The partition of India and Pakistan stands as one of the most significant events in modern history, causing widespread suffering and displacement. The division resulted in unimaginable hardship for millions, leaving lasting scars. In Patna, Bihar, the memories of this tragic event remain vivid, particularly among those who lived through it.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga, a former member of the Bihar State Minorities Commission, represents a family that personally experienced the pain of partition. His father, who had been a successful businessman, was forced to leave everything behind in Pakistan to protect his family, arriving in India with only the hope for a better future.
The Bagga family had their origins in Gujranwala, Pakistan. Kuldeep’s father, Amar Nath Bagga, was a respected figure in the community, operating a brass-melting factory that employed numerous people. The announcement of partition, however, changed everything.
Kuldeep Singh Bagga remembers the devastating moment when the partition was declared, forcing his family to flee their home, land, and businesses. The family was compelled to abandon their factory and other possessions 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 sought a new beginning in Telhara village, Nalanda. There, he rebuilt his life from scratch, starting a business. He worked hard and eventually built a successful business, which allowed him to buy land. He adapted to the new surroundings and earned the respect of the villagers, who eventually elected him as the head of their panchayat.
After settling in India, Kuldeep’s father struggled to forget the memories of Gujranwala. He often spoke about the comfort and amenities they had there, in contrast to the hardships they now faced. All of Kuldeep’s relatives now 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.
Today, Kuldeep Singh Bagga is a well-regarded 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, having established his own significant identity through hard work.