I came from Chandigarh to attend the marriage of my nephew which was solemnized perhaps during 1959, in village Kot Fatuhi near Mahilpur (Hoshiarpur). After the marriage ceremony was over I got the bus from Mahilpur for Hoshiarpur. I put my steel suitcase on the roof of the bus. When the bus reached at Adda Mahilpur, in Hoshiarpur I got down from the bus but I could not find my suitcase on its roof. I told the conductor that my suite case was missing. The conductor told me that there another similar suite case lying there and no body was claiming that suite case. He suggested that my suitcase must have been replaced with someone else. He wanted me to take the left out suite case I insisted that this suitcase is not mine. Conductor said that nothing else could be done and that the only solution under the circumstances was that I could take that left out suite case. Thinking no other alternative, I reluctantly took that suitcase and came home (Shergarh).
After reaching home, I immediately called the Sarpanch of the village Shri Mehanga Ram and opened the suite case in his presence. When the suitcase was opened every one was surprised to see the golden Jewellery in it i.e. a big Golden Set, Ear rings, Mundi and Kante. The estimated cost was worked out about Rs.11 thousand at that time.
Early next morning I alongwith my uncle Sh. Mangat Ram went to the Principal Rala Ram, D.A.V. college Hoshiarpur who was also M.L.A. in those days. We tried to inform others also as we could. On the same day two three persons including a Sarpanch of village Bahowal came to my house and claimed the ownership of the suitcase. We told them that this matter has gone to the high level and we can not give the suitcase to him there. We went to the D.C. office Hoshiarpur and gave them the suite case after verification of their credentials with all their goods. They gave me Rs. 20/- as a reward. I returned Rs. 20/- to them saying that this money be given to their daughter (bridegroom) by considering her as my sister as Shagan from my side. They accepted my offer.
Actually, the owner of the suitcase was S. Jwala Singh, a land lord of Bahowal near Mahilpur. His daughter, the owner of the suit case was returning to her parent home from her in-laws home. They got down from the bus at Bahowal village. Their suitcase was changed there with mine’s one due to hurry of the bus driver.
In my suitcase there were only two sets of clothes and one cotton Khesi. Also there was no clue about my address.
However, after vacations when I went to my office every body was asking me about it. They were very happy to see the news in the newspapers about my honesty. I was also surprised and happy to know that matter has been published in the Newspapers with bold Headings.
My colleagues, in my office, started collecting money from amongst themselves to give me a reward feeling proud that their colleagues has done an extremely act.
However my boss asked them not to collect Rs.5/- or Rs.2/- from every person to give reward to me as the money was no consideration in comparison to his honesty. He told them if they give me love from the core of their hearts, it would be every thing for me. Thus, collecting money was stopped and the money collected was returned to the concerned persons.
During that period a D.O. (Demi-Official) letter was received from Mr. Sube Singh, I.A.S., Deputy Commissioner, Hoshiarpur by the Hon’ble Speaker S. Gurdial Singh Dhillon with a recommendation for a suitable reward for me for the exemplary honesty shown by me being a person from a poor low community.
After some time, my well-wishers asked me unofficially that why did you know the recommendations were not being sent to the Deputy Commissioner, Hoshiarpur. I replied I did not know why the suitable reward had not been recommended. He told me that you are belonging to the poor society of rural areas, so the concerned officers did not take care of your honesty. Therefore, the case was closed.
Perhaps, in view of my publicity in the suitcase issue I was posted in the personal staff of the Speaker, Hon’ble S. Gurdial Singh Dhillon, Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
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