Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan | |
---|---|
Born |
[1] Shri Gurusar Modia (Rajasthan, India[1] | 15 August 1967
Residence | Sirsa, Haryana, India[2] |
Nationality | Indian |
Occupation |
|
Years active | 1990–present[1] |
Organization | Dera Sacha Sauda |
Home town | Sri Gurusar Modia, Ganganagar district, Rajasthan |
Children |
|
Parent(s) |
|
Website | Official website |
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an Indian spiritual leader, social reformer, actor, director and singer. He has been the head of the India-based socio-spiritual organization Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) since 23 September 1990.[1][2] DSS oversees several social programmes, such as cleanliness campaigns, blood donation drives, tree planting, disaster relief, and support for transgender people, tribal communities, orphans, and rehabilitation of sex workers.[3] Singh is one of 36 VVIPs who has Z+ Security cover by Government of India.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The Indian Express placed Singh 96th in their list of the 100 most powerful Indians of 2015.[15]
Early life
Ram Rahim was born to Naseeb Kaur and Maghar Singh on 15 August 1967, at Sri Gurusar Modia village in Ganganagar district of Rajasthan.[1]
On 23 September 1990, Shah Satnam held a satsang where he publicly conferred sainthood and succession of the spiritual leadership upon Gurmeet Ram Rahim.[1] He is married and has three daughters and a son.
Education
Ram Rahim was educated in a school in his village of Sri Gurusar Modia.
Political influence
Because of his following, he has been described as being politically influential in the Malwa region of Punjab.[16][17][18][19] In 2014 Haryana polls, his organisation supported Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[20] In February 2015, his organisation openly supported BJP in Delhi elections, saying that he has over 20 Lakh followers in Delhi.[21][22][23] His organization supported BJP in the Bihar assembly election in 2015, and nearly 3000 Dera followers campaigned for BJP in the state.[24]
Social work
Ram Rahim has organised drives for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screening that have been recognized by Guinness World Records.[25][26][27] In association with the American Society of Echocardiography, he also organized the world record for "Most Cardiac Echo Tests".[28] On 21 September 2011 in New Delhi, Ram Rahim initiated a series of sanitation drives and also pledged his support to the Central Government's campaign.[29] As of 2016, about 30 Mega Cleanliness Campaigns have been conducted in several states of India.[30][31][32][33] On 22 May 2012 Ram Rahim laid the foundation of the Shah Satnam ji Super Speciality Hospital at Sirsa. He established a specialised disaster relief and welfare agency called Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force Wing in 2001. Especially in the aftermath of the Odisha cyclone and Gujarat earthquake.[34][35][36][37][38] He is also working against cow slaughter[39]
World records
According to Guinness World Records, The largest display of oil lamps consists of 150,009 lamps achieved at an event organised by Singh in Haryana, India, on 23 September 2016 and 1531 participants took part in assembling and lighting the lamps for this display.[40] The largest finger painting is 3,900 m² (41,979 ft²) and was created by Singh and Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force Wing, in Sirsa, India, on 23 September 2012.[41] The largest vegetable mosaic measures 1,858.07 m² (20,000 ft²), achieved by Singh and Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force Wing, at SMG Sports Complex in Dera Sacha Sauda Sirsa, Haryana, India, on 25 March 2014. The mosaic was created to raise awareness of the advantages of eating organic produce, the total weight of vegetables used was 77,723 kg (171,349.88 lb). A mixture of cauliflower, beetroot, capsicum, green peas, garlic, green chilli and tomatoes were used.[42] The most people sanitising their hands simultaneously is 7,675 at an event organised by Singh and Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force Wing at SMG Sports Complex in Dera Sacha Sauda Sirsa, Haryana, India, on 23 September 2012. This record was organised to promote a hygiene and sanitation drive across several Indian cities.[43]
