MY PAPAJI
MEMORIES OF MY BROTHER
Chander Shekhar Mohlajee
By His Anuj
Mahender Partap Mohlajee
Portola Valley, California
(2010)
1. VERY
FIRST MEMORY OF PAPAJI
(AUGUST 1940)
The Palki (Palanquin) halted all of a
sudden. There was talk of someone being injured. The hatos (Palanquin riders) put down the Palki and ran towards the accident. I peeked through the Palki and saw Chachiji standing next to a Pony and saw someone comforting her. I
ran towards her and found Papaji with her. Chachiji had fallen off the pony. She
was prone to motion sickness and that may have made her fall off the pony. None
of the family was around; they had marched ahead. Our family was on Yatra(pilgrimage) to the Amarnath Holy
Shrine in August 1940. The person riding in Palki
was our Dadiji (Grandmother) and I,
being small and sickly, was with her in the Palki.
 |
| Young Mahender Partap |
I understand that Papaji walked with Chachiji
all the way to the Shrine after the accident.
The scene of Papaji
and Chachiji standing on the side of
a hill is eternally etched in my memory like a carving on a Shila (stone slab).
It is vivid to me even now as if it happened yesterday. This is the first
memory of Papaji in my life.
We stayed at Pahalgam
after the Amarnath Yatra and both Shiv Bhai
and I were taking a bath in the courtyard. All of a sudden I was crying having
bitten by a Bhoond( a wasp). I remember Papaji comforting me.
According to Chachiji(Smt Dhan vatiji-our mother),
most of the family travelled from by bus to Sialkot and onwards to Srinagar.
The family travelling by bus: Dadaji(Pt.Har Narainji), Dadiji(Smt. Karam
Deviji), Bauji(Pt. Mohan Lalji-our
Father), Chachiji, Shakuntla Bhua,
Phupadji(Pt. Ram Lubhayaji Jhingon), Bhuaji(Smt.
Padma Vatiji), Papaji, Shiv Bhai(Shiv
Kumarji), Madan Bhai(1+year old) and
me.
Chote
Tayaji’s family travelled to Srinagar
separately. Chote Tayaji (Pt.Ram
Narainji), Taiji (Smt. Krishan Pyariji), Sharda, Gargi and Gomti Bhenji and
Krishan (Chote Kaka).
Chachiji
said that we all stayed in a home on the bank of river. Most of the family
returned to Lahore after the yatra. Just our family and ShivBhai stayed on Pahalgam and other
locations.
Dadaji was addressed as
“Chachaji” and Dadiji as “Jhaiji”. However, prefer to use Dadaji and Dadiji to
avoid any confusion to our coming generation.
PAPAJI’A
EARLY LIFE IN LAHORE( 1925-1947)
Tradition
holds that a pregnant mother would go to her parents’ home to deliver her baby.
Upon the birth of a baby, Nanaji and
Naniji would go to the baby’s paternal home with the news and gifts for the
family. Since our Nanaji passed away when Chachiji
was a child and Mamaji’s home was not
in Lahore, Papaji was born in our old house.(The old house was demolished
in 1937 and the new house was built in 1938 and the family moved in 1939). Papaji
was the first child of Bauji and Chachiji, the first grandson of Dadaji
and Dadiji and first great grandson of Bhaiyaji.
I would imagine there would have been lots of celebrations and distribution of
sweets, etc. to the Brahmins and the poor and lots of gifts to the married
daughters of the family. Chachiji,
Chote Bhuaji(see Chachiji’s family) would have brought baby clothes, sweets and
gifts for the family on behalf of Chachiji’s
family. Papaji was named after Chander Shekhar Azad (Bauji used to mention this). A few days
21 days exactly, Chote Tayiji gave
birth to Sharda Bhenji. Both of them
were very fair, Papaji had curly hairs and light eyes. As children they were
inseparable. Played a lot together and taught with each other too. Sharda Bhenji related to us (in June
2009) as children they used to play quietly around Bhaiyaji (his eyesight had gone weak then) but he would recognize
them and shower them with Ashirwads (Blessings).
Both went to the same convent school (Sacred heart convent school) near Tayaji’s Kothi.
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| Tayajis kothi wall |
After certain years boys
were not allowed in that school hence Papaji had to go for another School?
Later Papaji joined D.A.V.College. I do not know which college Sharda Bhenji joined (she was in Hans
Raj Mahavidyalaya, Lahore). He had lots of friends in Government College and
usually seen there more than in his own D.A.V. College. Papaji was liked by
everyone in the family, relatives, our Panchjati in Lahore and Amritsar. He
was ‘kaka’ later on when krishan
Narain was born Chote Tayaji’s family
started calling him ‘Vada Kaka’. Everyone called Krishan narain ‘Chota kaka’. According to Chachiji he was always on the move as a
child, not a restless child but very inquisitive, very social friendly, helpful
and resourceful. He was never demanding; anything in particular. Everyone knew
me as kaka’s brother or Chander Shekhar’s brother. The RSS Sevaks always called him Shekhar. It was customary in Punjab
that married women would be escorted by someone, even a boy or a girl when she
would go out of home. I used to accompany Chachiji
on such occasions. Once, Chachiji had
to visit an Optometrist (probably in 1944-1945 winters) for eye check-up. The
moment we reached the shop, he said Namaste to Chachiji but in next breather motioned me ‘so you are Shekhar’s
brother’ I was really proud to be called his brother but was amazed as to how
did he know. Probably Papaji had mentioned to his RSS
friend that Chachiji would be coming
for any eye examination.
DEATH OF DADAJI
(Mahan Shivratri,
February 1941)
A few months after we
returned home, we children (Raj kishori
Bhenji and Prem Bhai) saw from
the mag
(sort of dumbwaiter opening on the ceiling leading to a floor above or below)
that Dadaji was lying on floor in the
Hall (living Room). There was lot of commotion in the house. Everyone was
crying. We heard whispers of his passing away. Someone motioned towards me and
soon enough steady hands of Papaji were whisking me away from
the scene. He led me through our lane to the Maasiji’s home in the adjoining lane to spend the day. Of course
everyone in her house was also whispering. As Dadaji’s arthi (cortege)
passed her house, my eyes were glued in locating Papaji in the throng. As
night fell, he came to fetch me back to the house. I was reassured that all was
well when comforted in the arms of favourite Raj Kishori Bhenji.
