barublogSant Teja Singh Ji, a luminary in Sikh history, was born on May 14, 1877, in the village of Balowali, Gujranwala (now in Pakistan). His upbringing was marked by a thirst for knowledge and a deep-rooted commitment to serving humanity.
He pursued his higher education with diligence, graduating from Government College in Lahore, where he stood first. His academic prowess extended to his LL.B. studies at Law College, where he also secured the top position. His academic journey culminated in a Master’s degree from Punjab University, Lahore, and a second Master’s from Harvard University in 1911.
A Journey of Service and Enlightenment
Sant Teja Singh Ji’s path was guided by a profound sense of duty towards humanity. He began his career in the North India Salt Department but soon realized that it conflicted with his conscience. Turning to education, he joined Khalsa College, Amritsar, as Vice-Principal in 1904 and later ascended to the position of Principal.
In 1906, he embraced the Khalsa fold, receiving Amrit from Sant Attar Singh Ji and adopting the name Teja Singh. Inspired by his mentor’s vision of blending spiritual and material sciences, he embarked on a journey abroad to pursue higher studies.
Pioneering Initiatives Abroad
Studying at prestigious institutions such as University College London and Cambridge University, Sant Teja Singh Ji encountered challenges but remained steadfast in his faith. He became the first Sikh to attend classes wearing a turban at Cambridge, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
During his time abroad, he established the first Gurdwara in the Western world in 1910 at Shepherd’s Bush, London. He also played a pivotal role in building Sikh communities and institutions in Canada and the United States, advocating for the rights of Indian immigrants and securing legal victories for their cause.
A Legacy of Service and Spiritual Upliftment
Returning to India in 1913, Sant Teja Singh Ji continued his mission of education and service. He founded Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Gujranwala and later served as Principal of the Teacher’s Training College at Banaras Hindu University.
Throughout his life, Sant Teja Singh Ji remained dedicated to uplifting humanity spiritually and socially. He established educational institutions, resolved crucial issues within the Sikh community, and spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji across continents.
A Visionary’s Legacy
Sant Teja Singh Ji’s legacy lives on through the Kalgidhar Trust, established before his passing in 1965. Today, the Trust carries out his vision and mission from its headquarters at Sant Attar Singh Ji Hari Sadhu Ashram, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, under the guidance of his devout disciple, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji.
As we commemorate Sant Teja Singh Ji’s birth anniversary, let us honor his contributions to Sikhism and humanity, remembering him as a beacon of enlightenment and a pioneer of Sikh values in the Western world.
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