A Memorable Field Visit to Lokabharti Gram Vidyapith – One of the Best College Tours

 Can one institution truly combine education, nature, discipline, research, and service into a single life-changing experience?

On 19 February 2026, I discovered the answer during our unforgettable field visit to Lokbharti Gramvidyapith Trust and Lokbharati University for Rural Innovation in Sanosara, near Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

We travelled together by bus with many students and teachers, excited to explore one of India’s most unique rural universities.

Our entire day was guided beautifully by Dr. Nitinbhai Bhingaradiya, Associate Professor of Gujarati, who showed us every department and explained the institution’s philosophy, history, and working with patience and warmth.

 History & Ideals of Lokbharti:

Lokbharti was founded in 1953 by great Gandhian educationist Nanabhai Bhatt, with support from scholars like Manubhai Pancholi and Mulshankar Dave.

Before establishing Lokbharti, Nanabhai experimented with rural education at Gram Dakshinamurti in Bhavnagar and Ambla. But he realised higher education also needed rural values—so he created Lokbharti at Sanosara.

Its philosophy is based on Gandhiji’s Nai Talim and Sarvodaya: 

•  Education through work
•  Character building
•  Community living
• Self-reliance

In 2022, Lokbharti became a private university, strengthening its role as India’s first university dedicated to rural innovation.

 Our First Stop – Saraswat Bhavan

We first entered Saraswat Bhavan, the heart of Lokbharti.

Here Dr. Nitin Sir explained:  Institution’s history

•  Working system
•  Purpose of rural education

This building has three functions in one:

 • Lecture Hall

• Prayer Hall

• Library

Many great speakers like Nanabhai Bhatt, Manubhai Pancholi, Mulshankar Dave, Morai Bapu and others have spoken here. The old structure gave us a deep spiritual and historical feeling.

The library contains books from every field—literature, agriculture, philosophy, science—showing Lokbharti’s holistic education.

We also visited reading areas with newspapers and books for students.

 Daily Life of Lokbharti Students:

Lokbharti students live in hostels and follow disciplined life:

• Wake up at 5 AM
•  Self-work & campus cleaning
•  Morning prayer
•  Classes + Practical training
• Community work

Around 750 students live in about 10 hostels, and teachers live with families like one big family. Education here is learning life, not only textbooks.

 Courses Offered at Lokbharati University:

Lokbharati University focuses on rural development and innovation.

 Undergraduate Courses

• BRS – Bachelor of Rural Studies

• B.Sc Agriculture

• BA – Gujarati, Hindi, English, Psychology

• B.Com / Skill B.Com

• BBA – Agri-Business

• B.Voc – Natural Farming, Agro-Processing

Postgraduate Courses

• MRS – Masters in Rural Studies

• MA – Gujarati / Hindi / English

• MSW – Social Work

• PG Diploma – Seed Production, NGO & CSR

 PhD Programs

• Rural Studies

• Social Sciences

These courses prepare students to solve real rural problems and become self-reliant.

 Agriculture Research & Farming

We visited the Agriculture Research Centre where Dr. Nitin Sir explained everything.

• Anyone—even Arts students—can do research.
• Farmers get training and new methods.

 Famous wheat variety Lok-1 was discovered here by scientist Zaverbhai Patel, later improved into varieties like Lok-79 and Lok Bold.

We also saw tomato farming and plant cultivation helping farmers increase income.

Then we visited the institution farm and saw natural farming methods.

 Krishi Vigyan Kendra Visit

Next we visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra where farmers come for training.We saw: 

•  Bordi plants
• Chikoo plants
• Sitaphal plants
• Organic farming nursery 

Sir told us about Rajendra Tekri, named after India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who once stayed there for reflection. Students still go there for meditation. Sometimes lions and leopards are seen near the hill.

Natural farming input resource centre:

 Go-Sanvardhan & Cow Research Centre

We visited the cow research centre.

Here we learned: 

•  Different cow breeds kept separately
•  Special care for pregnant cows
•  Special area for calves
• Dairy training for students

Students learn milking and dairy production and even earn money.

Every cow has a full record—name, parents, milk production.

