GREAT LEADERS AND SONS OF THE WORLD AND PHILANTHROPISTS: DR BHAI SINGH AND THE LEGENDARY BABAJI
Kanini Evans Kariuki
September 19, 2009
A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE SIGNIFICANT AND ICONIC WORK ACCOMPLISHED BY THESE HEROES FOR THE SAKE OF MANKIND.READ THE EXCLUSIVE STORY OF THE TWO EXTRAORDINARILY DEVOTED AND GIFTED PROMINENT PERSONALITIES.HERE WE GO.................
DR Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh comes from a line of spiritual leaders, and he is the third in succession.
He is a visionary chairman of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) Birmingham, UK- a religious charitable organization with branches in India and Kenya
He is a retired civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in the multi-disciplinary fields of housing, town planning, roads, water supply, sanitation and conservation work
He worked for Zambia´s National Housing Authority under the technical jurisdiction of the UK´s overseas development administration (ODA), now called the Department for International Development (DFID).
Bhai Sahib is also a charismatic and tireless worker in the fields of faith propagation, charity work, education and research.
He was awarded in 2002, a PhD Honoris Causia from the University of Central England for service to the community and another Doctorate in 2006 from the University of Birmingham for support of work in education and faith.
Bhai Sahib has earned the trust and respect of many International Faith Based Organizations and plays a key role in various intra-faith, interfaith and inter-religious conferences.
He is a recipient of the Juliet Hollister award from the temple of understanding, New York , for intra and interfaith work internationally.
Bhai Sahib is a senior member of the Elija Board of the World´s religious Leaders; member of European Council of Religious Leaders (ECRL) and International Trustee of World Conference of religions for peace (WCRP); supporter of the council for a parliament of the World´s Religions (CPWR), Goldin Institute (GI), and Globalisation for the Common Good; Patron of United Religions Initiative (URI-UK); an executive member of West Midlands Faith Forum (WMFF); member of Birmingham faith leaders group (BFLG); member of university of Birmingham Community Advisory Board and member of the Birmingham City Council´s Faith Round table.
As well as enjoying a great deal of respect from Birmingham´s other faith communities, he has earned and enjoys great respect from the Jathedars of the five Takhats of the Sikh Dharma, including the Akal Takhat´s Jathedar as well as the president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak as the president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) – the "mini-parliament" of some 24 million global Sikhs, with its administrative, political and spiritual offices within the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex
He is chairman of the British Sikh Consultative Forum (BSCF) – a consultative forum of some 100 Gurudwaras in the UK and other Sikh Organizations, striving for Intra-Faith community cohesion and engaged with the UK government´s home office through its Faith Communist Consultative Council (FCCC).
SAINT PURAN SINGH JI OF KERICHO
Saints play an important role in all religions of the world. Followers of major religions believe that Saints have an ability to aid and advance their spiritual life. Hindu Sadhus, Muslim Pirs and Sikh Sants are holy messengers.
Saints belong to humanity at large and are bearers of God´s divine message of love, peace and harmony.
Saints kindle spiritual fires in the heart of humans with their divine knowledge, humility, magnanimity and mercifulness.
The late Saint Puran Singh Ji was a Saint who lived outside the Indian subcontinent and was well aware of the difficulties, constraints and intrepidations that arise whilst living in alien culture and societies.
Babaji demonstrated that outside appearance did not matter He was not averse to wearing western clothing. He did not compromise the basic principle of the ´rehat´ (Sikh code of conduct) and the teaching of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Rather, he exemplified his adaptability to changing circumstances and his deep understanding of the environments in which he lived.
His impact on those who came into contact with him was profound. His influence was all pervasive and he guided one to successfully navigate one´s life.
Saint Puran Singh Ji´s life and mission is difficult to capture in words. It can be discerned in three distinctive, yet overlapping phases which combined to create an extraordinary Saint of the 20th century.
