Sindhi Identity II: History, Culture, Spirituality, Enterprise

Following the amazing response to our first event on Sindhi Identity and the 1947 Partition, we’re thrilled to bring you the second instalment in the series!

Sindhi Identity II: History, Culture, Spirituality, Enterprise

Join us for an immersive celebration of Sindhi heritage through inspiring talks, interactive sessions, traditional cuisine, and community connections.

Who is this event for? This is an inclusive event for people of all generations, focussed on the Sindhi community, but we welcome people from all communities. If you are curious about Sindhi history, culture, spirituality, enterprise and innovation, and the future of the global Sindhi in the 21^st Century, this event is for you.

We will explore the forces that continue to shape Sindhi identity. Our speakers include leading academics and cultural voices, offering new insights into the lived Sindhi experience across time and geography.

About the Speakers

Prof. Sarah Ansari is a distinguished historian from Royal Holloway University of London, specialising in South Asia's recent past, with a particular focus on Sindh, Karachi, women's lives, and development issues. Her research includes themes of migration, refugees, citizenship, and the emotional impact of displacement. Beyond her academic contributions, Prof. Ansari made history as the first woman President of the Royal Asiatic Society, serving from 2021-2024, and currently holds the position of Vice President (2025). Her talk will provide a deep dive into the history of Sindh, from ancient civilizations to modern independence.

Prof. Devendra Kodwani is a Professor of Financial Management and Corporate Governance at the Open University. He is a member of the Vice-Chancellor's Executive., and led the Open University Business School and the Open University Law School. His research interests span the evolution of regulatory institutions in India, and corporate governance and ethics, with studies conducted across the UK, Africa, and Germany. Additionally, Prof. Kodwani hosts podcasts dedicated to Sindhi language and culture.

Prof. Narender Ramnani is Professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London, and currently serves as President of the British Neuroscience Association. He is also a trustee of the Holy Mission of Guru Nanak, widely known as the Sindhi Community House or Sindhi Mandir.

Programme Highlights:

• Start off with a delicious Sindhi Brunch (Daal Pakwan) – please arrive promptly by 11.30am for registration before 11.45am brunch!

• Breaks: Socialising and networking with tea and snacks between sessions

• Welcome and Introduction
  (Prof. Narender Ramnani, Trustee)

Opening Remarks: An introduction of Sindhi Community House, an overview of the event, and its aims, and an introduction of speakers.

• From Indus to Independence – 5000 Years of Sindhi History
  (Prof. Sarah Ansari, Royal Holloway University of London)

This talk will be an introduction to the history of the people of Sindh. It will present a panoramic view of Sindh's rich past, from the Indus Valley civilisation that flourished about 5000 years ago, through to Independence in 1947. The talk will consider the importance of Sindh and Sindhis from a wider South Asian and global perspective. Across the millennia, Sindh - far from being located on the margins - often lay at the heart of key developments, all the while maintaining its distinct identity and operating as a vibrant meeting place for people, ideas, and even commodities.

• Unpacking "Sindhyat": Diverse Sindhi Heritage that has shaped Modern Hindu Sindhi Identity
  (Prof. Devendra Kodwani, Open University)

This talk will explore the unique characteristics of Sindhi Hindus, particularly their liberalism, adaptability, and distinct social customs, as noted by Dayaram Gidumal Shahani in 1903. It will examine the factors contributing to their resilience and ability to thrive globally while maintaining their core identity ("Sindhyat"). The talk will also celebrate classical Sindhi Sufi poetry (Shah, Sachal, Sami), discussing its connections to Vedantic philosophy and the influence of various religious traditions including Islam and Sikhism. Finally, it will address how 19th-century reform movements impacted Sindhi identity, and how Sindhi Hindus have preserved their "Sindhyat" despite being displaced from their geographic homeland, maintaining their identity through customs, language, and family ties.

• Insights Session: The Sindhi Entrepreneurial Edge — Selling Anything, Anywhere
  (Prof. Devendra Kodwani, Open University)

Explore the remarkable economic successes of Sindhi Hindus in this insightful session with Professor Devendra Kodwani. Historically driven by 'Artha' – the pursuit of economic prosperity, one of the four aims of life in Indian Hindu philosophy – Sindhis have excelled in wealth creation. This presentation will draw upon Dr. Mark Anthony Falzon's significant work, "The Sindhis: Selling Anything and Anywhere," to shed light on four distinct traits embedded within Sindhi business culture. Understand what makes them uniquely adept at thriving in diverse markets and creating prosperity wherever they go.

• Q&A with speakers after each session

• Breakout Session: Exploring Sindhi Identity Today
  Every generation thinks about identity in a different way. Participants will engage with each other in smaller generation-specific groups, and a group open to all, to discuss what they’ve learned, share what they understand about Sindhi identity in today's world, and what they still want to learn about. Those discussions will help Sindhi Community House to understand your views better and shape future plans.

○ Group 1: Young people (up to 30 years)

○ Group 2: Middle Generation (31 - 65)

○ Group 3: Seniors (65+)

○ Group 4: Open Group / Newcomers

Facilitators: Members of Organising Team

Date and Venue: 20^th July, Sindhi Community House

Attendance is free. Advance registration is required. Reserve your place today and be part of this thoughtful and uplifting gathering of minds and community. Traditional Sindhi brunch and refreshments are included. Donations are welcome.

Timings: Registration from 11.30am, followed by Brunch at 11.45am. The event will end at 5.45pm. Please arrive promptly.

Organised by: Sindhi Community House, London  www.holymission.org.uk
Charity No. 1151738 | Company No. 08026761

Safe Space: Sindhi Community House is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all visitors and volunteers, who are expected to act, and be treated by others, with respect and dignity, free from discrimination or harassment. Verbal or physical behaviour that may cause distress, including that based on identity or belief, will not be tolerated. Please report concerns to staff or trustees. By participating, you agree to uphold these principles.

Parking - There will be some parking available in front of the building on Cricklewood Broadway on Sunday. You can park free on roads with single yellow lines. There is metered parking across the road between Matalan and Wickes DIY. We advise you to arrive as early as possible.

Getting to the venue - The building is located on Cricklewood Broadway near Staples corner and postcode is NW2 6QD. You can find the directions clicking here

Accessibility - The building is wheelchair-accessible and volunteers will be happy to offer assistance if needed. Please indicate accessibility requirements when you register.

Alcohol, intoxicants, smoking and vaping - These are banned on the charity's premises.