- Shamsher Singh Puri was born on January 19, 1926, at Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan). After completing his 12th grade in Rawalpindi, he then did B. COM. from the Govt. College Lahore in 1943, at that time he was the youngest graduate of Punjab University! His father was a contractor, so the author helped his father for some time. Writing was his hobby, therefore. He did Honors in Punjabi (Gyani) from Punjab University in 1946. After the partition, in 1947, he settled in Delhi. He helped Punjab Rehabilitation Department at the Faridabad and Kurukheshetra Refugee Camps. The then Prime Minister of India had recognized his humanitarian services. From 1949 to 1973 he worked in the family construction business. He did his Civil Engineering by postal courses from England & U.S.A. Specialized in Dams, Bridges and Airport Construction; he took major part in the construction of Bhakhra Dam.
On December 23, 1952 he married Sardami Dalip Kaur and the couple has two sons (Manwinderpal Preetinder) and one daughter, Ishpinder. He came to U.S.A. in 1947 and worked as a chief Engineer Quality Control with a reputed company of Florida at Pensacola. Retired in 1988 and dedicated his time for the construction of the Gurdwara Sahib in New Orleans. He did an outstanding job while negotiating with the builders. From 1988 to 1992 he served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Sikh Society of South Inc., Orleans. Since then he has been devoting his time to Gurbani. In addition to the book mentioned above, he has written two more books: “Handbook of Sikh Theology~’ and “Self-realization and Dignified Living”, which are in press. These days he is serving the Sikh Community of Atlanta as President of the Atlanta Gurdwara Sahib’s Management Committee.
It is, however, important to note that should you face a situation of discrimination against your turban, then he is very good guide in this matter. During 1970 fought his case very well. Some of his old letters of recommendations (which he had provided to the World Sikh News about 6 years ago) were really helpful in some cases in California. Locally, and with due respect, he is known as ‘Puri Sahib!’ The local Sikh Community appreciates his services and says: “Puri Sahib! Congratulations, and may God bless you and your family to do more services like this!”
Article extracted from this publication >> October 16, 1996