Firstly, he administered baptism through Amrit Sanchaar (initiation into the Sikh faith) by being a member of the Pani Piare (Five Chosen Ones).
This meant that he was personally involved in the transformation of hundreds of thousands of lives all over the world.
Amrit Sanchaar was a key tenet of his mission. In particular, he had a profound impact on the U.K. Sikh Diaspora where many people had abandoned the Sikh way of life.
Secondly, he was also committed to demonstrating the role of an ordinary Sikh.
Here, he advocated standing up for the basic rights of all humans and his contributions in the area are profound.
He sanctioned, blessed and oversaw the "Turban case" campaign in England.
The case created cohesion amongst Sikhs and resulted in the Sikhs being recognized as a distinct ethnic minority. In addition, he was deeply concerned about the political unrest prevalent in India in the 1980´s, and he advocated and participated in a massive rally in order to highlight the plight of the Sikhs in Punjab.
The third major aspect of Saint Puran Singh Ji´s life was that he was a ´gristi´ (married man) who had a family. He illustrated how one can attain spiritually whilst carrying out all the worldly responsibilities associated with family life.
It is however, important to stress that it was only possible for Babaji to provide inspiration and act as an ideal human because of the qualities he possessed as a Saint.
This is what made him unique.
In short, he was able to illustrate that secularity can be fused with spiritualit
The qualities which he possessed and emphasized were all part of the teachings of the ten Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They include sincerity, compassion, fearlessness, wisdom, humility, healing, sharing and caring.
Babaji recognized the centrality of ´Sewa´ (selfless service) and urged his followers to be benevolent.
He promoted equality between different races and sexes. He was a true devotee of freedom and justice. He clearly exercised these qualities to perfection.
The town of Kericho was named after a famous herbalist and medicine man who used to operate in Kericho in the early part of the 20th century.
Whilst the medicine man treated those with physical ailments, it was the Sikh Saint, Baba Puran Singh Ji who provided medicine for spiritual ailments.
The close association of Kericho with Saint Puran Singh Ji is reflected in the manner in which he was affectionately referred to as the Saint of Kericho. As a term of endearment and respect he was also called Babaji by his devotees.
Although Saint Puran Singh Ji had moved to Kenya in 1917 at the age of 19 years, it was not until 1925 that he moved to the present site, 631/171 Isaac Salaat Road, previously known as Garage Road.
Babaji acquired this plot on a 99 year leasehold basis with an annual rent of 40 Kenyan Shillings per annum. The lease expires in the year 2028 and is currently under consideration for renewal for a further 99 years. The site of the plot is 0.1722 acres of 50 ft x 150 ft.
It was here that Saint Puran Singh Ji established a family business, "Kericho Wagon Works´´ which continues to operate under the management of his grandsons. The business which Babaji established as a wagon-wheel repairing enterprise rapidly expanded to include bicycle repairs, transportation and general building contracting.
The Kericho Wagon Works plot served as both the residence and workshop for Babaji and his family. In no small way, the workshop and residence epitomized the manner in which Babaji conducted his life.
The living conditions were modest but comfortable, and certainly not excessive. The buildings were characteristic of the life that Babaji exposed throughout his life of modesty, humility and humbleness.
Saint Puran Singh Ji, like Jesus Christ, was a carpenter by trade, and it was through his worldly responsibility that he demonstrated how one combines the practice of everyday life with spirituality.
Saint Puran Singh Ji was an important citizen of Kericho, and he contributed generously towards the establishment of hospitals, churches, temples, and the first Gurudwara in Kericho. He also donated to the town, a beautiful ornament garden in the town centre. His contributions to Kericho did not go unnoticed and were recognized officially by the naming of the town square, "Puran Singh Square´´.
On the 20th July 1973, Saint Puran Singh Ji sold the workshop and residence to Nyacheki Farmers Union Limited.The organization subsequently registered itself as a society and operated under the title ´Nyacheki Farmers Society Ltd.´´
However, Babaji leased back the workshop and residence from the farmers society for a period of two years before leaving Kenya for good.
