Chief Minister pays Tribute to great Saint and Social Reformer Satguru Ram Singh Ji Maharaj on his Birth Anniversary

Chandigarh, January 23 – Haryana Chief Minister,  Nayab Singh Saini attended a grand commemorative programme organised at Sri Bhaini Sahib, Samrala, in Ludhiana district of Punjab on the birth anniversary of the great saint, social reformer and pioneer of national consciousness, Satguru Ram Singh Ji Maharaj. Paying heartfelt tributes, the Chief Minister described Satguru Ram Singh Ji’s teachings as a guiding light for social transformation and national resurgence. He said that Baba Ji’s life continues to inspire a development model rooted in humanity, moral values and national interest.

On this occasion, responding to a demand raised by the organising committee, the Chief Minister announced that after due consultation with committee members, the Haryana Government would take steps to establish a Chair in the name of Satguru Ram Singh Ji Maharaj.

The Chief Minister also paid floral tributes to all Namdhari Sikhs who laid down their lives during the Kuka Movement in the struggle for India’s freedom. He said that Satguru Ram Singh Ji was a visionary saint who seamlessly linked religion with action, devotion with social reform, and spirituality with national service. At a time when India was shackled by colonial rule, social evils were deeply entrenched, and public morale was at its lowest, Baba Ram Singh Ji provided direction and self-confidence to society. Through the Namdhari Movement, he instilled values of self-respect, discipline and dignity, proving that a true saint is one who awakens society, stands firmly against injustice and places humanity above all else.

The Chief Minister said that the Kuka Movement led by Satguru Ram Singh Ji remains an inspiring chapter of India’s freedom struggle. Launched after 1849 against British rule in Punjab, the movement was not merely economic resistance but a powerful effort to awaken the soul of the nation. Satguru Ram Singh Ji advocated a peaceful struggle through non-cooperation and swadeshi, a path later adopted by Mahatma Gandhi. He promoted the boycott of foreign goods and British institutions, encouraged local self-governance through panchayats, and spread the spirit of self-reliance.

Referring to history,  Nayab Singh Saini said that Baba Ram Singh Ji’s movement posed a serious challenge to British authority. Though he was exiled to Rangoon for opposing injustice, his ideas could never be imprisoned. The Kuka Movement made it clear to the British that their rule in India would not last long. In an attempt to suppress the movement, 49 and later 16 Namdhari Sikhs were brutally executed by cannon fire in 1872. From 1857 to 1947, the Namdhari struggle continued, and through immense sacrifice, Satguru Ram Singh Ji Maharaj’s dream of freedom was ultimately realised.

The Chief Minister recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had acknowledged the sacrifices of the Namdhari Sikhs, stating that the nation would always remain proud of the courage and martyrdom displayed by the Namdhari Kukas under the banner of freedom raised by Satguru Ram Singh Ji. He said that the priceless freedom earned through the sacrifices of martyrs must be carefully preserved. In this spirit, the Government of India, under the initiative of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, issued a commemorative postage stamp on December 24, 2014, in memory of the martyrs of the Kuka Movement. Drawing inspiration from Satguru Ram Singh Ji’s swadeshi movement, the Prime Minister has also renewed the call for self-reliance in the present era.

Life of Satguru Ram Singh Ji is a Source of Inspiration for Youth – Chief Minister

Guiding the youth, the Chief Minister said that the life of Satguru Ram Singh Ji serves as a living inspiration. Embrace modernity and advance in technology, he said, but never abandon your values and cultural roots. True success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by one’s contribution to society and the nation. Baba Ji’s life teaches that real progress is that which integrates humanity, ethics and national welfare.

Saintly Tradition and National Consciousness are the foundation of Haryana Government’s Vision – Chief Minister

Nayab Singh Saini stated that the Haryana Government is working with full commitment towards strengthening saintly traditions, social harmony, a drug-free society, youth empowerment and preservation of cultural values. The government aims to ensure that the teachings of saints are not confined to events and platforms, but become an integral part of public policy, education and social conduct. When governance and society move forward inspired by saintly ideals, the path of national progress becomes naturally clear.

He urged everyone to pledge not merely to remember the teachings of Satguru Ram Singh Ji, but to imbibe them in daily life. Together, he said, we must work towards building a society that is free from addiction and discrimination, morally strong and socially empowered, and contribute collectively towards making India a self-reliant, prosperous and globally respected nation.

AAP government has only misled the people of Punjab: Chief Minister

After the programme, while interacting with the media, Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini took a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and said that it has only worked to mislead the people of Punjab. He said that the government has made high claims but has failed to deliver on the ground, adding that nothing concrete has been done in the last four years.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister,  Narendra Modi, the country is witnessing rapid development and welfare-oriented initiatives. India is continuously moving forward on the path of progress. He urged the people of Punjab to decide whether they want a government that actually works or one that only makes false promises. He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party believes in action and is committed to continuous development.

Nayab Singh Saini assured the people of Punjab that all schemes being implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will also be implemented in Punjab once a BJP government is formed there. He said that in Haryana, around 44 lakh people are benefiting under the Old Age Samman Allowance scheme. Similarly, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh in both government and private hospitals. The situation in Punjab is just the opposite. The promise of providing Rs. 1,100 to women has not been fulfilled so far, and the assurance to increase the pension of senior citizens above 70 years of age from RS. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500 has also remained unfulfilled, he added.

The Chief Minister further said that Satguru Ram Singh had given a strong message against drug abuse and urged the Punjab government to draw inspiration from it so that the youth of Punjab can be protected from the menace of drugs.

On this occasion, Chief Minister,  Nayab Singh Saini sought the blessings of Satguru Uday Singh. Avinash Rai Khanna, and other eminent members of the Namdhari community were present at the event.