Our Journey
Early History of the Singapore Sindhi Association
The journey of the Singapore Sindhi Association (SSA) began with the acquisition of its first property at 30 Enggor Street, which was later sold on 29 May 1951 for $55,000. The proceeds were used to purchase new premises at 176 Neil Road for $45,000.
The Neil Road property served as a vital hub for the community. It provided accommodation for Sindhi travelers in transit and operated a “Veesi” (contract meal) service, run by Mr. Hashumal.
In the Association’s early years, meeting minutes were recorded in Sindhi, transitioning to English from July 1951 onward.
Demonstrating its strong community spirit, the Association donated $400 to aid wartime evacuees from Japan passing through Singapore. In 1948, Sindhi women also contributed by raising funds for the Ramakrishna Mission Building Fund, highlighting the community’s commitment to social service.
At the time, two distinct Sindhi organizations existed:
- Sindhi Merchants
- Association (SMA) Sindhi Club (SC)
The Sindhi Club operated as a recreational centre at 795 Mountbatten Road, rented for $550 per month, and supported by the SMA through a $300 monthly grant.
Eventually, Mr. Jawaharmal Idanmal secured the option to purchase the Mountbatten property for $80,000, with SMA funding the purchase from its accumulated reserves.
The President of SMA at that time was Mr. Hassaram Balani of KAJ Chotirmall & Co.
Evolution into SSA and Key Milestones
In 2003, under the presidency of Mr. Manu Bhojwani, the Association was formally renamed Singapore Sindhi Association (SSA).
That year also marked a milestone in SSA’s leadership when Mrs. Divya J. Advani was appointed as the first woman to serve on the Management Committee, taking on the role of Vice President.
The first trustees of Sindhu House were Mr. D.T. Assomull and Mr. K. Kishinchand. Today, the current trustees are Mr. Sajan Bhojwani, Mr. Nand Ramchandani, and Mr. Sunder Samnani.
A proud moment in SSA’s history came in July 2007, when the Association hosted the 14th International Sindhi Sammelan, attracting Sindhis from across the globe.
In 2008, SSA again made history as Mrs. Divya J. Advani became the first female President of the Association.
The Association’s first property was in 30 Enggor Street.
Enggor Street property was then sold on 29 May 1951 for $55,000
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Committee meeting minutes were kept in vernacular Sindhi – until July 1951. Thereafter, they were kept in English.
Association donated $400 for war-time evacuees from Japan to facilitate their transit through Singapore.
Sindhi ladies made Collections for the building fund for Ramakrishna mission – 1948.
Originally there were two Sindhi Organisations namely, Sindhi Merchants Association (SMA) and Sindhi Club (SC).
795 Mountbatten Road initially was rented for $550 p.m for recreation purposes – run as Sindhi Club (SC) which was a different entity from Sindhi Merchants Association (SMA).
The SMA supported SC with a $300 monthly grant.
Mr Jawaharmal Idanmal subsequently got the option to buy the property for $80,000.
The SMA agreed to fund the purchase from its own accumulated reserves.
The President of the SMA at the material time was Mr Hassaram Balani (KAJ Chotirmall & Co.)
In 2003, the name of the Association was changed to “Singapore Sindhi Association (SSA)” under the Presidency of Mr Manu Bhojwani.
For the first time a lady Mrs Divya J. Advani was appointed to serve on the Management Committee as Vice President.
The present trustees are Mr Sajan Bhojwani, Mr Nand Ramchandani & Mr Sunder Samnani.
The 14th International Sindhi Sammelan was held in Singapore from 27th – 29th of July 2007.
The first lady President of SSA Mrs Divya J. Advani was elected in 2008.