The lease arrangement was to have lasted from 1st August 1973 to 1st August 1975, with a rent of 15,000 Kenyan Shillings payable in advance every month.
Although St. Puran Singh Ji left Kericho under divine instructions for India, and then went to the UK in 1974, his sons continued to renew the lease until 6th March 1996, when the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, UK (GNNSJ), a not for profit charitable society he had set up, purchased the property from Nyacheki Farmers Society Ltd.
The GNNSJ, Kericho, was formally registered under the Registrar of Society´s Ordinance of 1968 and was issued with the Registration no. 17355 on the 23rd July 1996.
The "lease back" option which Babaji negotiated with the farmers society, provides an important, albeit brief glimpse into the phenomenal wisdom and foresight which he possessed.
It is almost certain that if the residence and workshop had not been leased back to him, they would have either been altered substantially or else demolished given their location within the town of Kericho. It is clear that this site was destined to become an important part of Kericho´s heritage.
Saint Puran Singh Ji was an extremely hard working member of the Kericho community at large. His unending compassion and love have left an indelible mark on the town. This is reflected in the love and respect with which local residents uphold Babaji.
I visited this beautiful town of Kericho - known for its scenic beauty, recently. I was moved and touched by the attachment which the Kericho people still have with the famous Babaji. The many local people I talked to still do remember the great Babaji with nostalgia.
He is sadly missed………….Gone are the sweet days he used to live harmoniously with everybody in Kericho town…………………But one thing is crystal clear……. Babaji may be gone, but his legacy lives on…………..Babaji-the crusader of noble tenets may have departed, but his work survives………And forever, forever and forever………….....Let him rest in peace and may God bless his soul.
THE VISIONARY DEVELOPMENT
The development at plot 631/171 and the adjoining plot on Isaac Salaat Road, is a humble offering of gratitude to the Almighty by the devotees of Saint Puran Singh Ji paying homage to one of the great Saints of the Sikh faith.
Babaji´s devotees developed a 100ft x 150ft site by building a grand 3 storey Gurudwara complex, enveloping the existing buildings.
The ground floor is intended to be retained as a workshop and family museum.
The upper floors will comprise prayer halls, and residential accommodation for visitors and devotees.
The development is a multi-million shillings of investment. All the work on the project was done on a self-help basis in line with Baba Ji´s teachings of ´Nishkam Sewa" – service without desire for personal gain.
Devotees traveled from Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and other parts of the country and from abroad to participate in the construction and to provide labor and other donations in kind in the construction of the development.
The sacredness of the site means that every effort is made to ensure that the original character of Babaji´s residence and workshop are kept intact. Infact, even the rubble taken out during the construction process is retained and utilized within the domains of the site.
The need to preserve and conceive a national spiritual heritage means that there is little room for changes in the construction of such an elaborate conservation developmen
The original buildings have been retained and have been transformed into a museum in which the multi-faceted aspect and talents of Babaji´s life can be appreciated.
The development has encapsulated the conservation of heritage within a traditional Sikh architecture.
It is a unique contribution to the town of Kericho in particular.
It is a unique contribution to the town of Kericho in particular, and to Kenya in general. Just as Makindu, a small town between Nairobi and Mombasa has also become an important stop for visitors of all races, there is no doubt that Kericho has become an important stop for all those who venture into the area.
The new Kericho Gurdwara Complex is a landmark that has transformed the Kericho skyline. The almost one hundred foot high twin domes and numerous smaller domes characteristic of Sikh architecture are visible from various points in the district, particularly at night when the domes are lit in a array of exotic colors.
This project is a testimony to the benevolent legacy of Saint Puran Singh Ji who saw God in all, and devoted his life to selfless service for humanity at large.
NISHKAM SAINT PURAN SINGH INSTITUTE
The Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha in keeping with Saint Puran Singh Ji´s personal vision and practice of contributing to the local community as well as serving humanity, has established in the memory of Baba Ji, the Nishkam Saint Puran Singh Technical Institute.
