{"id":6488,"date":"2017-02-15T10:53:51","date_gmt":"2017-02-15T05:23:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.barusahib.org\/?p=6488"},"modified":"2025-03-24T11:37:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T06:07:02","slug":"i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/","title":{"rendered":"I Became the Biggest Beggar &#8211; The Inspiring Journey of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#Revolutionizing_Rural_Education_in_India\" >Revolutionizing Rural Education in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#Breaking_the_Commercialization_of_Education\" >Breaking the Commercialization of Education<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#A_Life_Dedicated_to_Service\" >A Life Dedicated to Service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#From_a_Hut_to_129_Schools_Universities\" >From a Hut to 129 Schools &amp; Universities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#Value-Based_Education_%E2%80%93_A_Unique_Approach\" >Value-Based Education &#8211; A Unique Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#Setting_New_Standards_in_Education\" >Setting New Standards in Education<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#Overcoming_Financial_Challenges_with_Faith\" >Overcoming Financial Challenges with Faith<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#Smart_Growth_Strategies_Self-Sustainability\" >Smart Growth Strategies &amp; Self-Sustainability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/i-became-the-biggest-beggar-the-inspiring-journey-of-baba-iqbal-singh-ji\/#A_Legacy_of_Selfless_Service\" >A Legacy of Selfless Service<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Revolutionizing_Rural_Education_in_India\"><\/span>Revolutionizing Rural Education in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In this section, we highlight individuals making remarkable contributions to education. Today, we feature Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, a visionary leader who has established 129 CBSE-affiliated English medium schools in remote rural areas across India. His mission? To expand this number to 500 schools in the next decade, ensuring quality education for underprivileged children.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breaking_the_Commercialization_of_Education\"><\/span>Breaking the Commercialization of Education<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In an era where education is often seen as a business, with exorbitant fees for tuition, uniforms, and books, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji\u2019s work stands out as a beacon of hope. While many open schools for profit, he has dedicated his life and resources to providing affordable, high-quality education to children who need it the most.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Life_Dedicated_to_Service\"><\/span>A Life Dedicated to Service<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After retiring as Director of the Agriculture Department in Himachal Pradesh, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji chose to serve rural communities. Inspired by his spiritual mentors Sant Attar Singh and Sant Teja Singh, he founded Akal Academies, blending modern education with moral and spiritual values. His goal is to spread Guru Nanak\u2019s message of love and peace through education.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_a_Hut_to_129_Schools_Universities\"><\/span>From a Hut to 129 Schools &amp; Universities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In 1986, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji started with just five students in a hut at Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. Today, his initiative has grown into 129 CBSE schools across North India, including Punjab, Rajasthan, UP, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. His work also extends to three universities, a hospital, three de-addiction centers, and a free teacher training institute\u2014all within just three decades.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Value-Based_Education_%E2%80%93_A_Unique_Approach\"><\/span>Value-Based Education &#8211; A Unique Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Akal Academies aim to reinvent Gurukul-style education, emphasizing both moral values and modern learning. Unlike conventional literacy-focused schooling, value-based education nurtures character and personality development alongside academics.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting_New_Standards_in_Education\"><\/span>Setting New Standards in Education<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Despite operating in remote areas, Akal Academies maintain world-class infrastructure and innovative teaching methods:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Smart classrooms:<\/strong> Over 2,000 classrooms equipped with smart boards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No-homework policy:<\/strong> Students complete assignments in school, reducing burden.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Minimal school fees:<\/strong> Making quality education accessible to all.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Healthy student-teacher ratio:<\/strong> 20:1, compared to 40:1 in most private schools.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Book-free learning:<\/strong> Some schools have already begun implementing this concept.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overcoming_Financial_Challenges_with_Faith\"><\/span>Overcoming Financial Challenges with Faith<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Running such a vast organization requires substantial financial resources. How did Baba Iqbal Singh Ji achieve this? By becoming the biggest beggar.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cWhen you ask for help, you learn humility and tolerance. You even face criticism. But in the process, you crush your ego. That\u2019s how we grew,\u201d he shares.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>His mentor\u2019s disciples spread the word, gathering donations to support his mission. Over time, as the quality of education spoke for itself, more people came forward to help.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Smart_Growth_Strategies_Self-Sustainability\"><\/span>Smart Growth Strategies &amp; Self-Sustainability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Benedict Paramanand, in his book on Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, credits his success to smart financial strategies. Instead of spending heavily on infrastructure, Akal Academies follow an organic growth model\u2014starting with basic classrooms and expanding as students progress, ensuring sustainable development.<\/p>\n<p>To sustain operations, Jivo Wellness, a company founded by inspired youngsters, donates its entire profits to fund Akal Academies, healthcare, and welfare initiatives.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Legacy_of_Selfless_Service\"><\/span>A Legacy of Selfless Service<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Honored with numerous awards, including the Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), Baba Iqbal Singh Ji is far from slowing down. His goal remains clear\u2014to expand Akal Academies to 500 schools while embracing paperless and cloud-based learning for the future.<\/p>\n<p>His journey is a testament to faith, perseverance, and selfless service, proving that true education goes beyond literacy\u2014it builds character, values, and a better society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Revolutionizing Rural Education in India In this section, we highlight individuals making remarkable contributions to education. Today, we feature Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, a visionary leader who has established 129 CBSE-affiliated English medium schools in remote rural areas across India. His mission? To expand this number to 500 schools in the next decade, ensuring quality [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6489,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[91,59],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-6488","post","type-post","status-publish","format-image","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-honour-and-respect","post_format-post-format-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6488"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6488\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6490,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6488\/revisions\/6490"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6489"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6488"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=6488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}