ghazals and bhajans are her forte.
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PRABHU 'WAFA'
Since his childhood he was nurtured in a romantic poetic and musical atmosphere.
When he was just 13 years old he entered the realm of poetry and started
composing Sindhi geets. Gifted with a logical and reasoning mind, which
is reflected in his book 'Surkh Gulaab Suraha Khwaab' this adorable poet
of Sindhi literature will be completing 85 years in the year 2000.
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RAMKISHIN ADVANI 'RAHI'
Not many may know that the popular writer who wrote under the nom-de-plume
'Rahi' is also the 'A.R. Diamond' of various newspapers and magazines.
A 77-year-old all-rounder from Hyderabad (Sind) Ramkishin Advani is still
active in the social, cultural and journalistic field in Bombay. Branded
the fifth columnist for his fiery writings Ramkishin Advani is the trustee
of several organisations the most prominent of them being the Hindustan
Newspaper Group and the Jai Hind Cooperative Bank.
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DR. SATISH ROHRA
Born at Dadu (Sind) on August 15, 1929, Dr. Satish Rohra is the Honorary
Founder Director of Indian Institute of Sindhology, Adipur-Gandhidham.
A linguist with a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Pune University, Dr. Rohra
has taught Hindi and Linguistic at Banaras Hindu University. He was visiting
Professor of Hindi and Indian Culture at University of Guyana and was
designated as First Secretary in the Indian Embassy at Guyana. A distinguished
scholar writer and critic, Dr. Rohra is an excellent speaker with command
over Sindhi, Hindi and English, the languages in which he has written
several articles and books.
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ASRANI
Comedians have come and gone but Asrani has persevered. Some of Asrani's
most memorable roles were in Sholay Bawarchi Mere Apne Abhimaan Rafoo-Chakkar
Mili Kaamchor Chupke Chupke and hundreds of other films but the role he
will be most remembered for is as 'Naradmuni' in the hit T.V serial 'Natkhat
Narad'.
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G P SIPPY
Producer of blockbusters like Sholay, Shaan and Shakti, G P Sippy
is one of the surviving legends of the Hindi film industry. Not many may
know that he was the pioneer of the Flat system in Bombay. Having started
life in the construction industry G P Sippy rose rapidly in the film world.
Producer, director, he was the uncrowned king for several years. He was
the President of the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association and
then the All India Film Producers Association.
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GOVIND NIHALANI
Known for his no-nonsense approach, Govind Nihalani is known as the genius
film maker. Beginning his career as a photographer of repute, Govind Nihalani
soon took to directing films for a select audience. His 'Ardh Satya' catapulted
him to fame and fortune. His other films like 'Aakrosh' made a dramatic
impact on the audience. Govind Nihalani won rave reviews for brilliantly
handling the photography of the internationally acclaimed film 'Gandhi'.
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KITU GIDWANI
'Gidy' as she is lovingly called Kitu Gidwani is a product of the Fort
Convent School. During her graduation Kitu took an active interest in
French and was soon into French plays. Later came English plays with Janak
Toprani. This was successfully followed by several modelling assignments
roles on the small screen culminating in 'Black' a French feature film.
At present she is busy shooting for video films and actively participating
in theatre, her first love. Some of her memorable performances were in
T. V serials 'Air Hostess' and 'Junoon'.
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SADHANA
The only Sindhi actress to have made it to the top in Hindi films, Sadhana's
histrionics are comparable with Hindi screen greats like Nargis, Madhubala,
Meena Kumari and Waheeda Rehman. Sadhana's first film in Sindhi was 'Abana'.
Her maiden performance in Hindi films was in 'Love in Simla' opposite
Joy Mukherji. The fringe of hair on her forehead became widely known as
'Sadhana Cut' and was copied by the young and the old alike.
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SHEELA SAJNANI
Stage actress par excellence Sheela Sajnani has created history by performing
myriad roles. Depicting vivid moods as Usha in 'Pyaso Man', Pari of 'Dis
Paise Ja Rang', Jyoti of 'Jyot Jale', Dhami of 'Shadi Ta Kar', Mummy of
'Ami Ya Mummy', Devi of 'Love Letter' or 'Tawhan Ta Ahadhe-Ja-Ahadha'
Sheela Sajnani has moved her audience to raptures. Even today no play
is complete without her performance.
