Studying Law continues...

He won a State scholarship and joined the Cambridge University. Unfortunately he fell ill there and developed T.B. of the knee joint. He was advised by the British doctors to return home. He thus lost the chance of sitting for his Tripos and for the I.C.S. examination. On his return home he was operated upon by Col. Smith, Civil Surgeon, Jullundur, but the wound would not heal. A local barber, Leekar of Jullundur, however succeeded where all the resources of modern medical knowledge in India had failed. Under his treatment the wound soon healed up. Having been cured of his serious ailment though left with a stiff knee joint, he came to Bakshi Tek Chand’s house where I resided in those days. He was also late in joining the college, but was given immunity from lectures by Principal Golak Nath. We lived together for sometime and joined the Law College practically about the same time. We became great friends and our friendship lasted till Lala Jagan Nath died. We were described as inseparables. I have not found another friend like lagan Nath. He beat me in both law examinations by a few marks, and deprived me of the gold medal. But I knew he deserved it. He was five years my senior. He was in the fifth year when I joined the Government College as a first year fool. He had a fine memory and a brilliant intellect. Unassuming and refined, to be in his company was an exhilarating experience. We were together in the Lahore Law College as part time lecturers and we practised together at the Lahore High Court. Very often, however, we appeared for opposing sides, but this did not disturb our friendship. He was leader of the High Court Bar.

The other friendship was of that great Indian patriot Hardayal. During my college days I had a look at him occasionally. We, the juvenile members of the college, were his great admirers. He was a brilliant scholar.

to be continued....

(This account is maintained by Har Anand Publication)