We tasted ice-candy made from fresh milk—it was delicious!

Women Empowerment & Rural Craft:

We visited a house where a woman makes peacock art from real pearls and feathers. One peacock priced ₹50,000 received government recognition. Lokbharti supports rural artisans and women empowerment.

Healthy Lokbharti Food:

Lunch included roti, sabji, dal-chawal, salad, khaman-dhokla, laddu and chhas( ButterMilk). Simple and healthy food in peaceful environment felt like home.

After lunch we explored the campus, took photos, played games, and enjoyed nature.

 Balwant Bhavan & Reading Centres:

We visited Balwant Bhavan, a research centre for community studies and rural projects, and newspaper reading areas for students.

 Campus Beauty & Eco-System:

The campus spreads across 165 acres near Sindri river, surrounded by hills and reservoirs built by students.

There is an open bathing gat where water is filtered and reused for gardens—showing eco-friendly thinking.

Students also go on village tours to understand rural problems.

 My Personal Experience:

Walking through Saraswat Bhavan, farms, research centres, hostels, and gaushala, I felt deep inspiration.

Lokbharti is not just a university—it is a life philosophy.

It teaches simplicity, discipline, service, and love for nature.

The feeling we experienced there cannot be explained—it must be lived.

Conclusion

Lokbharti Gramvidyapith proves that true education builds character, village, and nation together.

Our field visit on 19 February 2026 became one of the most meaningful experiences of my student life. It showed me that education is powerful only when it serves society.

Thank you for visiting my blog !

NSS – Seven Days, A Lifetime of Learning

Hello, dear reader… 

Have you ever lived a week that quietly reshapes your thinking, your habits, and even your understanding of life? I experienced such a transformation during my unforgettable seven-day National Service Scheme (NSS) camp, held from 2nd to 8th January 2026 at Pandit Sukhlalji Lokvidyalay, Maydhar, managed by Lokabharti Gram Vidhyapeeth Trust.

I participated in this camp as part of my internship programme, but it became much more than an academic task—it became a journey of discipline, service, awareness, and personal growth that I will always cherish.

 About the School – A Place of Values and Inspiration

Pandit Sukhlalji Lokvidyalay is located in Maydhar, Taluka Palitana, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat, and provides education from Standard 9 to 12 for both boys and girls, with hostel facilities available. The campus is clean, green, and well-maintained, with a solar system, a large assembly hall called Santhagar, and residential quarters for teachers.

Students often study outdoors under the shade of trees, creating a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. Prayer is conducted twice a day, which builds discipline and spiritual focus among students.

The school strongly follows Gandhian values and organizes programmes like Gandhi Gunjan, which promote teamwork, empathy, and moral character. It also has special learning centres such as the Aavishkar Science Center, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and computer classes, encouraging practical and experiential learning.

In 2025, the school received the prestigious Darshak Sanman (Audience Award) presented by Morari Bapu for its excellent work in education and community service. He praised the institution for nurturing the five essential principles of education—Vidya, Vinay, Gun, Nipun, and Sheel (knowledge, humility, virtue, skill, and character).

Being in such an environment during the NSS camp felt truly inspiring.

 Purpose of the NSS Camp – Learning Through Service

The NSS camp aimed to develop discipline, leadership qualities, environmental awareness, social responsibility, and the spirit of selfless service through community living and experiential learning.

The main focus was awareness about Global Warming. Through Shram Karya, village interaction, educational visits, Baudhik Satra, and academic activities, we learned about its causes, effects, and preventive measures while understanding rural life closely.

We realized that protecting nature is not just theory—it is our responsibility.

Inaugural Ceremony – A Meaningful Beginning

The NSS camp began with a formal inauguration ceremony in the presence of respected dignitaries. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. BharatSinh Gohil, NSS Director of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavanagar (MKBU).

The chief guests included Dr. Manisha Shah, Principal of Government College, Talaja. Special guests such as Dr. Bhavnaben Pathak and Punaben Dangar also graced the occasion.

They encouraged us to serve society with dedication and explained the true spirit of NSS—Not Me But You. Their inspiring words motivated us to participate actively and sincerely in every activity of the camp.