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SRICHAND MAKHIJA
Noted Sindhi and Hindi stage and film actor Srichand Makhija scarcely
needs introduction. Bom on 20th March 1940 Srichand has been bagging awards
for his performances right since his school days. The veteran actor has
given over 1300 performances of about 85 full length plays in Hindi, Sindhi,
Rajasthani, Sanskrit, Marathi and English besides doing innumerable roles
in films and T.V serials notable among which was 'Nukkad'.
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DEWAN BHOJWANI
Thespian artist singer and photographer Dewan Bhojwani's collection of
paintings on Sindhi culture adorn the walls of Sita Sindhu Bhavan. A disciple
of Prof. Ram Panjwani he has dedicated his whole life to the activities
of the Bhavan. There is scarcely a book or a magazine where his paintings
have not been published. Unassuming courteous Dewan Bhojwani loves to
sing old Sindhi songs and often gives recitals at the Bhavan.
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DHARAMDAS
HIRANANDANI
Born in Billavalrai Mirpur Khas, Sind, Dharamdas Hiranandani is one of
the leading Indian artists. Having only a modicum of education, Dharamdas
started his artistic career in the film world where he painted innumerable
posters - notable among them were for the films 'Dada', 'Dharma', 'Man
Gaye Ustad' etc. Thespian actor Pran was his die-hard fan. Mr. Dharamdas
is also fond of music and singing of bhajans. His deep faith and devotional
leanings have a lot to do with his paintings.
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HIRO HINGORANI
Musician, dancer, stage artiste, psycho-palmist, mimicry artiste, humourist,
sportsman, photographer, sculptor.... Hiro Hingorani's capabilities are
immense. At his ripe age he has learnt sculpturing the hard way. A multifaceted
artist his rare and outstanding achievement is the transforming of the
art of painting into a performing art. He has performed his one- man-show
'The Caricatures in Art' abroad and has contracts with 5-star hotels and
resorts.
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MENGHRAJ TALREJA
A successful art teacher and artist par excellence Shri M.O. Talreja has
created human figures in different postures from his imagination. A G.D.
Art (Painting), A.M., H.T.C. from Sir J.J. School of Art, Bombay, he possesses
all the required qualities necessary for a genuine artist and art teacher.
Besides books for children on drawing, motifs, patterns, animals characters
etc., Shri Talreja has made many paintings based on Sindhi culture folk
tales and folk instruments. Shri Talreja is the official calligrapher
and illustrator for school text books in Maharashtra.
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ANILA SUNDER
Accomplished Kathak dancer Anila Sundar set the stage on fire with her
dancing at a very young age. Having received her early training under
Hazarilal and Damyanti Joshi and later under the able guidance of Vijaykumar
Shreshtha disciple of Sukhdev Misra of Banares Anila has performed extensively
in India and abroad. Her performances have reaped in quite a few awards
and rewards. A Master's in Psychology and lecturer at Jai Hind College
Bombay she is the Director of 'Rachna Nrityalya' where she imparts training
in Kathak. Her outstanding ballets 'Sikka Sajanjee' 'Thee Na Juda Jani
Munkhaan' and 'Sind Muhinjee Amaa' have won her international name and
fame.
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ARJANDAS BHAGAT
Ahmedabad-based Bhagat Arjandas is a traditional Bhagat singer who is
a direct descendent of the Bhagat clan. The Sindhi Bhagat tradition handed
down from generation to generation has been perfected by Bhagat Arjandas.
Goodlooking and gifted with a velvety voice he is among the youngest Bhagats
who still dons the traditional robes (chher jhama and pagdi). His programmes
are regularly featured on radio and television. Bhagat Arjandas is a popular
performer at religious festivals and gatherings in villages as well as
cities.
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BHAGWAN CHAWLA
Known for making Sindhi Bhagat popular among the masses Bhagwan Chawla's
folksongs loris panjras dohiras geets ladaas and kalaam sung in his inimitable
style have wooed the hearts of Sindhis all over the world. Bhagwan Chawla
began his career along with his late brother Hiro Chawla with the Lok
Sur Group started by Mohan Chhabria which extensively performed in India
and other foreign countries. Songs sung by Bhagwan Chawla in the video
film 'Khatmitro' have become very popular.
