Page 62 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 2 | December 2023 - January 2024

As I mentioned, my family had to escape from present-day Pakistan Due to the nature of my business, I had the opportunity to extensively
during the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947. The harrowing experience travel around the globe. Among my most cherished travel memories
involved my siblings and me being hastily placed on trains to evade the are experiences in Brazil and Colombia. During my stay in Brazil, I
escalating violence – a story that unfolds over a considerable span of time. was fortunate enough to witness the renowned Brazilian Carnival from
the comfort of my hotel room. In Colombia, the atmosphere felt so
What technological and social changes have you lived through? familiar that some people mistook me for a local and conversed with

I began with black-and-white televisions, and now I find myself using me in Spanish!

YouTube on my phone, witnessing a multitude of technological What health and wellness tips would you like to share?
transformations throughout my lifetime. The most astonishing change
occurred when my children introduced me to computers and explained I have been actively involved in exercise since my youth, enjoying sports,
how I could showcase and sell any product online. Initially sceptical, practicing yoga, and maintaining an overall active lifestyle. To this day,
I’ve effectively adapted to evolving communication technologies. I take I dedicate around 1 to 1.5 hours daily to exercise. In my perspective,
pride in my ability to independently enjoy watching vintage Hindi songs the health culture during my upbringing was more robust, with
on YouTube and engage in video calls with family and friends. On the individuals being conscientious about their well-being and proactively
other hand, in my opinion, the prevalence of social media has led to a taking measures to maintain good health. Nowadays, there seems to
culture where everything seems to be done for appearance. Genuine be a shift, with people prioritising their careers and jobs, often opting
love and happiness are becoming increasingly rare. for quick fixes like pills rather than actively managing their health.

What are some significant moments or memories in your life? Any final reflections or advice?

My kids attended a boarding school in India, so my wife and I would I would advise husbands and wives to cultivate a genuine love for each
make regular visits to see them. Witnessing the happiness on their faces other, as this love will naturally extend to their children. In our own
brought me immense joy back then, and those memories continue experience, my wife and I ensured that our grandchildren, as they were
to bring me joy today. growing up, left their phones in a designated basket when visiting us,
promoting genuine conversation and connection.

is when I first became a parent, and then when I first became a
MR HUKAM SINGH grandparent. Holding my son and grandchild in my arms each time
LUTHRA filled me with joy and excitement. Among my fondest childhood
81 years old memories are the moments spent playing and cuddling with my
Manufacturer and grandfather. Another delightful experience from my teenage years was
Wholesaler of Lace Fabric the day I made my first sale of two yards of cloth, a moment overflowing
with joy and happiness.
What were your earliest years

like? Any historical events What health and wellness tips would you like to share?
that you remember? I continue to engage in daily exercise as I have always been passionate
From a young age, I possessed a about sports. About 26 years ago, I experienced a heart attack and
natural inclination for adventure, underwent bypass surgery, which led to a temporary halt in my exercise
always seeking to explore and discover new things. Despite my routine. However, I maintained a positive mindset throughout. After
limited academic background, I had a strong affinity for Mathematics, a recovery period of 3-4 years post-surgery, I resumed running six days
and I harboured a deep passion for marketing and always aspired to a week for an hour each day. I continued running until the age of 75,
become a successful businessman. and now, I incorporate a daily one-hour walk both in the morning and
evening into my routine.
The partition of India and Pakistan had a profound effect on my life.

Witnessing extensive violence and encountering numerous casualties Any final reflections or advice?
at the tender age of 4-5 was incredibly challenging to comprehend. Place a high priority on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a
My family and I managed to escape first from Pakistan and later from balanced and nutritious diet, along with a consistent exercise routine.
Calcutta to Penang, navigating through numerous challenges and facing Proactively investing in self-care can result in enhanced physical and
considerable difficulties during the process. The entire experience was mental well-being, ultimately elevating your overall quality of life.
marked by hardships and struggles.

What is your take on the technological and social changes through
the decades?
I’ve transitioned from an era with no television to the introduction of
black and white TVs to the current prevalence of smart TVs; from MR. RACHPAL SINGH
VHS tapes to no longer relying on physical media. The evolution NARULA
also extended to communication. While adapting to these changes 89 years old
posed challenges, with the support of my children and grandchildren, Owner of Dao Siam
I successfully embraced these advancements. Textile

Societal norms have evolved positively. In the past, women were typically
confined to domestic duties and childcare, while men took on the role What are some of your earliest
of breadwinners. Nowadays, both genders share equal responsibilities. childhood memories?
Today’s children receive a higher level of education compared to the Any historical events that you

past, and they also enjoy greater freedom compared to our generation. remember?
Among my earliest memories is watching
What are some significant moments or memories in your life? my father leave for the gurudwara at first light every day.

The most cherished moment that still brings me immense joy today In essence, the Gurudwara Sahib was the centre of our existence.