There are several legends of the origins of Ho Jamalo, a Sindhi folk song. One of them is from the time before Pakistan gained independence, when the British still ruled over the land.
There lived a brave man named Jamalo in the picturesque city of Sukkur. Jamalo was a passionate freedom fighter, dedicated to the cause of Pakistan’s independence. He became such a thorn in the side of the British that they finally captured him and imprisoned him.
At the same time, the British were building a magnificent iron bridge over the river in Sukkur, designed to complete the railway line. But despite the bridge being completed, no train driver was willing to cross it.
The British were frustrated, as the bridge was essential for their railway system. In an effort to solve the problem, they made a public announcement: whoever drove a train across the bridge would be rewarded with anything they desired.
Jamalo, who had already been sentenced to death, heard of the reward. He thought to himself, “I am going to die anyway, so why not take this chance?”
And so, Jamalo volunteered to drive a train over the bridge. In exchange for driving the train, he asked the British to spare his life. The British, desperate to put the bridge to use, agreed to his request.
Jamalo quickly learned how to drive a train. With courage in his heart, he climbed into the engine, ready to cross the towering iron bridge. As the train rumbled across the bridge, Jamalo’s heart raced. When he reached the other side safely, a wave of relief and happiness washed over him. His death sentence was pardoned, and the British were finally able to use the bridge for their trains.
When Jamalo returned to his village, he was greeted by his joyful wife and children. With smiles and laughter, they sang a song to welcome him home, that included the words Ho Jamalo. From that day on, "Ho Jamalo" became a beloved Sindhi folk song.
Source: Narrated by Fatima Ahmed's father. Recorded in Karachi, as a part of Clicks and Culture, our collaboration with Beaconhouse School System.
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