The training centre will provide both theoretical as well as practical training in aspects of building construction and business studies. This will contribute to the overall development of Kericho, focusing particularly on its youth.
It has cost millions of Kenyan shillings for its first stage.
GURU NANAK NISHKAM SEWAK JATHA
The Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha is a faith based, non- profit making charitable Sikh Society, which seeks to follow the path of Sikh Dharam (Sikhism) under the grace of its ten Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The genesis of the Jatha dates back to the 1950´s when a nucleus of the followers sought spiritual enlightenment from Babaji.
The Jatha expanded and Akhand Paths (continuous readings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji) were conducted.
In addition, ´Amrit Parchar´ or baptism was carried out in various places in east Africa. It was here that the basic principles, tenets and ´maryadha´ that were practiced by the Jatha got divinely revealed to Babaji.
In 1968, Babaji visited England and met Bhai Sahib Bhai Norang Singh Ji.
By 1971, regular Naam Simran (meditation) programmes had been established in Birmingham. When Saint Puran Ji moved to England in 1974, the Jatha grew from strength.
From 1974 to 1983 under his divine guidance,
Babaji´s message got propagated all over the United Kingdom through various ´Smagams´ (programmes) and Amrit Sanchaar events.
As numbers continued to grow, the Jatha was formalized by Bhai Sahib Bhai Norang Singh Ji under the name of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha with the purchase of two buildings on Soho Road, Birmingham in 1976 and 1977.
Today the Jatha has grown further with an estimated million followers all over the world. The Jatha is involved in numerous projects. In addition, it is involved in giving donations to countless charities, schools, hospitals and national causes like natural disasters.
The major projects the Jatha has undertaken include the building of its headquarters at Birmingham, UK; the Janam Asthaan (birthplace) of Babaji at Gura, Punjab, India; and the "Kar Sewa" for the renovation of Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, India
The Jatha´s core values can be summarized as: belief in One Timeless God, Nishkaamta (selfless service,), abd a three fold motto to meditate, work and share (Naam Japna, Kirat Karna, Wand Ke Shakna)-the basis of Sikh ethics, by which life is to be lived meditatively, industriously and generously.
Notions of spiritual development are thus grounded in daily life, with commitment to work, family and wider society. Engagement with other faiths is also a central feature of the tradition.
CONTEXTUALIZING SIKH DHARAM
Religion has been an integral part of every culture at least since the dawn of recorded history. In many cultures it was the coalescing force around which a particular society was organized. At present, religion continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of people around the world
It is interesting to note the time framework within which the major religions of the world emerged. Hinduism is the oldest religion, dating back to 4000 – 5000 BC, Judaism dates back to 1300 BC, Buddhism 6 BC, Christianity 1 AD, Islam 7 AD and the Sikh Dharam in 1500 AD.
There are currently an estimated 2 billion Christians of whom 1.4. million are Catholics, 845 million Muslims, 655 million Hindus, 302 million Buddhists, 12 million Jews, and 24 million Sikhs.
The Sikh Dharam was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji who has born in present day Pakistan in 1469.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji inaugurated a modern radical religion which aimed to break down the rigidities and rituals that had come to dominate organized religions.
Guru Nanak was succeeded by 9 Gurus – Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Guru Gobind Singh, each of whom taught the importance of truthful living.
Sikhs do not have a living Guru, but regard the Guru Granth Sahib (the sacred scriptures of the Sikhs) as the living Guru.
The Guru Granth Sahib is compilation of the divine message in 1430 pages that was compiled and bestowed the Divine Status of Guru since 1708.
SIKH PRAYER
You are our Lord and Master; to You, I offer this prayer. This body and soul are all Yours.
