Faridabadstories

Barh mohalla, a locality closest to our house. So naturally we knew it the most or at times knew it at its best. My father’s best friend and associate, Dr. Lakshmi Datt lived there so we did venture into it quite often as children. Sunil. his son was one of my best childhood friends. My memories about the 60s-70s and its famous residents is aided by my friend from Nursery- KG classes, now a well established, well respected, Dr. N. K . Goyal,. Nindo to us little ones. My other friends from illustrious families of this neighbourhood, guddoo, came from the numberdaar family. Mool chand or MOOLA !! my classmate from Faridabad high school. There were other famous boys and men who put Faridabad bad on Haryana and National wrestling map, I clearly remember Rohtas Pehlwaan and his younger brother. (will check and see who else continued with the tradition after them). Dr. Lakshmi Datt’s medicine legacy was followed by Dr, Soni Parasher, who likely was The First MBBS, ,MD physicians in old faridabad who was FROM the city. His younger brother Dr. Suresh Parasher later started practice too . The third generation doctors of the family are now practicing in United States. The mohalla map of those days not being available, I would venture using my description skills. Imagine the railway road entry into the city (right past our house) intersecting with main bazaar road. A by lane slightly to the right going into Barh Mohalla. It seems that this road is now called Pt. Brijnandan Marg,. Memorable landmark for us into the lane was the New Style Tailor and Halwai shop right at the intersection. As one went into the lane, Faridabad Public School functioned over Birju’s Atta Chakki for some time. Later on, it moved to Sheikh Wara. House of Lala Ram Chand on the left and House of my Friend Shakti, his brother Bakshi ( Gurbaksh, a classmate of my eldest brother Vas Dev Choudhry). Adjacent to that on the right was Verma Electricals, a work shop of my high school class mates, Ram Kishore and Raj Kishore Verma. The next memorable land mark further down the lane was the comforting sight of the peepal tree, a clean well or Kuaan. A street on the left went to the Dhobi Wada. But my dear friends, Narinder and, Mahender Goyal lived there so we did go there quite often. Back to describing the lay out beyond the Kuan was the Barh Mohalla Chaupaal. Quite a fun place, with a huge tree giving shadow. Bylanes to the right went deep into Barh Mohalla. This section will likely get a lot more modified after my interviews with Dr. Soni, Dr. Goyal and with my friend Mool Chand, who I am sure is a Grand Father of a few by now. Here is a map of the area that was Barh Mohalla. ICONIC CHAUPAAL NOW IN A STATE OF DISARRAY Dr. Soni Parashar, Son of Dr. Lakshmi Datt, seen here with his son. Dr. Narinder Goyal, my friend from Nursery-KG to high school.. Now a great resource in completing historical gaps. The historic landmark Peepal Tree. Its medicinal, ecological value is highlighted by its religious status. Yet !!, We let concrete grow all around it. Gali (lane) leading into Barh Mohalla Ancestral Home of Dr. Lakshmi Datt. We attended many Daawats here and in the Nauhra. A few weddings, including Dr. Soni’s. Outer Barh Mohalla

