Baba Gurbachan Singh was born on December 10, 1930 in Peshawar, now in Pakistan. He received boundless love and affection from his parents. Baba Avtar Singh and Jagat Mata Budhwanti as also from the True Master, Baba Buta Singh, then residing with the family.

Right from his infancy, the child Gurbachan manifested rare and remarkable qualities. These qualities comprised sensitiveness to human sorrow and suffering, sympathy for the afflicted, avoidance of all disputes and discords and malice as also appreciation of fine traits in others. All this could well be corroborated by numerous instances of his childhood. On return from school, when he received from his usual pocket money, he would persuade him to oblige his companions as well. Thus, his mind was free from the sense of duality and discrimination. While messing together, his friends would quickly grab all dainty dishes, leaving this simple child rather hungry at times. On inquiry by the mother, he would, however, never complain but simply smile. His generous disposition would not permit him to malign anyone. Unlike the common run of boys, he would never make any demand. On the contrary, he enjoyed sharing things with others.

CHILDHOOD

Gurbachan was a shining student. After doing his Middle from Peshawar, he ‘matriculated’ from the Khalsa School, Rawalpindi, He could not pursue his studies further, because of the turmoil following the Partition of India. He, However, acquired rich and rare experience of practical life by his wisdom and intelligence. Like savants and great men, he would think more and speak less.

PARTITION

During the turbulent days preceding the Partition, everybody wished to be relieved of his pressing parental responsibilities speedily. Accordingly, on April 22, 1947, Bhai Manna Singh solemnized the marriage of his daughter, Kulwant Kaur, with Gurbachan Singh at a simple ceremony. Kulwant kaur who subsequently became popular as Nirankari Rajmata, marched shoulder to shoulder with her husband. she proved to be an ideal wife and lifemate. Surely, the couple had been united by the Almighty for the well being of humanity.

During the ongoing massacre following the Partition, the Hindus and Muslims forgot their centuries-old co-existence and amity. Leaving their hearths and homes, they migrated to India or Pakistan. Forced by the circumstances even the Nirankari devotees, who believed in universal brotherhood, had to migrate to India. The two Governments had made arrangements for transporting people from one country to the other. Those rescued from villages and towns, were given shelter in various refugee camps, under military protection. For the migrants of the Rawalpindi area, a camp was set up at Wah. Baba Avtar Singh sent his own family and those of the Nirankari devotees to the aforesaid Camp and himself stayed back for a few days more in Rawalpindi. The adverse circumstances, however, soon forced him to migrate to Delhi by a plane. In the Wah camp Baba Gurbachan Singh himself assumed responsibility of looking after the refugee devotees. Baba Buta Singh and Baba Avtar Singh had already instilled in him the spirit of selfless service and self-sacrifice.

The camp officer entrusted to the young Gurbachan Singh the job of looking after the inmates of the Camp. This step had a deeper significance. It was actually a test of his spirit of selfless service, self-sacrifice and justice. This spirit was displayed by him admirably in distribution of rations to the inmates of the Camp. Usually, everyone has a soft corner for his friends and relatives. However, he made it clear to his near and dear ones that they would not get any ration from the Camp till they consumed what they already had with them. Babaji’s spirit of selfless service and equal vision inspired all with love and faith in him. Thus he served the inmates for many days, with all dedication.

One day if was announced on behalf of the Government that those desirous of migrating to India, could do so by aeroplanes, then available. But the devotees in the Camp were reluctant to do so, without taking their belongings with them. They were still in a dilemma, when Gurbachan announced that they must migrate to India by any available transport leaving their belongings to his care. This noble gesture and bold decision was quite a surprise-dispatching all the devotees, including his newly-wedded wife, to India and himself staying back and assuming responsibility of transporting their house hold effects during those terrible days! Everyone was highly impressed by his public spirit. All the devotees accordingly left for India, leaving Baba Gurbachan Singh and his father-in-law alone in the Camp, devotees in a goods train and reached India. After halting for some time in Jullundur, he joined his father, Baba Avtar Singh, at Delhi.

