Civil Surgeon office — a treasure trove of antiques

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 19

The office of Civil Surgeon at Civil Lines is nothing less than treasure trove in itself. The building dates back to pre-independence times and is home to various antique gadgets and equipment.

Recently, the staff found two old cameras inside an old almirah in the Media Wing of the department while cleaning the office. One camera is Rolleiflex (Made in Germany) and other is Yashica 635 (Made in Japan). A senior staff member from the office said these cameras date back to 1950s.

“I was astonished to find these antique cameras from the bygone era. Today, everything is available in mobile phones, be it is taking pictures, sending e-mails or making a call but those were the days when clicking pictures was a rarity,” said Rajinder Singh from media wing of the Civil Surgeon office.

Talking about the Civil Surgeon office, the building of the office dates back to pre-independence times. Wind vane and anemometer atop of the building are still intact and point towards its rich past. Another thing that speaks volume about its rich heritage is a hooter that is now hidden behind the branches of the tree and wires.

“The hooter was connected with Deputy Commissioner’s office. It used to blow three times a day. Firstly, at 9 am to mark the starting time of office, then at 1 pm for lunch break and then at 5 pm to call the day off. Now, hooters can be listened only in industrial areas,” said an old employee of the office.

Dr Arvind Bawa, who lives nearby, said he was born in 1948 and since then it was Civil Surgeon office and also had residence of the official. Remains of the building of residence of the Civil Surgeon which was a British Architectural wonder are still there.

“I still remember in 1960 somebody donated a Volkswagen Beetle car to the department and it was used by the then Civil Surgeon and everybody use to stand and stare whenever the car passed by. There were only 4-6 cars in the city and the Beetle car use to rule the roost,” he said.

Recalling the past, Dr Ravinder Vatsayayan, another resident of Civil Lines area, said he has been seeing this building since his childhood. The whole Civil Lines area was known as officer’s area with Christ Church at Fountain Chowk where British Officers came to attend Sunday prayers and has also seen lavish weddings and solemn funerals.

“It was one of the most posh locality of the city and not many people use to come towards this side. Such buildings should be preserved but it is sad that the government is not taking keen interest in the same. Adjacent to the Civil Surgeon’s office was Daak Bangla where all the IAS officials, politicians and other VIPs use to take rest during their visit to Ludhiana but sadly it was demolished recently,” said Dr Ravinder Vatsayayan.