Sindhi Adabi Board

Sindhi Adabi Board is a government sponsored institution for the promotion of Sindhi literature. It was established in 1955 in Jamshoro, Sindh. [ [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C10%5C06%5Cstory_6-10-2007_pg12_10 Sindh Adabi Board scheme for world class literature in cold storage] ] It is under the Education Department of the Government of Sindh.

Introduction

The organization has published Sindhi folklore, poetry, lexicography, archaeology and original literary works. These works have included anthologies of poetry works of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast, Chen Rai Sami, Khalifo Nabi Bux Laghari, Miyoon Shah Inayat, Hamal Khan Laghari, Makhdoom Talib-ul-Maula and other mystic poets of Sindh.

The Board has also published translations of selected works, manuscripts and other writings from world literature into the Sindhi language.

Background

Sindhi literature has been in existence for around five thousand years, through the civilizations of Moen-jo-Daro, Amri and Bhambhore. Before the art of writing men desired to communicate. The next development came in the form of purposeful line making and symbol forming inside the caves, which finally led to the initial stages. The famous Vedas in history were written by the banks of mighty Sindhu (River Indus).

Literary relics in the British Museums today speak of the Buddhist influences known for their literary richness cast over early literary taste. With the advent of Arabs, Sindh received the peaceful impact of Islam and the Sindhi language had the honor of expressing the divine message (The Holy Quran) in the form of translation. The Soomra and same period followed, this was the time of adolescence for Sindhi literature and the battles between the two planted seeds of lyrical Ballads. Religious verse also took life in this particular period of time; Pir Sadaruddin Shah Rashdi was the pioneer of this verse who invented "Ginnan" as a new genre in Sindhi literature. The Sama period is known as the golden age of Sindhi verse. Qazi Kadan, Shaikh Hamad, Ishaq Aahangar and Mamooi Fakirs were the leading poets of this period.

The times of the Arghons, the Trakhans and the Mughals gave rise to nationalistic feelings in Sindhi literature and the verse of Makhdoom Nooh Sarwar, Lutfullah Kadri, Shah Inayat Rizvi convey the suffering experienced by the local people throughout two hundred and fifty years of occupation. The time of the Kalhora dynasty in Sindh is known as the summit of success of Sindhi literature. The Kalhoras were indigenous people of Sindh who succeeded in healing the wounds of local people by reuniting the country into one state with solidarity as its hallmark. Mystic poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai were the product of this period of prosperity and national cohesion. The verse of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai not only cast long shadows in social and political directions but also revolutionized the literacy taste and standard. Sachal Sarmast, Chain Rai Sami, Bachoo Mal Lund, Hamal Faqeer Laghari were the poet heroes of this period.

Though the British were non-native, soon after settling in Sindh they took up the task of formalizing Sindhi manuscript and soon succeeded in their efforts. This development gave an impetus of to Indhi literature by laying down the foundation of formal publication of Sindhi writing. It was at this point that think-tanks in Sindh realized the dire need of a sort of a platform in succession to this in which could initiate, supervise and promote the publication and the publicity campaign in Sindhi language, "Federal Advisory Board" in August 1940. However in September 1950 a high power executive committee was constituted in this regard and in March 1955 Sindhi Adabi Board was brought into being.

Mhammad Ibrahim Joyo served as the first secretary of the Board and many other luminaries served the same seat through its history.

History

Sindh has given birth to many literary persons, poets, educationists and intellectuals, who have not only served their own language but have also enriched world literature. This is the cause that literary persons like Imam Qazai, Abu Abu Ashaar and Abu Atta have been enjoying great reputation in the history of letters all over the world Sindh has also contributed in the enrichment of Persian literature, particularly under the rule of Tarkhans, Moghals, Kalhoras, Before British era (1843), literary activities of Sindhi Society took place at the poets/personalities, private campuses of religious families and Maddarssahs.

In 1853 during the tenure of Commissioner of Sindh Sir Bartel Frere some advancement was made in different directions of Sindhi literature. It became possible during this era, when script of Sindhi language was standardized and official documents were published in Sindhi Language, while considering the developmental and educational needs of the area the British Government of Sindh constituted vernacular literature Committee, under whose guidance varicose books in Sindhi were written and translated.

In the first instance Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo took over as Secretary, where as Chief Minister being Head of Provincial Administration became Chairman of the Board. Afterward from time time various literary persons, intellectuals and writers remained Chairman and Secretaries of the Board and performed their duties efficiently. The Board was registered with Assistant Registrar of Joint Stock Committee Khairpur in 1957 under Registration of Societies act 468/1860 dated March 1958.

This Board Completed its Period of three years as such new Board was constituted accordingly. Some changes were made from time to time in the roles of different committees Members of Board of Governors.

Chronological list of the Chairmen of the Board

* Mohammad Ayub Khuhro (Chief Minister Sindh) December 1951-March 1955
* Mohammad Ayub Khuhro March 1955-September 1961
* Niaz Ahmed (Comissinor Hyderabad) September 1961-November 1961
* Makhdoom Mohammad Zaman Talib-ul-mola November 1961-July 1977
* Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi October 1977-January 1989
* Makhdoom Mohammad Zaman Talib-ul-mola January 1989-April 1992
* Abdul Jabbar Junejo March 1993-October 1994
* Hussain Shah Rashidi October 1994-November 1996
* Abdul Hameed Akhoond (Acting) December 1996-December 1996
* Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo December 1996-July 2002
* Irfanullah Khan Marwat (Minister of Education) September 2003-June 2004
* Mazhar-ul-Haq Siddiqi (Acting) June 2004-July 2004
* Hamida Khuhro (Minister of Education) July 2004-June 2006
* Madad Ali Sindhi (Press Secretary to Chief Minister) June 2006-present

Founder

* G. M. Syed

Translated books published

In Sindhi

* Eastwick, "Dry Leaves from Young Egypt",1973

Present Secretary

* Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Mangi
* Mr.Alahdita Wighio

ee also

* Sindhi literature
* Institute of Sindhology

References

External links

* [http://www.sindhiadabiboard.org/ Official website of Sindhi Adabi Board]