STRUGGLE IN DELHI

All the members of Babaji’s family and their relations gradually settled down in Delhi. Just after his arrival in India, Baba Avtar Singh resumed his missionary activities and congregations. Baba Gurbachan Singh, on his own, assumed the responsibility of supporting the family. This was indeed an ordeal in a new place without financial resources. Those who trust in God Almighty, are not, however, deterred by such adversities. Wisely and discreetly, Babaji was able to tackle this problem. While a student of eighth class in Rawalpindi, he had acquired some experience and interest in the auto-parts business. Unmindful of his comfortable living in Pakistan, Babaji plunged into this business with the little money left with him. He would purchase and sell auto-parts riding on a bike, braving the sun, rain and cold. Who could imagine that this young Gurbachan would one day rule the hearts of millions and become an emancipator of mankind.

After sometime, Babaji succeeded in acquiring a small shop near Mori Gate and his business picked up. His reputation for honesty, his sweet disposition and humility, attracted more and more customers. Shortly thereafter, he rented another shop at Kashmiri Gate, the main market of auto-parts. In order to provide adequate living for the large family, he entered into a partnership. But a small shop had naturally a limited scope of feeding a large family. Another shop had, therefore, to be acquired. By and by, Babaji set up four shops in Delhi, employing a number of fellow-devotees. With the expansion of his business, he also opened an office in Bombay. He also setup a shop at Jullundur, but nobody was willing to leave Delhi and go there. As desired by Baba Avtar Singh, Baba Gurbachan Singh himself assumed this responsibility, as a true and obedient devotee. The shop at Jullunder had two partners and one employee. Again, as per the wishes of Baba Avtar Singh, the True Master, he shared his partnership with the employee. This demonstrated his spirit of surrender and obedience to the True master. Meanwhile. He also secured an import and export license. Thus, his business was firmly established and yielded a handsome income. Because of his simplicity, straight-forwardness and large-heartedness, all addressed him as ‘’Bholaji’’ ( innocent one ) or ‘’Sethji’’ ( a rich person ).-

In 1950, Baba Gurbachan Singh shifted to Delhi. This gave him ample opportunity of serving his father, Baba Avtar Singh. he always regarded and served his father, Baba Avtar Singh, as the True Master. He considered this as the prime object of his life. After returning from the shop, he would devote his maximum time to serve the True Master. He drove his car and attended to him and the devotees. However, he never interfered in the organizational affairs of the Mission.

NOMINATION AS HEAD

Addressing a congregation on December 3,1962, on the eve of his departure for Bombay, Baba Avtar Singh said, ‘’ Henceforth, Gurbachan Singh will be addressed as Baba Ji and not as ‘’Seth Ji ‘’ or ‘’ Bhapa Ji ‘’. He should be revered as I am ‘’. However, he was formally appointed as Head of the Mission on November 5, 1963. This was a total surprise for the young Gurbachan Singh, for the always considered himself just a humble devotee, not competent enough to shoulder such a stupendous responsibility. His maiden address to the congregation reflected this very sentiment.

Strange are the ways of God. He alone knows the secret of His will. A True Master is; he is not made. He manifests himself whenever, wherever and in whatever manner God wills. Earlier known as ‘’Sethji’’ and ‘’Bholaji’’ Gurbachan Singh was now the True Master. Significantly enough, Baba Avtar Singh chose to live as a devotee of Baba Gurbachan Singh for the rest of his life, for about seven years. The latter, however, continued to revere and serve Baba Avtar Singh as True Master, as before.

FIRST MUSSOORIE CONFERENCE

Immediately after his nominations the True Master, Baba Gurbachan Singh speeded up the tempo of preachings, thus attracting large numbers to the Mission. The resultant increase necessitated some organizational reforms. For this purpose, Babaji convened a conference of the organizers and the preachers of the Mission at Mussoorie.

At the First Mussoorie Conference, held on July 17&18, 1965, a number of important decisions were taken to accelerate the pace of preachings. To this end, the country was divided into several zones and mukhis (unit heads), Parmukhs (area Heads) and Zonal Incharges were nominated. As suggested

By the devotees from foreign countries, it was also decided to undertake missionary tours abroad.

