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Former PM Manmohan Singh Launches Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s Book

Manmohan Singh Launches Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s Book on Value-Based Education

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh officially launched “Mission to Reboot Punjab Through Value-Based Education”, authored by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, on 8 April 2017 in New Delhi. The event marked a significant milestone for The Kalgidhar Trust, bringing national attention to its mission of transforming rural India through value-based education.

The book launch attracted distinguished guests from the fields of education, industry and public service, including Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Corporate Service. The presence of Dr. Manmohan Singh, one of India’s most respected economists and former Prime Minister, highlighted the growing recognition of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s educational vision and its impact on rural development.

More than the release of a book, the occasion celebrated a movement that has empowered thousands of children through quality education, moral values and community service. It also reinforced the importance of education as the foundation for rebuilding society.

A Vision to Reboot Punjab Through Education

Mission to Reboot Punjab Through Value-Based Education presents Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s lifelong belief that lasting social transformation begins in the classroom. The book explains how value-based education can address many of the challenges affecting Punjab, including youth unemployment, drug abuse, school dropouts and migration.

Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji advocates an educational model that develops knowledge, character, leadership and spiritual values together. His philosophy is based on preparing students to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

The book also documents decades of grassroots work undertaken through The Kalgidhar Trust, demonstrating how educational institutions can become centres of social transformation in rural communities.

National Recognition for The Kalgidhar Trust

The participation of Dr. Manmohan Singh gave the event national significance. Throughout his public life, Dr. Singh has consistently emphasised education as the foundation of economic development and social mobility. His presence at the launch reflected an appreciation of the work being carried out by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji and The Kalgidhar Trust.

The launch introduced policymakers, educators, researchers and social leaders to an educational model that had quietly transformed thousands of lives across rural North India. It also encouraged wider discussions on how value-based education can contribute to long-term social and economic progress.

The event demonstrated that successful educational models developed in rural India deserve national attention and can serve as examples for similar initiatives across the country.

From Five Students to a Nationwide Educational Movement

The philosophy presented in the book is rooted in Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s own life’s work. After retiring as Director of Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh, he established the first Akal Academy at Baru Sahib in 1986 with just five students.

Over the following decades, this modest beginning evolved into one of India’s largest rural education movements. Today, The Kalgidhar Trust operates 130 CBSE-affiliated Akal Academies across five northern states, educating more than 75,000 students, many of whom come from farming families and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The organisation has also established Akal University at Talwandi Sabo and Eternal University at Baru Sahib, extending its commitment to quality higher education and research while remaining firmly rooted in the principles of value-based learning.

Education as a Tool for Social Change

The central message of Mission to Reboot Punjab Through Value-Based Education is that education should prepare students not only for careers but also for responsible citizenship. Baba Iqbal Singh Ji argues that academic excellence must be supported by ethical values, compassion, discipline and service to humanity.

This philosophy continues to guide every institution established by The Kalgidhar Trust. Students are encouraged to excel academically while also developing leadership qualities, environmental responsibility, cultural awareness and a commitment to serving society.

The New Delhi book launch helped bring this educational philosophy into the national spotlight, encouraging educators and policymakers to explore value-based education as a practical model for sustainable social development.

Related Resources

References

  • Official Book Launch Ceremony – New Delhi (8 April 2017)
  • Mission to Reboot Punjab Through Value-Based Education by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji
  • The Kalgidhar Trust – Official Publications
  • Akal Academies – Educational Initiatives and Rural Development Programmes

The launch of Mission to Reboot Punjab Through Value-Based Education by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh marked a defining moment in the journey of The Kalgidhar Trust. It recognised Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s decades-long commitment to transforming rural India through education rooted in academic excellence, ethical values and selfless service. Today, that vision continues to inspire more than 75,000 students studying across 130 Akal Academies, along with Akal University and Eternal University, carrying forward a mission that began with just five students at Baru Sahib.

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji Ranked World’s 5th Most Powerful Sikh in Sikh 100 Report

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji Ranked World’s 5th Most Powerful Sikh

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, the founder of The Kalgidhar Trust (The Kalgidhar Society), Baru Sahib, received international recognition when he was ranked the World’s 5th Most Powerful, Influential and Contemporary Sikh in the inaugural Sikh 100 Report, published by Sikh Directory UK on 12 November 2013. The recognition honoured his extraordinary contribution to rural education, humanitarian service, value-based leadership, and social transformation.

For millions of people associated with The Kalgidhar Trust, this recognition represented much more than an international ranking. It acknowledged decades of selfless service dedicated to empowering rural communities through education and reflected the global impact of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s lifelong mission of creating socially responsible citizens.

