EARLY STUDENTS OF D.J.SINDH COLLEGE
We Sindhis have unique psychology. We are leaders for others
but, at war with each other. Sir Agha Khan leaded the deputation in 1905 to see
Viceroy of India for redressing of problems of Muslims of India.
Quaid-i-Azam headed Muslim League and
earned Pakistan. Likewise, other Sindhi leaders played leading role at all
India level. As for as the internal story is concerned, we/our forefathers
failed to maintain national unity and harmony in Sindh. We all know that All India Congress was
formed in 1885.But, it is amazing to note that in Sindh, a Social-cum-political
party SINDH SABHA was formed in 1882 i.e three years before establishment of
CONGRESS.
Sindh Sabha consisted of three major segments of Sindh and
they were Muslims, Hindus and Parsees. Dyaram Jethmal and Hassan Ali Effendi
were leaders of their respective communities. But, their differences divided
Sindh into two camps for ever. I am not here to fix that responsibility to any leader but, have to trace the history
for the establishment of Sindh Madressah-tul-Islam and D.J.Dindh College. Both leaders formed different opinion on
three points: 1). Separate electorate for election,2) relationship with
Government and 3. Promotion of education
in Sindh. Hassan Ali Effendi was in favour of Separate electorate for Hindus
and Muslims, Dyaram Jethmal was in favour of being near to Government and
Hassan Ali wanted Secondary education for Muslims, whereas Dyaram Jethmal
intended Higher education for all. Hassan Ali Effendi left SINDH SABHA and
formed SINDH MUHAMMADAN ASSOCIATION and Sindh Madreesah. Dyaram Jethmal established Sindh Arts College, that was
later on renamed as Dyaram Jethmal
College [D.J.Sindh College] after his death.
The opening of the Sind Arts College-
subsequently named “The Dayaram Jethmaql Sind College” – at Karachi, on 17th January
1887, by Lord Reay, Governor of Bombay, was an epoch-making event in the annals
of the province. Sind, one of the last Indian provinces to pass under the
British rule, was perhaps the least developed of all. Educationally, it
remained backward even under the British administration, until this college
arose to dispel the thick gloom of ignorance. Before 1887 not a single Sindhi
had passed the School Final examination. A few had matriculated of whom the
following had taken a degree:- Thirteen B.A’s (all from the Elphinstone
College, Bombay), namely, Chuharmal Kundanmal Punjabi (1865, First Division),
Alumal Trikamdas Bhojwani (1867, Second Division), Sadikali Faridun Mirza
(1872), Techkchand Udhavads Vaswani (1875) Dayaram Gidumal Shahani (1878, Second
Class and Ellis Scholarship), Harchandri Vishindas Bharwani (1882, Second
Class), Vazirmal Uttamchand Lalvani (1887), Tahilram Khemchand Vazirani (1884,
Second Class), Bulchan Kodumal Jagtiani (1884), Hiranand Khemsing Advani (1886,
Second Class), Mathradas Javahri (1886, Second Class), Himatsing Gajsing Advani
(1886) and Dalmatrai Roshiram Lalvani.
Almost of all these Students earned
name and fame. Dayaram Gidumal Shahani became outstanding Scholar, Social
Reformer and Philosopher of his own right. He was born in 1857 that was the
year of “War of Independence” and he used to say that “I am born in 1857, there
for you will find War in my thoughts and actions”. We he was very old, he
married a young girl. It was his drastic step and violation of Hindu Traditions
and values. He faced a big opposition and that issue was taken by Press
also. Mahatma Gandi and Moluana Azad tried to see him, but, he refused to
meet with them.
And other Student Harchandri
Vishindas Bharwani was an outstanding Freedom Fighter and he breathed his last
soon after participating in Assembly Session to oppose the Simon Commission. He
was the first Politian who demanded the separation of Sindh form Bombay
Presidency and later on he became the Leader of Hindus those opposed separation
of Sindh form Bombay Presidency.
While going through the records of
the D.J.Sindh College, we find that following were early students of the
college:
1. Alimchandani,
Bulchand Dayaram
2. Alimchandani,
Lilaram Jethmal
3. Belara, Basarmal
Tarachand:
4. Bhagchandani,
Verhomal Lokumal:
5. Bhavnani, Chandiram
Doulatram
6. Bhavnani, Pohumal
Bakaasrai
7. Chainani, Khubchand
Jethmal
8. Dadachanji, Dorabji
Sorabji
9. Datani. Abdul Kadir
Umerkhan
10. Gulrajani,
Assudamal Amarsing
11. Gursayani, Kimatrai
Gagandas
12. James, John Vincent
13. Jhangiani, Gidumal
Awatrai
14. Jhangiani,
Premchand Awatrai
15. Jagtiani, Valiram
Kodumal
16. Karamchandani,
Hardasmal U
17. Kirpalani,
Ghanshamdas Khatanmal
18. Lalvani, Tarachand
Alimchand
19. Lalvani, Kishna
Uttamchand
20. Malkan, Udharam
Shewakram
21. Mandvivala,
Yusafali Alibhai
22. Minwala, Jijibhoy
Merwanji
23. Mirchandani,
Motiram Udharam
24. Mahomed, Yousiff
25. Malkani, Rutonmal
Gidumal
26. Pahalajani,
Bhojsing Gurudinamal
27. Primalani, Hassomal
Kalachand
28. Shivdasani,
Jethanand Choithram
29. Thandani,
Uttamchand Gangaram
From these Students Alimchandani, Bulchand Dayaram
Known as Rao Bahadur, son of Hon’ble Dayaram Jethmal after whom the
College is named. Was one of the first batch of students in 1886 – 1887. B.A.
One of the finest scholars Sind. Has produced. Wrote articles of merit in
Sindhi and English. Principal N.H . Academy Hyderabad Sind, and President
Hyderabad Municipality for a number of years. Fellow, University of Bombay. One
of the most valuable members on the College Standing Committee for years.
Another Students Alimchandani, Lilaram Jethmal Born 1865. Belonged
to the first batch of senior students of this College. B.A. in 1890. L.L.B.
1893. Practised Law for two years. Was taken up on the Provincial Civil Service
(Judicial) in 1896 and appointed as Sub-ordinate (second class) judge in the
second grade. In 1914 promoted to be joint judge and Sessions Judge. A pioneer
Social Reformer, interested in female education. Has been President, Kundanmal
Girls School Association. Took great pain in the foundation and establishment
of the D.G. National Collage Hyderabad. He has done noble work for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A sportsman and Physical Culturist. One of
the two surviving first students of this College, andJhangiani,
Premchand Awatrai did B.A and served as translator, and Karamchandani,
Hardasmal U did B.A. Joined the Revenue Department where he rose to
be Collector.
SINDH IN HISTORY TODAY (15th August)