Shimla, 30 January
Following the sad demise of Padma Shri, Shiromani Panth Ratan Baba Iqbal Singh Ji on 29 January, Dr. Davinder Singh (affectionately called Dr Veerji) has been unanimously selected as the next President of the Trust.
Dr. Davinder Singh’s journey with Baba Ji began 35 years ago when he left his profession as a Medical Specialist (Internist Physician) at Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi to fulfil his desire to volunteer and serve humanity at Baru Sahib. He devoutly followed every direction of Baba Ji as a divine blessing.
Dr. Davinder Singh said, “I am grateful to all the saints and well-wishers who came to attend the cremation ceremony of Late Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji. Baba Ji’s life is an example of ‘Gursikhi’ in true sense, a great inspiration for me and other volunteers of the Trust. I remember that even with a high fever of 103 degree, Baba Ji never missed paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sahib for his morning prayers; and he inculcated the same values in all children. I am a very insignificant Sevadar of Baba Ji; I don’t know how much I can serve; but with the blessings of Guru Sahibaans, Sangat and everyone here, we will continue to serve mankind with value-based education and healthcare services. Baba Ji had always great faith in the next generation to take charge with even greater dedication. Such was the greatness of our beloved Baba Ji.”
Under Baba Ji’s guidance and leadership, The Kalgidhar Trust was able to grow from 17 Akal Academies to 117 Academies in just 10 years.
The ceremony was held in the Gurdwara Sahib after performing the last rites followed with Ardaas. Head Granthi of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Malkit Singh Ji, along with other dignitaries and Trustees of The Kalgidhar Trust, blessed Dr. Davinder Singh with Siropao and announced him as the next President of the Trust. The remains of Late Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji will be preserved at Baru Sahib.
Dr. Davinder Singh Ji also the Vice-Chancellor, Eternal University, Baru Sahib; Member of Governing Body of Akal University, Talwandi Sabo; and Director, Akal Academies, a chain of 129 rural schools being run by The Kalgidhar Trust.
Dr. Davinder Singh obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University in 1983. As he had decided to dedicate himself in the services of Baba Ji towards the noble cause of rural education revolution, Dr. Davinder Singh Ji obtained the degree of Bachelor of Education from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1994.
For his contribution in the field of education, Dr. Davinder Singh Ji was honoured with ‘Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Memorial National Teacher Award’ in 2006.