ਜਥੇਦਾਰ ਭਾਈ ਰਘਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ (ਯੂ.ਕੇ.) ਦੀ ਸੰਖੇਪ ਜੀਵਨੀ । A short biography of Jathedaar Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji (UK) [Part 1]

ਜਨਮੁ ਰਤਨੁ ਜਿਨੀ ਖਟਿਆ ਭਲੇ ਸੇ ਵਣਜਾਰੇ ॥

Those who fulfill and earn the jewel of this human life, are the most excellent of merchants of life.

(Raamkalee M:3, 917)

A very brief biography dedicated to the late Jathedaar Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji, the former Jathedaar (Head) of Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK. He was a role model Gursikh that I was blessed to meet and spend some time with in the Sangat. Jathedaar Ji left this world to the Guru's abode on 19th November 2019.

 

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF
JATHEDAAR BHAI RAGHBIR SINGH JI

(PART 1)

 

Calling from the Guru

Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji was born on 1st July 1942 in Rawalpindi in Punjab (which later became a part of Pakistan). He came to England in the 1960s and lived and worked in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. He married Bibi Nirmal Kaur Ji in May 1968 and was blessed with a son and daughter. Bhai Sahib used to have cut-hair, drink alcohol and was a keen wrestler. However, one-day in 1975 he had a calling from the Guru. He said to his wife, "I want to take Amrit." Mata Ji was pleasantly surprised that Bhai Sahib wanted to take Amrit but thought he may still be drunk from the night before. Mata Ji told me that Bhai Sahib would bring friends and guests over in the evening after work to have a drink and Mata Ji would have to cook meat for them. Mata Ji said that she prayed that instead of drunkards, may Vahiguru Ji bless her with the Seva of Gurmukhs and may Gurmukhs visit her house and make the house blessed. She felt her Ardaas had been heard by Vahiguru with Bhai Sahib's sudden thirst for taking Amrit.

ਬਹੁਤੇ ਫੇਰ ਪਏ ਕਿਰਪਨ ਕਉ ਅਬ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕੀਜੈ ॥
This poor soul has wandered through so many cycles of reincarnation. Now, Lord, please bless me with Your Grace!
(Dhanaasree M:3, Ang 666)

In search for Amrit

Bhai Sahib Ji never went to the Gurdwara Sahib and there were not many Amritdharis in his town at that time. He went to his local Gurdwara Sahib in Leamington Spa, thinking that perhaps the Granthi Singh can give him Amrit (not fully knowing that Panj Pyaare give Amrit). When approaching the Granthi about taking Amrit, he didn't get much response. So he then approached a local Gursikh who was at the Gurdwara Sahib, the late Bhai Prahlad Singh Garewal Ji. Bhai Prahlad Singh Garewal Ji said to Bhai Sahib, "First make your appearance ready for Amrit?" Bhai Sahib responded, "What does that look like?" Bhai Prahlad Singh Garewal Ji said, "Keep your Kesh and beard! You need to wear a Dastaar, a Kirpaan held in a Gatraa, a Kachheraa and Karhaa. You should be doing Nitnem if you want to take Amrit..." When Bhai Sahib was about to leave the Gurdwara, Garewal Ji said to Bhai Sahib, "Come with me! I will give you a Kachhera from my home." Bhai Sahib at the time was a wrestler and a big build. Not paying much regard to Bhai Sahib's physique, Garewal Ji took Bhai Sahib to his home and give him a spare Kachhera he had. When Bhai Sahib went to the bathroom to put it on, it got stuck at his calves.  He kept pulling it up but it got stuck so he opened the door asked Garewal Ji, "How do you put this on?" Garewal Ji said, "Take it off! I will get you one when you go to the Amrit Sanchaar!"

ਹੁਤੀ ਜੁ ਪਿਆਸ ਪਿਊਸ ਪਿਵੰਨ ਕੀ ਬੰਛਤ ਸਿਧਿ ਕਉ ਬਿਧਿ ਮਿਲਾਯਉ ॥
I was thirsty, yearning to drink Amrit, the Divine-Nectar; to fulfill that wish, the Guru laid out the way.
(Svaiyye M:5, Bhatt Nall, Ang 1400)

