In a historic departure from established protocol, Panjab University (PU) is set to honor its oldest living alumnus, 104-year-old Sahi Ram Bishnoi, who also holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving MLA from undivided Punjab. The university will confer a Citation of Honour on Bishnoi at his residence in Sakta Khera village near Dabwali this Saturday, marking the first time such an award is presented outside the campus during the Global Alumni Meet.
A Legacy Spanning Centuries and Transformations
Sahi Ram Bishnoi's extraordinary life journey encapsulates the tumultuous history of the Indian subcontinent, from the era of undivided Punjab through the traumatic Partition, displacement, and the formative years of independent India. His story, which was first documented in detail by this newspaper, serves as a living archive of a bygone era that shaped modern institutions.
Born in January 1922, Bishnoi pursued legal studies at the undivided Punjab University in Lahore before completing his degree at East Punjab University in Solan. This institution would later evolve into the present-day Panjab University in Chandigarh, making his educational trajectory mirror the university's own geographical and historical transition from pre-Partition Lahore to post-Partition Chandigarh.
From Personal Tragedy to Public Service
The Partition of 1947 uprooted Bishnoi's family from Bahawalpur, forcing them to resettle in Sakta Khera. Amid widespread violence, mass displacement, and administrative collapse, the young Bishnoi emerged as a crucial organizer, helping displaced families navigate relief efforts, rehabilitation programs, and rebuilding initiatives.
This formative experience profoundly shaped his commitment to public service, education, and ethical leadership. In 1957, during the early years of democratic governance in the region, he was elected as an MLA and established himself as a principled representative with a strong focus on education, rehabilitation, and community welfare at a time when institutions were still taking shape.
Breaking Tradition for Historical Recognition
Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig confirmed the decision to honor Bishnoi at his residence, citing both his advanced age and the historical significance of his life as primary considerations. This unprecedented move represents a significant deviation from the university's long-standing practice of conferring such honors exclusively during formal campus events.
The university's decision follows earlier reporting that highlighted Bishnoi's unique historical standing and pointed to the lack of formal recognition from his alma mater despite his status as a living connection to the institution's pre-Partition roots.
A Delegation of Respect and Recognition
On Saturday, a PU delegation led by registrar YP Verma and dean of alumni relations Latika Sharma will visit Bishnoi's residence to present the citation. They will be accompanied by Dinesh Bishnoi from the department of laws, assistant professor Jaidev Bishnoi from the English Department, and university photographer Vikas Kinha.
For Panjab University, this honor represents long-overdue recognition of an alumnus whose personal journey is inseparable from the institution's own historical narrative. Bishnoi's life not only spans the university's geographical transition but also embodies the resilience, public service, and educational values that the institution seeks to promote.
At 104 years old, Sahi Ram Bishnoi stands as a testament to a generation that witnessed and shaped India's transition from colonial rule to independent nationhood, making this recognition both a personal tribute and a historical acknowledgment of an era that continues to influence contemporary India.
