Randhir Singh (Sikh)

Randhir Singh, born Basant Singh, 1878–1961, is regarded by many Sikhs as a Saint. He wrote extensively on Gurbani and the Sikh way of life, pioneered the Gurdwara Sudhaar Movement, and founded the Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) which is a Jatha (group).

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Randhir Singh

Randhir Singh's original name before baptism and initiation into the Khalsa was Basant Singh. He was born in the village of Narangwal in the Ludhiana District of Punjab on July 7, 1878 to a family of a very noble and devout heritage. His father, S. Natha Singh, was a learned scholar of Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Persian and English, who initially worked as a District Inspector of Schools but later rose to the rank of a Judge in the High Court of the State of Nabha. As a Judge, he became well known for combining justice with mercy, compassion, humanity and diligence. His mother, Sardarni Punjab Kaur, was a direct seventh-generation descendant of a very devout, eminent, and saintly Gursikh, Bhagtu, a very distinguished disciple of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Sahib and Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib. Thus, Randheer Singh inherited scholarship and strength of mind from his paternal side and qualities of piety and devotion from his maternal side.

He completed his schooling in Nabha and higher education from Government and Foreman Christian Colleges at Lahore.

Randhir Singh wrote various books on Sikh theology, philosophy, and the Sikh way of life. He was charged in 1914 with waging war against the British Crown and had to undergo life-imprisonment from 1914 to 1931.

He died on Vaisakhi, April 13, 1961. His Saskaar (cremation) took place at the pond between Gujjarwal and Narangwal.

he wrote about Sheed Bhagat Singh that He had expressed, as his last wish before being hanged, the desire to get "amrit" from Randhir Singh and to once again adorn the 5 k's.[76][77] However, his last wish, of getting "amrit" was not granted by the British.[77].

Prominence

Randhir Singh was very prominent in the Sikh religion and politics. There was wide recognition of his high spiritual character and achievements, as well as sacrifices for the freedom of the Sikhs and India. During the British Raj, many of the Jatha went to jail in the anti-British movement, and suffered torture. Randhir Singh and Attar Singh, with many other pious Sikhs, had brought a lot of change in the Sikh nation via the Gurdwara Sudhaar Movement. They worked under the banner of the Panch Khalsa Divan.

Conference at Patiala

There was a huge conference at Patiala, Panjab, organised by the Maharaja of Patiala. Randhir Singh was made president of the conference, and he gave a powerful address in this conference condemning the corrupt forces in the Sikh nation. Randhir Singh told the Maharaja that his throne had been blessed to him by the True Guru, and that he must give his kingdom to the Sikh nation, or he would lose it: such has happened today. Attempts were made to intimidate Randhir Singh at that conference to prevent him speaking his beliefs, but Randhir Singh was full of Tat Gurmat (pristine Guru's message) and passion. Giani Amolak Singh and other Gursikhs stood with Randhir Singh to make sure Tat Gurmat was stated.

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