The Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan in Delhi will observe the 69th death anniversary of renowned Punjabi writer, scholar, and theologian Bhai Vir Singh on Wednesday. The event will also serve as a platform to honour the descendants of those martyred during the historic Nankana Sahib tragedy of February 21, 1921.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Nankana Sahib massacre remains a pivotal and tragic episode in the Sikh Reform Movement. On that fateful day in 1921, approximately 130 members of a peaceful reformist jatha were subjected to a brutal attack by armed mercenaries, reportedly at the behest of the then Mahant of Nankana Sahib. Historical accounts indicate that many victims were subjected to extreme violence, with several reportedly tied up and burnt alive. This horrific incident ignited widespread outrage across India and is considered a significant turning point in the struggle to reclaim control of Sikh gurdwaras from corrupt custodians and establish them under democratically elected management.
The scale of the tragedy garnered national attention, prompting prominent leaders of the time, including Mahatma Gandhi, to visit Nankana Sahib. These visits were aimed at expressing solidarity with the victims and lending support to the burgeoning reform movement. The incident underscored the deep-seated issues surrounding the management of Sikh religious institutions and galvanised efforts to address them.
A significant aspect of the commemorative event will be the special honour bestowed upon the descendants of individuals who played instrumental roles in the Gurdwara Reform Movement and subsequent efforts to seek justice. Among those slated for recognition is Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the grandson of Teja Singh Samundri. Samundri was a leading figure in the movement and notably refused to sign a conditional release offered by British authorities in July 1925. He maintained his principled stance and ultimately passed away in prison the following year during the ongoing agitation, a testament to his unwavering commitment.
The programme is also expected to be attended by the granddaughters of Master Tara Singh and Baba Kharak Singh. Both individuals were influential in Punjab’s political and religious landscape during the period leading up to India’s independence, contributing significantly to mobilisation and advocacy for Sikh rights and interests.
Further attendees will include the granddaughter of Prof Ruchi Ram Sahni, a distinguished scientist, educationist, and a former trustee of The Tribune newspaper. The event will also see the presence of the granddaughter of Sir Ganga Ram, a visionary architect and engineer widely recognised for his pioneering contributions to public infrastructure and urban development in the undivided Punjab region. Additionally, the daughter of P T Rajan Santhanam is expected to be present, further underscoring the intergenerational connection to the historical struggles being commemorated.
The Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan’s initiative aims to achieve a dual objective: to honour the enduring literary legacy of Bhai Vir Singh, a figure of immense cultural and intellectual importance, and to pay tribute to the profound sacrifices made by those who were central to the Sikh reform movement and who shaped the public life of Punjab. The event seeks to connect the past struggles for religious and social reform with the present, ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices of these individuals are remembered and recognised by future generations.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
