Chapter 3: Sir Ganga Ram social services for Lahore

3 Introduction

Ganga Ram was a great philanthropist besides architect and engineer. He was kind hearted and

generous man. He was always frank and open minded as a true Punjabi. This was his

characteristic and his heart's goodness. One of his friend said, ''there was no sophistry or

formalism about him1''. Pandat Madan Mohan Malaviya said, ''His heart actually melted at the

thought of the widow's sufferings. He was a strong minded man but I save him more than once

full of tears when talking of the sufferings of widows 2'' Ganga Ram was impressed and inspired

by Altaf Hussain Hall's3 writings because he was a contemporary of Altaf Hussain Hali's writings

Hali's famous poem ''widows Prayers" inspired him and motivated him to do something for

widows and his vast programme of Charities was based on this poem. Altaf Hussain Hali was

famous poet, critic of Urdu literature and a biographer. He spent his life's many years in Lahore

and Delhi. He was born at Panipat, Director of Public Instructions Punjab Cal. Holroyd

appointed him to Punjab Education Service. He translated many English books into Urdu. He

founded a literary and poetical society in Punjab. He was reformer, teacher and a preacher. He

wrote patriotic poems. His major works are; Hayat-e-Saadi, Hayat-e-Javed, Yadgar-i-Ghalib and

Musaddas_e_Hall. He was interested in miserable condition of Indian women. His two poems on

this subject were unique, there poems were: Munajat-e-Beugan" (Widows prayers) and Majalis-

e-Nisa4 (Women's education). These poems had a great influence of Ganga Ram. He had recited

the verces of Munajat-e Beugan almost daily early in the morning with tears in his eyes. His all

programms of social services of females, was originated and based on Widows Prayers. Ganga

Ram started to find problems of Hindu Widows. Some religious and non-religious books were
present there but had not deep looked. This issue was never considered by Provincial, local or

Indian Govt. at that time. Ganga Ram was an engineer and he had looked every issue with deep

thoughts through minute.

The British Govt had started an Indian survey of demographic every ten years. First survey of

population had done between 1867 and 1872. The second census was held in 1881. It was a

modern and a complete work. The results of this census were published. Tihis work was done by

Indian Civil Service5. The population was one fifth of the world and issue of Hindu widows

affected the population at large scale. This issue was least attractive for Govt and Indian society

was not bothered about this issue. Ganga Ram was good in mathematics and Statistics. He was in

great trouble to see the miserable condition of widows. He studied the census report of 1872-

1921 deeply. He was shocked with size and gravity of sufferings. In 1926 he published a

pamphlet entitled, Purify your homes before you Desire Home Rule 6, He always put social

reforms prior to polital reforms. This pamphlet contains no writings. but only figures. He found

according to 1921 census report there were 759 widows under one year of age, 15139 widows

between four and five years of age 102293 widows between five and ten years of age, 279124

widows between ten and 14 years of age 7. There were four hundred thousand widows in total

under the age of 15 and most of them were Hindus. He had studied this problem for many years.

When British Came here the child marriage's custom was at full swing in India. The death of a

widow's husband had terrible consequences. The practice of Sati was condemned by Emperor

Akbar as revolting and as inhuman by Europeans. Many intellectuals had struggled to abolish it 8.

A law was passed in favor of this act by Govt. This law saved many widows but did not allow

them a normal status in society. This was a positive step in British India When British captured

Punjab the position of Hindu widows was not better. Widows were in terrible condition socially.
Families were cruel to their own young widows. A child between the age of 5 and 12 years had

lost his husbands even who had not seen her future husband and had not understood the sacred

meaning of married life. Such marriages were held in very early age of life and that little girl

stayed at her parents' home and many years later she became a wife. On the other hand her

husband punished her and boycotted her from everything and this was enjoyable at that time.

Most female became widows between the age of 15 and 26 years. It was unfortunate fact.

According to family traditions and socially they were not granted to remarry. There were a lot of

hidden cases of such kinds. In this way the lines of widows become unhappy. At that time a sin

to be a woman. Basic necessaries of life were not given to them like food, Clothes and proper

dwelling. It was a common habit and there was no sympathy for them in those days, the day was

unlucky for child who lost her husband not of her choice and she became a creature of ill luck

and ill omen. Sex enjoyments of life were prohibited for her. On the eve of festivals the must

cover her face from other people and she was kept in a corner of a house. It was a cruel custom

in Indian society. After the death of husband she spent all her remaining life to the services of

her husband's family members. Some window became psycho patient in this result. In this way

they became victims of infectious diseases. They were forced to lead a miserable life. There were

two aspects of this terrible problem one is child marriage and other is poor condition of widows.

