Family Legacy of Late Mr. Sant Ram Sandhu & Late Mrs. Joginder Kaur Sandhu
Our beloved parents, Late Mr. Sant Ram Sandhu and Late Mrs. Joginder Kaur Sandhu, were among the countless families who courageously rebuilt their lives after migrating during the Partition – our father from Lyallpur (now Faisalabad) and our mother from 79-Chak in Punjab (Pakistan). Their journey symbolizes the resilience of an entire generation.
The Early Years
My father Late Mr. Sant Ram Sandhu and his brother Late Mr. Kundan Lal Sandhu both sons of Mr. Budhu Ram Sandhu established their new beginnings in Village Kingra Cho Wala near Bhogpur, Jalandhar. While our uncle joined hands with our grandfather Late Mrs. Budhu Ram Sandhu in agriculture whereas our father charted an extraordinary academic path. His graduation from Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar in 1954 under Punjab University was a monumental achievement – so significant that he proudly suffixed “B.A.” to his name, as seen in his graduation photograph preserved by the family.
I vividly recall the words of my father, when I passed BA (Graduation) in year 1983, I questioned him that why you have suffixed ‘BA’ with your name. He told “My son listen, When I passed BA, in more than 50 villages, people were talking/whisperings in awe “ਦੇਖੋ! ਬੁੱਧੂ ਦਾ ਮੁੰਡਾ, ਬੀਆ ਕਰ ਗਿਆ! –Dekho Budhoo da Munda Biya Kar Gaya” (See, the son of Budhoo has done BA). In that era, earning a degree of BA commanded the same respect as clearing the prestigious UPSC examinations today.
Professional Journey:
Our father Mr. Sant Ram Sandhu, PRS (Retd.) was the embodiment of self-made success. Married young with our Mother late Mrs. Joginder Kaur Sandhu while still pursuing his education, he funded his studies through scholarships – a testament to his determination. His distinguished career began as Ziledar in the Irrigation Department before joining the Revenue Department in 1975. He passed away in 1985 while honorably serving as Tehsildar.
Throughout her journey, our mother Late Mrs. Joginder Kaur Sandhu stood as his pillar of strength – a devoted homemaker who nurtured the family through every challenge. She was a devoted homemaker who entered matrimony at a young age while her husband was still pursuing his education. A woman of remarkable strength and kindness, Mrs. Sandhu worked tirelessly to nurture her family and ensure her children received excellent educations. Her daughters were married into respectable and well-educated families, a testament to her values and guidance.
As a loving mother, she raised six children with unwavering dedication: Mrs. Kiran Lal, Mrs. Saroj Mohta, Mr. Karanjit Singh Sandhu, Mr. Iqbal Singh Sandhu (Website Admin), Mrs. Neena, and Mrs. Pinky. Deeply pious and compassionate, she touched lives with her warmth and generosity. Mrs. Joginder Kaur Sandhu departed from this world in February 2004, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion that continues to inspire her family.
“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure—loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.”
My Family Tree
This tribute honours our parents’ indomitable spirit and celebrates how their values continue to guide successive generations across continents. Each branch of our family tree blossoms with their enduring legacy of perseverance, dedication to education, and commitment to service.
“Respected Parent, Your love and lessons remain our guiding light, dear Papa and Mom. We miss you every day.”
Iqbal Singh Sandhu, PCS (Retd)
