The India-Pakistan Partition of 1947 tore countless families apart, but some have managed to maintain their bonds despite the borders. Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating sibling love, has become a poignant symbol of these enduring connections. Here are true stories of siblings who have kept their relationship alive across the divide.
One of the most popular stories involves the union of two siblings after "75 years". Kiran Bala and Veer Singh were separated in 1947 following partition of India and Pakistan when Kiran was just a few months old. Kiran, who ended up in Punjab, had been searching for her brother "Veer Singh' for years. Veer, on the contrary, had no idea that he had a "biological sister". Thanks to efforts of YouTuber, Nasir Dhillon, the two were re-united at the Kartarpur corridor."I still can't believe that after 75 years I am meeting my sister " Veer Singh expressed to The Tribune India. "We have discovered our lost heritage". The brother-sister duo could not celebrate Rakhi in person due to visa-restrictions but they maintained the tradition through video conferencing.
Another heartwarming tale is that of Nirmala Devi and her brother Rahim. They were separated during the tumult of Partition when Nirmala was 6 years old and Rahim was 8. In the 1950s they found each other through a radio program specifically designed to reunite families torn apart by such events. Since then, they have stayed in touch through phone calls and letters. Unfortunately, the problem of "visas" on both sides of the border makes it difficult for Nirmala and Rahim to meet each other often or celebrate the festival of Rakhi in person. Nirmala, now resides in Jammu whereas Rahim lives in Sialkot in Pakistan.
Another touching tale is of the Sodhi Siblings who tied a Rakhi to each other after 67 years. Gurmukh, settled in Pakistan after partition, was granted a visa to India in 2014. He planned his trip around Raksha Bandhan so that Gurdeep could personally tie a Rakhi on his wrist for the time in 67 years. "It was a moment that I had wished for, for decades" Gurdeep quoted.
While these tales foretell the power of a sibling relationship they also throw light into the tumultous political system of the countries across both the borders. Political tensions often create a barrier for those "not at fault" making it difficult for them to stay connected with their loved ones. Salman Khan's movie"Bajrangi Bhaijaan' also threw light into this issue.
These stories of family members separated by Partition serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of family bonds. As another Raksha Bandhan approaches, rakhis will once again make their way across the border, carrying with them threads of love, memory, and hope for a future where such separations are no longer necessary.
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