After Partitionin year 1948 to 1954 hardships at KABRASTAN CHAMELIAN AND BARA HINDU RAO MANAKPURA

After coming to Delhi and facing the hardships of poverty I remember that not finding any shelter we were forced to live near a vacant plot around Kabarastan chamelian.All sisters, brothers and parents were feeling the pongs of hunger to the extent we used to take roties with only water mied with salt and chillies .Sometimes no food.I remember during rainy days there used to be mushroom planty on all over the grave yard area we used to prepare the vegetarian meals .But one day while going to do toilet I found on scratching the ground I found so many whisky bottles dumped there and this fact was brought to the notice and but when we again went to the site some body took it away.My parents hate the wine and smoking .An incident again happened my eldest brother and I was crossing a grave noticed a snake and we changed our route .This snake they say that it was gaurding the grave no body dared to go near that grave.So long we stayed near grave yard and used to see that snake but that snake never harmed us.Here my eldest brother once brought a stappling machine and now we started the cartons stitching work by converting it into machine operating by foot. Then we prepared a huge tub and started to waxing the butter paper which is wrapped around the bread.We used to boil the wax in the tub and with the help of rollers dip the paper in the molten wax.Here I tell you that some printing machines owner used to send pinted papers sheets to us for waxing.In the 1948 -1950 we were doing such of petty works.My eldest brother was very hardworking person and I always saw him working.He was befriended with Sh Mushadi Lal who was having a printing press at Pahari Dheeraj near Sadar bazaar.Once it good luck would had it he got information that scrap of railways was being auctioned and he purchased 3 printing machines and some parts and he assembed 2 and sold it and remainig one machine was being used for printing work under the name as SETHI PRINTING PRESS AND BOX FACTORY now we used to do printing as well as dye cutting work and with at this point then we had one printing machine one cutting and one dye cutting machine and got some orders and the work started.I was admitted in MCD school Model Basti and my youger sister in MCD girls school.In those days there was scarcity of sugar and once some imposter came to father and said that he could help in getting sugar .He took our Baugi near the by mahalla called the CHHAJU KA KATRA and asked him to wait and the fraud took away the money and bag and ran away from the other gate of the Katra.I still remember that when I was returning from school I foun d him and informed that there was no use waiting and that there was anothergate of that Katra and that he had been cheated by the fruad.We remember that our whole family could not eat on this incident.From we shifted to Manakpura.Here the rent of the house was Rs 15/and we remained here about 5years or so.Here all our neighbours were living under poverty line'We got a house having no fascilities.ONe water tap for about 8 houses a very dingy Most of the people doing small scale industry items like making shoes,selling vegetables workers of the then DCM factory.I still remeber that their past was to recite AALHA UDAL Stories a few lines still echo my ears as under


BARE LARYA GARH MOHABE KE
JAA KI JAT KAHI NA JAYE
EK KO MAREIN DO MAR JAYAN


THISRA DHARAN KO HO JAYA


ALLAH KO LALKARE >>>>>>





Some of our neighbour's name used to be ........Dalchand ,sohan lal mistry his sons comrade SH.RAM KUMAR.Sham Sh Bodh Raj Bhaiyaji,Our Manohar lal bhapaji and our Tayajis family in upstairs house.My sincere heart felt sharandjali to those poius souls which are resting in peace in heaven.But one thing was great in spite poverty all were so friendly among all sections of society.In those days the MCD councillor was Late Bansi Lal Chauhan and i used to go there for attestation of certificate s and refugee registration cards I still remember that metal copper plates we received from our school when India was declared its first Republic Day on 26th 1950.with 3 lions engraved on the Ashoka pillor which is our national symbol.

After coming to Fremont USA on 6th JUNE 2007

On arrival at Fremont at weekend we visited the beach at bay area.this trip was on the whole quite good.Our daily routine was to go the park near by and waited for the arrival of the children .Boredom was always there as no body to talk.we hardly find any Indian meeting each other .Only some of the Indians do meet at week end that not so often.Elders here have got no facility and they are solely depended on their children no voice of their own.In the past i had a very high opinion about this country and now i can say that in my opinion the elders should not come here to just become burden to their children.

At last I got the invitation from my sister from Vancouver and we took a fight and reached here on 30July2007.This was a great trip we got a great respect and every moment from our relatives as if we are meeting after a long separation.We are thankful to Prem Nath jijaji,sister Santosh.Happy ,Terena,Subhash ,Dolly and little ones and Radha BharjaijiDuring our stay we have seen so many spots like Suspension bridge in Lynn valley Zoo ,Deer lake parks and south coast and had ride of ship and ferry and boats.We had so many dishes and every day was a picnic day.Here Indians are in large numbers and they have respect of their own as a community and in my opinion they are giving a helping hand in the economy of Canada.



Now we had a tip to Las VEGAS and LOS Angels and started at 2pm on 23rd August2007 and reached at 10 pm after driving 1000km.This place is located in a desert and it was a hot day.We got tired and stayed in POLO TOWERS HOTEL.The hotel is situated near all types of casinos.they say that gambling here is allowed by law.we have seen Paris circus and other Casinos.The artificial sky effect were worth praising.all the casinos were the same have slot machines for gambling.There was no limit .We had a helicopter ride and it was nice to see the city from the sky it looks a magnificent fairy city.we started for Los Angels on 27 Th August While coming to Los Angels we visited Hoover Dam. and stayed in Wenshire hotel.Here the stay was not good as there was no room service even of water Any way we stayed here for days and searched for Indian food for hours together and found one which was closed .We saw Universal studios in Hollywood.Terminator sets in 3d back drops shreik and donkey sets water land other sets were marvellous and we came back on 28Th August 2007.It was nice trip and now again waiting for return to INDIA.