According to Asia Book of Records, Singh holds a record of most(43) roles and responsibilities in a single film. He made this record in film Hind Ka Napak ko Jawab - MSG Lion Heart - 2.[44] He guided and constructed several buildings in a records time like A Girl's College in just 6 days, Girls`Hostel in 42 days, A Hall of area 2,00,000 sq. ft in 35 days, A cricket stadium with 6 stands and 75 yards boundaries in just 42 days, A 175 bedded Hospital in 17 days and A ashram in just 5 days.[45]
Discography
Albums
Year | Title | Lyrics | Composition | Label | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Thank You For That | Yes | Yes | Universal | Debut[46] |
Network Tere Love Ka | Yes | Yes | Universal | ||
Chashma Yaar Ka[47] | Yes | Yes | Universal | ||
Insan | Yes | Yes | Universal | ||
2013 | Lov Rab Se | Yes | Yes | Universal | |
2014 | Highway Love Charger | Yes | Yes | Universal[48] | Album sold 3 millions copies in the first 3 days.[49]Music video became an instant hit on YouTube[50] |
Film songs
Year | Title | Songs | Lyrics | Composition | Label | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | MSG: The Messenger | Desh, Daru Ko Goli Maro, Papa The Great, Never Ever, Never Ever remix, Rataan Bataan, Ram Ram | Yes | Yes | Sony Music India | Singh was awarded 4 Platinum Plaques from IFPI for music of this movie[51] |
MSG-2 The Messenger | Party Dhoom Dhaam Se, MSG The Messenger, Rooh Nashiyaani, Hasin Wadiyon Mein, Sapnon Mein Aana Tera, Hule Maale Gile Chila, Party Dhoom Dhaam Se(remix) | Yes | Yes | T Series | Singh has sung in different voices[52] | |
2016 | MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart | Dhol Baaje, Sohna Mera Mishri Di Daliye | Yes | Yes | Zee Music[53] | Second song unveiled in live concert admist 3.6 million fans[54] |
2017 | Hind Ka Napak ko Jawab - MSG Lion Heart - 2 | Jung Hai Humri Aatankwad Se, System Hil Gaya, Thank U For That, Tujhe Paa Ke | Yes | Yes | Zee Music | |
2017 | Jattu Engineer | Holi Ki Pichkari | Yes | Yes |
He has performed at over a hundred rock shows with an entirely new genre title ‘Religious Rock’.[55][56]
Filmography
Films
Year | Film | Director | Writer | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | MSG: The Messenger | Yes | Yes | Guru Ji | Debut |
MSG-2 The Messenger | Yes | Yes | Guru Ji | Based on true events | |
2016 | MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart | Yes | Yes | Lion Heart | |
2017 | Hind Ka Napak ko Jawab - MSG Lion Heart - 2 | Yes | Yes | Sher-E-Hind | Based on 2016 Uri attack and 2016 India–Pakistan military confrontation[57] |
2017 | Jattu Engineer | Yes | Yes | Sghaint Singh Sidhu, Shakti Singh Sisodia |
'MSG Online Gurukul' is future project of Singh.[58]
Television
Ram Rahim is currently shooting his upcoming reality show Aan Baan Shaan Mera Hindustan.[59]
Awards
Singh is honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award for most popular actor,director and writer in 2016.[60] Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was awarded 4 Platinum Plaques in four categories including Vocals, Lyrics, Composition and Music Direction for music of MSG: The Messenger from IFPI.[61] He is awarded with Giants International Award for his social works to society in 2016.[62] Singh is awarded with the Bright Award for best actor and most versatile personality of the year by Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis on 6 Feb. 2017 in Mumbai.[63][64] He is also nominated for the Dronacharya Award by The Yoga Federation of India(YFI) for producing ‘World Champion yogis’.[65][66][67][68][69]
Criminal Allegations