This was happened for centuries and never challenged. A new situation was created after the

advent of Europeans in India People were much impressed by the way of their secular life. The

systems of education and economic of English broke the traditional rural life of India. This

miserable life of women became subject of discussion in Bengal and Madras. In this way Hindus

allowed remarriage of widows. Iswarachandara Vidyasagara led this compaign and he got

limited success. In the beginning the Bengal Govt, was very sympathetic but later on by the
opposition of orthodox people the support of Govt was stopped. Thus issue lost its importance

and began to decline. The gravity of issues of child windows and Hindu widows was realized by

Ganga Ram. He learned the complicated issues of marriage system in Hindu society during this

period. In Hindu society a man was not respectable until he got married and this was a long

process.

Parents become scornful in the eyes of gods and neighbors who do not marry their daughter. The

marriage system was very expensive and often people borrowed money for this purpose. In

Punjab the marriage system was a long process. Proposed marriages were not allowed and love

and courtship were not considered at that time. There was another difficulty of caste marriage

system. At that time mostly people married for successors of family. That's why Child marriage

became popular, the census report of 1911 found. ''So much so that parents who fail to give their

children in marriage at an early age often find great difficulties in doing so afterwards. Many

regard infant marriages badge of respectability and encourage it on the account''. Because of this

arrange marriages wеге happened between the age of 10 and 15 years. Child marriages were

common and a noticeable practice. After studying the problems of widows Ganga Ram had made

his aim to improve the position of widows. He was a man of practical. He studied the relevant

literature on Hindu widows and started his action. He had overcome the problem and stated in

his own words: ''The first thing that attracted attention was the sad plight of Hindu widows and

when I studied the Census Report of 1911, I was very much moved by the startling figure in it.

They showed that in the whole of India there were twenty-Six million widows of whom no less

than 21 million were Hindus and most of the latter child widows. In no other Country of the

world is there even such a phrase as child widows yet in India, taking the Hindu girl, one in 72
are married under fine years, one in 10 under 10 years, 2 in 5 below fifteen and on in ten below

twenty9''

''There are two and half million wives under ten, and six million under fifteen. The existence of

child widows can be traced to two causes first, the custom of child marriage which creates a

large percentage of Child windows. Much of this evil could be remedied if there were no

contributory cause, namely popular prejudice does exist causing widespread misery. If some

legislation forbidding child marriage under the age of fifteen could be exacted, where lakhs of

widows in the Hindu Society would be saved their miserable let. Moved by these appalling

figures, I made up my mind to do what I could within my humble means to eradicate this evil

and started a Widow Remarriage Association in the Punjab in December 191410. "

3.1 Hindu Widows Remarriage

Besides Ganga Ram there were many other persons who were Committed to the cause of Hindu

Widows and by the champions of Hindu society no practical programme was set up. Ganga Ram

was a man of action. He started this plan with this need to inform people at large scale about the

real problems of Hinder. widows. Mostly people at that time were illiterate and modern media

was not come into being. However, before Ganga Ram some people were known the plight of

Hindu widows. In Mughal era Akbar the Great tried to the site of ''Sati''. He was popular in both

societies Muslims and Hindus. In the reign of East India Company, the site of ''sati" was totally

banned. Lord William Bentick11 banned this practice and he was helped by Raja Ram Mohan

Roy. They founded Brahmo Samaj. The main purpose of this organization was to eradicate the

custom of Child marriage. They concluded that minimum age for marriage should be sixteen

years. This was also made effort and encouraged remarry widows. This was great effort with no

infrastructure and lack of finance. With the passage of time these efforts declined. Another
organization was formed during this effort. It was Arya Samaj 12 founded by Sawami Dayanand

Saraswati, in 1875 in Bombay, but later this was moved to Lahore. Ganga Ram also joined this

reformist organization. This oraganization was also against child marriage and this announced

the minimum ages for & men and girls. It was 16 years for girls and 25 years for men. Widow

remarriage was also supported by this Samaj. There were proper efforts for child marriage and

widows remarriage. The Samaj's work in the fields of education and politics was great the

condition of widows remained unchanged. There were scholars and writers who against the

custom of infant weddings and widows remarriage. After discovering those efforts Ganga Ram

collected a lot of writing materials in the form of books, articles, treaties on this subject. He had

studied the failure causes of efforts in deeply. He found that these people had not proper

Communications with the masses. So Ganga Ram had decided to approach these issues in his

scientific way. He found rich, educated and well placed people so he had contact with

likeminded people. He found that British Govt. sympathetic to his views, because prior to thing

in 1856 Widows Remarriage13 was passed. Therefore, at the first meeting of Widow Remarriage

Association which was founded in 1914 in this meeting many people of office bearer were

elected Ganga Ram was chairperson, Secretary Babu Abinash Chander Majumdar, Assistant

Secretary Lala Lajpat Roy and some prominent persons included. All these members were well

Known and well placed in public and Govt sectors. Next step was to acquire a suitable place for

institution and for work facilities. Ganga Ram handed over a building in Gawal mandi, Lahore

for this purpose. It was discussed in Charity meeting that more accommodation and more money

will be provided by Ganga Ram with increasing activities. The rent of this building was Rs. 92/-

monthly. This center was called the Punjab Vidhra Vivah Sahaik Sabha. The aim of this Sabha

was to register a marriage daily and this became the slogan. This social innovation needed a lot
of educational publicity and Hindus Community was well educated at that time in advance city

of Lahore. The location of this charity center was very well and within the reach of population

because in those days Gawal mandi was a center of Hindus. Most offices of newspapers were

present there. Dyal Singh College Library was also nearby. So this was suitable place for work of

Widow Remarriage Association Ganga Ram's work became very popular among relevant groups.