You are our Mother and Father; we are Your children. In Your Grace, there are so many joys! No one knows Your limits. O Highest of the High, Most Generous Waheguru (ALMIGHTY GOD) The whole creation is strung on Your thread. That which has come from You is under Your Command. Waheguru, You alone know Your state and extent. Nanak, Your slave, is forever a sacrifice.
THANK YOU ALL.
DR Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh comes from a line of spiritual leaders, and he is the third in succession.
He is a visionary chairman of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) Birmingham, UK- a religious charitable organization with branches in India and Kenya
He is a retired civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in the multi-disciplinary fields of housing, town planning, roads, water supply, sanitation and conservation work
He worked for Zambia´s National Housing Authority under the technical jurisdiction of the UK´s overseas development administration (ODA), now called the Department for International Development (DFID).
Bhai Sahib is also a charismatic and tireless worker in the fields of faith propagation, charity work, education and research.
He was awarded in 2002, a PhD Honoris Causia from the University of Central England for service to the community and another Doctorate in 2006 from the University of Birmingham for support of work in education and faith.
Bhai Sahib has earned the trust and respect of many International Faith Based Organizations and plays a key role in various intra-faith, interfaith and inter-religious conferences.
He is a recipient of the Juliet Hollister award from the temple of understanding, New York , for intra and interfaith work internationally.
Bhai Sahib is a senior member of the Elija Board of the World´s religious Leaders; member of European Council of Religious Leaders (ECRL) and International Trustee of World Conference of religions for peace (WCRP); supporter of the council for a parliament of the World´s Religions (CPWR), Goldin Institute (GI), and Globalisation for the Common Good; Patron of United Religions Initiative (URI-UK); an executive member of West Midlands Faith Forum (WMFF); member of Birmingham faith leaders group (BFLG); member of university of Birmingham Community Advisory Board and member of the Birmingham City Council´s Faith Round table.
As well as enjoying a great deal of respect from Birmingham´s other faith communities, he has earned and enjoys great respect from the Jathedars of the five Takhats of the Sikh Dharma, including the Akal Takhat´s Jathedar as well as the president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak as the president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) – the "mini-parliament" of some 24 million global Sikhs, with its administrative, political and spiritual offices within the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex
He is chairman of the British Sikh Consultative Forum (BSCF) – a consultative forum of some 100 Gurudwaras in the UK and other Sikh Organizations, striving for Intra-Faith community cohesion and engaged with the UK government´s home office through its Faith Communist Consultative Council (FCCC).
SAINT PURAN SINGH JI OF KERICHO
Saints play an important role in all religions of the world. Followers of major religions believe that Saints have an ability to aid and advance their spiritual life. Hindu Sadhus, Muslim Pirs and Sikh Sants are holy messengers.
Saints belong to humanity at large and are bearers of God´s divine message of love, peace and harmony.
Saints kindle spiritual fires in the heart of humans with their divine knowledge, humility, magnanimity and mercifulness.
The late Saint Puran Singh Ji was a Saint who lived outside the Indian subcontinent and was well aware of the difficulties, constraints and intrepidations that arise whilst living in alien culture and societies.
Babaji demonstrated that outside appearance did not matter He was not averse to wearing western clothing. He did not compromise the basic principle of the ´rehat´ (Sikh code of conduct) and the teaching of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Rather, he exemplified his adaptability to changing circumstances and his deep understanding of the environments in which he lived.
His impact on those who came into contact with him was profound. His influence was all pervasive and he guided one to successfully navigate one´s life.
Saint Puran Singh Ji´s life and mission is difficult to capture in words. It can be discerned in three distinctive, yet overlapping phases which combined to create an extraordinary Saint of the 20th century.
Firstly, he administered baptism through Amrit Sanchaar (initiation into the Sikh faith) by being a member of the Pani Piare (Five Chosen Ones).
This meant that he was personally involved in the transformation of hundreds of thousands of lives all over the world.
Amrit Sanchaar was a key tenet of his mission. In particular, he had a profound impact on the U.K. Sikh Diaspora where many people had abandoned the Sikh way of life.
