ULHASNAGAR, July 26: Distinguished representatives of the Sindhi community in Ulhasnagar and other parts of Maharashtra recently voiced the problems faced by Sindhis in India at a seminar on Political Rights of the Sindhi Community organised in Mumbai by the World Sindhi Congress (WSC) as part of its celebration of `50 Years of India's Independence'.Even after 50 years of freedom, the Sindhi community in India, which was an active participant in the freedom struggle, remains deprived of various social, political and economic rights enjoyed by the other minority communities in the country, the participants said.Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaywantiben Mehta, expressed gratitude on behalf of Hindus for the contribution made by the Sindhis to Indian culture. The word `Sindh', she explained, had a historical significance as it was the root word from which the word `Hind' was derived. She lamented that Sindhis were being neglected by the government and that promises given to them by the national leaders Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, were not fulfilled.In his address, WSC president Kundandas T Rohra appealed to Indians to render selfless service for the upliftment of the members of community. He also urged the government to introduce a Bill to reserve at least three per cent seats in the Parliament for Sindhis and also incorporate necessary amendments in the Constitution to ensure equal rights for the community.Eminent Sindhi citizens and other prominent personalities from all over the country were felicitated and presented awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements and services in their respective fields. Jaywantiben Mehta received the `Hero of Nation' awards on behalf of BJP leaders L K Advani and Atal Behari Vajpayee.