In 2002, a female follower of Singh's allegedly penned an anonymous letter to then Prime Minister of India Atal Vajpayee accusing Singh of sexual abuse. A CBI probe was ordered into the incident on September 24, 2002. In the same year, Singh had murder charges levied against him for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chatrapati, who was writing articles at the time about Dera Sacha Sauda, and for the murder of Dera Sacha Sauda manager Ranjit Singh.[70]
In February 2014, as the court cases were still pending, Singh claimed that the cases of sexual misconduct against him were fraudulent because he "was not fit to indulge in physical relationships"[71]
As of July 1, 2016, both the sexual abuse and murder cases were still being heard against Singh, who has consistently maintained his innocence.[72]
Conflict with Sikh groups and controversies
In May 2007, Singh was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs by wearing, in an advertisement, an attire, resembling the tenth and final living Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.[73] His followers also organised a demonstration against their alleged persecution at the hands of some religious organisations.[74][75] Ram Rahim was attacked by a mob on 16 July 2007, but escaped unhurt.[76] The Dera Sacha Sauda tendered multiple apologies, regretting confusion over the dress, and stated that it had high regard for all Sikh Gurus, Sikh religion and the entire humankind.[77] A multi religion delegation approached the apex Sikh organisation to accept the apology.[78] Though the Akal Takht didn't use the word "rejected" — they maintained that the apology was inadequate on several counts.[79]
A criminal case filed against him, for hurting the Sikh sentiments, was dismissed by the Sirsa court in 2009 and Bathinda court in 2014.[80][81] Counter-terrorism expert Ajai Sahni has stated that the tensions between the Sikh community and the Dera have been exploited by the pro-Khalistan elements. He has further quoted Indian military intelligence that Iknoor Khalsa Fauj, Khalistan Zindabad Force and Khalistan Commando Force have attempted to eliminate him.[82] In a case where the Dera's followers were accused of being suicide attackers, the Dera has stated publicly that it was being targeted by vested political groups that were conspiring to defame it.[83][84] The organisation has demanded a judicial probe into the allegations.[80][82][85]
On 2 February 2008, Ram Rahim's cavalcade was attacked with explosives, injuring 11 persons.[86] A Khalistan Liberation Force member was later arrested for the attack who confessed to arranging explosives for the attack on the Dera chief and also executing the plan along with his associates.[87][88] After that, Ram Rahim was protected with Z+ security cover by Government of India.[4]
On 20 June 2008, a group of Sikhs shouted anti-Dera slogans during Gurmeet Ram Rahim's visit to the Nirmal Lifestyles mall in Mumbai. The situation developed into an altercation between the protestors and the Dera followers, and one of the Sikh protestors was killed.[89] This led to further protests from Sikhs in Mumbai and Punjab.[90]
On 27 September 2015, the Akal Takht accepted his apology and pardoned him, but, on observing widespread resentment and protest among Sikhs regarding his pardon, the organisation revoked the pardon on 16 October.[91]
On 13 January 2016, actor Kiku Sharda (who played the character Palak in Comedy Nights with Kapil) was arrested in Mumbai by the Haryana Police for mimicking Singh on his show. Sharda spent 14 days in judicial custody in Kaithal, Haryana. The case was registered on the complaint of Uday Singh, a follower of Dera Sacha Sauda.[92]
References
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- 1 2 "Dera strong with 50 million followers". TNP Zest. Retrieved 2015-06-08.
- ↑ "Dera followers marry sex workers". The Tribune. Retrieved 2015-06-08.
- 1 2 "Z plus security cover for Dera chief". 6 Jun 2007.
