G. M. Syed
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Scholar, Activist Modern Era |
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 GM Syed |
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| Full name | Ghulam Murtaza Shah Syed(G. M. Syed) |
| Born | January 17, 1904 |
| Died | April 25, 1995 |
| School/tradition | Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā‘h |
| Main interests | nationalist, sufi, History, and Islamic Philosophy |
| Notable ideas | the Sindhi Nationalist Movement. A complete social, political, economical and philosophical argument supporting the formation of 'Sindhudesh'. |
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Influenced by
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G. M. Syed (January 17, 1904 — April 25, 1995) (Sindhi: جی۔ ایم۔ سید) (abbreviation of Ghulam Murtaza Shah Syed; Arabic script: غلام مرتضی شاہ سید) son of Syed Mohammed Shah Kazmi was a Sindhi nationalist, leftist, revolutionary and a sufi.He was been kept either in jail-or in solitary confinement for the: period of more than 30 years. He has been detained without trial until his death and has been adopted “Prisoner of Conscience”(urdu) "ضمير كا قيدي" by Amnesty International (ASA 33/WU02/94).
G M Syed proposed the Pakistan Resolution, 1940 in the Sindh Assembly, which ultimately resulted in the creation of Pakistan. However, he became the first political prisoner of Pakistan because of his differences with the leadership of the country
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[edit] Early life
His father died when he was only sixteen months old. He has had no formal schooling. Whatever he learnt, was self-tutored. with his own hard work, he attained mastery over Sindhi and English languages. He was also conversant with Arabic and Persian languages. History, Philosophy and Political science were his favorite subjects of study.
[edit] Political Activism
He was the founder of Sindh Awami Mahaz which went on to join the National Awami Party (National Peoples Party) Along with Ibrahim Joyo and Sobho Gianchandani, G.M. Syed blended Sindhi nationalism with Communism and Sufism through the ideas of Gandhi and Marx. In his early political life, he was a strong vocal supporter of the Pakistan Movement in Sindh and was said to be one of the driving forces in making sure the Sind Assembly voted to join Pakistan in 1947. He was one of the leaders supporting the refugees from India to settle in Sindh that altered the demographics of population in the province with consequent tensions still prevailing.
Syed mainly advocated for:
- Non-violence
- Democracy
- Secularism (Separation of religion and state)
- National self-determination
- Unity among all South Asian nations and states
- Social and economic equality for all
[edit] The First political prisoner of Pakistan
He respected all genuine difference of opinions. For decades, Sindh and Sindhi people had constituted the center of his interest and activity, and all his love energies were devoted to their good. GM Syed proposed the Pakistan Resolution, 1940 in the Sindh Assembly, which ultimately resulted in the creation of Pakistan. However, he became the first political prisoner of Pakistan because of his differences with the leadership of the country, as he believed that they had deceived the Sindhis.
[edit] Timeline
At an early age of fourteen years, Syed started his career as an activist.
In 1919 he became Chairman of the School Board of his own Tahsil. Subsequently, he was elected as a President of Karachi District Local Board in 1929. He later became its President. In 1930, he organized Sindh Hari (peasants) Conference and became its Secretary. then In 1937, he was for the first time elected a member of Sindh Legislative Assembly. In 1938, he joined the All-India Muslim League. In 1940, he became Minister of Education in Sindh. In 1941, he became one of the members of the Central Committee of the Muslim League.
In 1943, he became President of Sindh Muslim League. In 1944, he played a pivotal role in politics and got a resolution passed in the Sindh Assembly in favor of Pakistan, which was the pioneer resolution of its kind in the whole of undivided India.
In 1946, conditions compelled him to dissociate from the Muslim League, and formed a new party named Progressive Muslim League. The same year he was elected as leader of the Coalition Party in the Sindh Assembly. In 1954, he acted as Chairman of Sindhi Adabi Board.
In 1955, he played an active part in the formation of Pakistan National Party. In 1966, he founded Bazm-e-Soofia-e Sindh. In 1969, he formed Sindh United Front.