Receiving Amrit

Bhai Sahib was told by Bhai Prahlad Singh Garewal Ji that an Amrit Sanchaar is being held on 14th November 1975 at Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Graham Street, Birmingham. At that time, Soho Road Gurdwara Birmingham had not been built. Baba Puran Singh Ji (Kericho wale) had moved to the UK from East Africa and had held 5 Akhand Paaths at Ramgarhia Gurdwara, ending with an Amrit Sanchaar. Forty more individuals from Leamington Spa got ready to take Amrit along with Bhai Sahib. That day 500 individuals had come to receive the gift of Amrit. Guru Sahib poured his blessings that day. The Gursikhs doing Seva in this particular Amrit Sanchaar included Baba Puran Singh Ji (Kericho wale), Giani Amolak Singh Ji (companion of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji), Bhai Harbhajan Singh Sagoo (who had the privilege of meeting Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji), Bhai Kulbir Singh Ji and Bhai Shadi Singh Ji. Bhai Didar Singh Ji was doing the duty of Granthi Singh. When the Panj Pyaare gave the first 'Choola' (handful) of Amrit, Bhai Sahib fell backwards in a trance and his whole body began doing Saas-Giraas Simran (inhaling and exhaling the Lord's Name). Bhai Sahib said with the first 'Choola' he recieved Naam-Drir (i.e. Naam became instilled within him) without the Panj Pyaare physically putting their hand on his head. This is a rare happening, and showed how Bhai Sahib's Bhagti (devotional worship) and good Karam (actions) from his past lives had come forward to bear fruit. Seeing this spiritual experience, Giani Amolak Singh Ji introduced him to do the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and a year later Bhai Sahib presented himself at an Amrit Sanchaar at a Rainsbaaee Keertan held in Southall. The late Bhai Shingara Singh Ji (Birmingham) and Bhai Joginder Singh Ji (Leicester) did seva in this Amrit Sanchaar. Although Naam was flowing through Bhai Sahib even before this Amrit Sanchaar, he became further immersed in the power of Naam.

ਪੂਰਬ ਕਰਮ ਅੰਕੁਰ ਜਬ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੇ ਭੇਟਿਓ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਰਸਿਕ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ॥
With the sprouting of one's seeds of good karma of past actions, they have met the Lord who is both sitting within all as the Enjoyer and also detached as the Renunciate.
(Gauree M:5, Ang 204)

Longing to see the Guru

After taking Amrit, Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji would everyday before going to work visit his local Gurdwara in Leamington Spa to have darshan (holy-sight) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Bhai Sahib thought that it is Hukam (command) of the Guru to have his darshan everyday, however, it would be easier if Guru Sahib would be able to bless them at home. Mata Ji and Bhai Sahib would do Ardaas everyday that may Guru Sahib come to their home and bless them with their holy-company. At times they would become emotional when doing this Ardaas. Bhai Sahib would have dreams of Guru Granth Sahib Ji blessing him with their holy-company. Within one-year of taking Amrit, one-day 5 Gursikhs came knocking at Bhai Sahib's door. Bhai Sahib was at work at that time. Mata Ji answered the door. She had never seen these Gursikhs in her life before. They had with them Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and said we have come to bring you Maharaaj (the Great King). When Bhai Sahib arrived back from work both he and Mata Ji cried at how merciful the Guru was that he sent his Sikhs to give us his darshan and chance to do his seva (service). Till this date, no one knows who those 5 Gursikhs were and where they brought Maharaaj's Saroop from.

ਸੇਵਕ ਕਉ ਤੁਮ ਸੇਵਾ ਦੀਨੀ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਅਘਾਈ ॥੨॥
Your servant, whom You bless with Your service, is satisfied and fulfilled by having Your Darshan (holy-sight). ||2||
(Sorath M:5, Ang 610)

Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK

Bhai Sahib had joined Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK through the Sangat of Giani Amolak Singh Ji. The Akhand Kirtani Jatha is a group founded by the saint-scholar-warrior Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji that is dedicated to doing Kirtan (singing the Word of the Guru) and living in accordance to the Guru's instructions. Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji become close friends with Bhai Jarnail Singh Ji, a Sarblohi Singh from Leamington Spa. At that time the prominent Gursikhs in Jatha were Giani Amolak Singh Ji, Bhai Rama Singh Ji, Bhai Shingara Singh Ji (Birmingham), Bhai Joginder Singh Ji (Leicester), Bhai Gurmej Singh Gill etc. The Jatha was quite small at this point. Some Gursikhs of the Jatha lived in Southall, others in Gravesend etc. Bhai Sahib for some years would drive to Gravesend with Mata Ji, Bhai Jarnail Singh Ji etc, to do Amrit-Vela with the late Bhai Nirmal Singh Ji, one the first Sarblohi Singhs to came to the UK. They would drive at least two and half hours to arrive Gravesend, do Simran together, then drive back another two and half hours back to Leamington Spa and then go to work as a truck driver.  Bhai Sahib would also drive to Southall to do Sangat and Amrit-Vela with the late Bhai Sahib Rama Singh Ji.

ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾਂ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਰਤੈ ਜੋ ਸਿਖਾਂ ਨੋ ਲੋਚੈ ਸੋ ਗੁਰ ਖੁਸੀ ਆਵੈ ॥
Deep within the hearts of His GurSikhs, the True Guru is pervading. The Guru is pleased with those who long for His Sikhs.
(Gauree M:4, Ang 317) 

 

Joining the Sikh Freedom Struggle

Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji played a pivotal role in the modern-day Sikh freedom struggle. In 1978, the Nakli-Nirankaris had massacred 13 Gursikhs on Vaisakhi day in Amritsar. This stirred the spirit of the Khalsa throughout the world. This episode and the increasing injustices against Sikhs had an influence on Bhai Sahib. In 1981 Bhai Sahib travelled to India and joined the Sikh freedom struggle. He had the Sangat (company) of Jathedar Bhai Sukhdev Singh Ji Babbar and other Gursikhs and was impressed by their devotion to living the Sikh lifestyle and upholding the ideals of the Sikh Gurus giving in Gurbani. In 1983, Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji visited India to do Panthic Seva. At the time he was working in the Ford factory in Leamington Spa, and had taken 2 weeks annual leave from work. Two weeks had passed and Bhai Sahib had not met the Gursikh he intended to meet, and therefore he extended his trip for an extra 4 days to ensure he completed his Seva. These extra 4 days were not booked holidays from his workplace, and Bhai Sahib thought he should go back to work and first apologise. When Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji returned back to the Ford factory, 4 days later than scheduled, he apologised to his employer. His manager said, "What are you apologising for? You attended work for the past 4 days." Bhai Sahib's faith in Gurbani and doing Panthik Seva increased. Bhai Sahib prioritised Panthic Seva before everything else, whilst continuing to work for livelihood and supporting his family. His thirst and devotion for Gurbani and Simran further increased.

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸਭਿ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਣਹਾਰਾ ॥
By Guru's Grace, all the affairs are resolved of one in whose mind the Lord dwells. 
(Sorath M:3, Ang 638)

 Invasion of Sri Harmandir Sahib

Bhai Sahib had given up his mind, body and worldly attachments to serve and defend the Panth, and was committed to establishment of Khalsa Raaj in accordance to the description given in Gurbani. During his third trip to Punjab, Bhai Sahib stayed at Sri Harmandir Sahib for some time. During this trip the Indian army had invaded Sri Harmandir Sahib and other Sikh shrines across Punjab. On 1st of June 1984, Bhai Mehnga Singh Ji Babbar became Shaheed (martyred). Bhai Sahib helped to bring the Bhai Mehnga Singh Ji Babbar's body down from Baba Attal Rai Gurdwara Sahib and assisted with the Seva of washing the body and witnessing the last rites. June 1984 is considered the 3rd holocaust in Sikh history. Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale had made a declaration in his speeches before the attack that the day the Indian army invades Sri Harmandir Sahib the foundation for Khalistan will be laid. Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji was in Punjab at the time and was on the way to returning back to Sri Harmandir Sahib. However, the Indian army curfew meant that no one could enter or leave the area around Sri Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Sahib was around 2 miles away from arriving back to Sri Harmandir Sahib, when Gursikhs stopped him on the way and asked him to leave India and return back to the UK. The Gursikhs told Bhai Sahib that if everyone dies here it would never benefit the cause, and instead he should do Seva of doing Amrit-Sanchaars in the West, work to expand and uplift the Khalsa Panth and bring closer the dream of Khalsa Raaj. Bhai Sahib had desired Shaheedi (martyrdom), however accepting the Hukam of the Panj (Five) Singhs, Bhai Sahib got on a train from Amritsar to Delhi and then came back to the UK to fulfill his promise to those who later became Shaheed (martyred).

ਪਹਿਲਾ ਮਰਣੁ ਕਬੂਲਿ ਜੀਵਣ ਕੀ ਛਡਿ ਆਸ ॥
(The message from the Lord is- O human!) First, accept death, and give up any hope of life.
(Maaroo M:5, Ang 1102)

Seva across the West

Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji along with other Gursikhs of Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK would travel across UK and Europe in Bhai Sahib Jarnail Singh Ji's van. All the Gursikhs of the Jatha had a strong work ethic, worked hard and lived as householders, however they also were committed to serving the Panth and the Guru. Whilst working hard during the week-days, the weekends were dedicated to travelling and spreading the message of Sikhi to the far and wide places. Gursikhs would do nishkaam (without any monetary desire) Keertan and an Amrit Sanchaar would be held. Many places in Europe in 1980s had no Gurdwaras at that time, and therefore Amrit Sanchaars were held in homes. Thousands of people were joined to the Khalsa, women donned Dastaars (turbans), began waking up Amrit-vela, japping (meditating upon) Naam, and joined in the service of the Khalsa Panth. Bhai Sahib like his companions never got tired of Seva. He prioritised Sikhi and Seva of the Khalsa Panth over all other things. He reminded Gursikhs that Guru's Sikhs don't live to work, but work enough to keep things going. Countless non-Amritdharis were inspired to take Amrit and follow Sikhi seeing Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji and the rest of the Jatha's faces glowing with Naam, donned in Khalsa attire and immersed in Gurbani. This Seva extended to North America.

ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
One who performs Seva (selfless service), without thought of reward, gets to meet the Lord-Master.
(Gauree M:5, 286)

Continued: Part 2