A prestigious college in Lahore, Pakistan, has dedicated a classroom to one of its distinguished alumni, former Punjab Chief Minister Harcharan Singh Brar. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, saw his daughter Babli Brar unveil a plaque for classroom number 108 at Aitchison College.
Event Highlights
The event was attended by the college principal, senior staff, and office-bearers of the Aitchison College Old Boys Association. Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, honorary envoy at the college, informed PTI that a plaque has been placed outside classroom 108 of the Senior School, and a photograph of Brar wearing the college blazer has been hung inside the classroom.
Industrialist and former Pakistan Finance Minister Syed Babar Ali, a schoolmate and lifelong friend of Brar, wrote the text for the plaque. Ali, who is a centenarian, joined the ceremony online.
A Symbol of Lifelong Friendship
Dr. Butalia described the classroom dedication as a symbolic gesture of their over 70 years of friendship. “Their friendship transcended the trauma of the partition time, their professions, and patriotism. It is a source of inspiration for young Pakistanis and Indians who will be the leaders of South Asia of tomorrow,” he said.
The plaque reads: “This classroom is dedicated to the loving memory of my friend Harcharan Singh Brar (1922-2009) of Srai Nanga, District Ferozepur.”
Brar’s Academic and Athletic Achievements
Brar joined Aitchison College in 1937 and graduated after passing his Senior Cambridge in 1941 and the Higher School Certificate of Cambridge University in 1943. He was an outstanding student, a School Prefect, and was awarded the Rivaz Gold Medal. He excelled in sports, earning colors in riding, tennis, and cricket, which earned him the Full Blazer, a coveted achievement.
Ali remarked, “I have had the privilege of enjoying his friendship ever since we were classmates in 1937. Harcharan Singh Brar remained my best friend till he passed away in 2009.”
Ali’s Contribution
Ali, who was a student at Aitchison College from 1934 to 1943, said that Brar and his family regularly visited him in Lahore. He donated PKR 4 million for the restoration of the classroom in April 2026.
Brar’s Political Career
After graduating from Government College, Lahore in 1944 with a BA from Panjab University, Brar joined the Indian National Congress in 1947. He held several positions in government, served as governor of two states, and became Chief Minister of Punjab in 1995.
About Aitchison College
Founded in 1886 in Lahore, Aitchison College traces its roots to the 1868 Wards School in Ambala. Originally established by the British as the Punjab Chiefs' College to educate the region's princely elite, it evolved into Pakistan's premier boarding and day school after partition.