CHACHIJI’S FAMILY
Chachiji was the youngest child of Pt. Durga Das and Smt. Param pyari (Jhingan) Sharma. Her ancestral home was in Bal Mata Gali, about 10 minutes’ walk from our house in Lahore. Bal Mata Gali was on the way to Shah Alami Gate from our house. Her Dadaji used to live their until his death.
Nanaji was employed with the Railways and was posted in Amritsar. During an epidemic, Nanaji passed away. Chachiji was 7 or 8 years old then. Chachiji had two siblings:
· Pt. Des Raj Sharma, Mamaji, was educated at Khalsa College, Amritsar. He completed his M.A. in Sanskrit and was appointed a research fellow at Punjab University, Lahore. He was sent to Kashmir to study ancient documents/manuscripts there. Later on, he joined the information and Broadcasting Department of the Indian Government as a librarian and was posted in Simla. During World War II he was permanently posted in Delhi. He used to live on Turkman Road, now a Power Station. [Khalsa College is now Guru Nanak University]. He retired as chief librarian. Mamaji wrote Sanskrit text books for the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th classes. The books were published by Bauji under Chander Shekhar & bros. imprint.
· Smt. Param pyari Jaitley, Maasiji, was already married and had given birth to Chintamani Papaji at the time Nanaji died. She lived in an adjoining gali to our gali (alleyway). Both gali’s had the same name Kucha Bulo Mal. She was alive at the wedding of Chachiji and Bauji. She died after giving birth to
Pummo Bahinji. Maasiji was tall like her brother; Pt. BAL Mukand Jaitley was our Maserji.
· Chachiji was raised by Mamaji and Mamiji. Mamaji taught Chachiji and his daughter (Bimla Bahinji) at home. Both of them were well versed in Hindi, Sanskrit, and mathematics. Aside from academics, both were taught to sew, cook etc. and were very knowledgeable about the modern world and were liberal in outlook, very adjustable to the changing world; a tribute to Mamaji’s teachings and upbringing.
· Chachiji had two Bhuaji:
o Bade Bhuaji was Pt. Pyare Lal Mohla Mamaji’s mother. I do not know her name. According to Chachiji she was very fair and tall like Mamaji. I guess Pyare Mamaji inherited his color and features from his father. Pyare Mamaji’s ancestral home was about 5 minutes’ walk from our house, near Sutar Mandi. He and Chachiji were very close to each other like buddies. Mamaji was employed as Chief Electrician of Ayodhya Sugar Mills, Raja Ka Sahaspur near Moradabad.
o Chote Bhuaji (Smt. Gopal Devi) was also fair and tall like Mamaji. Chachiji resembled her a lot; her blue eyes were very prominent. She was our Dadiji’s favourite companion for religious activities and trips (yatras) to Haridwar, Mathura, etc. She used to dote on Chachiji. To us, she was our Naniji. Almost every week she used to bring some goodies to us and to Chintamani Papaji’s home. She had only one son, Pt. Salig Ram Sharma Mamaji. He was an auditor with Army controller. He used to be posted at different locations. He was very prominent in religious activities. He retired as Chief auditor. After retirement, he lived in Delhi and was very active in the religious festivities and various organisations as a leader of our Lahore Panchjati.
PAPAJI
AND RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH(RSS)
(July-August 1941)
Papaji
was very much dedicated to Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). I do not know whether he ever
joined the morning sessions but he must have attended the evening sessions. Bauji did not like him going to the
detriment of his studies. He often used to return home late after the RSS
sessions. Bade Tayaji used to open
the door for him. At one time Chachiji
locked him out and asked Tayaji not
to open the door. Next morning Bade
Tayaji found him sleeping on the entry stoop as he was going to Ravi river
for walk and bathing.
During 1941 summer, Chachiji asked Papaji to accompany her
to Pyare Mamaji’s home as Raja ka Sahaspur, near Moradabad. Pyare Mamaji was the chief electrician at the Ayodhaya Sugar Mill, owned
by a Lahore Seth. Chachiji humorously
related to me that no sooner had they reached Mamaji’s home, he begged her to let him go to Nagpur for the RSS
training session. Of course Chachiji
could not stop him.
CHINTAMANI PAPAJI’S
WEDDING
(Basant Panchami,
February 1942)
After Chintamani Papaji’s
marriage, he used to take me to Maasiji’s
home. I used to admire as to how friendly he was with Bhabhiji and made her comfortable in her new surroundings. I was
awed as to how Chintamani Papaji would spend time in setting
up his camera and take absolutely superb photos of Bhabhiji. While both Papaji would be doing that, I would
sneak down to the lower level to play with my sister and brother. Maasiji always had my favourite Gajar
Halwa or some other sweet dish for all of us to enjoy.
February 8 1942
Both Papaji
and Chintamani Papaji wore similar woollen suits. A gift received from Inlaws
of Mamaji. Bauji had suits tailored. In a photography with Bhabhiji, Chintamani Papaji is wearing the suit, a great
cloth with vertical lines.
Growing up both Papajis
used to accompany Chachiji to Simla
to visit Mamaji. They always used to
play together. However, when they were in fighting mood they would not talk to
each other. Chachiji would say “They were
always with me at the Mall; one would walk on the right side of the Mall and
other one on the left side. They would throw glances at each other without a
single word”. They could not live without each other.
Chintamani Papaji
was probably four years older. After the wedding, Papaji used to visit
Chintamani Papaji and Bhabhiji
often at night. I used to accompany him. He used to be on very warm
relationship with Bhabhiji’s as one
would visualise Bhabhi Devar
relationship among Punjabi Families. He used to humour her. She was respectful
of Papaji.
He used to help Chintamani Papaji with shooting set up and
photography. Chintamani Papaji was a fabulous photographer
and used to take forever to set up his shoot. He would always address
Chintamani Papaji as “Maharaj” and in turn Chintamani Papaji would say “Aaa
Bhraa Chander Shekhar” (Come brother Chander Shekhar).
Incidentally my photography at the
stairs going down floor at our house was taken by Chintamani Papaji’s
Guru, who taught him photography. It was taken at his Guru’s studio. I was 5
then and was wearing a readymade dress purchased by Bauji in Chennai during 1942 visit.
