Bhai Puran Singh was born as Ramji Das on June 4, 1904, in Rajewal, Ludhiana, to parents Mehtab Kaur and Chaudhari Chibu Mal of the Hindu faith. He began his education in Khanna and later attended Khalsa High School in Lahore. During his time in Lahore, he dedicated himself to "sewa" at Gurdwaras Dera Sahib and Shahid Ganj, assisting in cleaning, cooking, and serving food and caring for the elderly and sick devotees.

 

 

Early LIfe

 

Puran Singh was born into the tranquil setting of Rajewal, a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, on June 4, 1904, during the British Raj era. This serenity was disrupted by the early loss of his father, compelling his mother to shoulder the responsibilities. Determined to provide her son with a solid education, she ventured into domestic work, first in Mintgumury and later in the bustling city of Lahore. Her sacrifices included cleaning households, all to amass enough for his hostel fees and to ensure a small stipend of ten rupees was sent to him monthly.

 

Despite these concerted efforts, young Puran faced setbacks, particularly when he failed his tenth-grade examinations. This disappointment could have easily overwhelmed him, but his mother's wisdom and comforting words provided solace. She shared anecdotes from her agricultural background, highlighting the unpredictable nature of farming, where long hours of toil did not guarantee a successful harvest. This instilled in him a realization that setbacks are part and parcel of life.

Once back in Lahore, he rejoined the education system, but the traditional curriculum failed to pique his interest. Instead, the vast treasure of knowledge housed within the walls of the Dyal Singh Library beckoned him. There, amidst stacks of books, Puran Singh's real education began. He immersed himself in a world of literature and knowledge, often spending countless hours reading and learning. Over time, this self-taught journey transformed him into an intellectual giant, with a depth and breadth of knowledge that many formally trained scholars could only aspire to.

His sewa

During his time in Lahore, Bhagat Puran Singh frequently visited Gurudwara Dehra Sahib, immersing himself in selfless service. His duties ranged from assisting visitors with their bathing needs and tending to the Gurudwara's cattle to actively participating in the Langar services. Here, he washed utensils, prepared chapatis, and served meals to the Sangat, the congregation. He would also diligently clean the Gurudwara's floors every evening, a testament to his humility and devotion.

On a fateful day, witnessing a visitor's tragic fall from the Gurudwara's roof and the subsequent injuries, Puran Singh's innate sense of duty and compassion kicked in. He swiftly ensured the injured visitor was taken to the local 'Mu Hospital'. This act of kindness and the resultant inner joy sparked a lifelong mission. When he later encountered a man with a severely infected leg, he took him to the hospital, where the grateful man expressed his deep gratitude and relief. Bhagat Puran Singh became an unsung hero, constantly on the lookout for the injured or physically handicapped, ensuring they received medical attention. His compassion knew no bounds; he once even washed the soiled clothes of an impoverished, old beggar.

A significant turning point in his life occurred in 1934. On a moonless night, an anonymous individual left a four-year-old leper boy at Gurudwara Dehra Sahib's doorstep. Jathedar Acchar Singh, the Head Granthi, after offering prayers for the child's well-being, entrusted him to Bhagat Puran Singh. Naming the boy Piara Singh, Puran Singh nurtured him with unparalleled love and care, marking a transformative chapter in his life journey.

The tumultuous events of India's partition in 1947 saw Bhagat Puran Singh in a refugee camp in Amritsar. With a mere 5 annas (0.3 rupees) in his pocket and amidst over 25,000 refugees, many critically wounded and neglected by the authorities, he stepped up. Using basic medical supplies like chloroform and turpentine oil, he treated their injuries. He tirelessly sought food and medicine for the refugees, venturing into neighboring areas to ensure their sustenance and well-being.

Embracing Sikhism

 

During a candid conversation with Bhai Patwant Singh, Bhagat Puran Singh recounted his transformative journey to Sikhism. In his younger days, as he journeyed from one village to another, he often sought refuge in Hindu Temples for the night. On one occasion, after cleaning a temple as requested, the Brahmins proceeded to eat without offering him any sustenance.

