In an emotionally resonant and historically significant event, families of Sikh and Hindu students who once studied at Lahore’s prestigious Aitchison Chiefs College from 1886 to 1947 came together for a unique gathering in Chandigarh. Held at Hotel Shivalikview on the afternoon of July 7, 2025, this remarkable assembly sought to reconnect the post-partition generations with a shared legacy that transcends borders and time.
The event was attended by two living alumni of the institution — Sardar Malinder Singh Sodhi of Buttar and Sardar Simran Singh of Bhadaur — both respected scions of erstwhile princely families. Alongside them were around 25 representatives of other Chief families whose forefathers had studied at Aitchison before the Partition. These families had traveled from across India to participate in this reunion of heritage and memory.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Aitchison College in Lahore to re-establish bonds with its long-separated Sikh and Hindu alumni families. Despite the geopolitical rift created by the Partition of 1947, the college, with its elite colonial legacy and an enduring commitment to excellence, has taken this step to honor its diverse past and acknowledge the contribution of Sikh and Hindu boys who once shaped its corridors.
The program was opened by Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, Honorary Envoy for Aitchison College, who is currently visiting from the United States. In his welcome address, Dr. Butalia emphasized the significance of the occasion and its potential to heal and rebuild connections lost over decades. He invited every participant to briefly share stories about their ancestors who had attended the institution. What followed was a poignant recollection of lives shaped within the walls of Aitchison Chiefs College — a place of learning that had once been a crucible for leadership among the subcontinent’s princely states.
Special reflections were shared by the two living alumni, Sardar Malinder Singh Sodhi and Sardar Simran Singh, who brought with them not just memories but a living sense of that era. Their words served as a bridge between the past and the present, underlining the values and traditions instilled at the college during the pre-independence years.
Dr. Butalia then spoke about the ongoing initiatives by Aitchison College to commemorate its 140th founding anniversary in February 2026. He revealed that dual celebrations were being planned in both Patiala and Lahore, symbolic of the historical and geographical significance of the institution. These events will serve as a platform to further cement ties between generations separated by time and borders.
Raja Mahendra Pal of the erstwhile princely state of Kutlehar was among the distinguished students of Aitchison Chiefs College during the pre-Independence era. His legacy of leadership and education was carried forward by his son, Raja Budhishwar Pal Kutlehar, who remains a proud torchbearer of this rich heritage. The Kutlehar royal family’s association with Aitchison reflects the college’s deep historical ties with Punjab’s and Himachal’s princely houses. Their presence at the Chandigarh gathering honored the enduring bond between tradition, scholarship, and service.
Before the conclusion of the gathering, Sardar Harisimran Singh of Pahuwind offered a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of all families present. He also presented a commemorative memento to Dr. Butalia, which will be delivered to Aitchison College as a token of respect and remembrance from the alumni families.
In all, around two dozen representatives of prominent Chief families were present at this deeply meaningful gathering. They included members from Attari, Bedi (Kallar and Montgomery), Bhadaur, Bhagowal, Butalia, Chajjalwaddi, Kaithal, Kutlehr, Majithia, Mughal Chak / Manawala, Pahuwindia, Patiala, Siba, and both Sodhi lineages from Buttar and Gurharsahai. Collectively, these families represent over 150 alumni who once walked the hallowed grounds of Aitchison Chiefs College.
This gathering not only reconnected descendants with their familial legacies but also set the stage for future engagement between the college and the Indian families who helped shape its history. As the 140th anniversary approaches, this event marks a significant milestone in reviving shared histories, honoring cultural ties, and celebrating an institution that continues to symbolize elite education and transnational heritage.
This is a web-generated news story.
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