joseph thomas

The Genesis of two “Farooka” Schools

The Sindhu river was called  “Hindu”  by the Persians.  The name passed to the Greeks as Indós.  It was adopted by the Romans as Indus.  The river’s annual flow is about 243 cubic km — twice that of the Nile River and three times that of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers combined. The earliest chronicles and hymns of ancient India, the Rigveda, mention the river, which is the source of the country’s name.

The Indus originates from the Bokhar Chu glacier on the northern slopes of Mt. Kailash. It drains the largest number of glaciers and mountain slopes of the Karakorum, Ladakh, Zanskar and Himalayan Ranges. It flows past Leh and right through Ladakh.  I was fortunate to spend the whole of September 1962  in Leh.  But little did I know that my dear friend, Surjit, had his childhood home in the Sindhu river valley.

Our summer base was in Srinagar on the banks of the river Jhelum.  And our winter base was in Jammu, not far from the Chenab river.  The Jhelum and the Chenab join just before Trimmu Head in Pakistan.  And all five rivers of Punjab join the Sindhu.

The Sindhu valley civilisation is one of the four great ancient civilisations.  Back in my childhood home in South India, the Tamils claim that they are the descendants of the original Sindhu valley people.  They claim that Tamil is older than Sanskrit and point to Brahui spoken in parts of Balochistan as one item of proof.  See  https://www.livemint.com/Sundayapp/lWCoIZ2K5dPycrhS1gk6nJ/A-slice-of-south-India-in-Balochistan.html

The ancient village of Farooka, now grown into a town, lies in the Jhelum – Chenab doab.  Among its illustrious sons was Bhai Hira Singh Ji.   His family had lived in Farooka for at least seven generations. His father, Bapu Bhag Singh Ji (1844-1947)  lived a long and healthy life, without having to turn to the current form of complex health care.  In contrast, Bhai Hira Singh Ji lived a short but eventful life of 46 years.  He was only 25 years old when he established the Khalsa school, and for poor children even boarding and lodging were free.

bhai hira singh

The picture of Bhai Hira Singh Ji is dated 1903. At the age of 23, he was already famous and had the gumption to propose the idea of the school. Notice the string instrument in his hand.

The village headman was a Muslim known as Allah Yaar Kalyar. All three communities lived in perfect harmony. The tragedy of partition and the transfer of population will remain a mystery for most of us.  Yet, partition happened.  The Hindus and Sikhs of Farooka had to leave everything behind and become refugees in India.  Many Farookans, including the management and staff of the Farooka Khalsa School, landed up in Ambala.

In spite of the chaos of Partition, the two governments did manage to amicably exchange most of the evacuees’ property. Claims were made by refugees based on the property they left behind in their respective countries. Periodically, officials visited the other side to verify the claims. The Farooka Khalsa school had considerable land attached to the institution. In exchange, an evacuee property in Ambala Cantt was received. The Hira Singh Ji family and other refugees from Farooka donated whatever they could. With this land and the seed money, the management and staff soon started another “Farooka Khalsa school”. When they were able to sell part of the land, they got enough funds to construct a suitable building. While the foundation stone is in the name of Bhai Hira Singh ji, the management is broad based.

 

Farooka School

The School in Farooka. A documentary on this school was aired by BBC Punjabi on 15 Aug 2022. 

 

 

ambala school

The foundation stone in the Ambala School

 

Farooka Khalsa School

 Farooka Khalsa School in Ambala Cantt.

Meanwhile, the tiny village has grown into a city with a population of over 100,000. The school founded by Bhai Hir Singh Ji continues to be a landmark in the city. Farooka now has several schools, two colleges, at least four markets and several hotels.  A  modern hospital stands on a large tract of land donated by the Kalyar family.

Surjit muses: “Our father remained in touch with his Muslim friends in Farooka all through his life. We maintained that link, and I have been speaking to the grandson of Allah Yaar. His name is Fateh Mohammed Kalyar, and he has been keeping me informed about Farooka.”