Secondly, he was also committed to demonstrating the role of an ordinary Sikh.
Here, he advocated standing up for the basic rights of all humans and his contributions in the area are profound.
He sanctioned, blessed and oversaw the "Turban case" campaign in England.
The case created cohesion amongst Sikhs and resulted in the Sikhs being recognized as a distinct ethnic minority. In addition, he was deeply concerned about the political unrest prevalent in India in the 1980´s, and he advocated and participated in a massive rally in order to highlight the plight of the Sikhs in Punjab.
The third major aspect of Saint Puran Singh Ji´s life was that he was a ´gristi´ (married man) who had a family. He illustrated how one can attain spiritually whilst carrying out all the worldly responsibilities associated with family life.
It is however, important to stress that it was only possible for Babaji to provide inspiration and act as an ideal human because of the qualities he possessed as a Saint.
This is what made him unique.
In short, he was able to illustrate that secularity can be fused with spiritualit
The qualities which he possessed and emphasized were all part of the teachings of the ten Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They include sincerity, compassion, fearlessness, wisdom, humility, healing, sharing and caring.
Babaji recognized the centrality of ´Sewa´ (selfless service) and urged his followers to be benevolent.
He promoted equality between different races and sexes. He was a true devotee of freedom and justice. He clearly exercised these qualities to perfection.
The town of Kericho was named after a famous herbalist and medicine man who used to operate in Kericho in the early part of the 20th century.
Whilst the medicine man treated those with physical ailments, it was the Sikh Saint, Baba Puran Singh Ji who provided medicine for spiritual ailments.
The close association of Kericho with Saint Puran Singh Ji is reflected in the manner in which he was affectionately referred to as the Saint of Kericho. As a term of endearment and respect he was also called Babaji by his devotees.
Although Saint Puran Singh Ji had moved to Kenya in 1917 at the age of 19 years, it was not until 1925 that he moved to the present site, 631/171 Isaac Salaat Road, previously known as Garage Road.
Babaji acquired this plot on a 99 year leasehold basis with an annual rent of 40 Kenyan Shillings per annum. The lease expires in the year 2028 and is currently under consideration for renewal for a further 99 years. The site of the plot is 0.1722 acres of 50 ft x 150 ft.
It was here that Saint Puran Singh Ji established a family business, "Kericho Wagon Works´´ which continues to operate under the management of his grandsons. The business which Babaji established as a wagon-wheel repairing enterprise rapidly expanded to include bicycle repairs, transportation and general building contracting.
The Kericho Wagon Works plot served as both the residence and workshop for Babaji and his family. In no small way, the workshop and residence epitomized the manner in which Babaji conducted his life.
The living conditions were modest but comfortable, and certainly not excessive. The buildings were characteristic of the life that Babaji exposed throughout his life of modesty, humility and humbleness.
Saint Puran Singh Ji, like Jesus Christ, was a carpenter by trade, and it was through his worldly responsibility that he demonstrated how one combines the practice of everyday life with spirituality.
Saint Puran Singh Ji was an important citizen of Kericho, and he contributed generously towards the establishment of hospitals, churches, temples, and the first Gurudwara in Kericho. He also donated to the town, a beautiful ornament garden in the town centre. His contributions to Kericho did not go unnoticed and were recognized officially by the naming of the town square, "Puran Singh Square´´.
On the 20th July 1973, Saint Puran Singh Ji sold the workshop and residence to Nyacheki Farmers Union Limited.The organization subsequently registered itself as a society and operated under the title ´Nyacheki Farmers Society Ltd.´´
However, Babaji leased back the workshop and residence from the farmers society for a period of two years before leaving Kenya for good.
The lease arrangement was to have lasted from 1st August 1973 to 1st August 1975, with a rent of 15,000 Kenyan Shillings payable in advance every month.