2. PAPAJI’S SECOND VISIT TO KASHMIR
(July-August 1942)
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| Loft above Tayaji's kitchen |
I had no idea where
they were going to stay, never asked anyone. I remember that upon return Shiv Bhai complained a lot about Khatmals (bed bugs). Chachiji had to wash their clothes in
Phenol and dry them out in sun.
Now upon reflection I
think the second trip to Kashmir may have been arranged to keep him from going
to Nagpur for RSS activities.
3. PILIBHIT
TRIP
(Summer 1943)
Chachiji,
her Bhuaji, Pumuro Bhenji, Omi Bhai,
and me visited Nanaji at Pilibhit. We also went to see Pyare Mamaji at
Raja-ka-Sahaspur(near Moradabad) and Bade
Mamaji in Delhi. And later to New
Delhi to visit Mamaji. I do not
recall what Papaji was doing while we were away.
4.
PAPAJI
AT CHANDER SHEKHAR & Bros. BOOKSTORE
(July-August 1944)
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| Bauji's Book Store |
Bauji
used to go on various trips from time to time. It was the summer of 1944 and
Colleges had closed down for Summer Vacation. Bauji and his two friends decided to go on a pilgrimage to various
Hindu and Jain temples in the Modern states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra
and Tamil Nadu. The friends accompanying him were Shri Som Dutt of Doaba House,
Lahore and Shri Jain of Jain Book Depot, Delhi.
Papaji
was asked to manage the Chander Shekhar & Brothers bookstore in Bauji’s absence.
Papaji
was asked to manage Chander Shekhar & Bros bookstore in Bauji’s absence. He used to go to the
store around 10am and return by 6pm. He used to close the store earlier than Bauji’s closing time (just before 9
p.m.) so that he could attend RSS meetings later in the evening.
The shop assistant used to come to our home to pick up Papaji’s lunch. Somedays
I would accompany the shop assistant to the book store and lunch with Papaji.
 |
| Chander Shekher & Bros. Shop |
One day a stray dog was
following him near the store. He tried to shoo away the dog by kicking it. The
dog bit him on the foot. He had bandage on his foot and lots of painful
injections. Even though he was in lots of pain, he would never cry or make any
noises or complain. He used to lie on the sofa in the hall all day and sleep
during the night with ceiling fan on. He used to hop around on one leg.
WITH
PAPAJI
ON DELHI TRIP
(August 1944)
Later that summer, Papaji,
after his recovery, took me to Delhi to stay with Mamaji and Mamiji. The
railway journey is still very memorable to me. I remember we travelled by
Frontier Mail (used to go from Peshawar to Bombay Central). When the train
stopped at Saharanpur, Papaji woke me up for my first
treats on the trip. The train used to stop for a long-time. He bought my
favourite mango (big size, scented and green skin-langra) and hot milk for me
to enjoy.
I remember the train
stopped at a signal which woke me up. In the faint early sun rays, I could see
vendors hawking tea and other edibles. A few passengers were outside by the
rails waiting for the signal to turn green. Papaji ordered toast and
tea for us. The train started again. As it was negotiating a curve, I could see
vendor carrying trays of food jumping from car to car and passing trays on to
the passengers. Finally there was our tray. The smell of charcoal-burnt toasts
with dripping butter is what I still relish and remember. The toast and tea
with lots of sugar prepared by Papaji was a very special treat for
me. Since any kind of goodies from Bakery or tea were not allowed in Mamaji’s home.
6. RSS
SABHA AT OUR HOME
(Summer 1946)
To this, I have
wondered as to how come Bauji allowed
such a meeting in our home. Being a gracious hostess, Chachiji had prepared snacks and we served with cold drinks to the
attendees. I was worried about Bauji
getting upset but Bauji never talked
about it. Bade Tayaji must have
talked it over with Bauji before the
meeting.
In converted Kashmir,
Narendra Sehgal (Utpal Publications, Delhi 1994) writes in Chapter 19:
“Sh.
Madhav Rao Mulle, has given information about this historical fact (of a
meeting between RSS chief Sh.
M.S.Golewalker and Maharja Hari Singh for accession of the state to India” in
the book “Shri Guru Samagra Darshan” Sh. Madhav Rao was praant (State) Pracharak
of RSS in Punjab and Jammu and
Kashmir.”
Sh. Madhav Rao Mulle
was probably the person who presided over the RSS Sabha held at our Lahore home in 1946.
7. PAPAJI
AND PALMISTRY
(Winter
1946)
Dadiji
always wanted Papaji to read her palm. She wanted to know as to when her life
would come to an end and she will join Dadaji
in heaven. One particular session that I remember happened in the winter in her
sleeping room on the 3rd floor, probably around 1946. She was
sitting in her bed with Papaji studying her palms while
consulting a book. The book was Palmistry by Cheiro. He kept examining her
palms and smiling. Finally he commented on her long life. Such sessions
continued over her life even in Delhi.
8. CHILDHOOD
MEMORIES OF PAPAJI
(Winter 1946)
I do not remember him
sleeping on the roof terrace. Most often he used to sleep in his room with the
fan on. Since he used to sleep late, he would wake up late. We would all take
turn to coax him to get up to play with us. One time we tried to lift his leg
while playing, we could not do it. I felt how strong he was.
One time I was sick
with cold and cough. Chachiji
complained to him that I am always eating Aam Papad (mango jelly slabs) during
the recess brake at school. That is why I always suffered from bad throat. She
asked to take me to a doctor. He kept smiling and without scolding he took me
to a doctor friend for examination. He had numerous friends in all walks of
life, it appears to me. One time I accompanied Chachiji to an optician for eye testing. The moment we reached the
store, he asked whether I was Shekhar’s brother.
Every winter, Chachiji would open trunks full of
winter clothes lodged in a loft at Bade
Tayaji’s floor. Out would come Papaji’s old winter clothes. We all
would wear his warm half –pants, sweaters and coats after alterations. A few
would be selected for alterations and fitted on me. We were very proud to wear
his old clothes. Pockets of most of his half pants and coats would have holes
in them. Bauji used to remark that
this was result of Lattoos (spinning
top), marbles etc. that he used to play with.
