About the Poet
Smt. Sundri Uttamchandani (28 September 1924 – 8 July 2013) was a noted Indian writer. She wrote mostly in Sindhi language. She was married to progressive writer A. J. Uttam.
In 1986 she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award by Sahitya Akademi in Sindhi for her Book Vichhoro, a compilation of nine short stories.
Sundri Uttamchandani was born on 28 September 1924 at Hyderabad Sindh (now in Pakistan). Hydrabad was the capital of Sindh before the conquest of Sindh by the British. Though it lost its position as a capital city but, it continued to be a thriving centre of education literature and culture. All reform movements were rooted in its soil. At the very young age, Sundri was exposed to a vast repertoire of folk and mythological tales which were narrated by her parents to her and other children of the extended joint family. During her youth the freedom movement was sweeping across the country and she could not but be drawn to it. While still in college she translated a story "Bhadur Maao Ji Bahadur Deeah" (A brave daughter of a brave mother). This was her initiation in the literary field.
In 1986 she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award by Sahitya Akademi in Sindhi for her Book Vichhoro, a compilation of nine short stories.
Sundri Uttamchandani was born on 28 September 1924 at Hyderabad Sindh (now in Pakistan). Hydrabad was the capital of Sindh before the conquest of Sindh by the British. Though it lost its position as a capital city but, it continued to be a thriving centre of education literature and culture. All reform movements were rooted in its soil. At the very young age, Sundri was exposed to a vast repertoire of folk and mythological tales which were narrated by her parents to her and other children of the extended joint family. During her youth the freedom movement was sweeping across the country and she could not but be drawn to it. While still in college she translated a story "Bhadur Maao Ji Bahadur Deeah" (A brave daughter of a brave mother). This was her initiation in the literary field.
Literary career
Started writing in the year 1946. She has written 200 Short Stories, 2 Novels, 12 one act plays, Approx. 500 essays 200 poems. Has translated many novels, short stories and poems of renowned writers viz. Amrita Pritam, Maxim Gorky, Krishanchandra, Sholokhav etc.
- Positions Held:Pioneer Member of Sindhi Sahitya Mandal & Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli and Sahit Sabha
- Founder of: Sindhu Nari Sabha and Sindhu Bal Mandir
Awards received
- Soviet Land Nehru Peace award, comprising cash award and 2 weeks visit to USSR.
- Award from Hindi Directorate, Ministry of Education for the Book ‘Bhoori’
- Cash Prize of Rs. 10,000/- from Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli Ain Sahit Sabha – 1985
- Sahitya Academy award 1986 on Book ‘Vichhoro’
- Cash Prize of Rs. 100,000/- Guarav Purskar from Govt. of Maharashtra.
- Cash Prize of Rs. 50,000/- towards Life Time Achievement Award from NCPSL – National Council for Promotion Of Sindhi Language in 2005.
- Cash Prize of Rs.150,000 and Citetion from Sindhi Akademi, Delhi in 2012
Telefilms made
- Bandhan 1986 – In Hindi
- Vilayati Ghot ji Golha – Director – Kamal Nathani
- Kitty Party – Director Kailash Advani
- Bhoori – 2008 – Director Rajesh Bachchani
- Insaaf—2012 – Director Kamal Nathani
Documentary made on Sundri Uttamchandani along with two leading Sindhi lady writers Prof. Popati Hiranandani & Kala Prakash (Sindhi Sahit jun te barkh Lekhkaun)
Available all over India through Sindhi Sangat
List of books
- Kirandar Deewarun – 1953 (5 editions and translated in 3 languages)
- Aman Sade Peyo – 1966
- Preet Purani Reet Niralee – 1956 (5 editions)
- Bharat Russ Ba Bahn Boli
- Hugao 1993
- To Jin Jee Taat – 1970
- Murk Te Manah 1992
- Naien Sabhitya jo Darshan – 1975
- Bhoori – 1979 (3 editions)
- Hik Sassui Sao Soor (Trans) – 1963
- Achaa Vaar Gaara Gul – 1965
- Atam Vishwas – 1999
- Vichooro – 1989 (2 editions)
- Sindhu(Dramas) – 2000
- Yugaantar – 1989
- Nakhreliyun – 2001
- Kheryal Dharti – 1992
- Daath bani aa laat – 2004
- Bandhan – 1985 (3 editions)
- Chanchala- Translation of her stories in Hindi – 2011