Obviously a lot has happened since the last blog. Faridabad has been devastated with Carona virus pandemic. There are stories of suffering and death in many many homes. My heartfelt condolences to all and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hopefully, more and more people will get vaccinated. Meanwhile, stay masked. Let’s all hope we deal with the third wave better than we dealt with the second wave. Like many of the readers, I too have had personal tragedies. I have been thinking about writing the histories of some the mohallas and landmarks in old Faridabad but the interviews with some people have been hard to come by. So, I thought to write about the illustrious children of these famous personalities. All of us who grew up in Old Faridabad in the sixties. Unassuming young boys. Mostly with no worries. Our biggest concerns probably centered around what to eat, where to play, how to get the new cricket bat or a new ball. Other activities centered around whose birthday was coming or which wedding were we going to where we could eat and fill up. Very very simple things. No video games or expensive toys to worry about. So, who do I pick up first to talk about. ?? Obviously, the boys who I remember in the earliest classes beginning from Nursery school. The school was Faridabad Public School, started by Sh. Chander Prakash Gupta.(Pictures on another page) The earliest location was at the intersection of road going to Barh Mohalla and Main bazaar road. My class had some very ordinary children who have gone on to become some very accomplished personalities and famous in our own rights. This is a 1963-64 picture. I would begin by introducing the people, I have maintained contact with. One is Arun Gupta seated third from right in the front row. Arun has been quite helpful in getting me some of the pictures and phone numbers and because he still lives in town, will continue to be very helpful in gathering interesting stories of the town. He is into construction business. Still quite well attached to the hometown. Has a beautiful family. Children who are into music and art. With permission attaching the picture with his wife of 35 years. I remember all the girls in the front row but will add about their current status and accomplishments as I gather more information but they were from local business families who have done exceedingly well over the decades. The teacher in the picture is Late Mrs Usha Singh. Usha Aunty as we used to call her. She taught there for many years and later established a school of her own for many many years. Interestingly, we called all our teachers aunties. I guess those were less formal times as everyone knew everyone in old town. Seated second from left is Dr. Narendra Goel (Gupta) or Nindo as we called him with affection. He has gone on to become a doctor and is practising in Faridabad. I must also mention his older brother and also my classmate Mahender. Will update the posts about them as I received update. Seated between Narender and the teacher of course is yours truly, Umesh. Currently, Dr. Umesh Choudhry, MD, FACG an interventional Gastroenterologist specializing in Advanced Endoscopy. Super specialization in Swallowing Disorders, Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders in Florida, USA. Still intimately attached to the hometown. Moving on the top row of the class. On extreme left is someone who I would describe as the most accomplished of that class who has continued to make Faridabad his home and excelled in bringing quality healthcare to both Old and New Faridabad. From all accounts Dr. Rakesh Gupta (Rakku to his parents and me ) is the founder and CEQ or Sarvodaya Hospitals. He is deeply involved in social reforms and quality healthcare and entrepreneurial activities in the City and is likely to continue this progress over the years. Along side him are his brother Mukesh a businessman. Until next time. Stay healthy. Take precautions.

For over 60 years, Much like many other towns and cities in the country, Faridabad has also celebrated Dushehra. In a procession or yatra or jaloos. Ram, Laxman and Hanuman go to the grounds where Ravan is killed and effigy burnt with much fan fare. The most unique feature of Faridabad Old Dushehra is the Hanuman ji. A family for the past three generations. Strict fasting and pooja for a whole week culminates in the person elaborately being painted in orange paint from head to toe. An extremely ornate and hugely heavy mukut is then placed on the head and remains for better part of the day in oppressive heat conditions. Dedication and reverence makes a person do that and earn the adulation of the entire city. Amazing display of tradition and belief. !!! Truly remarkable. Shared here is the picture of the current year.

