1947 Partition Tragedy – Ludhiana’s Khedan Wala Sardar
I consider myself fortunate to have studied at SCD Government College, Ludhiana during its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1970. The event brought together many alumni and teachers who had crossed the border from Pakistan to reunite with their alma mater. During this time, a pre-Partition Ludhiana-based teacher, Prof. Thakar Singh, shared with us a deeply poignant and unforgettable memory.
He recalled a student named Zohoor Ahmed—an intelligent young man who was always smiling and was a favourite rover scout of the college. Later, Zohoor joined the staff as a warden. In 1947, he chose to stay in East Punjab. Unfortunately, with the changing and volatile conditions, Zohoor soon found himself unsafe even within his own home. Prof. Thakar Singh offered him shelter at his house, but that too became unsafe because it was located along the roadside.
Vice-Principal Shivcharan Singh then took Zohoor to his own home while arrangements were made to secure transport to Lahore. Just as a car arrived, Zohoor and Mohammad Hussain, Headmaster of the Industrial School on Rani Jhansi Road, along with their families, boarded it. However, the car failed to start. Shivcharan Singh and Prof. G. D. Sehgal began pushing the car for about 200 yards to get it going. At this moment, Prof. Thakar Singh came from his house carrying a sword. Seeing their struggle, he immediately ran forward to help push the vehicle. The car finally started, and they safely set off towards Lahore, relieved to have saved their colleagues and thankful to God.
But the ordeal was not over. When Prof. Thakar Singh reached Dr. Hira Singh Road—the road from which the taxi had come—he was confronted by a mob of about 100 attackers armed with spears and sticks. They shouted, “Sardar Sahib, you are as great an enemy to us as those leaving for Pakistan. You sheltered our enemies while your own brethren are being butchered in Pakistan.” Prof. Thakar Singh unsheathed his sword, ready to defend himself, accepting their challenge with resolve.
Among the mob was an old acquaintance, their tennis ball picker named Jita, who recognised him and spoke to the leader: “Chhad oye, eh ta saada khedan wala Sardar Sahib hai” (ਛਡ ਓਏ, ਇਹ ਤਾਂ ਸਾਡਾ ਖੇਡਾਂ ਵਾਲਾ ਸਰਦਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਹੈ), meaning, “Let him be, he is our Khedan Wala Sardar Sahib.” He then advised the mob to return and start looting the house of Mohammad Hussain, the headmaster who had left with Zohoor.
Brij B. Goyal
Alumnus and Organising Secretary, SCD Government College Ludhiana Alumni Association
This article is adapted from “The Sutlej,” the in-house magazine of the college’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1970.
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---Copy-(1).jpg "Brij B. Goyal")
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Brij B. Goyal, Alumnus and Organising Secretary, SCD Government College Ludhiana Alumni Association
alumniscdgcl@gmail.com
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