AFTER PARTITION AT KURUKSHETRA REFUGEE CAMP FEED BACK

When we united in India we inquired to our Bauji as to what happened to him and his Sikh partner.We were shocked to hear that when the riots broke my father had gone in the field carrying a GUDWI Of water ( BOWL OF WATER) to reply the call of nature.So he saved his life and caught the train which was ferrying the the Hindus families to India.Regarding his Sikh partner it happened worst.As he was running some of the Muslim mob stabbed him in the stomach and his veins and insentience came out of his belly but he any how not lost hope and took the veins and insentience etc and pushed the whole muck in his stomach and wrapped his stomach with his turban and he also took the train to India.He was given first aid by the fellow passengers.I am still go into deep silence as bi remember the horrors and woes of partition.All this happened under the divide and rule policy of the then British rule.Had the politicians had showed some type intelligence and patience and humane attitude this black day could have been averted.My tearful condolences to our Sardar Bhayaiji as he expired after living a struggleful life in Delhi .By dint of hard labour he established good business in Delhi and his second generation is still remembering him and his good deeds. When I inquired to our brothers what was their fate when they started back journey from Rawalpindi they told that they were also targeted but t5hey returned in tight frightful conditions along with cousin KishanLal Bhapaji and his sisters and Tayaji.Now My sharandajali to my respectful Tayaji his daughters RAj,Veeran, son Sh Kishan Lal Sethi and others who are no more in this world .

Before Partition 8 (at KOHAT NWFP )

While sitting going in the past memories I remembered that once I was playing and passed from lane I saw neighbour a Muslim bhai butchering the BATER a tiny bird .What he was doing it is still clear in mind that he was catching hold the neck of the bird and just twisting and throwing on the ground bleeding.Like wise There I saw one day Cocks were being butchered by cutting the neck with knife.On seeing these scenes I used to hate this cruelty to animals. Once I that the test of seeing which dog is strong enough was to lift the small dog by ears if that dog cried then it was not supposed to be of good quality.I was carrying a small pet dog for a walk but the pet dog any how freed from me and those fierce dog ate my pet and i could save it from the clutches of the big dog.This was the reason that we all were vegetarians.Mostly the Hindus used to be vegetarian as the religion teaches us to be have pity on all the animals and birds. even we use to feed aunts and birds as these are also the creations of God .When we cannot give life to any body as such we got no right to kill any creature.I think this ideology of our religion is good.When the partition took place i was then about 7 years old.,but still remember all what had happened ? the old books of class poems used be like this as ;
IK DIN LALOO ROTE AYE AANSU SE MOOUN DHOTE AYE
AMMA NE POOCHHA KUIN ROTE HO ABBA NE MAAR UYUN ROTA HUIN

This was the culture in those days the British used to teach us in those days .This was the culture and we were being taught darker side of civilization.On the other hand in British schools we had to sing prayer LONG LIVE THE KING THE GEORGE PANCHAM__

AFTER PARTITION AT REFUGEE CAMP AT PATIALA (PUNJAB) INDIA

Here I pause and think that today .that is the August 14, 2007 and it is the independence day of Pakistan and sixty years has passed and all the atrocities had been dumped in the pages of History and I along so many other victims still remember those horrible days and wish that mankind should not witness all the cruelties in future. This is my sincere wish. Time is great healer
I wish and convey good wishes to my country on 15th August2007 on 60th INDEPENDENCE YEAR

Now as we had shifted to refugee camp at Patiala along with my mother and four sisters namely Kamlesh, Santosh ,Basant ,(all younger) and Pushpa ( elder sister).Here again we were in tents and the Indian police to guard us. Here all were very happy as the thought that they were citizens of free India was enough for us giving immense pleasure.But still we were not happy that our family was shattered as we not in position to find where were our father and other three brothers? A strange question was troubling whether they had reached India safe and sound? Every day was passing with tension and fear of something untoward might not happened. My mother and all of us used to inquire from relations where the persons from Kohat and Rawalpindi had been deported to India.Then we were wishing the reunion of the family in INDIA. We all used to stand in the queues to get the meals other daily items from the Langars and other social oganisation used to distribute. I still remember that ladies used to prepare roties and langar and other items. There was law and order and there no theft in the camps. All the refugee used to live in the perfect hormony.Slowly and slowly the people were leaving the camps as some of them were getting their relatives. But we were still in the dark to find the where about. of our father and brothers At last we got the message from some our acquaintances that some of the persons had seen our our father at KURUCHETRA camp and some how our father had come and took us to Shahbad Markenda a town near Ambala (INDIA).Here we all were united and our brothers also met us. All the family group from TOBA TEK SINGH took shelter in vacant house left by SAYEDS and left to PAKISTAN. This was a huge kacha building and used to be known as SAYEEDAN WALI KOTHI .Once while playing at the first building I suddenly pushed a pipe in the chimney and we found so many weapons and these must had been stored by Muslims .My father got a job at the hardware shop of some Agarwal friend. After some time we all shifted to Agra as our cousin Tayaji used to live. there. Here we not having any place to live and we all family put up in the deserted house in the CHAKKI PARA near Bus stop and opposite of RED FORT .This was half broken and there was a leather market in the lower floors and the residents on the first floor. Here we started living but the hardships were there in all of walks of life. My eldest sister started teaching us Hindi and she got admission in the Bengali Anglo School in 4th class.I still I was there to accompany her to the school during cookery classes.
Next in the chapter of DURING PARTITION OF INDIA

