Mr. Ram Jethmalani (1923–2019)
Ram Jethmalani, Chief Patron of Sindhi Sangat was one of India’s most renowned lawyers, jurists, and parliamentarians, and a towering personality of the Sindhi community. As the Chief Patron of Sindhi Sangat, he played a historic and lifelong role in safeguarding Sindhi language, rights, and cultural identity (Sindhyat).
A legal prodigy who began practising law at an exceptionally young age, Ram Jethmalani devoted his brilliance not only to landmark national cases but also to the cause of Sindhis, especially in the years following Partition.
Key Facts
About - Ram Jethmalani
- He fought his first major case for the recognition of the two Sindhi scripts, strongly advocating the community’s linguistic rights. His legal intervention led to the Government of India allowing Sindhi to be taught in both Perso-Arabic and Devanagari scripts, a decisive step in preserving Sindhi heritage.
- He also stood firmly with Sindhi shopkeepers and refugees, defending them when government actions threatened the removal of their shops and livelihoods, helping thousands rebuild their lives in post-Partition India.
- As a patron of Sindhi Sangat, Ram Jethmalani filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court in 2015 demanding a 24×7 DD Sindhi television channel, asserting that denial of a Sindhi channel amounted to unconstitutional discrimination against a linguistic minority.
- A powerful speaker and cultural advocate, he consistently inspired Sindhi youth across the world to remain connected to their roots, language, and identity. His legacy remains deeply embedded in the mission and values of Sindhi Sangat.