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Unveiling Sindh: A Journey Through Cultural Conversations and Inspirations

By joe dodani | 29, Nov 2024| Culture

Throughout my extensive travels, spanning nearly half the globe, I invariably found myself engaged in conversations about Sindh. Fellow passengers were curious about its people, social structure, language, and rich cultural heritage. My responses often turned into mini-lectures, and invariably, the conversation would conclude with a suggestion: "Why not compile all this knowledge into a comprehensive book?"

On one occasion, while flying from Islamabad to Manila, I found myself seated next to a high-ranking general from the Pakistan Army. At the time, I was serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University. Our conversation naturally drifted towards the innovative educational practices at AIOU, particularly its Distance Education System, which was pioneering in offering diverse courses and programs.

As our dialogue progressed, the subject shifted to Sindh—its historical tapestry, the Sindhi language, and its vibrant culture. The general, originally from Punjab, was particularly inquisitive. He asked, "Dr. Allana, may I inquire about certain cultural aspects depicted in Abdul Qadir Junejo's drama 'Deewarein'? The portrayal of Sindhi Waderas as authoritarian figures and their interactions with the silent, subservient populace intrigued me. Another cultural nuance in the drama caught my attention: visitors, regardless of their social standing, greet the Wadera with folded hands before shaking hands. I haven't encountered such customs elsewhere in Muslim societies or even within Pakistan. Could you shed some light on this?"

I elaborated on the intricate cultural values inherent in Sindhi society. Our discussion illuminated various facets of its culture, sparking the inspiration for a book—a comprehensive exploration of Sindhi culture, delving into its history, the lives of its people, their arts and crafts, customs, traditions, language, literature, religious practices, and rituals. The depth and breadth of such a subject are vast, warranting extensive volumes to cover each aspect thoroughly.

For More Information 

Sindhi Society and Culture
Dr. G. A. Allana


https://www.proquest.com/openview/a6ed7799286c95f0e329b2cfb4c5bda9/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1726349 

 

 

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joe dodani

Joe Dodani is founder of JustSindhis. With Just sindhi he is trying knit community together on one single platform.