Before Partition 7 ( AT TOBA TEK SINGH DIST NOW IN PAKISTAN)

As I was remembering the past memories I along with my mother and sisters moved to Toba Tek Singh district .My youngest sister was born on 10th August I remember our Nanaji ( Late Amir Chand Kohali ji ) used to live in TOBA TEK SINGH. This city was a very good city here Sikhs and Hindus and Muslims’ population was almost equally divided. Our nanaji had a big house Here there were so many ponds and canals for irrigation .Our Nannaji had five daughters namely .Shanti( My respected mother ),Sumitra,(NOW expired),Ram Rakhi(expired),Ram Pyari (expired),Murgai(expired)My tearful sharandljli to all who now being missed too much. Whenever there were summer holiday all our masijis along with their kids used to assemble at Toba Tek Singh at our Nana's place.One of our Masi(Eldest one) used to live at next lane (street).I remembered that all of the masijis used to churn milk in front of their rooms in Vehras (courtyards)They used to give plenty of butter and Lassi and the makki ki roti to all children equally.Story goes that my Nanaji was not having mail child after so many daughters as such some fakir told him that if he was ready to make his son a Sikh and he prayed in Gurdwara then he would be blessed with sons. By the grace of GURU NANAK JI he (my nanaji) was blessed with Son and he named his as Sardar Bishan Singh and other sons as Sri Ram Kohli and Sh Inder jit Kohli
MY tearful sharandjali to my Sardar mamaji,Shri Ram and Inder maamaji.Our nanaji had two oxen and two buffalos and one cow and one bullock cart.He had a fertile land and these agriculture plots were used to be called MURABBAS and mostly the cash crops were used to be sown .I still remember thatI along I used to play in the pond and go there to get the buffalos to drink water and take wash. The water of the pond used to be very slushy and green in colour.There used to be worms ( called JAON) which when stuck on the buffalos body used to suck blood. Mostly in Morabbas we found KAKRIES Kheeras ,KHARBUZAS ,TARBOOZE,(Water melon) and Pethas etc There were parallel lanes The weather here used to too hot and in summer there were dust storm s almost every day .Our Nanaji had one domestic servant his name was Maaghi Ram and he was taking care of fields and other house hold duties .Nanaji used to sit at entering First floor room called the Bathak.All of a sudden we heard a thundering sound all the families started running here and there I was told that there was invasion by Muslims in the back lane and they were looting and burning the houses of Hindus .My Nanaji ordered all the ladies and children to save their lives and immediately take shelter in the next lane .All my masijis and my mother took her daughters and other members and ran for safety in the next lane. All the family members were running leaving behind all the house holds.My nanaji was very much worried about his Sardar son as the Muslims were butchering the Sikhs first of all. The ladies and children were frightened .It was a good and merciful thinking that the Muslims were sparing the ladies and children.So our Nanaji then requested Sardar Bishan Singh ji (sardar mamaji) to cut of his KES (hair) and dress up and to wear the ladies dress .In this way when we all were running to the safety in next lane to lane there came dead end.Now they Muslims surrounded us .They were carrying all the weapons like Swords knives long chhuras and lathis( long cane) and spears. There I saw the Pakistani police was there supposedly for safety but every brutalities were being committed in the presence of the police and military .While running my mother could not carry any thing but she threw the Potli ( A bag of cloth )of Gahenes(ornaments) in the Bhusa room ( HUSK ROOM).All of us along with hundreds and thousands population were ordered to march towards the ANAAJ KI MANDI and all along the route the police and Muslims were following us .I can still see the dreadful faces in my memories. I was told that Our servant Maaghi Ram had not accompanied us and it was a question at that time what had happened to him?. But strange was the betrayal that our servant accepted the Islam and helped the Muslims to loot our houses .There were bloodshed all over and I was witnessing the brutality being thrust upon by mankind towards the other their fellow beings’ Such a great sin that could not be forgotten in the history. Where was the teachings that' MAHAZAB NEHI SIKATA APAS MEIN BAIR RAKHNA ''------We were told that this portion of country had become the part of Pakistan. We were being kept as hostages in the grain market till the military from INDIA came there for carting us to free India .This Anaaj Ki Mandi was a small place and the whole Hindu population of the city were huddled like animals like sheep’s and goats. There were tents in the market we used to sleep in the open .The drainage and sanitation conditions were worst and there was out break of cholera fever. All the four gates of the ANAAJ KI MANDI were locked and there was Pakistani police to guard us as prisoners. Every day the Muslims used to throw shoes chapals and nasty abuses from the other side of boundary wall. All the population were daily used to pray to God to save themselves from the atrocities of Muslims and they used to look for the train of military from India to transport them to India. Some news were there that they (Muslims) might butcher the whole population as the rumors’ were floating that the trains from India WERE COMING FULL OF DEAD BODIES AND AS SUCH THAT they would retaliate and kill ourselves in return .Our stay at Anaaj Ki MANDI was dreadful like a hell .We used to sleep at ground with no sheet under us .All around the stagnant water started giving bad foul smell. Once my youngest sister fell in the drain we pulled her out We were short of daily rations almost starvation conditions were prevailng.My other sister also fell ill but due to natural medicines she recovered .My mother was also suffering from asthma and used to worry about our Bauji(our father).Here another thing was troubling us that what happened to our Bauji and brothers ( Sh.Sohan Lal,Sh Dharam Vir ) as they left for Rawalpindi to spend their summer vacations holidays before Partition My Taya ji used to live in Rawalpindi and Talagang.My mother was seen to be in sad mood all the time . One day all of a sudden a call was announced that that we could see their homes for the last time and that we would be sent to India no sooner when the train might come from India. My mother was asked by my Nanaji that she might find some thing which might be left after the senseless looting and ransacking .Accordingly my mother went to see the house for the last glimpse. She found the potli (guthi or a bag of cloth) which contained the gold ornaments. Nothing was left in that house as the Servant Maaghi Ram later became Maaghi Khan helped the Muslims to make a clean sweep of that house . At last a message from the Indian Govt came and we were told to hurry up in the train bound for India .I along with my sisters mother and Nanaji had all masis lived in the ANAAJ KI MANDI for about 2 months or so. This period of stay was like a living in the hell like condemned prisoners. There I heard that in the history kings did change but people remained the same but there were events just the reverse. We all were sitting in the train awfully over crowded. People were sitting in the train like goats or sheeps.All the persons were remembering the God or some reciting Gurbani etc and the wish they were having that they should reach India quite safe and sound .Our train was heading towards LAHORE some of the passengers got sick feeling thirsty but there was no water to drink when the train stopped near one Nallah ( dirty water drain) people took the bad water of nallah those who could not hold their thirst drank urine just to survive. At last our train reached LAHORE station .This station was the final point when our fate was to be decided. When I looked outside the train I found that all along the platform there were Pakistani Police and the Muslims carrying weopens.All water taps on the platform were dry as the water connections were disconnected so that we could not get water. Our train was in waiting whether to convert it in dead bodies or sent harmlessly. As good luck would have it the train from India arrived quite safe and in good condition and all the passengers were quite happy and raising slogans Pakistan Zindabad.Allah Hu Akbar etc Our train was spared and sent to India via Wagah border to AMRITSAR.I remember that it was Diwali Day when our train entered India and the GOLDEN TEMPLE was shining with colored shining electric bulbs and we were greeted with garlands. Our