Each winter we all used
to eat various nuts, dry fruits, rewaris
(jaggery or sugar candies coated with roasted sesame seeds) and gazaks ( layers of jaggery or paper thin
sugar slabs mixed with roasted sesame seeds to look like bars). His most
favourite was peanuts. He would eat lots of them even if he was coughing badly.
9.
HINDU-MUSLIM RIOTS IN LAHORE
HINDU-MUSLIM RIOTS IN LAHORE
(March-August 1947)
We were all living
peacefully and enjoying the spring, when the events of
March
1, 1947 shattered it. There were
Hindu/Sikh/Muslim riots in Rawalpindi that day. Hindu and Sikh refugees started
arriving in Lahore and Amritsar and retaliatory killings started two days
later. I remember our elders and neighbours discussing with concern of our
safety.
From that day on, Papaji
did not return home. He was safely staying at Chote Tayaji and Choti
Tayijis at their Mcleod Road Kothi.
We would hear of his well-being from his friends, family and neighbours.
Naturally, it was stressful period for all of us. A few days later, we learnt
that he was living at Seth Ram Saran Das’s Haveli. The Haveli was the headquarters of the
Refugee relief committee set up by Lahoris.
We were told he was on a mission to take care of the refugees. Shiv Bhai was deputed to deliver clean
clothes and food to him periodically at the Haveli.
I used to accompany him on these missions. We would go inside the Haveli and were told to leave the clothes
and food in a room. We would always ask to meet him but were told that he was
away on some important mission. They would not let us see his room or leave
packages in his room. A gentleman did come out and pointed to a right hand side
second floor corner window. He told us that Papaji stayed in that
room. Whenever we used to go to Haveli,
we would stare at the window with anticipation that maybe we could have a
glimpse of him. We would pick his soiled clothes and return home disappointed.
We kept hope alive that may be one day we would run into him. No such luck!
Unfortunately, I had
failed to mention the location of the Haveli
to Ajaya on his recent trip to Lahore. However, subsequently I learnt from a
Lahore blog, citing an article in Dawn newspaper, that Seth Ram Saran Das’s Haveli
was demolished.
1 BADE TAYAJI
AND FAMILY TO DELHI
(July 1947)
Bade
Tayaji was transferred to Delhi in July 1947. Bade Tayaji, Tayiji and the family left
for Delhi sometime in late June. They settled at 22/6 Railway colony, Kishan
ganj, Delhi. Around same time, Chote
Tayaji and family went to Dalhousie for Summer holidays after Punjab High
Court closed for Summers.
Lots of homes and
buildings were set on fire. Since our home was surrounded by Muslim Gallis, it
was felt that our home was safe. For this reason during June-July, Bauji moved most of the books being stored
with printers and the binders to our home. We were going on with our lives,
when Bade Tayaji returned to Lahore
all of a sudden one day. He was sent back to settle some Railways’ partition
issues at the Lahore headquarter. He asked Bauji
to go to join Bade Tayaji and family
since Kishanganj quarters were new and not safe. Phupadji was asked to come
from Amritsar to bring Dadiji and Shakuntla Bhuaji
to Amritsar.
1
OUR FAMILY TO HARIDWAR & DELHI
OUR FAMILY TO HARIDWAR & DELHI
(Late July 1947)
Without any knowledge
of Papajis’
whereabouts and any contact with him, Bauji,
Chachiji took us (Omi Bhai, Prabha bahin and me) to Delhi in
early August. After visiting Haridwar on the way, we reached Delhi and Stayed
with Bade Tayiji. We had been there only for a few days, Bade Tayaji returned sooner than anticipated. One day while he was
at his Lahore office (near Lahore Railway Station), he was advised by his Chachaji ( Pandit Paras Ramji Mohla)
not to return home because of the Hindu-Muslim riots in the old town. On his
advice, Bade Tayaji took Frontier
Mail the same night for Delhi.
1 IN
SEARCH FOR PAPAJI’S WHEREABOUTS
(1947)
The border between
Lahore and Amritsar at Wagah was closed even before Independence day. Chote Tayaji and family returned to
Amritsar but could not travel to Lahore. So they came to Delhi. Dadiji did not accompany Chote Tayaji. She would not leave
Amritsar without news of Papaji’s whereabouts and his being
safe in India.
Prem
Bhai and his friends had joined RSS
Shakha in Karol Bagh. One day, he
learnt that a RSS pracharak (leader)
will be holding a meeting at Hindu Mahasabha building on Mandir Marg. The
building is east (?) of Birla Mandir. Prem Bhai, I and few of his RSS friends and our neighbour Brij Chadha
went to meet leader. The meeting was held like any other Shakha, everyone sitting in rows. We sat there patiently listening
to the speeches.
After the speeches were
over, we went over to talk with the leader. He was the same leader who had held
meeting at our Lahore home. We introduced ourselves mentioning the meeting held
at our home in summer of 1946.he remembered the meeting and seemed to know Papaji
very well. I am not very sure whether he recognised us or not. We inquired
about Papaji. He listened to us calmly and assured us that he was
safe and sound in India. We were told that he was on very important mission. He
could not disclose any information about him or about his mission. We gave him our
message to Papaji, our Kishen Ganj
address and a message that the entire family was safe and living in Delhi. He
assured us that our message would be relayed to Papaji and that he would
meet us in the near future.
1 PAPAJI
ON A MISSION
(1947-1948)
We used to visit Mamaji often on special occasions. Mamaji and brothers and sisters would
tell us tales of Papaji stopping by on various occasions. He would be driving a
jeep or truck or motorcycle. He would be on some mission(s). He would be on
some mission(s), sometime carrying supplies. He would not disclose the contents
or his destination(s). He would assure them that he would meet us one day. He
was avoiding us for the fear that the family would stop him from fulfilling his
mission, which to him was more important at that time. I do not know how Chachiji or Bauji or the elders felt after hearing such adventure tales. I used
to feel very proud of his dedication to his mission. To me he was following the
footsteps of his namesake, Chander Shekhar Azad, by assisting
refugees in free India.
1 IN
SEARCH FOR PAPAJI IN FEROZEPUR
(Late 1947)
Dadiji would not leave
Amritsar without some news about the whereabout of Papaji. Sometime late in
1947, we received a message from Amritsar that ChamanBhai(Madan Bhai’s elder
brother) had learnt from his RSS friends that Papaji
was staying in Ferozepur, so Shiv Bhai
was deputed to go to Amritsar. Both Shiv Bhai
and ChamanBhai travelled to
Ferozepur. There was no train from Amritsar to Ferozepur. The refugee relief
camp was headquartered at Dev Samaj College. A happy coincidence, my wife,
Shyama Parashar was a professor of the same college.
