Proud Sindhi
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Proud
Sindhi
“Jekho dhaado so gaabo.” This Sindhi saying,
meaning “he who stands his ground, eventually wins”,
precisely describes how Sindhis made their way to where they
stand currently. After much struggling, our perseverance has
made us into one of the most prosperous communities of India
. While being harshly thrown out by the rulers of Pakistan ,
formerly a part of India , we were stripped of our property,
wealth, and most other valuables, but most importantly, our
dignity.
However, we did not let this have any impact on us
whatsoever. We kept our heads held high and with honor. We
slept on the dirty Indian soil, proud to stand up for our
cause. Finally, through determination and focused work, we
succeeded and acquired much deserved wealth. However, with
this wealth, we gave back to the community by opening
various hospitals, schools, and pumping money back into the
economy. I can honestly say that my heart is full of Sindhi
pride. Not only does my ancest
ral background give me this
pride, but also the Sindhi values taught by them. Our
enthusiasm and optimistic view on life has taught me to
appreciate the positive things in life rather than dwell on
them, because a true Sindhi makes the best out of what he
has. Also, our drive to keep going, and conquer obstacles
has played a vital role in my life, making me stronger
everyday as I work harder to reach my goals, as my ancestors
worked to regain their wealth and dignity.
Another important facet, however, is our amazing sense of
fashion! No matter if the occasion is a simple pooja, or an
extravagant shaadi, you can always count on us to look our
best. To accessorize our fashion sense, we definitely know
how to party! The dancing never stops and the fun doesn’t
cease! However, the one aspect of our culture that really
stands out to me is our open-mindedness. I am proud to call
myself Sindhi for the reason that no matter who comes along,
we welcome them with open arms and a warm smile on our
faces. To illustrate, I never think twice to bring along one
of my non-Sindhi friends, as I know they will not be
out-casted (which might happen in other Indian communities),
but instead encouraged to join the family.
Furthermore, our
willingness to adapt to society has allowed us to reach far
into other peop
le’s hearts. Living in America , we have
adapted to their new ways, understanding all the advanced
technology and speaking English better than some pure
Americans themselves, never hesitant to show the world what
we are made of. Not only have we learned to become
accustomed to new societies, but we intertwine it with our
own, creating a beautiful harmony of new and old cultures!
By keeping the good in both, we find a way to produce a
wonderful balance, retaining our own unique identity. From
being stripped of all our possessions and becoming refugees
in India , we have worked our way back up the ladder, where
we stand as one of the leading nations of our home country,
India ! No matter, what, I will always have something to be
proud of, my Sindhi heritage! Jai Sindh!
-Nandita Kotwani
|