The Kalgidhar Society – Baru Sahib is a non-profit charitable organisation focussed on providing quality education to fight against the alarming rise in drugs and alcohol abuse. With equal stress on Healthcare, Women Empowerment and Social Welfare, the organisation has been instrumental in the socio-economic uplift of the poor in the far-flung rural areas of North India.
Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj
Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, a revered saint in Sikhism, was born on March 28, 1866, fulfilling a prophesied cosmic destiny that impacted many lives. From an early age, his deep inclination toward meditation led him to prioritize spiritual learning over formal education, later guiding him to baptize an estimated 1.4 million people, emphasizing the power of Naam and connecting them to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj.
Resigning from a brief stint in the army, he devoted himself to spiritual pursuits, transforming Mastuana into a spiritual haven for seekers from diverse backgrounds. His divine aura, melodious voice, and miraculous abilities drew multitudes, influencing atheists and rationalists, expanding Sikhism’s reach, and envisioning its global propagation.
Despite his recognition, Sant Attar Singh Ji remained humble, emphasizing divine realization over material accomplishments. He advocated unity and progress within the Sikh Panth through collective meditation and philanthropy.
Upon leaving his physical form on February 1, 1927, Sant Attar Singh Ji’s spiritual presence continues to guide and comfort devotees. His legacy, marked by spiritual devotion and the eternal truth found in the Divine Name, remains integral to Sikhism, inspiring countless souls towards spiritual awakening and unity with the Supreme Being.
Sant Teja Singh Ji Maharaj
Sant Teja Singh Ji Maharaj, born Niranjan Singh in 1877, hailed from a wealthy family in Punjab, Pakistan. Educated in the Anglo style, his rationalist approach lacked reverence for spiritual figures.
Rejecting a legal career, he became principal at Khalsa College, Amritsar, initially uncomfortable with Sikh rituals. A mystical experience led him to Baba Attar Singh Ji Gursagar Mastuana, transforming his perspective and initiating a spiritual awakening.
Dedicating himself to Baba Attar Singh Ji’s mission, Teja Singh embarked on a global effort to integrate modern and spiritual education. Establishing Sikh Gurudwaras abroad, he delivered influential lectures and shaped Canadian policy for Indian residents.
His missions reflected disciplined rehat, vegetarianism, and a commitment to Naam Simran. He spread Guru Nanak’s message at global peace conferences, established educational institutes, and contributed to Sikh committee formations.
In his final years, he envisioned a spiritual educational center at Baru Sahib, establishing the Kalgidhar Trust. His passing in 1965 marked the merging of his eternal soul with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj’s Divine Light.
Sant Teja Singh Ji Maharaj exemplified a life devoted to Sikh spirituality, merging modern education with spiritual values, leaving an enduring legacy in Sikhism’s growth and global humanitarianism.
Hon’ble Baba Iqbal Singh ji
The revered spiritual leader, Shromani Panth Rattan Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, illuminated the lives of countless individuals with his wisdom and selfless dedication. He devoted his life to serving humanity and propagating Sikh values centered on compassion, equality, and devotion to the divine.Under his enlightened guidance, Baru Sahib blossomed into a center of educational excellence, offering quality education to underprivileged children, emphasizing both academic knowledge and moral virtues.Beyond education, his vision encompassed various initiatives aimed at community welfare, healthcare, and social upliftment, impacting lives across India. His teachings emphasized selfless service, humility, and spiritual advancement, inspiring many to lead purposeful lives.Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s legacy continues to inspire generations, leaving an enduring imprint on society through his profound teachings, charitable endeavors, and unwavering dedication to humanity. His teachings and contributions serve as a guiding light for those seeking enlightenment and a path dedicated to serving humanity.
Dr. Khem Singh Gill
Dr. Khem Singh Gill is a globally acclaimed agricultural scientist renowned for his expertise, having attained his PhD from the University of California, USA. His pivotal contributions have led to the establishment of numerous research centers and laboratories, marking a significant impact in his field. Acknowledgment of his remarkable contributions comes through several prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India, the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai award, the ICAR team award, the FICCI award, and the esteemed recognition for triticale research by the USAID. His journey in spreading value-based education began in 1949 when he encountered revered Sant Teja Singh Ji. Since then, Dr. Khem Singh Gill has been actively involved in promoting education imbued with values in rural areas of North India. Presently, 130 Akal academies under his guidance function, offering high-quality education that seamlessly integrates spirituality.
The Kalgidhar Trust established its first school at Baru Sahib in 1986 and has established 129 more branches since then, besides undertaking various other charitable projects in the areas of healthcare, woman empowerment, relief & rehabilitation. To know more about Baru Sahib’s ongoing charitable ventures, please Visit barusahib.org
The world today needs men and women who are honest, virtuous, selfless and compassionate also who can show the path of love and have the capacity to give without yearning for returns.
To fulfill this acute need of developing human beings with such sterling qualities and lofty ideals our founding father Sant Attar Singh Ji declared our Mission Statement in 1906, almost eight decades before the first Akal Academy was established, that reads: “To establish permanent peace in the world through value-based scientific education and spiritual upliftment and provide solace and succor to the downtrodden and the deprived.”
Akal Academy aims at developing young people to cultivate a mind imbued with spirit of inquiry, thirst for knowledge, respect for diverse world cultures and a keen desire to serve the community in which they live and work, as well as aspire to serve humanity at large through their spiritual values and knowledge acquired through modern education.
