Jan-March 2006 - Institute of Sikh Studies

BHAI LADHA SINGH JI OF FARIDKOT89born and brought up in Faridkot and received all the love and attentiondue to grandchildren.At the end of his career, the prospect of a Sikh EducationalConference give him a challenge worth his capability, and he workedhard, making various arrangements. But alas! The conference waspostponed and materialized only later after his death. In another fieldalso he faced disillusion. He wanted to take long leave and supporthis famous friend Akali Kaur Singh Nihang in establishing a Hostelfor educational facilities at Chakaar in J & K. But the Raja did notfavour his leaving Faridkot. With these burdens on his mind, and aprolonged illness with various complications, he ultimately expired on17 th Jeth, 1999 BK, survived by his wife, Bebe Har Kaur and his onlynephew Sardar Inder Singh, our father and his family.This is an overview of his life. What is important to posterity ishis life as a ragi and a Sikh Preacher. Some impressions follow in thesubsequent paras.His preaching was mainly through kirtan. He had a sonorousvoice and used to support the idea of main shabad by reference toother shabads having the same theme. This was to emphasis andreemphasize the Guru’s sayings on a topic, so that it went home to thelisteners. A similar style was recently adopted by Bhai Darshan SinghRaagi (Ex-Jathedar Akal Takhat); others have gone over to the easierpopular rendering. He performed many marriages in well-known Sikhfamilies by Anand Karaj then only a recent practice. Another thing weobserved as children was, whenever we visited him, he was alwayssurrounded by a number of persons discussing Gurmat, Sikh history orcurrent Sikh topics. His visitors included Gurdwara heads, udasis,granthis, raagis, professors and teachers of local institutions. Sometimes,we have even attended rababis singing classical tunes in early hours ofmorning. He encouraged such talented persons. I also remember himrendering katha from Suraj Prakash and Guru Granth Sahib in theevenings.He participated fervently in the processions on occasions ofGurpurabs. Attired in achkan and churidars and a neatly tied turban ofmatching colour, swinging a stick in his hand, he looked a grand sight.All those who saw him admired, him and paid respect by exchangingFateh salutations with him.