When the East India Company announced a prize for anyone willing to test drive a train across the bridge, Jamalo was the only one to volunteer. At some point, he was sentenced to hanging by a company officer, and was held in a jail near what was then the newly constructed Sukkur Bridge. Jamalo Khoso Baloch, also known as Jamalo Sheedi, was born in Sukkur during the colonial rule of the British East India Company. It was during this exchange that he told me the story of the song and its accompanying dance, which are an excellent illustration of Sindhi culture, folklore and the province’s rich history of indigenous resistance. I was told by a colleague from LUMS (an ex-Dean) that the event’s gala night featured a rendition of ‘Ho Jamalo’ and was a must attend. Last week I was invited as a plenary speaker at a conference at IBA Sukkur. But it was only last week that I discovered what the song actually says, its context, and most surprisingly, its peculiar relationship with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Meanwhile jubilant crowds celebrated Sindh Culture Day in Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Tangwani, Kashmore-Kandhkot, Khairpur, Pano Aqil, Ghotki, Mirpur Mathelo, Mehar, KN Shah, Johi, Sehwan, Sann, Jamshoro, Kotri, Nooriabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Mirwah Gorchani, Digri, Jhuddo, Tando Jan Mohammad, Naokot, Kot Ghulam Mohammad, Sindhri, Phuladyyoon, Hingorno, Khaan, Jhilori, Badin, Golarchi, Matli, Talhar, Tando Bago, Kadhan, Kario Ganwher and other towns on Sunday.“Ho Jamalo, Wa Wah Jamalo” are words that have been ringing in my ears for over three decades. He urged the people to promote education as it would end hunger and poverty and enhance prestige of Sindhis.
Jeay Sindh Mahaz chairman Riaz Chandio claimed that Sindh had deliberately been deprived of its resources. He said: “Outsiders are being settled in Karachi as large housing schemes like Bahrai Town Karachi are aimed at turning Sindhis into a minority”. Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz chief Sanan Qureshi said that Sindh was passing through a difficult situation. “We, Muslims are in majority, but Islam does not allow force and compulsion in the religion and it talks about respect for others’ religions as well,” he added.Ĭiting recent gruesome murders in certain parts of Sindh allegedly at the behest of influential persons like Nazim Jokhio on the outskirts of Karachi, the QAT head said these killings took place because of Jirga system and Wadera Shahi (feudalism).“We have to promote education to fight against feudalism, Jirgas and tribalism,” he said. Referring to the recent tragic incident in Sialkot, he said the lynching of a Sri Lankan man by a mob over allegation of blasphemy had presented a danger to all and urged the people “to put a wall against this extremism”. “These civilisations and the communities were eclipsed as they did not change themselves as changing time and did not seek knowledge, technology and science,” observed Mr Palijo. Qaumi Awami Tehreek chief Ayaz Latif Palijo on this occasion said that singing, dancing and wearing traditional Sindhi dresses were good thing, but it was more important to remember as to why great civilisations like Greece, Romans, Egyptians shrunk and as to why Red Indians in America and Aborigines in Australia vanished. Politicians, mostly nationalist leaders, also joined the celebrations apart from civil society members. Thousands of people mostly youths including women and children sang and danced when famous singers Ahmed Mughal, Tufail Sanjrani, Taj Mastani, Shehla Gul and others demonstrated their performance, singing songs depicting longing for Sindh.
SINDHI SONG TV
The main event took place outside the Karachi Press Club (Deen Muhammad Wafai Road-Corner Fawara Chowk), which was organised by different Sindhi TV channels.Ī police officer said that elaborate security arrangements were made and law enforcers were closely monitoring the events to maintain law and order as estimated 5,000-6,000 people were participating in events in the evening. People wearing traditional Sindhi dresses took out rallies in different parts of the metropolis. KARACHI: Like other parts of the province, ‘Sindh Culture Day’ was observed in Karachi on Sunday with this year’s slogan of Ilm Pirayo, Sindh Sanwaro (promote education, foster Sindh).