The partition of India and Pakistan remains a poignant chapter in world history, a moment of immense suffering and displacement. The separation caused unimaginable hardship for millions, leaving behind scars that are still felt today. In Patna, Bihar, the memories of this traumatic event persist, particularly for those who experienced the upheaval firsthand.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga, a former member of the Bihar State Minorities Commission, represents a family deeply affected by the partition. His father, who once owned a prominent business, was forced to leave everything behind in Pakistan to secure his family’s future, arriving in India with nothing but hope.
The Bagga family had their roots in Gujranwala, Pakistan. Kuldeep’s father, Amar Nath Bagga, was a respected figure, running a well-established brass-melting factory with numerous employees. However, when the partition was announced, it uprooted their lives.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga recounts the catastrophic moment when the partition was declared, compelling his family to abandon their home, land, and property. The family was forced to leave their factory and other belongings overnight. His father found it difficult 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 embarked on a new journey, settling in Telhara village, Nalanda. There, he rebuilt his life from scratch, starting a business. He worked tirelessly and succeeded in his business endeavors, subsequently acquiring land. He adapted to the new environment and became a respected member of the village, ultimately being elected as the head of the panchayat.
Despite building a new life in India, Kuldeep’s father could not forget the cherished memories of Gujranwala. He often spoke about the comfortable life they had enjoyed there, contrasting it with the difficulties they now faced. Today, all of Kuldeep’s relatives live 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.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga is recognized as a prominent figure in Bihar today. 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 attributes his work ethic to his father and credits his success to the grace of God, establishing a significant identity through his hard work.