Although St. Puran Singh Ji left Kericho under divine instructions for India, and then went to the UK in 1974, his sons continued to renew the lease until 6th March 1996, when the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, UK (GNNSJ), a not for profit charitable society he had set up, purchased the property from Nyacheki Farmers Society Ltd.
The GNNSJ, Kericho, was formally registered under the Registrar of Society´s Ordinance of 1968 and was issued with the Registration no. 17355 on the 23rd July 1996.
The "lease back" option which Babaji negotiated with the farmers society, provides an important, albeit brief glimpse into the phenomenal wisdom and foresight which he possessed.
It is almost certain that if the residence and workshop had not been leased back to him, they would have either been altered substantially or else demolished given their location within the town of Kericho. It is clear that this site was destined to become an important part of Kericho´s heritage.
Saint Puran Singh Ji was an extremely hard working member of the Kericho community at large. His unending compassion and love have left an indelible mark on the town. This is reflected in the love and respect with which local residents uphold Babaji.
I visited this beautiful town of Kericho - known for its scenic beauty, recently. I was moved and touched by the attachment which the Kericho people still have with the famous Babaji. The many local people I talked to still do remember the great Babaji with nostalgia.
He is sadly missed………….Gone are the sweet days he used to live harmoniously with everybody in Kericho town…………………But one thing is crystal clear……. Babaji may be gone, but his legacy lives on…………..Babaji-the crusader of noble tenets may have departed, but his work survives………And forever, forever and forever………….....Let him rest in peace and may God bless his soul.
THE VISIONARY DEVELOPMENT
The development at plot 631/171 and the adjoining plot on Isaac Salaat Road, is a humble offering of gratitude to the Almighty by the devotees of Saint Puran Singh Ji paying homage to one of the great Saints of the Sikh faith.
Babaji´s devotees developed a 100ft x 150ft site by building a grand 3 storey Gurudwara complex, enveloping the existing buildings.
The ground floor is intended to be retained as a workshop and family museum.
The upper floors will comprise prayer halls, and residential accommodation for visitors and devotees.
The development is a multi-million shillings of investment. All the work on the project was done on a self-help basis in line with Baba Ji´s teachings of ´Nishkam Sewa" – service without desire for personal gain.
Devotees traveled from Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and other parts of the country and from abroad to participate in the construction and to provide labor and other donations in kind in the construction of the development.
The sacredness of the site means that every effort is made to ensure that the original character of Babaji´s residence and workshop are kept intact. Infact, even the rubble taken out during the construction process is retained and utilized within the domains of the site.
The need to preserve and conceive a national spiritual heritage means that there is little room for changes in the construction of such an elaborate conservation developmen
The original buildings have been retained and have been transformed into a museum in which the multi-faceted aspect and talents of Babaji´s life can be appreciated.
The development has encapsulated the conservation of heritage within a traditional Sikh architecture.
It is a unique contribution to the town of Kericho in particular.
It is a unique contribution to the town of Kericho in particular, and to Kenya in general. Just as Makindu, a small town between Nairobi and Mombasa has also become an important stop for visitors of all races, there is no doubt that Kericho has become an important stop for all those who venture into the area.
The new Kericho Gurdwara Complex is a landmark that has transformed the Kericho skyline. The almost one hundred foot high twin domes and numerous smaller domes characteristic of Sikh architecture are visible from various points in the district, particularly at night when the domes are lit in a array of exotic colors.
This project is a testimony to the benevolent legacy of Saint Puran Singh Ji who saw God in all, and devoted his life to selfless service for humanity at large.
NISHKAM SAINT PURAN SINGH INSTITUTE
The Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha in keeping with Saint Puran Singh Ji´s personal vision and practice of contributing to the local community as well as serving humanity, has established in the memory of Baba Ji, the Nishkam Saint Puran Singh Technical Institute.
The training centre will provide both theoretical as well as practical training in aspects of building construction and business studies. This will contribute to the overall development of Kericho, focusing particularly on its youth.