train was terminated in Patiala and we were shifted to Patiala transit As I was remembering the past memories I along with my mother and sisters moved to Toba Tek Singh district .My youngest sister was born on 10th August I remember our Nanaji ( Late Amir Chand Kohali ji ) used to live in TOBA TEK SINGH. This city was a very good city here Sikhs and Hindus and Muslims’ population was almost equally divided. Our nanaji had a big house Here there were so many ponds and canals for irrigation .Our Nannaji had five daughters namely .Shanti( My respected mother ),Sumitra,(NOW expired),Ram Rakhi(expired),Ram Pyari (expired),Murgai(expired)My tearful sharandljli to all who now being missed too much. Whenever there were summer holiday all our masijis along with their kids used to assemble at Toba Tek Singh at our Nana's place.One of our Masi(Eldest one) used to live at next lane (street).I remembered that all of the masijis used to churn milk in front of their rooms in Vehras (courtyards)They used to give plenty of butter and Lassi and the makki ki roti to all children equally.Story goes that my Nanaji was not having mail child after so many daughters as such some fakir told him that if he was ready to make his son a Sikh and he prayed in Gurdwara then he would be blessed with sons. By the grace of GURU NANAK JI he (my nanaji) was blessed with Son and he named his as Sardar Bishan Singh and other sons as Sri Ram Kohli and Sh Inder jit Kohli
MY tearful sharandjali to my Sardar mamaji,Shri Ram and Inder maamaji.Our Nanaji had two oxen and two buffalos and one cow and one bullock cart.He had a fertile land and these agriculture plots were used to be called MURABBAS and mostly the cash crops were used to be sown .I still remember that I along I used to play in the pond and go there to get the buffaloes to drink water and take wash. The water of the pond used to be very slushy and green in colour.There used to be worms ( called JAON) which when stuck on the buffalo body used to suck blood. Mostly in Morabbas we found KAKRIES Kheeras ,KHARBUZAS ,TARBOOZE,(Water melon) and Pethas etc There were parallel lanes THE weather here used to too hot and in summer there were dust storm s almost every day .Our Nanaji had one domestic servant his name was Maaghi Ram and he was taking care of fields and other house hold duties .Nanaji used to sit at entering First floor room called the Bathak.All of a sudden we heard a thundering sound all the families started running here and there I was told that there was invasion by muslims in the back lane and they were looting and burning the houses of Hindus .My Nanaji ordered all the ladies and children to save their lives and immediately take shelter in the next lane .All my masijis and my mother took her daughters and other members and ran for safety in the next lane. All the family members were running leaving behind all the house holds.My nanaji was very much worried about his Sardar Son as the Muslims were butchering the Sikhs first of all. The ladies and children were frightened .It was a good and merciful thinking that the muslims were sparing the ladies and children.So our Nanaji then requested Sardar Bishan Singh ji (sardar mamaji) to cut of his KES (hair) and dress up and to wear the ladies dress .In this way when we all were running to the safety in next lane to lane there came dead end.Now they Muslims surrounded us .They were carrying all the weapons like Swords knives long chhuras and lathis( long cane) and spears. There I saw the Pakistani police was there supposedly for safety but every brutalities were being committed in the presence of the police and military .While runnig my mother could not carry any thing but she threw the Potli off Gahenes(ornaments) in the Bhusa room ( HUSK ROOM).All of us along with hundred s and thousands population were ordered to march towards the ANAAJ KI MANDI and all along the route the police and Muslims were following us .I can still see the dreadful faces in my memories’ was told that Our servant Maaghi Ram had not accompanied us and it was a question at that time what had happened to him.But strange was the betrayal that our servant accepted the Islam and helped the muslims to loot our houses .There were bloodshed all over and I was witnessing the brutality being thrust upon by mankind towards the other their fellow beings. A great sin that could not be forgotten in the history. Where was the teachings that' MAHAZAB NEHI SIKATA APAS MEIN BAIR RAKHNA ''------We were told that this portion of country had become the part of Pakistan. We were being kept as hostages in the grain market till the military from INDIA came there for carting us to free India .This Anaaj Ki Mandi was a small place and the whole population were huddled like animals like sheep’s and goats.Usally there were tents in the market we used to sleep in the open .The drainage and sanitation conditions were worst and there was out break of cholera fever. All the four gates of the ANAAJ KI MANDI were locked and there was Pakistani police to guard us as prisoners. Every day the Muslims used to throw shoes chapals and nasty abuses from the other side of boundary wall. All the population were daily used to pray to God to save themselves from the atrocities of Muslims and they used to look for the train of military from India to transport them to India. Some news were there that they (Muslims) might butcher the whole population as the rumors’ were floating that the trains from India WERE COMING FULL OF DEAD BODIES AND AS SUCH THAT they would retaliate and kill ourselves in return .Our stay at Anaaj Ki MANDI was dreadful like a hell .We used to sleep at ground with no sheet under us .All around the stagnant water started giving bad foul smell. Once my youngest sister fell in the drain we pulled her out We were short of daily rations almost starvation conditions were prevailng.My other sister also fell ill but due to natural medicines she recovered .My mother was also suffering from asthma and used to worry about our Bauji(our father).Here another thing was troubling us that what happened to our Bauji and brothers ( Sh.Sohan Lal,Sh Dharam Vir ) as they left for RawalPindi to spend their summer vacations holidays before Partition My Taya ji used to live in Rawalpindi and Talagang.My mother was seen to be in sad mood all the time . One day all of a sudden a call was announced that that we could see their homes for the last time and that we would be sent to India no sooner when the train might come from India. My mother was asked by my Nanaji that she might find some thing which might be left after the senseless looting and ransacking .Accordingly my mother went to see the house for the last glimpse. She found the potli (guthi) which contained the gold ornaments.Nothing was left in that house as the Servant Maghi Ram later became Maaghi Khan heIped the muslims to make a clean sweep of that house . At last a message from the Indian Govt came and we were told to hurry up in the train bound for India .I along with my sisters mother and Nanaji had all masis lived in the Anaaj market for about 2months or so. This stay was like a living in the hell like prisoners. There I heard that in the history kings did change but people remained the same but there was events just the reverse. We all were sitting in the train awfully over crowded. People were sitting in the train like goats or sheeps.All the persons were remembering the God or some reciting Gurbani etc and the wish they were having that they should reach India quite safe and sound .Ours train was heading towards LAHORE some of the passengers got sick feeling thirsty but there was no water to drink when the train stopped near one Nallah people took the bad water of Nallah those who could not hold their thirst drank urine just to survive. At last our train reached LAHORE station .This station was the final point when our fate was to decided. When I looked I found that along the platform there was Pakistani Police and the Muslims carrying weopens.All water taps on the platform were dry as the water connections were disconnected so that we could not get water. Our train was in waiting whether to convert it in dead bodies or sent harmlessly. As good luck would have it the train from India arrived quite safe and in good condition and all the passengers were quite happy and raising slogans Pakistan Zindabad.Allah Hu Akbar etc Our train was spared and sent to India via Wagah border to AMRITSAR.I remember that it was Diwali Day when our train entered India and the GOLDEN TEMPLE was shining with colored shining electric bulbs and we were greeted with garlands.Our train was terminated in Patiala and we were shifted to Patiala transit Refugee camp which was set up by Indian Government.

