A short biography of Giani Amolak Singh Ji

CHILDHOOD

Giani Amolak Singh Ji was born in the village Dhaat in the Ludhian district of Panjab. Giani Ji's father, Sardar Bogha Singh Ji, and his mother, Mata Dhan Kaur Ji, were devout Gursikhs who infused love of Sikhi to their son from birth. From the age of 5 Giani Amolak Singh Ji was blessed to be surrounded by the company of the great saint-warrior-scholar, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji. Everyday at Amritvela, Giani Ji's parents would motivate him to take milk to the Gurdwara Sahib, and do Seva of sweeping the floor. Another big religious influence on Giani Ji's personal life was Master Joginder Singh Ji of Tarn Taran Sahib who was Giani Ji's Mama Ji (maternal uncle), a close associate of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji.

EARLY LIFE

After studying his Metric exams, Giani Ji went on to study 'Giani' course at Panjabi University, completing which led him to be known as 'Giani Ji'. In 1944, Giani Jee started attending the GHG Khalsa College of Education in Ludhiana. The group that ran this project were the Gurmukh companions of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji. They created a school which taught pure Gurmat and was strict in Rehat (discipline). The students of this school all became prominent Sikh activists and did a lot for the Panth. It was here that Giani Ji started teaching tabla and harmonium. Later, Giani Ji became working as a Panjabi teacher in a government school. Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji told Master Joginder Singh Jee to write a letter to the Government, to inform them that Giani Ji will be resigning from his job. Giani Ji accepted the loving decision of the Gursikhs to work as a teacher at the Sikh college he earlier studied at. In one letter written by Bhai Sahib to Giani Ji, Bhai Sahib wrote the shabad, ‘Tum Vekh Vekh Hum Jeevan.' Bhai Sahib went on to write that he had searched and searched but could not find anyone who could sing this Shabad with the same satisfaction as Giani Ji does. Gursikhs like Giani Amolak Singh Ji with others stood side by side with Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji to implement Tat Gurmat (Pure Gurmat, i.e. not watered-down version of Gurmat).

MIGRATINT TO EAST AFRICA

In 1949, Giani Ji was married Bibi Surjit Kaur Ji. Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji was the match-maker. Bibi Surjit Kaur Ji's family were nextdoor neighbours to Bhai Sahib in the village Narangwal in Ludhiana. A few years after marriage Bhai Sahib asked Giani Ji to move to East Africa and become a Granthi Singh, after the Sangat of Dar-es-Salam in Tanzania approached Bhai Sahib for guidance. Arriving in East Africa in 1956, Giani Jee embarked on a journey of selfless service. During his tenure, he faced the challenge of countering Namdhari propaganda. At a pivotal conference, Giani Jee eloquently defended the concept of "Shabad Guru," earning widespread respect and admiration. His commitment to Sikhi was unwavering, as he personally oversaw the care of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj and encouraged the Sangat to learn how to do proper seva with all due respect and care.  Despite receiving a salary from the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Giani Jee refused to accept any money for personal benefit. Instead, he dedicated his time to Niskam Seva (selfless service without expectation of any desire or reward). His passion for teaching Kirtan led him to volunteer at the local Khalsa School, sharing his knowledge and inspiring others. Giani Ji's legacy of selfless devotion continues to inspire Sikhs around the world to this day.

A MIRACULOUS CURE

Over time, Giani Ji noticed a concerning change in his appearance. His Kes (hair) on one side of his moustache and beard had begun to thin noticeably. Despite trying various treatments, his condition persisted. Turning to his religious mentor, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji, Giani Jee sought guidance. In response, Bhai Sahib offered an unexpected solution: "Johrian De Seva," which means the selfless service of cleaning the dust from the shoes of the Sangat (congregation). Bhai Sahib assured Giani Ji that the dust itself held a miraculous healing property. Following his Bhai Sahib Ji's advice, Giani Jee diligently performed this humble task daily. To his astonishment, his Kes (hair) began to regrow, returning to its former health.

MEETING A BLESSED SOUL

While on vacation in Nairobi, Kenya, Giani Jee heard about Baba Puran Singh Jee, a Gurmukh-saint. Arriving late one evening, he inquired about Baba Ji's whereabouts. The following morning, during the early hours of 'Amrit Vela', Giani Jee began to lead the singing of Aasa-Ki-Vaar. Sitting amongst the Sangat in front of those leading the Kirtan was Baba Puran Singh Ji, however, Giani Ji never knew this. Though Giani Ji had never met Baba Puran Singh Ji, seeinging this unknown Gurmukh sould, Giani Jee immediately felt a spiritual connection with them. During the Kirtan, Giani Jee discreetly asked his companion about the identity of this remarkable Gurmukh. To his delight, he learned that it was none other than Baba Puran Singh Ji himself. This unexpected meeting marked the beginning of a profound connection between Giani Jee and the 'Niskam Sevak Jatha.'