This Conference proved very fruitful and its results were evident very soon. The organization functioned more efficiently and the missionary activities picked up considerable momentum.

WORLD-WIDE TOURS

Through world-wide tours of Babaji and his missionaries, the message of the Mission spread all over the globe. In this way, the campaign for human redemption and spiritual enlightenment hitherto confined to the boundaries of India, acquired global dimensions. It is not an easy task to propagate one’s message among the foreigners owing to difficulties of language and other kindred constraints. But disregarding all such difficulties, Babaji vigorously pursued his missionary activities in distant countries. Thus a series of foreign tours for regeneration of mankind were undertaken form 1967 to 1977.

Babaji’s spiritual preachings aimed at all-round development of human personality. He guided the people in all matters, domestic, social and economic, besides ethical, moral and spiritual. Thereby he proved that spirituality makes one a responsible, cultured, civilized and ideal citizen, not an escapist.

MULTIFACETED GENIUS

Babaji had his own peculiar style of working. Generally, people spend a long time in firming detailed plans and projects. However, Babaji believed in prompt implementation. That is why, he was able to turn the apparently impossible into the possible.

A little ahead of the Sant Nirankari Colony, the Mission had a large piece of wasteland. In 1965, when the country was facing a severe shortage of food grains, Babaji thought of contributing his mite in this direction by bringing the said wasteland under cultivation. The poor and arid condition of the soil did not, however, permit its cultivation. According to all the neighboring cultivators, accumulated salinity had rendered it unfit for cultivation. The experts of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi too considered the land unproductive by such pessimistic verdicts, the enterprising and innovative Baba took up the challenge.

A little away from the land in question, the Government had set up a Water Treatment plant. The effluent from this plant made the surrounding area quite unhygienic. To kill two birds with one stone, Babaji chalked out a project to divert the effluent to this barren land. Thousands of devotees, men, women and children, and Babaji himself and the members of the family, worked day and night for digging a long drains to direct the flow of this effluent from the plant to this land. Ultimately, the effluent served as good manure for the fields. Sometime later, part of the wasteland was cleared of pebbles and boulders. It was leveled up, ploughed and sown with the best available seed. Gradually, the seed started sprouting into leaves. In due course, the wasteland was transformed into a lush green field. The neighboring farmers were amazed. The officials of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute too were wonder struck when invited to see the wasteland yield a rich crop. They remarked that it was indeed a miracle, Babaji, however, said that even an impossible task could be accomplished, given dedication, firm faith and hard work. The Baba distributed the quality seed produced in this piece of land among his farmer devotees to enable them to step up production. Incidentally, the following year was proclaimed as the year of " Green Revolution". The land in question topped in production of food grains in the neighboring area.

Likewise, keeping in view the scarcity of petrol facing the country, Babaji with a knack for innovation, minimized its consumption by dieseling the vehicles of the Mission. It was a message to the world that hard work and sincerity of purpose were the master key to achievement.

BABA AVTAR SINGH DEPARTS

On September 17,1969, Baba Avtar Singh left for his heavenly abode. By then, the Mission had become a worldwide movement. As such, many devotees wished that his cremation should be a spectacular affair and a befitting monument be also raised in his memory. Baba Gurbachan Singh, however, apprehended that the masses would again become victims of the Personality-cult and idolatry of which he wished to rid them. Another risk was that they would forget the message of Truth and would make capital out of his (Baba Avtar Singh’s) name. Babaji also wished to rid the society of the evil of show and ostentation. Accordingly the dead body of Baba Avtar Singh was solemnly cremated at the Electric Crematorium Mahatama Gandhi Road, Delhi in the forenoon of 19^th September, 1969. A massive memorial congregation was held in the same afternoon, at which glowing tributes were paid to Baba Avtar Singh by the devotees and many others. With this concluded and important glorious chapter in the history of the Mission.

