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Sant Teja Singh took admission in Columbia University with a Scholarship due to his Extraordinary Talent!

He decided to complete half of the studies of A.M degree during summer vacations and the remaining course of four and half months to be completed later for obtaining AM degree. And thus, he planned to complete the sixth term of Cambridge University in the next year and simultaneously appearing for the final exam of […]

He decided to complete half of the studies of A.M degree during summer vacations and the remaining course of four and half months to be completed later for obtaining AM degree.

And thus, he planned to complete the sixth term of Cambridge University in the next year and simultaneously appearing for the final exam of AM degree, Columbia University.

With this plan in mind, Teja Singh thus got admitted in Columbia University with a scholarship due to his extraordinary talent and studied there from 1908-1913.

Share & Spread his achievements!

Sant Teja Singh Ji – First Sikh Student in Cambridge University, London!

Sant Attar Singh gave a mandate to Sant Teja Singh Ji to go abroad for higher studies and mission for Sikhs in the West. He guided him to remain intact in his faith and humility of the highest levels. As Sant Teja Singh went to Britain, he first took admission in course of Doctor of […]

Sant Attar Singh gave a mandate to Sant Teja Singh Ji to go abroad for higher studies and mission for Sikhs in the West. He guided him to remain intact in his faith and humility of the highest levels.

As Sant Teja Singh went to Britain, he first took admission in course of Doctor of Science in University College London. On a suggestion, he went to Cambridge University for taking admission to change the precedent of Sikhs having to shed their Turban for studying there.

At Downing College, Cambridge University, he met the Vice Chancellor – Tutor Jackson and explained to him the tenets of Sikh faith and importance of turban for Sikhs. His logic was very impressive and articulate and reflected the spiritual Sikh way of Life. And thereafter all Sikh students were allowed to study with their turbans intact. He took admission for degree course of stream of Science (Tripose).

Thus, he was the first Sikh student, who introduced turban in the Cambridge University.

Heroic Volunteers of Khalsa Aid provide succor to the Stranded Victims of Gujarat’s Flood!

It’s a scene of complete devastation in Amreli, which has been ravaged by the worst floods in 90 years. Almost 600 villages are inundated; roads have been washed away due to flash floods in Shetrunji river and its tributaries. The condition of farmers is extremely miserable. In such distressful hours of need Sikh Volunteers of […]

It’s a scene of complete devastation in Amreli, which has been ravaged by the worst floods in 90 years. Almost 600 villages are inundated; roads have been washed away due to flash floods in Shetrunji river and its tributaries. The condition of farmers is extremely miserable.

In such distressful hours of need Sikh Volunteers of Khalsa aid extend a helping hand to the affected victims, providing them clean drinking water and other basic necessities.

Hats off to the team & their spirit of humanity!

~ Source: Khalsa Aid

First Sikh as Principal Khalsa College!

Based on his academic achievements, He became vice-principal of Khalsa College in 1904 and later its Principal, at the unprecedented young age of 27 years and the first Sikh to do so, since this benchmark was only met by British Teachers prior to this. At Khalsa College he started as a totally materialistic, atheist, non-religious […]

Based on his academic achievements, He became vice-principal of Khalsa College in 1904 and later its Principal, at the unprecedented young age of 27 years and the first Sikh to do so, since this benchmark was only met by British Teachers prior to this.

At Khalsa College he started as a totally materialistic, atheist, non-religious and a disbeliever person. He had turned snobbish on an ego-trip due to his western education. He would scoff at any known practices such as bowing to Guru Granth Sahib, preachers or saints, because he thought it was idolatry. On the other hand he was extremely honest, sensitive and sympathetic to the cause of needy people.

The Transformation

But the accumulated spiritual wealth of past-life brought about a deep spiritual transformation in Niranjan Singh, who took to baptism after meeting Sant Attar Singh in 1905. After baptism he was given the name of ‘Teja Singh’ by his spiritual mentor. Sant Attar Singh valued education and wanted to establish institutions that provide a blend of spiritual as well as modern education.

During his stint in Khalsa College Amritsar, Teja Singh felt elevated, subdued and purified. He was drawn towards Guru Granth Sahib as if it was a magnet. “Thy name brings glory Nanak seeks good of all.”

Sant Teja Singh Ji shunned Civil Services under the British Government to propagate the Noble Cause of Education!

Sant Teja Singh Ji scored a gold medal in M.A. in 1900 and then cleared LLB in 1901 and started his law practice but could not work for more than 7 days, since he could not accept himself resorting to fabricated lies to win cases. In the in the interim, he got an offer of […]

Sant Teja Singh Ji scored a gold medal in M.A. in 1900 and then cleared LLB in 1901 and started his law practice but could not work for more than 7 days, since he could not accept himself resorting to fabricated lies to win cases. In the in the interim, he got an offer of Headmastership of an Anglo Sanskrit School. He labored for one year in the school. At that point he tested the civil services exam in the Salt division. In 1902, he was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent at Sanbhar Lake.

