The partition of India and Pakistan remains a significant historical event, leaving a painful legacy for millions. The division uprooted countless individuals, shattering their lives and forcing them to confront a reality they never anticipated. In Patna, Bihar, the echoes of this traumatic past persist, particularly for those who experienced the upheaval firsthand.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga, a former member of the Bihar State Minorities Commission, represents a family that personally suffered from the partition. His father, who once owned a thriving business, was compelled to abandon his wealth in Pakistan to ensure his family’s survival, arriving in India with only the hope for a better future.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga’s family hailed from Gujranwala, Pakistan. His father, Amar Nath Bagga, was a respected figure in the community, running a brass-melting factory that employed numerous workers. However, when the partition was announced, the family faced a devastating turn of events.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga recalls the devastating moment when partition was declared, forcing his family to flee their home, land, and possessions. The family was forced to leave their factory and other belongings overnight. His father found it hard to accept that freedom came at the price of the division. He frequently expressed his nostalgia for their life in Gujranwala. His paternal uncle, aunt, parents and grandmother were together during the tumultuous time.
After losing everything, Kuldeep’s father found a new beginning in Telhara village, Nalanda. There, he rebuilt his life from scratch, starting a business with his own two hands. He worked relentlessly and succeeded in his business endeavors, subsequently acquiring land. He adapted to the new environment and became a respected member of the village, eventually being elected as the head of the panchayat.
After relocating to India, Kuldeep’s father struggled to forget the cherished memories of Gujranwala. He often recounted stories of their comfortable lifestyle, contrasting it with the hardships they now encountered. All of Kuldeep’s relatives are now in India, with his uncle and aunt residing in Delhi. Kuldeep was the eldest of seven children, followed by his siblings Surjit Singh Bagga, Brij Kumar Bagga, Bharat Bhushan Bagga, Jagjit Singh Bagga, Rajkumar Bagga, and Girish Kumar Bagga.
Today, Kuldeep Singh Bagga is a well-known figure in Bihar. He has served as a member of the Bihar State Minorities Commission and as the President of the Bihar State Sikh Sabha’s representative board. He is also the president of the management committee of the Gurudwara on Fraser Road. Additionally, he operates a motor parts shop. Kuldeep credits his work ethic to his father and attributes his success to the grace of God, establishing a significant identity through his hard work.