Ram Panjwani

A renowned Hindi writer, Ram Panjwani, is remembered for his contributions to Sindhi Literature. Born on 20 November 1911 in Larkana, Sindh, British India, Prof. Ram Panjwani is a folk singer and an educationist. He completed his education at Mumbai University with a Bachelor in Arts in 1934. He started his career in Pakistan college, DJ Sindh Government Science College, Karachi. Later, after separation in 1947, Ram shifted to Panjwani and switched college to the Sindhi Department of Jai Hind College, Mumbai. He headed the Sindhi department of Mumbai University from 1974 to 1976. Ram Panjwani was also a renowned folk singer of Soofi Kalams, folk songs, Bhajans, Ghazals, etc. He acted in the Sindhi films like Jai Jhulelal, Hojamalo, Shall Dhiaru Na Jaman, and Ladli wrote lyrics and sang some popular tracks. He also performed Sindhi Kalams and Bhajans in front of national leaders like Gandhiji, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and many more.

Ram Panjwani founded Sita Sindhu Bhawan, a cultural center for Sindhis in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and was known as the Cultural Ambassador of the Sindhi Community. For the Sindhis, Ram Panjwani was the Man of the Moment (Mahal Jo Manhoon). Coming over his literary contributions, Ram has published over twenty-five books on different genres, written dramas, and lyrics. Debuted from the Padma in 1939, he wrote several novels like Quaidi in 1943, Ahe Na Ahe in 1955, Anokha Azmooda in 1962, Ayo Nayo Zamano in 1978, Zindagi Yaa Maut in 1988, Asanjo Ghar, Shall Dhiaru Na Jaman, and many more. He wrote a book, Sindh Joon Sat Kahaniyoon, a seven folk tales book staged in dramas.

Ram Panjwani was the first and only Sindhi to be honored with maximum Awards such as Manpatras, trophies, medals, and silver caskets. He received Sahitya Akademi Award by the Government of India for Anokha Azmda in 1964. In 1965, Ram got Dr. Choithram Gidwani Award in Mumbai for his contribution to Sidhi culture. In 1981, he got the fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri, from the Government of India and became the first Sindhi to receive this honor. He died on 31 March 1987 in Chandigarh.