When they reached the
camp, they were advised that Papaji had left on some important
assignment. None would disclose the purpose and the destination of his mission
and would not disclose when he would return. They were very impressed with the
quantities of various food items and clothes etc. that the local people had
contributed for the cause. While they learnt that Papaji had made numerous
trips across the border to bring back families and individuals stranded across
the border.
They were treated very
well by the staff. They stayed there three or four days waiting for his return.
They left a message and our Kishen Ganj
address for him. Dadiji joined us in Kishen
Ganj after the birth of Ashwini Bhai.
1 ANTICIPATION
OF PAPAJI’S
RETURN
(1947-1948)
There was only one
train running between Delhi and Ferozepur, Punjab Mail (before partition it
used to run between Bombay Central and Karachi via Lahore). The train from
Ferozepur used to reach Delhi around 6 a.m. The train invariably would stop at
a traffic signal, which was located a few yards from our home. We kids used to
imagine him walking down the embankment to our home. And every time the train
would stop at the signal, we, if awake, would peak from the window for his
appearance.
We kept hearing from
various RSS Sevaks and
leaders that he was safe and would meet us soon. In the meantime Mahatama
Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. RSS and Hindu Mahasabha
was banned were banned. My hopes were dashed. How can he come now being a RSS
leader? RSS leaders were being arrested. Lots of Sevaks were protesting and being arrested. We were hoping that he
would not participate in strike and voluntarily court arrest. We kept hoping,
praying and waiting. There was nothing we could do.
1 SURPRISE,
HERE IS PAPAJI!
(Winter 1948-1949)
Then one day during
winter of 1948-49, Punjab Mail stopped at the railway signal. Someone remarked,
probably one of us kids, that the main train has stopped today to let Papaji
off the train. But no one peeked out of the window.
Lo behold, within a few
minutes a knock on the door and in walked Papaji!!!!!!!
I cannot describe the
joyous reaction of the entire family on meeting him after waiting for 20 plus
long months. All our neighbours poured into our house with greetings and well
wishes and joined us in celebrations.
He was dressed like a
typical Maratha, dhoti, short checked coat, cap and moustache. He looked just
like Raj guru, Bhagat singh’s partner. He was carrying a leather bag, similar
to one the doctors carry on their home visits. We were very curious about the
contents of the bag. While he was talking to the elders in main room, we kids
peaked into his bag. To our horror, we found a large and heavy pistol which I
could not even hold in my hand. Poking further into the bag, we found a very
sharp long knife like a butchers’ knife. It was longer than my forearm. We just
returned the items in his bag. He did not respond to our enquiries about the
articles.
Both Prem Bhai and I felt proud that our
meeting with the RSS pracharak made it
possible for Papaji to return home.
1 RE-BIRTH
OF CHANDER SHEKHAR & Bros. IN DELHI
(1948-49)
Things started
happening for the betterment of our lives. Thanks to his friends in the
Government Refugee Relief Department, Bauji
was allotted a shop on Esplanade Road, the road going from Chandni Chowk to
Jama Masjid. Additionally his friend helped, a loan was approved so that Bauji could re-start his business.
Almost all of the Lahore publishers were allotted shops on Esplanade Road. Se
we were neighbours again.
At the suggestion of
another of his friend, we went to see a vacated house in Lal Kuan area. Chachiji and Bauji took me along. The home smelled of meat. The rooms had no
doors. The cooking area was open in one corner of the veranda (porch). The
house would be allotted to us and later we could exchange for a new home in one
of the colonies being built for the refugees. Chachiji did not like the place at all. So the matter rested there.
1 PAPAJI’S
VISIT TO LAHORE
(Summer 1949)
Both Indian and
Pakistan Governments had agreed to seal the business establishments of the
refugees leaving each country. During the summer of 1949, we heard that the
Pakistan Government was allowing Indian refugee businessmen to return and
remove their inventories from the sealed establishments. A few of Publishers
travelled to Lahore and were able to bring their inventories to Delhi. Papaji
asked his friend who was posted at the Indian consulate in Lahore for help in
securing a permit to visit Lahore. The friend arranged for the permit and also
confirmed that the Chander Shekhar & bros. store on Mohan Lal Road was
still sealed. Papaji travelled to Lahore to bring our inventory from the
store. He and his friend went to the store with an official from the Pakistan
Refugee Department to unseal the store. To their amazement they found the store
wide open without any inventory. On enquiry the neighbours told them that
someone had come and broken the seal and removed the contents of the store.
Evidently a person had been tipped of be a Pakistani employee of the Indian
consulate. Naturally it was a big disappointment. Afterwards they decided to
visit our house in Suttar Mandi. They probably started from Shah Alami gate.
The street from the gate goes past Bal Mata Gali(Chachiji’s ancestral home, our nanihal-maternal ) to Kanpatta
chowk, from where the street continues to Suttar Mandi Chowk.
Before they made to
Kanpatta chowk, a person named Illahi Bux, a cowherd, knew our family well but
had no love for Hindus. The tone of Illahi Bux conversation made them very
uncomfortable and they decided to return to Shah Alami gate and not to continue
to Kucha Bullo Mal. At the Wagah Border he saw the books published by Chander
Shekhar & Bros. being sold for a few paisas each.
1 CHANDER
SHEKHAR & Bros.AT ESPLANADE ROAD
(1948-1951)
Naturally, this was a
big disappointment. However, Bauji
and Papaji
started publishing books again. In Lahore, we did not have to market our
publications, because of our family’s status in Sanatan Dharam Sabha. Bade Tayaji was very active in the
Sabha’s religious and social activities and Chote
Tayaji was active in Sanatan Dharam College and School Management. The
books were prescribed in various Sanatan Dharam Schools in West Punjab. Most of
our school Book sales were in West Punjab.
Now we had to visit
schools and convince headmasters and management officials to prescribe our
books, Bauji, Papaji and Shiv Bhai took over the task of marketing the
books. Bauji and Shiv Bhai concentrated on marketing the
school books in Punjab( which included Haryana and Himachal Pradesh at time). Papaji
took over marketing college books in Punjab and Uttarpradesh, upto Allahabad. Papaji’s
friends in Hoshiarpur and Kanpur agreed to be distributors for college books.
