International Sindhi Conference ;A Call for Stronger Community Role in India’s Development

An international conference on the theme “Strong Society, Prosperous India” was organized by the Vishwa Sindhi Hindu Foundation of Associations at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attending as the chief guest. Delegates from 35 countries participated in the event, making it one of the largest global gatherings of the Sindhi community.

Addressing the conference, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Speaker and Patron of the Foundation, Shri Vasudev Devnani, called upon the Sindhi community worldwide to make a significant contribution toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. He urged the community to continue its proud legacy and emphasized the need to create a digital Sindhi heritage project documenting Sindhi culture, language, and the civilizational history of one of the world’s oldest communities.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stressed the importance of preserving and documenting the rich history of Sindhis. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the second session as the chief guest and appreciated the global presence and contributions of the Sindhi community.

Shri Devnani highlighted the Sindhi community’s remarkable role in nation-building, stating that Sindhis account for 24 percent of the country’s income tax contributors, reflecting their strong economic presence. He described Sindhi culture as the world’s oldest and the Sindhi language as one of the richest, with a script of 52 letters. He noted that Sindhis are settled across the globe—even in far-flung regions like Barbados—symbolizing the community’s resilience and global reach.

Recalling the trauma of Partition, Mr. Devnani said the community left behind immense wealth in Sindh but chose India because of their commitment to Sanatan Dharma, cultural values, and love for the motherland. Despite losing everything, the community rebuilt itself through determination and has emerged as a community of successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for designating August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, acknowledging the pain suffered by millions. Mr. Devnani appealed to Sindhi families to speak Sindhi at home and instill Sindhi cultural values in the younger generation, as language is the identity of any community.

Sharing his contributions, he stated that as Education Minister he established Sindhu Research Centres in Ajmer and Kota and introduced the biographies of Maharaja Dahir Sen, Hemu Kalani, Sant Teu Ram, Sant Chandra Bhagwan, and Sant Kanwar Ram into the school curriculum. He ended his address with the slogan: “Long live Sindh, long live India.”

During the conference, Indore MP Shankar Lalwani reiterated the long-standing demand for the construction of Sindhu Bhavan in New Delhi. Several other community leaders also presented their views. Dr. Gurumukh Jagwani, National President of the Foundation, expressed gratitude to all international delegates.

Tribute to Late Mrs. Indira Devnani

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of Mrs. Indira Devnani, wife of Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Shri Vasudev Devnani. Delegates from 35 countries joined in paying homage during the session chaired by MP Shankar Lalwani.

Devnani Extends Birthday Wishes to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

During the event, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani presented flowers to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to convey his birthday greetings. Devnani wished him a long, healthy, and prosperous life.