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CHANDRU ATMA
Brother of the legendary C.H. Atma Chandru is the 'Man with the Golden
Voice'. The closest contemporary of K.L.Saigal Chandru's rendition of
some of the olden goldies has brought him fame and recognition. Ghazals
bhajans and geets find themselves enriched by Chandru. He has won awards
which have been shared by the likes of Ravi Shankar Allah Rakha Khan and
Lata Mangeshkar. Chandru Atma has widely performed in India and abroad.
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GHANSHAM VASWANI
Gifted with a melodious voice, Ghansham Vaswani, a discovery of Ghazal
Maestro Jagjit Singh, was born to Shri Shantu Vaswani, a popular singer
of Sindhi folk songs, and Smt. Tulsi Vaswani. Despite a brilliant academic
background Ghansham has chosen music as his main profession. He has been
regularly performing all over the country and abroad. A much sought-after
singer Ghansham has rendered songs for many Hindi films and TV serials
including jingles. His contribution to Sindhi music by way of Kalaam,
Ghazals Panjraas, Dohiraas, Vaaees of Shah Sahib and endearing folk verses
is praiseworthy.
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KAMLA KESWANI
Born in 1934 in Karachi, Kamla Keswani was interested in music right from
childhood. In 1958 she was selected for Radio Jaipur and developed her
own original and unique style in singing after Abida Parveen from Sind
as well as Shanti Hiranand and Bhagwanti Navani from India. The legendary
musician C. Arjun gave her the first break in Sindhi films as a singer.
She has recorded many songs for H.M.V, Movac and Tips. Kamla Keswani is
presently into singing religious songs
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ARJUN ASRANI
Arjun Asrani has held decision-making posts all his working life having
spent 35 years in the Indian Foreign Service as Additional Secretary in
the Ministry of External Affairs Consul-General to USA and Ambassador
to Japan. He was formerly the Chairman of IndusInd Enterprises & Finance
Ltd. and is now the Managing Trustee of IndusInd Foundation. An inveterate
social worker, he has through the offices of IndusInd given a fillip to
Sindhi cultural activities.
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SETH MATHURADAS
Chairman of the famous Jaslok Hospital, Bombay, Seth Mathuradas is known
for his excellent qualities of head and heart. Well-known in the Sindhi
community, he has dedicated himself to the service of the society. Seth
Mathuradas has great admiration for Vivekanand Education Society and was
closely connected with the late Hashu Advani.
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ROCHALDAS KEWALRAMANI
There are some great persons unheard of who work untiringly for the upliftment
of the downtrodden. His simple and modest nature reveals his greatness.
Dada Rochaldas Kewalramani is one such great whose virtues came to light
when he worked for the migration of Harijans in 1947 from Sind to India.
He single handedly strove to start the Hiranand Sindhi Sewa Samiti, the
Arya Vidya Sabha for women's education and the girls' school known as
Dayanand Arya Kanya Mahavidyalaya. Founder, office-bearer of many charitable
institutions, Dada is a shining example of what one can achieve despite
the vagaries of old age. His contributions towards the development of
Cancer Hospital in Nagpur are incomparable.
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ROCHIRAM THAWANI
Veteran freedom fighter Dada Rochiram Sachanand Thawani of Nagpur has
spent his post-Independence years in philanthropic activities and the
social upliftment of the Sindhi community. During Quit India Movement
he remained in jail on many occasions along with his family members. After
partition he worked as gazetted officer with Govt. of India. A selfless
humble and dedicated social worker has fought many battles on social front
also.
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ASARAM MAHARAJ
Gandhidham-based Sant Shri Asaram Maharaj is popularly hailed saint in
Gujarat and all over the world not only by Sindhis but also by other communities.
A lucid orator his discourses are regularly telecast by In Mumbai and
Sony channels. His spiritual teachings and articles are regularly disseminated
from the Sant Shri Asaramji Ashram located at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad.
