Bhagat Puran Singh was a kind-hearted man who spent his whole life helping people in need. He was born in 1904 and became known for his love, care, and service to the poor, sick, and those who had no one to support them. He did not work for money or fame. Instead, he believed that true happiness comes from helping others. He started a place called Pingalwara, where many helpless people found a home, food, and medical care. Bhagat Ji’s life teaches us that with kindness, dedication, and honesty, one person can do great things for society.
His Birth and Childhood
Bhagat Puran Singh was born on 4 June 1904 in a small village called Rajewal, near Ludhiana, in Punjab. His birth name was Ramji Das, and he was born into a Hindu family. His early life was very simple. His mother, Mehtab Kaur, played a very big role in shaping his thoughts and values. She was a very kind and hardworking woman. She taught her son to always speak the truth, respect others, and help those in need.
Bhagat Ji did not come from a rich family. Life was not easy for them, but his mother’s teachings stayed with him forever. From a very young age, he became sensitive to the pain of others. Whenever he saw someone sick or poor, he felt a strong desire to help.
Choosing a Life of Service
As he grew older, Ramji Das was introduced to Sikhism. He was deeply inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who taught the importance of equality, truth, and helping others. He later accepted the Sikh faith and changed his name to Bhagat Puran Singh.
One of the most important moments in his life happened in Amritsar, outside the Golden Temple. He saw a disabled child, Piara Singh, lying helplessly with no one to care for him. People were walking past without paying attention. But Bhagat Ji could not ignore him. He picked the child up in his arms and decided to look after him for the rest of his life. This single act of kindness became the beginning of a lifetime of service to others.
The Beginning of Pingalwara
After taking care of Piara Singh, Bhagat Ji realised that many people in society were suffering like him. They were either physically sick, mentally unwell, or abandoned by their families. These people had no shelter, food, or support.
To help them, Bhagat Ji started Pingalwara in 1947, just after India gained independence. At first, it was just a small hut with a few patients. But Bhagat Ji’s dedication and belief made it grow into a large and respected charitable home.
Pingalwara means “a home for the crippled,” but it became much more than that. It was a place full of love, care, and hope. People from all backgrounds were welcomed and treated with respect. Bhagat Ji worked day and night to arrange food, medicine, clothes, and shelter for the patients. He was not just a caretaker but also a friend, a teacher, and a guardian to many.
His Way of Life
Bhagat Puran Singh lived a very simple and honest life. He wore simple clothes, ate very little, and spent every rupee on helping others. He never collected wealth or owned property. His heart was always with those who were suffering.
He believed in “sewa”, which means selfless service. He never saw helping others as a duty but as a way to worship God. He treated every patient like family. He walked for miles to collect medicines, carried sick people on his back, and used handwritten signs to share messages about cleanliness, kindness, and saving the environment.
He never begged for himself. Every effort he made was for the well-being of the people under his care. His life showed the world that service to humanity is the highest form of prayer.
His Teachings and Values
Bhagat Ji believed in very strong moral values. Some of the main values he followed were:
- Compassion: He always helped those in pain without expecting anything in return.
- Truthfulness: He lived an honest life and never misused donations.
- Equality: He never judged anyone by religion, caste, or background.
- Simplicity: He lived in the most humble way, focusing only on service.
- Care for Nature: He spoke about saving trees, protecting water, and keeping the Earth clean.
He also believed in spreading knowledge. He printed and distributed simple booklets on health, hygiene, and social awareness. He wanted people to understand their responsibilities and take care of their surroundings.
The Growth of Pingalwara
Over the years, Pingalwara grew under Bhagat Ji’s guidance. Many kind people came forward to help. Doctors, volunteers, and donors joined hands to support the mission. Pingalwara started running schools, medical clinics, eye camps, and rehabilitation centres. It became a symbol of care and love not just in Punjab but all over India.
Today, Pingalwara continues its work under the leadership of dedicated people who follow Bhagat Ji’s path. It stands as a reminder that humanity still lives in this world.
Awards and Recognition
Bhagat Puran Singh never worked for awards or name. But his incredible service was recognised by many. Some of the major honours he received include:
- Padma Shri (1979) – One of India’s highest civilian awards
- Honoured by Sikh organizations in India and abroad
- Praised by leaders, scholars, and social workers from different parts of the world
Even though he was given these awards, he always said that the biggest reward was seeing someone smile after being helped.
His Final Years and Legacy
Bhagat Puran Singh passed away on 5 August 1992 in Amritsar. His death was a great loss, but his spirit lives on in every corner of Pingalwara. People still remember him with love and respect.
Every year, his birth anniversary on June 4 is celebrated in schools, colleges, and social organisations. His story is taught to children so they can learn about kindness, truth, and service. Many young people are inspired to join social work because of him.