GURDWARAS IN EAST AFRICA

Laying of the foundation stone of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Nairobi. The foundation stone of the New Gurdwara (below) was laid by S. Mohan Singh, S. S.S.Mehta, S.Kartar Singh [on behalf of his father S. Atma Ram Singh] , S. Jaswant Singh Bilkhu and S. Labh Singh Sagoo.

Gurdwara Singh Sabha Nairobi (Foundation of which being laid - above- read brief history below)

SIRI GURU GURDWARA SINGH SABHA NAIROBI - KENYA
A Short History
The main aim of the Singh Sabha was to restore the purity of the Sikh religion, to do away with non-sikh practices and inculcate love for Sikhism. It also encouraged publications of books and periodicals on Sikh history and religion and promoted the Punjabi language as a medium of teaching. In addition they also tried to influence prominent Englishmen and sought their support for educational programmes and other matters. It must also be remembered that the British had much respect for the Sikhs, for their character, bravery on the battlefield and the religious traditions they followed. So much so, that they encouraged Sikhs to join the army and expected them to wear their five symbols. Anyone trimming his beard was thrown out of the army.

Sikh pioneers against the Gurdwara under construction - 1910
The foundation stone of the Gurdwara was laid by Sardar Kishen Singh in the year 1909. The building took more than a year to complete and the opening ceremony was performed by Baba Bishen Singh in 1911. There were only about one hundred Sikhs in Nairobi in those days, but what a magnificent Gurdwara did they build! The main hall was 36ft. long by 32ft broad with a ten feet wide verandah all round it. About ten rooms were also built to cater for the traveller's and the granthi (priest). The interior of the Gurdwara was artistically decorated. There was a massive entrance gate surmounted by a lion sculptured in stone. The glory of the Gurdwara was a huge bronze central dome which for many years was a landmark and showpiece in Nairobi. The opening was a day of rejoicing and the Sikhs travelled from Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and other towns for this historic occasion.
In September 1956, a deputation approached the Government for grant of a piece of Crown Land at Byramjee Street, later named Uyoma Street. The application succeeded and plans were started around this time.
When the first plans of the new Gurdwara were discussed, the historical Golden Temple at Amritsar was very much in mind of the management. The element of the tradition was strong and compromise solution was found by the Architect Mr. Vamos. The present Dome was designed to reduce echo. The advice of the sructural Engineers Messrs. Gilbert A. Dean & Partners for structural safety was accepted.
The foundation stone for the Gurdwara was laid in an impressive ceremony on 16th January, 1959 by Sardar Mohan Singh, Sardar Santokh Singh Mehta, Sardar Kartar Singh on behalf of his father Sardar Atmaram Singh, Sardar Jaswant Singh and Sardar Labh Singh (see above photo). The construction took five years and this was not always plain sailing for the people concerned with construction. Unfortunately Mr. Gilbert Dean died in May, 1959. Capitol Construction Company started the works in 1960 and Messrs. Bansal Brothers Limited completed the works. Sardar Santa Singh, the Road Contractor tarmacked the open space inside the Gurdwara. The building was completed in 1963 and officially opened by Sardar Inder Singh Gill (see photo)on 1 st November, 1963. The flag of the "Panth" was hoisted by Sardar Jodh Singh, retired Chief Inspector of Police.

S. Inder Singh Gill with Sylvia Salvadori (author of We Came In Dhows)

Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara(above) has right through held its weekly diwans on Sundays, Istri Sabha, the ladies wing in Racecourse Road on Fridays and the Istri Sabha, South 'C' on Thursday's. The Istri Sabha's always have been stout pillars of the Sabha. They have always assisted in the organisation of Guru ka Langar.
Since 1982 further improvements have been carried out on the Temple buildings and facilities enhanced. The tiling of the domes was done under the supervision of Sardar Tarlochan Singh Sagoo. The terrazzo paving of the court yard was laid by Sardar Phuman Singh Sahota. Apart from improving the aesthetic look of the complex, the domes have been rendered water proof and the flooring comfortable. The installation of extractor fans in the kitchen and extensions to the utility area adjoining it have greatly effected the working conditions in the kitchen complex. The construction and erection of the Nishan Sahib (Flag staff) by late Sardar Perminder Singh Sagoo, Chairman of Siri Guru Singh Sabha, has greatly given uplift to the image of the temple. Messrs Khushal Singh Laundry Limited has always provided the services of cleaning sheets and carpets. Various other people have rendered free and voluntary services to the community.
Text & Photographs courtesy of S/ri Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Nairobi, Kenya

GURDWARA BAZAAR-NAIROBI

Foundation Stone being laid by S. Gujjar Singh Ghataore of the Gurdwara Bazaar, Nairobi in 1940. (Photo courtesy Amarjit Chandan - photo taken by his father S. Gopal Singh Chandan of Star Studio)

Gurdwara Bazaar Nairobi during the Forties - See the present building down (photo courtesy Amarjit Chandan)

Gurdwara Bazaar, Nairobi

Gurdwara Balmik - Nairobi

Gurdwara Nanyuki

Mr. Chopra  originally came to Tanganyika from pre-Partition Lahore and Gujranwala.
He was a patron of the Gurdwara in Mwanza in the name of his mother,  
Malan Puri, originally from Batala.
(informatiuon courtesy Jarat Chopra)

SEE & READ PDF FILE FOR HISTORY & PHOTOS OF CHOPRA FAMILY DURING THE VISIT OF PRINCESS MARGARET IN 1956 ..CLICK HERE TO READ Article courtesy OLD AFRICA mag. (Thanks- Harjinder)

For more history of the Chopras please click to read pdf sent courtesy Jarat Chopra