However, during another journey, he stayed at a Gurdwara where the residing Giani ji treated him with unparalleled warmth. Bhagat Ji received a meal, a comfortable cot, and a glass of milk without being asked for any service in return. He noted, "Every evening, around 25-30 travelers would come to the Gurdwara, and each one was warmly offered a meal from the communal kitchen." The compassionate ethos of the Gurdwaras profoundly moved me." This compelling experience led Ramji Das, once a devout Hindu, to embrace Sikhism, becoming a Khalsa Sikh after receiving the Khanda-da-Amrit in 1923.

Bhagat Ji's legacy stands as a testament to unparalleled selflessness. He dedicated his life to serving the mentally ill and terminally sick, many of whom were forsaken by both family and society. Through his efforts, he provided solace and hope in their final moments. Notably, he made it his mission to ensure that any abandoned dead body, whether human or animal, was given a dignified burial or cremation.

 

Selfless Service in Post-Partition Punjab

 

In the bleak aftermath of the 1947 partition, characterized by devastating violence and destitution, Bhagat ji established a renowned care institute in Amritsar, Punjab. This institution was designed as a haven for Punjab's destitute, sick, and disabled, offering them not only shelter, food, and medical care, but also affection and understanding. Bhagat ji's journey is a poignant narrative of immense self-sacrifice, unwavering determination against overwhelming challenges, an ardent zeal for service and seva, profound faith in the divine, and boundless compassion for suffering souls.

From his youth, Bhagat ji was deeply committed to selfless service, a virtue instilled in him by his mother. Reflecting on his upbringing, he wrote, "Since my early days, my mother guided me towards serving all of God's creations. This noble sentiment is deeply rooted in me. She taught me to quench the thirst of animals, nurture saplings, feed birds like sparrows and crows, clear pathways of thorns, and smooth out cart tracks. These acts ingrained God's Name in my heart. She entrusted me to Gurdwara Dera Sahib, setting me on a righteous path. Embarking on this path ensures a steadfast mind."

In 1947, Bhagat ji laid the foundation for Pingalwara, which translates to "the home of the crippled." Starting with a handful of neglected individuals with disabilities or illnesses, Pingalwara grew under his vision. Today, under the stewardship of Bibi Dr. Inderjit Kaur, it shelters over 1000 inhabitants.

Beyond his humanitarian efforts, Bhagat ji was also an author, publisher, and staunch environmentalist. His efforts to raise awareness about environmental degradation, escalating soil erosion, and other ecological concerns are now widely acknowledged. His relentless service to humankind was recognized with numerous accolades, most notably the Padma Shri in 1979. However, in protest against the 1984 army incursion at the Golden Temple, he returned the award.

On August 5, 1992, at the age of 88, Bhagat Ji peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith.

Finding Stability Amidst Wanderings

 

Between 1947 and 1958, Bhagat Puran Singh lacked permanent residence. He was frequently seen near prominent places such as Chief Khalsa Diwan, post offices, railway stations, or beneath a tree adjacent to the Civil Surgeon's office. As he meandered through the streets, he sought donations for the destitute. While a few generous souls stepped forward to support them, many hesitated to contribute to his noble endeavor.

Ultimately, he established 'The All India Pingalwara Charitable Society with an initial annual budget of 12.5 million rupees and ensured its official registration. Presently, this esteemed institution, with its main office situated on the Grand Trunk road at Tehsilpura, Amritsar, continues its mission to aid the impoverished, ailing, and those with physical and mental disabilities.

 

Notable Books About Bhagat Puran Singh

Bhagat Puran Singh, a revered figure in Sikhism known for his profound selfless service and dedication to humanity, has inspired numerous books that capture his life, teachings, and humanitarian efforts. Here are some notable titles, along with their authors, that explore his legacy:

 

"The Life and Times of Bhagat Puran Singh" by Jaswant Singh
This biography details Bhagat Puran Singh’s remarkable life story, focusing on his contributions to social service, particularly his tireless work with the homeless and the needy.

