Families of Aitchison Chiefs College Alumni Gather in Chandigarh

July 7, 2025 , Ali Imran Chattha

A unique and ground-breaking gathering was held of families of Sikh and Hindu students who attended Aitchison College in Lahore from 1886 to 1947. The gathering was held at Shivalikview Hotel on afternoon of July 7, 2025.

Two living old alumni of Aitchison Chiefs College, Sardar Malinder Singh Sodhi of Buttar and Sardar Simran Singh of Bhadaur, attended along with about 25 other representatives of families whose sons attended the college but have passed away.

The purpose of the gathering was to bring together families of Sikh and Hindu boys who attended the college from 1886 to 1947.

This initiative has been championed by Aitchison College in Lahore so it can better reconnect with its Sikh and Hindu alumni and their families - more than 75 years after partition.

The program began with a welcome by Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, Honorary Envoy for Aitchison College who is visiting from USA. This was followed by brief introductions by each person talking about their ancestors who attended Aitchison Chiefs College before 1947. Then special remarks were delivered by two living Old Alumni, Sardar Malinder Singh Sodhi and Sardar Simran Singh. Dr. Butalia then elaborated on what had been accomplished and what is being planned for February 2026 when the college celebrates its 140th founding anniversary. Celebrations are being planned in Patiala and Lahore. This was followed by a brief question and answer session. Sardar Harisimran Singh of Pahuwind offered a vote of thanks and presented to Aitchison College a momento on behalf of the families - which Dr. Butalia will carry to the college.

About two dozen representatives of Chief families representing over 150 Sikh and Hindu alumni attended the event. Representatives of the following Chief families attended:

Attari ,Bedi - Kallar & Montgomery ,Bhadaur ,Bhagowal Butalia ,Chajjalwaddi , Kaithal ,Kutlehr ,Majithia ,  Mughal Chak / Manawala ,Pahuwindia ,Patiala ,Siba , Sodhi - Buttar , Sodhi - Gurharsahai etc.