On 13^th May, Baba Hardev Singh, head of the Nirankari Mission, was killed in a car accident in Canada at 5 am (IST). He was there to attend a Nirankari International Samagam (NIS) which was scheduled to be held in June in Toronto, Canada.

Here are few facts about him to know the Nirankari-sect Guru better and about his philosophies on Bhakti and humanity-

• Baba Hardev Singh was born on February 23, 1954 to Gurbachan Singh and Kulwant Kaur in Delhi. He was fortunate enough to be raised in such a divine family.Inheriting the spiritual blessings of his grandparents Satguru Baba Avtar Singh Ji and Jagat Mata Budhwanti Ji, Hardev Ji developed a great sense of respect towards nature and its creation from his very childhood.
• His elementary education began at home. With his sharp intellectual mind, he became a fast learner. Later he was sent to Rosary Public school, Sant Nirankari Colony, Delhi. Anxiety and anger never touched his life. Even the teachers and his fellow classmates were captivated by his humble nature, intelligence and his respect towards elders.
• Later Hardev Ji was sent to a very renowned residential Yadvendra school, Patiala for his high school education in the year 1969.
• During his schooldays, he developed a keen interest in mountaineering which sowed the seeds of patience and perseverance in his life. However, his other hobbies include horse riding, photography, and driving.
• After completing his high school studies he returned to Delhi and became admitted in Delhi University. With his interest towards socio-spiritual activities,he became very regular in Congregations and Sewa. Popularly known as 'Bhola Ji' Hardev Ji further joined the Nirankari Sewa Dal as its primary member.

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• In 1975, Baba Hardev Singh was married to Savinder Ji (daughter of Shri Gurumukh Singh and Smt. Madan Ji of Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh). Savinder Kaur is now known as 'Pujya Mata' by devotees of the Mission.
• After the death of Shri Gurbachan Singh Baba Hardev Singh was appointed as the new spiritual head of the Nirankari mission. True to his trust and devotees, Baba Hardev Singh became a perfect spiritual master. He guided all his devotees to spread the voice of truth while praying for goodwill for all.
• Baba undertook several tours within the country and abroad. Went to the remotest areas and harboured the seeds of love, peace, and humanity. He used to travel by roads and met people with intensive love and care. Showing special interest in the youth living abroad, he enlightened everyone regarding Indian ethics and cultures.

• Taking the mission to new heights, Hardev Ji showed the world his will and power of his divine presence and made this mission a mass movement of God-Knowledge and Universal Brotherhood. In 1987 (on the occasion of Manav Ekta Diwas), several blood camps were organised by the Niranki mission. Santosh Sarovar complex was made which adds to the greenery to Delhi's ecology. The Mission also proposes to have a general hospital.

• The Nirankari mission has never been orthodox to scientific developments. It emphasizes the need of technological growth as a need for human welfare. Above all caste, colour and creed, the mission believes in God, who is One, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, formless, a non-psychic objective reality and perceivable.
• According to Baba Ji "The Sant Nirankari Mission is an all-embracing spiritual movement dedicated to human welfare. It endorses Realization of Fatherhood of God through the living Satguru is the goal of human life and along by we achieve Brotherhood & peace which is the need of humanity and for the progress of mankind."

Prepared by Pritam

Pritam is a 3rd year engineering student in B.P. Poddar institute of management and technology, Kolkata. A simple person who tries to innovate and improvise himself. Twitter handle @pritam_gogreen