Book Description

Mr. Dayal N Harjani’s recent publication “Sindhi Roots & Rituals,” a magnum opus, is the outcome of Harjani’s painstaking research of years, studying hundreds of books and collecting the information orally from vast number of persons with intimate knowledge. He has successfully unraveled the historical, economical, and cultural past of the most ancient race of Indus Valley Civilization, with incisive analysis and deep insight. No doubt it is his labour of love and sense of responsibility, which has induced him to undertake this arduous task, never attempted before. Exploring the subject under his lenses, Harjani has realized that Sindhi Community is passing through a serious Identity Crisis. Sindhi Language, the quintessence of its rich culture is in pitiable condition. It hangs at the perilous precipice from where it is poised to leap into the chasm of oblivion. The Sound of tolling bells is quite loud and clear. According to Harjani, Sindhis have to act fast on war footing, if they wish to survive, eluding the list of races which may vanish from earth in near future. Mr. Harjani has suggested few remedial measures as given below. 1. Sindhis should strive to create their homeland, the suitable location for the same is Kutch region adjoining Sindh. 2. They should also establish “Bharti Sindhu Vidyapeeth,” a Cultural University to act as a repository of all the knowledge about Sindh and Sindhis, to preserve and promote Sindhi Language & Culture. 3. They should build “Shree Jhulelal Tirthdham” on a gigantic scale, at Narayan Sarovar which is the site where River Sindhu merged in Sindhu Sagar. Lord Jhulelal, Ishtdev of Sindhis shall certainly reappear at the same spot to become their saviour, if all the Sindhis united together to beckon Him, whole heartedly in one voice. - Lakhmi Khilnani Director and Founder Member Indian Institute of Sindhology Adipur