Before Partion 6

When I come to greetings words I remeber that people used to say like this as under
Kya hall hai khan sahib?
Khuda dI maher hai.or
Khda Ki Maher hai.
KAya hall hai Mahashiaji ?
Ishwar the Kirpa hai.
Kaya hall hai sardar sahib?
Waye Guru di maher hai .
and Salam wala kul salam. Parvidgar ki maher hai etc
Once my Bauji was so tensed and I heard him saying like this as under
Sir pur gire pahar to fariad kya kare ? Saman So burs ka pal ki khabir nahe .
My mother used to sing " MERI PATIAN TE LIKH DE JAI GOPAL ' THIS WAS A SONG DEVOTED TO SHRI KRISHANA THE LORD. THIS MAY BE SHE NAMED MY SELF AS jAI gOPAL IT MAY BE HER INNER WISH THAT I SHOULD DO GOOD WORK THAT'S WHY I AM WRITING THESE MEMORIES.MAY GOD GIVE ME COURAGE TO CARRY ON. NOW I PAUSE HERE AND I WILL GO TO NEXT PHASE OF MEMORIES WHEN I ALONG WITH MY MOTHER AND SISTERS WENT TO TOBBA TEK SINGH (A District in Pakistan ) CHAPTER'' BEFORE PARTITION 7''

Before Partition 5

While I was in deep memories I remembered another poem we used to sing on Lohi festival while collecting something for the festival door to door.some of it are as under;
Jhule Ni Maye Jhule do jhul piayn khajuran Khajuran satta meva is koori de ghar mangeva is ghar de koori nikhri bhar bhar khandi churi--

