Remembering the visionary, revered Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji on his 4th Barsi.

A life that humbly transformed retirement into a lifelong mission for humanity.

Born in Bharyal Lehri, Gurdaspur district of Punjab, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji completed his Master of Science in Agriculture and later joined the Government of Himachal Pradesh in the Agriculture Department, retiring as the Director of Agriculture.

Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji met Sant Teja Singh Ji and was deeply inspired by his life and teachings. He became his devoted disciple and imbibed a path of service, discipline, and spiritual purpose.

Guided by the vision and spiritual direction of Sant Teja Singh Ji, Baba Iqbal Singh ji revealed the sacred Tapo Bhoomi at Baru Sahib, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

In 1986, with just five students in a single-room school, he founded Akal Academy, Baru Sahib. What began as a modest initiative soon grew into a powerful movement. Today, his vision stands tall as 131 Akal Academies across five states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, nurturing over 70,000 young minds, with a mission to empower rural children through value-based education and contribute to rebuilding Punjab.

Along with this, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji laid special emphasis on women empowerment, a vision reflected in the fact that all Akal Academies are led by women principals. He also established AIRWE (Akal Institute of Rural Women Empowerment), providing free education, food, and lodging to underserved rural girls, enabling them to become confident, self-reliant individuals.

His mission further extended to drug de-addiction and rehabilitation, working towards a drug-free Punjab and supporting underprivileged Sikhs to lead lives of dignity and purpose.

In recognition of his lifelong service, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji was honored with the Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), the Shiromani Panth Rattan by Takht Sri Harmandir Ji, Patna Sahib (2018), and the Padma Shri by the Government of India (2022) for his contributions to social work.

A legacy that continues to guide generations.