Surjit has written about Farooka in Guftagu. https://amolak.in/web/our-makaan-in-farooka-1947/   He has also written about the life and times of his illustrious father, Major Balwant Singh Ji  https://amolak.in/web/the-war-diary-of-our-father-major-balwant-singh-1911-2004/   Farookans all over the world have read these articles.  It was only a matter of time for BBC News Punjabi to pick up the thread and connect the two Farooka Khalsa schools.

The result has been a popular programme “The story of Farooka Khalsa High School in India and Pakistan, told by a young lady doctor who hails from Farooka.  BBC Punjabi.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-K_LiF9Jpc   It was aired on the 75th anniversary of Independence.  Alas, it was also the 75th anniversary of  Partition which has left permanent scars, especially in Punjab, Sindh, and Bengal.

We pay homage to Bhai Hira Singh Ji on the 2nd Sept 22, which is his 96th death anniversary.

*

A Tailpiece by Surjit

Bhai Hira Singh Ji left the world of mortals 15 years before I was born. But to us, it seemed that he was around, in spirit. Our father, Maj Balwant Singh Ji published his biography after comprehensive research in 1979, in Punjabi. The book entitled, ‘Amolak Hira’ has gone into four editions. When we started this website in 2012, my brothers joined me in writing a piece on or around 2nd September each year. During the last few years, all my siblings have passed away. Thomas has filled the vacuum admirably.

In the fitness of things, I am inserting their pictures along with a family photograph taken in 1956.

brothers

family

With our parents in Meerut Dec 1955 

 

*

List of Posts Connected with Bhai Hira Singh ji with Links

 

  1. Brig VK Bajaj says:

    Thumbs up, three times!!!

    In the Meerut 1955 picture, are you standing at the left?

    Viren

  2. Tausif Akram Kalyar says:

    Tausif Akram Kalyar says:
    August 17, 2022 at 8:54 AM
    Dear Sir.
    On 16-08-2022, BBC News Punjabi showed Farooka School History and your interview. I was very glad to see you in the discussion. The Kalyar family supported Bhai Heera Singh when he started the school in 1908 in our town.
    May Allah bless Bhai Heera Singh and Allah Yaar Kalyar.
    Thanks
    Tausif Akram Farooka, Punjab Pakistan

    • Surjit says:

      Thanks, Tausif Akram for both your messages.

      In the book written by our father, there is a lot written about your ancestor, Mian Allah Yar Kalyar. It is in Punjabi, so I will find a way of sending it to you.

      Where is Jenab Fateh Mohammed Kalyar? I was in touch with him for a long time.

      Also, can you give me the e-mail ID of the Head Master of the school?

      With best wishes,

      Surjit

  3. Tausif Akram says:

    Tausif Akram says:
    August 17, 2022 at 8:44 AM
    Hello, Sir.
    First, I am happy you read my comments and replied. I am Tausif Akram from Farooka ( I belong to the Klayar Family ), and my birthplace is Farooka town. I attended Farooka High School from 1997 to 2002. I complete matric. Farooka High School is a very big school in farooka town. And school building condition is very good. All the teachers and govt of Punjab maintain the school structure every year. My father’s bookshop is near the school. My father sahib, passed away a few years ago.
    Regards,
    Tausif

  4. Lt Gen Virin Dhir says:

    Fascinating account.and a delightful read.

    They were the enlightened ones who left behind the invaluable gift of education for the posterity. Recalling their noble deeds is the best tribute that we can pay to them.

    • Surjit says:

      Virin,

      Thanks. You are generous with your words.

      The more I see about the Internet, the more I feel that social media has become more powerful than the printed book. Indeed, the book has its charm, but the process of making it reach the reader is cumbersome and expensive.

      Thanks for your book on NBC and pandemics. I will read it as soon as I can.

      Regards to Neelam from both of us.

