Every human being is rich from within, but outwardly poor. Nobody is supposed to be hungry but they are found crazing for food. The problem is that they do not take the trouble of knowing what they are and what they have.

In comparison to others I found myself fortunate. Now the question arose whether one should stop at it. Is there nothing left to be accomplished after one has realized God? Will it be proper to consider this state of mind as the end of the quest for living?

PHAL KARAN PHOOLI BANRAI,
PHAL LAGA TAU PHOOL BILAYE;
GYANAY KARAN KARM ABHYAS,
GYAN BHAYA TO KARMAN NASS.

The answer was, however, found in the words of Shahenshah Baba Avtar Singh Ji: ‘Treat all your possession-physical, intellectual and material as a gift to you from the Almighty and use the same as per the divine will for the good of yourself, the society, the humanity’. Perhaps, there could be no better service to my relatives, friends and the society at large than to share the ecstasy of spiritual enlightenment with them. I was fully aware of the fact that the divine knowledge I came to possess was the requirement of one and all. People all around were following all kinds of practices in the name of religion, which could be defined only as their superstition and nothing else.

MIGRATION

Following the Partition of India in 1947 I had settled in Mathura. After the divine light dawned on me with the benign blessings of Shahenshah Ji, I wanted to visit Delhi as often as possible and be at his holy feet. And I found that the distance between Mathura and Delhi did not come in my way. My devotion to Satguru and the desire to listen to him kept me shuttling between the two towns. I always left Delhi in a mood of optimism and hope.

Even in Mathura, as a result of Shahenshah Ji’s blessings efforts were made by this insignificant creature to start the Sangat. The efforts bore fruit and soon the number of devotees swelled into hundreds and Satsang became a daily feature. Shahenshah Ji also graced the spiritual meetings here quite often. Due to his benevolence I could also reveal God-knowledge to the seekers, on his behalf.

The rapid progress of the Mission in Mathura was a matter of surprise for me. From my association with the saints, however, I gained a lot, which was important for spiritual development. I felt grateful to Nirankar for all that was happening during those days.

In Delhi, the Mission was still trying to recover from the shock of Migration. Naturally, Shahenshah Ji was in search of such people who could look after the organizational matters. For quite some years the Sangats had confined to Paharganj. The only important institution owned by the Mission so far was the Paharganj School. Even congregations were organized in the school campus. On the loving persuasion of Shahenshah Ji I shifted to Delhi in 1954. Shahenshah Ji moved to Gali No. 2 of Paharganj, where the official headquarters of the Sant Nirankari Mandal were also taken subsequently. The school and Gali No.2 of Pahargah became the centers of my activity. Every evening I would be found at either of the places. Evidently, Shahenshah Ji was happy with my assistance both in the School and in the organizational matters related to the Mission. A stage arrived when I left Government service and Shahenshah Ji blessed me with a non-teaching job in the School. This brought me still closer to the Mission in general and the Satguru in particular. I felt doubly blessed. No doubt the emoluments in terms of money were much less than what I used to receive from Government, but who could ascertain the value of satisfaction and joy I derived from the blessings of the Satguru! In any case, this gave me an opportunity to learn how things were organized and administered under the benign leadership of a spiritual master. Definitely it turned out to be an absolutely different experience as compared to a Government office.

By this time, Prabhat Pheris, processions and Samagams had started being organized regularly. This humble being was fortunate to play a leading role in such activities. Now that my services were available to the Mission on whole-time basis, efforts were stepped up to organize Sangats in other colonies. With the benign blessings of Shahenshah Ji new Sangats were established in Rajinder Nagar, Patel Nagar and some other colonies in West Delhi. Since I was staying in Moti Nagar, it was not very difficult to attend these Sangats regularly. People form all castes came in. Since the disease of casteism was in full swing and most of the people felt the sting, they welcomed the forum of our Mission where all of them were seen as equally respected and dignified members.

Along with the Sangats, a beginning was made to organize Sewa Dal also. Originally, the effort had to be modest. As is the case elsewhere, it is rather difficult to inspire the younger generation to adopt or participate in a new voluntary organization, particularly the one related to spirituality. Even then, the spirit of service picked up gradually.