- ↑ "Hooda’s security downgraded, Sirsa dera head keeps Z-plus cover". Hindustan Times. 28 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Dera chief has Z-plus security but Haryana still gave all-India gun licences to his private bodyguards". The Indian Express. 22 June 2008. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ↑ "A saint for our times". Business Standard. 6 February 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
- ↑ "Shocking Facts About Rockstar Baba aka Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan". 27 December 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "7 things to know about Dera chief". The Times of India. 18 January 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ↑ "These babas have Z-category security". 30 June 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ↑ "Police want Dera Sacha Sauda to pay for security cover". The Times of India. 5 August 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ↑ "Why Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan Is Being Forced To Leave His New Posh House In Mumbai". The Huffington Post. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
- ↑ "Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh gets threat letter; cops register case". The Financial Express (India). 14 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ↑ "Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets threat letter, case registered". 14 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ↑ "Indian Express Power List 2015: No. 91-100". The Indian Express. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ↑ "Poll-bound Punjab awaits Dera Sacha Sauda diktat on voting". The Times Of India. 29 January 2012.
- ↑ "Dera Sacha Sauda: The key to power in Punjab — Rediff.com News". Rediff. 28 January 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Punjab Poll 2012: Amarinder meets Dera Sacha Sauda chief | Day & Night News". Dayandnightnews.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Punjab polls: Parties line up for Dera Sacha Sauda support : Punjab News ". India Today. 21 January 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Haryana polls: Dera Sacha Sauda's political wing to support BJP".
- ↑ Anand Kumar Patel (5 February 2015). "BJP's New Friend: Dera Sacha Sauda, the Sect Led by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh". NDTV.com. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ↑ "Delhi Assembly polls 2015: Dera Sacha Sauda extends support to BJP". Zee News. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ↑ "Former Punjab top cop alleges Dera Sacha Sauda controversy was conspired by SAD govt". Times of India. Retrieved 2014-05-05.
- ↑ "Messengers of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rooting for BJP". timesofindia-economictimes. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
- ↑ "Most blood pressure readings taken in 24 hours". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Most diabetes readings taken in 24 hours". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Most cholesterol readings taken in 24 hours". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 25 January 2012. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Dera Sacha Sauda establishes 4 new world record | Day & Night News". Dayandnightnews.com. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Modi tweets praise to gurmeet ram rahim". Archived from the original on 10 November 2014.
- ↑ "Mass cleanliness drive by Dera sect in Jaipur". The Times Of India. 2 November 2011.
- ↑ India, Press Trust of (3 October 2016). "Raj min, Dera chief joins cleanliness drive". Retrieved 4 November 2016 – via Business Standard.
- ↑ "Punjab election move? BJPs Vasundhara Raje makes Gurmeet Ram Rahims MSG- The Warrior tax-free in Rajasthan". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ DSS (5 October 2016). "Glimpses - 30th Mega Cleanliness Drive in Jaipur - Dera Sacha Sauda". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 20 April 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 20 April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 22 April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
- ↑ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India — Punjab". tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ↑ "First on scene,Dera volunteers work as one". The Indian Express. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ↑ http://www.thestatesman.com/india/dera-sacha-sauda-chief-calls-for-ban-on-cow-slaughter-pan-1491726626.html
- ↑ "Largest display of oil lamps". Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ↑ "Largest finger painting". Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ↑ "Largest vegetable mosaic". Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ↑ "Most people sanitising their hands simultaneously". Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ↑ "MOST ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A FILM - Asia Book of Records". Retrieved 11 February 2017.
- ↑ "SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION FROM DERA SACHA SAUDA - Asia Book of Records –". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "All in the name of spirituality:: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan turns into singing sensation". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh JI Insan". MTV. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- ↑ "Universal Music". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Saint dons new role to reform youth". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Dera Sacha Sauda chiefs latest video takes YouTube by storm". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "MSG Becomes First Indian in a Decade to Receive a Platinum". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim has sung in different voices in 'MSG2 – The Messenger' - Times of India". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Music of 'MSG-The Warrior Lion Heart’ is out - Times of India". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "MSG — The Warrior: Lion Heart promotions take off with a musical concert - Times of India". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Indian spiritual leader rocks the stage: Check out his new song ‘Love Charger’ here!". 8 May 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ "Preacher-rockstar Dera Sacha Sauda chief hits century of shows". The Indian Express. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ↑ "Hind Ka Napak Ko Jawab - MSG Lionheart - 2 trailer: Gurmeet Ram Rahim pretends to be patriotic". Firstpost. Retrieved 2017-02-03.
