For nearly 50 years, sandwiched between two centuries, the 19^th and 20^th, Lala Harkishen Lal whether from the heights of fame or from a prison cell attracted public attention and influenced society. Harkishan Lal (1864-1937) was born in a town near Dera Gazi Khan. After a 200-mile trek to Lahore, scholarships saw him though a B.A. Degree  from Government College, which he roundedoff with a Tripos in mathematics at Canbridge. He married twice and his  three sons and daughter were sent abroad for higher studies. His eldest son, K.L. Gauba converted to islam, much to the annoyance of his father. The younger son, Jeewan Lal  was allowed to come out for a few hours, and light his father’s funeral pyre. An ardent nationalist, Harkisan Lal “thought in terms of  Birminghamand Manchester, but worked in term of Swadeshi”. For most of his active life, Harkishen Lal lived in a palatial bungalow which is now St. Edwards Medical College. Viceroys, officials, colleagues and friends were always entertained by him in great style. He was known to have the best private collection of books, and generously patronized the arts and artisans. It is ironic that he himself chose to live in a small room surrounded by portraits of begger, as a reminder of his humble beginnings.Appreciating Dyal Singh Majithia’s  influence over him, Harkishen Lal “whole –hartedly sailed into business”. He became the first Honorary Secretary of the Punjab National Bank, which was founded in 1895, and launched the Bharat Insurance Company Ltd., Lahore in 1896. Harkishen Lal figures in Dyal Singh Majithia’s will and Testament at one of the three trustees of the Tribune Trust, as also a trustee on the Sardar’s College and Library Trust. In 1910, he was instrumental in founding the Dyal Singh College.Between the years 1901 and 1906, Harkishen Lal taking up the challenge to set up the Lahore  Electric Supply Company. In 1912 Harkishen Lal chaired the Congress Industrial Conference in Bankipur and advocated technical education.Success in commercial ventures brought with it the downside. He faced opposite in 1906 from those who were envious of his financial success. Influential members of the Arya Samaj were frequently critical of his domineering personality so often reflected in the Letters to the Editor column of newspapers.The run on the banks in 1913 affected the people’s bank and it was forced to file for bankruptcy. The chairman was down and out, but “he was prepared to break than to bend.” The year 1913 found Harkishen Lal was back in Dera Ismail Khan, practicing law.

In 1925, after honouring all his debts, Harkishen Lal was back in business. The New People’s Bank of North India and numerous other factories were started. Harhishen Lal become chairman of more companies then any individual in India. Under Harkishen Lal presidentship of the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress held in Delhi in 1926, a resolution was moved approving the establishment of an Indian Associated Chamber of Commerce – this initiation was the precursor to formation of the federation of India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Assused of fanning the anti-Rowlatt Bill agitation of 1919, he was sent to prison for a life term. Dr Satyapal, a prominent political leader of Punjab, credits Harkishen Lal for his pioneering work in the Congress in its early years and states that “ it is to Harkishen Lal that the Congress in the Punjab owes its existence”. Opposed to the Non-cooperation Movement, in 1921 under the 1919 Reforms Act, Harkishen were appointed the first Indian minister in the government and “What power they had they used, what they did not created”. In 1931, the clouds of depression were gathering, and Douglas Young sounded the death-knell for Harkishen Lal concerns and perhaps his life. He passed away on February 13, 1937.