In Memory of Surrinder Mohan Sarin (1938–2025)
A Journey Through Heritage, Memory, and Human Connection
By Ali Usman Baig
A Legacy Rooted in Shahdara
Surrinder Mohan Sarin (1938–2025) belonged to one of Shahdara’s prominent pre-Partition Hindu-Khatri families — custodians of the historic Pari Mahal, a mansion once known for its 103 rooms, sprawling orchards, and the vibrant community life surrounding it. His ancestors owned nearly two thousand acres of fertile land extending into Sheikhupura, forming a significant chapter in Lahore’s cultural and agricultural history.
Years later, when I documented the fading traces of Pari Mahal, I could not have imagined that my work would travel across borders and reach someone whose childhood memories were tied to those very bricks. Yet it did — and that became the beginning of a deeply meaningful connection.
A Bond Formed Through Heritage
When my article reached him, Surrinder Mohan Sarin wrote to me with emotion and gratitude:
“Thank you for giving me nostalgic memories of Pari Mahal… Most portions are unrecognizable now, but the top-floor room stands exactly as we left it. Usman beta, thanks a million once again for the great efforts.”
His words carried the ache of a man revisiting the home he could not return to physically, yet rediscovered through images and storytelling.
In a message that touched me deeply, he reflected on our earlier exchanges about the neighbouring towns mentioned in my research:
“It is such an illuminating article… But the most nostalgic is about Babar hailing from Kot Radha Kishan. If you remember our earlier exchange — Shahdara, Kot Mool Chand and Kot Radha Kishan were founded by our ancestors Mooley Shah, Radhe Shah and Behari Shah. It is a matter of great joy that somebody from Kot Radha Kishan appears in your work. Your own career speaks of a wonderful journey. God bless.”
This message held the weight of lineage, history, and pride.
For him, heritage was not simply about structures — it was about identity, village origins, familial memory, and the stories carried forward by others.
His Reflections, Memories, and Gentle Wisdom
Our conversations flowed beyond buildings and history. He often shared snippets of life, both tender and heartbreaking:
“My wife died on 19th September, and tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. What an irony of fate.”
Even in grief, he wrote with dignity — never bitter, always graceful.
He also shared the joy of his childhood Lahore:
“There was perfect harmony between Hindus and Muslims… My mother and Bhua would make huge balti of lassi and call all neighbours to share. Such was the bhaichara.”
He remembered the well near the gate, the long veranda now encroached, and the bustling household that Pari Mahal once was. His memories brought the mansion to life far beyond what any photograph could convey.
He often encouraged me with unexpected warmth:
“What a treasure house of information… The day is not far when you will be a top historian of Indo-Pak. God bless you.”
He spoke of heritage books, oral traditions, family histories, and even music:
“After Kishore Kumar, I like Sonu Nigam. Do you like Kishore Kumar?”
These simple exchanges made the connection more human than historical — a bridge of warmth crossing the distance of borders, generations, and time.
A Photograph That Now Feels Like Memory
Once, he shared a photograph from his home — a small heater glowing softly in the foreground, and he sitting quietly at the dining table in the background. It was a humble winter evening captured unintentionally, a still moment of everyday life.
With it, he wrote:
“Same heater as yours. See how similar we people are.”
It was a simple line, yet profoundly symbolic — a reminder that humanity often finds its deepest connections in the most ordinary things. Today, that photograph feels like a gentle farewell, a frame filled with warmth before the quiet.
A Noble Departure
On 8 December 2025, at the age of 86, Surrinder Mohan Sarin passed away.
In keeping with his wishes, his mortal remains were donated for medical education and research, a final act of generosity that reflects the dignity and compassion with which he lived his life.
A Legacy That Lives Beyond Walls
Today, as his family remembers him, his legacy survives not only in the lost walls of Pari Mahal but also in the values he embodied — humility, gratitude, warmth, and the ability to cherish shared history even across borders.
For me, this connection was more than a historical discovery. It was a reminder that heritage is ultimately about people — their memories, their emotions, and the stories they entrust to us.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
May his memories continue to illuminate the stories of Shahdara, Lahore, and the shared legacy of our subcontinent.
Very well portrayed. Excellently written.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute! Rest in peace Surrinder sahab!
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