Contrary to convention, no special importance is given to 17^th September, the day when Baba Avtar Singh passed away. Instead, 15^th August is observed every year as Mukti Parva (Salvation Day) to pay homage to Baba Avtar Singh as well as to other devotees of the Mission and to draw inspiration from their lives. Thus Baba Gurbachan Singh did not follow the beaten track. He was so dynamic and radical.

After his father’s demise, Baba Gurbachan Singh devoted himself day and night to propagating the message of Truth and human redemption. Every day he would address congregations in two or three towns and/or villages.

Keeping in view the growing popularity of the Mission, Babaji decided to construct Satsang Bhawans (places of congregation) at several places. Such Bhawans were accordingly built in many (important) towns and villages. Though not a qualified architect of engineer, Babaji himself conceived and designed the plans of the Bhawans. This is a testimony to his genius. The imposing hall at the first floor of the Nirankari Satsang Bhawan in Sant Nirankari Colony, Delhi, is an example of his architectural skill. Dispensaries and schools were also set up in various Bhawans. Building of two Senior Secondary Schools in Delhi and a Degree College at Sohna, Distt. Gurgoan, Haryana were also constructed to diffuse all round education.

SILVER JUBILEE SAMAGAM

The 25^th Annual Sant Samagam in 1972 was celebrated as the Silver Jubilee Samagam. To express their faith and devotion in their True Master, Baba Gurbachan Singh, the devotees weighed Babaji and his consort, Rev. Mata Kulwant Kaur, against currency notes, on the occasion. The spectacle was watched ecstatically by lacs of devotees. While appreciating this rare gesture of devotion and dedication, Babaji announced, "Not a single penny out of this amount would be spent for the personal use of any member of my family; all the money would be used for public welfare. Earned by the sweat of brow of the devotees the money would bestow happiness and bliss for whatever noble cause it is utilized".

Baba Ji’s inspiring sermons and practical life attracted to the Mission thousands of people, particularly victims of religious orthodoxy and social taboos. They were impressed by the simple teachings of the Mission and its message of love, selfless service and integration with God. For inculcating greater discipline and duty-consciousness, it was felt necessary to frame a code of conduct for the missionary and the devotees.

SECOND MUSSORRIE CONFERENCE

Accordingly, Babaji convened the second Mussoorie Conference on May 14-16,1973. About 500 delegates from India and abroad participated in it. In his opening address, Babaji desired that everyone should express his/her views freely and frankly and without any inhibition. The Conference was a watershed in the history of the Mission as it resulted in formulating a code of conduct for the devotees and the missionaries.

SOCIAL REFORMS

At this conference, two important decisions on social reforms were also taken. One was on abstinence from the consumption of liquor and narcotics. It, however, did not entail any change in the relevant tenet or our attitude on diet and drink. The idea was to shun what was harmful, wasteful or led to conflicts and clashes and impeded the propagation of the Mission. The other was simple marriages and avoidable of pomp and show and display of dowry on marriages. Likewise, discrimination of caste, community and religion in matrimonial alliances had to be shunned. Babaji gave a clarion call to the youth to implement the decisions. He also exhorted them to come to the fore for propagating the Mission vigorously and combating the social evils. He also advised the older generation to give full encouragement to the youth in this direction, failing which they would not only themselves lag behind but also hamper the progress of the Mission. Babaji himself entrusted to his son (Baba Hardev Singh) the task of organizing the youth and promoting the spirit of service among them. His son and daughters, Niranjan, Jagit, Mohini and Swaran also joined the ranks of the Sewa Dal and engaged actively in selfless service.

REVERENCE FOR WOMANHOOD

Babaji inspired women to play an active role in religious as well as social spheres. He warned that the society would degenerate if women were not given due recognition and reverence. He accordingly made his wife and equal partner in propagating the Mission. Thus, he not only boosted the morale of women devotees but also demonstrated their parity with men. Rev. Mata Kulwant Kaur too showed by her dynamic life that the active cooperation of women is indispensable for social advancement.