Ramgarhia Gurdwara Kitale

During the construction of Sikh Temple makindu - 1972

I can't resist giving my own witness. I always stop at the Makindu Gurudwara. Typically, when the generator blew up, someone brought a new one overnight and installed it. No one knew who did it. Such is the power of the Sikh concept of KARSEVA -- the pure act: nishkaama bhava, without a calculus of a karmic reward. 
   Sikh Temple Makindu was built in 1926, though its roots are believed to have been present way before then. When the Uganda Railway was completed in 1902 at Port Florence (which is now Kisumu, Kenya), Makindu played a prominent role as a service point on the railway's advance from Mombasa. Dozens of artisans and train drivers were Sikhs and the station at Makindu became a place of religious fervour. Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims would gather together in the evenings and sing the praises of God. They did so under a tree, the spot where the current Gurudwara now stands. It is also believed that the Gurudwara was funded by non-Sikhs along with Sikhs. 
   In the years before 1926, the Gurudwara was a tin-roof little hut where the Sikhs used to pray everyday, and the Guru Granth Sahib was housed there.
But when the Railway moved on from Makindu, the service point went into disuse and became unimportant.
   The Sikhs naturally moved along too, leaving the tiny Gurudwara behind, under the watchful eye of an African servant who would clean the Gurudwara.
   The Sikh devotees who passed along the Gurudwara would leave offerings of money by dropping it through the locked Gurudwara's window. 
    As the years rolled on and the Railway complete, the Sikhs settled in Kenya. Slowly, they began to contemplate the idea of reviving the small Gurudwara in Makindu. Akhand Paths began to be organised on regular weekends, with families travelling 200 Kilometers or so, in rough murram red-soil earth.
 There, they would gather and pray, prepare Langar and socialise. Over the years, the Gurudwara began to be developed. It is in 1926 that a solid foundation was laid. 
    The Gurudwara then became a fully-functional one - with a Langar hall, prayer hall and tiny rooms of accommodation for the gyanis and sevadaars of the
Gurudwara. It also began to provide free food and rest for weary travellers who would stop by at the Gurudwara for a night or two on their journeys to and from Nairobi and Mombasa. 
   Legend has been connected to this magnificent Gurudwara. It has truly been referred to as the 'Harmandir Sahib' of Africa.  It is so amazing that even now, as I pen these lines, an electric current runs through me, just thinking about the power of that Gurudwara. 
   A copy of the Guru Granth Sahib that survived a mysterious fire which burnt down the whole Gurudwara (probably before 1926) is still there today. I was fortunate to obtain the darshan of the Guru Granth Sahib at a Sikh's residence in Mombasa. On its first page, the then-Granthi of the Gurudwara recorded, in his own handwriting, exactly what had happened that day, and how miraculously, the Guru Granth Sahib was untouched by the tragedy to the Gurudwara. 
   An African sevadaar of the Gurudwara once claimed that he saw, in the night awoken from his sleep, a figure on a white horse. The horseman approached him
 and spoke to him, telling him not to speak to anyone about the incident of his visit. The startled and shaken man could not believe his eyes and was so
scared that he told the first person he saw the following morning.
 Asked who the man on the horse was, the African man pointed to a painting of Guru Gobind Singh whish was displayed in the Gurudwara and said, "'That was him!"
   Exactly like that is there and so was the white horse!' The incident spread through the Sikh community like wild fire and soon people began to come more often to the Gurudwara, regardless of the miles that separated them from it.
   The incident also prompted the Sant Baba Puran Singh Kerichowale (founder, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha) to lead Gursikhs to gather at the Gurudwara regularly, and serve it by prayer, Langar and cleaning. 
   The Gurudwara had been almost forgotten and neglected untill Guru Gobind Singh's incident occurred. That was not the only incident of the darshan of Guru Gobind Singh at Makindu Sahib.
  People claim to have heard, in the silent of night, to have heard the approach of horses, just outside the Gurudwara. The sounds were akin to an army, stopping for the night. They claimed that they heard sounds of a kitchen being put in place, like langar was being prepared. Evidently, the incident was believed to be another darshan of the Guru, stopping by the shrine. 
   In yet another event, an amazing first-time encounter happened with a member of the Istri Sabha during the early years of the Gurudwara. A lady who was reading the Guru Granth Sahib in the night, lit by only a kerosene lamp (there was no electricity there then), witnessed in the shadow falling on the Guru Granth Sahib. The figure, she recalled, was of someone doing the 'chaur' over the Sikh Scriptures. The figure was, by description, none other than Guru Gobind Singh. 
   The Gurudwara today is among one of the most unique and beautiful ones outside India. Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike describe the same feeling when they
step into the Gurudwara - that of peace. It is an indescribable peace and bliss. 
   An aging European stranger I met at an art exhibition just the other day began talking to me about the Gurudwara when she saw me wearing a branded jacket of the Gurudwara. 'Oh, I've been there,' she told me, 'a beautiful temple, I must say.' She explained how a decade ago, she had stopped there for the night on her journey from Mombasa back to Nairobi, and said she had never felt so peaceful in her life before. She even felt the presence of someone seated in the passenger seat as she prepared to drive on the following morning. 'I'm not sure who that was, but I am certain there was someone there,' she explained. 'I didn't get scared, though, I took it as a good omen, like someone was keeping a protective watch over me as I embarked on my journey.' 
   Like this lady, there are thousands of people who stop by the Gurudwara on their journeys along the busy Mombasa Highway. 
   The Gurudwara attracts people of all races and colour - Hindus, Muslims and Christians. They all drive in like it is home. They always find a meal waiting for them and accommodation to take rest in. They feel no discrimination, or even the slightest hesitation that they are walking through a Sikh temple. It's a power there, I believe, that brings them here - a power that sees no differences. All feel the same bliss, as though they are not visiting a Sikh Temple, but walking through God's very own garden. As for the Sikhs, it is a favoured Gurudwara.
  Politics have not touched this Gurudwara. Here, even the Managing Committees have been known to be part of the Sangat and sevadaars. Every weekend, there is someone or the other, making their journey to pay their homage to the Gurudwara, or simply to be at one with the Guru.
 Whole families ravel there, unlike witnessed in Nairobi. Sikhs from not only all over Kenya, but from as far as Uganda and Tanzania who make regular trips to this eautiful Gurudwara, built on the common African soil.    It is to be believed by the individual, and there are plenty of testimonies, that whatever one asks for at this Gurudwara, it is granted. Wishes have come true, prayers have been answered, if you come with a clean heart, cloaked in humility. Akhand Paths are regularly done there, and requests come from as far away fro Europe and Australia where ex-Kenya Sikhs are now settled, and yet remember the beloved Gurudwara they had to leave behind. Had it
 been in their grasp, they surely would have taken it with them!
   The setting of this Gurudwara is indeed a wonder. It is set in the wilderness, deep in the wild. Settlement has only recently sprung up around the Gurudwara. It is about 200 kilometres from Nairobi and yet you will find Sikhs gathering at the Gurudwara almost every weekend. Here they spend the whole day, resting, praying and simply witnessing the still air in its extremely well-kept gardens.    Right across the road is the new Sikh Hospital - Mata Veera Kaur Hospital - which is a community establishment, serving the locals who have no immediate professional health care for hundreds of miles around.    On my most recent visit there in 2001, I could see the Gurudwara through the thorn bushes at the Railway Station. The sight was one to behold. There, right before you was a white structure, in the midst of all the browns and greens of the wilderness, standing tall, yet humble.    The Gurudwara stands like the lotus flower that grows in the mud. The only was to describe the sight
 when I saw it was Bliss in the Bush'.    A note to make here is that there not a single
 Sikh family resident in Makindu and yet the Gurudwara continues to flourish, through the goodwill (article and photo courtesy Dharam Parkash - Thanks to Raghbir Rahi )

 

Sikh Temple MAKINDU, on the main road from Nairobi to Mombasa

Sikh Temple Makindu

 

Above photos sent by Dhanwant Mundae (thanks)

Maharaja Of Patiala Yadvendra Singh being flanked by S. Labh Singh and S. Kirpal Singh Sagoo, who was the first Sikh to receive the OBE in Colonial Kenya.

Kirpal Singh Sagoo meets the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Indian High Commissioner and the late MP Tom Mboya are also in the picture

The Patiala Pavilion of the Nairobi Sikh Union Club was officially opened by the Maharaja of Patiala, Yadvendra Singh on his visit to Nairobi during the 60's. Below is a photo of him receiving a 'Saropa' from Sri P.S.Kanwal during his visit to the East African Ramgarhia Board. Secretary H.S.Sahota is on the mike.

RAMGHARIAS IN EAST AFRICA:
When the Europeans tried to make East Africa progress and prosper, the Ramgarhias then in East Africa played a very important role as far as the building of houses and railway lines was concerned.

As East Africa advanced economically, the Ramgarhias were rolling in money and became owners of colossal buildings and businesses. Their children had all the facilities for a sound education. Most of them went overseas and returned as doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professionals.

NAIROBI - KENYA:

The Ramgharias in Nairobi achieved prominence by assisting in the erecting of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Gurdwara Bazaar, Gurdwara Landhian and other Sikh temples. Before long there emerged other small Sikh sects and each sect began to work for its own people. Sardar Hem Singb Ji Amritsari and Sardar Kehar Singh Ji Kalsi, the then leading contractors in Nairobi thought of forming an organisation of the Ramgharias and in 1934 the "Ramgharia Board" came into being.

The East African Ramgarhia Board, Nairobi

The Ramgharia Board soon began to function and some leading figures began to preach the aims and objects of Sikhism. Various religious ceremonies were regularly celebrated and with assistance of hard working and- religious minded volunteers the Board was able to complete 101 "Paths".

The keen interest and the co-operation of the public enabled the Board to organise and successfully carry out 17 conferences. Leading Ramgharias from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania took part in these conferences. The 18th conference was held in 1960 under the Presidentship of Sardar Tara Singh Ji Dogra at Eldoret. In this conference some new rules and regulations for the improvement of Sikh temples were passed and after the conference great steps were taken to foster unity amongst the Sikhs.
In 1958 the Ramgharia Board had its elections and Sardar Bakhshish Singh Sian was elected as the President. Under his management the Board made quite a lot of progress and more people began to show interest and soon the Board bought a 31/2-acre plot at the junction of Fort Hall Road and Juja Road for five lakhs. Quite a substantial amount, which had been collected by the previous management, helped the present committee to pay for this plot.

A very unique photo taken in 1947 (courtesy Meharban Singh Juttla)

RAMGHARIA SIKH DISPENSARY
At the 18th conference in Eldoret it was unanimously decided that a Sikh dispensary should be opened for the benefit of the poor population regardless of caste and creed. Because of the high fees of private doctors, a need for a dispensary was greatly felt and soon the first Ramgharia Sikh Dispensary was opened on the 18th of November, 1959, by Sardar Jagat Singh Matharu (Director Jagat Singh & Sons).
Soon it was felt that a similar dispensary be opened and on the 2nd of September, 1962, another dispensary was opened in Eastleigh Section 11, about two miles from Nairobi, by Sardar Hari Singh Ji (M/s. Hari Singh & Co.) [Below]

Facing the Ramgarhia Board was a three-storied building the ground floor of the building had shops, while the first and second floors had residential flats where quite a few families lived happily paying yearly rents. Two of the shops on the ground floor were converted into a dispensary. About 500 patients visited the two dispensaries monthly. The city Council also showed a keen interest in the improvement of the dispensary after having known that the dispensary was for people of all races.
LIBRARY
A library is a great source of knowledge. It is place where via newspapers, books and magazines one is able to know about what is going on all over the world. A community that does not have a library restricts its development. The governments of almost all countries have opened public libraries for the benefit of its citizens. Keeping this in mind the Ra-mgharia Board decided to convert one of the shops in the three storied building into a library. Soon the library was flooded with Hindi, Panjabi, Urdu and English books. The opening of the Library was done on the 13th April, 1959 by Sardar Kartar Singh Ji (Directorate: Bansal Brothers, Nairobi). The Africans made a very good use of this library.

SOCIAL HALL

Facing the Ramgharia Gurdwara was an empty space. Many suggestions for making something on this plot were considered and it was finally decided that a beautiful social hall be built. With donations from various people in the form of cement, sands, wood, etc., a beautiful hall was built. A substantial donation towards the building of this was from Sardar Hardial Singh Ji, (Directorate Hardial Singh and Bros. Ltd.). Sardar Kartar Singh Ji Shankar Wallah laid the foundation stone of the building. The hall had a 3-feet high stage with a beautiful curtain. At the back was a gallery. The Hall, which was soundproof, had a capacity of 2,000. 'Gurpurb" functions, marriages and other social and religious occasions were celebrated in this Hall. The Hall was one of the few good Halls in Nairobi.

From the above achievements it was obvious that the Ramgharia Board had been very active and helpful. Apart from building dispensaries and libraries the Board had been and is giving scholarships to intelligent students who cannot pursue their studies due to lack of finance. The Board is proud of having helped to make quite a few doctors, engineers and lawyers, now playing a very important role in the development of this country. The Board has been assisting widows and orphans by providing them with accommodation and other necessary requirements.

SOME PROMINENT RAMGARHIA ELDERS

Councillor Bakshish Singh Sian, past President Ramgarhia Board, Nairobi

Mistry Santa Singh Road Contractor - member Ramgarhia Supreme Council

S.Tarlok Singh Nandhra, a renowned architect and past President Ramgaria Board

The following article has been taken out from a magazine printed in 1982.

MEMOIRS OF SARDAR HEM SINGH BHANGRA
BY SATINDERJIT SINGH MATHARU
The Ramgarhia Sikh Community is deprived of a respectable and pioneer personality, Sardar Hem Singh Bhangra who passed away on Friday 25th March, 1983 after short illness. His life Span of 58 years was full of pleasant smile, good sense of humour and bubbling laughter which will always be remembered by his family, relatives, friends and colleagues.

Sardar Hem Singh Bhangra was bom on 2nd April, 1925 at Raikot, Punjab, India. Where he received his education and passed matriculation. He arrived in Kenya sometimes in 1947 to join his father Mistry Santa Singh Bhangra, a respectable personality in Civil Service during the War time when he had assisted the Authorities to recruit thousands of Asian Manpower in all trades and later a successful businessman as a Saw Miller.
Sardar Hem Singh Bhangra proved to be an asset to his father in the business and gradually took over from his father with successful planning of expansion of business of Kapsabet Saw Mills now a well-established business under the name of Bhangra Saw Mills. He further marched ahead with prosperity with God's Grace as Building and Civil Engineering Contractors in the name of Construction Engineers and Builders Ltd. and Come-cons Africa Limited with the association of his able and hardworking Sons Sardar Parladh Singh Bhangra, Bahadur Singh Bhangra and his nephew Kuldip Singh Sira and are established as reputable Contractors.
During his best years in business as me// as an enthusiastic Social Worker, Mr. Bhangra earned reputable Credit and Scored popularity and established Cordial relations with various Communities of Asian Origin and Government Leaders which prompted him to contest Civic elections during 1954/1955 which he won with heavy majority and rendered his Services to the Council selflessly and tirelessly. He also Served on International Organisations like Lions Club and Masonic Lodge. AllSikh Societies had great faith and always looked forward to him for his valuable guidance and advice.
Sardar Hem Singh Bhangra who was a staunch Supporter ofE.A. Ramgarhia Board, a member of Ramgarhia Supreme Council, Ramgarhia Elders Council, and Patron of Ramgarhia Health Centre and Ramgarhia Trust Fund, had played a key role in keeping the Ramgarhia Community United as well as generous Donor for all Development Projects of the Community and other worthy Causes of National Welfare.
During his Life time he adopted a Noble policy to assist financially and in Welfare matters less fortunate families irrespective of their Caste, Colour or Creed and has left many a grateful behind him.

A Fund Raising Raffle in aid of Ramgarhia Health Centre was Organised, the Draw of which took place on 25th February, 1982 when Sardar Hem Singh Bhangra presided over the Function along with the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Charles Njonjo, M.P. and gave generous donation for this worthy Cause. (see above photo)

Ramgarhia Sikh Leaders with the President of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi (1982)

Indian Speaker of Parliament S. Hukam Singh being introduced to S.Narain Singh and other prominent members of the Sikh Community by S. Mohan Singh & S.Sardar Singh Vohra. Principal Gurbaksh can be seen on the extreme left. Photo taken at Khalsa Boys & Girls School, Nairobi. (photo courtesy G.Bhari)

An Historic photo of the opening of Gurdwara Ramgarhia Railway in 1903, and the photo below of the committee who celebrated 100 years of the Gurdwara, (photos -courtesy of S. Balbir Singh Kalsi, ex treasurer Ramgarhia Board Nairobi)

 

THE ATROCITIES OF DICTATOR AMIN IN UGANDA

 

It was during the 1950's that the British Royal family members started visiting East Africa, and in this repect Princess Margaret, the Queen sister visited Nairobi. The people were very enthusiastic and gave this beautiful Princess a resounding welcome. All the Asian communities built gates on the nearly 2 mile long Government Road to bid welcome to the Princess. Here we show some of those gates built by the Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus. But the best gate was built by the Sikhs as can be seen. The artist Hari Singh Bansal was responsible for this masterpiece. He also built another gate for the Namdhari Singhs in 1959, which is also shown. He was also responsible for building the Gurdwara at Makindu and some Mosques and Mandirs in Nairobi and in other parts of East Africa.

 

Sikhs pose in front of the Muslim gate with the Khoja Mosque in the background.

The Gate of the Ismailia Community - a very prosperous community with the blessing and leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan.

Mistry Lal Singh Panesar meeting HRH Princess Margaret (photo courtesy Dhanwant Mundae)

Mistry Lal Singh Panesar meeting the Queen Mother in Nairobi (Photo courtesy Dhanwant Mundae) (also below)

THE PINK DIAMOND

IC Chopra Presents Pink Diamond to H R H Princess Elizabeth . Read full story below:-

The above photograph was taken in 1948 by The Topical Press Agency Ltd.

The story by Jarat Chopra about the "PINK DIAMOND":-
Tanganyika Diamond Presented to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 The Royal Collection calls this Tanganyika gem the “finest pink diamond in existence.” The London Times reported: “A pink stone such as this and of this quality is a rare freak of nature.” virtually flawless, 54 ½ carats in the rough and of priceless value, the stone’s exceptional character is in its colour: a pale, warm and exceedingly rare hue of pink.
Its generous finder described it as “A beautiful rose-coloured‘collector’s piece’.” A cultural icon in its own right, it inspired the Pink Panther diamond in the film series of the same name, and more recently it was the object of pursuit in the movie Blood
Diamond. At the mine of its origin at Mwadui, then Tanganyika, the staff watering hole was dubbed “The Pink Diamond.” In 1947 the jewel was given “on behalf of the people of Tanganyika” as a wedding present to the young heir apparent, Princess Elizabeth. The gift was one in a long history of philanthropic acts in East Africa and internationally by the two partners in Williamson Diamonds Limited, Dr John Thorburn Williamson and The Hon Iqbal Chand Chopra, King’s Counsel and a member of Tanganyika’s Legislative (and later Executive) Council. Williamson, a Canadian geologist from McGill University had ventured to Africa at the start of his career in 1934. After two years with De Beers in Northern Rhodesia and“Tanks” (Tanganyika Diamond and Gold Development Co) in the Shinyanga area south of Mwanza, he concluded there must be a diamond pipe, an original source of surface deposits that had failed to bear much return. His employers disbelieved him. A frustrated Williamson wrote from Shinyanga to his father:” It’s funny when one realises that all professional men can be made or broken, hired or fired, by somebody with pounds, shillings and pence in the bank.” He decided to try his luck on his own.
Chopra later recalled that on May 16, 1936, he was sitting in his law office on Nkoma Road in Mwanza when his clerk ushered in a European:” He was very gentle, he was soft-spoken and said he was a geologist and was working for a company in Nzega,
but that his work would be finished next year when he would like me to assist him over getting a prospecting right good for diamonds, and otherwise get his papers in order. He thought he would have to start on his own in 1937.” In the years that followed, the two developed a symbiotic relationship based on an intangible personal affection and mutual professional respect, rather than, paradoxically, the pursuit of profit. Williamson, having learnt about the elusive nature of diamonds from old weather-beaten prospectors, followed the trail, while Chopra financed the expeditions and kept inspectors of mines and competitors at bay.
On March 6, 1940, under a baoab tree that still stands today, the source of the diamonds was discovered at Mwadui and on March 19, 1942, Williamson Diamonds Limited was registered with two shareholders and two directors. The onset of war
enabled the mine to grow gradually, away from undue attention, with all proceeds being reinvested in the construction of an extraction apparatus. Consequently, without any external capital or therefore numerous shareholders, the world’s largest and richest diamond find remained in the hands of two individuals. After the war, when the mythic story broke to an audience hungry for relief from years of deprivation, fantastical comparisons with King Solomon’s Mines and El Dorado became unavoidable. The press crowned Williamson “the diamond king,” and “the world’s richest man.”
In October 1947 two unique stones were found. Chopra afterwards remembered: “As soon as Dr Williamson heard of the engagement of the present Queen, he came to us with two diamonds: one this famous pink stone and one a 175 carat blue-white diamond. He showed both the diamonds to us, my wife and myself, at Mwanza, and he said, ‘This young girl has been engaged and I want to send one of these diamonds to her as a present. Which one do you think?’ We thought he should send the pink one. He said, ‘That is what I thought. Even though it doesn’t look as important right now as the big blue-white.’ He decided on the pink one, and it was immediately despatched to London.”
True to the nature of the partnership, it was Chopra who travelled to London to present the gift to the Princess, to attend the royal wedding at Westminster Abbey and subsequently the coronation. Williamson was a paralytic ally shy and retiring person, with no tolerance for protocol or officialdom, and with a relentless obsession, ordering on benign megalomania, to assemble the most advanced mine of the day and to support it with a dedicated town, Mwadui, that sported the public amenities of a large city, isolated on the arid plains stretching below Lake Victoria. It was Chopra’s role to guarantee the space for this endeavour and to prevent any loss of control by either man. He had protected the prospecting license from interlopers, he had
convinced the Labour Government in Britain not to nationalise the mine, and he had fended off an attempted take-over by De Beers by threatening to flood the market and destroy the carefully constructed, artificial price of diamonds. With the requisite airs and graces, he also had a knack for dealing with the public in crafting an identity of a legend, and for charming people of all brands and backgrounds. His stentorian courtroom voice stood in stark contrast with the very private habits of Williamson, who only showed himself reluctantly, but was hospitable when he finally did.
On March 10, 1948, after bathing in water scented with sandalwood oil—as he did on ceremonial occasions and subsequent visits to Buckingham Palace, as a sort of purification and anointment—Chopra stepped into a carefully pressed Saville
Row suit tailored by Henry Poole & Co. and proceeded to the diamond cutting factory of Messrs Briefel & Lemer. There, he made the presentation of the pink diamond, weighing 38 ½ carats at the “cross-work” stage of faceting, to HRH Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, in the presence of her grandmother, HM Queen Mary.
Five years passed before the wedding gift was seen again in public. It was further cut to yield a jewel unrivalled amongst famous diamonds. Weighing 23.6 carats, it was set in a floral brooch designed by Frederick Mew of Cartier in 1952 and surrounded by petals with other diamonds from the Mwadui mine.
When it came time for the offer of knighthoods, Williamson had to refuse as a Canadian citizen, and Chopra could not accept the honour without his partner. Williamson died from throat cancer in January 1958 and his siblings were isinterested in continuing their brother’s creation. Chopra as the Executor of his will eventually sold the mine with the shares divided by the Tanganyika Government and De Beers, but he continued as a Director throughout the 1960s.
Today, the Queen continues to wear her treasured brooch on celebratory occasions, and perhaps may do so for her Diamond Jubilee.

Article & photo courtesy Jarat Chopra (also appeared in Old Africa)

 

This gate was built and decorated with paintings by S. Hari Singh Bansal (seen here between the ladies). This gate was built in 1959 to welcome Satguru Partap Singh Ji to East Africa. Hari Singh Bansal was also responsible for the building of the above Sikh gate to welcome Princess Margaret.

A huge African tree somewhere near Arusha with a Sikh pioneer.

A fall near Moshi (Tanzania) - one of the spectacular scenes in Africa. There is a saying that if 'you have not seen Africa - you have not seen anything!'

Nearly two tons of dead rhino lie in the foreground of this picture as mute evidence of the car's encounter on the Nairobi-Mombasa road.

Another scene on the Nairobi-Mombasa road

An international sign post at the old Nairobi Airport

The following story has been sent by Dr. Gurjinder Singh Bhari (living in U.K) about his great grand-dad Bhaia Ji Narain Singh who emigrated to Kenya in 1898 AD. We thank him for the information.

Narain Singh Bhari (well known as Mistri ji)
Born approximately in the year 1863 in India, Pind Verka
District Amritsar

He initially lived and worked in Lahore at his Massr's furniture shop. While working at the shop he was taught carpentry and joinery. He later signed up to go to East Africa to build the Uganda Railway.

He came to Mombasa, Kenya in 1898 on a two-year contract with the British Government and commenced work as a carpenter at the Makupa Railway Bridge. Makupa was also the site of the first Sikh Gurudwara in East Africa.

His colleagues were his elder brother Mr.Prem Singh and three others.

After finishing his contract while working with railways on the main line which was running from Mombasa to Kisumu, he boarded the train back at Fort Ternan, which is halfway between Nauru and Kisumu. He was offered an extension of his contract, but seeing his colleagues depart at the railway station, he joined them and returned to India. While working on the main line they had a tough life because fear of wild life, sickness, jiggers in their feet and had to live in tents.
He then travelled between India and Kenya a few times before he returned to settle permanently in Kenya.

On his return, Bhaia ji (as the family lovingly calls him) started working in Limuru for British East Africa Saw Mill (popularly known as BEA Saw Mills) and worked for three years. While working at B.E.A. Saw Mills he was taught
saw milling by Mr. McClure (a Scot) and became a saw doctor. In 1906 he started working in Nairobi for Equator Saw Mill, which had their branches in Maji Muzuri and Sabatia. Colonel E.S. Grogan ( Grogan Road, below River Road, in Nairobi was named after him) was the owner of these Saw Mills. Mr. Narain Singh worked for the mill for approximately 23 years. The newspaper cutting from the Sunday Post Newspaper indicates the high regard held by Colonel Grogan for Bhaia ji.

After working with Equator Saw Mill he worked with various small-building contractors. Eventually in 1929 he opened his own construction company.

By this time he was already a grandfather to Manmohan Kaur who would be affectionately known as` Mohni Panji' among the ladies because of her satsang every week in Pangani for Babe Nanki and was very close to Bibiji ( Bibi Balwant Kaur) who is the head of Bebe Nanki movement. His son Piara Singh was an ardent sportsman and won many trophies for motorbike races. His elder son Gurbux Singh later joined him in his construction company.

The cutting from E.A. Standard newspaper dated 2nd. November 2000 shows the corner of the building now Commonwealth House on Moi Avenue (formerly Government Road near Harding Street), which had offices (around 1950) of Narain Singh Gurbux Singh Ltd. (Below)

There was a furniture shop at the ground floor belonging to Mr. Bassan (see below in OLD MEMORIES)-who later initiated renovations to Sikh Gurdwara in Makindu.

Enclosed is also a photograph showing Chevrolet model 1940 belonging to the family all equipped for a "Safari" journey either to Mombasa or Kisumu. In 1950 most of the roads were dirt roads and it was very easy for somebody to get bogged in mud. (Below)

Bhaia ji was involved in the building of projects in Kariokor, and Kaloleni African Housing Estates (for Nairobi City Council), and extensions to the National Museum and Nairobi Club. In 1932 he constructed the General
Hospital in Nyeri, Kenya.

Two beautiful houses apart from others were built in Nairobi one for Mr.Erskine on Riverside Drive and the other was for the Official Residence of the South African High Commissioner on Nairobi Hill (now Kibera). Well
known architects M/S. Blackburn Norman designed the Commissioner's house.

Bhaia ji had a quarry near the present Mater Hospital in South 'B'. He used to supply ballast to the Nairobi City Council and also to the Uganda Railways at Voi and Taru. At the quarry he had a workshop where he made his
own furniture and joinery for the construction projects he was carrying out at that time. At the quarry he also had a small 'shamba' and planted yellow maize and kept a few dairy cows.

Mr. Narain Singh was very respectable person among the Sikh Community in Nairobi. He was Chairman and a trustee of Siri Guru Singh Sabha Nairobi for many years. He used to arbitrate in feuds between families and friends
In the earlier days he used to live in his own house near what is now Landhies Road. The house was well known and became famous by the name of 'Ardu Walla Verrah' because it had some peach trees in the courtyard. Even now people still remember the house by that name and older generations may refer to the family as the 'Ardu Walley'. Mistri Narain Singh was a very generous person and always helped people in difficulties. He used to let
people stay in the house free of charge for a few days when they used to come from India to Kenya.

In 1948 he moved to the house constructed by him and his sons in Parklands.
One of his sons, Gurbux Singh Bhari is the patriarch of our family. He is 93 years old and lives in the same family home in Parklands.

Bhaia ji had seen some of his great grand children before he passed away in 1963 at the age of nearly 100years and left the family with pleasant memories and rich teachings. His great- and great-great- grandchildren live in Kenya, the US, Canada, the UK and India.

OLD MEMORIES

Prominent Sikh leaders with President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya.On left of the President is S.Sardar Singh Vohra and on his right is S.Balwant Singh Panesar. Behind the President is S. Sampuran Singh Bassan (black specs) on whose right is S. Didar Singh. And on his left near the African guard is S.Mangal Singh Bansal (watchmaker) and S. Gian Singh Jandu. (Some names are forgotten or not known - kanwal)

The members of the Sikh Community present Gutundu Hospital with a TV set. S. Sardar Singh Vohra and S. Sampuran Singh Bassan can be seen on each side of the President.

A scene of National & Grindlays Bank opposite the Bus Station in Government Road during the 50's

Another view of the above with the Capitol Cinema next to it.

A scene of Government Road with the Kenya Cinema on the right 60's

The New Stanley Hotel on Delamere Avenue. The building on the left was occupied by David Lyall Ltd. -The Omega people.

Delamere Avenue with the statue of Lord Delamere opposite David Lyall Ltd, the Omega people. The building on its left was demolished for the new Barclays Bank Government Road branch. This photo was taken before UHURU.

 

This photo taken in 1985 shows the Barclays bank building and a new building next to it. A complete contrast from the top picture.

Another view of the above pictures with the New Stanley Hotel on the right.

Delamere Avenue during the 50's

The picturesque Nairobi with the Parliament House, Kenyatta Conference Centre in the background against the Uhuru Park.

A citroen car crossing a ferry at Kagera in Uganda

A train winding through the great Rift Valley of Kenya

An Italian built church in the escarpment (rift valley) between Nairobi and Nakuru

A photograph taken in 1949 of the main street Nakuru

The car! - the road! tell the full story

The Jinja Bridge on the Nile

Title of a book written by Vanoo Jivraj Somia about Indians of East Africa

Arrival of Kenya's Sikhs
By Zarina Patel
Sikhs in East Africa are popularly known as 'Kalasingha'. I had always assumed that the word was a Kiswahili derivative until I discovered that 'Sardar Kala Singh' was the name of an individual who came to East Africa in 1896. He traveled all over the country meeting the local people and became a familiar figure. As he wore the distinctive male Sikh attire his 'tribe' became easily distinguished and well known. So much so that to this day when graphic artists want to depict a South Asian character, they draw a Sikh with his turban.

Most of the Sikhs in Kenya are descendants of the artisans and labourers who came to build the Uganda Railway for the British colonialists. These hardy workers were physically strong and highly skilled and most belonged to the Ramgharia sect. In 1908 when Churchill praised the Sikh soldier in his book, African Journey, he was referring to the smaller section of Sikh Jats. Both groups came from what was then the Punjab in northwestern India.
Best known and most famous of them all is Makhan Singh, the founder of organized trade unionism in Kenya. But even before Makhan Singh set foot in East Africa, Sikh workers were already leading the struggle for workers' rights. His father Sudh Singh was the main organizer of a group of railway workers, all Sikhs, who agitated for better working conditions. Some of his colleagues were Gurbux Singh, Ojagar Singh, Kishen Singh, Bhagwan Singh and Kaiser Singh. In 1921 Sudh Singh was dismissed from the railway for his activities.
After trying his hand at various trades, Sudh Singh set up a printing press. Other Sikhs became traders, contractors, builders, furniture makers, saw millers, motor mechanics, electricians, tailors and blacksmiths. Renowned as expert 'fundis', a stereotype developed of the Sikhs as a people of physical prowess but lacking intellectual know-how. Hence the many jokes about their escapades.
The stereotype is just a label and belies the reality. Makhan Singh was one of Kenya's most committed intellectuals who, in 1950, made the first call for uhuru. Previous to that, in the 1930s, Gujjar Singh had been president of the Workers' Society of Kenya and Hem Singh, president of the IndianContractors and Builders Association. In Dar-es-salaam, the secretary of the Asiatic Labour Union was Gurcharan Singh. By 1933, Naher Singh Mangat was a practising lawyer and a member of the Legislative Council. His son, J. S. Mangat, was the first South Asian to write a detailed and substantive history of the South Asian community in Kenya.
Chanan Singh was another outstanding Sikh. A brilliant lawyer and a great Kenyan patriot; he defended Kenya's freedom fighters. Amongst his many accomplishments, he was once parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Jomo Kenyatta. Jaswant Singh Bharaj made guns for the Mau Mau. Narain Singh was editor of the Sunday Post and claimed that 'Asians originated nationalism in Kenya'. Jasmer Singh, at one time editor of Drum magazine, is a sports personality in the cricket world and Joginder Singh is a rally driver.
Sikh philanthropic institutions are much admired. The Sikhs have a worldwide tradition of building rest-houses and providing food. The service is open to all travelers and the temple at Makindu on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, is the best example of this. The Khalsa schools and hospitals cater to the ordinary wananchi as well as their own community members. Sikh professionals and businessmen are active in service organizations such as the Lions and Rotarv.Class differences have generated much debate within the Ramgharia community and between the Ramgharias and the Siri Guru Singh Saba, an organization of the Jat Sikhs. With modernization the dividing lines have become fainter but it is this presence of a large working class that has endeared the Sikhs to the African masses. Devoid of the caste prejudices which so often handicap the South Asian psyche, they are able to socialize and mingle with their fellow African workers. Their hardy physique and outgoing demeanour, their willingness to share a drink or two and their camaraderie enables them to cross cultural and racial barriers. Familiesraised by Sikh men married to African women are scattered throughout Kenya.
Sikh women have made great strides in education but they, like their South Asian sisters, are still bound by their cultural traditions. They are largely active within the women's wings of their gurdwara and communal milieu, conducting prayers and collecting funds for charity.
Almost two-thirds of the Sikh community in Kenya emigrated after independence. Nevertheless those that remain form a dynamic and vibrant group of Kenyans who continue to make their mark, and are much respected, on the national scene.
(The above article taken with courtesy from a brochure by Gurdwara Ram. railways centenary celebrations)

Sikhs and other asian staff by the Uganda Railway engine - around 1930's

SOME MORE MEMORIES - IN PICTURES

THE POETS

Poets of 'JAI HIND KAVI MANDAL' Nairobi. Photo taken in 1946. Third from left seated is Pandit Laxmi Narain Shastri 'Gardish' - a prominent figure in Nairobi. Harjinder kanwal's father P.S. Kanwal is on the extreme right seated.

