Images

Two old friends from across the border reunite in Kartarpur

Two old friends from across the border reunite in Kartarpur

Sardar Gopal Singh, 94, from India and Muhammad Bashir, 91, from Narowal were separated in 1947 and met once again in Kartarpur.
22 Nov, 2021

The Kartarpur Corridor reunited two nonagenarians who were separated at the partition of India into two countries.

The two friends, Sardar Gopal Singh (94) from India and Muhammad Bashir (91), a resident of a village in Narowal, had got separated in 1947. They hugged each other having moist eyes when they saw each other after such a long time.

According to the sources at Kartarpur, Gopal Singh had crossed the border to perform religious rites at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib while Bashir also visited the gurdwara as a visitor.

The Indian Sikhs pilgrims and Pakistani visitors to the gurdwara who were present at the scene also expressed happiness at the meeting of two nonagenarians who were separated by the border.

The pilgrims from Pakistan, India and other countries congratulated the two friends. Both the old friends talked about the stories of their childhood and youth.

Gopal Singh said that before Pakistan was formed, both of them were in their early youth. Bashir said that even before the Partition, both the friends used to visit Baba Guru Nanak’s Gurdwara. They sat together at the lunch, ate food and had tea.

Gopal Singh expressed joy at the project of Kartarpur Corridor and thanked the government of Pakistan for it. At 5pm, Gopal Singh returned to India.

Originally published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2021

Comments

Ahsan Gul Nov 22, 2021 11:19am
Such a happy occasion to see both friends meet after such a long time! Thanks PM Imran for providing an opportunity to our Sikh brothers! Sincerely
Recommend
Zain Nov 22, 2021 11:42am
As a Pakistani, I used to believe that partition should never have happened. However, Modi and his Hindu nationalist ideology has changed my mind. Nevertheless, it is great to see two childhood friends reuniting after 70 odd years.
Recommend
Hamed Nov 22, 2021 11:50am
Others must take that as an example!
Recommend
Shah Alam Khan Nov 22, 2021 11:54am
It is lovely. However, these facilities are only available to the people of Punjab. Sindh borders were never considered to facilitate both sides.
Recommend
Truth be told Nov 22, 2021 11:57am
@Hamed meaning?
Recommend
Shoaib Shah Nov 22, 2021 12:16pm
So sweet.
Recommend
GreenAura Nov 22, 2021 12:18pm
Why are Sikhs surprised at such welcoming gestures?
Recommend
ABU TALIB Nov 22, 2021 12:18pm
Long life to Kartarpur Corrider.
Recommend
AHAQ Nov 22, 2021 12:24pm
People like Modi mentality will not be happy to hear and see such events of friendship.
Recommend
Gfg Nov 22, 2021 12:38pm
Very inspiring
Recommend
Basheer Nov 22, 2021 12:57pm
Why Sardar Gopal Singh had to leave his native village. That is the first Question. Why?
Recommend
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Nov 22, 2021 02:58pm
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Recommend
RI Nov 22, 2021 04:08pm
This is so beautiful, and hopefully a sign that maybe better days are ahead. A joint India-Pakistan effort commemorating the horrific violence that partition caused in the punjab, on all sides, may help further heal divisions
Recommend
Tadka Nov 22, 2021 04:22pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad what's the need here ???
Recommend
Ifti Malik Nov 22, 2021 04:50pm
@Zain , ideologies come and go . People and their human bonds are universal and will one day triumph.
Recommend
Viraf Mehta Nov 22, 2021 08:49pm
@Basheer Because he was wise.
Recommend
well-wisher Nov 22, 2021 09:11pm
Friendship has no boundary, only love.
Recommend
ENGR Hamid Shafiq Nov 22, 2021 09:25pm
@Basheer Read the history for why?
Recommend
Tehmina Akram Nov 25, 2021 01:31pm
It's a reall image of my country .... to give happiness for a while beyond the everything.
Recommend