The ceremony created enthusiasm, discipline, and a sense of responsibility among all volunteers, marking a beautiful beginning of our NSS journey.

Daily Routine – Discipline in Action

Each morning began with Prabhat Feri and prayer, filling us with positivity and energy. Living together in a disciplined routine taught us punctuality, teamwork, patience, and respect for time.

 Shram Karya – Service with Dedication

Community service was the heart of the camp. Activities included:

• Cleaning the village temple, Moksha Dham, and streets

• Writing awareness slogans on village walls

• Visiting primary schools to interact with children

• Assisting in cooking work

These activities taught us humility, teamwork, and the dignity of labour. We realized that real service is done silently, with love.

 Village Interaction & Educational Visits

We conducted a Village Survey on Global Warming, collecting and documenting environmental practices of villagers.

We also visited:

• STEM Avishkar Vigyan Kendra

• KVK (Krushi Vikas Kendra)

• Mojlilu Shikshan Kendra

These visits gave practical exposure to science, agriculture, and innovative education.

Daily report reading, games, and group activities strengthened confidence, discipline, and friendship.

 Active Participation as NSS Volunteers

As NSS volunteers, we actively participated in:

• Shram Karya – cleaning, slogan writing, school visits

• Village survey – data collection and documentation

• Baudhik Satra – attending lectures

• Academic project – translation presentation

• Daily activities – report reading, group discussions, games

All activities were conducted under Programme Officers with discipline and teamwork.

Baudhik Satra – Learning Beyond Books

The intellectual sessions conducted during the NSS Camp were highly inspiring and informative.

• Dr. Arunbhai Dave (Arun Dada), Managing Trustee of Lokbharti Gramvidhya Peeth, Sanosara, explained Global Warming and sustainable living with practical examples, creating strong awareness about environmental responsibility.

• Dr. Hasmukhbhai Devmurari, along with Dhartiben Jograna, conducted the “Brahmand Darshan” session through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. They explained the universe, planets, constellations, and astronomical concepts in a simple way. At night, they organized a naked-eye sky observation (Tara Darshan), where we observed stars and constellations directly. They also connected astronomy with both Indian and Western studies, explaining traditional Indian knowledge along with modern scientific understanding.

• Dr. Manharbhai Thakar, former Principal of Shri Gulabray Sanghvi B.Ed. College, Bhavnagar, spoke about Personality Development and Youth Empowerment, motivating students to build confidence, discipline, and positive thinking.

• Dr. Bhavanaben Pathak, Centre Coordinator and educationist of Pandit Sukhlalji Lokvidyalay, explained Biodiversity through interesting activities and practical examples, helping us understand the importance of nature conservation.

These intellectual sessions broadened our knowledge, improved our scientific thinking, and inspired us to become responsible and aware citizens.

✍️ Academic Project – Translation Presentation

As Sem-6 English students, we worked on a translation project based on selected letters written by Manubhai Pancholi (Darshak) from his book Chetovistarni Yatra, which contains thoughtful letters addressed to his disciple Mrudulaben. The original letters were in Gujarati, and our task was to translate them into Hindi and English. From our group work, we selected one letter and prepared three versions—Gujarati (original), Hindi translation, and English translation. During the Baudhik Satra, I presented the English translation. This activity improved my translation skills, language accuracy, communication ability, presentation confidence, and understanding of Manubhai Pancholi’s educational philosophy and values. Overall, the project gave us practical experience in translation and helped us understand how ideas, culture, and emotions are expressed through different languages.

 Personal Growth Through NSS

Through interaction with villagers, teachers, and fellow volunteers, I improved:

• Communication skills

• Translation ability

• Presentation confidence

• Listening and speaking skills

This camp helped me grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

 Life Lessons from NSS Camp

• Discipline – following routine sincerely
• Teamwork – working together in Shram Karya
•  Social Responsibility – understanding community needs
• Environmental Awareness – learning sustainability
•  Leadership – taking initiative with confidence

These lessons will guide my life.

 Conclusion – Memories for a Lifetime

The NSS camp was well-organized, educational, and deeply inspiring. It strengthened my understanding of community service, environmental responsibility, teamwork, and personal development.

