The Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has announced the establishment of an annual ‘Sardarni Harbans Kaur Memorial Lecture’ at its campus as a tribute to a remarkable woman who never gave up or gave in no matter what fate had thrown at her.

Sardarni Harbans Kaur was widowed at the young age of just 35 years with eight children due to the Partition of India. Her husband, Shaheed Nanak Singh (www.shaheednanaksingh.com), was a visionary who could foretell the consequences of religious disharmony. He warned the then Muslim leaders not to cut and run and fall for the British Divide and Rule Policy.

He pleaded with them to remain united as after independence, India would be a Secular and Democratic Country with one person, one vote, and as a result, together we would make our destiny. Sadly, he was assassinated when he went to save students of DAV School, Multan, now in Pakistan, who had taken out a peaceful procession against the partition of India and got caught in communal riots. He managed to save the student but lost his life for Hindu- Muslim unity in India.

His widow arrived in refugee camp in Patiala having lost her ancestral home, country and breadwinner. She rose to the challenge like a lioness and accepted what fate had thrown at her. She took up a job in a local Primary School as a teacher and brought her eight children up through immense difficulties, hardships and sacrifices.

She gave five of her sons to the Defence of India as Commissioned Officers, and they fought three wars for the integrity of Mother India. The Tribune Newspaper proclaimed her as the ‘Proudest Indian Mother’. She also received the Punjab State Award from the Governor of Punjab for being an outstanding teacher who dedicated her life to the welfare of children. Her youngest son, Lord Rami Ranger CBE, received honours from Her Majesty the Queen on a record eight occasions—six times for business and twice for community service.

The Punjab Government erected her statue next to that of her husband in Amritsar, near Ranjit Avenue, as a tribute to this remarkable woman who saved the lives of her eight children, instilled the right values in them, and made them assets for the nation.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Jaspal Singh Sandhu paid tribute to Sardarni Harbans Kaur and said, her life was a shining example for others that one can overcome adversity with courage, determination and commitment. Her life story will act as an inspiration to so many others who are in a similar situation and thinking of giving up. Giving up is not the answer but going forward is with whatever resources one has.

Memorandum of Understanding was signed on behalf of University by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Jaspal Singh Sandhu and on behalf of Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation by her granddaughter Dr Chand Trehan and Mr Sanjay Mehta. Jai Hind.

--The author is Chairman,
Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation