World Sindhi Congress, a leading Sindhi organisation working for the cause of human rights Of Sindh and Sindhis organised a seminar on ‘People of Sindh’ on 20th June 2009 in Manchester, UK. The seminar was represented by two key panellists; Alice Albinia, author of Empires of the Indus – The Story of River and Professor Roger Ballard, Director of South Asian Studies Centre at Manchester University .
The Seminar discussion was conducted by Dr Rubina Greenwood of WSC, who set the scene for the discussion by focusing on Alice ’s work which addresses the relationship of Indus River with its people, its ancient multi-religious roots and the advancement of its oldest civilizations spreading from Indian Ocean to Tibetan platoons. Within the context of national identities she said the majorities of countries around world consist of multinational population and therefore we must recognise their inalienable right of self determination.
Dr Haleem Bhatti, Chairman, WSC introduced the WSC activities. Those who contributed to the discussion included Dr Lakhu Lohanno, General Secretary, WSC and Dr Naseer Dhasti a Baloch Human Rights Activist in UK .
Alice Albinia during the discussion raised her serious concerns over how scarcity of water in the delta region is severely affecting the livelihood of the people and the rise of Islamisation is changing their secular and Sufi traditions. She said Islamic Identity is on its rise, the acceptance of peoples of Pakistan to pre-Islamic era is non-existing in curriculum and media. She said that as people of Indus we are losing this mighty river (encircled Paradise ) and its magnificent heritage by selfish rulers.
Professor Roger highlighted the challenges for national identities within the context of rise of religious identities and how Sindhis could overcome the religious differences and unite on development and betterment of Sindh and Sindhis within this context. Professor Ballard also emphasised the importance to preserve and maintain the natural resources and infrastructure of Sindh, which are detrimental to the survival of Sindh and Sindhis as a strong nation.
The Seminar was concluded by emphasising that Empires of Indus is a relevant book today for all of us. It is more so because of the continuing trials and tribulations of Sindhis, Balochs, The Untouchable, Seraikis, Swatis, Gilgitis, Tibetans and Ladakhis. Alice ’s work is a great inspiration for those who want to learn about the Indus regions and some of the current news and issues, which have historical perspective.Concerns were also raised over the issue of hiding pre-Islamic identity by even democratic governments in Pakistan who have always behaved and are still behaving and acting as Military rulers of Sindh.
The Seminar discussion was conducted by Dr Rubina Greenwood of WSC, who set the scene for the discussion by focusing on Alice ’s work which addresses the relationship of Indus River with its people, its ancient multi-religious roots and the advancement of its oldest civilizations spreading from Indian Ocean to Tibetan platoons. Within the context of national identities she said the majorities of countries around world consist of multinational population and therefore we must recognise their inalienable right of self determination.
Dr Haleem Bhatti, Chairman, WSC introduced the WSC activities. Those who contributed to the discussion included Dr Lakhu Lohanno, General Secretary, WSC and Dr Naseer Dhasti a Baloch Human Rights Activist in UK .
Alice Albinia during the discussion raised her serious concerns over how scarcity of water in the delta region is severely affecting the livelihood of the people and the rise of Islamisation is changing their secular and Sufi traditions. She said Islamic Identity is on its rise, the acceptance of peoples of Pakistan to pre-Islamic era is non-existing in curriculum and media. She said that as people of Indus we are losing this mighty river (encircled Paradise ) and its magnificent heritage by selfish rulers.
Professor Roger highlighted the challenges for national identities within the context of rise of religious identities and how Sindhis could overcome the religious differences and unite on development and betterment of Sindh and Sindhis within this context. Professor Ballard also emphasised the importance to preserve and maintain the natural resources and infrastructure of Sindh, which are detrimental to the survival of Sindh and Sindhis as a strong nation.
The Seminar was concluded by emphasising that Empires of Indus is a relevant book today for all of us. It is more so because of the continuing trials and tribulations of Sindhis, Balochs, The Untouchable, Seraikis, Swatis, Gilgitis, Tibetans and Ladakhis. Alice ’s work is a great inspiration for those who want to learn about the Indus regions and some of the current news and issues, which have historical perspective.Concerns were also raised over the issue of hiding pre-Islamic identity by even democratic governments in Pakistan who have always behaved and are still behaving and acting as Military rulers of Sindh.
