Every summer, Beeji - as Gian Rani Duggal was affectionately called by everyone who knew her, would be on the hunt for two things - fresh fruits and vegetables to pickle, and empty salsa jars to fill them in. Whenever a guest inquired about the tasty treats, her eyes would light up. She'd make a quick trip to the basement and generously press bottles of the condiments into the recipient's hands. Her recipe of pickle varieties has been passed down in the family and will be be remembered as Beeji's special pickle recipes.
Gian Rani Duggal was born in 1928, in Mehatpur, Punjab. She was the second eldest of four children. Her older brother was Sardari Lal, and her younger siblings were Sheela and Diwan Chand. It used to be a simple life. The only school in the village went up to Grade 5. After graduating from that school, she stayed home, helping her mother with household chores. However, she showed an ability to pick up skills quickly, like sewing clothes, knitting, crocheting lace for petticoat edging and embroidering bed sheets and pillowcases. She even made carpets. She would learn all these things by looking at items available in the market, and copying them.
When she was 18, Gian Rani was married to Mubarak Rai Duggal. She had seen him once, when her mother had sent her to borrow a household item. The wedding was simple. She wore a red salwar kameez. Three days after her marriage, she began her married life in New Delhi. It was 1943. Her husband worked for the government, while Gian Rani looked after the home. In India, her eldest son Narinder Duggal was born in 1946, followed by Usha, Saroj and Sashi. Her life revolved around her husband and children.
In the early 1950's, Mubarak Rai left for England, following the journey many men took at that time. Gian Rani stayed back, bringing up their children on her own, with some help from her family. Gian Rani and Mubarak Rai wrote letters to each other every week, and every month he would send almost all of his income back to New Delhi to support his family. Two years later, Mubarak Rai sent for Gian Rani and their children. The journey by ship took 18 days. Gian Rani was more happy to see her gentle and loving husband than the new house and furniture he’d bought for their arrival. Soon after the move to England, their youngest son Richard was born.
There weren’t many Indian families living in the neighbourhood at the time. The community was made up mostly of single young men, who eventually sent for their families. Gian Rani, who by now was affectionately known as Beeji, became a central force; her home became a meeting ground. The stove seemed to be always on. There was always food and tea being made, gatherings being held. Mubarak Rai, who went by Bauji, used to travel outside the city, selling clothes. Beeji sensed an opportunity and asked her husband to open a clothing store. It was a risk -- but Bauji took it. It was a successful venture. Gradually the Duggals acquired six stores, and opened the first standalone clothing store in Bradford, Yorkshire.
Beeji worked long and hard days. Her day began before the sun rose and ended long into the night. As business grew, Beeji enlisted friends to work with her and some clothes were purchased from wholesalers. The family business continued to thrive. The Duggals moved to Canada in 1982. Since then, Beeji's family grew, and she continued to be the glue that held everyone together. She would regularly call her children and grand-children, asking after their health and wellbeing. No one was more delighted than Beeji on the arrival of new great-grandchildren. She welcomed everyone she met with a smile and a compliment. "You look nice" was perhaps one of her most used phrases. She would make regular phone calls to family, ending the call with a "I miss you" and "I love you."
Gian Rani Duggal is survived by her sons Narinder and Richard Duggal, daughters Saroj Puri and Sashi Suri, daughter-in-law Sujata Duggal and son-in-law Ashok Suri, grandchildren Sanjay, Rajesh, Raakhee, Sahira, Aiysha, Sunil, Ajay, Nisha, Neelam, Priya, Mala, Miles, Austin and Chanelle. She was pre-deceased by her husband Mubarak Rai and daughter Usha. She had 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She loved to be surrounded by family and friends and was deeply loved by all.