I sincerely thank the Principal, faculty members, Programme Officers, and everyone who guided us during the NSS camp.

Because sometimes…

Seven days are enough to teach a lifetime of values.

SEC Internship Viva 2025-26

 Introduction:

Hello Reader,

This blog presents a visual interpretation of Toba Tek Singh by Saadat Hasan Manto, exploring the human consequences of the Partition of India through images, expressions, and symbolic moments. Instead of focusing on political history, it highlights Partition as a deeply personal and psychological experience, where identity, belonging, and humanity are fractured.

Created for the SEC Paper (Internship Viva under the B.A. English (NEP) programme), this blog is accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation and a video project, linked below. The PPT offers a structured literary and historical understanding, while the video captures the silent suffering, irony, and emotional displacement portrayed in Manto’s narrative.

Set in a mental asylum, the story uses madness as a metaphor to question arbitrary borders and political decisions. Through this visual exploration, the blog shows how literature becomes a voice for the silenced, preserving personal pain as collective memory.

You can also try the Google Quiz linked below and earn a certificate by testing your understanding of Toba Tek Singh.

Contextual Background:

Saadat Hasan Manto as a Realistic Writer:

Saadat Hasan Manto was born in 1912 in Ludhiana, British India. From an early age, he observed social inequalities, human suffering, and the complexities of everyday life, which shaped his perspective as a realistic writer. After Partition in 1947, he had to move to Pakistan, leaving behind the place tied deeply to his memories and personal life. Experiencing displacement, loss, and societal upheaval firsthand profoundly influenced his writing style and choice of themes.

This realism is reflected in Toba Tek Singh, where the confusion, helplessness, and emotional turmoil of asylum inmates mirror Manto’s own observations of human suffering. Through their madness, he critiques the absurdity of borders and divisions, portraying the human cost of political decisions with honesty and empathy, making the story a quintessential example of his realistic approach.

Partition Background:

The Partition of India in 1947 led to large-scale displacement, communal violence, and deep psychological trauma. Manto’s writings reflect the human cost of this historical event rather than its political aspects.

Importance of Toba Tek Singh:

Toba Tek Singh is significant because it portrays the tragedy of Partition through irony and symbolism, highlighting the loss of identity and the absurdity of borders while emphasizing the importance of humanity over nationality.

Overview of the Story: Toba Tek Singh

Toba Tek Singh is a short story by Saadat Hasan Manto set in the aftermath of the Partition of India in 1947. The story takes place in a mental asylum in Lahore, where the inmates are confused by the sudden political changes around them. Due to an agreement between India and Pakistan, it is decided that Muslim inmates will be sent to Pakistan and non-Muslim inmates to India, just like the exchange of populations during Partition.

Among the inmates is Bishan Singh, a Sikh man who repeatedly asks a single question: “Where is Toba Tek Singh?”—the name of his hometown. No one can give him a clear answer, as even officials are unsure whether the village lies in India or Pakistan. As the exchange begins, Bishan Singh refuses to accept either nation when he realises that his village no longer belongs clearly to one side.

In the final and most powerful moment of the story, Bishan Singh collapses in the no-man’s land between India and Pakistan. His death symbolises the loss of identity, humanity, and belonging caused by Partition. Through irony and symbolism, Manto presents Partition not as a political event, but as a deep human tragedy.

Story Through Visuals: Interpreting Toba Tek Singh

The story of Toba Tek Singh gains a new dimension when explored through its visuals. Each scene captures emotions, expressions, and settings that reveal the confusion, displacement, and suffering caused by Partition. Through these images, the narrative comes alive, allowing us to experience the struggles of the characters and the central themes of madness, identity, and humanity. This section interprets the story using the most powerful visual moments from the movie, linking each image to its deeper meaning and message.

Before the film begins, the audience is introduced to the emotional and psychological landscape of Toba Tek Singh. The story revolves around the mental asylum inmates who are caught in the chaos of Partition, struggling to understand the world around them. 