"Bhagat Puran Singh: The Saint of the Poor" by Dr. Kuldeep Singh
This book highlights his philanthropic activities and the impact he made within the community, showcasing his spirit of compassion and commitment to helping others.

"Puran Singh: A Humanitarian" by Manjeet Singh
This work examines Bhagat Puran Singh's philosophy of life, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to serving humanity without discrimination and the principles he lived by.

"Seva: The Spirit of Selfless Service" by Karam Singh
Although not exclusively about Bhagat Puran Singh, this book includes chapters that highlight his life and teachings, illustrating the essence of seva (selfless service) in Sikhism.

"Bhagat Puran Singh: A Beacon of Hope" by Gurdeep Singh
This title explores his enduring legacy and the values he embodied, inspiring future generations to engage in acts of social service and compassion.

These books collectively provide valuable insights into the life and philosophy of Bhagat Puran Singh, celebrating his dedication to humanitarianism and social justice. They serve as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to understand the true meaning of selfless service and the profound impact one individual can have on society.

 

Awards and Honors Received by Bhagat Puran Singh

Bhagat Puran Singh, known for his selfless service and dedication to humanity, received several accolades and honors in recognition of his contributions. Some notable awards include:

 

Padma Shri (1966)
Awarded by the Government of India, this prestigious civilian award recognized his exceptional work in social service, particularly in caring for the sick and needy.

Guru Nanak Dev Award (1987)
Instituted by the Government of Punjab, this award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to society, reflecting Bhagat Puran Singh’s legacy of compassion and humanitarianism.

Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Award
This award, named after the legendary freedom fighter, honors those who have demonstrated outstanding service to the community, acknowledging Bhagat Puran Singh’s dedication to uplifting others.

Honorary Doctorate
Several institutions have conferred honorary doctorates on Bhagat Puran Singh, recognizing his lifelong commitment to social welfare and the principles of seva (selfless service).

Memorials and Institutions
Various organizations and institutions have been established in his name, including educational institutions and charitable organizations, furthering his mission of service and support for the underprivileged.

These awards and honors reflect the profound impact Bhagat Puran Singh had on society and his enduring legacy as a symbol of selfless service and compassion.

 

Further Endeavors

Bhagat Ji was not only a humanitarian but also a forward-thinking environmentalist. He championed tree plantation campaigns, hosted discussions on ecological and societal matters, and penned numerous books addressing these concerns. Some of his notable works include "Education of Man," "Righteousness Alone Exalts a Nation," "Plant or Perish," "The Way," and "The Increasing Population," among others.

Through the Pingalwara Society, he disseminated free literature and pamphlets, aiming to educate the public about looming environmental and societal challenges.

 

His Death

On August 5, 1992, in Amritsar, the world bid farewell to the exceptional soul of Puran Singh, embodying the quintessence of Sikh values.

Gurdwaras and Sikh communities, both within India and globally, rally to raise funds for the Pingalwara. Significant contributions also come from institutions like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in Amritsar.

Bhagat Puran Singh was not just an individual but an embodiment of dedication and humility, echoing the spirit of Bhai Kanhiya from the times of the Tenth Guru. Widely revered across India for his philanthropic endeavors, he's been likened to several notable figures such as the 'Mother Teresa of Punjab', 'the sage with a beard from Amritsar', and the 'Bhai Kanhiya of the twentieth century'.

 

Conclusion

 

Bhagat Puran Singh's life narrative is an extraordinary story of steadfast faith, boundless compassion, and a deep-seated commitment to service. His remarkable journey from the peaceful lanes of Rajewal to the bustling streets of Lahore and Amritsar stands as a shining light for all, illustrating the profound impact that one individual's selflessness can have on the broader fabric of society. Bhagat ji's legacy, which continues to resonate through the corridors of Pingalwara and beyond, serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of human life and the essential power of love and compassion. In an era characterized by rapid change and shifting values, Bhagat Puran Singh's life and work remind us of the timeless virtues of humility, service, and unwavering devotion. His legacy is an inspiration, urging us to look beyond our individual needs, to serve, and to uplift humanity.

 

 

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