A 35-million-rupee project to build a Bhagat Kanwar Ram Cultural Centre and Ibne Hayat Panhwar Public Library in Jhampeer, Thatta has started.
On Friday evening, Sindh Minister for Culture Sassui Palijo performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the buildings which will be spread over 9,000 sq ft. Part of the incentive is to provide spaces for ritual and culture in Hindu-dominant parts of Sindh. Bhagat Kanwar Ram preached interfaith harmony and tolerance.
Bhagat was a Sindhi Sufi folk singer and was famous among Muslims and Hindus alike. “Scores of people gathered when he sang,” explained Mumtaz Mangi, a Sindhi writer from Shikarpur, while speaking to The Express Tribune. “People gave him ‘dhan’ [charity] and he distributed it among the needy. He was a generous person.”
His ‘Samadi’ is situated in Reharki where thousands of his followers still visit. “His Sufi folk songs are still common and people love to listen to them. His words and voice are wondrous,” he added. ‘Nale Alakh je Bero par Munjho’ (O Lord, take me safely to the other side) is one of his well known folk prayers.
Bhagat was assassinated in 1939 at Ruk Railway Station, Shikarpur. The Pirs of Bharchundi were accused of killing him but no one was ever arrested.
Among the other projects being undertaken are monuments in the name of Master Chandar, a famous singer of Sindh in his native town of Tharu Shah. Others will be constructed in the memory of the martyrs of the Larkana/MRD Movement and the Hur Movement to keep their memory alive.
Palijo said that she has proposed a Thatta-to-Nooriabad link road which she hopes will be approved. The people of the area have also asked for a proper water supply.
Fifteen new public libraries and seven new cultural centres are being set up through two development schemes. About Rs30 million has been allocated for a public library in Jhampeer over 7,000 sq ft. Out of 15 libraries, five are being established in Thatta.
Palijo also launched two books - Sindh Heeran Khaan by Rasool Bux Dars and Sabhita ja Soonhan by Muhammad Hassan Kashif.
Sindh Culture Secretary Abdul Aziz Uqaili said that the two schemes of public libraries will be launched next week.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2012.
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Bhagat Kanwar Ram Sahib the most famous Hindu Saint cum poet of Sindh, he is known around the world for his melodious voice. thanks Miss Palejo for your efforts to preserve the cuture of sindh.