MIGRATING TO THE UK

Recognising the political unrest in Africa and seeking better educational opportunities for his children, Giani Ji decided to relocate to Southall, UK. Arriving in a growing Sikh community, he quickly became a pillar of the Sangat, leading Kirtan Divaans and uniting the divided factions of the Singh Sabha Southall and the Sikh Cultural Society. In 1967-1968, was the first historic Amrit Sanchaar in UK, which led by Sevadaars of Akhand Kirtani Jatha. Giani Ji played a pivotal role in this historic Amrit Sanchaar. He served as one of the Panj Pyaare, along with Bhai Rama Singh Ji and other Gurmukhs. Some years later, in 1972, Giani Ji became the President of Singh Sabha Southall. From then on he was involved directly or indirectly with the Gurdwara management until 1985. He was also involved heavily in Akali Dal UK, and serving as President on numerous occasions over the 30 year period.

INTERNATIONAL KIRTAN SEVA

Giani Ji's influence extended beyond Southall. He was revered by Sikhs from Canada and America for his love and compassion. Despite his busy schedule, he made it a priority to attend annual Kirtan programmes of Akhand Kirtani Jatha in Indian and Punjab. He would attend Delhi Samaagam during Dushera, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab Samaagam in Jalandhar and Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab Samaagam in Ludhiana. He also participating in Kaar Seva, which means the service of construction, helping with restoration and construction work of Sikh shrines and Gurdwaras in Panjab. Being a gifted orator and Kathaakar (sermon preacher), Giani Ji also dedicated himself to enlightening the Sangat with the profound spiritual meanings of Gurbani, inspiring and guiding countless individuals on their spiritual journies.

CAMPAIGN FOR THE RIGHT TO WEARING THE DASTAAR

 Giani Amolak Singh Ji was on the forefront of protesting against injustice and fighting for one's rights. On 10th October 1982 a national protest was conducted by the Sikhs of UK against Lord Denning's ruling in favour of a school in Birmingham that did not allow a Sikh boy to wear his Dastaar. The procession was headed by Baba Puran Singh Ji and Giani Amolak Singh Ji. The protest march started from Hyde Park and ended at 10 Downing Street where a petition signed by more than 75,000 people was presented to Margaret Thatcher, the then Prime Minster. The Case then moved to the House of Lords on 28th February 1983 where it was presented by Alexander Irvine QC and Harjit Singh for the appellants (Mr Mandla & Another). This appeal was allowed in favour of the Sikhs. In addition to this, Giani Ji was on the forefront of the campaign protest to get Sikhs living in the UK legal permission to wear the Kirpan at work.

OFFER OF BECOMING AKAL TAKHAT JATHEDAR

In the early 1980’s, when Jathedar Gurdial Singh Ajnoha passed away, the then SGPC President, Bhai Gurcharan Singh Tohra, and Sant Harcharan Singh Logowal, the then President of Akali Dal, offered Giani Amolak Singh Ji the seva of being the Jathedaar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. However, Giani Ji politely declined, due to wanting to maintain his family responsibilities and his difficulties with the meat issue in the Rehat Maryada propagated by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. He also openly said to the leaders that their friendship would be affected by his inability to be a puppet for them. He had strong self-dignity and would speak his mind. He was further offered it on numerous occasions in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. But again he politely declined. However, he was appointed a member of the Sikh intelligentsia, and numerous other Panthik panels, such as the World Sikh Council and the Akal Takhat Sahib Advisory Board.

THE SIKH FREEDOM MOVEMENT

In 1978, after the bloody massacre of Amritsar in which 13 Gursikhs (11 members of Akhand Kirtani Jatha and 2 members of Damdami Taksal) were martyred by the Nakli-Nirankari cult group. The religious attacks on Sikh religion in Panjab led Giani Amolak Singh Ji to lead one of the first major Sikh demonstrations in the UK. Several years later on 12th December 1982, a conference meeting was held at Chaggar Hall in Southall in which Giani Amolak Singh Ji and Sardar Jagjit Singh Chauhan addressed the conference. In the conference it was announced that the Sikhs of UK have decided to back the Sikh movement for a separate autonmous Sikh homeland where Sikhs along with anyone else can enjoy full religious freedom without persecution and oppression. In 1983, Giani Amolak Singh Ji arranged another major demonstration in support of the Dharam Yudh Morcha in Panjab. The Dharam Yuddh Morcha, which means "the righteous campaign", was a Sikh political movement launched on 4th August 1982 by the Akali Dal in partnership with Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale. The aims of the campaign were to fulfil a set of devolutionary objectives based on the Anandpur Sahib Resolution and restore the economic, political, agricultural and religious rights of Sikhs of Panjab. The second major demonstration organised by Giani Amolak Singh Ji was in June 1984 after the Indian army attacked Amritsar and other other Gurdwaras, along with the torture, kidnappings, and killings of thousands of Sikhs, which became known as the third holocaust of the Sikhs. Giani Amolak Singh Ji was fearless in denouncing injustice and courageous to seek justice.

GIANI JI'S LEGACY

Giani Ji's life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Khalsa Panth. He sought to bring all Sikhs together under one banner, prioritizing selfless service above personal gain or political affiliations. Throughout his life, Giani Jee sought unity (ekta) amongst Sikhs and Sikh organisations. He actively participated in Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Nishkam Sevak Jatha, Akali Dal UK, Singh Sabha Southall and the general Panth across the globe. His dedication to selfless service was evident in all his endeavors. Giani Ji was a true "Sant-Siphai," a saint-soldier and inspiration for generations to come.