      Surjit

  5. Lt Gen Kapil Aggarwal (Retd) says:

    Dear Sir,
    Thanks for sharing the article with an interesting prelude of the geography of river Indus. Despite watching the BBC coverage, I was not aware of the Farooka Khalsa school at Ambala. Two schools on either side of the border, founded by the same family; a unique achievement.
    warm regards

    • Surjit says:

      Kapil,

      The school in Ambala became possible because of the land attached to the School in Farooka. It is a long story, and I intend to do a story on it as soon as I get all the details.

      Surjit

  6. Maj Gen SS Sahney says:

    (Received on WhatsApp)

    Surjit,

    You are putting in great effort to understand your roots and carry forward the work done by your ancestors. Keep it up.

    • Surjit says:

      Yes, Sir. We are a blessed family.
      And then, in service, I had the privilege of serving with you and Harinder amongst some others in my very first tenure.
      It gave me a great start!
      Surjit

  7. Guddi (YN) says:

    On WhatsApp

    Great effort. Thanks for sharing.

    Guddi (YN)

  8. Ar Savneet Kaur says:

    Received on WhatsApp

    It is incredible!!!

    Savneet

  9. Er GM Singh says:

    kuljit gurinder
    Fri, Sep 2, 5:35 PM (2 days ago)
    to me

    Dear Major General Sahib,
    Sat Sri Akal.
    VERY ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY. You may perhaps know that S Manmohan Singh was my senior ( 4 yrs ) in the department but also my best friend. Mr & Mrs Manmohan Singh were prominent members of our G 7 social group. The story of Farooka Khalsa high school Ambala Cantt was not to my knowledge. I had the privilege of meeting your father at his place a number of times.
    With best regards.
    G M Singh

    • Surjit says:

      Dear GM Singh ji,

      Thanks. Manmohan Virji’s untimely demise in 2007 was a shock for the family and his friends. Yes. I recollect him talking about you.

      May God bless you and your family.

      Surjit

  10. Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh says:

    Harbhajan Singh
    9:39 AM (2 hours ago)
    to me

    Dear Surjit Ji,

    Thank you very much. Indeed, very nice write-up indeed by your coursemate.

    Your persistence has paid off, and now you are in touch with a lady doctor from Farooka and also on BBC.

    Our generation cannot forget our childhood and roots in Pakistan. I am sure you often see the School on Google
    Earth, as I watch my village located 5 miles from Sargodha.

    Warm regards.

    HS

    • Surjit says:

      Dear Vir Ji

      This is the power of the Internet. You were amongst the first to harness it when you created the website of the First JSW course. Many of us have seen it, and we think it was a brilliant idea, executed so well. The RMS was also popular when Brig Kamboj was active.

      BBC has done excellent service by getting us Farookans together. I think the people-to-people contact should be revived. It will help both sides

      This website is named after our grandfather, who was known as ‘Amolak Hira’. It has won us, friends, from all over the world. I was surprised when a lady from the Philippines sent in a comment and sought some information about the Punjabi language.

      All in all, this keeps me occupied. I find it better than Bridge, which I played before my family members motivated me to host this blog about 12 years ago. You have encouraged and inspired me, and I owe a lot to you.

      May the Lord keep you in good health, so that I keep receiving your blessings.

      Surjit

  11. Prof Amarjit Singh Honolulu says:

    Received on WhatsApp

    Excellent!

    Amarjit

  12. GM Singh says:

    kuljit gurinder
    Fri, Sep 2, 5:35 PM (19 hours ago)
    to me

    Dear Major General Sahib,
    Sat Sri Akal .
    VERY ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY. You may perhaps know that S Manmohan Singh was my senior ( 4 yrs ) in the deptt but also my best friend. Mr & Mrs Manmohan Singh were prominent members of our G 7 social group. The story of Farooka Khalsa high school Ambala Cantt was not to my knowledge. I had the privilege of meeting your father at his place a number of times.
    With best regards.
    G M Singh

  13. Sriram Jaisimha says:

    That was a tender piece on Farooka.