Photo taken in 1930 - Members of Kavya Phulwari

From LtoR sitting: Gopal Singh Chandan, Prem Singh Mastana Jogi, Ragi labh Singh, Giani Gian Singh Mahilpuri & Sita Ram Mangal: Standing LtoR Makhan Singh, Bishan Singh Bara Pind, Devinder Singh Dev & Meharban Singh

This photo and a short Biography of Gopal Singh Chandan has been sent by his son Amarjit Chandan, which outlines a brief history of the days in Kenya during the 1930/40s. We are very grateful to him for such an important and interesting information ( to order a copy of the book please write to Dr Darshan S Tatla
Centre for Migration Studies
Lyallpur Khalsa College
Jalandhar-144 001
East Punjab)
. To read and see more memorable pictures click for pdf file.

VOK broadcaster poet Chaman lal Chaman reciting his poetry at a symposium. Sitting are S.Gopal Singh Chandan and Prem Singh. (photo courtesy A.Chandan )

MACHAKOS

A small town 43 miles from Nairobi towards Mombasa. The railway line passes near Konza, a station near Machakos. This town is surrounded by hills on all four sides and is very picturesque. Some of the people who lived there have sent some photographs and brief descriptions of their lives spent in this lovely town. Here are some of the historical pictures and brief accounts.

1942 - Machakos, Kenya - only a handful of Sikhs were there at the time. Kanwal's father P.S.Kanwal second from left sitting and Mr. Mastan Singh Mangat, standing in middle.This photo is of members of the Machakos volleyball team and nearly all the Indians residing in Machakos at the time.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS

P.S.Kanwal with his group of musicians enjoying in Kitui, near Machakos in 1945.

Young Harjinder kanwal -fourth from left with his father P.S.Kanwal who played part of Raja Harish Chandra in a play -'Satyavadi Raja Harish Chandra' staged at Machakos on January 5th 1946. Members of 'Machakos Youth League Dramatic Society' can be seen in various drama uniforms. This play was probably one of the FIRST stage dramas enacted in Kenya.

Mr. Phuman Singh Kanwal opened his own shop in Machakos in 1936 which dealt in Cycle Repairs, watch Repairs, Gramophone repairs & photography e.g. practically all sorts of jobs were undertaken. He closed this business in 1948 and moved to Nairobi.

Another relatives of Mr. kanwal were M/s Dalip Singh & Sewa Singh who also had their business in Machakos which dealt in Cycle repairs and Saw Mills. This business thrived extremely well and was later on managed by Mr. Dalip Singh's sons Mohan Singh & Gurbux Singh who named their firm Dalip Singh & Sons Ltd. A photograph of the family of S. Dalip Singh with their grandfather S. Amar Singh & father S. Dalip Singh tis seen with the rest of the staff:-

A delegate of businessmen from Machakos went to see the President of Kenya Mzee Jomo Kenyata in 1965. Mr. Mohan Singh (second from left) seen here with the delegates.

A letter from Usha Kiran Chhabra is printed here with information about her grandfather who lived in Machakos:-

My Nanaji, Mr Harbans Singh Bhamra lived in Machakos between the years of 1943 to 1972 with his wife, my Nani-ma, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Bhamra, and their 7 children, Jaswinder(gudi), Rajinder (pupi), Ajit, Ashok, Jaspal, Harpal (Muna) and Kamaljeet (Baby).  They spent many idyllic days there and he fondly recalled his times there.

Bhamra family on a picnic near one of the many rivers in the district of Machakos.

My Nanaji had a TV shop there that was pretty well known there.  One early memory of one of my Masi's was that of the early evenings, when many of the town's people would come into the store and sit on the floor to watch programmes like Bonanza and Pop-Eye..

Mr. Harbans Singh Bhamra

The family loved the life there  and made many friends there, who they kept in contact with through the generations.  A married friend of mine visited me in the States when I was with my Grandparents ( they moved to the Uk in 1972 and then the States in 1988) and her Husband happened to be My Nanaji's friend's Grandson from Machakos- Small world!   But you hear of these stories so much.

My Grandparents leave  7 Children, 15 Grand-children and 6 Great Grand-children and they are so so missed!!!  They were such a happy, sociable and sucessful couple.... 

Any more information, please email me.  I am sorry if I have waffled on.  

Kindest of regards

Usha-Kiran Chabra (USA)

Talking about Dramatic societies and art in Kenya, who can forget the name of Harbhajan Preet, who being a teacher in City Primary School, was an excellent actor who later on became a good director.

HARBHAJAN PREET
Harbhajan Preet was born in Punjab and went to live in Kenya in 1947 where he trained as a teacher and was groomed in the art of acting and stagecraft by his multi-talented tutor and theatre personality of Kenya, Joseph Clement.
He appeared in a series of Joe Clement's highly acclaimed productions at the Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi, including the Kenya Drama Festival award winning successes Andre Obey's, "Noah and The Singing Maid" for which he was adjudged the best actor in 1955. Following this he appeared in Mombasa Shakespeare Group's, "The Merchant of Venice", as Shylock, Hassan and Carrington V.C. at Little Theatre Club, Mombasa and Theatre Taliesin's, "Trystan and Essyllt" in Cardiff where he has lived since 1978.
The plays he has directed over the years include, The Singing Maid, Dhong, Uljhan, The Price of Perfection, Loona and Mohammed Hassan of Griftn, a multi-lingual National Schools Drama Festival Award Winning play which he also wrote in Kenya, Dhong in Cardiff and Chaman Lal Chaman's bilingual success "Palam to Heathrow" at Paul Robeson Theatre in London.
Quoting his mentor, Joe Clement, he maintains that the Theatre to him is, "not just fun - it's work, work, work."
Harbhajan Preet as 'Wang Yan' in the play "Lady Precious Stream" directed by Joseph Clement - 5-9th May 1953 at Kenya National Theatre-Nairobi.

Preet as Hassan in the play 'Kismet' at the Kenya National Theatre 24/29 th May 1954

Harbhajan Preet was one of the finest actors in Kenya. He acted and directed a number of plays and won many prestigious awards and acclaims. He directed Rashpal Panesar in a number of plays.

The following article was printed in the East African Standard on January 16, 1986 on the sad demise of another very talented actor - Rashpal Panesar (below) - a student and then a teacher of Eastleigh Secondary School - see section Miscellaneous -ESS).

This article was written by Nigel Slade

PANESAR LEAVES FOND MEMORIES

"I knew him: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy." (Hamlet)

In these still dawning days of 1986 a shadow has fallen with the quiet passing of Rashpal Panesar, one of the most gifted comedians to brighten Nairobi's stages. He was only 37 years old.
Death can affect us of the theatre in two different ways. On the one hand it provides the material for much of the drama on and through which we work. The true actor uses it as a means to evoke emotion without himself being affected, no matter how much he may seem so.On the other hand, when it is real and concerns a fellow-thespian, it touches us in special ways over and above those normally occasioned. One of these is the profound sadness that never again shall we enjoy the deceased's own proficiency in the art we all love so dearly.
"Where be your gibes now? Your gambols?" asks Hamlet of the long-departed jester Yorick. It is now that sorrowfully we ask these questions of Rashpal.
I do not think that Rashpal was ever formally trained. What he came to know of stagecraft was purely from practical experience, the business of "getting up and trying it". It was thus that he developed his own brand of comedy which put him in demand by many groups and which had just begun to win him a reputation amongst audiences.