LOHI LOHI TAKEE PHICHHE CHHUP KHLOI TAKEE MARA PUD BIBI DO SEIR DANE KUD '';;;;;;ETC Now I tell you more about Kohat There were Galies of all communities and at both sides of these streets there were drains which used to be dirty Likewise the roads of the bazar had drains usally remained dirty as there were sweepers who seldom cleaned and washed with the help of water being carried by them on their backs.Here I tell you that there was shortage of water and there were masonary well all over in the city and the water was pulled out by lifting buckets tied with ropes , from these wells .At the end of every lane there used be garbage bin or koora dan I still remember the black silt being removed from those drains and stacked along the lenghth of those drains.
Being the hilly area there was used to be dirt on the raods .Some time I noticed the tankers of water in the market sprinkling water on the roads and gallies (streets ) to subside the dust.As a rule all the shopkeepers used to clean the front portion of their shops and throw water to subside the dust.
At my school there used to be small canal having fresh water which might had been connected with Kathas(water stream) flowing near foot hills of the mountains .The most of muslims and pathans alike used to keep birds as pet birds .I saw the TEETAR (abird ) fights and MURGA Fights. BATERS (a bird)were also kept as pet birds .All the people enjoyed and there used be so many parties taking part in these games .The winners got the prizes and money .The next game the people used to enjoy was pigeon (Kabuter Bazi) flying.Kite flying was also very comman.I remember there were camels also as the means of transportations.Some times you can see bullock carts .All the community whether Hindus /skhs pathans ,muslims used to keep baffaloes ,cows ,goats etc for their need of milk and ghee and curd etc.

Before Partition 4

Some of the more sayings of yesteryears are as under.;

Buayn nu jandre te Bharyan nu chandre wala pa ke mil wande hun

Meaning of above phrase is that ," Birds of feather flock together" or the bad person comes in touch with another bad person no matter where he is just like a lock always finds a door.Here Jandre means locks and buay means the doors.During my child hood we used to go Lohi festival asking for some grains corn maize seeds and Raveri etc and used to sing like this as under;
De mei de kale kute nu de
KALA KUTA DE DAM\WAN TERE JIVAN MUJI GAYIN
GAYIN MARA PUD MEIYE DO SEIR DANE KUD;

wHEN ANY HOUSE USED TO DENY TO GIVE SOME THING FOR LOHI FESTIVAL WE USED TO SING LIKE THIS AS UNDER ;---
HUKA BEYI HUKA AEI GHAR BHUKA
During Lohi festival children,men and ladies used to sing and distribute the corn maiz seeds , Ravri and gur and ground nuts. The most popular song was like this ;;; Sundri mundri aye ho tera koan vichara ho dula bhati wala ho,Dule dhi vayei ho saer shakar paei ho ------"

It was saying that I heard that in Hindus chota neyi hona chaiye as all the elders tell the younger to do the work.In muslims it is the duty of elders to do the work and it is said that while elder brother is there younger is not supposed to do the work. These were traditions I dont know how far these are correct or feasible
Let us go in the kitchen no fasilities as that of modern age were avaailable in those days .I just remember the earthen pots , handia alliminium utensils and some degchi and thalies and katoris and chamamchs herth was of six bricks stacked in the saquare with one side open.To fire the chula it was a tough job .My mother used to blow air from her mouth so that the wood could catch fire .After the food was ready we all sisters and brothers sat around the chula and took the food in the kitchen It was the duty all to wash hands before entering in the kitchen sit and remember the god before taking first loaf of roti.With the dedication of our mother we all were brought up and were happy.Here I have become emotional and pay a sharandhjli to my mother and may God give her peace in Heaven.

Before Partiton 3

Today I again remembered the some of the languages the then used.When ever pathan had to say whether any person was feeling pressure or wanted to go to tiolet he whould say like this as under; " Tagala khure na khure'
AS I mentioned that my father used to teach us good teachings in a simple way as ;
Wand Khadi kheer khand khadi ===Chori Khad te Ghori Khadi The meaning of this was that whatever you possessed you should distribute among yourselves and that this would taste like Khir and sugar.Now if any body eat any thing stealthly it would be .like meat of mare.(GHORI)When he was in good mood he used to narrate some pharsi urdu poems as one given below.
Didam pey tum tumera shakse charida buda
Sirr pur thi uske pagri munche kharida buda
Puchha jo main ne us se jate kider ho sahib
Usne kaha chhup raho ji shaid kuch ranjida
Main bhi tha dhid pucca khara na uska chhora
Dora jo wahan se badro thi uske agey
Gira ho usme moan sur phatida buda

Here I tell you the meaning that " I saw a person on the tanga (baggi or tumtum) who was having moustaces and I nquired from him where he was going he replied that I should keep quite .I thought that yhe person was some what in gief and not in mood to talk .I was also determined to know what was toubling him so I followed him .When he saw back found me following him he ran fast .But there was a river (BUDRA)in front of him and he fell in that river with the result he broke his face and head.

My father had a good command of english also .Some time he told some the poems

King george the emperor of Hind from Kamran to Sind ;------

One thing at time and that done well is golden rule many can tell

Nursery poem I also heard from him

Twinkle twikle little star------
He asked me that when I faced any problem than I should utter the gayari mantras.When ever I felt rage THAT I should take one glass of water and then I should think over the problem.While taking decision one should take the opinion of the fellow and used to say if there is a khota near by one should take the opinion of donkey .This all sayings lead to fact that one ld look before he leaps and think before he speaks One should be honest to all specially to oneself and should hear the inner voice.He used to say when a milk man puts water bin the milk why he hides behind the door .


