Sundri Uttamchandani
TSW Citation
When it comes to fiction writing in Sindhi language this is next to impossible to conclude talks without mention of name of Sundri Uttamchandani. Very much popular and immense talented personality of Sindhi literature Sundri has written more than 250 Short stories in Sindhi language. Her success gets more glory and more shining colours with the fact he got this, in the era of peak of trio of modern sindhi literature Mohan Kalpna, Lal Pushp and Guno Samtaney, renowned fiction writers of Sindhi literature. Being wife of A J Uttam, Encyclopedia of Sindhi literature Sundri got literary atmosphere in abundance. Her ever first Sindhi Novel “kirandad Diwaroon” not only proved as popular Sindhi book but also proved best Sindhi book has shown her calibre and ability in Sindhi faction writing. Besides the writing in Sindhi language to promote and preserve Sindhi culture, Sundri was also associated with few Sindhi tele films like Bandhan, Vilayati Ghot Ji Goliha, Kitty Party, Bhoori and Insaf. Team TSW is dedicating following Sindhi couplet to this great Sindhi woman Novelist and popular personality of Sindhi literary world. coloured words are titles of books written by Sundri Uttamchandani.
सुंदरी जूं नखरेलियूं चंचला खणी हाणे सिंधु जो आत्म विशवास चवन भूरी बुध
बराबर थियो युगांतर विछोड़ो आज़ाद सचल, न मुरक ते मनाही न रहिणो चुप
Biography / About - - Sundri Uttamchandani
Sindhi Woman – Sindhi Literature – Sindhi Novelist
Sindhi literature was considered as the field unsuitable for the Sindhi women but first Popati Hiranandani, then Sundari Uttamchandani, Kala Prakash and in the recent times Vimmi Sadarangani, Dr. Kamla Goklani, Indira Poonawalla and many more sindhi women are dominating and expressing their expertise in the non-traditional fields like Sindhi literature. Sundari is famous as Sindhi Woman Novelist and Short Story Writer but very few people know that her literary life was started with college days and translation of a Short Story.
Sundri Uttamchandani, or more popular known as “Sundri” was born on 28th Sept 1924 at Hyderabad Sindh. Hyderabad is said to be land of Educationist, Writers, Poets & those who care about the Sindhi Culture. This might be the effect of so many mythological stories narrated to her by grandparents that even from early childhood Sundri was finding Sindhi literature and culture an interesting field. Her first literary work was published when she was in the college as the translation of a short story with Sindhi title “Bhadur Maao Ji Bahadur Deeah”.
This might be influence of freedom fighter and Encyclopedia of Sindhi literature Assandas Uttamchandani, her husband and legendary people like Prof M U Malkani with whom she used to meet during the weekly literary meetings. In the year 1953 he came with her first novel “Kirandar Deewaroon” and shown her presence in the male dominated Simdhi literature arena in grand style. Very shortly in the year 1956 “Preet Purani Reet Niraali” her second novel was published and proved to be best seller as this book was reprinted for five times.
Sundri brought a new flavour to Sindhi literature as her writings were the true expression for the homely Sindhi language. Though her both the novels proved path braking but soul of Sundri was lying with short stories and she enjoys more of this type of literary creations. Some of her popular short stories are BHOORI, HI SHAHAR and KHEER BARIYA HATHRA.
Sundri also expressed herself in poetic version though this was not the way of traditional Sindhi poetry as she was more comfortable with free verse. Any how she has credit for four Poetry collections along with more than 250 stories, four novels and 12 plays. In the year 1986 she was felicitated with prestigious Sahitya Academy Award for her creation “Vichhoro”.
Alike her husband A J Uttam, Sundri is also recipient of “Soviet Land Award” for her creations “Bharat Roos ba Banh Beli”. She also contributed as the Radio, TV and stage artist and went on establishing “Sindhu Nari Sabha” for Sindhi women.
On 8 July 2013 she passed away. She is survived by her two daughters Asha Chand and Geeta Khiyani.
Literary Contribution
Literary creations of Sundri Uttamchandani are: [In order of from latest to oldest] 2011 – Chanchala [Hindi Translation] – 2004 – Daath bani aa laat – 2001 – Nakhreliyun – 2000 – Sindhu – 1999 – Atam Vishwas – 1993 – Bharat Russ Ba Bahn Beli – 1992 – Kheryal Dharti – 1992 – Murk Te Manah – 1989 – Yugantar – 1985 – Vichhoro – 1979 – Bhoori – 1975 – Nai Sabhyata Jo Darshan – 1970 – To Jin Jee Taat – 1965 – Achaa Vaar Gaara Gula – 1966 – Aman Sade Peyo – 1963 – Hik Sassui Sao Soor – 1956 – Preet Purani Reet Niralee – 1953 – Kirandar Deewarun
Books Window
Awards
Sahitya Akademi Award: Year 1986
Title of Book: “Vichhoro”
Other Awards:
Sundri Uttamchandani was also felicitated with
Soviet Land Nehru Peace award
Gaurav Puraskar [Maharashtra Government]
Life Time Achievement [by NCPSL]
Citation from Sindhi Akademi, Delhi
Award from Hindi Directorate
Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli Ain Sahit Sabha
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.