    Joseph, I hope the current deluge has spared that district. Yes, the present flood situation in Pakistan is a tragedy and I sympathize with the ordinary folk there whose lives, in a gross understatement, been turned upside down.

    • Surjit says:

      Sriram,

      Yes. I have authentic information to believe that our town was not inundated with flood waters. On the Indian side, I think the dams which we constructed have substantially reduced this menace. Though I am told that Bengaluru was affected this year. Not much damage, thankfully!
      Surjit

  14. Col ABS Sidhu says:

    ABS Sidhu

    to me

    Hi Surjit,
    Thanks for sharing a very interesting history
    of your illustrious family.
    I am very happy to learn that School opened
    by Bhai Hira Singh Ji at FAROOKA is still being
    maint. It is very creditable that the legacy of that School
    is maint in Ambala.
    You deserve all the credit for doing all the research
    to maint family history.
    Good show.
    WAHEGURU Mehar Kare .

    ABS Sidhu

    • Surjit says:

      ABS,

      I think all of us have a desire to go back in time to see our ‘roots’

      In our case, we had two long-lived ancestors. Our great-grand-father, Bapu Bhag Singh lived to the age of 103 (I was six years old when he passed away in 1947) and our father was a gifted writer. He has left his diaries and scores of photographs.

      That gives me enough material for this website, And the emails which I receive from friends like you inspire me to keep me glued to the keyboard!

      Regards,
      Surjt

  15. Prakash Patil says:

    Prakash Patil
    11:48 AM (2 hours ago)
    to me

    Dear Sir,
    Thank you for sharing the memories of Bhai Hira Singh ji. I shall visit the link and learn more about him.

    Major Prakash Patil (Veteran)
    Mob- 9923832777

  16. Lt Gen Paramjit Singh says:

    (Received on WhatsApp)

    The amazing story of a Farooka Khalsa school in Punjab that exists on either side of the border – Sargodha & Ambala
    We owe it to our predecessors who left a lasting legacy to spread love and education rather than find ways to spread hate.

    Paramjit

    • Surjit says:

      Paramjit,

      Thanks.

      The second school came up because of the land attached to the original school. I am working on that story, and if I am able to obtain credible evidence, I shall post a separate piece on that slice of history.

      Surjit

  17. Deep Preet Singh says:

    (Received on WhatsApp)

    SSA Mamaji , I felt proud going through the above article.

    Priti

    • Surjit says:

      Dear Deep Preet,

      Bhai Hira Singh Ji is the founder of this mission. Pitaji and his brothers kept the flame glowing.

      I and my brothers have done our bit. Now the time has come for us to fade away.

      Someone has to take the baton and keep the flag flying. We have our hopes pinned on you and your cousins. I am sanguine that you will not disappoint us.

      Guru Rakha

      Surjit Mama

  18. Surjit says:

    (Message received on WhatsApp)

    Jasdev New: Wow!
    Awesome story
    Jasdev – So, you are the great-grandson of Hira Singh ?

  19. Jasdev Singh says:

    (Received on WhatsApp from a friend of Jasdev)

    It’s really lovely to hear about Surjit Uncle’s efforts to catalogue and keep the memory of the good deeds of your great-grandfather Bhai Hira Singh Ji alive, especially the school started by him in Farooka

  20. Lt Gen KK Aggarwal says:

    (Received on WhatsApp)

    Sir,
    Saw the video and the tribute to Revered Hira Singhji, beautifully narrated by you and ably helmed by the young Paki girl.
    Regards
    Kapil

    • Surjit says:

      Kapil,

      You are right. The young lady was sharp and extremely talented. To me, it seems that she has joined the wrong profession. She is better suited for mass communications and media!

      Her homage to our saintly ancestor is very profound.

      Surjit

  21. Maj Gen MPS Kandal says:

    (Received on WhatsApp)

    Thank you, Sir, for sharing this.
    You have carried the legacy of the family so admirably.
    Compliments to the young Pakistani doctor. Her perceptive Punjabiyat and value for roots are touching.
    Warm Regards

    Madan

    • Surjit says:

      Dear Madan,

      Thanks. The young lady spoke very well. Let us hope that more people on both sides of the Radcliffe line think like her!

