We offer a humble tribute to the life & legacy of Sant Teja Singh Ji

Maharaj.

On 5th July, we celebrate the legacy of Sant Teja Singh Ji Maharaj, marking Sant Ji's

60th Barsi at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi — reflected through the following

milestones of his remarkable journey.

1. The First ambassador of Sikhi to the Western world.

Sant Teja Singh Ji Mastuanewale was one of the shining spiritual luminaries of the 20th

century — a saint, scholar, and the first ambassador of Sikhi to the Western world. A

graduate of Government College Lahore, Punjab University and Harvard University, he stood

as a rare blend of intellectual brilliance and spiritual radiance, a guiding light in an

increasingly materialistic world.

But long before he became a saint, his journey was marked by internal struggles and

transformation.

2. Sant Ji’s First Lesson

As a young man named Niranjan Singh Mehta, he was deeply influenced by Western

thought, non-religious, a rationalist and a sharp critic of traditional practices. Though honest,

kind and socially aware, Sant Ji once considered bowing to Guru Granth Sahib Ji akin to idol

worship.

However, a pivotal moment came while serving as a senior teacher at a leading Sikh

institution. In order to avoid bowing in the Gurdwara, Sant Ji began arriving before others,

until one day, a profound spiritual experience overtook him. Alone in the Darbar Sahib, he

suddenly felt the divine presence of the Guru Sahib. Drawn by an unseen force, he bowed

deeply before Guru Granth Sahib Ji and began uttering the names of the Guru Sahib

involuntarily, with tears in his eyes.

Unable to explain the transformation he had experienced in the Gurdwara Sahib, he sought

spiritual guidance and was eventually directed to Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, under

whose influence he underwent a complete inner reformation.

His first lesson was to shed all ill-will, including toward Sant Ji’s stepmother, who had

treated him harshly. Despite the mistreatment, he had always responded with deep tolerance.

This immense forbearance, which later became a cornerstone of his character, was something

he attributed to his mother, to whom he would later dedicated his autobiography.

It reflects a timeless truth: Mothers have the power to shape the destiny of their children.

Her quiet lessons in patience and humility laid the foundation for his towering spiritual

presence.

With a clean heart and a renewed soul, he returned to his duties. In 1905, he and his family

formally took Amrit, and his name was changed to Teja Singh.This story is a profound

reminder that even the most intellectual and sceptical minds can be humbled, awakened and

transformed when touched by true spiritual grace.

The Unseen Influence: How Sant Teja Singh Ji Awakened Henry Ford and

Sparked Global Social Change

3. The Meeting - A Ten-Minute Journey That Stirred a Soul

Among the many extraordinary episodes in Sant Ji’s life was his brief but powerful encounter

with Henry Ford around 1913, a meeting that revealed how the quiet force of a saint can

awaken the conscience of even the most powerful.

Sant Teja Singh Ji felt a spiritual urge to meet Ford. Despite Ford’s packed schedule, Sant Ji

was granted a few minutes, not in an office, but during a car ride.

He asked Ford four simple but piercing questions:

1. "How much do you earn a day?"

2. "How much money do you have in the banks?"

3. "How much more do you want?"

4. "Are you at peace?"

Ford answered the first three but fell silent at the fourth. “No,” he admitted, “I am not at

peace.”

“How do I find peace?” he asked.

Sant Ji handed him a mala (prayer beads) and advised him to remember the name of Jesus

and meditate. He reminded Ford that wealth without purpose is a burden and true peace is

found through self-purification and service to the poor. Ford was deeply moved.

🔹 Henry Ford Before 1913

Up to that point, Ford was focused on innovation and industrial growth. Working conditions

were harsh, and there was little focus on human welfare or philanthropy.

🔸 A Turning Point: Transformation After 1913

Whether one calls it coincidence or consequence — after this meeting, Ford’s approach

shifted dramatically, planting a seed that grew into a global movement for social change:

 1914: Introduced the revolutionary $5-a-day wage, doubling worker pay.

 1914: Launched worker welfare programs including healthcare and education.

 1914: Took a stand against child labour.

 1915: Established Henry Ford Hospital with his wife.

 1915: Funded the Peace Ship initiative to negotiate during WWI.

 1926: Introduced the five-day, 40-hour workweek.

 1930s: During the Depression, resisted mass layoffs and expanded worker aid.

 1936: Founded the Ford Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic entities.

 1940s: Though a pacifist, supported WWII production to help sustain employment.

 1941: Signed the first union contract and promoted diverse hiring practices.

🔹 Spiritual Reflection

Sant Teja Singh Ji didn’t need long speeches, media campaigns, or positions of power. His

silent sincerity, anchored in deep spiritual strength, awakened the heart of a man whose

choices impacted millions.

He proved that true leadership is not in commanding others — but in elevating them. His

message, that peace lies in remembrance of the Divine and selfless service, continues to

resonate even a century later.