Inaugural

Volume - 3 : Issue - 2

Published : April - June 2004

Group : Language

 

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Shri Kewal Malkani and NCPSL

by Jetho Lalwani, Director NCPSL

The Government of India established National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language (NCPSL) in the year 1994 for the development of Sindhi language, literature and arts. The Council commenced operations in June 1995 with Mr. Madhavrao Scindia, the then Human Resources Minister as Chairman of the Council and the Deputy Minister as the deputy Chairman.

During the General body meeting of the Council on 20th July 1998, the working committee was appointed. Shri Murli Manohar Joshi the Human Resources Minister was appointed as Chairman and Shri Kewal R. Malkani was appointed as Vice-Chairman.

Shri K.R. Malkani’s strong resolve and will to see the development of Sindhi language, literature, education and arts brought in new vigour to the NCPSL. Many revolutionary changes and regulations were put into place and many rules simplified, so that maximum Sindhi writers and Educational institutes could derive benefit from NCPSL.

Shri K.R. Malkani was also the Chairman for various committees of NCPSL like Executive Committee, Grant-Aid Committee, Reward Committee, Programme Committee, etc. During his tenure he organised various cultural Sindhi programmes and seminars. He wanted the language to be taught all over the country by conducting Sindhi classes for which he established Sindhi language co-ordination Committee and appointed various Sindhi scholars on this committee. By appointing Shri Jhamatmal Wadhwani as Convenor of this Committee, a systematic plan and format was put into place. Today under the guidance of Shri Jhamatmal Wadhwani and due to his tireless efforts these committees have started Sindhi Certificate course, Diploma course and Advance course and various other projects are in the pipeline.

Due to the efforts of Shri Malkani, sale of Sindhi literature and magazines has increased. NCPSL honours Sindhi writers by giving Rs. 15,000 for deserving Sindhi books which is now enhanced to Rs. 20,000. Two new awards have been sanctioned by the Government of India. These awards will be presented to Sindhi writers for their work. These awards carry a cash reward of Rs. 50,000 each.

During the tenure of Shri K. R. Malkani, development of Sindhi language, literature and culture had grown by leaps and bounds.

When Shri K. R. Malkani was selected for the honourable post of Lt. Governor of Pondicherry by the Government of India, he resigned as Vice-Chairman of NCPSL and Shri Jhamatmal Wadhwani was appointed in his place.

Even after his appointment as Lt. Governor he continued to have strong relations with the NCPSL. He continued to take interest in the working of the Council and continued to guide us in implementing new approaches and developmental programmes for the promotion of Sindhi culture. He even made time to attend the Sindhi Writer’s Award Function held on 23rd March 2003 and Sindhi Cultural Festival held on 29th August 2003 at Delhi.