Toba Tek Singh (2018) – Key Information:

• Film Title: Toba Tek Singh
• Release Year: 2018
• Director: Ketan Mehta
• Screenplay: Ketan Mehta
• Based on: “Toba Tek Singh” (1955) by Saadat Hasan Manto
• Genre: Drama / Historical / Partition Film
• Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
• Language: Hindi
• Country of Production: India
• Release Platform: ZEE5 (OTT / Television film)
• Release Date: 24 August 2018
• Cast:

1. Pankaj Kapur as Bishan Singh
2. Vinay Pathak as Saadat Hasan Manto

• Setting:

1. Mental asylum in Lahore
2. Set during 1947 Partition of India

Trailor of Film :

Title Image: Symbolism and Themes

The title image of Toba Tek Singh itself speaks volumes. Bishan Singh’s fractured face behind iron bars reflects mental imprisonment as well as the broken identity of millions affected by Partition. The cracked texture on his face suggests psychological fractures, while the dark and suffocating background represents fear, confusion, and helplessness. His silent gaze conveys resistance, despair, and the human struggle to belong in a world divided by arbitrary political lines. This visual perfectly captures the essence of Manto’s story, where individuals are trapped between nations, identities, and ideologies.

Manto’s Arrival at the Lahore Mental Asylum:

Upon arriving at the mental asylum in Lahore, Manto is shown around and introduced to the inmates. Each resident displays unique behaviors, giving a glimpse into their struggles and confusions. This walkthrough sets the stage, preparing viewers to understand the emotional and psychological world of the characters.

Anglo-Indian Inmates in the European Ward:

In the European ward of the asylum, the Anglo-Indian inmates are shown with distinct behaviors and mannerisms, reflecting their own struggles and personalities. This section highlights the diversity of residents within the asylum. It also provides a glimpse into how different communities experienced displacement and confusion during Partition.

Hindu Lawyer Roshan Lal  

Roshan Lal is a Hindu lawyer whose mental breakdown is rooted in an unsuccessful love affair. He remains emotionally attached to his beloved from Amritsar and continues to speak in formal, court-like language, often referring to his pain in terms of honour. Even in madness, his words reflect logic, emotion, and the dignity of a man shaped by the legal world.

Suraj Mal: The Lunatic Radio Engineer

One man held an MS degree and had been a radio engineer. He kept apart from the other inmates, and spent all his time walking silently up and down a particular footpath in the garden. 

Mansur Ahmed: The Obsessive Cleaner

Mansur Ahmed is shown as a lunatic obsessed with cleaning, constantly focused on scrubbing and tidying his surroundings. His behavior highlights the peculiarities of asylum life, where each inmate displays unique traits and habits. This image captures the diversity of personalities and the psychological landscape within the mental asylum.

Ittefaq Ali: The Landlord from Sial kot

Ittefaq Ali, a landlord from Sial kot, is portrayed as a lunatic who constantly reads the Fire Eating newspaper. His obsession with the newspaper highlights his eccentricity and unique behavior within the asylum. This image captures the varied personalities of the inmates and the distinct quirks that make each of them memorable.

 Another Inmates of the Lahore Mental Asylum

This collage shows some of the asylum’s unique residents: Mohammad Ali, devoted to his daily baths; Sukhbir Singh, the passionate Sikh leader; Kabir Khan, who claims to speak directly with God; and an innocent inmate wrongly sent here for murder. Each individual displays distinct behaviors, highlighting the diversity of personalities and the peculiar life within the asylum.

Bishan Singh: The Central Figure of the story 

Bishan Singh, a Sikh inmate, had lived in the Lahore asylum for fifteen years and had not slept during all those years. He remained standing most of the time, resting only by leaning against a wall, and constantly spoke in a strange, incomprehensible language, repeating phrases like “Upar di  gur gur di annexe di be-dhiyana di mung di daal of di lalten.” His feet had swollen from standing, and his unkempt hair and matted beard gave him a frightening appearance, yet he was completely harmless. Once a prosperous landlord from the Toba Tek Singh district, he lost his sanity and was sent to the asylum by his family. Though detached from reality, he would carefully wash and dress himself whenever his relatives were about to visit, revealing the lingering humanity beneath his madness.

