ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ (ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੪੪੧ ਪੰ. ੩)
Maan Thoon Joth Saroop Hai Aapanaa Mool Pashhaan || ((Guru Granth Sahib ji: Ang 441))
O mind, you carry the Divine Light within you; recognise your true self.
Following the life and vision of Sant Attar Singh Ji, the journey continues with Sant Teja Singh Ji, the devoted disciple who would carry that vision forward.
The life of Sant Teja Singh Ji encompasses an extraordinary journey of education, transformation, spirituality, and service. With so many defining chapters, Ep. 2 unfolds in 4 parts, beginning with the early years and the transformation.
1. Birth (1877) & An Exceptional Academic Journey
11 years after Sant Attar Singh Ji appeared on Earth, Niranjan Singh Mehta Ji, later known as Sant Teja Singh Ji, was born to Dr. Ralla Singh Ji (renowned surgeon) & Sada Kaur Ji in village Balowali, Gujranwala (now in Pakistan). After schooling, Niranjan Singh Ji completed B.A., followed by LL.B. in 1900. In 1901, he completed M.A. in English, securing 1st position in the entire undivided Punjab, which extended from the Afghanistan border to the Delhi border
2. A Rare Achievement-
In 1902, Niranjan Singh Ji achieved another remarkable distinction by qualifying the civil Services examination for the post of Assistant Superintendent in the North India Salt Department. At a time when Indians rarely secured officer-level positions under British rule.
The government-controlled production of salt, restricting even the poor from producing this basic necessity, troubled Niranjan Singh ji’s conscience. Hence, decided to pursue a career in teaching. In 1904, Niranjan Singh Ji joined Khalsa College, Amritsar, as Vice-Principal, becoming the youngest Vice-Principal of the College.
3. A Non-Religious Free Thinker
Young Niranjan Singh Ji was a non-religious free thinker, argumentative and deeply influenced by Western education, with little inclination towards religious teachings. He would not even bow before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, considering the practice a form of idol worship.
But one morning at the Gurdwara Sahib of Khalsa College, something changed. Standing before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, he experienced an overwhelming spiritual pull and bowed before Guru Sahib. The experience awakened a search for spiritual guidance. Sant Baba Sham Singh Ji of Harmandir Sahib eventually guided him towards Sant Attar Singh Ji.
4. Holy Glimpse of Sant Attar Singh Ji
Accompanied by Bhai Jodh Singh Ji, Niranjan Singh Ji had the blessed Darshan of Sant Attar Singh Ji during a visit to Lahore. The Darshan brought an extraordinary sense of inner peace. After being introduced, Sant Attar Singh Ji remarked, “A true Hari Premi, a true lover of God.” These words had a profound effect on Niranjan Singh Ji, who felt as the entire being had been cleansed.
5. The First Lesson
The first lesson from Sant Attar Singh Ji was deeply personal — To forgive those who had caused hurt or ill-treated you.
Niranjan Singh Ji took these words to heart. Among those towards whom Sant Ji carried some resentment was the stepmother; setting aside the pain of the past, he sought forgiveness and reconciliation, putting Sant Ji’s guidance into practice.
6. The Transformation
During another visit to Sant Attar Singh Ji, Niranjan Singh Ji sat in meditation, hearing holy hymns; a Divine Voice echoed,
'If you wish to become God-conscious in this birth, then you should get initiated with Amrit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji'
Having developed an intense desire, he pleaded to Sant Attar Singh Ji for the blessing of Amrit. In 1906, Niranjan Singh Ji, along with his mother and family, was blessed with Amrit and became part of Khalsa Path.
Sant Attar Singh Ji changed the name from Niranjan Singh Mehta to Teja Singh Ji. The scholar and free thinker had entered a new chapter of life.
7. The Wish
At Mastuana Sahib, Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj shared a far-reaching educational vision: an institution that would bring together the spiritual wisdom of Guru Nanak Sahib and the material sciences of the West, preparing students to put spiritual philosophy into action and become messengers of peace to the world. This vision laid the foundation for the concept of value-based education.
To fulfil this mission, Teja Singh Ji decided to travel abroad to pursue higher education in the material sciences, with the blessings of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj.
Before departure, Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj gave five guiding instructions:
i. Keep the Sikh form and Kesh (uncut Hair) intact.
ii. Do not enter into arguments.
iii. Wherever possible, establish Gurdwara Sahibs.
iv. Share with the West that occult powers and miracles are insignificant before Divine Realisation.
v. Lecture only if one is free from ego. Else, refrain.
Coming Up | Part 2 — The Journey Abroad
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