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Sri Satguru Partap Singh Ji
Satguru Partap Singh Ji
Preceded by	Satguru Hari Singh
Succeeded by	Satguru Jagjit Singh
Personal
Born	9 March 1889 Sri Bhaini Sahib
Died	21 August 1959 Sri Bhaini Sahib
Religion	Namdhari Sikhi
Spouse	Mata Bhupinder Kaur
Children	Satguru Jagjit Singh and Maharaj Bir Singh
Parents	Satguru Hari Singh (father) Mata Jeewan Kaur (mother)

Satguru Partap Singh

Satguru Partap Singh (1882–1959) served as the spiritual head of the Namdhari Sikhs from 1906 to 1959. He was a staunch advocate for Sikh unity and the preservation of religious traditions. He organized the 'Guru Nanak Sarav Sampardai Conference' in 1934, bringing together various Sikh factions to promote harmony and mutual respect. Under his guidance, the practice of singing Gurbani in its original Ragas (melodies) got highly encouraged, and he established the 'Namdhari Vidyalaya (school)' to nurture young musical talent and preserve Indic traditions.

His tenure as the head of the sect spanned significant historical events in India, and he was instrumental in fostering community well-being and cultural preservation.

Early Life

Satguru Partap Singh was born in 1882 in the village of Sri Bhaini Sahib. At early age, he learnt Gurmukhi alphabets, correct pronunciation of Gurbani and Gurbani compositions like Sukhmani, Akal Ustat and Bachittar Natak, among others. He learnt Hanuman Natak, Hitopadesh and basic Persian and few words of English. He learnt playing the traditional stringed instrument Taus from Mastan Singh.

He also learnt preparation of Ayurvedic formulations and different remedies, along with traditional diagnosis of ailments of humans and animals.

Spiritual Leadership

In 1906, due to the passing of Satguru Hari Singh, Satguru Partap Singh assumed the leadership of the Namdhari community. In a week, the Police post set up at Sri Bhaini Sahib 34 years back in 1872, was taken away from proximity of Satguru's residence and transferred to a distant corner. For some years, Satguru Partap Singh engaged in strict routine of meditation. In 1907, Satguru Partap Singh supervised the Holla Mahalla festival of Namdhari community at Naushehra. He emphasized the importance of simplicity, devotion, and ethical living in accordance with Sikh principles. Thereafter, he supervised 53 such congregations till 1959. In 1919, Mata Bhupinder Kaur, spouse of Satguru Partap Singh requested his permission to allow women to take part in the Jap Prayog (one-month rigorous Naam simran practice). This was granted and all women joined Mata Ji for this annual event. Since then women have always taken an equal part in the Jap Prayogs. In 1920, 'Satjug' newspaper was started to keep Namdhari Sikhs updated about the community activities and the news. In the 1921 Holla Mahalla at Muktasar, Satguru Partap Singh established "Namdhari Darbar" for formal communications with different organizations.

Anand karaj

Satguru Partap Singh utilized the occasion of congregation of Sangat to introduce principles of Gurmat and discourage various backward practices that had crept into general society. He prohibited extravagant showcasing during marriages. Though the relations of Namdhari community had gone sore with the general society, which had supported the colonial government in the persecution of Namdhari Sikhs, yet Satguru Partap Singh lent support to the cause of legalization of Anand maryada (Sikh code of marriages) during 1909. Maharajas of Patiala and Nabha were instrumental in bringing this issue to the Imperial Council. Satguru Partap Singh gave a statement, ''We, the Namdhari Panth and the Kookas, have been following the Anand Maryada, till now, 45 years since then (the initiation of Anand Maryada by Satguru Ram Singh)''. While Namdhari community had been practicing this ritual and did not require the colonial government's authorization for it, it participated in the campaign taken up by Singh Sabhas for legalization of Anand marriages for its benefits to the general Sikh society.

Mutual respect

Satguru Partap Singh advocated mutual respect among all communities. He prohibited Namdhari Sikhs from criticizing other faiths, while asking them to be steadfast in their practices.

Role in Indian freedom struggle

During India's struggle for independence, Satguru Partap Singh actively supported the nationalist movement. He participated in the 1929 Lahore Congress Session, providing logistical support and encouraging Namdhari participation. In the 1945 Wavell Conference, he offered unconditional support to the Congress party's freedom struggle. He consistently maintained a policy of non-cooperation with the British government.

Humanitarian Efforts

Satguru Partap Singh was known for his humanitarian work. He distributed land to landless farmers and provided aid to those in need. During the partition of India in 1947, he foresaw the impending crisis and helped many people relocate to safer areas. He offered support to victims of natural disasters in various parts of India.

Cultural Contributions

Satguru Partap Singh was a patron of Indian classical music and Punjabi language. He organized 'Gurmat Sangeet Sammelan' in 1933 to promote classical music. Under his patronage, the weekly Punjabi newspaper 'Satjug' was started in 1920. He advocated for the use of Punjabi as the medium of instruction in schools.

Contributions

1. Spiritual Leadership Satguru Partap Singh Ji emphasized the importance of simplicity, devotion, and ethical living in accordance with Sikh principles. Under his guidance, the Namdhari sect grew in its spiritual influence and practices, maintaining its distinct identity within Sikhism.
2. Education and Community Development He established schools and encouraged literacy among the Namdhari community, particularly for women and underprivileged groups. His educational reforms focused on holistic development, blending spiritual teachings with practical knowledge.
3. Role in Indian Independence As a strong proponent of Indian independence, Satguru Partap Singh Ji inspired his followers to support the struggle for freedom through peaceful means. He encouraged self-reliance and economic independence by promoting traditional crafts and industries.
4. Cultural Preservation He was dedicated to preserving Sikh heritage, including traditional Kirtan and the distinctive white attire of the Namdhari community. His efforts ensured the continuity of Namdhari traditions in a rapidly changing society.

Legacy

Satguru Partap Singh Ji's leadership left a lasting impact on the Namdhari community and Sikhism. His teachings continue to inspire followers worldwide. The Namdhari headquarters at Sri Bhaini Sahib remains a center of spiritual and cultural activity.