Sindhi Language Day: The language of 9 Crore Sindhi Worldwide

Sindhi Language Day is an important occasion celebrated primarily India by 3 crore Sindhi communities, following the language’s recognition in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 1967. This recognition was a significant step in preserving the mother language, which has a rich historical and cultural legacy.

The Celebration of Sindhi Language Day

In India, Sindhi Language Day is observed to honor the language and its literature, with numerous cultural and literary events being organized by migrant Sindhi communities. Though the Sindhi Adabi Board has been dedicated to promoting the sindhi language in Pakistan and its literature, it does not officially celebrate Sindhi Language Day in Sindh on 10 April.

The day is, however, widely celebrated by Sindhi organizations and cultural groups across India and Pakistan. Sindhi Language Day marks the contributions of Sindhi literature, and the celebrations are often accompanied by poetry recitals, seminars, and discussions focusing on the importance of preserving the Sindhi mother tongue and identity.

Sindhi official language

Although Sindhi was not a regional language in a well-defined area, there were persistent demands from Sindhi-speaking people for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities also recommended it. On 4 November 1966, the Government announced its inclusion. At the 2001 census, 2,571,526 Sindhi speakers were recorded in India.

The Struggles of Landless Sindhi in Indians

One of the unique aspects of Sindhi identity, particularly in India, is the history of the landless Sindhi population, many of whom migrated to India after the partition of 1947. Before the partition, Sindh was part of undivided India, but after the creation of Pakistan, Sindhi-speaking people found themselves in new political and social environments.

As a result, many Sindhis in India became landless, with their ancestral land and properties now lying across the border in Pakistan. Despite these challenges, Sindhi communities in India have worked hard to preserve their language, culture, and traditions. They have set up schools, community centers, and organizations dedicated to promoting Sindhi language and heritage.

In these communities, Sindhi Language Day serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the landless Sindhi population and their enduring commitment to maintaining their identity, culture, and language in a foreign land. These efforts have ensured that despite the hardships, the Sindhi language has continued to thrive in India, with millions of people still speaking it today.

The Importance of Sindhi Language for Identity

The Sindhi language is not only a means of communication; it is a key part of the Sindhi identity. Language is the first critical factor in defining one’s heritage and identity. For the Sindhi people, preserving their language is crucial because it connects them to their history, culture, and the land of Sindh.

Language is the vessel through which stories, folklore, traditions, and values are passed down from generation to generation.
Without a language, a community risks losing its unique identity. For Sindhi speakers, especially those who migrated and became landless, the preservation of their language has become a way to hold onto their roots and ensure that their culture is not forgotten.

A Legacy of Civilization

Sindhi culture is one of the oldest in the world. The region of Sindh, home to the Indus Valley Civilization, boasts some of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, including Mohenjo-Daro, which reflects the advanced civilization of the Sindhi people. The Sindhi language carries the legacy of this ancient civilization.

And the cultural heritage embedded in the language continues to shape the lives of Sindhi people today. Though the Sindhi people have been divided across borders and religions, their language and cultural heritage remain a unifying force. Sindhi Language Day is an occasion for all Sindhi speakers, whether in Pakistan, India, or anywhere else in the world.

The greatest poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is not only a literary genius but also a revered spiritual figure. His Risalo, a collection of poems, holds deep sacred significance in Sindh, embodying timeless wisdom and love. Latif Bhitai remains the most respected and cherished cultural icon in the region.

A Call for Unity and Preservation

Despite the challenges of migration and political division, the Sindhi community in India continues to celebrate their rich linguistic and cultural heritage. The ongoing efforts of landless Sindhi Indians to preserve their language, culture, and identity are a testament to their resilience and commitment to their heritage.

In Pakistan, Sindhi speakers make up over 55.7 million people, according to the 2023 Census, but in India, the Sindhi-speaking population of more than 3.5 million is also a thriving community. The recognition of Sindhi in the Indian Constitution and the celebrations of Sindhi Language Day serve as vital steps in preserving the language, ensuring that it is passed down to future generations.

Literature

Sindhi literature is a rich and profound heritage that spans centuries, deeply reflecting the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual essence of Sindh. The works of legendary poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai in Shah Jo Risalo offer insights into the region’s mystical traditions and love for humanity.

The literature also includes diverse genres like folk tales, philosophical writings, and religious texts, Sindhi language dictionary. Sindhi translations of the Quran have provided an essential bridge for local communities to understand Islamic teachings in their mother tongue. Alongside this, Sindhi newspapers, books, and grammatical works preserve and promote the language, ensuring its continued relevance in today’s world.

Conclusion: A Heritage to Preserve

Sindhi Language Day is more than just a celebration of a language; it is a celebration of the Sindhi people’s resilience. Whether they are in India or Pakistan, the Sindhi people have fought hard to preserve their identity and culture. The Sindhi language connects them to their history.

And on this day, they honor that connection and commit to ensuring that their language, and with it, their identity, endures for generations to come. The efforts of landless Sindhi Indians to preserve their language despite challenges serve as an inspiration to all Sindhi communities worldwide.

The Sindhi language is the first and most critical factor of their identity, and it is their responsibility to ensure its survival. This narrative celebrates both the historical and contemporary significance of Sindhi Language Day, emphasizing the preservation of the Sindhi language as a core part of the Sindhi identity.