REKINDLING
POTHOHAR
The Potoharis are a migrant group from what is now modern day Pakistan that first began to settle in the UK in the mid-20th century following the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan. Although many came directly to the UK, some first settled in other countries around the world, only to become displaced again through further political expulsion in East Africa. Their story—one of resilience, fortitude, perseverance and determination—is just one part of the 5,000 year-long history of people in the Pothohar plateau. Since settling in the UK, Pothoharis have served in the House of Lords, run major charities, earnt Professorships, set up businesses and become members of the Judiciary.
This exhibition marks 75 years since the partition of India that dispersed the Pothohar community, and offers a glimpse into the rich history of Pothohar, and the exemplary work of the Pothohar Association in keeping that history alive.
“Each and every village of these four
districts of Pothohar were burned. And
this was on 11, 12th and 13th March. So
we suffered for the first time in India
when entire India was astonished.”
sardar tarlochan singh
Map of Punjab Province pre Partition with Pothohar highlighted in green.
The Pothohar Association UK was founded in 1970 to help support the community and also to promote and preserve the culture and heritage of the Pothohar. Since its inception, the Association has run several community events, lectures and celebrations, as well as launching its own quarterly newsletter. From 2016 the Association began to organise the annual BM Singh Memorial Lecture and has invited prominent speakers from India, Pakistan and the USA. The last lecture was
delivered by eminent economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
During the pandemic a number of online lectures and events were arranged on health awareness, prominent Pothoharis and history. In celebration of the leading roles that women have played in the Pothohar community, the Association organised an event to mark International Women’s Day in 2022. The Pothohar Association also holds family fun days to bring people together, an annual Vaisakhi programme and regular health seminars by leading medical professionals.
‘Rekindling Pothohar’ gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We would also like to thank the members and committee of the Pothohar Association UK and the University of Wolverhampton’s Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies for
their valuable support.
President: Chanchal Singh Chowdhry
Vice President: Harmeet Singh Suri
General Secretary: Bhupinder Singh Bhasin
Treasurer: Jagjit Kaur Goel
Joint Secretary: Raminder Singh Chowdhary
Committee Members: Jasbir Kaur Vohra & Harminder Kaur Chowdhary