58 Sindhi Migrants in Ulhasnagar Granted Indian Citizenship
In a heartwarming development, 58 Sindhi migrants from Pakistan who settled in Ulhasnagar have been granted Indian citizenship. The process was facilitated under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with another 92 individuals who applied likely to be naturalized soon.
The journey of these migrants to obtain Indian citizenship began around 10-15 years ago when they arrived in India and decided to make it their home. After the implementation of the CAA, which aims to provide citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, a committee was set up to oversee the naturalization process.
At a special event held recently, certificates of citizenship were handed out to 58 individuals who successfully completed the necessary procedures. The remaining 92 applicants are currently undergoing verification processes and are expected to receive their citizenship soon.
The newly naturalized citizens shared their stories of hardship and persecution in Pakistan, which forced them to flee to India in search of a better and safer life. With their Indian citizenship now in hand, they can look forward to a future with access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
Anit Kumar, a resident of Kalyan who arrived in India with his family in 2013, expressed his joy at becoming an official Indian citizen. He recounted the challenges they faced in Pakistan, including frequent street crimes and discrimination against the Hindu community. Kumar highlighted the safety and sense of belonging they found in India, which has been their home for over a decade.
Another migrant, Prakash Dewani, who moved to India in 2008, shared similar experiences of discrimination and persecution in Pakistan. He praised the Indian government for granting them citizenship and emphasized the sense of brotherhood and harmony they have found in their new home.
Dilip Hundalani, who arrived in India with his family in 2010, expressed gratitude to the government for offering citizenship to victims like them who faced constant challenges in Pakistan.
The Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha played a crucial role in facilitating the citizenship process for these migrants. According to the organization, out of the 150 individuals waiting for citizenship, 58 have already been granted Indian citizenship in just three months under the CAA. The rest are hopeful to receive their citizenship soon.
Aziz Shaikh, the municipal commissioner of Ulhasnagar, extended a warm welcome to the newly naturalized citizens and commended their resilience in the face of adversity. He acknowledged the challenges they faced in Pakistan and the relief they found in India.
Mahesh Sukhramani, former BJP corporator and president of the Maharashtra Sindhi Sahitya Academy, spearheaded the initiative to felicitate the migrants. He detailed the lengthy process involved in obtaining citizenship, including online updates, police verification, and approvals from the collector’s office in Thane and Delhi.
Sukhramani assured that the remaining 92 individuals in the process of obtaining citizenship will soon receive their certificates and be able to avail themselves of all the benefits enjoyed by Indian citizens. A special event commemorating the occasion was organized by various Sindhi organizations, highlighting the resilience and determination of the migrants.
In conclusion, the granting of Indian citizenship to these Sindhi migrants in Ulhasnagar is a testament to the inclusive and compassionate spirit of the nation. Their stories of struggle and perseverance serve as a reminder of the importance of providing refuge and opportunities to those seeking a better life.