Sanam Marvi’s rendition of ‘Sindhu Wahando Rahando’ has emerged as the rallying cry for Sindh and its people who are protesting the federal government’s proposed canal project under the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI).
The song, based on Dr Ishaq Samejo’s poem, has quickly become an inspirational anthem for those opposing the construction of six new canals that would divert water from the Indus River to Punjab’s Cholistan region.
The project, promoted as a step towards food security and rural development, has sparked widespread concern in Sindh. Farmers, activists, lawyers, and students fear the scheme will threaten Sindh’s water rights and the survival of the Indus River, which is central to the province’s identity and livelihood. Protests have intensified in recent months, with large gatherings at Khairpur’s Babarlo Bypass and a unanimous resolution in the Sindh Assembly demanding an immediate halt to the canal plans.
‘Sindhu Wahando Rahando’—meaning “The Indus River shall survive forever, it shall flow forever”—has played a pivotal role in uniting protesters. The song’s powerful lyrics, celebrating the river’s significance and Sindh’s heritage, have resonated deeply. Its music video, featuring scenes of farmers, fishermen, and the landscapes of Sindh, further highlights the river’s importance to the region’s culture and economy.
Sanam Marvi, along with composer Irfan Samo and director Fida Hussain Baghat, created the song as a tribute to the Indus and the people of Sindh. All artists involved contributed their talents without compensation, underscoring their commitment to the cause. Since its release on YouTube in December 2024, the song has gained momentum, being played at rallies, school assemblies, and widely shared on social media.
Check out the song here:
