Noted and a distinguished female writer of Sindhi language Sundri Uttamchandani suffered a heart attack and passed away on Monday morning at her Mumbai residence.
Expressing grief on her demise, the writers of Sindhi language in Bhopal talked to The Pioneer about her lifestyle and her success as a distinguished writer.
Born in the year 1924, at Hyderabad Sindh British India, Sundri Uttamchandani is across the world for her huge contribution in promoting the Sindhi literature among people. During her youth the freedom movement was sweeping across the country and she could not but be drawn to it. While still in college she translated a story Bhadur Maao Ji Bahadur Deeah (A brave daughter of a brave mother). This was her initiation in the literary field.
One of the Sindhi writers Ashok Manwani said, “I first met her in December 1984 in a story writing workshop where she conducted the workshop. I attended the workshop as a participant and learnt many things from her.” Elaborating further he said, “I took her interview at her Bombay (now Mumbai) residence and had a long talk with her. It would not be incorrect to say that more than a good writer she was a good human being. It is really sad that we have lost a pioneer of Sindhi language and a guide as a human being. She visited Bhopal few years back,” he added.
Sundri’s daughter Asha was present with her when she suffered the attack. Her daughter Asha is also a well noted personality in the field of Sindhi literature. Moreover, Sundri’s grand-daughter is a noted Sindhi film actress. Ashok further said, “All three generations of Sundri Uttamchandani have contributed large to the language.”
Sundari’s book Vichhroo, a compilation of nine short stories won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1986 that was given by Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of letters. She married to a well noted writer in Sindhi language AJ Uttam who died 10 years before.
Another Sindhi writer and singer Nari lachhwani said, “It is a sad new for not only Sindhi community but also the literature lovers. She was one of the pillars for promoting Sindhi language and has done much work for it. She was well educated and was a big deal for a girl to gain education during British India. She had a good knowledge of English as well and also her many books were translated in English and other Indian languages. She brought a revolution in literary works in Sindhi language.”
Her noted books included Vichoori, Mamta, Talash, Masoom Ilteja, Pehredarni, Alag Raahien in Hindi. Besides, The Bond, This City and The Boy with Desire were very popular in English language.
Sundri along with her husband Uttam wrote a biography on another Sindhi writer lakhraj Aziz.