Mehndi’s is etched in the history of India from time immemorial. Every happy occasion typically has Mehndi ritual for women and men (in some places). Intricate patterns decorate hands and feet. Years ago, if you asked people what came to their mind after a mere mention of FARIDABAD : their first answer would have been MEHNDI. !!! Probably, closely followed by the thoughts of Peacocks and monkeys !! Yes ! that was and has been the historic identity of Faridabad. As the bus from Delhi stopped at the bus stop or as trains stopped at the station: along with the chai wala or toffee, churan and newspaper wala, came the mehndi wala: shouting at the top of his voice, ” faridabad ki mashhoor mehndi: le lo mehndi “. ( above picture taken from Wikipedia) Years before company brands started taking hold, City or place was the brand. Amazing how that worked. Agra famous for “Petha Mithai”, Mathura for “Pedas”, Khurja for “Khurchan”, Amritsar for “Kulcha Chole”, Panipat for “achaar and bed covers”, Malihabad for mangoes, Nagpur for oranges, Aligarh for locks and so on and so forth. There was no media advertising, it was the word of mouth. The whole community was the beneficiary of the Brand. So, Faridabad was intricately connected with Mehndi. For a very long time, Mehndi was likely the biggest revenue source for Faridabad. Mehndi was sold all over India and exported to various countries in the middle east and Africa. As I write this, the unmistakable aroma of drying leaves wafts back into my mind. For an unfamiliar person, it may not necessary be a pleasant smell but as you grew up, it became a part of life for you. Although, the big names in the business were Lala Kishan Lal Sham Lal, Lala Kuria Mal and sons, Lala Ram Gopal and Sons, there were several others including Ishar Das Amir Chand, and our firm, Arjun Dev Hari Kishan. One grew up watching various stages of Mehndi production in progress. As we played cricket or other games, quite often the ball would land on the ” Godaam or Baradari ” grounds where Mehndi leaves were drying out in the Sun. Mehndi was grown right here in the fields beyond the Agra Canal. This gave birth to the term Nehr Paar, which has persisted to this day. It was quite usual to see men and women carrying huge “Pallis” ( jute sheets) of mehndi leaves on their head to mehndi godowns. The green coating of crushed mehndi powder was all over the grounds and on the faces of the workers near the mehndi chakkis. It was quite amusing for us to know that mixing fine sand and additional dye was an intricate part of the process. Dried mehndi plant wood was extensively used for cooking at home or even for Holi or Lohri festivals. All the Lalas would walk around with sample red spots on their hands for testing and display. The dignity of the Lala’s walking in their crisp while dhoti- kurta holding one edge of dhoti in their hand was just pure classic. As a child it was so natural to be intrigued by the processing from start to finish, we learnt the intricacies not by being taught but just by watching. At times, we would join in the process like walking on the grounds full of mehndi leaves to help spread and turn over the leaves to help them dry. Initially, the packaging for retail was done in paper bags but later on printed plastic bags came into vogue. Sealing those bags was another fun activity. I must share some pictures of these beautiful plants that have been a huge part of Faridabad’s history. I also thank my friend Mr Sunil Garg who graciously has helped me recall events and names and provided beautiful pictures. ( Pictures Courtesy Mr. Sunil Garg)

The school that i started attending at age 3 years and 4 months

Two other stalwarts of Old Faridabad and of course my father’s best friend. Dr. Lakshmi Datt Sharma. and his father Pandit Krishan Datt Sharma. As i mentioned previously in the narrative. Great sons of the city had Piyaoo named after him. Our morning walks were not complete without stopping at the baag and piyaoo and temple. Dr. “Lakha” as uncle was dearly called showered his love on me the youngest son of his best friend. Pamdit Krishan Datt’s Mango Orchard is gone but a street is now named in his memory. Mr. and Mrs. Chander Prakash Gupta. Businessman and Pioneer who started A Private School in Faridabad so the children would not have to go to NIT for their schooling. Remarkable pioneering effort. Faridabad Public School. Request others to forward if they have school or childhood pictures or Parents’ pictures. Swargiya Sh. Hakeem Tek Chand Ji : The father figure for the whole city. Impeccable clinical acumen and Bedside Manner so mild that he could be a saint. !! Smt Satya Saluja : The immensely cheerful and philanthropist leader who later became the inspiration for satyasaluja foundation. A Young Sh Dev Raj Choudhry with former Haryana CM Rao Virender Singh Sh Vas Dev Saluja : Progressed the Growth of the family and the Banner of TCS and Sons with great Aplomb Rai Tara Chand Saluja ; Started the Saluja Dynasty in Faridabad Old Sh. Agya Ram Vohra: The Founder of Vohra Commercial College. (Hope to Get a Clearer Image soon) Late Sh Dev Raj Choudhry, President Munical Committee Faridabad Old Late Lala Kuria Mal Ji Faridabad Old. Late Sh Ratan Lal Garg Ji , Faridabad Old Late Sh. Dev Raj Choudhry and Late Sh. Laxmi Grover, Advocate with President Giani Zail Singh Ji

Continued searches out of curiosity and i found some very interesting maps. A map that really intrigued me was of 1800s that mentioned Huriyana much before any one of us may have heard about it. I really thought it was a creation of 1960s. Similar maps show “Fureedabad” in Doab region and dilli subahs ‘regions” at different times. Notice the anglo french spellings of places you know well but also notice places that you thought were indiscript like Sohna

joint families with three generations were not uncommon.