[edit] Literary contribution
Mr. Syed is the author of more than sixty five books. These are on numerous subjects, ranging from literature to politics, religion and culture, and other areas. He was himself a mystic, and had regard for mystics of all faiths. Besides being a man of immense learning, Syed possesses a personality that was graceful and poised. Highly cultured and refined manners, hospitality and geniality were the two main traits of his character. Wit and humor were the keynotes of his personality. He respected all genuine difference of opinions. For decades, Sind and Sindhi people had constituted the center of his interest and activity, and all his energies were devoted to their good.
G. M. Syed proposed the Resolution in the Sindh Assembly, which ultimately resulted in the creation of Pakistan. However, he became the first political prisoner of Pakistan because of his differences with the leadership of the country, as he believed that they had deceived the Sindhis.
The Case of Sindh G.M. Syed's Deposition in Court
A thesis for a separate homeland for Sindhis. This book was first published in 1974. It laid the foundations for the Sindhi Nationalist Movement. A complete social, political, economical and philosophical argument supporting the formation of 'Sindhudesh.'
[edit] Jeay Sindh Movement
In 1971, disappointed with the national politics of Pakistan, GM Syed began to demand self determination for the people of Sindh. On 8 June 1972 he gathred his colleques and formed a political party named 'Jeay Sindh Mahaz' which is aimed at establishing an independent/autonomous Sindhi state ('Sindhu Desh'). For his political views after the creation of Pakistan, he has been kept either in jail-or in solitary confinement for the: period of more than 30 years.
On 19 January 1992, GM Syed was put under house arrest and his house was declared a sub-jail. He has been detained without trial until his death in 1995 and has been adopted "Prisoner of Conscience" by Amnesty International (ASA 33/WU02/94).
[edit] Complete texts of his work
Religion and Reality
An acclaimed thesis on religion, Sufism, and Sindhi religious belief. A very controversial work for which a Pakistani court awarded Saeen G M Syed a 'Death Penalty'.
The Case of Sindh
G M Syed's deposition to the court. A comprehensive study of Sindh's case. A detailed argument showing how the Pakistani establishment has exploited Sindh and Sindhis.
Shah Latif and His Message
Saeen G M Syed presents a remarkable and unconventional interpretation of Shah Latif's poetry in this book. Latif Saeen and Saeen G M Syed, both deeply love Sindh, its language and people. They are both celebrated sons of Sindh whom the people of Sindh venerate with a similar sense of pride.
A Nation in Chains
A thesis presenting social, political, economic and philosophical arguments supporting the formation of 'Sindhudesh' - a separate homeland for Sindhis. This book was first published in 1974. It laid the foundation for the Sindhi freedom movement.
Sindhudesh
A study of Sindh's distinct identity through the ages. An alternative investigation of the history of Sindh. An argument against the so-called 'Two-Nation Theory' that was used for justifying division of India. Sindh ja Soorma This book , which is in Sindhi, is about five Sindhi historical heroes - Raja Dahir Sen, Dodo Soomro, Darya Khan, Makhdoom Bilawal and Shah Inayat.
Rehbar (The Guide)
This book published in Sindhi describing the practical ways and means to reach to the ultimate goal of freedom of Sindh. Copyrights to Mr Naz Sanai.
Sindhi Culture (In Sindhi)
A fresh look at Sindh's history, civilization and culture, challenging the Pakistani state sponsored Islamcised definition of Sindh.
Last Five Months of Saeen G M Syed ( In Sindhi)
Memoirs from Sohail Memon, Official Spokeperson of Hyder Manzil. Detail account of his illness and how state ignored his treatment leading to untimely death of Syed.