BABA GURBACHAN SINGH JI

His Holiness Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji who received the spiritual mentorship from Shahenshah Baba Avtar Singh Ji in December 1962, was known to be a meticulous administrator. Right from the day he took over the holy command of the Sant Nirankari Mission, he paid attention to its organizational outfit i.e. Sant Nirankari Mandal as also the Nirankari Sewa Dal. He constituted Sewa Dal Board in order to streamline the functioning of the Nirankari volunteer corps. The Board had three Members, one from the Mandal, the second from the Sewa Dal and the third, a nominee of His Holiness. I was fortunate to be his ‘chosen one’ and represent Baba Ji on the Sewa Dal Board. The expansion that has taken place in the Sewa Dal and the progress it has made ever since is well known to the Nirankari world.

Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji held a conference at Mussoorie in July 1965. It was attended by all-important functionaries of the Mission. Certain decisions were taken to spread the message of the Mission and provide suitable facilities for holding congregations on regular basis. Besides the construction of Satsang Bhawans with all essential amenities, an important decision taken was in favour of foreign tours of His Holiness, Rajmata Ji and senior missionaries.

The decision for the tours to other countries by His Holiness was guided by the fact that the Sant Nirankari Mission is a spiritual movement, a service to humanity. It seeks to have a social order based on human unity, equality and fraternity i.e., universal brotherhood. Claiming not to be a new religion or even a sect of an existing one, the Mission seeks to highlight the fundamental philosophy of the great spiritual masters, Gurus and Prophets of the past and the message contained in holy scriptures. It helps man to understand the self, the soul and its relationship with the Almighty Nirankar. It underlines the eternal truth that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Every object owes its origin to the Almighty and moves as per the divine order. God dwells in each and every one of them, animate as well as inanimate. In other words the soul that dwells in each human body is the spark of the same divine light. Hence all human beings are bound with the chord of universal brotherhood as children of the same Father, the Almighty.

BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS

Within the country, the Mission started making progress by leaps and bounds under the benign mentorship of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji. Besides Mussoories conference, several decisions were taken which had far reaching significance. Considerable stress was laid on the streamlining of the Sewa Dal. In fact the Wing had to be strengthened in order to match the challenges of growing popularity of the Mission, which meant the organization of more and more Sangats and thickly attended Samagams. Luckily for me, I was in close touch with the Sewa Dal first as a volunteer and later as a member of its management. With the gracious blessings of His Holiness, I was the Deputy Chief Organizer (Up-Mukhya Sanchalak) from 1963 to 1987. Today I derive tremendous satisfaction when I find a large number of young boys and girls vying with each other to snatch an opportunity for participating in the Sewa Dal activities.

FIRST TOUR ABROAD

It was on July 31, 1967 that Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji left for his first tour abroad. Rajmata Kulwant Kaur Ji and Rev. O.P. Tandon accompanied, besides many other dignitaries. It was a month-long tour covering Iran and U.K. The congregations were held in the open with the help of devotees who had gone to these countries in search of employment. Besides Teheran, the places where Sangats were held included Slough, Smethwick, Leicester and Hudersfield. In addition, Baba Ji and Rajmata Ji visited several devotees at their respective places.

I had the privilege to associate myself with the arrangements for a befitting send off to the holy entourage and subsequently for a welcome. The enthusiasm shown by devotees on both the occasions is still fresh in my memory.

In 1968, Shahenshah Baba Avtar Singh Ji visited U.K. While Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji’s tour the previous year had been devoted to simple familiarization, Shahenshah Ji utilized his visit for an intensive communication of the message of the Mission. Instead of holding congregations in the open, he preferred to contact individuals on person- to person basis. The result was that many people came forward to seek God-knowledge. Once they were blessed with the divine light, they were keen to take it to others and help them come out of the spell of ignorance. Before Shahenshah Ji left U.K., several Sangats had been established formally.

In 1969, Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji planned another tour to U.K. He was a little reluctant because Shahenshah Ji was not well. It was the latter, however, which persuaded him not to abandon the proposed tour. He was conscious of the excitement of the devotees in U.K. So he would not like to frustrate the same by asking Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji to stay back for the reason of his ill health. Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji accompanied by Rajmata Ji left for U.K. The tour had, however, to be cut short, because of sudden deterioration in the health of Shahenshah Ji who breathed his last after a few days of their return. In any case, Shahenshah Ji had proved how keen he was to see the Mission find roots abroad for which he had been able to show the seed himself. His benign gesture to send Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji and Rajmata Ji to U.K. in spite of his illness will remain unforgettable in the annals of the Nirankari history.

