Bhagat Puran Singh
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Bhai Puran Singh ji is undoubtedly the single Sikh Hero of this century who worked totally selflessly all his life to provide the last hope to the mentally and terminally ill patients. Whenever he saw a deserted dead body, he would prepare a grave and offer an honorable cremation or burial. Bhagat Puran Singh was to Sikhism, what Mother Teresa was to Catholics. Against the backdrop of violence and poverty in 1947 he established an institution, Pingalwara, which takes care of sick, disabled and forlorn persons. It is also believed that he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990. His life story is a saga of grit, determination, faith in the almighty and unending love for the suffering humanity.
Bhagat Puran Singh, born at Rajewal, Distt. Ludhiana on June 4, 1904, at the house of Chaudhari Chibu Mal and Mehtab Kaur. He set out in life for the service of the humanity. He founded Pingalwara in 1947 with a few discarded patients. He was a writer, publisher and an environmentalist. Bhagat Puran Singh's contribution in spreading awareness about environment pollution, and increasing soil erosion also are commendable. He was honoured by Government of India with Padma Shri award in 1979, which he surrendered in the wake of the Indian army attack on the Golden Temple in 1984. He left for his heavenly abode on August 5, 1992.
Here are some of the quotes of Bhagat Puran Singh ji:
- Dignity in death is a birthright of each living thing.
- All Punjabis should sow trees of "Bohar", "Pippal" and "Neem", which are essential to our eco-system.
