Satguru Jagjit Singh

Satguru Jagjit Singh led the Namdhari community for over six decades, promoting spiritual discipline, traditional music and environmental conservation.

[6] From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in Gurbani (Sikh scriptures), traditional music, and service to humanity, which would become cornerstones of his life's mission.

After acquiring of education at the school, Satguru Jagjit Singh used to cooperate in dera (organization) management, including arrangement of rations and participation in different developmental activities.

[11] Satguru Partap Singh visited the villages of Western Punjab (now Pakistan) and told the people that "partition of India is imminent; cross over the Ravi, otherwise you would be in difficulty, at least you should move your children and domestic articles immediately".

Satguru Jagjit Singh played a major role in their care and distribution of land to them,[13] ensuring their successful and early rehabilitation during those difficult time.

[16] Satguru Jagjit Singh urged the Namdhari community to engage in Naam Simran (meditative remembrance of God's name) and Seva (selfless service).

Satguru Jagjit Singh had instructed Namdhari Sikhs to take head-to-toe bath daily, it being mandatory at the time of Kirtan and listening of Asa di Vaar.

[19] On 16 July 1991, Satguru Jagjit Singh underwent bypass surgery of heart at the age of 71 years in Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia with the conditions that no part of his body hair be cut, his dastar be always on his head at all times, and that he not be administered any alcohol-based sedatives.

[20][21] Satguru Jagjit Singh initiated efforts to train youth in stringed instruments, which had been used traditionally by Sikh Gurus for Gurbani kirtan.

Concomitant with rehabilitation of Sikhs in Sri Jeewan Nagar area post-independence, Satugru Jagjit Singh made efforts to ensure self-sufficiency of the population there.

He started his efforts with the area of Sri Jeewan Nagar and taking Sikhs along with him, he brought four hundred acres infertile land of Mastangarh into cultivation.

Dr. Gill expressed remarked about Satguru Jagjit Singh, ‘The efforts made by you in promoting horticulture also inspire us to look for new avenues of research in this university as well’.

[26] Tatla mentions that "on a practical plane, only the Namdhari sect, members of which adhere to strict vegetarianism and homespun clothes, are dedicated to conserving the 'mother planet' for all".

[31][32][33] Namdhari community had not participated in the colonial education system due to the principles of non-cooperation and boycott of foreign infrastructure during the pre-independence times.

After independence, Satguru Jagjit Singh endeavored to raise the educational standards of Namdhari youth, while remaining within the ambit of Sikhi principles.

This women's wing strives to promote a lifestyle distanced from fashion trends, discourage dowry practices, and preserve the cultural heritage of their community and state.

They complete a form created by the Vishav Namdhari Sangat at Sri Bhaini Sahib, which includes details such as names, occupations, and gotra (exogamous caste groups) of the boy's and girl's paternal and maternal families, along with their birthdates, heights, and qualifications.

The Vishav Namdhari Sangat verifies that both the boy and girl meet the required age, possess a gurmukh appearance, and are able to recite ardas.

The Namdhari Sports Academy, affiliated with the Indian Hockey Federation, was the first in India to install an AstroTurf field at Sri Bhaini Sahib to enhance training quality.

[42] Satguru Jagjit Singh was an ardent supporter of interfaith dialogue and understanding, meeting with religious leaders, statesmen, and global influencers to promote peace and unity.

Joginder Singh mentions that since the inception, Namdhari sect had been a supporter of Punjabi language in Gurmukhi script and Punjabiat (cultural plurality).

[45] Satguru Jagjit Singh encouraged all parties in various state- and center- based conflicts to resolve issues mutually and amicably.

Tatla mentions the way in which influential figures like Satguru Jagjit Singh 'brought standards of social and religious judgement among overseas Sikh communities much closer to the Punjabi society'.

[46] During his visit to UK, Satguru Jagjit Singh messaged the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair 'to take care and be mindful that innocent people do not suffer or lose their lives' when making important decisions related to wars.

[49] Satguru Jagjit Singh passed away on 13 December 2012, leaving a legacy marked by spiritual guidance, social reform, and environmental advocacy.

Satguru's contributions to Sikh music, cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and global peace remain influential today, and their teachings continue to inspire people worldwide to live with humility, compassion, and devotion to the divine.

Satguru Jagjit Singh reading Gurbani
Raag Ratnavali - compositions of Gurbani kirtan by Satguru Jagjit Singh
Appreciation of Satguru Jagjit Singh's efforts in horticulture by (A) VC, Punjab Agriculture University, and (B) regional newspaper
Satguru Jagjit Singh and Satguru Uday Singh in conversation with British PM Tony Blair
Satguru Uday Singh during 1st Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Sangeet Sammellan