It is heart breaking to know that the meaning of the word ‘Sain’ has been socially changed into absurd ones. This respectable title which is immensely misused and misunderstood has a very beautiful meaning and used in honorific way. ‘Sain’ means a respectable person.
In Southern Punjab it is used exactly like in Sindhi, with the same meaning. This revered title is given to those who are very respectable. This word is used to denote love and immense respect for elders and seniors. ‘Sain’ is synonymous to a teacher in Sindhi. For a Sindhi, his elder brother is ‘Ada Sain’, father is ‘Baba Sain’, uncle is ‘Chacha Sain’, sufi singer Zahoor Ahmed is ‘Sain Zahoor’ and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is ‘Bhittai Sain’. It is worth mentioning that it is also used with words like ‘Allah Sain’ and ‘Nabi Sain’ (PBUH).
This word does not have anti honorific meaning but unfortunately nowadays it is mistakenly used for the people who own Land Cruisers, guns, a horde of serfs or for even a man who has huge mustaches, as it is pathetically depicted these days. Despite its true meaning and essence this word has been widely used in critical sense, in negative and derogatory sense.
It is my appeal not to kindly use this word for villains, despotic land lords and rich people. Do not use this word in abusive sense or criticise someone. Give this honourable title to those who are worthy of it.
ASMA HUSSAIN MORIO
Larkana
