Sunder Agnani
He is an eminent writer, dramatist, director, and artist, actively associated with the Sindhi theatre, and an approved writer and artist of All India Radio, Jaipur. A noted cartoonist of the Sindhi community, he has made a rare and valuable contribution to this nearly extinct genre, with cartoons closely reflecting Sindhi literary and cultural life. His short story collections and one-act plays have received critical acclaim and have been staged by leading drama groups across India.
A committed literary and cultural activist, he played a key role in the historic movement to include the Sindhi language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and worked tirelessly to preserve the original Sindhi script. He served as Working Chairman of the Rajasthan Sindhi Academy and as President of Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli ain Sahit Sabha from 1997 to 2018, transforming it into a major cultural institution. For his lifelong contributions, he received the prestigious SAMI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and the Sundri Uttamchandani Sindhyat Award in recognition of his enduring service to Sindhi language, literature, and culture.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 1st October 1936
- Place of Birth: Bhriya, Sahiti (Sindh) Now in Pakistan
- Academic Attainments: Graduate and Diploma in Painting from London
Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions
- Eminent writer associated with Sindhi literature and culture.
- Author of critically acclaimed short story collections and one-act plays.
- Noted cartoonist of the Sindhi community, contributing to a nearly extinct genre in Sindhi literature, with cartoons rooted in Sindhi literary and cultural life.
- Actively worked for the preservation of the original Sindhi script.
- Played a key role in the historic movement during the 1960s for the inclusion of the Sindhi language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
As Dramatist
- Renowned dramatist, director, and artist actively associated with the Sindhi stage.
- His plays have been staged by various dramatic groups across different parts of India.
- Approved artist and writer of All India Radio, Jaipur.
- Instrumental in promoting theatre through the organisation of Drama Festivals and Sangeet Festivals during his leadership roles.
Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours
- Awarded the prestigious “SAMI” Lifetime Achievement Award by the Rajasthan Sindhi Academy in 2018.
- Honoured with the Sundri Uttamchandani Sindhyat Award in 2018 for lifelong services to Sindhi language and literature.
Additional Information
- Served as Working Chairman of the Rajasthan Sindhi Academy.
- President of Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli ain Sahit Sabha from 1997 to 2018.
- During his 21-year tenure, the Sabha evolved into a leading institution recognising talent in literature, art, education, and culture through annual awards.
- Organised the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Sabha in 2007, including the publication of a commemorative book on its history.
- Actively associated with various Governmental and Non-Governmental organisations as a literary and cultural activist.
Finale
A towering figure in Sindhi literature and theatre, his lifelong dedication as a writer, dramatist, cultural activist, and institution builder has significantly strengthened the unity, continuity, and visibility of Sindhi language and culture across generations and geographical boundaries.