The authors like Professors Kalia, Mohan, Seth and Bombwall were of great help.
ShivBhai being so young in age met
stiff resistance from headmasters to listen to his sale pitch.
LIFE AT 22/6 RAILWAY QUARTERS, KISHAN GANJ, DELHI-6
All residents of Block
22 and of other neighbouring blocks knew of Papaji being away and
were aware of his RSS activities. They all were of great moral support to us and
looked with anticipation for a day when they would meet him. Our immediate
neighbours, 22/8 Rajkumar and Sheila Bai Chasha, his younger brother Mohan, his
parents, and 3 boys were all part of our extended family.22/7 Bhasins;
relatives of the Chadha, 2 brothers(both railway employees) and their families
were our extended family. They all joined with us in welcoming Papaji
and he became their friend, elder brother and advisor. He became a close friend
and younger brother of Chadha Chacha and Chachiji.22/8
became gathering place of his admirers of the entire block. Very often he used
to spend nights with Chote Tayaji( RN
Mohlajee) and Tayiji, Shiv Bhai also
used to do the same. After we moved to Jalandhar, I guess he used to divide his
time between the two homes.
CHANDER
SHEKHAR & Bros. BRANCH IN JALANDHAR
(October 1949 to June
1952)
We used to ship books
to stores by Bijli Pahalwan’s Amritsar transportation Company. However, the
Punjab booksellers used to complain that it was very inconvenient for them to
travel to Delhi to purchase school books. So Bauji decided to open a branch store in Jalandhar and we moved there
in September 1949. Bauji, Chachiji, Omi Bhai, Prabha and Shashi bahin's and I moved to Jalandhar.
Papaji
with the help of Shiv Bhai was to run
the main store on Esplanade Road in Delhi. Publishing business is very seasonal;
the text book sale is just around the school openings.
PAPAJI
JOINS PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
(1950)
Chote
Tayaji arranged to have Papaji join Punjab National
Bank sometime in early 1950. He rarely visited us in Jalandhar, being busy with
his new job.
RAJ
KISHORI BHENJI’S WEDDING
(Winter 1950)
This was the very first
wedding in our family after the Partition. The wedding took place in Amritsar.
We were living in Jalandhar. Wheat, rice and sugar supplies were subject to
rationing. Rajkumar Chadha, our 22/8 neighbour
at Kishan ganj helped us a lot in
obtaining wheat and rice. He also brought wheat from Delhi that Rajkumar Chadha Chachaji had arranged
for. Pyare Mamaji arranged for Sugar supply. Papaji went to Raja ka Sahaspur, near Moradabad,
to pick up 2 bags of sugar and transported to Amritsar. We were all amazed his
ability to smuggle it across the state lines and octopi chokies (check posts) along the way. I guess his refugee
relief work was of great asset, maybe he had his RSS workers (Sevaks) assist him. Chachiji wrote the ‘Shiksha’ for Bahenji’s wedding. Bauji had it printed by his friend in
Amritsar. The ‘Shiksha’ was sung by Sukhdayal Trikha Chachaji.
PREM BHAI’S
ACCIDENT
(Summer 1951)
Prem
Bhai was cycling to his office when he was
hit by a tonga (single horse driven
carriage). Right after higher secondary, he had started work with an insurance
company upon the recommendations of Chote
Tayaji. He probably was 17 then. His right leg was hit and he was taken to
Rana Mardhar Hospital off Delhi gate. Papaji was of great help in rounding
up doctors and surgeons. Luckily an expert American neurosurgeon later on
fitted a brace for his right leg so that he could walk without a limp. He would
bravely play cricket with the braces. When I visited Delhi during that summer,
it was shocking to see him in that condition. Everyone was so appreciative of Papaji’s
connections and resourcefulness during Prem
Bhai’s tragedy. However, one comment of Bade
Tayaji (SN Mohlajee) shocked me then. He mentioned that Papaji
was asked to go into the operating theatre to enquire from the friendly doctors
and surgeons about Prem Bhai’s
prognosis; especially being able to walk. He would not respond to this request.
Years later, I asked him about Bade Tayaji’s
requisition. He looked at me and uttered something like “I cannot stand blood” and turned his face away. I could see some
deep emotions hidden from all of us. I did not press him for response. I
understood that there may be some incidents during 1947 partition. This is the
first time I am disclosing this incident.
ELECTION
CAMPAIGN BY PAPAJI
(Winter 1951)
Papaji
went to assist a RSS personality running for a lok Sabha seat in Kangra District
of Punjab (before partition into current Haryana and Himachal Pradesh states)
The person was a professor, his name slips me now. He was deputed by Lala Jodh
Raj Bhalla, Chairman, Punjab National Bank for campaigning. Papaji
spent about 2 to 3 weeks campaigning for him. The professor lost the election.
However, he won a seat in a subsequent election in 1957. Papaji did not mention
much about his routine there except that he visited lots of villages. Much
later on he mentioned that he went to Jammu and Kashmir for what purpose. He
would not divulge. As it was style, he took half sleeves sweater, a coat and a
few clothes all in a standard luggage carrier (I guess it was called Hold all).
When he returned we were all excited to learn of his activities-just as his
other RSS activities were off limits to us.
BAUJI’S
STOMACH PAIN
(Summer 1952)
After Papaji
joined the Bank, Shiv Bhai was running the Delhi store. After Raj Kishori
Bahenji’s wedding, the family decided that he should join a college. He also
moved to Jalandhar and enrolled in D.A.V. College. Bauji would travel back and
forth from Delhi to Jalandhar. A shop assistant would open the Jalandhar store
and manage it. Shiv Bhai and I would supervise him after our classes. Chachiji visited Delhi for a short trip
and brought Omi Bhai with her to live with us. Dadiji also joined us during winter;
she was visiting relatives in Amritsar then. Dadiji strongly urged Chachiji to return to Delhi and arrange
for Papaji’s
marriage since he was that age. Chachiji,
Omi Bhai, Prabha and Shashi Bahins and Dadiji returned to Delhi leaving Shi
Bhai and me to complete our education and supervise the store. The shop
assistant used to cook meals for us. Sukh dayal Chachaji and Chachiji were always available for
emergencies and meals.
