Indian Sindhis Face Growing Struggles for Representation and Preservation of Cultural Identity

The annual “Sindhyat Jo Melo”, held on November 10, 2024, at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai, marked the Silver Jubilee of the Sindhi Sangat organization. This event showcased the cultural vibrancy of the Sindhi community, featuring music, dance, and comedy, with prominent attendance by Shankar Lalwani, Member of Indian Parliament, and Sindhi leaders from across the diaspora. The gathering included participants from the Indian Sindhi community and reportedly some Pakistani Sindhis, highlighting cross-border connections rooted in shared heritage.

The Sindhi community, which migrated from Pakistan’s Sindh province during the 1947 Partition, faces ongoing challenges in preserving its cultural identity in India. Despite its contributions to India’s socio-economic fabric, Sindhis struggle for political representation and linguistic recognition. The community has long sought the inclusion of the Sindhi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a demand that remains unaddressed.

In recent years, Sindhi organizations have staged protests to preserve religious and cultural sites, address linguistic barriers in education, and advocate for their socio-political rights. Events like Sindhyat Jo Melo serve as platforms to celebrate and reinforce Sindhi traditions. However, they also reveal a sense of marginalization, with Sindhis expressing concern about the erosion of their heritage in mainstream Indian society.

The attendance of Pakistani Sindhis at the event raised eyebrows, fueling concerns about potential misuse of cultural exchanges for political purposes. Critics warn against exploitation of such gatherings to further cross-border agendas.

Amid these challenges, the Sindhi community continues its fight to protect its identity while fostering cultural pride. Events like Sindhyat Jo Melo underscore the importance of unity and collective action in preserving Sindhi heritage and advancing community rights.