Uttam Sahit Award
Recipient for year 2015
Biography:
Mohan Gehani is a noted Sindhi scholar, playwright, translator and poet. Born in Karachi (Sind) on January 20, 1938, he belongs to a select community of writers who have lived through the Partition of India. Gehani, whose first short story appeared in 1955 in Naeen Duniyan, a progressive literary magazine, is the author of numerous books. He has also played an active role in the successful campaign to introduce Sindhi in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution. Gehani is the recipient of several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi award in 2011 and the Saeen G M Sayed memorial award by World Sindhi Council at London. He has also received awards for his contribution to Sindhi literature from the Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language and Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli ain Sahit Sabha. He was a member of the Sindhi advisory board for Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, from 2007-12.
- Published first short story in 1955 in Naeen Duniyan ( A progressive literary Magazine)
- Active participant in Sindhi Sahit Mandal (Sindhi writer’s organization at Bombay) and remained joint secretary for three years.
- Attended first Asian writers conference as a member of Sindhi delegation held at New Delhi in December 1956.
- Connected with SINDHIYAT MOVEMENT- A MOVEMENT TO PRESERVE Sindhi identity and inclusion of Sindhi language in 8th Schedule of Indian constitution.
- Actively participated in organizing All India Sammelans.
- Was one of the key persons behind starting of Socio-cultural- literary, weekly Sindhu Dhara. Continued to write stories, satires and articles for Naeen Duniyan and Sindhu Dhara.
- Attended numerous seminars at All India level and contributed Papers. Delivered key note addresses at number of seminars and presided over numerous occasions.
- Served as one of member of Jury of Sahitya Akademi awards - and MP Sindhi Sahitya Academy awards.
- Member of advisory board for Sindhi- Sahitya Akademi- New Delhi. (2007-12)
- Popata Pakdinde (Chasing Butterflies) Poetry.
- Sindh Jo Ithas-(Jhalkoon) (Glimpses of History of Sind). This book has been translated into Hindi as well in English. This book was awarded by National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language.
- Ja Chityam Chit Mein (What I brooded over) A Book of literary essays.
- Muhinjo Nagar Kahido. (Where is my City?) Poetry Sindhiyat Jo safar (co-authored with Mr. Kirat Babani and Hari Pankaj ( An account of 50 years of Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli and Sahit Sabha and about Sindhiyat movement)
- Ta kwaban Jo Chha Thindo (collection of Plays and ballets) Awarded by Sahitya Akademi - 2011.
- Rina Pat Mein (Poetry)
- Monograph "Poati Hitanadani" In English under series 'Makers of Indian Literature' Published by Sahitya Akademi (1913)
- Tiral Pkharial Pana ( Scattered Papers) in Sindhi. Published by Indian Institute of Sindhology Adipur - Kutch Gujrat. (1913).
- "Desert Blooms Here" (English) An account of development of Kandala - Gandhidham- Adipur (E Book at sindhisangat.com Artcles/Books)
- Ten Folk tales of Sindh of Prof: Preetam Varyani from Sindhi to English.
- Translated in Sindhi Kapila Vatsayan's Book "Bharat: Natya Shastra". Published by Sahitya Akademi (2013)
- Council for promotion of Sindhi Language.
- Saeen G M SAYED memorial award by World Sindhi Council at London.
- Award for contribution to Sindhi Literature by Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli ain Sahit Sabha.
- Narayan Shyam award by BEST Sindhi Sabha Mumbai.
- Sahitya Akademi award-2011