After India's Partition in to the Islamic State of Pakistan and Secular Republic of India (Bharat) in 1947, most of the Hindus from Sindh migrated to India and spread out wherever destiny took them. Our Brothers from Old Sukkur also went to different parts of India as refugees and tried to reestablish their destroyed lives. A large number settled in the cities of Mumbai ( then known as Bombay ), Lucknow and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh ( then known as Central Provinces ) and Delhi.. Mumbai became the main centre of Old Sukkurites and there were around 400 families settled in Greater Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.

The Beginning at Mumbai

The Old Sukkur Panchayat of Mumbai took its birth on 25-4-1954 (though it was registered much later ) with the blessings of Acharya Swami Ganeshdasji, the Head Mahant (Priest) of Sri Sadubela Udasin Ashram.

The First meeting was held that day at Sri.Sadubela Udasin Ashram and was presided by Mukhi Lilaram Dewandas. Those present included, Mukhi Lilaram, Shri Gordhandas Sobhraj Balani, Seth Jiwandas Gobindram, Shri. Ramchand Narsomal, Shri  Lekhraj Khiaram Israni, Mukhi Jethanand Teckchand Gurnani, Mukhi Rewachand Lilaram, Shri D.D.Chainani, Shri Shivdayal Navalmal, Shri Surajprakash Ghanshamdas, Shri Tarachand Tharumal, Shri Mulchand Balani and others. It was unanimously resolved to form the Old Sukkur Panchayat at Mumbai.

The Objective

The Main objective at that time was to continue to maintain the close association which Old Sukkurites used to have in Old Sukkur and to help each other in times of need.

The First Office Bearers

Mukhi Lilaram Dewandas was requested to become the President of the panchayat but he declined since he was planning to shift to Lucknow.

Mukhi Gordhandas Sobhrajmal Balani was elected the First President of the Panchayat, Shri Lekhraj Khiaram Israni and Shri  Ramchand Narsoomal were elected as the Treasurer and Secretary respectively and Shri D.D.Chainani was appointed as Hon. Internal Auditor.

The office bearers worked very hard with full sincerity and devotion to the cause. They collected and collated the names and addresses of all the Old Sukkurites living in Mumbai and adjoining areas. Funds were collected for destitute widows and needy persons and a regular system of disbursement was started. There were regular get-togethers and Priti Bhojans where members and their families met and renewed old connections. The Panchayat was poised for major expansion when suddenly Shri Lekhraj Khiaram expired on 19-3-1964. This gave a big blow to the plans of the panchayat. Mukhi Gordhandas Sobhrajmal Balani also expired on 5-12-1975. Pessimism and Disappointment prevailed and the activities of the Panchayat came to a standstill.

The First Revival

At this critical juncture some members came forward and offered their services to the Panchayat. A meeting was held on 12-8-1977 at the residence of Dr. Sitaldas Gordhandas Balani at Bharat Mahal, Marine Drive, Mumbai where a firm decision was taken to revive and restart the Panchayat.

A General Body Meeting was called on 3-9-1977 at the residence of Seth Ghanshamdas Darumal Gurnani at Venus Apartments, Worli, Mumbai, where the New Managing Committee was elected under the Presidentship of Shri D.D.Chainani. The Panchayat was revived and reorganised in a systematic manner with proper accounting. Funds were raised and a Priti Bhojan was held on 4-12-1977 after an interval of Six Years. The function was a grand success. A constitution was adopted and rules and regulations were framed at the General Body Meeting held in September 1978.

Panchayats Office

The Panchayat successfully purchased its own office premises at Navjivan Society, Lamington road, Mumbai Central, Mumbai from Mukhi Sobhraj Radhakishindas Trust, through its Managing Trustee Dr. Sitaldas Gordhandas Balani, who was kind enough to give the premises to the Panchayat at Cost Price with a hope that the Panchayat would expand its charitable activities.

The Second Revival

The Story of the Second Revival is under construction.

MEMBERS ENJOYING THEMSELVES AT MELAPIMER HELD ON 6 JAN 2008

Contact Us

oldsukkurpanchayat@gmail.com