Architect of faith: edinburgh hindu mandir founder passes at 93
Amrit Lal, a quiet force behind the creation of Edinburgh’s landmark Hindu Mandir, died peacefully at 93, leaving behind a legacy of community and cultural resilience.
A life forged in adversity
Born in a fractured Punjab – Jandali Kalan, near Ahmedgarh – his early life was a brutal tableau of loss and deprivation. Two brothers, a sister, all claimed by infancy; his father, a veterinary officer navigating the chaotic currents of the British Indian army, constantly relocated. His mother, lacking formal education, instilled a profound sense of family values in a landscape of scarcity.
From barefoot beginnings to engineering precision
A small respite arrived in 1945, a lifeline offered by a maternal uncle who secured a place for him at Khalsa high school in Kila Raipur. Despite the seismic upheaval of partition in 1947, Amrit persevered, passing his matriculation exam the following year. DAV Post Graduate College, Dehradun, provided a foundation, culminating in his final exams in 1952. A fortunate introduction in Delhi propelled him into an apprenticeship with Albion Motors in Glasgow – a daunting transition to a new world in November 1952, armed with little money and limited English.
Decades of grit and innovation
The initial decade proved a relentless crucible. He combined grueling work with part-time study at Stow College, acquiring qualifications in mechanical and production engineering. The return to India in 1962 marked a personal shift, leading to marriage with Saroj Chanana and, tragically, the loss of their daughter, Pansy, at just three months old. Singapore beckoned in 1964, where he lectured in production engineering at Singapore Polytechnic – and where I was born in 1965.
A commitment to community and faith
His return to the UK in 1967 paved the way for an MSc at the University of Birmingham. The family established roots in Edinburgh, and his sister Kavita arrived in 1969. The demands of family life and subtle workplace discrimination ultimately led to their departure from academia. They found stability in a grocery store, Lal’s Store, and later, a vibrant cultural hub – Fabina – showcasing Asian fabrics, musical instruments and Bollywood films. The shop became a vital meeting place for the South Asian community.
A spiritual landmark
In 1981, he spearheaded the formation of an organization dedicated to building a permanent Hindu temple. His leadership was instrumental in transforming a derelict church in Leith into the Edinburgh Hindu Mandir, a testament to his vision. Fittingly, both his ashes and those of his beloved wife, Saroj – who died in 2020 – were interred at Ganga Ghat on the River Almond, a multifaith space he passionately created.
A lasting impact
He is survived by his daughters Kavita and myself, and his granddaughter, Isha. His life, marked by hardship and an unwavering commitment to his family and community, stands as a powerful reminder of the quiet revolutions built on dedication and faith.