CHANDIGARH, July 7, 2025 (Nazrana Times): Families of Sikh and Hindu students who attended Aitchison Chiefs College in Lahore between 1886 and 1947 gathered at Chandigarh’s Shivalikview Hotel on July 7. The event brought families together to share memories and renew their historical connection with the institution.

Two living alumni, Sardar Malinder Singh Sodhi of Buttar and Sardar Simran Singh of Bhadaur, attended alongside approximately 25 representatives of families whose relatives had studied at the college and have since passed away.

Reconnecting more than 75 years after Partition

Aitchison College has championed the initiative to strengthen contact with its Sikh and Hindu alumni and their families more than 75 years after the 1947 Partition.

Dr Tarunjit Singh Butalia, the college’s Honorary Envoy, who was visiting from the United States, welcomed participants. Each representative then introduced themselves and spoke about ancestors who had attended Aitchison Chiefs College before 1947.

Living alumni share their reflections

Sardar Malinder Singh Sodhi and Sardar Simran Singh delivered special remarks, providing a direct connection to the college’s pre-Partition years.

Dr Butalia outlined the work accomplished through the initiative and plans being developed for February 2026, when the college would celebrate its 140th founding anniversary. Celebrations were being planned in Patiala and Lahore. A question-and-answer session followed.

Families present a memento for the college

Sardar Harisimran Singh of Pahuwind offered a vote of thanks and presented a memento for Aitchison College on behalf of the families. Dr Butalia was to carry it to the college.

Approximately two dozen representatives attended on behalf of families connected with more than 150 Sikh and Hindu alumni.

Families represented at the gathering

• Attari
• Bedi — Kallar and Montgomery
• Bhadaur
• Bhagowal
• Butalia
• Chajjalwaddi
• Kaithal
• Kutlehr
• Majithia
• Mughal Chak/Manawala
• Pahuwindia
• Patiala
• Siba
• Sodhi — Buttar
• Sodhi — Gurharsahai
• Report-Binder Singh Khudi Kalan/Mangat Singh Saidpur