(Late) Shri Mansingh Chuharmal Balchandani
[Late] Shri Mansingh Chuharmal Balchandani was born on 28 February 1901 in Padd Idan, District Nawabshah, Sind [Pakistan]. A graduate in Arts [B.A.], he later settled in Mumbai at Khar. He was regarded as one of the stalwarts of Sindhi journalism and played a vital role in shaping its professional standards.
A Gandhian by conviction, he was not only a seasoned journalist but also a firm and disciplined administrator who believed that efficient management formed the backbone of a successful newspaper. Under his capable leadership, the circulation of leading Sindhi journals reached remarkable levels, with Hindvasi achieving 22,500 copies and Hindustan reaching 18,000, reflecting his lasting impact on the field.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 28-2-1901
- Place of Birth: Padd Idan, Dist. Nawabshah, Sind (Pakistan)
- Academic Attainments: B.A.
- Permanent Address: Mumbai, India.
As Journalist
- Mansingh was an eminent journalist and also publisher. He was very closely associated with the prestigious Hindustan Sindhi Daily for almost 50 years. This Sindhi newspaper was known as ‘Hindu’ in Sind, and restarted in the name of ‘Hindustan’ in Mumbai soon after partition. In 1953 he started weekly newspaper called Hinduvasi and remained its Editor for almost 20 years. This weekly newspaper has progressed by leaps and bounds and today it is much sought after paper not only in India but all over the world, wherever Sindhis have settled down. Mansigh’s contribution in its nursing and taking it to greater heights was outstanding.
- He also started Hindustan Kitab Ghar and published number of books in Sindhi literature, which were made available at an affordable price. He encouraged and supported Sindhi ‘Writers’ & ‘Poets’ to write and he had the pleasure of publishing their works.
Additional Information
- Mansingh was true Gandhian & freedom fighter and was imprisoned five times. He was one of the protagonists of 'Civil Disobedience Movement'.
- He was the President of Students Parliament during his college career.
- For a few years after partition the Govt appointed him as 'Camp Commandant' of couple of Sindhi Refugee Camps. He was also known as an able Administrator.
- He expired in December 1981
Finale
Mansingh Chuharmal was among the old guards of Sindhi journalism. A Gandhian by conviction he was not only a seasoned journalist but also a rigid and disciplined administrator who believed that an efficient administration was the backbone of a newspaper. It was under his able guidance that circulation of Sindhi journals touched unbelievable heights, Hindvasi at 22500 and Hindustan at 18000.