- ↑ Sen, Sushmita. "'MSG'-fame Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to play six different roles in 'Online Gurukul'". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ↑ desitube (2016-10-20), St, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Talks About His Upcoming TV Serial Aan Baan Shaan Mera Hindustan, retrieved 2016-10-28
- ↑ "Facepalm? Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh wins Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation award for 'MSG'—Watch!". india.com. 25 April 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ↑ "MSG Becomes First Indian in a Decade to Receive a Platinum".
- ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (19 September 2016). "Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan awarded the prestigious 'Giants International Award 2016' for social reforms - Bollywood Hungama". bollywoodhungama.com.
- ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (7 February 2017). "Dr. MSG conferred with the Bright Award for Best Actor and Most Versatile Personality of the Year - Bollywood Hungama". bollywoodhungama.com.
- ↑ "MSG Got An Award For His Acting & Being The Most Versatile Personality". Retrieved 8 February 2017.
- ↑ "YFI recommends Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for Dronacharya Award". The Indian Express. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
- ↑ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh eyes Dronacharya award for producing Yoga champs". Business Standard. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
- ↑ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singhji Insaan nominated for Dronacharya Award by yoga federation". Firstpost. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
- ↑ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh recommended Dronacharya Award for producing yoga champions". The Times of India. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
- ↑ "Yoga guru' MSG aims for Dronacharya Award". Retrieved 3 June 2017.
- ↑ "2002 sexual abuse case: Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan claims he's not capable of having sex". Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- ↑ "2002 sexual abuse case: Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan claims he's not capable of having sex". Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- ↑ "SC dismisses plea of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in rape case". Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- ↑ "Radical Sikh Groups Oppose Akal Takht Pardon to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh". NDTV.com. 29 September 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ↑ "Haryana tense as Dera followers mount offensive — India — DNA". DNA India. 23 July 2008. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India — Haryana". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Dera chief attacked by mob near Sirsa, escapes unhurt — India News — IBNLive". ibnlive.in.com. 16 Jul 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
- ↑ "Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs". CNN-IBN Live. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
- ↑ "Peace mission moves to Amritsar". The Times of India. 29 May 2007. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Dera boycott to continue: Akal Takht". The Times of India. 30 May 2007. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- 1 2 "Criminal case against Dera Sacha Sauda head dismissed". The Times of India. 24 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-24.
- ↑ "Case against Dera chief dismissed, complainant to file appeal in HC". The Indian Express. 8 August 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- 1 2 "South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR), Weekly Assessments & Briefings". Satp.org. Retrieved 2011-03-21.
- ↑ "Dera sees conspiracy to tarnish its image". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
- ↑ "Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation". The Times of India. 26 August 2007. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation — India — DNA". DNA India. 26 August 2007. Retrieved 2012-04-25.
- ↑ "Dera chief escapes unhurt in blast, 11 injured". rediff.com. 2 February 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
- ↑ "KLF ultra planned strikes in Amritsar". Hindustan Times. 30 May 2010. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 2011-03-21.
- ↑ "Sikh extremist behind attack on Dera chief — India News ". CNN IBN. 3 February 2010. Retrieved 2011-03-21.
- ↑ "Mumbai: Dera chief's bodyguard kills 1". rediff.com. 21 June 2008. Retrieved 2011-10-10.
- ↑ "Sikh mobs run riot in Mumbai". The Times of India. 22 June 2008. Retrieved 2011-10-10.
- ↑ "Akal Takht Revokes Pardon Granted to Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim". NDTV. Press Trust of India. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
- ↑ "Indian comic Kiku Sharda arrested for TV spoof of guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh". The Guardian. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2016.