Table of Contents

International Recognition

The recognition of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji in the Sikh 100 Report brought international attention to one of India’s most remarkable educational movements. The report ranked him among the world’s most influential contemporary Sikhs based on leadership, public service, humanitarian contribution, influence, achievements, integrity and long-term impact on society.

Unlike many global recognitions that focus on political influence or commercial success, this honour highlighted a lifetime dedicated to serving humanity through education. Baba Iqbal Singh Ji demonstrated that lasting influence is created by transforming lives rather than seeking personal recognition.

About the Sikh 100 Report

The Sikh 100 Report, published by Sikh Directory UK, was introduced as one of the first international publications dedicated to recognising influential Sikhs from around the world. The report evaluated individuals from diverse fields including education, public service, business, healthcare, philanthropy, academia and community leadership.

The assessment considered multiple factors including leadership, effectiveness, influence, conduct, capabilities, achievements, honours and the positive impact individuals created within society. Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s inclusion among the world’s leading Sikh personalities reflected the scale and significance of his contribution to education and social development.

The Vision of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji

Before dedicating himself entirely to education, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji served as the Director of Agriculture in the Government of Himachal Pradesh. After retirement, rather than choosing a comfortable life, he moved to Baru Sahib with a vision of transforming rural India through quality education rooted in ethical values.

His educational philosophy was inspired by the teachings of Sant Attar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji, who believed that modern scientific education should be integrated with spirituality, discipline, compassion and character development.

Baba Ji firmly believed that education should prepare students not only for successful careers but also for responsible citizenship and selfless service to humanity. This vision continues to define every institution established under The Kalgidhar Trust.

The Kalgidhar Trust’s Educational Mission

Under Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s leadership, The Kalgidhar Trust (The Kalgidhar Society) grew from a single educational institution into one of India’s largest rural education movements.

Today, the organisation serves society through:

  • 130 Akal Academies across rural North India
  • More than 75,000 students
  • Akal University, Talwandi Sabo
  • Eternal University, Baru Sahib
  • Teacher education programmes
  • Healthcare initiatives
  • Women empowerment programmes
  • Community development projects

The Trust focuses on providing affordable, value-based education to children from farming families, economically weaker sections and underserved rural communities. Students are encouraged to develop academic excellence alongside leadership, compassion, integrity and social responsibility.

Thousands of graduates from institutions established by The Kalgidhar Trust have gone on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, researchers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, defence personnel and professionals serving communities across India and around the world.

The Significance of This Recognition

The recognition of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji as the World’s 5th Most Powerful Sikh serves as an international acknowledgement of the transformative power of education. His life’s work demonstrates that investing in children, particularly those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, creates lasting social change.

Beyond academic achievement, the institutions founded under his leadership have helped address social challenges including illiteracy, gender inequality, poverty and substance abuse by empowering young people with knowledge, values and opportunities.

His leadership has inspired thousands of educators, volunteers, donors and supporters who continue contributing to the mission of transforming lives through education.

Continuing the Legacy

Today, The Kalgidhar Trust continues to expand Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s vision through innovative educational initiatives, digital learning, scholarships, healthcare services and rural development programmes.

The organisation remains committed to making quality education accessible to every child, regardless of financial circumstances. Through initiatives such as Educate To Save, thousands of children receive educational support from donors committed to creating brighter futures.

More than a decade after the Sikh 100 recognition, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s legacy continues to inspire educational institutions, social organisations and community leaders worldwide. His work stands as a reminder that humility, service and education have the power to transform generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Baba Iqbal Singh Ji?

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji was the founder of The Kalgidhar Trust (The Kalgidhar Society), Baru Sahib, and a visionary educationist dedicated to transforming rural India through value-based education.

Why was Baba Iqbal Singh Ji recognised in the Sikh 100 Report?

He was recognised for his lifelong contribution to rural education, humanitarian service, leadership and social transformation through The Kalgidhar Trust.

What is the Sikh 100 Report?

The Sikh 100 Report is an international publication recognising influential contemporary Sikhs who have made exceptional contributions to society across various fields.

What is The Kalgidhar Trust?

The Kalgidhar Trust (The Kalgidhar Society), headquartered at Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, is a non-profit organisation working in education, healthcare, women empowerment and community development.

How many educational institutions does The Kalgidhar Trust operate?

Today, the organisation operates 130 Akal Academies, Akal University, Eternal University and several educational and social development initiatives serving more than 75,000 students.

Learn More

To learn more about Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, The Kalgidhar Trust, Akal Academies and other educational initiatives, explore the following resources:

Historical Note: This article documents the international recognition announced in 2013. It has been updated with current information about The Kalgidhar Trust (The Kalgidhar Society) to provide readers with historical context alongside the organisation’s continuing mission and impact.