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GANESHDAS MAHARAJ
The 9th Mahant Shri Swami Ganeshdasji Maharaj has been leading the Shri
Sadhubella Udasin Ashram into a countrywide network of a large number
of branches and autonomous trusts active in spheres of medical treatment
education and agriculture. The Ashram, under the leadership of Mahant
Acharya Shri Swami Ganeshdasji Maharaj is endeavouring to translate the
religious ideals into day-to-day practice by reconciling the high tenets
to the mundane needs of humanity.
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BADA SADHURAM SAHIB (Halani Darbar)
The present Gadesar of Halani Darbar, the erstwhile largest and widely
acclaimed darbar of Sahiti Sind, Baba Sadhuram Sahib has a devotee following
all over the world. Deeply entrenched in upliftment of the poor and the
needy Baba Sadhuram Sahib is known for his religious discourses. The Halani
Darbar is now established at Ajmer, Mumbai and Haridwar where regular
medical camps and charitable activities are held.
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GOBINDRAM SAHIB (SHADANI)
Sant Gobindram Sahib is the eighth Sant to assume charge as Head of Shadani
Mission and to ascend the Shadani Gaddi at Shadani Darbar, Sant Shadani
Nagar Raipur (M.P.). Located on acres of lush land, the Shadani Darbar
has the statues of all the great Hindu saints and holy men on its grounds.
The highlight of this Darbar is that every year a 'Jatha' goes on a pilgrimage
to Pakistan while a 'Jatha' from Pakistan visits Shadani Darbar. Born
on October 24,1944, Sant Gobindram Sahib has started many schools and
other institutions in various parts of Sindh and India.
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SANT HANSRAM SAHIB
Present 'Gadesar' of Hari Sewa Dham, Udasin Ashram, Bhilwara, Sant Hansram
is responsible for the management of the various institutions, schools,
hospitals, dharamshalas, etc. located in the campus of the Ashram. Despite
being a young Mahant he has brought together the sants and mahatmas of
various sects to work unitedly for the upliftment of humanity. Under his
able guidance, the Hari Sewa Girls Higher Secondary Vidyalaya, Baroda
offers not only academic but vocational training in sewing, handicrafts,
computers, etc. to young girls. Sant Hansram is a staunch proponent of
the Sindhi language. The ashram regularly conducts eye camps, urological
camps, etc.
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HARIDEVI P. VASWANI
Clad in white, this 'Apostle of Love' has spent her entire life in unstinting
service and devotion, inspiring thousands on the way. Niece and disciple
of Sadhu T. L. Vaswani, Ma Haridevi has inspired hundreds of her followers
to tread the straight and narrow path of truth. Known to her devotees
simply as 'Ma', she has been invited to various places in India and abroad
to give talks and discourses. The main thrust of her message is to spread
Sadhu Vaswani's ideals.
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HIRDARAM SAHIB
A real 'Karmayogi', Sant Hirdaram hails from Pushkar, a religious
centre near Ajmer. He has now settled down at Bairagarh, Bhopal. The Swamiji
inspires his followers to do real 'Sewa' through the Jeev Sewa Samiti.
Sant Hirdaram has worked tirelessly to establish hospitals, maternity
homes, educational institutions and homes for widows in Pushkar and Bairagarh.
With his blessings, several eye camps, urological operations as well as
mass marriages are conducted on big scale at the aforesaid places. In
recognition of his work, the Madhya Pradesh Government has officially
changed the name of Bairagarh to Hirdaram Nagar.
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J.P. VASWANI
J. P. Vaswani, 'Dada', is revered not only by his devotees but by
followers the world over. Head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, having centres
in different parts of India and abroad, Dada Jashan obtained M.A. in Science
and works out a synthesis between science and spirituality. Vaswani has
been invited to speak at many distinguished forums abroad and has written
many books.
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LACHHMAN CHELLARAM
Considered a Sikh missionary for his success in keeping the love of Gurbani
ablaze in the Sindhi community, Shri Lachman Chellaram completed in 1992
a five-year project of translation of the holy book containing 1430 pages
and 5800 hymns therein into four languages - Sindhi, Hindi, English and
Punjabi. His translation of the hymns with prose commentary runs into
4800 pages and has been further translated in nine Indian languages. Shri
Chellaram has extensively toured abroad to spread the message of Sikhism.
