Maanpatra to Sundri Uttamchandani on 26th Sep. 2005 by NCPSL at Mumbai
Smt Sundri Uttamchandani was honoured On 26th Sep 2005 with Life Achievement award of Rs.50,000/- for her life time contribution of Sindhi writings to Sindhi literature by National council for promotion of Sindhi Language (NCPSL). The award was given by Shri Suresh Keswani.
On this auspicious occasion many dignitaries from Hind and Sindh were present. The cultural programme of artists from Sindh was organised who stole the heart of audience with their enthralling performance.
This award function was held at Manik Sabhagarh, Bandra - Mumbai.
Special citation was read about Sundri as follows:
When we speak of Beauty in Sindhi Literature, the name of Sundri Uttamchandani comes foremost in our minds.
The beauty of Sundri’s such creativity is expressed through different genres of literature such as novels plays short stories and poetry. In pre partition era of controlled social environment, it was not customary for women writers to walk steadfastly with their male counter parts. It was the time when male writers had monopoly and supremacy in the field of literature. It was an act of great courage to confront this male dominated field.
At the literary level, Sundri was comparatively the fortunate one to have an established writer, A.J. Uttam as her life partner. Sundri Uttamchandani was born in an elite Bhaiband family in Hyderabad, Sindh on 28th September, 1924.
She had her primary education. Right from adolescence, she was drawn towards creative literary activities and had an in-depth study of Sindhi literature. It was an era of progressive literary trends in Indian literature and Sindhi literature was intensely interested and so was Sundri. The first short story was written by Sundri in 1946 in ‘Sathi’, of which Sundri was sub-editor also.
After partition, Sundri continued her literary pursuits which were by and large appreciated by the contemporary writers. Although, at times she had to face bitter criticism. Sundri was bestowed with an award by Ministry of Education on a collection of short stories, titled ‘Bhoori’. Besides this award, Sundri has received the Central Sahitya Akademi Award on her book, ‘Vichhoro’ which means Separation.
Besides these awards, Sundri is a proud recipient of the Gaurav Puraskar from the Govt. of Maharashtra.
Apart from her literary career, Sundri is a very active social worker.
Keeping in view of her above achievements, the NCPSL feels proud and happy to present her with a Lifetime Achievement Award. To a writer of Sundr i’s calibre, it is truly an honour.