It has cost millions of Kenyan shillings for its first stage.
GURU NANAK NISHKAM SEWAK JATHA
The Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha is a faith based, non- profit making charitable Sikh Society, which seeks to follow the path of Sikh Dharam (Sikhism) under the grace of its ten Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The genesis of the Jatha dates back to the 1950´s when a nucleus of the followers sought spiritual enlightenment from Babaji.
The Jatha expanded and Akhand Paths (continuous readings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji) were conducted.
In addition, ´Amrit Parchar´ or baptism was carried out in various places in east Africa. It was here that the basic principles, tenets and ´maryadha´ that were practiced by the Jatha got divinely revealed to Babaji.
In 1968, Babaji visited England and met Bhai Sahib Bhai Norang Singh Ji.
By 1971, regular Naam Simran (meditation) programmes had been established in Birmingham. When Saint Puran Ji moved to England in 1974, the Jatha grew from strength.
From 1974 to 1983 under his divine guidance,
Babaji´s message got propagated all over the United Kingdom through various ´Smagams´ (programmes) and Amrit Sanchaar events.
As numbers continued to grow, the Jatha was formalized by Bhai Sahib Bhai Norang Singh Ji under the name of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha with the purchase of two buildings on Soho Road, Birmingham in 1976 and 1977.
Today the Jatha has grown further with an estimated million followers all over the world. The Jatha is involved in numerous projects. In addition, it is involved in giving donations to countless charities, schools, hospitals and national causes like natural disasters.
The major projects the Jatha has undertaken include the building of its headquarters at Birmingham, UK; the Janam Asthaan (birthplace) of Babaji at Gura, Punjab, India; and the "Kar Sewa" for the renovation of Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, India
The Jatha´s core values can be summarized as: belief in One Timeless God, Nishkaamta (selfless service,), abd a three fold motto to meditate, work and share (Naam Japna, Kirat Karna, Wand Ke Shakna)-the basis of Sikh ethics, by which life is to be lived meditatively, industriously and generously.
Notions of spiritual development are thus grounded in daily life, with commitment to work, family and wider society. Engagement with other faiths is also a central feature of the tradition.
CONTEXTUALIZING SIKH DHARAM
Religion has been an integral part of every culture at least since the dawn of recorded history. In many cultures it was the coalescing force around which a particular society was organized. At present, religion continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of people around the world
It is interesting to note the time framework within which the major religions of the world emerged. Hinduism is the oldest religion, dating back to 4000 – 5000 BC, Judaism dates back to 1300 BC, Buddhism 6 BC, Christianity 1 AD, Islam 7 AD and the Sikh Dharam in 1500 AD.
There are currently an estimated 2 billion Christians of whom 1.4. million are Catholics, 845 million Muslims, 655 million Hindus, 302 million Buddhists, 12 million Jews, and 24 million Sikhs.
The Sikh Dharam was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji who has born in present day Pakistan in 1469.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji inaugurated a modern radical religion which aimed to break down the rigidities and rituals that had come to dominate organized religions.
Guru Nanak was succeeded by 9 Gurus – Guru Angad Dev, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Guru Gobind Singh, each of whom taught the importance of truthful living.
Sikhs do not have a living Guru, but regard the Guru Granth Sahib (the sacred scriptures of the Sikhs) as the living Guru.
The Guru Granth Sahib is compilation of the divine message in 1430 pages that was compiled and bestowed the Divine Status of Guru since 1708.
SIKH PRAYER
You are our Lord and Master; to You, I offer this prayer. This body and soul are all Yours.
You are our Mother and Father; we are Your children. In Your Grace, there are so many joys! No one knows Your limits. O Highest of the High, Most Generous Waheguru (ALMIGHTY GOD) The whole creation is strung on Your thread. That which has come from You is under Your Command. Waheguru, You alone know Your state and extent. Nanak, Your slave, is forever a sacrifice.
THANK YOU ALL.
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