Re: Soc, Her, Pol: Sindhi - Y2K/Samelon/identity/ - Another Perspective

[Inder_Kirpalani@RAILCOM.COM.AU]

A wealth of ideas and opinions have been expressed by learned netters
regarding difference of perception between two sections of Sindhi
society about their cultural alienation, and I am sure that most of us
have benefited a great deal from this lively debate which often refers
to the historical development of politics and culture in Sindh.

In my opinion the land exercises most powerful influence upon the
development of cultural psyche of the individual, and no one has ever
been able to counter it.  Naturally it takes decades for human
settlements to develop bond with their new land, and time comes when
people love to lay down their life for the sovereignty and integrity
of their new mother land.

The relationship between majority and minority is very complex in
socio- political terms. The wealth, and accession to political and
administrative power, if complimented with philanthropic contribution
of ruling minority; always brings harmony and progressive trend in the
society. This way the minority is never alienated from majority, it is
always loved by the latter and in most cases even protected as the
prized possession of whole society. From 1880 onwards this trend in
Sindh was established by the reformers such as Dayaram Gidumal Shahani
which continued upto 1925 when the selfless leaders like
Mr. Harchandrai Vishndas were leading the Hindu community.

The history of Sindh records that from 1927 onwards, the media and
political power was controlled by that section of Hindu society which
did not have far sighted political approach; but were tunnel visioned
in many cases. In the process they offended Britishers and majority
Muslims equally, which eventually resulted in their uprooting from
Sindh.  Unfortunately, the political line of action of Desh Bhagat
Veerumal Begraj, Jeramdas Doulatram, Profesor Ghansham and
Dr. Choitram Gidwani resulted in the widening of the gulf between both
sections of Sindhi society at that time, which could not be narrowed
down. (Refer: "Uhey Deeinhan Uhey Sheeinhan" by Late Pir Ali
M. Rashidi ).

The history also reminds us that we should overcome our subjective
view of culture and develop our vision beyond our petty self ego;
understand the objective realities on the ground, and control our
emotions. It is the law of nature that contempt only breeds contempt
and seeds of hatred never produce the fruits of love.  The virtual
culture is no substitute to the culture of land which takes roots in
our hearts as a result of our conscious effort to adopt it . The well
never travels towards the thirsty. Let the ones who wish to quench
their cultural thirst, do their best to find the true source of their
cultural fountain.


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Life is but our perception

Inder Kirpalani
Bathurst, Australia.