A wish list of Geet - 2022

When I entered Baba ji Room, I found this hand written card on the feet of Baba Ji. Can some body guess the details inside?

Remembering the Life of My Beloved Cousin, Brij Bir

In Sep 2017 Brij Bir having a tour of World’s Biggest San Jose Gurdwara in North America.

Family group in front of Darshani Deodhi of San Jose Gurdwara

I am saddened and shocked with the passing of my dear cousin, Sardar Brij Bir Singh. He was like a younger brother to me since I can remember. Despite being a law graduate, Brij Bir followed his heart's calling and delved into the realms of farming and real estate. His passion for these fields showcased his diverse interests and dedication beyond his academic achievements.

In the corridors of San Jose Gurdwara

My father, S Vasdev Singh and his Dad S Partap Singh, shared a close bond since their childhood was spent in extremely poor conditions. Despite being born in filthy rich family’s, both of them had to endure legal battles for their rightful assets. 

Shilpy and Massi Bholi with Geet and Sehaj

His Dad S Partap Singh, a significant landlord among the Sardars, faced hardships in his childhood, much like my father and his younger brother S Inderjit Singh. S Partap Singh uncle told me once that he and his mother survived by having to sell paper kites to make ends meet. 

My Dad S Vasdev Singh, grandma Sdn Karam Devi, Sdn Nanaki Devi Bhua ji and her son S Partap Singh Chacha ji. In the background are Harvinder with a year old Shivpreet in her lap at Gurdwara Mastuana Sahib for annual first-crop donation in 1976.

Sardar Partap Singh and Sardarni Inder Kaur

Their shared struggles drew them together, becoming lifelong friends. S Partap Singh, out of kindness, tended to our lands alongside his own, using his extensive farming experience from Pakistan. 

In a romantic mood always!

This friendship grew stronger as our families spent time together, especially in Patiala, where our bond with Brij Bir, his older brother Anand Bir and their two sisters Kulwant & Jatinder flourished. He was the youngest of the siblings. Brij Bir's relationship with me and my wife, Harvinder, deepened over the last 25-30 years during our visits to Patiala and Badbar.

Me with Brij Bir’s family at our Sherwood home- A photo through window glass reflection.

Brij Bir played a pivotal role in arranging the alliance between our son, Shivpreet, and Shilpy, his wife's sister's daughter, further solidifying our family's ties. His efforts strengthened the bond between our families. 

Brij Bir, Bholi and son-in-law Mandeep posing in front of the Lone Cypress Tree, located along the scenic 17-Mile in Monterey, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the California coast.

Mandeep delighted to see his dream being fulfilled! He poses right on the famous course of Pebble Beach with dramatic and natural settings in the world. This breathtaking coastal playground offers a beautiful year-round climate and most legendary course.

Exhibiting Sister-like bond - Harvinder and Bholi

The closeness we shared with him, facilitated by the friendships between Bholi, Harvinder elevated our relationship above that of our other cousins. 

Brij Bir always greeted Shilpy's dad, Major General Harkirat Singh, his co-brother-in-law in the Indian army, with the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,' perfectly encapsulating the triumphs of both the farmer and the soldier. His acknowledgment celebrated the valor of soldiers alongside the hard work and resilience of farmers.

Our family’s floral tributes symbolizing our Love and Respects to the departed soul.

Bhappa Brij Bir's passing has undoubtedly left a tremendous void, but our prayers for strength and the belief that his soul will find peace and blessings in the afterlife are our source of solace.

Faislabad earstwhile lyalpur

Night lit Ghanta Ghar, Faislabad

Faisalabad, formerly known as Lyallpur, was founded in 1892 during British colonial rule. It was established as a part of the British Empire's program to develop canal colonies in Punjab, specifically to encourage cotton cultivation. Named after Sir James Lyall, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, it swiftly grew into a significant urban center due to its fertile land and irrigation from the Chenab River.

Hustle and bustle. The area looks bigger than the Connaught place in New Delhi

Our grandfather’s older brother, L Sham Das, contributed to the administrative development of Faisalabad. 

L Sham Das

L Bhagwan Das

As a Tehsildar, he held a crucial role in the local administration, overseeing revenue collection, land records, and other administrative duties. His transfer and subsequent posting in the newly established Tehsil emphasized the expanding administrative needs of Faisalabad's growing economy and population.

Ghanta Ghar As in Dec 2023

His office in Kachehri Bazar, one of the prominent markets centered around Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), likely placed him at the heart of the city's administrative affairs. The Tehsil headquarters being established in such a central area signifies its importance in facilitating governance and serving the needs of the residents.

In Gurmukhi

In Hindi 

The Fortunately Gurmukhi and Hindi inscriptions are found engraved on the top of the Arch of the tower even today. They have remained untouched by the cruel hands of worst times.

The confluence of his professional responsibilities and Faisalabad's emergence as a significant agricultural and commercial hub must have provided him with a firsthand view of the city's growth and development.

L Murli Dhar

L Sham Das’s  foresight in purchasing that open land near the Tehsil office proved to be a remarkable decision. By transforming it into a commercial rental building, he laid the foundation for a significant real estate project. The subsequent development and expansion by his brother, L Murli Dhar, who had the support of middle brother L Bhagwan Das and his son, L Brahm Das, amplified the initial investment into a substantial commercial site.

L Brahm Das

Brahm Das's skill in construction and land development, coupled with his industry management, likely played a pivotal role in further growing the building into a large commercial enterprise. Securing finances from banks for such projects during that era required considerable influence and credibility, showcasing the family's standing in the community.

The rental income of Rs 750 per month during the partition era was a substantial amount, signifying the valuable nature of the property and its lucrative returns. The government's agreement of claim of Rs 2 Lacs to buy any property as part of the refugee settlement in the new India underscores its immense value and significance.

Grand view of 8 Bazars around Ghanta Ghar

Detailed View of 8 Bazars

Our property in Kachehri Bazar not only held financial worth but also symbolized the family's legacy, entrepreneurial acumen, and the astute decisions made by your grandfather and his descendants. It stands as a testament to their vision, enterprise, and contribution to the economic landscape of the region during a crucial period in history.

Making of a Video 2015

 

Kumbhalgarh 2012

A Day at Club Mahindra, Kumbhalgarh, Kelwara, Udaipur.

Maharana Rana Pratap was born in Kumbhalgarh Fort and was raised in Kelwara. This part of Rajasthan is known as Mewar and is very beautiful, hilly and green all round. Banas river makes the land fertile.

Lately many Resorts have mushroomed up here and being in the vicinity of Udaipur attracts tremendous tourism all year round.