📜* History *
🕊️Brief History of Sindhi Panchayat, Visakhapatnam
Following the partition of undivided India, thousands of Sindhis were displaced from their ancestral lands. Many were left homeless and uprooted, scattered across different parts of newly independent India. A few of these resilient families made their way to Visakhapatnam, which, at the time, was a quiet coastal town with a population of less than one lakh, primarily known for its shipbuilding and port-based industries.
Formation of the Panchayat was initiated and founded by service minded Sindhis, with a very strong purpose of establishing a Jhulelal Mandir.
The Sindhi Panchayat, Visakhapatnam was officially registered on 2nd February 1970, under AP Societies and Registration Act 1860 on 02nd February 1970 vide Regn no 07/1970 and was born out of a collective vision and determination of the local Sindhi (Hindu) community who had settled in Visakhapatnam after the partition of India in 1947.
The Sindhi settlers in Visakhapatnam, most of whom lived in what is now known as the Old Town, gradually established themselves through sheer hard work, dedication, and integrity. Starting from small business establishments, they steadily earned the trust of the local community and flourished over time.
Over the decades, the Sindhi community has expanded its presence beyond business. Today, Sindhis from Visakhapatnam can be found making significant contributions in diverse fields such as Trade & Commerce, Garments, Sweets, Shopping Malls, Engineering, Construction, Industry, Government Services, Chartered and Cost Accountancy, Information Technology, Education, Medical and Health, Law, Defense, Banking, Cinema, Sports, Music and many more. Their adaptability and enterprising nature have helped them to thrive and leave a lasting impact wherever they go.
Despite they being a relatively smaller community compared to their counterparts in North India, the Sindhis of Visakhapatnam felt the need for unity and collective identity. This led to the formation of Sindhi Panchayat, a platform dedicated to preserving culture, solidarity, mutual support, and service.
Over the years, the Sindhi Panchayat has become a symbol of the community’s values—cultural pride, philanthropy, and social welfare—and continues to work for the betterment of Sindhis in the region.
A Brief about Sindhu Bhavan:
The Panchayat purchased the existing centrally located land on which present SINDHU BHAVAN stands, in two parts of 319 sq yds and 496 sq yds.
On 03rd July 1971, 319 sq yards was purchased for ₹13,079 @ ₹41 per sq yd. Subsequently the adjoining piece of land measuring 496 sq yds was purchased on 27th January 1977 for ₹28,768 @ ₹58 per sq yd, from Seth Udharam Mirpuri, a Sindhi member.
The total area of the plot is 815 sq yds.
With the strong dedication and purpose of the then existing members, a small and modest beginning was made around late 1970s and early 1980s and a small Jhulelal temple was established/founded. Subsequently more construction of Halls etc took place.
A new temple complex consisting of different idols of Hindu Gods was consecrated/inaugurated on 18th of May 2010. As such, the Panchayat observes 18th May as the Temple Anniversary day every year and conducts Havan and Poor People Feeding. A Purohit is appointed to do the daily rituals in the temple.
It also has two halls which are used for the community services, programmes, festivals and also let out for rent to members and non-members on very selective basis and reasonable charges. For details refer to 'Sindhu Bhavan'.
📜 Salient Features of the Constitution
Constitution:
Membership:
The Panchayat comprises male members of Sindhi Origin residing in and around the city of Visakhapatnam.
Eligibility for Membership:
Any person of Sindhi origin residing in and around the city of Visakhapatnam is eligible to become a member of Sindhi Panchayat, Visakhapatnam. The prescribed membership registration form is available at the Sindhu Bhavan office and will soon be made available on the website.Life Membership Fee:
The current life membership fee is ₹5000/-. This entitles both the member and his spouse to lifelong membership, subject to certain terms and conditions laid down in the bye laws.General Body:
The General Body will consist of all registered life members. It shall meet at least once every year.
All decisions in the General Body will be passed by a majority vote of members present during the meeting.Election of the President:
The President is elected once every two years by the General Body. The President is empowered to appoint up to 11 members to form the Managing Committee (MC- comprising 12 members), which is responsible for executing the decisions of the General Body.Managing Committee (MC) Functions:
The Managing Committee comprising 5 EC members and 7 general members shall meet at least once every two months, to take decisions related to the smooth functioning of the Panchayat and implementation of the decisions taken in the General Body.
Executive Committee (EC):
The Executive Committee comprises President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Joint Secretary. The EC shall execute the decisions taken by the MC/General Body. The members of the EC or the Board shall be called as Office Bearers.
Daily operations will be handled by office bearers:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Joint Secretary
Formation of Committees:
The President has the authority to form sub-committees for organizing and implementing various community activities and events, with the approval of the Managing Committee.Bank Accounts:
Panchayat Bank accounts will be operated jointly by any two of the authorized office bearers i.e., President, Secretary and Treasurer as decided by the General Body/Bye laws.
Audit and Transparency:
The accounts of the Panchayat will be audited annually by a Statutory Auditor, who shall be appointed by the General Body.
The audited financial statements shall be presented during the Annual General Body meeting for approval.Donations/Charities:
Sindhi Panchayat, Visakhapatnam is authorized to accept donations to support its religious, cultural, educational, and social welfare activities and also to do charities for social welfare.Transparency and Member Access:
A list of current Managing Committee members and Executive Committee members is maintained and published on the official website for public reference. (Refer to Home Page)
📬 For Queries:
Email: secretary@sindhipanchayatvizag.in
📍 Our Address
Sindhi Panchayat, Visakhapatnam
Sindhu Bhavan
D. No. 14-1-134, Nowroji Road
Visakhapatnam – 530002
Andhra Pradesh, India
📞 Phone: +91 89146 18223
📧 Email: sindhipanchayatvizag@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.sindhipanchayatvisakhapatnam.com