In 1970, I had the privilege to go on a missionary tour to U.K. with Rev. Labh Singh Ji, President of the Executive Committee of the Sant Nirankari Mandal, affectionately addressed as Pardhan Ji, Rev. Behan Nand Ji, Rev. Hari Mohan Sharma and Man Singh Ji. The entire tour was undertaken by road. For most of the time, Rev. Man Singh Ji was on the steering. We went enroute Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Austria, Germany and Belgium. Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji and Rajmata Kulwant Kaur Ji reached London direct. All the Sangats organized in U.K. were covered by road. At most of the places, I had the privilege to go in advance to ensure the arrangements.

RAJMATA JI

On return journey, the divine couple also opted to travel by road. It was a wonderful experience. On the one hand on display was the highest esteem in which the Sant Nirankari Mission held women and on the other how helpful could be the latter to promote its message. Our holy mother Rajmata Ji was seen working shoulder to shoulder with Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji. While in U.K., she would love to address the congregations. The devotees, particularly the womenfolk, were impressed and inspired by her words’ which were spiritually revealing and worldly soothing. There was always a personal touch, a motherly touch, in her dealings, in her conversations. During our journey, she took every care of Babaji’s requirements. She would cook the food and wash the clothes herself. To the other members of the entourage, she was more than a real mother. In may humble opinion we in the Mission owe a lot to this holy mother for cradling us, for bringing us up and getting the Mission touch the heights it does today.

The first two visits of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji as also the one by Shahenshah Ji created a lot of demand form devotees in the USA., Canada and  other countries. It was, therefore, decided to have the first world tour of His Holiness and Rajmata Ji in 1971. The itinerary included Far East. USA., Canada, UK. and some other countries. The immediate impact of the first world tour of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji was that Sangats outside India started taking a formal shape. Branches of the Mission were set up along with Sewa Dal outfit at several centers. The construction of Bhawans was also taken up.

Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj who had been brought up in a spiritual environment was taking interest in the Mission since his childhood. He accompanied Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji in 1973 and then in 1976 to visit several countries. He worked as any other devotee of His Holiness who accompanied him. He took keen interest in photo coverage, recording of Baba Ji’s discourses and various activities connected with the media.

TRUTH BECOMES BITTER

Let me have a pause here and deal with an important aspect of the Mission back home. It is the opposition it incurred because of its growing popularity in India in general and abroad in particular. In fact, as expected, the voice of Truth first raised by Baba Buta Singh Ji and Shahenshah Baba Avtar Singh Ji and now spread by Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji was bound to be opposed by the orthodox. Otherwise, history might have gone unrepeated. The rapid progress the Mission made under the divine leadership of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji upset these elements to the level of depression. Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji invited them to first understand the Mission and then point out if there was anything wrong. But all his gestures fell flat on them.

Nirankari congregations were disturbed at many places. Violent attacks were also reported from several centers. The worst in the chain was the Baisakhi Samagam in Amritsar on April 13, 1978. His Holiness Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji was scheduled to address the Samagam. But before he arrived, about 200 fanatics attacked the congregation. The police opened fire. Eighteen precious lives were lost. The incident was followed by a false court case. Several Nirankaris remained in judicial custody for about two years before they were acquitted honourably. In order to meet the challenges of the turbulent station created for the Mission, His Holiness Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji set up a 51-Member Working Committee in February 1979. Rev. Gobind Singh Ji was nominated its Chairman while this humble self was made the Vice-Chairman. Since Rev. Gobind Singh Ji was in jail, I had to look after the Committee as its Working Chairman. It was only the benevolent blessings of His Holiness and the confidence he reposed in me that gave me the needed strength and courage. Personally, Baba Ji did not want to sit back and give an impression that he was cowed down by the adverse reaction. On the other hand he would declare that such an opposition Truth had always to face and the greatest quality of the saints is that they do not feel frustrated, realizing that the Truth is one their side and it must triumph in the long run. As a result, instead of bringing down the tempo of the Mission’s activities, it had to be accelerated. I do not know how I managed to find time and energy for all that was required to be accomplished by this humble servant. I can give the credit only to the benign benevolence of His Holiness. By the way, I must confess that ever since I joined the Mission, I did not have the need to look back and worry about domestic problems. I just left things as they were. But today, no member of my family has any reason to complain and, for that matter, I to regret.