      For us in the family, it was a pleasant experience to hear such words from the people of our ancestral village.

      Surjit

  22. Dhiraj Mullick says:

    A befitting tribute to a saintly soul!

    All these articles and summarized linkages are the choicest gifts which you are leaving for the generations who are following you.

    Thank you sirs

    • Surjit says:

      Dhiraj,

      Thanks. It does not need any effort. Words flow out on their own.

      My personal memories are of my colleagues like you. Of all my tenures, I remember Mile Five as the most unforgettable period. You and Hari have a special space on my memory screen.

      Regards to Heena from both of us.

      Surjit

  23. Maj Gen RKS Bhatia says:

    RKS BHATIA
    Attachments

    to me

    Dear Surjit,
    Grateful thanks for your wonderful & historical articles, which I read regularly with interest.
    Please find attached two of the articles on my partition experience. One was published in Readers Digest and the other in another magazine.
    I would love to meet you as and when the Almighty makes it possible.
    Regards,
    R K S

    • Surjit says:

      Dear Bhai Sahib,
      Sorry for the delay in my response. The Internet reaches all over the world and lots of people responded to our story on the school in Farooka.
      I read both the pieces, ‘Escape to India’ and ‘Memoirs’. My immediate reaction was to seek your permission to post these captivating stories on our blog. Then it struck me that posting an article which has been published by Readers Digest would be tantamount to plagiarism. Upon going through these passages again, I find that a record of your visit to Pakistan in 2005 would elicit more interest. I am sanguine that you would have brought back some pictures. And if you are in touch with the hosts in Shujabad, it might make an interesting story for the media to take up.
      Pilani brings back memories of our visit there in 1953 when my brother Manmohan was studying at the Science College. (He later went to IIT Kharagpur and retired as CE Pb Irrigation)
      Later in 2001, I was invited by BITS Pilani, to deliver some lectures. I returned with some very pleasant memories of Rajasthani hospitality.
      Please convey our best wishes to Mrs Bhatia.
      Surjit
      Ph 9915797823

  24. Lt Gen RK Mehta says:

    Raj Mehta
    12:57 PM (6 hours ago)
    to me

    Thanks for sharing.
    Regards and best wishes,
    RK

    Lt Gen R K Mehta
    PVSM, AVSM, VSM

  25. Amrik Singh says:

    Amrik Singh
    12:13 PM (6 hours ago)
    to me

    Great to hear from you. If it was not for your mail, I would not have known about Farookans.

    Amrik

  26. Dave Sood says:

    Dave Sood (AIEindia)
    10:29 AM (8 hours ago)
    to me

    Dear Surjit,

    I saw this all on BBC Punjabi.

    Incredible Granthi.

    Your life is full of history and anecdotes.

    Compile a family book.

    Best Regards,

    Dave Sood
    Managing Director
    AIE
    D-57 Chattarpur Enclave,
    New Delhi, India 110074
    +91 98100 37663

  27. Brig VHM Prasad says:

    vangalahmp@gmail.com
    8:35 AM (10 hours ago)
    to me, Maj

    Thank U , Sir

    Read all of it & saw the pics too with great interest .

    Regards.

    Madhav

    ( Brig V H M Prasad )

    • Surjit says:

      Dear Brig Prasad,

      Thanks for the kind words.

      I draw inspiration from what comes from a ‘First JSW’ officer. As children, we were in awe of you!

      Surjit

  28. Chiranjiv Kandal says:

    cs Institute of defence and management bhopal

    to me

    Thanks a lot for sharing.

    CS Kandal

  29. Krishna Menon says:

    Krishna Menon
    5:39 AM (13 hours ago)
    to me

    Thank you Surjit for sharing this very interesting piece of history relating to your ancestor Bhai Hira Singh and your antecedents. The valuable links you have shared will no doubt provide the complete picture, which I hope to peruse in leisure.