VIOLENT OPPOSITION

After the Mussoorie Conference, the Mission became a Mission of the masses. The misguided elements, who apprehended a set-back to their vested interests, could not tolerate the growing popularity of the Mission. They, accordingly, planned to wreck it under the smoke-screen of religion. They, maligned the Mission by leveling baseless and imaginary charges, but failed to suppress it. On the contrary, their opposition added to the Mission’s popularity. Consequently, they were unhinged. Like desperate gamblers, they attacked the Mission’s congregations at many places. The devotees, however, acted with exemplary restraint and did not deviate from Babaji’s teachings of forbearance and love. Babaji himself was attacked at Pathankot and Ghuman (in Punjab). Their failure made them crazy.

AMRITSAR INCIDENT

On 13^th April, 1978, Baba Gurbachan Singh was to address the Baisakhi Samagam at Amritsar. However, before he reached the venue, the congregation was attached by about 200 fanatics, armed with lethal weapons. As a result, 18 precious lives were lost. When somebody asked Babaji as to how many of them belonged to ‘him’ and how many to his opponents, he remarked, ‘’ they were all mine, because I do not consider any body as my enemy’’.

The incident was followed by false criminal proceedings against sixty Missionaries. Ultimately it was judicially proved that the allegations against Nirankaris, including Baba Gurbachan Singh, were false and fabricated and all of them were acquitted honorably. Meanwhile the Mission received considerable setback but Babaji continued his crusade for truth. He saw to it that the followers of the Mission did not leave the path of love, tolerance and non-violence even in the face of provocations. He wanted them to work dauntlessly, without any fear, because truth was on their side. He advised them to pray for those who considered themselves as their opponents, because the true devotees of God have no enemies. He kept Nirankaris united, and endowed with firm faith in God and treated opposition as the normal lot of those who preached the truth.

FATAL ATTACK

The fanatics, however, did not understand Babaji, his Mission and the gestures of non-vengeance. They made Babaji as the target of their violence. They attacked him in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and later near Durg in Madhya Pradesh, but did not succeed. Finally, however, Babaji fell to their bullets in Delhi, on 24^th April, 1980.

The assassination of Baba Gurbachan Singh stunned and shocked the whole humanity. There was hardly anyone who was not moved or did not shed tears. "An Apostle of God’s glory, a Messiah of human unity and a true social reformer, had prey to religious intolerance", commented newspapers and the intellectuals. It was another blot on human history. And the peace-loving humanism felt that humanism had been ravaged.

GENETAL APPRAISAL

Baba Gurbachan Singh was indeed a superman. He was verily a mission, a powerful thought-current. He was an ideal for the society as also an inspiration for pious living. A dynamic personage, a matchless treasure of divine knowledge, an exemplary householder, a perfect personality.

He influenced every phase of life. He imparted social and spiritual consciousness to the country and made a special contribution in purifying life in all fields. By diffusing God-knowledge, he elevated and redeemed mankind and enabled the aspirants to attain real peace, bliss and happiness. That explains why he had countless admirers from all classes. They comprised the backward and petty workmen as well as the progressive and prosperous sections of the society, illiterate, rustics as also smart citizens, scholars, intellectuals and national leaders, regardless of their religion, caste or community. He loved everyone so intensely that the latter felt Babaji to be closest to him.

For seventeen years, this superman and colossus spread the Mission of Truth so speedily and zealously that no parallel would be found in history. He launched several projects at the same time and successfully accomplished them all. Without achieving the prescribed target he would not rest even for a moment. The most amazing thing is that he solved all the problems through God-consciousness. He demonstrated that one is able to resolve easily every tangle provided one knows and perceives the Supreme Father, identifies himself with Him and is God-conscious, every moment.

Baba Gurbachan Singh established by personal example that by understanding and following the true essence of religion in our everyday conduct, we can make our domestic, social, economic and political life so happy and blissful.

Would that the selfish and jealous folk understood this reality well in time following the ideals set by the Great Masters, they can certainly ennoble and sublimate their lives. They should also realize that they cannot destroy the values of holy seers like Babaji by opposing or liquidating them.

Baba Gurbachan Singh may not be in our midst in the physical frame today. Yet his divine utterances and priceless teachings are very much alive even today and would endure forever.