barublogLate Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, a visionary and a dedicated social reformer, devoted his entire life to serving humanity. At the young age of six, he resolved to dedicate his life to the upliftment of the underprivileged. Through his Kalgidhar Trust at Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, he provided quality education to lakhs of rural children and facilitated medical treatment for thousands.
A Life of Service and Spiritual Dedication
From Humble Beginnings to a Life of Purpose
Born with an innate spirit of service, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji followed in the footsteps of his revered Guru, Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj. His journey was one of selfless devotion, focusing on values-based education and healthcare for marginalized communities. On January 29, at the age of 96, Baba Ji breathed his last at Baru Sahib, the very place where his mission to transform rural India began.
Transforming Rural Education
Baba Iqbal Singh Ji believed in an education system that combined modern literacy with moral, ethical, and spiritual values. His vision led to the establishment of Akal Academy, an institution that started in a single room with five students at Baru Sahib, Sirmaur. With his pension savings, he personally funded its initial construction and operations.
Recognizing the growing need for affordable quality education, Baba Ji expanded his initiative beyond Himachal Pradesh. The first Akal Academy outside Baru Sahib was set up in Muktsar in 1993, and by 1999, the Trust had established 19 academies across Punjab. Today, this network has grown to 129 CBSE-affiliated English medium schools across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, catering to over 70,000 students—most of them from rural backgrounds.
Several students from these academies have excelled at the national level, securing top ranks in IIT, IIM, and NEET exams, proving the effectiveness of Baba Ji’s values-based education system.
Healthcare for the Underprivileged
Education was only one aspect of Baba Ji’s commitment to social service. Understanding the dire need for accessible healthcare in rural areas, he founded the Akal Charitable Hospital at Baru Sahib. The hospital provides free medical care to the underprivileged, with specialist doctors from Mumbai, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab participating in annual medical camps to offer free surgeries and treatments.
Women Empowerment and Social Reforms
Baba Ji firmly believed that empowering women was key to societal transformation. Under his leadership, the Women Empowerment Program was initiated, rehabilitating young underprivileged women through education and employment opportunities. These efforts enabled countless women to gain financial independence and self-reliance.
Tackling Social Issues Head-On
Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s mission extended beyond education and healthcare. His relentless work included:
- Establishing De-addiction Centers to combat drug abuse in rural Punjab.
- Setting up community welfare programs addressing the needs of the poorest and most oppressed sections of society.
- Creating colleges and vocational institutions to provide higher education and skill-based training.
A Legacy That Lives On
Baba Ji’s life was dedicated to serving the needy, educating the deprived, and uplifting society. His teachings and efforts continue to impact thousands, inspiring countless individuals to contribute towards humanity.
His departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through every child educated, every patient healed, and every life transformed.
Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s journey was one of sacrifice, commitment, and service to humanity. His work at The Kalgidhar Trust continues to shine as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged, proving that one man’s vision can transform millions of lives.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his teachings continue to guide future generations toward a path of selfless service and righteousness.
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