I live in a city that is one of the most ancient in the world. The residents proudly say, “Lahore Lahore ae!” Lahore is the heart of Pakistan and is its most vibrant city. However, it is tragic that the residents have forgotten the person who is the architect of Lahore and is often referred to as the father of modern Lahore: Sir Ganga Ram. April 13th is the birth date of Sir Ganga Ram, and this piece is the humble effort of the author to honour him.
Ganga Raam was not just an engineer, architect, or philanthropist; he was ahead of his time and the kind of man who is born once in a blue moon. Ganga Raam’s parents migrated to Lahore. His father was the son of an ordinary farmer who hailed from Muzaffarnagar, and his mother was the daughter of an ordinary trader. Both of his parents migrated to Lahore when the British had almost solidified their control over the subcontinent. His father moved there in search of a better livelihood and was inducted into the police as a sub-inspector, which was a significant position at that time. He was posted to Mangtanwala. His father, Daulat Ram, began the search for accommodation for himself and his wife but faced many challenges. After numerous efforts, he noticed an empty gurdwara. Although it was vacant, a dervish lived there who had no interest in worldly affairs. After his official hours, Daulat Ram went to the gurdwara daily and developed an unusual bond with the dervish. One day, the dervish asked him, “What do you want?” Daulat Ram replied, “I want to live here.” The dervish responded, “People come here to pray, not to live.” However, after Daulat Ram’s insistence, the dervish allowed him to reside there, and Daulat Ram and his wife moved into a small room in the gurdwara.
Ganga Raam was born on April 13, 1851, in the gurdwara. At the time of his birth, a dervish told his father, “Your boy will go far and achieve things that no one has ever accomplished.” These prophetic words ultimately became a reality. During his lifetime, Ganga Raam made significant contributions to his region, achievements that many could only dream of. Shortly after his birth, he and his parents moved to Amritsar, where his father took a job as a court copywriter. Ganga Raam completed his matriculation in Amritsar and then enrolled in the renowned Government College Lahore in 1869. After graduating from GCU, he was given a scholarship to Thomson Engineering College Roorkee, now IIT Roorkee. In 1873, he passed his engineering exam with flying colours, earning a gold medal and securing third place in his class.
Sir Ganga Raam was appointed as an assistant engineer in Gurdaspur after graduating. After two years, he was transferred to Dera Ghazi Khan. His passion for his work and expertise led him to meet Deputy Commissioner Robert. Sir Ganga Raam was called to Lahore to supervise the preparations for the visit of the Prince of Wales. Ganga Raam’s dedication led him to Bradford for training at the official expense. After returning, he served in Peshawar and was appointed as the executive engineer in Lahore. This is the place where Ganga Raam did wonders and changed the shape of Lahore, which no one ever could achieve.
Ganga Raam is the visionary behind the infrastructure of Lahore, a city that stands out from others in Pakistan. His meticulous organisation of Lahore has significantly shaped its identity. When people say, “Lahore Lahore ae,” they should remember to thank Ganga Raam. He designed Mall Road, where visitors can stroll and reminisce about colonial times. This road is uniquely designed to provide shade from the scorching sun, as it is lined with trees on both sides. Ganga Raam also designed the GPO building, which is one of the most beautiful structures on Mall Road. Additionally, he created the design for the post office located there as well. Ganga Raam was also behind the design of the aesthetically pleasing Lahore High Court building. His passion for education inspired him to design the structures of several prestigious institutions, including Aitchison College Lahore, Hailey College of Commerce, the National College of Arts, and Lahore College for Women University. To this day, these institutions are regarded as some of the most prestigious in the country. He also established Ganga Raam Hospital in Lahore, which is the affiliated hospital of the Fatima Jinnah Medical University.
Model Town in Lahore is renowned for its beauty and well-planned infrastructure, making it one of the most upscale neighbourhoods in Pakistan, both before and after partition. This community was designed by Sir Ganga Raam, and his vision is commendable. Even in the 1920s, he prioritised the environment, as evidenced by the trees lining every street and situated in front of every house.
Sir Ganga Raam was not only an architect and engineer but also a philanthropist. In 1914, he founded the Hindu Widow Remarriage Association, which was a revolutionary initiative aimed at supporting young widowed girls of that era. In 1921, he proposed to the government the establishment of a home for Hindu widows who were unable to remarry. This proposal was accepted, and Sir Ganga Raam provided both the land and funding for the widows’ home. The Hindu Widows Home was inaugurated on April 6, 1921. After the partition, these women migrated to India, and for 25 years, this building remained vacant. In the 1970s, it was transformed into the Fountain House on the proposal of Dr Rasheed Chaudhry. This facility was established for people with mental illness who are often neglected by society. Little did Ganga Raam know that the widow’s home he built would eventually serve those in need of mental health support.
It is unfortunate that most people in Lahore roam the streets or visit the establishments created by Sir Ganga Raam without having any knowledge of who he was. While the government has focused on preserving the heritage of old Lahore, it should also raise awareness about this remarkable individual, as his contributions will stand as a testament to his legacy for eternity.