Manto: The Narrator and Observer of the Asylum

Manto, who oversees the Lahore mental asylum, also acts as the narrator, recording daily events in the evenings. One day, reading a newspaper that declared “our country will soon be free,” he is asked by the asylum staff who will rule over them. Through his calm and thoughtful reply, Manto reveals his dual role as observer and caretaker, blending the absurdity of asylum life with insightful narration.

News of Freedom Inside the Asylum

When the news that India was about to gain independence spread everywhere, an asylum worker informed one lunatic about Hindustan’s freedom. The lunatic excitedly shared the news with the others. Soon, the inmates began celebrating and shouting slogans of “Hindustan Zindabad,” filling the asylum with joy and chaos.

Confusion Over the Meaning of Freedom

Inside the asylum, the lunatics are deeply confused about what freedom actually means. Some describe it as a bird or air, while others believe freedom means doing anything—even violence or public acts without consequences. Heated arguments follow, yet no one truly understands freedom. Through Bishan Singh and the man who claims to speak to God, the scene highlights the irony that even divine answers fail, emphasizing confusion, absurdity, and the hollow meaning of freedom.

The Irony Written in Silence

As Manto writes, the film reveals the bitter truth that freedom arrived with the wound of Partition. 

Bishan Singh Meets His Grown-Up Daughter

Whenever someone came to meet him, Bishan Singh would bathe and dress neatly, sensing the visit without being told. On one such occasion, his friend Fazal Din visited him with Bishan Singh’s daughter, who had grown into a young woman. This scene reveals his silent emotional awareness and enduring bond with his family.

Partition Enters the Asylum

An asylum worker asks Manto whether the news of Partition is true, and Manto explains that the British have drawn a line, naming one side Hindustan and the other Pakistan. A confused inmate argues with Manto, calling him mad for saying that the place they live in is now Pakistan. At the same time, Suraj Mal, speaking in court-like language, tells Bishan Singh that his beloved lives in Amritsar while he remains in Lahore, calling it an injustice to his honour.

Madness After the News

When the news of Partition spreads in the asylum, the lunatics begin questioning what Partition actually means and where they truly belong. Their confusion about Lahore—whether it lies in Hindustan or Pakistan—reflects the deeper chaos created by political decisions. Through these absurd yet painful conversations, Manto exposes the central theme of the film: the madness of Partition, where rational minds fail and innocent lives are trapped between imaginary borders, turning sanity into insanity and insanity into truth.

Before the madness was named, history had already gone insane.

Real footage from the time of Partition.

Partition’s Silent Victims

AA A traumatised young woman is found near the asylum, wounded and silent. When she is brought to Asylum, the workers argue over her identity—Hindu or Muslim—so they can decide whether she belongs to Hindustan or Pakistan. Inside the women’s ward, when Manto orders another inmate to be untied, the girl misunderstands the command and begins to remove her clothes, revealing how Partition has reduced identity, dignity, and humanity to confusion and fear.

The Twin Nations, 14–15 August 1947

Manto writes that on 14th and 15th August, the twin nations were born soaked in blood, hatred, and terror, leaving people wounded, shocked, and ashamed. The black-and-white archival footage brings this reality to life, showing the raw pain and chaos of Partition. These images echo Manto’s words, reminding viewers that freedom came at an unimaginable human cost.

The Lunatic Exchange Ordered

An order arrives that the asylum’s lunatics must also be divided: Muslim lunatics will stay, while Hindu and Sikh lunatics are to be sent to Hindustan. Manto and a worker watch the proceedings, and the worker questions the need for such a division—what difference does it make where the lunatics live? Manto replies dryly that it matters only to the rulers, highlighting the absurdity of Partition and the arbitrary control of authority.

Orders Pending

The asylum head informs the Anglo-Indian ward about the upcoming lunatic exchange. When asked where they will be sent, he replies that until the higher authorities give their orders, they must remain where they are. The scene underlines the absurdity of bureaucracy and the powerlessness of those caught in its system.

Toba Tek Singh’s Question

Amid the chaos of Partition, Bishan Singh repeatedly asks:

"Toba Tek Singh kithay hai? Hindustan da ke Pakistan da?"