He donated funds for the publication of literature in different languages. The activities had

expanded very fast. The Punjab Govt. register this charity officially in 1923, Ganga Ram

provided all resources. The income of the Sabha was Rs. 1000/- at that time which was coming

from many buildings. The number of widow's remarriages was increased day by day. By 1955 it

reached 453 marriages in a year. This work expanded all over India. Ganga Ram made a rule

that14;

1- Meetings were held regularly.

2- Proper action was taken quickly.

3- Delay was not acceptable

4- Additional funds were provided immediately.

These journals which were started by Ganga Ram published thrice a month and distributed free.

The widow's Cause (English), The Vidvah Sahaik (Urdu) and The Vidvah Bandu (in Hindi) 15.

These journals were full of information and encouragement. Ganga Ram was not very passionate

about politics. However, Congress session at Amritsar was attended by him. He made a

presentation on widow cause in 1916. He convinced many prominent Congress members to his

idea. The tears Corning from his eyes while he was addressing the Conference. He impressed
mostly people there by his enthusiastic appeal coming from his heart. In this way in a very short

period he had gained an extraordinary success for widow's cause.

A close friend of Ganga Ram said,

"The society which he founded to encourage the remarriage of Hindu and Sikh widows has a

vast organization. Its work was personally supervised by him. During the past few years the

society has achieved remarkable success16."

The inter-provincial unity inter-caste marriage has brought by this reform which is a healthy sign

for future. Ganga Ram believed that all his achievements were due to the work for widows. Here

are some events which show his belief about reward for windows. In 1922 he was travelling in a

car and a very serious accident was accrued in which he was unhurt and car was smashed. It was

thought that God saved him for his widow's work. About this Ganga Ram wrote to Secretory

Secretary of Vidhva Sabha, Lahore:

''God has saved me from the clutches of death It appears he requires more work of me. Very

well, if so, push on vigorously with your work17.''

There was another event about Renala Khurd project. Nearly eight lakhs rupees were spent in

this plant but it did not start at working time. Ganga Ram was informed by telegraph he was in

England at that time and he hastened back. When he arrived there his son Sewak Ram thought a
plan and it worked and succeeded. People thought this was done on Ganga Ram's arrival but

Ganga Ram said,

''It is the widow's prayers which are working miracles18."

Before his death in 1927 he made an express in his will for the continuous flow of fund.

He wrote; ''A sum not less than Rs.15000/- shall be reserved for the purpose of expending during

the course of year in promoting generally the cause of the widow's remarriage, and so as

eventually to bring about the removal of existing prohibition and prejudices against remarriage

of Hindu widows, and in the solemnization of the said remarriages 19.'' For next 20 years this

work of remarriage continued before partition. This was a great social welfare step. This work is

still remembered in Lahore and vicinity.

3.2 Fountain House

Fig 14: Fountain House, Lahore

When Ganga Ram was born in Mangtanwall Gurdwara, Baba Bishan Singh said on his birth

"The child will be to his age what Vikramaditya was to his own times 20". After the success of
Widow Remarriage Association there was another problem. Some widows had children and they

did not want to marry again. Some were too old to marry. To find a suitable husband was also

problems. Some did not marry because of religious reasons. So there were a number of widows

who were facing the difficult and serious conditions. By continuous publicity from Ganga Ram

many leading personalities supported this cause. Mahatma Gandhi said; "to force widowhood on

little girls is a brutal crime21"

Once again Ganga Ram came forward and found a solution of this problem. He designed and

built a big mansion near the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Lahore with amount of Rs. 250000/. He

donated this property and land to Govt. to open a Hindu Widows Home.

This house has its own staff to teach and look after the windows. In this house. widows were

trained as handicrafts teachers in home industries. The Govt. had taken this scheme and a

Widows Home was opened on 6th April 1921 by Sir Edward Maclagan.

On memorial stare it reads!

