The partition of India and Pakistan stands as a monumental event in world history, an experience unlikely to be paralleled elsewhere. This division inflicted deep wounds upon millions, leaving behind memories that many would prefer to forget. Fate dealt a cruel hand, transforming the wealthy into the impoverished in a single night. Even today, in Patna, Bihar, there are those who still harbor the ache of partition, reluctant to revisit the pain. However, the annual commemoration of independence invariably brings these memories to the surface.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga, a former member of the Bihar State Minorities Commission, comes from a family that endured the trauma of partition. The circumstances dramatically shifted; Kuldeep Singh Bagga’s father, once a company owner, was compelled to leave everything behind in Pakistan to safeguard his family, including land and property, yet he held onto hope.
Bagga’s family originated from Gujranwala, Pakistan. His father, Amar Nath Bagga, enjoyed a prominent status. Their family possessed a brass-melting factory, employing numerous staff across various roles. When Kuldeep Singh Bagga’s father spoke of the events, he often expressed disbelief that the partition would actually occur.
When the partition was declared, it felt like a sudden catastrophe for the family. Forced to abandon their home, land, possessions, and factory, they had to leave overnight. At the time of departure from Pakistan, Kuldeep’s father struggled to accept that independence came at the cost of partition. After arriving in India, he would often become melancholic when reminiscing about the past, repeatedly recounting their former prestige in Gujranwala. Kuldeep’s paternal uncle, aunt, parents and grandmother were together during the tumultuous time.
After losing everything, Kuldeep Singh Bagga’s father eventually arrived in Telhara village, Nalanda. There, he sought to rebuild his life. He started from scratch, working diligently to establish a business. Through hard work, the business thrived, and he later purchased land. He adapted to the new environment, and his hard work and honesty earned him the respect of the villagers, who elected him as the head of their panchayat.
After settling in India, Kuldeep’s father couldn’t forget the memories of Gujranwala. He often spoke about the comforts they had enjoyed there, a stark contrast to the struggles they faced in India. Today, no relatives of his remain in Pakistan; they are all in India. The families of his uncle and aunt reside in Delhi. Kuldeep was the eldest of seven children. His siblings are Surjit Singh Bagga, Brij Kumar Bagga, Bharat Bhushan Bagga, Jagjit Singh Bagga, Rajkumar Bagga, and Girish Kumar Bagga.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga is now a well-respected figure, not only in Patna but throughout Bihar. He has held positions as a member of the Bihar State Minorities Commission and as the President of the Bihar State Sikh Sabha’s representative board. He also serves as the president of the management committee of the Gurudwara located on Fraser Road in the capital. Additionally, he operates a motor parts shop in the capital. Kuldeep attributes his work ethic to his father and his success to the grace of Waheguru (God). Today, he has established his own identity through his dedication and hard work.