“He went to the gurdwara and I went to the mosque, but religion never came between us” — a decades-old bond of affection
The Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 did not merely divide land; it tore apart millions of families, shared homes and unbreakable friendships. Politics placed barbed wires along borders and many phases of hostility followed between the two nations. Yet there were some souls whose friendships could not be dimmed by Partition, border restrictions or the long passage of time. One such extraordinary and deeply moving friendship is once again in the spotlight.
At the prestigious Aitchison College in Lahore, Pakistan, a historic classroom is being named after late Harcharan Singh Brar, former Chief Minister of Punjab. The decision has become a matter of interest and emotion among thoughtful people and historians on both sides of the border, proving that bonds of the heart are not dependent on lines drawn on maps.
A century-old friendship and a gift on the 100th birthday
The news was confirmed by Harcharan Singh Brar’s grandson, Tegbir Singh Brar. Sharing family memories, he said this unique and touching initiative has been taken by Brar’s closest childhood friend, Syed Babar Ali, one of Pakistan’s most respected industrialists and philanthropists.
Syed Babar Ali turns 100 on June 30. However, as the holy month of Muharram begins soon after, the centenary celebrations and special event have been scheduled earlier, on June 10. At one of the most important moments of his life, as he completes a century, Babar Ali chose to remember his friend, who passed away in 2009.
On this occasion, a modern classroom at Aitchison College, Lahore, will be dedicated to the memory of Harcharan Singh Brar. According to Tegbir Brar, the bond between his grandfather and “Babar Uncle” was not merely that of friends, but of real brothers whom no force could separate.
Harcharan Singh Brar’s political journey and Lahore connection
Harcharan Singh Brar was a tall, respected and composed figure in Punjab politics. He served as Chief Minister of Punjab from August 1995 to November 1996. Before becoming Chief Minister, he also served as Governor of Odisha and Haryana.
Brar was born in the historic village of Sarainaga in Muktsar district. Before Partition, when Lahore was the cultural and educational capital of undivided Punjab, he studied at the prestigious Aitchison College from 1936 to 1943.
At that time, Aitchison College was considered one of the finest educational institutions in the subcontinent, especially for children from elite and royal families. This honour not only revives Brar’s old association with the college, but also pays tribute to the deep friendship between him and Syed Babar Ali — a friendship rarely seen in today’s world.
“He went to the gurdwara, I went to the mosque” — a love beyond religion
In a video interview related to the event, Syed Babar Ali emotionally recalled old memories. He said he first met Harcharan Singh Brar during their school days at Aitchison College. Over time, that meeting turned into a lifelong friendship.
Babar Ali said, “He went to the gurdwara and I went to the mosque, but religion never came in the way of our friendship. We always respected each other’s faith.”
These words carry a powerful message for people of both countries in today’s climate of mistrust and hostility. In 1947, when one of the world’s largest migrations took place, the two friends became citizens of different countries, but their bond remained intact. When Harcharan Singh Brar passed away in 2009, Babar Ali felt the loss as if he had lost a member of his own family.
Former CM’s daughter Bably Brar reaches Lahore
To witness this historic and emotional moment, Harcharan Singh Brar’s daughter Bably Brar has crossed the border and reached Lahore. For her, it is a deeply proud and emotional occasion. She is attending the 100th birthday celebrations of her father’s childhood friend, her “Babar Uncle,” and will also witness the inauguration of the classroom named after her father.
This meeting is not just between two families. It is a celebration of the shared culture of both Punjabs — eastern and western — and of the spirit of Punjabiat.
Aitchison College’s gesture is not merely about naming a room in a building. It is a strong and positive message of peace, love, harmony and brotherhood amid strained India-Pakistan relations.
When future generations of Pakistani students at Aitchison College read the name “Harcharan Singh Brar” outside that classroom, they will be reminded that borders may be created by politics, but hearts continue to beat for one another.
The gift that Syed Babar Ali has given on his 100th birthday will be remembered in the history of both countries. In an age of hatred, keeping love alive is perhaps the greatest form of devotion.
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