From Humble Beginnings to a Life of Service
Dr. Balwant Singh, a surgeon and senior resident in the Department of Neurosurgery at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in New Delhi, shares his inspiring story of transformation. Born into a below-poverty-line Hindu family in Kanpur, U.P., his life took a turn when The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, and its Akal Academy offered him the opportunity to pursue education despite financial constraints.
The Turning Point – A Lifelong Connection with Baru Sahib
Dr. Balwant recalls how his father’s small band business could not afford his education. Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s intervention became a turning point in his life, bringing him to Baru Sahib, where he studied at half the usual fees. His schooling at Akal Academy Baru Sahib, completed in 2000, laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Pursuing Medical Excellence
In 2002, Dr. Balwant secured admission to Santosh Medical College in U.P., where he completed his MBBS in 2008. With the blessings of Baru Sahib’s Babaji and immense dedication, he pursued an MS in Surgery at Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, Gorakhpur, completing it in 2012. Today, he serves as a Senior Resident in Neurosurgery at GTB Hospital, New Delhi.
Transformation Through Spirituality
Dr. Balwant credits his years at Baru Sahib for profoundly influencing his personality and spirituality. The divine environment, teachings of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, and guidance from mentors like Dr. Davinder Singh Veer Ji led him to embrace the Sikh faith. He was baptized and integrated Sikh practices into his life. His family, though Hindu, follows Sikh rituals, with Nitnem becoming a part of their daily routine.
A Legacy of Excellence
Almost all of Dr. Balwant’s cousins studied at Akal Academy Baru Sahib, equally inspired by its values. He fondly remembers teachers like Dr. Venkatesh and Mr. Anthony, who left a lasting impact on his journey.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
In 2011, Dr. Balwant married and was later blessed with a daughter, whom he plans to send to Baru Sahib. For him, no other place matches the combination of academic rigor, discipline, and spiritual serenity offered by the Divine Valley of Peace.
Message to the World
Dr. Balwant’s parting message to fellow students and friends emphasizes living one’s faith wholeheartedly, regardless of religion. His heartfelt gratitude extends to the authorities and members of Baru Sahib, wishing them success in their ongoing efforts, including the “Guru Ki Kashi – Akal University” project at Talwandi Sabo, Damdama Sahib.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
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