The things, however, did not end with the historic Karnal verdict in the Amritsar case, acquitting all the accused Nirankaris including Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji, honourably.   The fanatics made Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji personally the target of their violence. They made an attempt on his life first in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and then near Durg in Madhya Pradesh. Ultimately, His Holiness fell to their bullets in Delhi on April 24, 1980. Naturally every peace-loving person lamented the senseless act of the fanatics. Baba Ji’s assassination was described as an attack on love and peace by the forces of hatred and violence.

BABA HARDEV SINGH JI

The mere condemnation of the brutal act would, however, not suffice. Entire Nirankari world was in dismay. Both their tolerance and patience were under stress, rather under a severe test. It was only for His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj to come to their rescue. He put aside his own worldly sentiments usual for a son on the demise of his father and consoled every follower of the Mission to face it boldly.

In order to pacify the million of Nirankaris, Baba Hardev Singh Ji undertook extensive tours within the country and abroad, the situation in the country elsewhere being what it was, it was not an easy affair to travel and organize mass congregations on a large scale. Even then Baba Ji encouraged one and all including this humble servant to keep the flag of love, peace and universal brotherhood flying.

Like Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji, His Holiness is also known for attending for details. In any programme, he would like to ensure that the participants or devotees are not put to any inconvenience. Naturally, this is a challenge to those who are responsible for such arrangements. My personal experience, however, is that when His Holiness is at the helm of affairs, why should a devotee worry? Everything becomes easy when his blessings are there. Today, every one in the Mission is full of excitement and anxiously awaiting an opportunity to serve the Mission in whatever manner it may be possible. Let me admit that Baba Ji has no dearth of talent and experience at his disposal. So if someone gets an opportunity to work in any department, he should consider himself fortunate. It is all due to the benevolence of His Holiness. And from this angle, I must thank my stars for having been picked up for planning, organizing and supervising the various activities of the Mission. Today I am looking after the Publications Wing, Legal Affairs, Centers Abroad, Liaison with Government Departments, Planning of the Tours of His Holiness and Samagams in Delhi and other places.

As mentioned above, Baba Hardev Singh Ji had visited a number of countries when he accompanied Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji, first in 1973 and then in 1976. He was thus aware of the impact that Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji’s assassination might have had on their sentiments. So he did not lose time and planned a tour in 1980 them. I was also included in the entourage. The countries included in the itinerary were U.K., Germany, Austria and Denmark.

In 1984 I was asked to visit some countries of Europe and prepare a base for Baba Ji’s visit. With Baba Ji’s kind blessings, I was made Secretary of the Sant Nirankari Mandal on March 18,1985. Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj took a world tour in 1985 and I was one of those few who had the privilege to accompany him. This took us round Europe, Canada, U.K., USA, Dubai and Kuwait. Subsequently, I accompanied Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj in 1988 and 1990. In 1992, I had to go in for heart surgery, a few days before His Holiness was scheduled to leave for another world tour. I could join the entourage in U.K. almost the midway.

LATEST TOUR

This year (1994), His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj and Pujya Mata Sawinder Ji had a long and hectic world tour from July 14 to September 24. Again, this humble self was chosen to accompany the divine couple. The itinerary included Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, U.S.A., Holland, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden and U.K.

The scenario everywhere impressed me in many ways. It tool may imagination back to 1971, the year when Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji took the first world tour and I accompanied him as his Personal Secretary and Public Relations Officer. Those were the days when we had only a few devotees here and thee and Sangats used to be organized in the open. Baba Ji had to travel from place to place to oblige the devotees. Now, we have regular Sangats at many places. Important centers have spacious Satsang Bhawans. These include London, Bedford, Birmingham, Bradford, Toronto, Montreal, Tracy, Chicago, etc. in Toronto particularly, we have 90 acres of land of which 10 acres is used for the Bhawan. In U.K., U.S.A. and Canada, the Mandal is registered with the respective Governments.

As regards the congregations, many devotees traveled to other towns, states or countries in order to seek blessings of His Holiness. Interestingly, one of the devotees came to Toronto to Canada all the way from Australia to participate in the congregations addressed by Baba Ji. He made a special request to His Holiness to find some time for a visit to that country also. Australia is yet to be visited by any Head of the Sant Nirankari Mission.

