New Delhi: Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was sworn in today as the 51st Chief Justice of India, is on a heartfelt quest to locate his ancestral home in Amritsar. The historic residence, originally built by his grandfather Sarav Dayal, holds significant sentimental value for the newly appointed Chief Justice.
Sources close to Justice Khanna have revealed that his visits to Amritsar consistently include a stop at Katra Sher Singh, the area where his family home once stood. Despite the rapid changes in the locality over the years, Khanna remains determined to find the house constructed by his grandfather.
Sarav Dayal, a distinguished lawyer and the father of the renowned Justice HR Khanna, was an influential figure in the legal community during the pre-Independence era. He was an active member of the Congress committee formed in response to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, underscoring his commitment to justice and national causes.
During that tumultuous period, Sarav Dayal acquired two properties: one in Katra Sher Singh near Jallianwala Bagh and another in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. The Katra Sher Singh residence, which Justice Khanna is striving to locate, was reportedly desecrated and set ablaze during the Partition in 1947. Fortunately, his grandfather managed to restore the property in the aftermath.
Justice Khanna's personal connection to the house is profound. At the age of five, he visited the Katra Sher Singh home with his father. A sign reading 'Bauji' ("Grandfather") remained at their Dalhousie residence as a lasting tribute. However, after Sarav Dayal's passing, the Amritsar house was sold in 1970, leaving behind cherished memories for the family.
Despite the sale, Chief Justice Khanna continues to reminisce about his grandfather's house. Each visit to Amritsar involves an effort to locate the once-respected family residence, symbolizing his enduring bond to his heritage and the legacy of his forebears.
In personal reflections, Justice Khanna recalls his grandfather's wisdom, remembering how Sarav Dayal advised him against bringing schoolbooks during holidays. "The education you gain from life experiences surpasses what can be found in books," his grandfather would say, instilling in him a deep appreciation for practical knowledge and personal growth.
The search for his ancestral home highlights Justice Khanna's dedication to preserving his family's legacy amidst the evolving landscape of Amritsar. As he embarks on his role as Chief Justice, this personal journey underscores the balance he maintains between his esteemed public duties and his private heritage.
The legal community and the public watch with interest as Justice Khanna navigates his responsibilities while honoring his family's past. His quest to reconnect with his roots serves as a poignant reminder of the personal stories that shape our leaders and their commitment to both tradition and progress.
