AMRITSAR: The 33rd death anniversary of Bhagat Puran Singh founder of All India Pingalwara Charitable was obtained here today.
GIani Kuldeep Singh Acting Jathedar Akal Takht and Jathedar Takht Sri Kesh Garh Sahib took part in a Gurmat Samagam (religious congregation) held at Pingalwara here to mark the 33rd death anniversary of the great Sikh humanitarian and environmentalist Bhagat Puran Singh. Addressing the gathering, Jathedar Gargajj inspired the Sangat to draw lessons from Bhagat Ji’s life, emphasizing the importance of caring for the environment and the land.
Jathedar Gargajj also listened to a heartfelt Gurbani Kirtan performed by the children of Pingalwara and later addressed the congregation. In his address, the Jathedar said that Bhagat Puran Singh served the needy, destitute, and suffering with true devotion, caring for them like his own sons and daughters. He described Bhagat Ji as a highly revered personality of the Sikh Panth, a pride for the entire Sikh community.
He stated that Bhagat Puran Singh dedicated his life to selfless service in accordance with the teachings of Gurbani. He was deeply influenced in his early years by witnessing sewa (voluntary service) at Gurdwara Reru Sahib in Ludhiana, which led him to become a devoted Sikh and later undertake great humanitarian service.
Jathedar Gargajj recalled that during the Indian Army’s attack on Sri Harmandar Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib in June 1984, Bhagat Puran Singh returned the state awards he had received from the government as a mark of protest—an act that reflected his deep Panthic spirit.
Highlighting Bhagat Ji’s environmental work, Jathedar Gargajj said it is imperative today to follow his example in preserving the air, water, land, and trees in light of the Gurbani’s teachings. “Bhagat Ji raised concerns about protecting the land long ago, and that concern is even more relevant today, ” he said. He warned against the rampant growth of concrete jungles in Punjab, stating that urbanization is advancing here more aggressively than in any other state of the country.
He stressed that the issue of land degradation is serious and that Bhagat Puran Singh’s vision for environmental care remains a guiding light. “Today, we must protect our earth, our trees, and our environment. Pingalwara is a legacy of the community, and we must support this institution wholeheartedly.”
Jathedar Gargajj urged the public to plant and preserve trees, stating that this would be a true tribute to Bhagat Puran Singh. “Water is essential for life—let’s not pollute and waste it. The most crucial issue today is to protect our land. If we have land, we have identity. Without it, we will be enslaved, ” he warned. He reminded the gathering that Baba Banda Singh Bahadar made us landowners, and it is now the community’s responsibility to protect this land and not sell it for petty gains.
On this occasion, the Chief Sewadar of Pingalwara, Dr. Inderjit Kaur, honoured Jathedar Gargajj by presenting him with a siropa (robe of honour), books, a portrait of Bhagat Puran Singh, and other mementos.