During the latest tour, thickly attended Samagams and congregations were organized at important centers so that maximum population of the country could be covered in the shortest possible time. As mentioned above, devotes from adjoining towns, states and counties came to these centers. For example, Chicago hosted ‘Manav Ekta Samagam’ which was attended by devotees from all over North America. Saints also attended the Samagam at Nashville from the neighbourhood towns and states. Toronto had the privilege of having the farewell Sangat on behalf of Canada on 27^th July 1994. Similarly, the Sangats organized at London and Leicester were attended by saints from all over U.K.

On the one hand these largely attended Samagams and Sangats gave an opportunity to a vast number of saints to seek Baba Ji’s blessings and on the other made an indelible impression that the Mission belongs to the entire humanity and is a movement of Universal Brotherhood in the real sense of the term.

DIPLOMATIC WELCOME

That the Mission found respect at the highest levels in diplomatic world is proved from the fact that the Indian Embassies /High Commissions were represented by senior-most officers almost everywhere, particularly at the time of Baba Ji’s arrival and departure. The India Ambassador in Spain came all the way from Madrid to Barcelona to receive and then to see off His Holiness. Our Ambassador in Sweden attended the Samagam in Stockholm personally. Later, he hosted a dinner in honour of the divine couple. The Mayors/Lord Mayors either came in person or deputed their special representatives to pay their compliments to the ‘Apostle of Peace’. Baba Ji was presented with Proclamations, Honorary Citizenship and at some places the Key of the City. In this context the hospitality shown by Mayor of Brownsville, U.S.A. was praiseworthy. The Prime Minister of Canada sent special emissary to thank His Holiness for his visit to their country. He sought blessings for the entire people of Canada.

A notable feature of the tour was that our young boys and girls born in foreign lands were seen to be taking lot of interest in the activities of the Mission and coming forward to join the Sewa Dal. Their spirit of devotion and service was really admirable. It was quite amazing to me personally because I had seen Sewa Dal being instituted with a comparatively small beginning about 24 years back. It was really fascinating. I was all the time praising my stars for the opportunity I got to attend the Sewa Dal rallies in Vancouver, Tracy, Toronto and London. Except the uniform, these were comparable to any such rallies in India.

KEY TO MENTAL PEACE

Europe and America are known for the affluent life of their citizens. The people are so rich with the latest items of luxury that they appear to do want nothing more. But the only thing that they lack is mental peace. His Holiness noted the vacuum and preaches for contentment right from his own lands. He pointed out that all the worldly wealth at their disposal could give them only a sense of ego, resulting in hatred, tension and violence, unless utilized for the welfare of the humanity as a whole. He told one and all, particularly our Indian friends to treat the entire mankind as their own. Baba Ji clarified that it was not essential at all to discard all their worldly assets and seek renunciation. Instead, he said such assets would become a boon for blissful life if they were used in the service of the needy. For this Baba Ji emphasized almost in every congregation the need for the company of saints. It is here that one would not only be helped to realize God, the Omnipresent, but also to develop a spirit of service to others. He described the company of saints as the only source of lasting happiness.

As is known to the Nirankari world, His Holiness practices what he speaks. It is his own example that inspires devotees in their day-to-day life. During this tour Baba Ji did not give even the slightest indication that he was not feeling at home wherever he went. He addressed people in different languages. Similarly Baba Ji did not mind the congregation being organized in Churches and temples and even in clubs and hotels. This was ample to prove that His Holiness was not only preaching the omnipresence of God but also practicing it with all sincerity.

No doubt as a principle, larger congregations were preferred during the tour, yet Baba Ji gave no impression that individual devotees settled in comparatively far off places were being ignored. He was rather found to be equally anxious to go to new places and meet new people. I was really touched when I saw Baba Ji including such places in his itinerary in spite of his visits being in great demand from the places with considerable concentration of the Mission’s followers. It reminded me of a story from the Holy Bible relating to the shepherd who cared more for one sheep that had gone astray than the whole herd safe with him. Obviously, while looking after the beautiful garden already yielding fruits and spreading fragrance, His Holiness was equally affectionate towards the tiny buds. He visited Sweden and Taiwan for the first time. The way he was received at Stockholm turned out to be one of the most memorable events in the history of the Mission in general and in the personal experience of this humble being particular. The Indian Ambassador sat through the congregation. Impressed by the spiritual message, he invited Baba Ji and Pujya Mata Ji to dine at his place. Taiwan was equally fascinating. The towns that Baba Ji visited for the first time included Phoenix, Houston, Brownsville, New Orleans, Murfreesboro and Nashville in USA, Los-Palmas in Spain and Stuttgart in Germany. One can be confident to see the Mission flourishing at all these places in much shorter a time than taken in the past for a similar achievement. The reason for my optimism is that people are no longer having questions or enquiring about the Mission to remove their doubts, but simply joining the movement. Evidently they are convinced that the Sant Nirankari Mission to remove their doubts, but simply joining the movement. Evidently they are convinced that the Sant Nirankari Mission and its Head, Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj have the answer to all the problems agitating their minds and holding them back form the real bliss. They appeared to be real quest of truth so that they are liberated form tension and strife. Obviously they are fed up with the prevailing cult of violence that is afflicting the whole mankind. They would very much like to listen to Baba Ji and follow the path of love and peace shown by him. 

