The Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) successfully organized a landmark International Sindhi Diaspora Conference in London, United Kingdom, bringing together Sindhi organizations from across the globe along with a large number of professionals, intellectuals, and community leaders. The conference witnessed broad participation from prominent global Sindhi bodies including Sindhi Association of Europe, Sindhi Association of Japan, Sindhi Association of Muscat, UK Sindhis, Sindhi Doctors Association UK, and Sindh Wasi, reflecting the unity, diversity, and shared vision of the Sindhi diaspora worldwide.
The program commenced with a soulful rendition of Shah Latif’s Waee presented by SANA Adbi Committee Chair Ishaq Tunio, setting a deeply cultural and spiritual tone for the gathering. In his welcome address, SANA General Secretary Asad Ali Shaikh emphasized that the conference was centered on a powerful and unifying vision of strengthening Sindhi identity through global networking while preserving language and culture. He highlighted that Sindhis living across continents are bound not only by geography but by a shared heritage, history, and collective responsibility, and underscored SANA’s mission to create meaningful global connections among professionals, intellectuals, youth, and community leaders.
SANA President Dr. Maqbool Halepota, in his inaugural address, noted that in today’s rapidly changing world, diaspora communities face the challenge of maintaining their cultural roots while integrating into diverse societies. He stressed that Sindhi language, traditions, and cultural values form the foundation of identity, and that this conference represents a conscious effort to preserve and promote that foundation, particularly among younger generations. He further observed that London, as a global city, provides an ideal backdrop for such a gathering, symbolizing diversity, connectivity, and opportunity, and expressed hope that the conference would serve as a milestone in building a more connected, confident, and culturally rooted global Sindhi community.
SANA Vice President (Women) Shahida Shaikh, in her remarks, highlighted that Sindhis living across the world are identified not only by their place of residence but by their language, civilization, and heritage, and emphasized the fundamental role of women in preserving and transmitting this identity across generations.
Speakers from various international organizations and communities expressed their views and appreciation during the conference. Dr. Rohit Kumar appreciated SANA’s efforts in bringing together the global Sindhi diaspora and fostering unity for the betterment of Sindh, while SANA Treasurer Akash K. Ramani, Arc’s Zulfiqar Khawaja, Ayub Mahar, Dr. Shah Bakhsh Lashari, and Dr. Fahad Memon shared their perspectives on professional collaboration and community engagement. Dr. Dileep Doltani, Abbas Channa, Najia Mir, and Sajan Channa also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation, diaspora unity, and collective responsibility toward Sindh.
Member of Parliament Enn Clarke commended SANA for its efforts and praised the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilization, recognizing Sindhis as inheritors of a rich and enduring identity. Ayaz Latif Palijo emphasized the need for SANA to engage with academic and healthcare institutions in Sindh, including universities and hospitals, to contribute toward improving education and medical services, while also stressing the importance of maintaining SANA’s secular and inclusive character representing the diversity of Sindhi society. Dr. Abdul Rauf Shaikh reflected on the historical legacy of Sindhis as a people known for trade, knowledge, tolerance, and culture, noting that wherever they have traveled, they have carried Sindh with them.
During the session, Recica William recited poetry, adding a literary and artistic dimension to the proceedings. A day prior to the conference, a reception was hosted by the Sindhiani Association of Europe in honor of the SANA Executive Council and international delegates, providing an opportunity for networking and strengthening bonds among participants.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening global Sindhi connections, promoting language and cultural heritage, and working collectively for the progress and prosperity of Sindh and its people across the world. In the last music concert, all participants danced to Ho Jamalo.
(Sana Media Cell)