Uttam Assandas Jethanand
Uttam Assandas Jethanand, widely known by his pen name “A.J. Uttam”, was born on 16 December 1923 in Hyderabad, Sindh (Pakistan). He holds an M.A. degree and resides in Mahim, Mumbai. He is regarded as one of the foremost champions of the preservation and promotion of Sindhi language and culture in the post-partition era, alongside Gobind Malhi and Kirat Babani.
A distinguished writer, critic, and journalist, A.J. Uttam has authored several books of short stories and critical writings. He also demonstrated exceptional organizational abilities through his long-standing service as Secretary of Sindhi Sahit Mandal (Mumbai) and General Secretary of Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli Ain Sahit Sabha, making a lasting contribution to Sindhi literary and cultural institutions.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 16-12-1923.
- Place of Birth: Hyderabad, Sindh (Pakistan)
- Academic Attainments: M.A.
- Permanent Address: Block 12 B, Flat 2, Navjivan
Colony, Mori Road,
Mahim, Mumbai - 400 016
Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions
Uttam has written several books in Sindhi. A few most significant are given below:
- ‘Tagore Hik Jhalak’ Gurudev Tagore’s views on Sindhi literature, 1961.
- ‘Kashmkash’ [Struggle], stories 1971.
- ‘Sahitya Ain Sahityakar’ [literature and litterateur], essays, 1974.
- ‘Sindhi Kahani, Natak Ain Tanqueed’ [Sindhi Story, Drama & Criticism], 1981
- ‘Hoo jjahan Hee Mann’ [ That World & This Mind], stories, 1991.
- ‘Sahitik Parkh’ [Literary Assessment], criticism, 1997.
- Likyo Liyaka Paeen, [Peeing secretly], Poetry, 2000.
As Journalist
Uttam edited ‘Sindhi Sansar’, ‘Sindhi Samachar’, Daily newspapers, and was Co-Editor of ‘Sindhu Dhara’weekly newspaper, and ‘Naeen Duniya’ literary monthly magazine.
Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours
Uttam received the following Awards:
• Soviet Land Nehru Peace Award, 1965 & 1972 (At New Delhi & U.S.S.R)
• Literary Award, 1991 (At Mumbai by Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli Ain Sahitya Sabha).
• Literary Award, 1991 (At Mumbai by Priyadarshni Academy).
• Dr. Sadarangani Gold Medal for literary contributions, 1994.
Additional Information
He had the honour of attending ‘World Writers’ Conference at Russia in 1973.
Finale
Uttam is one of the top most crusaders for the preservation & promotion of Sindhi language and culture, after the tragedy of partition. The other two of the trio, are Gobind Malhi and Kirat Babani.
Uttam is a writer, a critic and a journalist of repute. Several books of short stories and critical writings are to his credit.
Uttam has shown very good organisation qualities by working in the Sindhi Sahit Mandal (Mumbai) and Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli Ain Sahit Sabha as the Secretary/ General Secretary respectively for many years.