Other Books
1. Hindustan JA Musalman ain Pakistan Translation / Edited 1941. (Muslims of India and Pakistan)
2. Naeen Sindh la-e-Jado- jehad (Sindhi 1949)
3. Paigham-e-Latif in Sindhi 1952, 78 & Urdu 1991 (Message of Latif)
4. Muslim League ji Mukhalfat Chho- Sindhi 1952 and Urdu Translation (Why Opposition of Muslim League?)
5. Pakistan men Zeban jo Masaelo ain Sindhi Zeban (Sindhi 1953) (The Problem of Language in Pakistan and Sindhi Language)
6. Maujuda Siyasi Masaela (Sindhi 1956) (Present day Political Problems)
7. Rehan (Sindhi 1965) Conversation (Letters of a Friend)
8. Jean Ditho Ahe-Mun (Sindhi 1968) (Jaisa Mena Dekbabe Urdu 1971)
9. Jaisa Mene Dekha he (Urdu Translation 1971) (Religion and Reality)- English translation 1986
10. Janab Guzarium jin Sein 1967 Sindhi (Those with whom I spent my life)
11. Jadeed Siyasat JA Nau Ratan- 1967 /Urdu (Nine Jewels of Modern Politics)
12. Sindh ji Bombay khan Azadi Sindhi 1968 (Separation of Sindhi from Bombay)
13. Shah Bhitai-e-Jun Wayun ain Kafiyun Sindhi edited 1968 (Lyrical Poetry of Shah Latif)
14. Sindh Mutahida Mahaz ain one Unit Sindhi 1969 (Sindhi United Front and One Unit).
15. Sahar JA Seengar 1969 Sindhi (Ornament of the Beloved)
16. Khat ain Mazomoon Sindhi 1970 (A collection of letters and Articles)
17. Pakistan je Mazi Hat ain Mustaqbal Te Tiarana Nazar Sindhi 1973 (A Glimpse at the Past, Present and Future of Pakistan)
18. Sindhi Culture in Sindhi 1973
19. Dayar-e-Dil ain Dastan-e-Muhabat Sindhi 1973 (The Country of Heart and Narration of Love) 20. Hehra Hanjan Thian Sindhi 1974 (Such Distractions do take place)
21. Sindh JA Soorma (Vol:l) Sindhi 1974 (Hero's of Sindh)
22. Choond Adabi Mazmoon Sindhi 1974 (Selected Literary Articles)
23. Pahenji Kahani Pahenji Zibani Vol:l Sindhi 1974 (An Autobiography)
24. Sindhu Desh Chho ain Chhala-e- Sindhi 1974 (Sindhu Desh, why and for what?)
25. Sindhu Desh- A study into separate Identity through the ages Written in English 1991
26. Sindh ji Kahani, Syed Je Zibani Sindhi 1975 (A story of Sindh, narrated by Sayed)
27. Khutabat Sayed Sindhi 1975 (Speeches by Sayed)
28. Choond Siyasi Mazmoon Sindhi 1975 (Selected Political Writings)
29. Aj Pin Chikiyam Chaq Sindhi 1977 (Once Again My Wounds have reopened)
30. World Muslim Sarbrah Conference Te -Tajezio Sindhi 1976 (A review of the World Muslim Leaders Conference)
31. Jadeed Aalimi Siyasat Sindhi 1978 (Present Day Politics of the World)
32. Sindhu-a-ji Sanjahn Vol: I & 11 Sindhi 1982 (Understanding of Sindh)
33. Kujh Khat: Siyasatdanan JA ain Qaumi Qarkunan JA Sindhi 1985 (Some letters by Politicians and National Workers)
34. Wajat Veragin Ja Vol: I Sindhi 1987 (The call by Jogi's letters of friends)
35. Saeen G.M. Sayed Jun Tahrerun Sindhi 1991 (Writings by Mr. G.M. Sayed)
36. Alag Adaliya ain intizamiya Sindhi. (Separation of Judiciary from Executive)
37. Qaumi Ittehad Sindhi (National Unity)
38. Sindh Galahe thee Sindhi 1994
[edit] Recipients of the Saeen G M Syed Memorial Awards
Saeen G M Syed Memorial Award has been established to honor the memory of Mr. Syed and encourage those who share his dreams of freedom of Sindh and other "oppressed nations" in Pakistan. Each year, the World Sindhi Congress (WSC) and G M Syed Memorial Committee will grant the G M Syed Memorial award to 1-3 activists or scholars who have made an exceptional contributions to peace and justice in Sindh or to knowledge about Sindh. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a cash award (currently US $250)