A word about media coverage. There was a time when Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji would invite newsmen and love to talk to them in detail about the Mission and its message. He took it as a service to humanity to spread the message of love and peace and provide them some relief from the prevailing tension. He was always anxious to seek the cooperation of our friends in the media so that this message gets communicated for and wide. Today, also the Mission would like the media to take full interest. We, however, invite them to see for themselves and then report as they feel. No doubt one may feel that we are becoming too optimistic but the fact is that it is proving correct and effective. Wherever Baba Ji went this time, media persons did take interest and report in their respective newspapers, radio and television channels on their own initiative.

PUJYA MATA JI

The story of ‘my experiment with truth’ would not be complete if I do not mention the contribution of Pujya Mata Ji towards the promotion of the Mission in general and her role during the present world tour in particular. She is a source of strength for the sense of devotion of every Nirankari. It is known to every one in the Mission how pleased she is to be called "Sawinder Nirankari". It is really delightful to see her working shoulder to shoulder with His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj. She takes full care of his personal needs. Whenever some people come to see Baba Ji and seek his blessings, she is there to shower the motherly affection. She would look after the visitors, as any devoted housewife would do in the case of close relations and important guests. With her delightful taste for culture, she would keep the surroundings neat and tidy, studded with rare pieces of art which go a long way to add fragrance to the atmosphere already profound with spirituality.

Pujya Mata Ji remains an important source of inspiration for the younger generation. She has her own pleasant way to attract them towards the Mission and persuade them to take part in the various activities rising above all kinds of worldly considerations normally baffling our youth. The recent world tour owes its success to Pujya Mata Ji in many respects. She did not only receive the visitors, including diplomats, with her usual affection finely blended with spirituality, but also attended to the minute details about the arrangements made for the congregations at the various centers. She was particularly keen to see that the devotees coming form other places were not put to any kind of inconvenience.

Let me have a few words about our youth abroad also, before I close this chapter. Like in India, they are the backbone of the Mission. The Nirankari Sewa Dal must expand itself to match the increasing popularity throughout the world. It is one of the duties of the senior missionaries, therefore, to attract as many young boys and girls to participate in the activities of the Mission, particularly, by joining the forum of Nirankari Sewa Dal. My humble experience, of course, shows that self-less service is an inspiration by itself.  It brings joy to self and serves as an example for others. It is really inspiring to see the volunteers of the Sewa Dal working in the scorching heat or chilling cold, all smiles. Like an artist, they appear to be enjoying while performing, the reward of any nomenclature being immaterial. If we describe a congregation to be a success, a good share of credit automatically goes to these devotee volunteers. A congregation for them starts at least one day in advance and the Samagam at least one month. The spirit of unity and equality exhibited by them, with men and women working shoulder to shoulder, is better to be seen than described. As I said earlier, the beginning in their case too was modest, but the miracle of the benign blessings of first Shahenshah Ji, then Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji and now His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji has evidently worked wonders.

There was a time when our children in other countries appeared to have lost interest not only in the Indian culture and tradition but Indian languages also. They were so deeply rooted in the culture of the land of their birth, that they had virtually forgotten their mother tongue, their regional language as also the national language of India. It was His Holiness Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji who took notice of it and stared encouraging the youth to take interest in the languages and culture of their parent country also. He encouraged them to attend congregations and participate in whatever form they liked. Songs and speeches in English were also welcomed. Gradually they came out started taking interest in the India culture. This time, it was a fantastic experience for this humble being to find our youth in other countries not only wearing Indian dresses but also presenting their songs, poems and other items in Indian languages. The script was, of course, Raman. As I mentioned above, Pujya Mata Ji inspired them a lot with her benign presence during the congregations as also by her conversation before and after the Satsang.