"Gift of one who feels for widows22"

Ganga Ram's name was not inscribed onto it on his wish. When Ganga Ram handed over this

building to Govt. he said, "Everyone on retirement is naturally anxious to be of some service to

his country and as I did not possess a brain of high order having been a mere coolie driver all my

life. I decided to leave the work of political advancement to wiser heads and to turn attention to

social reforms which in my humble opinion is the crying need of India23"

He continued, Govt. decision was conveyed in press communique and it explains,

"A notable benefaction has recently been made by Rai Bahadur Lala Ganga Ram, C.I. E.,

M.V.O, who has offered on Trust to the Govt. a piece of household property on the Lower Mall,

Lahore. The Punjab Govt. has accepted the offer and desires not only to thank the donor for this

generosity but to place on record its appreciation of the benefit which this gift will confer on the

womanhood of the Punjab24"

This property handed over to Govt. on the conditions that the site be donated to the foundation of

a Normal and Industrial School and a Hostels attached with a Girls Secondary School. There

being a committee for the supervision of Widows Home and Girls High School. Industrial and

Normal Schools are opened for Hindu and Sikh widows. There will be a hostel for 80 boarder's

accommodation. In Industrial School cottage industry will be provided to widows to maintain

their lives.

Girls High School will be open to all communities. This school will be called Lady Maclagan

Girls School after the wish of Lady Maclagan. It has double storied structure before you. There

are eight class rooms. It will accommodate eighty widows besides the matron and

superintendent. It has a wide verandah and apparatus for industrial section. Sir Edward Madagan

rose to thank Sir Ganga Ram and said, "This institution is what our Canal Engineers would call a

"Triple Project"

There is the Normal Industrial School, there is the Hostel and there is the Secondary School for

Girls. The first two is for Hindu and Sikh widows and the third for girls of all communities. The

institution we are opening to-day is the first of its kind. It marks a stage in the movement towards

social reform in which the Rai Bahadur has shown himself to be so enthusiastic and practical a

pioneer. The buildings and the site have been provided by him and on both he is to be

congratulated. The buildings are his own construction and Ganga Ram has been known to me
and to members of my family for a long period of years. of years. In all that time, I have never

got to the end of the number of parts which he is competent to play on the stage of life. He is a

big land owner that questions are asked about him in the Legislative Council. This institution

will bring rich blessings to the women of this province25.

Mrs. Margaret Cousins one of the founders of All India Women Conference, wrote:

"I visited the Widows Home and Industrial School founded by Sir Ganger Ram in Lahore, and I

was very much impressed with them. The work carried on there was splendid and was going on

under ideal conditions. I wish in madras there would be a Ganga Ram who could endow such

large seems for philanthropic work26".

This institution continued its work till 1947 and after that it's all activities were closed due to the

migration of concerned people and Hindu Community/ This House was a heaven for widows at

that time. After the death of Sir Ganga Ram in 1927 The Widow House continued its work

according to Ganga Ram's final will. He had fixed of Rs. 15000/- to be spent annually on the

activities of Widows House. After 1947 this building remained vacant for many years.

Dr. Rasheed Chaudhry worked out a plan for establishment of a rehabilitation center for mentally

ill patients in Lahore in 1965. He was a member Lahore Mental Health Association. Govt. of

Pakistan approved this proposal in 1968. Dr. Rasheed Chaudhary went to America in 1968 where

he visited Fountain House. He discussed his plan with John Beard executive director of Fountain

House. Later John Beard came to Pakistan and helped Dr. Rasheed Chaudhry to establish

Fountain House in Lahore in 1971.

The First Fountain House27 founded in New York, America. It was founded by five members

who were mentally ill and they lived in a rented house. They called themselves WANA 28, which
means We are not alone. This was a beautiful slogan. There was a fountain in courtyard of that

house that's why this house was called Fountain House. Lahore Fountain House was founded at

Empress Road in the beginning in a small house. Later on this institution was moved to widows

House which was laying vacant.

At that time C.M. of Punjab was Malik Miraj Khalid 29 he allotted widows House building to this

institution. Its area is nearly 25 Canals. A new black for women was built there and inauguration

ceremony was took place on 14 November 198130. Thus widows House was changed to Fountain

House. Now there are 500 members living. Hafeez Jalandhri was present on inaugural day and

he narrated some verses of poetry that day. Once Mother Teresa visited Fountain House and she

wrote on visitor book as;

''Keep the joy of loving the poor and share this joy with all you meet 31''. A Fountain House was

built in 2015 in Sargodha on the design of Lahore's widows House building Constructed by

Ganga Ram. Farooq Abad Fountain House is under construction on same design. Dr. Amjad

Saqib is the Chairman of Fountain House. Now this institution became a peaceful place for the

mind to rest and relax. Today Fountain House is a rehabilitation center for mentally ill patients. It

has residents and day members. It is a unique residential facility for chronic schizophrenias and

serves the entire country. It has these following components32;

1- Institute for disadvantaged children.

2- Pakistan Psychiatric Research center

3- Academic Center.

4-Outpatient Unit
5- wood work, handicrafts, clay, embroidery, ceramics and sewing and Knitting units.

6- Pharmacy

Helping such individuals and by decreasing the agony of both, they and then relatives is a great

service to mankind. The institution which was made for a very noble cause and is being used for

another noble cause with the effect which is same. Ganga Ram used to say this wealth belongs to

widows and I am returning this money to them.

