Comments on: PITAJI’S DIARIES AND PHOTO ALBUMS

By: Dr. Gulzar Singh

Dr. Gulzar Singh — Tue, 06 May 2025 09:42:08 +0000

Today is the 6th of May, and I write this note while on a phone call with my Chacha, Maj Gen Surjit Singh Ji, from here in the UK.

It’s Pitaji’s barsi today, ( 5th night / 6th morning) and as always, my Chacha Ji takes time to share stories—gently, thoughtfully, and full of love.

Every time we speak, he brings the past alive in a way that only he can. Today, as we go down memory lane together, he’s telling me more about Pitaji, and also about Bhai Hira Singh Ji, Pitaji’s father—a respected kirtaniya and scholar at the Golden Temple.

As I listen, my heart feels full. I’m Gulzar, grandson of Pitaji, Major Balwant Singh Ji—my father’s father. I had the privilege of spending time with him and seeing his quiet strength firsthand. He carried himself with calm, grace, and deep values. Shaped by the legacy of his father, Bhai Hira Singh Ji, Pitaji lived a life of dignity and purpose. He lived through the trauma of Partition, yet remained gentle, grounded, and wise. He raised four sons with love and discipline. His handwritten diaries and old photographs are a living memory of a man who never sought attention, but left behind a timeless legacy.

And for all of this, I feel deeply grateful to my Chacha Ji. Beyond his remarkable service to the nation, he is the memory-keeper of our family. Through his care, storytelling, and writing, he has kept Pitaji’s legacy alive for all of us. What could have been forgotten now shines brighter.

Thank you, Chacha, for never letting the roots fade—for always reminding us where we come from, and who we carry forward in our hearts.

With love, respect, and heartfelt remembrance,
Gulzar

By: Maj Gen Surjit Singh

Maj Gen Surjit Singh — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 05:34:57 +0000

Dear Anita,
Thanks to the current state of telecommunications, I was able to get in touch with your parents and also your brother.
Now I need to hear your voice!
My phone numbers are 0172 4676192 and 9915797823.
The mail ID is surjit97eme@gmail.com
Stay safe and God bless you.
Surjit Uncle

By: Anita

Anita — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 14:12:04 +0000

I would request the contact details of Major General Surjit Singh Ji..Please !
My Father,Amodh Prakash Singh Chawla, son of Jagjit Singh would like to connect with him.
Request details.

By: Surjit Singh

Surjit Singh — Tue, 28 May 2019 04:53:21 +0000

Thanks. Nice to hear from you.

The boys are in Gurgaon. The elder one is a Lawyer. He and his wife run a Law Firm. The younger brother has taken up the dealership of Royal Enfield Motorcycles.

I used to go to B’lore quite often, but now age is catching on, and I avoid travel. Where are you in Bengaluru?

How are your children doing? Sarab Vir, the son of HV got married a few months ago. We attended the wedding. A big fat Punjabi ceremony. I was reminded of a Coorg wedding ceremony which we attended, It was the closest to Punjabi marriages. Eating drinking dancing…with every one displaying daggers and sporting their unlicensed weapons!

Awesome!!!
Surjit

By: Col Chinnappa Kuppanda

Col Chinnappa Kuppanda — Tue, 28 May 2019 04:41:43 +0000

Most interesting
Successful sons

But what are your sons doing and are they doing better than the father??
Do come to Bangalore. We are well settled and happy. Still working though

Regards

Chinnappa

By: D N Sood

D N Sood — Wed, 08 May 2019 05:53:04 +0000

One fine day.

I just have to take that decision.

Will see you in Chandigarh.

By: Surjit Singh

Surjit Singh — Wed, 08 May 2019 05:42:44 +0000

Hari,
I agree with you.
However, in every generation, we get people who want to find out details of the lives of their ancestors. If you go to Haridwar, you meet ‘Pandas’ who tell you the names of your forefathers.
Our kinsfolk who are migrating to the ‘New world’ do sometimes tend to erase their past. But even among them, we find an occasional person, who looks for the past.
Many years ago, I read a book entitled “ROOTS” I think the author was Alex Haily, an African American. It inspired me to study my own ‘Roots’!
Regards,
Surjit

By: Surjit Singh

Surjit Singh — Wed, 08 May 2019 05:30:47 +0000

JSB
Thanks for the kid words.
My phone numbers are:

0172 4676192 and 9915797823

Regards,
Surjit

By: Surjit Singh

Surjit Singh — Wed, 08 May 2019 05:28:09 +0000

Sir,
Thanks for the kind words.
Yes. We also remember many GCs of that period. Several of them used to com over to meet our father.
That is what motivated me to join the Army!
Surjit

By: Surjit Singh

Surjit Singh — Wed, 08 May 2019 05:25:24 +0000

Madan,
Great hearing from you. We missed meeting you this time.
Regards,
Surjit