Press Release

Sindhi Shaam Celebrates

Dr. Walter Landry’s Visit to Sindh

Washington, DC. - The World Sindhi Institute (WSI) started the new year with festive fair this weekend, hosting a “Sindhi Shaam” (evening) to honor Dr. Walter Landry, Executive Director of Think-Tank for National Self-Determination. Landry recently returned from a visit to Sindh, where he addressed a human rights conference sponsored by the Sindh National Council (SNC). The conference, entitled "International Human Rights Day and Sindhiyat”, was held December 10-11 in Hyderabad, Sindh. Landry accepted an invitation of WSI to discuss his recent trip and share his experiences with members of the Sindhi community in Washington, DC.

The Shaam, held a few blocks from Capitol on the evening of Saturday, January 29^th, kicked off with a festive welcome by Sindhi activist Khalid Hashmani and introduction by Melissa Joy, WSI's Director of Advocacy and Public Relations. She thanked both Landry and the 40+ community members in attendance, who braved icy weather conditions to take part in the event. Landry's presentation focused on his recent trip to Sindh and the observations he made of the Sindhi people and their pursuit of human rights. Describing his journey, he said, “Sindhis are the most helpful and humble people I’ve ever met.” He furthered that the successful and insightful conference in Sindh allowed him to meet with several Sindhi experts that further heightened his awareness of current issues in the province. With the help of a map, he illustrated to the captive audience each town and city he visited during his time in Sindh, as well as his short journey to India to meet with some of his Sindhi friends across the border.

Following the discussion, Laghari thanked Dr. Landry for his insightful commentary and presented him with a traditional Sindhi “topi” (hat). “In 2000, when I first met Dr. Landry, he had never heard of Sindh. Four years later, a lot has changed and now Dr. Landry is one of the experts on Sindh", he said. "I hope that his interest in Sindh continues and, together with WSI, he helps advocate on behalf of Sindhi issues “. Laghari went on to thank audience members, those from both the DC metro area as well as guests who traveled from Michigan, North Carolina, and New Jersey to attend.

The Sindhi Shaam concluded with guests feasting on traditional Sindhi cuisine shared among attendees, and a musical performance by WSI’s young Sindhi talent, Asif Talpur. Towards the end of the night, his melodious songs had people singing and clapping along and, for some, dancing to the tunes of “Ho Jamaalo” and “Jeay Sindh”. The combination of music, great food, and friends ensured that everyone had an enjoyable evening. WSI plans to host its next Sindhi Sha'am in April.

For more information, please call 202-637-3245 or email us at wsihq@worldsindhi.org.


		The World Sindhi Institute February 1, 2005 Press Release Sindhi Shaam Celebrates Dr. Walter Landry’s Visit to Sindh Washington, DC. - The World Sindhi Institute (WSI) started the new year with festive fair this weekend, hosting a “Sindhi Shaam” (evening) to honor Dr. Walter Landry, Executive Director of Think-Tank for National Self-Determination. Landry recently returned from a visit to Sindh, where he addressed a human rights conference sponsored by the Sindh National Council (SNC). The conference, entitled "International Human Rights Day and Sindhiyat”, was held December 10-11 in Hyderabad, Sindh. Landry accepted an invitation of WSI to discuss his recent trip and share his experiences with members of the Sindhi community in Washington, DC. The Shaam, held a few blocks from Capitol on the evening of Saturday, January 29^th, kicked off with a festive welcome by Sindhi activist Khalid Hashmani and introduction by Melissa Joy, WSI's Director of Advocacy and Public Relations. She thanked both Landry and the 40+ community members in attendance, who braved icy weather conditions to take part in the event. Landry's presentation focused on his recent trip to Sindh and the observations he made of the Sindhi people and their pursuit of human rights. Describing his journey, he said, “Sindhis are the most helpful and humble people I’ve ever met.” He furthered that the successful and insightful conference in Sindh allowed him to meet with several Sindhi experts that further heightened his awareness of current issues in the province. With the help of a map, he illustrated to the captive audience each town and city he visited during his time in Sindh, as well as his short journey to India to meet with some of his Sindhi friends across the border. Following the discussion, Laghari thanked Dr. Landry for his insightful commentary and presented him with a traditional Sindhi “topi” (hat). “In 2000, when I first met Dr. Landry, he had never heard of Sindh. Four years later, a lot has changed and now Dr. Landry is one of the experts on Sindh", he said. "I hope that his interest in Sindh continues and, together with WSI, he helps advocate on behalf of Sindhi issues “. Laghari went on to thank audience members, those from both the DC metro area as well as guests who traveled from Michigan, North Carolina, and New Jersey to attend. The Sindhi Shaam concluded with guests feasting on traditional Sindhi cuisine shared among attendees, and a musical performance by WSI’s young Sindhi talent, Asif Talpur. Towards the end of the night, his melodious songs had people singing and clapping along and, for some, dancing to the tunes of “Ho Jamaalo” and “Jeay Sindh”. The combination of music, great food, and friends ensured that everyone had an enjoyable evening. WSI plans to host its next Sindhi Sha'am in April. For more information, please call 202-637-3245 or email us at wsihq@worldsindhi.org. Through nonviolent means, The World Sindhi Institute works relentlessly for universal human rights and humanitarian law for the Sindhis of Sindh, in southeastern Pakistan.