1947 Partition
Separated since the 1947 India-Pakistan partition, a heartwarming reunion unfolded in the United States between a 90-year-old Pakistani man, AG Shakir, and his childhood friend, 89-year-old Indian citizen Suresh Kothari.
The two, who grew up together in Deesa, Gujarat, were around 12 years old when Shakir’s family migrated to Pakistan amid the country’s division.
Megan Kothari, Suresh Kothari’s granddaughter, documented the emotional reunion, capturing the essence of their enduring friendship. Shakir often spoke of the close bond they shared and the abrupt separation forced by the partition.
The friends reunited in October the previous year during Shakir’s 90th birthday celebration, spending most of the evening hand-in-hand.
Megan Kothari shared the heartfelt reunion on TikTok, attracting thousands of views and comments from people in both Pakistan and India. The video showcases the power of enduring friendship that transcends geographical and political boundaries.
The story of their separation began in 1947 when Shakir’s family, forced to leave Deesa on a boat to Karachi, had no time to inform loved ones. Despite attempts to maintain contact after the partition, geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan made communication impossible.
In 1982, Shakir encountered a fellow Deesa native in New York City, reigniting the connection with his childhood friend, Suresh Kothari, who had also moved to the US for work.
The two friends spent time together in the US, recalling the years spent apart, but were separated again when Shakir moved to Virginia. The poignant reunion occurred last year after a nine-year gap, with Megan and her grandfather traveling for four hours to Virginia.
The emotional video captures the anticipation and joy as Shakir, wearing his best suit, prepares to see his best friend once again.
Megan Kothari emphasizes the enduring love between the two friends, highlighting that despite the obstacles, their relationship stood strong even after 80 years. The reunion serves as a testament to the power of friendship that can withstand the test of time, distance, and historical challenges.