3.3 Sir Ganga Ram Trust Building

Fig 14: Sir Ganga Ram Trust Building, Lahore

Sir Ganga Ram created a trust in 1923 to central the money donated to Charity projects. This

Trust was set up in big building located on Mall Road. This building is located to the right side

of State Bank's building. It has a triple storey building. "Sin Ganga Ram Trust Building 1921 33"

is written on this building's main entrance. Many remarkable buildings were built under the

guidance of this Trust. Its anually income was Rs. 125000/- produced by rents. The capital of
this Trust was Rs. 30 Lakhs. This income was spent on charity work. This Trust continued its

charity activities till 1947 by Sir Ganga Ram's grandson Aftab Rai.

Once Sir Ganga Ram said, '' We are doing services to our country, not good.34’’

3.4 Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

Fig 15: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore

Sir Ganga Ram decided in 1921 to establish a Dispensary in the heart of Lahore. He purchased

land for this purpose with a cast of Rs. 13500/-. He laid the foundation of Sir Ganga Ram Charity

Dispensary in the area of Wachho Wali35. Its doors were opened for every needy without any

discrimination of Colour, creed and caste. Sir Ganga Ram provided medical staff, medical

equipment and latest medicines to this Dispensary. Later on this Dispensary was shifted to
present location where Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is located36. This Dispensary continued its work

after the death of Sir Ganga Ram. In 1943 Sir Ganga Ram Hospital was founded at present place.

Ganga Ram purchased land for it and designed its structure in his life. Over a hundred years of

time it is still functional today. During wwII this Hospital gave medical facilities to people. After

Mayo Hospital it is the second largest Charity Hospital 37. Now it is a Hospital of 550 beds. A

significant contribution to this hospital was Balak Ram Medical College founded in 1944. It was

founded by Ganga Ram's second son Balak Ram38 and supported by his wife. The couple

purchased a large Bungalow of Victorian style and donated to medical college. After the tragic

death of Balak Ram his wife completed this college. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is located to the

opposite side of this college. After the partition in 1947 Sir Ganga Ram's family migrated to

India. Pakistan Govt. founded Fatima Jinnah Women Medical College on the premises of Balak

Ram Medical College. The name of this college was changed to sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah,

Fatima Jinnah. Sir Ganga Ram hospital is now become truly a poor man's hospital.

3.5 Govt. Islamia College, Civil Lines

Fig 16: Govt. Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore

Govt. islamia college was established by Arya Samaj in 1886 in Lahore. Arya Samaj founded by

Dayanand Saraswate. It was a social political organization. A heated discussion was going on

wheather the DAV, School should or should not promoted to the status College. At that point Sir

Ganga Ram came forward and played important side to create the College 39. He found that the

votes were equally divided and he gave his fateful vote in the favor of opening the College. In

this way DAV College began. This collage played an important role in the field of education.

Ganga Ram could not predict this kind of educational influence. He called it his first educational

child and he helped the College with a good amount of money. After partition this College

shifted to India and Islamia College Civil Lines was founded on this premises.

3.6 Lady Maynard Industrial School

Fig 17: Lady Maynard Industrial School

Once a young man was died during his service leaving a widow and a widowes mother. A friend

of Ganga Rams suggested him to help them. Ganga Ram said, "Can they use a sewing

machine40"? A machine was sent to them. Two widows were happy and they were making Rs.

50/- monthly. In this way he founded the lady Maynard Industrial School for Hindu and Sikh

women and Girls in 1924. He offered a building of Rs. 100000/- to ministry Agriculture. All
industries and arts work were taught there such as embroidery, tilla, hosiery, tailoring a gota and

hormonium playing. One and two years of Courses were offered. Ganga Ram also started an

Industrial Shop under his Trust to buy all finished goods. He also over a sum Rs. 25000/ to

Punjab Govt. for the endowment of a prize. This prize was given in the field of Agriculture after

every three years for invention and discovery to increase agriculture profit. This prize was called

Maynard - Ganga Ram Prize41. Its value was Rs 3000/- and is open to anybody in the world.

3.7 Hailey College of Commerce

Fig 18: Hailey College of Commerce, Lahore

Library and Business Bureau was started by Ganga Ram in 1924 to enable the youth for

employment42. There was a leading room and he arranged scholarship for talented youth. This

institution arranged employee's interviews. This was a big step by Ganga Ram to help and

enable youth for finance related careers in future. Thus he conceived the idea of College of
Commerce. He went to Punjab Governor. Sir Malcolm Hailey offered his property called Nabha

House43 with a donation of few Lakhs of rupees. He requested that the College be named after

Malcolm Hailey himself. He appreciated Sir Grange for his generous offer and became his

friend. Nabha House was located opposite to Punjab University Grounds. Hailey College was

established on 4 march 1927. Ganga Ram also donated a Hostel building. Later on Punjab

University built a Hall and four class rooms with a second hostel also. In the start three years'

degree program was offered after passing Inter- mediate degree. With the increasing of students,

it was decided to shift this college on canal road at new campus. It was shifted ted in 1978. In

these days it became undergraduate, graduate and post graduate college. It has a faculty of 37

and 3000 students. It was the oldest commerce institution in Asia. At the time of its

establishment Punjab University agreed to grant of Rs. 45000 for staff and Rs 10000 for

furniture44.

