Fifty years ago, in the biochemistry lab of Government Medical College, Amritsar, I, a bewildered newcomer, had a memorable encounter. A handsome, fair “Munda” brushed past me, accidentally nicking my new white overall with his scalpel, protruding out his overall’s pocket . Though initially upsetting, this incident led to a serendipitous moment. Sensing the mishap, he turned around and with his twinkling “Bilian Ankha and a mischievous smile” .. he simply said “Hellooo. ” In that fleeting moment, he captured my soul and thus began a bond that has endured through the decades.
Today, When I close my eyes and listen to Balkar Sidhu’s renowned song “Mar Mitti,” while metaphorically embracing my new cherished name “Kamli” in GP, memories of distant time flood my mind. In this moment, it feels as though Kamli is singing for my friend Billa. The lyrics and melody intertwine, seamlessly bringing back cherished memories
Ve main tere utte mar miti
Tera mukhda dekhdeyan saar
Ve sun sohni soorat valeya
Tera roop tikhi talwar
Tera haasa wangar teer de
Mere laggeya seeneyon paar
Ve Main tere utte mar miti
As we embarked upon our academic journey , “ Billa” displayed a seriousness towards his studies like all day scholars. In contrast, I, as a hosteler, paid more attention to extracurricular activities than to my studies. Despites these contrasts, our friendship blossomed, perhaps because we shared similar backgrounds, but mostly because of the mutual enjoyment we found in the fun and light-hearted moments we shared.
Billa showed his witty character on many occasions. One such incident occurred during the physiology class when Dr. H S Gill, had asked all students about their background with details of their schooling. A sense of insecurity crept in among us small towners particularly as we compared ourselves to the seemingly sophisticated classmates with convent education backgrounds. When it was Billa’s turn to introduce himself, he confidently stated, “Sir, my name is Sanjeev Sachdeva from Cheherhta. I studied at Saint CGHS and done pre-med from DAV College.” We could see that Dr. Gill was suitably impressed. After class, we asked Billa why he hadn’t mentioned about his convent education to us. He chuckled and explained that Saint CGHS was an abbreviation for Cheherata Girls High School and we all had a good laugh.
During First and Second profs, before the allure of alcohol and raging hormones took hold, Billa, Rajinder Gill, and I would have a blast in the hostel, bonding over cups of tea. However, when our trio was introduced to liquor, our world changed
One memorable incident involved my wife, Jas, whose home was close to our college. One day, as she and her friend passed by the college, Billa and I decided to follow them to the Inder Palace theatre, where an English movie, “Crazy Boys of the Game,” was playing. Unbeknownst to them, we ended up watching the movie too, though the girls sowed no interest in us, clearly unimpressed by our presence. Billa, nicknamed them the “Crazy Girls.” A couple of days later, when they passed by the college again, Billa casually informed our friends that we had gone to watch a movie with these “smart beautiful girls.” Naturally, everyone was astonished and curious about how we had managed to do that. Billa shrugged and said we had watched the same show, and we were also sitting in the same balcony where they were seated.
When he met with an accident and had a leg fracture, I temporarily relocated to Cheherata to be closer to him. Once he was well enough to move around, Uncle generously allowed us to use his car for our daily college visits. This newfound freedom and his subsequent shifting to C block opened up a world of endless fun and mischief for us boys. While I’ll refrain from detailing our escapades on this platform, those moments of camaraderie and adventure remain cherished memories in my heart.
In the final prof and internship, Cupid’s arrow found its mark and Billa embarked on a secretive courtship with our beautiful classmate, Veena Kaura. He kept his romantic endeavours closely guarded, until one day he confided in me, saying, ” Yaar Scheme Banao , te Veena nu motivate karo for a Cheherata visit” We carefully scripting the plan.
One day on what looked like an accidental encounter with Veena and Raj, I playing the role of the hero’s sidekick, casually mentioned to Veena, ” Thode Class fellow di family ch new arrival “nephew” hoya hai, te tusi Wadhai den nahi jaoge .” It was as if the heroine had been waiting for her cue and she graciously accepted the invitation. Our plan had worked seamlessly, paving the way for their blossoming romance and a splendid life partnership.
When destiny took him to Yamunanagar, he became the top physician of the area by his sheer hard work , dedication and empathy. In my experience, I have encountered few physicians with the clarity of thought and the ability to formulate a treatment pathway after just an initial set of diagnostic tests. What set him apart was his unwavering commitment to providing undivided attention and care to every patient, equally. Money and material possessions held no importance for him; his focus was solely on the well-being of his patients. He harboured no grudges and treated everyone with kindness and respect. He embodied the essence of a compassionate healer, faithfully adhering to the Hippocratic oath and earning the title of a true “Rab Da Banda”, a soul devoted to serving people.
From the outset, I recognized Sanjeev Sachdeva as a person of remarkable qualities. I harboured a sense of pride, bolstered by the belief that I held a unique bond with him. This conviction was reinforced by encounters with people whom I met for the first time as they would often say, “Ah, you’re Kaka Grewal, the one Dr. Sanjeev mentions about..”. However, what astonished me, was the realization that I was not alone in having this unique bond with him. Every person I encountered who had even the slightest connection to him, whether from Cherheta, Amritsar Yamunanagar or any other place, claimed to share an equally special and unique bond with Dr. Sanjeev Sachdeva. This phenomenon spoke volumes about his personality, his influence, his affection, and the love he exuded effortlessly, touching the lives of all who crossed his path.
The picture with this tribute to my Soul brother, has his partner, Veena Sachdeva with him , it was chosen because he is not complete with out her . I have a triple connect with her as she is my friend my Bhabhi and my Behan. She was chosen by destiny to be the partner of this divine being. She is such a gracious, pious and a dedicated person.
While looking at this picture we all can sing the remaining lyrics of Mar Mitti.
Ve main ik teri tasveer nu
Dekhan din wich sau sau vaar
Ve toon haani meri rooh da
Mere saahan da sardaar
Ve Main tere utte mar miti
His memory is a constant reminder of the indescribable emptiness in my heart, it also brings to my mind the cherished moments we shared and the profound impact he had on countless lives with his remarkable attitude towards life. I remember him with deep affection and a smile on my face
Words come hard, no matter what you say, it is not enough.
Perhaps, In essence, I can say …..
“Billa”
Yaar Anmulla,
Hawa Da Bullah,
Tribute to Billa Yamunanagria by Kaka Ganganagria
