AMRITSAR: The light that illuminated thousands of lives has merged in the Divine Light. On August 5,1992, Bhagat Puran Singh left this world for his heavenly abode after ailing for quite some time, The 86 year old Bhagat Ji was an embodiment of selfless service for he translated in action the doctrine of service as expounded in the Sikh religion. He was not a person but an Institution-a living legend. His monument, dedicated to the spirit of selfless service in “Pingalwara,” is a haven for old, homeless, crippled, emotionally disturbed and mentally retarded people of poverty stricken India. Bhagat Ji was an apostle to the sick and afflicted. He brought warmth, love, dignity and hope to all he touched. For more than half a century he infused inspiration and joy in the withered lives of those he cared for,
A true Sikh, deeply devoted to the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, he lived his life accordingly. As Guru Arjun Dev Ji affirms in the Sukhmani Sahib, “The Lord is attained only by those who indulge in selfless service,” Bhagat Ji spent his whole life in serving others. He said, “Our soul is happy only when we identify with all. When we merge with the whole, when we serve others, the hunger of the soul is satisfied otherwise we will wither away with boredom.” This love for humanity was ignited in childhood by his mother who herself was a very pious and caring woman,
Guru Gobind Singh Foundation based in Washington D.C. had the honor of getting Bhagat Ji nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992. The confirmation of his official entry was received recently by G.G.S-F. In his letter of recommendation to nominate Bhagat Ji, Hon, Dan Burton, member U.S. House of Representatives, made a fervent appeal to the Nobel Committee by saying, “Given Bhagat Puran Singh’s outstanding devotion and service to India’s less fortunate, I believe he is truly deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. In my opinion, he exemplifies both the spirit and objectives of this prestigious honor.” Hon. Paul Martin, MP of House of Commons in Canada, sent a genuine universal message to the Nobel Committee by saying, “We respectfully submit that at times of hardships and global reduction of volunteer involvement, your organization would have a tremendous opportunity to send a clear message to the world by choosing Puran Singh.”
This is a moment of intense grief for all of us. Dr.Rajwant Singh, Executive Director G.G.S.F., expressed his deep sorrow and sentiments, He said, “The World is poorer today without Bhagat Ji. He revived with vigor the selfless spirit of service which is so innate to Sikhism.” Amrit Kaur, who personally met Bhagat Ji last December said, “I feel a poignant sense of personal loss. Meeting Bhagat Ji is an unforgettable experience. He was a treasure house of knowledge, he had a deep understanding of maladies that afflict our society, a keen awareness of our dwindling natural resources, a concern for humanity, but above all, the dedication and persistence to make this world a better place.”
The light has extinguished; but the sparks he left within us will illuminate our path. His message and accomplishments are universal in their appeal, as he said, “My message is for closeness of the whole universe.” And with that he also threw us a challenge by saying, “The hunger of my soul is satisfied, Now it is your responsibility to move ahead with these ideals.
Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 21, 1992