Friend of Ganga Ram Pandit Mohan Malaviya said;

"There was no Indian whose heart was so much moved by the sad plight of the educated

unemployed as Ganga Ram was. Who knows perhaps at the back of his mind every time a young

boy came into the room, he saw the young student who had struggled on a starvation allowance

to get his education in Lahore or who had walked as a boy in the midday sun to earn a few annas

to keep the household running. The past was to near to deny it and his heart was too open to the

troubles of the world to put them coldly on one side45".

3.8 Lahore College for Women University

 Fig 19: Govt. College University, Lahore

Ganga Ram had two desires one was to help widows and other was to further higher education

for women. When widows work had organized successfully he turned his attention to girl's

education. After his death the trust framed scheme for the modern Hindu Girls School 46. This

School was founded on Jail Road it was the property of Sir Ganga Ram. The school was founded

in 1930. For the first in this school in Punjab an attractive school uniform was introduced. Blue

dresses with white scarf and blue bus for pick and drop facility were introduced 47. There was a

building which was constructed and designed by Ganga Ram in his life. It was the first college

building. This building is currently used by Intermediate College of Lahore Women University.

This historic building is profound character of cultural heritage. It was built in Indo-Saracenic

style. It is the historical asset of LCWU. When students enter in LCWU this building is in plain

sight. It attracts the people directly. It has arches, columns and pediments with beautiful intricate

design pattern which are carved on structural elements. The columns have octagonal shaft with

no flutes. It has jalis and cornics. It has double storey structure large and imposing. It is in a

geometrical balance. Its halls have 16' height. It has verandah and cupolas. It has large doors and
windows. It has chatris on top roof. Materials used are clay, bricks, beam and live mortar. It is

well ventilated and thermally comfortable according to Lahore climate 48. Lahore College for

Women University was founded on Hall Road initially with 6o students. It was founded as an

Intermediate College by Urmila Sirajuddin 49 in1922. Later on this college was shifted on the

location Hindu Girls School. At present this institution has 15000 student's strength with 350

teaching staff. LCWU offering degrees of masters, M. Phil and Ph.D.

3.9 Guru KaBagh Incident

Guru KaBagh was a temple situated twelve miles from Amritsar. There was clash between

British and Sikhs on this property, British supported the Mahants. An ugly impasse was created.

At that point Ganga Ram came forward with a wise gesture. He bought the land and paid for it

from his own account. He handed over the land to Sikhs as a gift. British were saved and Sikhs

were pleased. The Mahants get money for land. This was achieved by Ganga Ram's sacrifice and

humanitarian. An excellent example was set by Ganga Ram50.

SirJagendra Singh said;

"How deeply he felt for the Sikh community when the Gurdwara movement was in progress.

Tears used to flow from his eyes, when he talked his poor fellow and he was always ready to find

some way to help out of difficulties51"

Sardar Bahadur said;

"He has built the sixth Guru's Gurdwara at Amar Sidhu with a spendid pukka tank. It is near the

Lahore Cantt and Model Town and will prove of great benefit for the public"

Sir Edward Maclagan said;

"Sir Ganga Ram was prompted by philanthropic reasons and had of hisown accord and his own

expense helped the Govt out of an untenable condition52".

3.9 YMCA and Salvation Army

Mr. B.L. Rallia said;

Sir Ganger Ram Constantly helped the Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A. when they were in

needed53. Young men's Christian Association was founded by George Williams with 11 friends

on 6 June 1844 in London. Its HQ is located in Jeneva, it's matter is body, mind and spirit. The

basic purpose of this organization was to provide better and helping life to young men. In Lahore

this organization was founded by a member YMCA Majeed Edward in 1876. This organization

initiated two programs of women's empowerment in Lahore for the benefits of girls and women.

In 1966 Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto delivered his maiden political speech against Ayub Khan in YMCA

Hall, Lahore54.

Now its offices are working in 120 countries worldwide. The Salvation Army was created in

1885 in London as East London Christian mission, but later on its name was changed to

Salvation Army. It is working in 133 countries. It is running charity shops, shelter for homeless
and humanitarian and disaster relief. It is a charitable organization of Christian Church 55. It was

founded in Lahore in 1883 and provides facilities and services across the country including

orphanages, health programs, schools and skill development. Ganga Ram helped these two

organizations when they were in need.