During the 1951 summer
school recess, Shiv Bhai returned to Delhi for vacation. In the meantime the
Punjab State had decided that the medium of instructions would change to
Punjabi with Hindi a second language. So we had to have our school text books
translated into Punjabi. A series of Hindi books from girls schools, meri
Sakhi, for 5th to 10th class, was to be translated into
Punjabi. Bauji employed a Professor of Khalsa College Jalandhar, for this work.
Madan Bhai was visiting us from Amritsar. He had been taught Punjabi already.
He used to read the Professor’s manuscripts to Bauji to assure him that the
translator had followed closely the intent of the original Hindi books. One day
after lunch Bauji was sleeping on the Shop floor. When he suddenly woke up with
excruciating pain. He complained of bloatness and unable to pass gas. He used
to take Soda Bicarbonate in water to relieve gas problems. The shop assistant
gave him the remedy. It relieved his pain. But at night he had another episode.
Madan and I gave him the same dose. Our neighbour Mr Kapur called in a doctor
next morning. But despite medicine, the pains kept recurring. We contacted Sukh
Dayal Chachaji. He took him to a prominent Vaid( Ayurvedic medicine
practitioner) also a local congress leader, Bauji felt much better with
Ayurvedic medicine. But a few days later the pain returned again. Meantime we
informed Papaji in Delhi of Bauji’s condition. He took him to a civil
surgeon, who happened to be his RSS friend. The surgeon advised him that Bauji
had kidney stones and may need an operation. He advised Papaji to take Bauji to
Delhi. Again, it was Papaji who came to our rescue and
thanks to his friendship Bauji’s pain was diagnosed correctly.
IAF
21ST ANNIVERSARY
(October 1953)
The IAF anniversary
celebrations were held in the ground past Qutab Minar. Prime Minister Nehru was
scheduled to preside over the celebrations. I do not remember why I was with Papaji
that day. I recall there were just a few of us at Chote Tayaji’s flat in
Connaught Circus that time. Sharda Bhenji and Choti Tayiji decided to go and
join in the festivities. Papaji drove Chote Tayaji’s car with
five of us ( Tayiji, Sharda Bhenji, Bhabhiji, Papaji and myself). There
was so much traffic going to the festivities that it took us almost 2 plus
hours to reach. PM Nehru arrived in a helicopter. The IAF planes flew down to
salute him and flew away. It was such a short flyover that we were all
clamouring for more. Soon thereafter PM Nehru left the helicopter. It was so
short that we did not have time to absorb the entire scene. We returned via
Birla Mandir and had snacks at Gole Market.
I was really impressed
with his driving, this being my first experience. The other unique remembrance
was his demeanour. He was his usual calm, smiling and entertaining with songs,
stories etc. Sharda Bhenji also kept us entertained with songs and stories. It
was a memorable family outing.
SHARDA BEHNJI’S ENGAGEMENT
(YEAR 1953)
Sharda Bhenji’s
engagement was held at the Imperial Hotel, New Delhi. This was first wedding
related family festivity in Delhi ( Raj Kishori’s wedding was held in
Amritsar). Even though the ceremony was in Delhi, the atmosphere reminded me of
such ceremonies in Lahore and Amritsar before partition. Chote Tayaji wore rose
colored Pagri ( Turban-head gear). He offered a sovereign to Bhaiyaji (Mr.
V.M.Kapuria) as was the custom in upper Middle class families of Lahore and Amritsar
(A sovereign was a V.K.coin used for such ceremonies; its value was more than a
pound). Papaji was very much involved with the arrangement; one heard
his name over and over-someone needing something or someone wanted suggestions,
etc.
After the engagement
(maybe a day or two later), as was the custom then, the engaged couple met
under escort. I remember one particular event. Papaji was escorting them
one evening in Connaught Place. Do not know why he asked me to tag along.
Sharda Bhenji and Bhaiyaji
were strolling in front of us. We were talking while following behind them.
Sharda Bhenji or Bhaiyaji might stop once in a while to chat with us. Later on
we stopped for refreshments somewhere. What impressed me the most was the love
and affection between Sharda Bhenji and Papaji and how graceful and
understanding of Bhenji’s mannerism. A very memorable evening spent with Papaji.
PAPAJI’S
MONDAY FASTS
(1952-54)
For whatever reason, he
decided to fast on Mondays. He used to eat Parantha (multilayered wheat pan cake with filling of barfee -milk sweet- a
cake) and yogurt. His fasting was another side of nature that something new
that……….
PAPAJI’S
AND BHABHIJI’S WEDDING (JULY 1954)
In the preparation for the wedding, Papaji used to visit the Nai sarak Book store after work. He was posted at Mintu Road branch then. I can still see him sitting across from the bookstore in the marriage parties’ rental store, which was owned by a very nice gentleman called Babuji. He also immigrated from Pakistan. Bauji, Papaji and Bahinji would discuss various details of the arrangements. Sometimes they would be joined by Shri Som Nath Bhasin of Doaba House ( Of Lahore), whose store was right next door. I could see him (Papaji) smiling face deep in discussion and listening to his elders.
One discussion I
remember very well was about the wedding invitation cards. Generally, the first
name of the groom is stated in the card. However, with Papaji it became an
issue. Some of his friends, including the bank colleagues, knew him as Chander
S. Mohlajee but the RSS friends knew him as Shekhar only. So his full name
Chander Shekhar, was printed on the card.
A few memories are:
·
So many relatives from
Amritsar came along with Chachiji’s
nephew from Varanasi. Almost each branch of our extended family was
represented. This was the first wedding of a son of the extended family after
partition.
·
The marriage was
proposed by Shri Panju Mal, teacher at Sanatan Dharam School, of which
Bhabhiji’s Mamaji was the Principal.
Shri Panju Malji was headmaster of Sanatan Dharam Primary School in Vachovali
Gali, Lahore. Shiv Bhai Prem Bhai and I attended this School, he was our
Headmaster.
·
Bauji rented a Janjghar( Marriage Hall- a haveli for marriage or other functions) located
inside Dariba Kalan-Chandni Chowk. We all stayed there including our friends
from Kishenganj.
