Hundraj Balwani
Introductory
Dr Hundraj Kishinchand Balwani, for sure is one of the most popular and respected personality of Sindhi literary world. Highly educated Balwani is always looked as a person with deep knowledge of Sindhi, Hindi and Gujarati languages and have special attention and attitude towards the creation of children literature in Sindhi language. He has a marvellous quality of translation and for translation of Bindu Bhat`s creation into Sindhu language with Title Meera Yagnik Ji Diary in 2005 Sahitya Akademi has awarded Sindhi translation award to him. Team TSW feels proud and honour in sharing biography and literary journey of such great personality of Sindhi literature.
हिक मुरक ब लुड़क खणी घुमण वारी, कैद थियल रोशनी जा टुकड़ा डिसी हुअ रोयी वयी
इरादन जो अड़ो, पेसन जो वणु हुयुस इरदि गिरदि, आजाद सचल खे छितो माणुहू चयी वयी
(In Devanagari couplet-coloured words are titles of his published books)
Dr Hundraj Kishinchand Balwani: Biography & Literary Journey
Hundraj Balwani was born on 09 January 1946, at Larkana Sindh as the son of Shri Kishinchand Balwani a few months before the independence of country. He was hardly one and half year old when was forced to migrate India with parents so he was not able to understand the pains of Sindhi community but in the very first decade of his real life that education is the solution of problems of pains and troubles Sindhi community is facing in India. In very early age he also sensed presence of literary attitude present within him.
He was in Standard eight only when with the inspiration of his teachers Shri Hemandas Manchand and Shri Ramchanda Bhagchandani he wrote his first children poem Muhinji Motarcar (My Car) which was published in Sindhi magazine Phulwari. In the years to come Hundraj Balwani has worked as editor of same magazine.
The migration seems to be lit more extended specially for education of Dr Balwani, as his schooling was started at Ahmedabad, where family get settled after a short stay at Devlali camp Nasik, but he passed B.A. from Pune, Diploma in Journalism from Jaipur and Ph.D. from Mumbai. He also Passed B.Ed. After Graduation he started job of Primary school teacher. At the time of retirement from Government service Hundraj Balwani was at the post of Academic Secretary of Gujarat Rajya Shaley Pathya Pustaka Mandal. During this period of service, he has also worked as the Chairman of Gujarat Sahitya Academy.
Dr Balwani`s first book, a story collection with title Desh Pukare Tho was published in the year 1966. Bij Sala Ain Boota is the title of his book published in 2019. Beside writing Stories, Childern Literature and essays his pen appeared much effective also for Poetry writing. One of his poetry books is Zindagia Jo Hiku Hiku Palu published in 2013. Titles of some of popular books in Children literature genre are Bal Sahitya Jo Vikas, Jadoo Nagari, Papua Jo Piyaro Moti, Chouthon Bandru, Akhanin Jo Dukan, Pesan Jo Vanu, Khatmithda, Hikado Ho Rajkumar and Naon Niralo Jangal.
As for as details of his translated books and Award-winning books is concerned it goes like. Dr Balwani`s some of translated books are Meera Yagnik Ji Dairy, Sharabi Nigahoon, Natak Mein Natak, Raja Ji Bulbul, Nania Ji Ajib Kurasi, Sat Jadoogar and Veer Nariyun. His awrd winning books are Sukhi Sansar (1979) award by Social Welfare department of government of India, Master Mokal Te (1980) award by National Council for educational research and training and Meera Yagnik Ji Dairy Translation award in 2005 by Sahitya Academy.
Literary Contribution
Dr Balwani can be compared with old days Landlords as his literary asset is truely vast with more than 250 published books. A few very selective titles are:
Garam Mas Ja Saudagar – Sagiyo Shahr – Bi Maaso – Hundraj Balwani Jun Choond Kahaniyun – Akhar Bhoori – Piria Mein – Zamano Badliyo Aa – Adabi Zayazo – Tak Tor – Zindagia Jo Hiku Hiku Palu – Polish Waro – Tang Jedo Chhokiro – Anmol Moti – Hua Beparvahu Huyi – Muhinja Man Kabootar – Tom Hiku Chhokiro Huo – Hiku Gunaahu Maf
Books Window
Awards & Recognitions
Sahity Akademi Translation Award: Year 2005
Title of Book: Meera Yagnik Ji Dairy
Other Awards
International Award by Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli Ain Sahit Sabha
Gaurav Puraskar by Gujarat Sahitya Akademi
Sahitya Shaan Award by Writers and Artists Foundation
Dada Shewak Bhojraj Award
Famous and popular Sindhi folk singer Bhagwanti Navani is eventually immortal as she even after losing the physical existence still alive at hearts of thousands and thousands of Sindhi music lovers. Often called as Sindhi Koyel Bhagwanti was born on 01 Feb 1940 at Nasarpur. Undisputed queen of Singing Sindhi Lada (marriage ritual songs) Bhagwanti will always be remembered for singing Sukhamani Sahib (Guru Bani) in Sindhi. She also acted in Sindhi film Sindhua Je Kinare. On 22 Oct 1986 she left for heavenly abode.