3.11 Old Age Home

Arnald said; '' one's old age should be tranquil as Childhood should be playful 56''. Very few

people actually realized they are themselves in their old age. Sir Ganga Ram was among those

people whose sympathy for mankind was beyond that can be written. God gives man gifts to use

in his name to develop man's own personality for next life. There had not been any arrangement

for old age and infirm by local, provincial or central Govt. Voluntary organizations lacked the

requisite resources for such purpose. Ganga Ram had built a house for himself in Anarkali Bazar

which named was Ganga Niwas57. This house was vегу dear to him. This house is still present

there but in a very bad Condition and reckless. He thought to himself that this house was nothing

to him if he could not feel that old people had a roof above their heads. It was that he concerned

the idea Hindu Apahaj Ashram58 for old and infirm. The story of servant Kalu was in his mind

how he was helped by him. When he was too old to work he arrived at Ganga Ram's doorstep 59.

Ganga Ram accepted him and offered him shelter he lived with Ganga Ram till his death. Ganga

Ram thought that there were many others like Kalu who were homeless and without food. At that

time Ganga Ram was 76 years of age and had donated more than three million rupees for

charities60. This was in his mind the charities were incomplete untill he was able to help the old

age people. So in 1927 few months prior to his death he opened a home called Hindu Apahaj

Ashram.
He bought two acres land for this purpose and spent amount of Rs. 150000/-additionally. He

constructed there a Home which was adjacent to widows Home on the bank of River Ravi. It was

a beautiful location according to remarkable monuments were around it like Lahore Fort

Badshahi Mosque, Mintopark and a trip to the River Ravi was not far away. This place was ideal

and it is called Qasurpura61. He built there a number of rooms and a big open ground in the

center. Old people were provided with food, clothing and accommodation. Playing and

recreation facilities who provided. They could pray and read newspapers and books there, For ill

residents medical facilities were available. There was employed a special matron to look after

them. Doctors were provided there from Sir Ganga Ram Dispensary. Important visitors were

invited from time to time. Sir Ganga Ram visited this Home regularly. Details of every facility

were checked. He decided that when he was died port of his aches should be preserved in the

garden of center of this Home. He wished to stay with old people.

This gesture was a real source of happiness for old people. When Sir Ganga Ram was died on 10

July 1927 in London and he was cremated there and his ashes was brought to Lahore. The ashes

were buried in the center. this Home's Garden in Qasurpura, Lahore. People of Lahore showed

their great reverence and respect for him. Large crowds came out and widows were crying and

shedding tears. Later on a samadhi was constructed there but structure of Home and garden were

disappeared when river changed its course62.

Ganga Ram was born on 13 April which is a Baisakhi Day. This Home became a Center of

annual celebrations because of his birthday for senior citizens. The word Baisakhi is derived

from the word Vaisakha. It is the day when farmers return home with their bumper crop rightly

leaping the benefits of their hard labour. On this day the crop of what is ripened and harvesting

season is started by the people of Punjab. Bhuddists celebrated this day also because Lord
Buddha got enlightened on this day in Bodh Gaya 63. Baisakhi is an old festival which is a symbol

of national unity and integrity.

It is the day of new year according to Vikram Sambat. On this day it is said that sun reaches on

altitudes of its orbit and season of cold ends and heat starts. Guru Gobind Singh initiated Sikh

Farth on this day in 169964. So Sikh community celebrate this day with devotion. Thus Sir Ganga

Ram was remembered in many ways. This event brings a lot of social and economic benefits to

this area. So this place had become a model home for senior citizens. Ganga Ram's foresight was

realistic. He realized that old myth of about a Caring family tradition did not work for number of

people. However, the birthday date had another significant importance. On 13 April the new

Ganga Ram Hospital was inaugurated by Governor of Punjab Sir Bertrand James Glancy. During

the partition riats the Samadhi was damaged and once again in 1992 on Babri Masjid incident 65.

It remained close for many years. The Samadhi was renovated by the Evacuee Trust Property

Board. The Board built an iron fence to protect the property of Samadhi. there was a pond which

was covered with sand and cement. Floor and inner walls were covered with marble. After the

Completion of renovations. The Samadhi is opened for public once again after many years. Now

the Baisakhi "'Mela" is not hold there66.

3.12 Lady Maclagan Girls High School

Fig 20: Lady Maclagan Girls High School, Lahore

Sir Charles Wood was the President of Board of control of British East India Company. Wood's

Despatch67 was the introduction of English Education in British India in 1854. It is known as

Magna Carta of English education in India. He introduced English language from Primary to

University level for the progress in educational services, Primary and secondary educational

schemes were tried in the provinces. Medical and Govt. College Lahore were established and

finally the Punjab University was founded in 1882 in Lahore 68. At that time women were

concerned about their education but they were in small number. Most women were literate. Sir

Ganga Ram took the first step to do something for educated women and they and were interested

to join teaching profession after the establishment of Widows Home. He approached the Punjab

Govt. to build a teachers training college for women and a girl's school. The Punjab Govt

accepted his offer gladly. Ganga Ram's offer was of an Anglo- Vernacular School with the

middle Classes for girls open to all communities 69. Thus the Lady Maclagan Girls School was
founded in 1920. It was named after the name of Sir Edward Maclagan's wife. Sir Edward

Maclagan was the Lt. Governor of the Punjab from 1919 to 1924. He was married to Edith Emily

in Lahore70. She was the driving force behind the establishment of Girls school. Ganga Ram

purchased the land for Girls school and a building was built and designed under his supervision.

