The Sindhian is a unique magazine, founded by Raaj Lalchandani 20 years ago, dedicated to capturing the history, culture, and people of the Sindhi community. Lalchandani established the publication with the explicit goal of showcasing Sindhis in a positive light and challenging the historically “down mark” image associated with common typecasts like “Kalani Sindhis” or “Hong Kong Sindhis”. The magazine’s name itself, The Sindhian, is derived from the combination of the words “Sindhi” and “Indian,” reflecting a focus on Indian Sindhis worldwide.
Lalchandani had an extensive background in the software and computer industries, having been an early adopter of the Apple 2 plus computer in India and later establishing one of the country’s first internet cafes, the Cyber Club. Despite his technological ventures, he was drawn to publishing, spending nine months conducting research and groundwork before launching the magazine. He noted that his first issue was financially self-sufficient, covering all costs through advertising before publication. This success was attributed to the business model of prioritizing advertising revenue over sales revenue, even allowing many copies to be given away freely to increase readership. While overseas readers often prefer digital copies due to the high cost of shipping, local readers still favor the print format. Lalchandani argues that print continues to thrive, especially for niche topics, because it allows for a longer attention span compared to the digital arena.
Defining Sindhi Success: Economic Nomads
For the Sindhi community, Lalchandani defines success primarily in terms of achieving stability and creating a home in a new country following the Partition. He highlights that post-Partition, the community focused heavily on education and establishing livelihood, leading to the construction of hospitals and educational institutions worldwide. Lalchandani notes that even today, many Sindhis living abroad maintain one home in India due to the lingering insecurity rooted in the Partition experience.
The Sindhi people are characterized by their adaptability; they are described as “economic Nomads” who travel globally for economic benefit and family security. They are known intrinsically as fun-loving, faithful people, and sharp businessmen. Rather than holding onto anger or seeking a specific homeland—a concept Lalchandani believes is unnecessary—Sindhis have successfully adapted wherever they have gone, often speaking the local languages like Spanish, Chinese, or African languages, rather than prioritizing Sindhi.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The magazine’s commitment to high quality rivals that of international publications, aiming to showcase the “classy side of the Sindhis”. The magazine serves as a point of connection, described by Lalchandani as a “virtual Cindy Homeland”. This impact has been observed firsthand; Lalchandani recalls an instance where a group of Sindhis, who normally spoke English, began proudly conversing in Sindhi and singing traditional songs after encountering the magazine at a dinner party, demonstrating its role in promoting cultural pride.
Lalchandani’s personal measure of success is the fulfillment of his goal to bring Sindhis together and bring out their true identity in the world through the magazine. He continues to run the magazine due to his passion for the project, suggesting that passion is primary, and monetary success is secondary.
For more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2X5QcMKGqY