Once when playing football some my friends kicked the ball so hard that it fell other side of the hill and saw the Kabilas but they returned the ball'At kohat there was no electricity there were lamp posts in the streets and a person used to fill kerosene .

Before Partition 2

I now give some of the local language and some jokes.

One of the jokes is that one old lady went to bazar and asked to the shopkeeper for razai (quilt stuffed with cotton fibers).The name of the lady was Bassi.She selected one which was very thin and not at all worm enuogh and she was laughing all the way .On seeing the lady laughing the shopkeeper was stunned and told the lady like this,-----

Bassia Bassia Bus Kar Unn Hasnia phir roanse jadan uthe kar ke saunse .

(The meaning thereby that she would repent when she would use the same at night as the quilt was not at all worm)

The pathans used to call the punjabi population as Karars in local language.One day two friends ladies asked to each other like this; Kararni to pathanini . Pathanini vey pathanini pathan kithe gaya adhi roti kha ke pavandi moaya paya. To this Pathanini replied like this .---

Karani vey Karani Karar kithe gaya adhi roti ka ke sarandi moaya pya.

As I told earlir that the pathans use to carry the guns and they use d when required.One of the pathan said why he was not using the gun what for he was waiting for. To his the pathan replied " Dhup charesi te thus karesi.Their local language was pashto.AssI for us and tussi for you toaudha stood for yours.,Brather for brother and mather for mother .There was so cold that they used to take bath after days together break.Regarding the childen they used to wear same shirt long enough upto the age of 6 to7 years After age of 8 years their dress was used to be Kamis ans salwars Muslim ladies used to wear Burqa and they were not allowed to go to schools.At Kohat the Muslims and Hindus /sikhs used to live together with friendly neighbourhood,and they used to celebrate the festivals of each commnity.It was a good thing.My father to whom we used to call as Bauji had so many friend s and they were muslims and pathans .My Bauji was a honest and prathan of Arya samaj and he new Urdu and Pashto.He was respectfully called Mahashia ji .In my child hood I and my brother and sisters used to play .Girls used to study only at homes and there were no schools for girls.The girls used to learn Hindi in Arya Samaj / Temples and boys were supposed to learn urdu in schools.I still remember my school where I used to study urdu.In my school basta(school bag) there was one Quada , slate and takhti and Kalam dawat and black ink (Sahai).We used to write Alaf ,BAY Paye Taye ,Saye ....;;;etc and counting in urdu and tables and multipication (Zarab) division (Taksim) , addition (Jama) etc Irony of fate is that I completely forgot.,all that I had learnt Our teachers name was Buta Ram and he was so strict and used to thrash if any body used to forget the lessons.He used to punish like the shagirds severely.He used to ask the students to bend Like Murga and place the takhti on the back.I rememberd he remarked to failure student like this ::: Zamin gunmbad pe gunmbad Gul Mohammad Gul Mohammad ; meaning thereby that the Earth is revolving and revolving but Gol Mahammad is still in the same class while his fellow students had been promoted to next class. As I had earlier told that my father was a man of great will power and hate smoking and he never touched the cigarette.One day one pathan friend had forced him to smoke and told him if he did;nt he would face the gun.My father stood in front of him and ordered the pathan to shoot him but he would not yeild.Such was the will power and I am proud of my Bauji and pay my sincere Sharandjli to him in Heaven. He used to inculcate the habit of hardwork to us and I remind one his Sher ( a poem) which used to say ;;;Mahnet Karo Azizo Mahnet Se Kam Hoga , Kahente hain Jsse Waqt aa kar Gulam Hoga.

This means that hard work is the essence of success and even the time can be slaved due to hard labour.