He was clear only about one thing that he would serve the commoners for the rest of his life. As a Salt officer three thoughts bothered him too much: “that the salt which for miles has come out of the ground, only needy ones make it for their use. My duty was to catch them and imprison them. It came into my mind that the nature had given a free gift to the poor and being instrumental for their arrest just for earning wages became a repulsive idea.” “One day I thought that it was better to educate the poor than to brag about my status as a Salt officer.”

He decided to quit the job because it was not his way to lord over poor and helpless people.

The transformation of an Atheist to a Monk!

On first impression, Niranjan Singh Mehta seemed to have everything well set up for a highly visible career as a Civil Servant. Born in the rich family of Doctor Ralla Singh he was surrounded comfortably by a retinue of servants. He scored a gold medal in M.A. in 1900 and then cleared LLB in 1901 […]

On first impression, Niranjan Singh Mehta seemed to have everything well set up for a highly visible career as a Civil Servant. Born in the rich family of Doctor Ralla Singh he was surrounded comfortably by a retinue of servants.

He scored a gold medal in M.A. in 1900 and then cleared LLB in 1901 and started his law practice but could not work for more than 7 days, since he could not accept himself resorting to fabricated lies to win cases. In the interim, he got an offer of Headmastership of an Anglo Sanskrit School. He labored for one year in the school. At that point he tested the civil services exam in the Salt division. In 1902, he was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent at Sanbhar Lake.

He was clear only about one thing that he would serve the commoners for the rest of his life. As a Salt officer three thoughts bothered him too much: “that the salt which for miles has come out of the ground, only needy ones make it for their use. My duty was to catch them and imprison them. It came into my mind that the nature had given a free gift to the poor and being instrumental for their arrest just for earning wages became a repulsive idea.”

“One day I thought that it was better to educate the poor than to brag about my status as a Salt officer.

But the accumulated spiritual wealth of past-life brought about a deep spiritual transformation in Niranjan Singh, who took to baptism after meeting Sant Attar Singh in 1905. After baptism he was given the name of ‘Teja Singh’ by his spiritual mentor. Sant Attar Singh valued education and wanted to establish institutions that provide a blend of spiritual as well as modern education.

During his stint in Khalsa College Amritsar, Teja Singh felt elevated, subdued and purified. He was drawn towards Guru Granth Sahib as if it was a magnet. “Thy name brings glory Nanak seeks good of all.”

Series of Paintings “Raagas & I” inspired by the Raagas of the Sri Guru Granth Sahb Ji by Dr Navjeet Kaur!

The ideal season to perform this raag is in the summer time. Guru Teg Bahadur ji bani is composed in this …the last raaga of the SGGSji. Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, Ang 1352: Asks us to understand that wealth is like a dream so why are we so proud? Even the empires of this earth […]

The ideal season to perform this raag is in the summer time.
Guru Teg Bahadur ji bani is composed in this …the last raaga of the SGGSji.
Guru Tegh Bahadur ji,

Ang 1352:

Asks us to understand that wealth is like a dream so why are we so proud? Even the empires of this earth are like walls of sand. The body will perish.

Moment by moment yesterday passed ….today is passing as well…meditate on the Eternal,

So the inspiration of this painting are the Sand Dunes ….that are here today and gone tomorrow. It is a great analogy for the transient nature of our existence.

This painting came together fairly quickly….I was in class, I set out the paints, canvas and brushes and in a few hours this painting came came together….perhaps I was in the zone…or was it that I had been thinking about the Guru’s words for some time but there it was, by the end of class, this composition had come together.

The Guru wants me to reflect why am I so proud of the worldly goods? Of my worldly achievements? Moment by moment a whole life is passed…..

This world is an illusion…nothing that I have of this world shall go with me.

Guru advises me …. Meditate on the eternal truth

~ By Dr Navjeet Kaur

Early Life History of Sant Teja Singh Ji

Niranjan Singh Mehta, who later came to be known as Sant Teja Singh, was born in the family of Sardar Ralla Singh and mother Sadda Kaur on 14th May, 1877. In early childhood, Niranjan Singh was taught learning of Maths and Urdu language by Mian Mohammed Deen and later got completed his primary education from […]

Niranjan Singh Mehta, who later came to be known as Sant Teja Singh, was born in the family of Sardar Ralla Singh and mother Sadda Kaur on 14th May, 1877.

In early childhood, Niranjan Singh was taught learning of Maths and Urdu language by Mian Mohammed Deen and later got completed his primary education from Fazilka Municipal School. His father Sardar Ralla Singh was a renowned doctor serving the British Government and was a rich man.

