(Late) Kodwani Tahalram Jassumal
[Late] Kodwani Tahalram Jassumal, popularly known as Tahalram “Azad” (1925–1990), was born in Tando Mahamed Khan, Sind (Pakistan), and later settled in Mumbai. A social worker and writer, he was a respected journalist who contributed regularly to leading Sindhi and Hindi newspapers and magazines such as Hindustan, Hindvasi, and Sindhu Dhara. Proficient in both languages, he also had the opportunity to work closely with eminent leaders like Dr. Choithram Gidwani and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani.
Deeply involved in the freedom movement, Azad was imprisoned more than once and earned recognition as a powerful orator. His literary contributions included journalism, short stories, and children’s literature. He received several prestigious awards, including the President’s Award for Bapu-a-Je Sapnan Jo Swaraj, the Soviet Land Nehru Award, and an honour from the Ishwaribai Foundation, and was a regular contributor to All India Radio and Doordarshan.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 10-8-1925
- Place of Birth: Tando Mahamed Khan,
Dist. Hyderabad, Sind, Pakistan - Academic Attainments: H.S.C. & Sahitya Ratan in Hindi
- Permanent Address: Mumbai, India.
Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions
- Nari Ratan, Biography, 1982.
- Bapu-a-Je Supanan Jo Sawarj [Mahatma Gandhi's Dream of Independent India], Essays, 1970.
- Hira Moti [Diamonds & Pearls], Children's Novel, 1985.
- Massum Murk [Innocent smile], Children's Stories, 1991.
- Sika Jo Sad [Call of Love], Tavelogue (2 editions) 1983.
Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours
Tahalram Azad received among others, the following Awards:
- President's Award for his book Bapua-Je-Sapnan-Jo-Swaraj, 1971 [At New Delhi].
- Bunyadi Sahitya Award, [Panchayati Raj], 1972 [At New Delhi by Govt. of India].
- Soviet Land Nehru Award 1979 [At New Delhi by U.S.S.R.].
- Award for Literary Achievements, 1986 [At New Delhi, Central Hindi Directorate, and Govt. of India].
- Award for outstanding literary contributions, 1990 [At Mumbai by Ishwaribai Buxani Foundation].
Additional Information
- Azad was also columnist and contributed articles to certain newspapers / magazines such as Hindustan [Daily], Hindvasi [Weekly], Sindhu Dhara etc.
- He had the privilege of working with great Sindhi leaders like Dr. Choithram Gidwani, and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani etc.
He expired on 26th September 1990.
Finale
[Late] Tahalram Azad, a social worker cum writer had a place in the annals of Sindhi literature, though he wrote a few short stories, but he was more of a journalist of considerable repute. He wrote both for Sindhi and the Hindi papers / magazines. He was proficient in both the languages.
He was interested in children's literature & produced a few books to cater to the young generation.
Azad was very active during the freedom struggle and was imprisoned on a couple of occasions. He was an excellent orator and had won peoples adoration and a few prizes. He had received a few awards for his literary works, President's Award for his book Bapu-a-Je Sapnan Jo Swaraj, Soviet land Nehru Award and Award from the Ishwaribai Foundation. He was a regular communicator on AIR & Doordarshan.