He donated the building for school. When he purchased the land there was a Masonic Hall 71.

This Hall is the oldest part of Lady Maclagan School. Masonic Hall was founded in 6th

September 1859. In these days this Hall is used as examinations and seminars. The property,

purchased by sir Ganga Ram was known as Maya Lodge 72. which was situated on Lower Mall,

Lahore. A Vernacular language and mathematics were compulsory subjects. Middle standard

examination73 was called ''The Vernacular Final and Middle School Examination ". This exam

was conducted by Education Department Punjab. A student name Tara Wate 74 stood first in the

province from this school in 1924. Cooking Laundry, sewing and hygiene werе taught there. For

the first time the Matric exam were conducted in 1928 75 by The Punjab University. After the

establishment of school a hostel was also opened for students which was adjacent to building.

Every arrangement has been made for the comfort and welfare of girls. A matron is in charge and

three members of the staff are living there. English is spoken in hostel. Music is also been

introduced into school. This institution has two wings one is primary school near Fountain House

and 2nd is GHSS Lodge Road, old Anarkali Lahore. In 1933 76 The Department decided to open a

B.T. Class at the Lady Maclagan School. The class was affiliated with University early in 1935,

and was called Lady Maclagan Teachers training College and Lady Maclagan Girls High School.

Lady Madagan Teacher Training College for women now known as the University of Education.

Lady Maclagan Girls High School has academic blocks, science laboratories library play

grounds, Masonic Hall and a Canteen. It's area is 45 Canals. From the foundation of this
institution different Kinds of games are playing here. ‘’After 1947 as Pakistan struggled to Find

its feet specially when matters Came to female education in Lahore, the finest girl's school was

without doubt the Govt. run Lady Maclagan Girls School at the edge of Old Anarkali 77’’. These

institutions are still functional today. Ganga Ram's establishments were the first pioneering

effort78.

Besides these social services Ganga Ram founded Poor Hindu's Relief Fund for needy widows

and children. Money and pension were given to them. During the period of high prices wheat and

other things he opened relief shops. He distributed blankets and warm clothing from the days of

his early poor in a lot of service to quantity.

Notes:
1
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-186.
2
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-187.
3
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-211
4
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-212
5
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-213
6
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-69

7
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-222

8
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-223

9
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-206

10
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-207

11
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-234

12
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-69

13
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-236

14
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-237

15
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-238

16
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-210
17
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-211
18
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-212
19
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-241
20
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-11
21
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-12

22
Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chaar Aadmi, p-31

23
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-216

24
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-217

25
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-218

26
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-219

27
Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chaar Aadmi, p-64

28
Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chaar Aadmi, p-65

29
Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chaar Aadmi, p-66

30
Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chaar Aadmi, p-67

31
Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chaar Aadmi, p-68

32
Dr. F.M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p-247

33
Asad Saleem Sheikh, Thandi Sarak, p-252

34
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-230

35
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-231

36
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-79

37
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-80

38
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-81

39
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-231
40
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-232

41
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-90

42
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-91

43
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-92

44
J.F. Bruce, A History of University of Punjab, Lahore, p-167

45
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-99

46
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-100

47
B.P.L. Bedi, Harrest from the Desert, P-238. 2021.

48
Ar. Yasmeen Ahmed, Connecting Future to a Century old Glory, Lahore College for Woman

Univesity,

49
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga -Ram, P-105.

50
Dr. F.M. Bhatt, A man for all Seasons, P-273

51
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-253.

52
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, the forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-111.

53
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desert, p-241.

54
Asad Saleen Scheikh, Thandi Sarak, P-221
55
Wikipedia

56
Dr. F.M. Bhatte; A man for all seasons, P-257.

57
B.P.L. Bedi, Harnest from the Desert, p-240
58
B.P.L. Bedi, Harnest from the Desert, p-241

59
B.P.L. Bedi, Harnest from the Desert, p-242

60
B.P.L. Bedi, Harnest from the Desert, p-243

61
Dr. F. M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, p_257.

62
Tahmina Aging Ayub, The forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-77
63
Dr. F. M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, P-262.

64
Dr. F. M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, P-263.

65
Tahmina Aziz Ayub, the forgotten legacies of Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram, P-17,

66
B.P.L. Bedi, Harvest from the Desest, P-2410

67
Dr. F. M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, P-251

68
J.F. Bruce, A History of University of Punjab, Lahore, p-81

69
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

47

70
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

48

71
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

49

72
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

50
73
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

51

74
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

52

75
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

53

76
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

54

77
Dr. Syeda Tahzeeb Arshad, Lady Maclagan Girls Higher Secondary School, Lahore, (1920-2020), p-

55

78
Dr. F. M. Bhatti, A man for all Seasons, P-251