Hashmat Kevalramani
Hashmat Kevalramani, commonly known as Hashu, was a Pakistani political activist who was forcibly exiled in 1949.[1]
Biography
Kevalramani was educated in the United Kingdom but returned without a degree to engage in politics.[1]
While in London, Kevalramani was a classfellow of Indira Gandhi and was actively involved in the independence movement.[1] Among his companions were Shaikh Ayaz, Sobho Gianchandani, Ibrahim Joyo, and GM Syed.[1]
Syed noted that Kevalramani contributed significantly to the establishment of the Sindhi Samaj in Delhi, initially organizing a Sindhi Language Convention attended by then President of India, Radha Krishan.[1] He advocated for a united, independent India and opposed British rule.[1]
Following Pakistan's formation in 1947, Kevalramani was placed under house arrest in Karachi.[1] During this period, he translated GM Syed's book My Struggle for a New Sindh into English.[1] However, Syed and Kevalramani's political ideas were considered unacceptable by the new Pakistani political establishment.[1]
Despite being presented before the court of Masood Khadarpoosh, then Commissioner of Karachi, Kevalramani was unwilling to leave Pakistan for India.[1] Even after 15 years of exile in India, he still considered himself a refugee in 1963.[1]
References
- Balouch, Akhtar (May 23, 2015). "Hashmat Kevalramani: Pakistan's first exiled man". Dawn.
Further reading
- Janab Guzaaryam Jann SieN by GM Syed, p. 217
- Wahee Khaatay Jaa Panaa by Laxman Komal, p. 75
- Sahiwal Jail Kee Diary by Shaikh Ayaz