    Warm regards,
    Krishna

  30. K Ramani says:

    Ramani k
    4:25 AM (14 hours ago)
    to me

    Very nice and touching write-up.
    We, humans, destroy ourselves.
    Best regards

    K Ramani

  31. KRISHNA KANNAN says:

    KRISHNA KANNAN
    Aug 31, 2022, 9:46 PM (21 hours ago)
    to J, me

    Dear General Surjit,
    Yes, Wingco JT’s piece on Bhai Hira Singh Ji is highly informative and really interesting as all his articles are!
    Thanking you,
    M V Kannan

    • Surjit says:

      Kannan,

      Thanks.

      I have known Thomas for about 65 years. His genius is well known amongst all our friends and colleagues.

      Surjit

  32. Maj Gen P Vig says:

    SIr,

    It is very nice post. Very well written indeed. He has vividly traced the initial history of Hinduism and its growth. Incidentally, I have covered this issue far more in detail in one of the chapters of my ensuing book, which is under publication right now.

    Your ancestor Bhai Hira Singh was not only saintly but also a visionary to have created an educational facility that too free of cost. There is no better deed for the humanity than to propagate and facilitate education. May God bless his soul and may he flourish and be at peace, wherever he is.

    With warm regards and my compliments to the author of the post.

    Purshotam

    Maj Gen Purshotam Vig,AVSM,VSM (Retd) 12, GH-37, Sector-20 Panchkula, (Haryana) India 134116 +91 172 2551126, 2551021 +91 9815124804

    • Surjit says:

      Purshotam,
      Thanks for the kind words. I will convey your compliments to Joseph Thomas. He was the undisputed topper in academics in our course. He is erudite and knowledgeable, just like you. He has a keen desire to learn ancient history, so when your book comes out, I will send it to him.
      You have rendered invaluable service to all of us through your books, and I am sanguine that you will continue your quest for learning and sharing your awareness.
      With best wishes,
      Surjit

  33. PP Singh says:

    Prithpal Singh
    Aug 31, 2022, 7:27 PM (23 hours ago)
    to me

    In those days , the kirtan bheint used to be offerings of coins in front of the raagies. My father , who also belonged to Sargodha ( dera jarra), used to tell us about Bhai Hira Singh that when he would recite Kirtan, he would get eclipsed behind the mountain of coins offered and placed in front of him. Such was the respect and the love, people had for him. He was a noble philanthropist too.

    • Surjit says:

      Prithpal Ji,

      Thanks. We have also heard many such stories.

      Such noble souls visit the Earth only once in a while!

      Regards for Neena Ji
      Surjit

  34. Surjit Singh says:

    Rajinder Bhatti

    Congratulations Dear Veerji
    Very rich heritage is being preserved as a treasure. Waheguru ji keep this rare Heritage in ‘Chardi Kalan’
    always. We’re proud of our connect
    Warm Regards
    Raj Bhatti

  35. RS Bhatti says:

    Rajinder Bhatti
    Wed, Aug 31, 6:53 PM (23 hours ago)
    to me

    Congratulations Dear Veerji
    The very rich heritage is being preserved as a treasure. Waheguru ji keep this rare Heritage in ‘Chardi Kalan’
    always. We’re proud of our connection.
    Warm Regards
    Raj Bhatti

  36. Brig Jai Sheel Oberoi says:

    Fascinating read
    Thank you, Sir

    Jai

  37. Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi says:

    Dear Surjit,

    Thank you for sharing the historical background of the Farookas and the Khalsa School set up by Bhai Hira Singh Ji, one of your illustrious ancestors. It has been most illuminating.

    Warm regards.