The other lunatics try to answer, but confusion reigns—today Lahore is in Pakistan, tomorrow in Hindustan; what if all of Pakistan becomes India, or both vanish from the map? This scene highlights the absurdity of borders and the human cost of arbitrary political divisions.

Bishan Singh Appeals to God

Bishan Singh, desperate to know the fate of Toba Tek Singh, begs “God” to resolve the confusion. But God seems too busy with other matters. In frustration, he shouts:

"Upar di gur gur di annexe di be-dhiyana di mung di daal of the laltain, wahay Guru ji da Khalsa and wahay Guru ji ki fatah.  Ö Jo bolaey so nihal sat Sri  akal!"

He may have meant: “You are the God of the Muslims. If you were a Sikh God, you would surely help me.” This scene captures the absurdity and helplessness of individuals trapped between human-made divisions, where even divine intervention seems powerless.

The Lunatics’ Partition

At night, all the lunatics are gathered and told that the next day they will be divided: Hindu and Sikh lunatics will go to Hindustan, while Muslims will stay. One lunatic climbs a tree, shouting that he will stay here, refusing to go to either country. The next morning, the inmates embrace each other emotionally before being loaded onto trucks one by one. Bishan Singh, reluctant to leave, asks, “Toba Tek Singh kithay hai?” When a worker replies that the truck is heading there, he finally boards, and they are taken to the border.

The Border and the Exchange

When the lunatics reach the border, some try to escape, but the security stops them forcefully. Then the heads of both asylums meet and shake hands, officially beginning the process of dividing the inmates according to religion. This scene highlights the absurdity and tragedy of Partition, where even the insane are subjected to political lines and bureaucratic control.

Bishan Singh at the Border

When it is Bishan Singh’s turn, he is sent to the border. He asks, “Where is Toba Tek Singh?” The asylum head replies, “In Pakistan,” and Bishan Singh begins to walk toward it. The security tries to stop him, but the Lahore officer intervenes: “Do not force him—let him stay here.” This scene captures his unwavering attachment to his homeland and the absurdity of borders imposed on individuals.

Bishan Singh’s Last Stand

The lunatic exchange continues through the night, but Bishan Singh remains standing in place, unmoved by the chaos. At dawn, his piercing scream draws everyone’s attention. The man who had not slept for fifteen years collapses to the ground, exhausted yet steadfast. This moment captures the absurdity and tragedy of Partition, as well as Bishan Singh’s unwavering attachment to his homeland, making him the ultimate symbol of human bewilderment in the face of arbitrary borders.

Ending of the Film: Toba Tek Singh in No-Man’s Land

“On one side of the barbed wire lies Hindustan,

on the other lies Pakistan.

In between is a piece of land with no name—

and there lies Toba Tek Singh.”

                                   — Saadat Hasan Manto

This moment marks the emotional and symbolic ending of the film. Bishan Singh’s body lying in no-man’s land shows how Partition reduced human beings to nameless existences between borders. The barbed wire divides nations, but it is the unnamed land that holds the true tragedy—where humanity has no place. The film closes not with resolution, but with a haunting silence that forces the viewer to reflect on the cost of freedom and the madness of political divisions.

My Experience of Screening

Watching the film adaptation of Toba Tek Singh was a deeply moving experience. Seeing the characters, their emotions, and the asylum setting on screen made the chaos and confusion of Partition much more real and tangible. Bishan Singh’s unwavering stance in the no-man’s land left a lasting impression, showing how human identity and emotions are often caught between political decisions. The visuals, expressions, and silent moments brought Manto’s story to life in a way that words alone cannot capture.

Test your understanding of Toba Tek Singh and earn a certificate by participating in the Google Quiz: [Toba Tek Singh - Visualising Partition through Manto's Lens]

The video below transforms Manto’s narrative into a visual experience, highlighting how individual lives were emotionally shattered by the arbitrary borders of Partition:

The PPT below presents a structured academic interpretation of Toba Tek Singh, designed to support literary understanding through thematic and contextual analysis 

toba-tek-singh-visualising-partition-through-manto-s-lensfrom miraljoshi48