·
Even though, Halwais (
sweet makers) used to prepare the required mathis ( modern day deep fried Pancakes of
flour mixed with ghee-clarified butter) etc. Bauji had made arrangements for a
variety of breakfast specialities that the nearby Halwai shops were famous for,
like Kachauris (a round flattened ball made of fine flour filled with a stuffing
of blanched/shallow fried mixture of lentils, gram flour, black pepper, red chilli
powder, salt and other spices etc. ) from Juma Masjid area; Halwai of Vachowali
Gali- Lahore, who opened a shop in Lajpat rai market in Chandni Chowk to name a
few.
·
For us Lahore Panchjatiwala’s, this was the first
marriage in our family where the barat was served meals by the Bride’s family.
In our marriages, the groom’s Barat was fed by his Parents before the Barat’s
departure for the Bride’s house.Our marriages were called “Dhanga wali Shaadi”
as distinct from ‘Barat’ wedding. The invited guests used to be fed right after
“Saent” ceremony at groom’s place.
·
As ‘Barat’ reached near
Juma masjid, Salig Ram Mamaji asked
Band leader to stop the music. I remember asking someone about this. I was told
it was the condition in the permit for the ‘Barat’ procession that no music can
be played near Masjids or Pir Dargahs. Also this was the first wedding in our
extended family that a band was used to lead the ‘Barat’. Normally a Pandit
would lead the ‘Barat’ by playing ‘chunnas’ followed by the groom’s elders, the
groom, and the rest of the ‘Barat’
·
Chachiji
wrote the ‘Sehra’ for Papaji’s wedding. It was sung by
Sukh Dayal Trikha Chachaji.
MY
JOB AT PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
(January 1956-December
1959)
Because of the lull in
Bauji’s business, it was decided that I should start working elsewhere rather
than running the bookstore. I was attending the Punjab University Camp College
in the evenings. Papaji asked me to come to his office at Underhill Road for an
interview in January 1956. I went to his office. His office was on the second
floor in an Annex. I was introduced to his manager. Then Papaji took me to see Mr.
A.S.Puri, Secretary Staff( Chief Personnel Manager) for an interview in the
main building. The staff manager walked me into his office. Mr Puri asked a few
questions about my education,etc then remarked to the manager, “ Will he shave
his beard?”. The Manager responded, Yes Sir! He is so young,” and we walked out
of the room. The Manager advised me to report Mr. Pahuja at Pahar Gunj Branch.
That was it! I had a job conditioned on my shaving off me beard! I had a hard
time believing my luck! But that’s how it was in the private sector in those days.
·
Why Pahar Ganj, I keep
thinking? Soon found out, when I joined the Branch. The staff Union at Pahar
Gunj was pro-management and the branch Union leader, Ram Nath Sehgal, was very
close to Papaji’s Boss.
·
I learned a lot while I
worked there for a month short of four years. Aside from gaining experience of
different functions of banking, I realized that I was not suitable to work in a
big organization with performing just a few functions. Pahar Gunj branch was
mid-size but had a solid clientele. Each one of us was offered to rotate to
work in different departments every so many months.
·
A few weeks after I
joined the Bank, I came down with a severe case of throat infection.
Papaji’s RSS buddy from Lahore, Dr. Suraj Prakash’s clinic was close to
the branch. We all, including Chote Tayaji’s family, would call on him for
treatment all the time. He advised Papaji that my tonsils were infected
and should be removed. Dr. Suraj Prakash was on the Bank’s provider list. I do
not know still as how Papaji rearranged to have the Bank
pay for my operation. Dr. Suraj Prakash was either a medical student in Lahore
or had just graduated at the time of partition.
·
When we moved to Moti
Nagar, we would visit Dr. Nand Kishore ( a younger RSS friend) in West Patel
Nagar for our medical needs.
MY
DEPARTURE TO U.S.A.
(December 1959)
Papaji
was very instrumental in the realization of my dream to go to Australia or West
Germany or USA for studies. To obtain a Passport at that time was not simply a
matter of applying and being issued a passport in due course. A few years later
the Supreme Court declared it to Indian’s birth right and could not be denied
except for a cause.
Anyways, a Gazetted
officer had to vouch for one’s character; a police officer had to investigate
for a criminal background; someone with substantial bank accounts or had property
had to guarantee for any loss that the Government might suffer for future
repatriations, if needed. So on and so on, so many hurdles to cross. Thanks to Papaji’s
efforts, I was issued a passport. But Lo behold, the passport Office had
stamped the names of all countries that I could visit but not USA in my
passport. The office closed right after I picked up the passport so nothing
could be done.
Next morning, I
returned to the passport office. I was told to come back in a week for a new
passport. The US embassy had already notified me to pick up my Visa. The
following day, Papaji came with me. He walked into the Public relations
Officer’s Office. A few minutes later came out and said that we have to wait
until after mid-morning tea time. We returned and picked up the new passport.
Still to this day, I do not know what Alchemy he employed. I still wonder
whether the officer, an older gentleman, was an RSS person!
The message was from
Dr. Nand Kishore’s brother-in-law (wife’s brother). I was to call him and he
instructed me to store my luggage at the customs Hall (which the custom agent
helped me with) and gave me directions for a bus to the United Nations
Headquarters. He would wait for me in his office. I had read about the use of
tokens in novels. I asked the drive for one. He gave me tokens and instructed
me to drop one in the fare box. I reached the UN and went to his office. What a
sight of the Hudson River out of his office! Later he drove me to his home in
Bronx.
3 MY
FIRST VISIT TO INDIA
(July 1970-January1971)
When the plane landed at Palam Airport in July 1970, I was wondering who would be there to receive me. While walking to the Terminal (no bridges or buses then), I Bauji too. The elders had grown ‘old’ and young ones (some of them I could not recognize even) were now beautiful young women or handsome young men. Could not believe seeing
I very well still
remember Chote Tayaji comment upon meeting, “I thought you will be coming back
as an engineer, you have come back like a Marwari” He was referring to my
having gained weight and looking like a Marwari businessman rather a slim
‘British’ engineer.
After a few days in
Delhi, Madan Bhai and I left for Ludhiana to meet Bade Tayaji and Tayiji.
Raksha was also there. During the trip to Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Amritsar, I
practiced speaking in Hindi and Punjabi and reading Punjabi. By the time we
returned back to Delhi, I could converse in Hindi and Punjabi.
3