Apologetic
I adored his style. He was never a deliberate comic. Rather he won laughter for the faint but noticeable "bewilderment" which characterised his playing. It was as if he was never fully au fait with what was happening (though in reality he was, very much so!) and he gained many more laughs For often appearing mildly apologetic for his puzzlement.
I recall once discussing his style with a connoisseur of cinema.
He reminds me of a cross between Buster Keaton and Danny Kaye," said he. True - but Rashpal had more than just Keaton or Kaye about him. He had Rashpal!
Anothar effect of an actor'a death on theatre- folks is toremind them that, though they do not know each other and have different ideas about theatre, they belong to a great, if unseen fraternity.
Fitting
So will it be with Rashpal Indeed even more so- Rashpal was one of those very few able to cross the cultural barriers which so demarcate our different forms of theatre. Indian theatre, Kenyan theatre, Western theatre - he raised laughs for and with them all. He belonged to them all.
It is fitting then that aspecial evening in appreciation of his memory will be held at the National Theatre next Sunday at 6p.m. Here is a wonderful chance for all of us, with our very different ways, to get together and salute a man who had only oneway. and that was for all.
Off-stage Rashpal was a mild but sociable man, who never boasted of his talent.
Like any artist he welcomed praise for his work but he was often puzzled by it. He once observed to me: "I just love the stage - any stage!
If people love what 1 do, why, I can only love them in return." That was typical of
the simple modesty of one who sought to be friends with everyone.
When I go to the National Theatre on Sunday, I shall be full of memories of moments when he had me laughing uncontrollably. My mind will be sad but my heart will be laughing. That, I am sure, is how Rashpal would wish it.

At the time of his departure Rashpal was the Chairperson of "Natak". Some of his major roles were in:

1. Ramesh Mehta's "Undersecretary".2. Ramesh Mehta's "Khuli Baat" 3. Ramesh Mehta's "Roti aur Bet" 4. "Saray-ke-Bahar" 5. Shiv Batalvi's "Loona" 6. Waris Shah's "Heer Ranjha" 7. Allaudin Qureshi's "Chachi O Chachi" 8. A. Qureshi's "Parchhayian" 9. "Anarkali" 10. Shahnawaz Zaidi's "Woh Manzilen Woh Raastey" 11. Shanawaz/Allaudin's "Do Duni Paanch" 12. Shahnawaz's "Aankh Micholi" 13. Balwant Gargi's "Kanak di Balli" 14. Allaudin's "Aashiana" 15 Swinder Gulatis "Paisa paisa Paisa". And many TV skits and shows.
(contributed by Prem Modgil)

SOME MORE OLD MEMORIES

Sant Ishar Singh Ji Rarewale with Sangat members in Nairobi during his visit in 1951

............................................................................................................................

The following information has been sent by Suniti Mohindra with thanks

Meghjibhai P. Shah donated a life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi for the Royal Technical College, ( Now Nairobi University) which was unveiled by the Vice-President (later President) of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan on 12th July 1956 at a ceremony in Nairobi when Suniti was at Duke of Gloucester School and raised funds to shower Dr. Radhakrsishnan with flower petals as his motorcade drove past the school going towards downtown Nairobi opposite the Lady Griggs Nursing Home on Nagara Road .(M.P.Shah who donated the MP SHAH HOSPITAL IN NAIROBI TO THE INDIAN COMMUNITY) This Hospital is still operative and serves all. 

for more info please see link:-

http://www.herenow4u.de/Pages/eng/Sections/Meghji_Pethraj_Shah/MeghjiPethrajShah5.2Retir.htm

The M. P. Shah Hospital is Meghjibhai Pethraj Shah’s biggest monument in Kenya, but there were many other donations as well. The Igerton Agricultural Hospital benefited, and another gift provided accommodation for the disabled in Thika. Although at that time many people did not believe in girls' education, Meghjibhai's outlook on this issue was progressive and he believed firmly that it was not possible to improve society without educating girls. For this reason he gave every encouragement to this aim and persuaded the Kenyan government to expend large sums of money on girls' schools, hostels and primary schools. One large donation, which he made, was the sum of 200,000 sh. for the buildings of the Maniben M. P. Shah Girls' School at Kisumu.

 

M.P.Shah Hospital - Nairobi


When it was decided, about 1952, to raise a fund for the establishment of the Gandhi Memorial Academy Society in East Africa, Meghjibhai undertook responsibility for the fund-raising. The original intention was to found a separate college but in the event the Society worked with the Royal Technical College. Meghjibhai and Hemrajbhai Nathoo Shah were trustees. The project had started with a good deal of dissension and lack of agreement on its objects. At a meeting on 28th August 1952 Meghjibhai argued vigorously for dissolving the large unwieldy committee and creating a small Provisional Committee. He carried the day and was elected Honorary Treasurer of the Fund. Meghjibhai donated a life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi for the College, which was unveiled by the Vice-President (later President) of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan on 12th July 1956. (see below)

Dr. Radhakrishnan, the President of India came to Nairobi ,seen in an open car going through River Road with a Sikh Police Driver.

(photo contributed by Prem Modgil)

To Part 4

PUNJABI HERITAGE IN EAST AFRICA

The history of the South Asians in East Africa is not very old. It is only about 100 years since the first Indians landed on the shores of Kenya, namely Mombasa. The journeys in those days were accomplished in dhows which were the main source of transport and starting from Bombay the journeys could take as much as months to complete as the dhows depended on the state of the winds. It was after a lot of hardships that some of our ancestors reached Kenya to serve in the Uganda Railways which was being built from Mombasa to Kampala.

The Punjabis (Hindus, Muslims & Sikhs) were the main source of skilled and semi skilled labourers who worked on the railways. They suffered numerous hardships including the lions of Tsavo.

Do You or Your parents or Grandparents had any escapades, adventures, memorable incidents, interesting stories, their rise to fame or riches, old photographs or mementoes, souvenirs, brochures of Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika - magazines printed by gurdwaras or federations, clubs, schools, students etc. Any documents or photos about East Africa – anything!

I am in the process of writing a book on the ‘Punjabi Heritage in East Africa’ and I need information as much as possible. Just get in touch with me and send me the information (which will be returned after use). Your name will be acknowledged in the book.

Your assistance would help in inserting your ancestors’ names in the history of East Africa.

Kindly contact,

Harjinder Singh Kanwal,
20 Trewint Close,
Exhall,
Coventry CV7 9FG
U.K.

Phone: 024 7631 9483
E/mail: harjinder@kanwal99.freeserve.co.uk