Before Partition 1

Let us start with conditions prevailing before partition (starting from the year 1945 or so). I used to take bath in Katha (a waterfall) at the foothill of a mountain range (don't remeber the name) near Kohat (distt Peshawar, NWFP now in Pakistan). It was a place where water comes flowing down the hills .The water used to be crystal clear that you could find out a dhela (a coin smaller than a paisa) at the river bed. There were two portions to these Kathas one for gents and other for ladies. There used to be a Partion or sheet of cloth hung in beetween the two portions. As it was a hilly area there was no means of commnications or transport.People used to carry there luggage on the back of donkeys or Khachars (a horse like animal but very sturdy in carrying heavy loads) Pathans used to have khachars and donkeys for their daily routines. Here the Pathans were very sturdy and used to wear long Kamiz (shirt )and Salwars and Pagris and Kullas (just like a cap).They use to cut trees or do hard work for their living. They use to wear Kheries ( Peshawari chappel).
We were living in a house in a ahahata belonging to Ramjwai (our landlady) it was opposite to Arya Samaj Wali Gali. All hindus used live in groups in Hindu Mohallas as it used to be safe. Most of the business was being done by hindus. The native Pathans use to invade such mohallas whenever they are short of rations or other needs. Some of these Pathans would set our houses on fire and/or loot the families. I remember one meeting was organised by the hindus and sikhs families to safegaurd the Mohallas and one morcha was built at the top of the building and the volunteers used to sit the whole night with guns to scare away the pathans. The schools were very far off we used to go the school either on donkey or on foot. I saw a bicycle for the first time in year 1947. I believe it was Hercules or BSA made. The pathans were dreadful as i was told in those days as they would kidnap boys. They used to live in tribes usually outside towns. They use to keep goats, sheeps and dumbas (male sheep). Pathans used to live in tribes under one Sardar (head). The sardar used to have several Nadas (Young boys who were personal servants of the sadars). Here I tell you that in their local language the mail child is called nada and similarly the female child is called nadi. These pathans use to manufacture knifes gupties ,belchas, churies and nezas etc One thing is to be positive in them was that they respected their ladies. They also respect their words. A story goes that one pathan saw pandit having his moustaches up and asked why he was doing so in country like kohat. The panditf said to him that these mouctaches go down if he goes to his house and kill his son .The pathan went and did the same and came back .Then the pandit has downed the mostaces. Saying is that he dont apply their brains. Had he applied the brain he would not had lost his son. The Kohat city is surronded by only berris trees. The dry fruits were there in abundance. We used to eat nejas, kajus akhrots, peanuts and badams. Bhutas were also very common. There used to kurkhas (red beans) sold in the market after boiling as chholas on the the streets. They used to prepare tikkies and pouring salt chillies and nimboos and it used to be tasty one to relish. I remember a shop on the corner of our street where Katlamas were made during Dasheras and these are eaten with mango pickel. A gajjar ka halwa were of good taste. There was only one bazar and had big gates at the two ends of the bazar. This gate was called the Sher Darwaza. There used to be police station on the one gate. I used go to the hardware shop of my father in this bazar. The shops have their doors in shape of wooden pieces stacked horizontily on the door opening when closing the shop and vice versa. There was no electricty and people used to burn kerosine oil lamps and lanterns. The food was cooked in chulas fired by wooden planksand rootis are prepard in Tandoors fired by wooden planks usually in one common tandoor (sanja tandoor) as community and saving of wood. There used to be one well deep enough in the mohallas and katras for water which was pure and potable. This well used to be cleaned once in a month by pouring potassium permanganate (KMNO4)The bazars contain shops of meat with hanging goat meat which I did'nt like. More over it gave bad smell and big flies along howering around. You will find other shops of cloth vegetables hardwares and paint and halwais ,shops of hot seekh kabab and restaurants serving all types non vegetarian stuff and tandoori roties,The sher Darwazas at the both end of the market used to be closed after 10 ,o clock at night with police man on duty for safety. You can also find horse tangas in the bazar. In the years 1945 to 1947 there was great enthusiasm of freedom and there slogans Todi Bacha Hai Hai, and Agrezo hamare watan ko chhor jao. There I remember a party of Sarhadi Gandhi and was called the Khaksar Party and its yoluteer were called Khudai Khidburgar.They used to prade inthe market with Belchas on their shoulders,The janoon of azadi was much hyped ,In those days some of freedom fighters include the names like Tee Ta Tut Tha Ba Se ,Even the brishes cold not control the tribes ,Once for certain demonds these pathans took hotage the mem sahib of collecter but reurned her quite safe and sound as their demonds nwere met.As I quoted that they were very much respect their words and ladies ,The houses were mostly of mud and at nightwe were advsed to be away from walls so that the scorpians may not bite.If any scorpian bites the people used to rub the metal or the record player disc of gramophone,

Vancuover Visit

During our stay at Sanfrancisco Freemont we had got an invitation from my sister and jijaji that we should visit Vancuvour Canada as there are so many places to visit so we hurriedly agreed .As a matter of fact we had already planned to visit and got visa from India.So we booked our air tickets on 1 July 2007.the 2 hour fligt was a wonderful experience Luckily I got the window seat and the scenes belowwere visible .We saw that whole of canada has so many ilands and full of green scenry .The security checks was foolproof and the figer prints were taken .I had to tell the air port authorities that while checking my wife that her hand has got a plate implated and as such she cannot raise hand above shoulders so they should be sympathetic with the hand .Any we had reached the vancuvour air port within 2 hours .On the way I discussed about global warming with some canadian and the journey was pleasant one,We had to wait for the Taxi for about 2 hours and my son drove the hired car to our destination.I was astonished to see the map finder fitted in the car which showed the correct way.If at any crossing we took a wrong turn the voice mail started speaking Calculating calculating etc.In this way we had not to inquire from passerby which is the correct road.As matter of fact there was no body on the road as we find in India.During the month of july we went t see the Lynn valley It was great exprience. I will continue on more pages to follow.

During Partition

I am writing this story when we were facing the hardships after the partition. After Shahbad Markanda (district Ambala) we all shifted to Agra as our cousin Tayaji used to live there. In Agara did not have any place to live we all put up in the deserted house in the CHAKKI PARA near Bus stop and opposite of Agra RED FORT. This was half broken and there was a leather market on the ground floors and the residents on the first floor. We started living there but faced hardships at every step of the way. My eldest sister Pushpa started teaching us Hindi and also she got admission in the Bengali Anglo School in 5th class. I still remember that I used to accompany her to the school during her cookery classes. I got admitted in 1st class in Municipality School at Chhipi Tola Muhalla and my brother Shri Dharm Vir got addmission in 4th class. At Agra we lost our elder sister due to malarial fever. At this point our family decided to shift to Delhi and leave Agra forever. We moved to Delhi in 1948.

At Delhi Railway station our Bauji's pocket was picked and then we took shelter at Pusa Road in the house of friend of Bauji. The life was difficult at this time we have learnt the technique of making card board boxes and we used to make them at our house. From Pusa Road we moved to Lajpat Rai Market then to Taliwada then to Manakpura and then moved to Kabrastan Chamilian and finally we moved to House 7409/5 Alias Building, Nai Basti, Bara Hindu Rao. The year was 1954-55 when we moved to Bara Hindu Rao. It was here that we moved our cardboard box making business to a shop very close to our house.
More to follow...........................