    Vijay Oberoi

  38. Col IP Singh says:

    WITH WARM REGARDS

    COL I.P. SINGH
    9810516383

  39. Ar Savneet Kaur says:

    Chacha,

    Lovely documentary. Infirmative and captivating

    Savi

  40. Dr. Gulzar Singh says:

    Wow
    This is beautiful
    Thank you
    Gulzar

  41. Nuri Jaskirat says:

    Dearest chacha
    Very nice tribute
    It brought tears to my eyes
    You look as handsome as ever
    Nuri

    • Surjit says:

      Nuri,

      You choose your words very well. Your message made my eyes wet. When your Papa was here, he used to sit by my side and we used to do all these things together. Now I am alone and often feel that age is catching up on me.

      Pitaji started this labour of love. We brothers have done our bit. Now the time has come for us to pass on the baton. I am certain that you and your cousins will keep the family flag flying high. Surjit Chacha

  42. Anita Chawla Tiwary says:

    Anita Chawla Tiwari: Chachaji…
    Just loved this video !!
    It was so good to see you ..even though it was on video.
    And what a LEGACY …
    HERITAGE…
    BEQUEST and gift… Bhai HIRA Singh JEE, “our Great grandfather,” has left us.

    Anita Chawla Tiwari: Thank you for sharing and making us aware of this richness of his life and what impact he had on people and places !!

    [7:09 pm, 17/08/2022] Anita Chawla Tiwari: We indeed have to value and treasure this legacy

    [7:10 pm, 17/08/2022] Anita Chawla Tiwari: Thank you once again

    [7:10 pm, 17/08/2022] Anita Chawla Tiwari: Sat Sri Akal
    [7:11 pm, 17/08/2022] Anita Chawla Tiwari: I have forwarded to Mama too

    • Surjit says:

      Dear Anita,

      Thanks. You have made my day.

      I am not sure that we will be able to meet in the near future, because I am not able to move about.

      Would it be possible for you to take some video clips of you and your family (especially your Papa and Mama on any occasion like a birthday or anniversary and send them to me?

      And just one more favour. Just continue to be yourself. You are a vivacious person. The DNA of our saintly ancestor runs in your veins, in abundance. The legacy will get passed down to the benefit of your lineage. Surjit Chacha

  43. Rustom Jamasji says:

    Back to the Future Sir!!
    The Ethos, Moral and Character of Present and Future Generations is mainly based on one respecting and Passing on the History thru Ethos, Moral and Character of one’s Ancestory.

    Regards to all and “Naman” to your ancestory

  44. GANGADHARAN says:

    Dear Sir,

    Very interesting and good recollection of the past ,a link everlasting.

    • Surjit says:

      Thanks, Ganga,

      Whenever I hear from you I am reminded of my visit to your place. You have a magnificent and brave heart!

      Surjit

  45. Manmohan Singh says:

    Dear Surjit,
    Thank you for sharing the Farooka story . Much inspiring. Your ancestors did proud not only to our community but also the whole nation. In my view, Revered Bhai Hira Singh did a great service to humanity ensuring harmony among all.

    • Surjit says:

      Dear Bhai Sahib,

      You have used very appropriate words.

      That young lady, who is a doctor by profession, concluded her message in very profound Urdu words.

      Sometimes, I wonder what went wrong. We had been living in harmony for hundreds of years. And then one day, it blew up like a shell bursting.

      But we can never go back. Time moves only in one direction: forward!

      Regards,
      Surjit

  46. A great treasure about a proud family lineage chronicled with eminently readable style and research. It is seldom that one gets access to such material other than that of celebrities. I congratulate the authors for this noble effort.

    A character of a person is formed over the formative years based on his or her immediate life environment and in the case of such excellent traditions and value systems as explained in the narrative, it is but natural that the individuals belonging to the clan inherit those good values in life ,passing it on to successive generations.

    • Surjit says:

      Hari,

      Sorry for the slight delay in my response.

      You are very generous with your words. I must have done some good deeds in my previous births to get you as my colleague. Sikkim turned out to be a dream tenure. And mile five was the ideal location. And the officers were gems…each one of them!

      Looking forward to another piece from you. You have been silent for a long time. Please get back to your keyboard, and tell us a story.

      Regards to Malathi from both of us

      Surjit

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