An Edinburgh man who dedicated himself to the Indian arts scene in the capital has passed away.
Mohindar Dhall, founder and President of the Scottish Indian Arts Scene and Edinburgh Diwali, helped create ‘cultural bonds’ in the city. The forum has said his legacy will ‘continue to live on’.
He passed away at the age of 84. His family fled their hometown in the 1940s after the partition of India.
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The Scottish Indian Arts Forum said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad demise of our beloved Founder President of the Scottish Indian Arts Forum and Edinburgh Diwali, Mr Mohindra Pratap Dhall, MBE.
“His vision and dedication laid the foundation for our organization, and his legacy will continue to live on through the cultural bonds he helped create. May his soul rest in peace.”
One local resident commented: “Extremely saddened by this news!
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“Mohinder has been a pillar of strength for all of the Asian community in Edinburgh! He will be missed terribly. May his soul rest in eternal peace!”
MSP Foysol Choudhury added: “My deepest condolences to Mr. Mohindar Dhall’s family and friends during this difficult time.
“His dedication to the community and his passion for bringing people together will never be forgotten. May you find strength and comfort in the legacy he leaves behind. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.”
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Mr Dhall hailed from Faisalabad in Pakistan, formerly known as Lyallpur.
When India was split into two seperate states in 1947, Muslims fled to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs headed in the opposite direction. One million people died and 15 million were displaced.
While the Dhall family were Hindu, they wanted to stay in their home – though lootings and killings forced them to leave. Mr Dhall told the BBC in 2017 that they had ‘only a few hours to pack up and leave’.
They tried to get on a train, but it was too crowded. He said: “My father decided to come out of the train and we stayed back, only to hear the next day that whole train was completely butchered. Half of our friends from the village, who were on the train, got butchered.”