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PRAKASH MANI
Dadi Prakash Mani is the head of the world renowned Prajapita Bramhakuniari
Ishwariya Vishwavidyalay, Mount Abu where spiritual indoctrination is
imparted to people from all over the world. Centres of Bramhakumari Mission
are spread all over the world including Russia. Even the United Nations
has recognised their activities and given them representation. The J.
Watumal Memorial Global Hospital & Research Centre is also run by the
society.
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SRICHAND P HINDUJA
The Hinduja group's global turnover can match the budget of a small country.
S.P.Hinduja is one of the richest Indian's in the world. His business
spans four continents and ranges from international trade to finance to
asset management to manufacturing, energy and oil.
The eldest of the four brothers who run the Hinduja Empire, S.P.Hinduja
was born in Shikarpur in 1935. He entered the family business at an early
age and managed the trading business in Bombay and later in Tehran, where
the group really built the foundation of his empire. After they took over
Ashok Leyland in 1987, the focus on India has increased tremendously.
Passionate about contributing back to the country, he set up the IndusInd
foundation to channel investments from Sindhis residing overseas. Well
known for his philanthropy, he also has an abiding interest in Sindhi
culture.
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L. K. ADVANI
Born on November 8, 1929 in Karachi, Shri L.K.Advani did his schooling
at St. Patrick's. He later graduated in law from Bombay University. Known
for his sophistication and cultured manner, Advaniji is given in to a
modest life style. He is by far the most famous and successful politician
amongst Sindhis.
An active member of the RSS in Karachi, he served the RSS in Rajasthan
after partition. He later joined the Jana Sangh and went on to become
the Secretary of their Parliamentary group. In 1970, he was elected to
the Rajya Sabha as a Member of Parliament.
He held the position of Information and Broadcasting Minister in the Janata
Government. Mr. Advani pioneered the formation of the Bharatiya Janata
Party in 1980 and was the All India president from 1986 to 1991. His contribution
to the party's success has been phenomenal and he currently holds the
key Home Ministry portfolio in the Government.
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K.K. RAMANI
Well-known advocate of Bombay, Shri K.K. Ramani, specialises in the
field of taxation, FERA and property matters and has over 3 decades of
practice behind him. He was the editor of the popular magazine 'Income
Tax Review' and the president of the Chamber of Income Tax Consultants.
A regular contributor of articles to journals and newspapers, Shri Ramani
is on the board of many a charitable organisation. He has recently been
nominated on the Committee to facilitate the implementation of Kar Vivad
Samadhan Scheme, 1998.
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NARI GURSARANI
A person who has created history by his accomplishments, Nari H. Gursahani
was recently felicitated for 50 years of glorious services to the community
and the country. A leading legal luminary, he has been instrumental in
obtaining landmark judgements in many public interest petitions. Member
of the Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board and many other professional,
cultural and social organisations, Nari Gursahani is widely acclaimed
as the 'Man of the Masses'. He has since long been serving the Sindhi
community through his widely acclaimed Organisation: 'International Sindhi
Panchayat Federation and 'Nari Gopi Hardasmal Gursahani Foundation'.
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RAM JETHMALANI
Minister of Law, Justice & Company Affairs, Government of India, Ram Jethmalani
was born on September 14, 1923 at Sind (Pakistan). After completing LLM,
he started practice at the age of 18. He taught law in India and abroad
and has authored many books and articles. Honours and awards have been
lavishly bestowed upon him. The mercurial lawyer is known for representing
some of the most controversial and notorious cases in Indian history.
Ram Jethmalani has been twice elected member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
respectively. A true shaidaee of Sindhiyat, he is always eager to encourage
Sindhi artistes.
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G.S. RAMCHAND
Very few Sindhi cricketers have had the distinction of having represented
India in international cricket. One such personality is G. S. Ramchand.
Chosen by the Cricket Board even before the partition of the country,
Ramchand captained India in the first ever cricket match won by India
against Australia in 1959-60, in all representing India in 41 test matches.
He was also chosen by the English Cricket league to play for them from
1951 to 1957.
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