Later, his father was transferred to Lahore Central Jail and Niranjan Singh to DAV School Lahore, where he completed his matriculation with a good score. In October 1894 he got admission into the Government College wherein he completed his LLB degree and then cleared Masters in Arts in year 1901 with a Gold medal.

“Talent cannot be restricted by disability” proves Armless Jagwinder Singh!

Jagwinder Singh, 24, an Armless art teacher who uses his feet to paint eyes Paralympic glory after showing cycling flair. The cycling enthusiast was inspired to buy his own bike after watching the 2012 Olympics on television and started peddling in his native town of Patran in Punjab. And much to his family’s surprise, he […]

Jagwinder Singh, 24, an Armless art teacher who uses his feet to paint eyes Paralympic glory after showing cycling flair. The cycling enthusiast was inspired to buy his own bike after watching the 2012 Olympics on television and started peddling in his native town of Patran in Punjab. And much to his family’s surprise, he started cycling to nearby Patiala – a distance of 25 km – three times a week. Slowly, with the support of his friends and family, he began competing and now sees no reason why he can’t one day compete at the Paralympic Games.

He says he’s glad to be a source of inspiration in his community. Having no arms, he uses his feet to cook and eat his food, paint, and even work on his computer.

“The people who see me every day, their mindset becomes very positive, thinking ‘If he can do so much in spite of not having hands then we can do anything.'” This is one of my biggest achievements for Jagwinder Singh

His father said: “When he started going to school, at first there were many difficulties – like how he will be treated by the other kids, being handicapped.”But he never lost his spirit, we supported him fully.” And with the success of his cycling and his teaching, now they only worry about him finding love.

Jagwinder’s mother Amarjeet Kaur, 45, said: “We need a good girl for him, who will support him and live her whole life with him properly.
“As we hope for good for him, she should wish the same.”

But despite his parents’ attempts at matchmaking, he intends to stay focused on his cycling – training hard both at the gym and by cycling over 25km every day.

“Whenever I feel like doing some work I see how another person is doing this work and work out how can I do it my own way”- Jagwinder Singh

He said: “My favorite cyclist is the Canadian Joseph Veloce – he is my biggest inspiration. Likewise I wish to win a gold medal in the Olympics.

“I want to make my parents and my country proud with my cycling”

This Multi-Talented Armless Man Shows How You Can Achieve Greatness Even With A Disability! He works hard turning the fortunes in his favor!

~ Source: Daily Sikh Update

16 Students of University of Michigan, USA study the Concept of ‘Langar Sewa’ at Amritsar!

The 16 undergrad students from Michigan University, USA got up as early as 3.30 am, bathed and then headed to participate in ‘sewa’ at the Golden Temple. They are trying to study one of the most efficient and largest community-kitchen programmes of the world. This has become a ‘routine’ for them for the past 20 […]

The 16 undergrad students from Michigan University, USA got up as early as 3.30 am, bathed and then headed to participate in ‘sewa’ at the Golden Temple. They are trying to study one of the most efficient and largest community-kitchen programmes of the world.

This has become a ‘routine’ for them for the past 20 days of their tour in Amritsar. Getting involved in all aspects of ‘langar sewa’ at the holiest of Sikh shrines, they participate in cooking, cleaning, going to the farmers’ market to get produce and all this while, studying the essence of the community service.
The team of students headed by Jasprit Singh, professor at the College of Engineering, Michigan University, is on a study tour in the city, understanding the concept of ‘langar’ and sustainable nourishment. “We have a programme in the university on the impact of food on ecology and economy and food systems around the world.

These students learn and understand how different communities work and what motivates them to perform ‘sewa’, how we can transfer these values in our social system.

They noticed how there is almost zero wastage even when food is being prepared with fresh produce for over 50,000 people every day,” informs Jasprit. Overcoming the language barriers and initial discomfort to the city’s lifestyle, the students have now found their ‘zone’. They explored every nook and corner of Amritsar.
“When we first arrived, the city was overwhelming. But now we can just hop on to a rickshaw and move about, finding the hidden treasures in Amritsar,” says Zoe Kanterman, one of the students. They were highly impressed by the dedication with which the ‘sewa’ was carried out. “It’s just amazing how people from different backgrounds find a common sense of belonging and follow tradition with langar sewa. It’s more like a heritage for them,” shares Lucy Zhao.

The students also attempted at understanding one another’s cultural heritage; this one comes with lots of ‘dhol’ beats. The students are dedicating one hour every day with choreographers Pankaj and Preeti for learning bhangra and Punjabi folk-dance forms. “We do have a bhangra team of our university and perform during youth festivals,” says Jasprit.

Struggling to not miss a beat and get the moves right, the team sure has fun, the Punjabi way. “None of us has managed to get the steps right, we are still on basics. But we are enjoying every bit of it. It’s so vibrant and colourful that you feel elated,” says Zoe.

~ Source: tribuneindia.com