In a moment that can only be described as a “healing of history,” the historic Gurdwara at Aitchison College, Lahore, resonated with the sounds of Shabad Keertan on February 13, 2026. This marked the first time since the Partition of 1947 that the sacred space was opened for a formal Sikh religious ceremony, a powerful milestone in the institution’s 140th Founder’s Day celebrations.
A Bridge Across Generations
For nearly eight decades, the Gurdwara had remained a silent, beautifully preserved architectural relic. Following the mass migrations of 1947, Sikh enrollment at the “Eton of Pakistan” ceased, and the building’s purpose transitioned from a daily place of worship to a quiet monument.
The revival was made possible through the efforts of the college administration and Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, an honorary envoy of Aitchison College. For Dr. Butalia, the ceremony was a deeply personal homecoming:
“It was a nostalgic moment to worship at the same place where my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather prayed every evening before Partition.”
For the first time since the Partition of India in 1947, after nearly 78-80 years, the historic Gurdwara at Aitchison College in Lahore echoed with Kirtan, as part of the institution’s 140th anniversary celebrations.#Sikhism #Lahore1947 #etchisoncollege pic.twitter.com/shZu4Zh3LL
— Khalid Mehmood Khalid (@kmkhalid62) February 15, 2026
Architectural Heritage and Harmony
Designed by the legendary Bhai Ram Singh (the architect behind the Mayo School of Arts) and with its foundation stone laid in 1910 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, the Gurdwara is a masterpiece of Sikh architecture. Its distinctive black-and-white marble floors and castle-like interior were finally filled with nearly 100 participants, including local Sikh ragis, current students, and Muslim alumni.
Worship service held at the historic gurdwara inside Lahore’s Aitchison College after nearly eight decades since it fell out of regular use following the 1947 partition. The “historic and emotional” ceremony took place as part of events marking the elite school’s 140th… pic.twitter.com/b6cmjLBJVF
— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) February 13, 2026
The ceremony concluded with a traditional Langar (community meal), shared by people of all faiths within the Gurdwara premises. Aitchison College, which still houses a pre-Partition mosque and a Hindu temple, has once again proven that it isn’t just a school for elites; it is a custodian of the Punjab’s shared, pluralistic soul.
You May Like To Read:
Check out our latest video:
