Baba Iqbal Singh Ji 'Face of Change'

Born in a very humbled household, Baba Iqbal Singh ji was destined to bring a revolution. He was motivated by the lives of the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh ji, who had sacrificed their lives to preserve the faith in humanity.

Baba Iqbal Singh ji completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1949 from Lyallpur, Pakistan and met Sant Teja Singh Ji Maharaj. He was highly impressed by his life and teachings; he later became a disciple of Sant Teja Singh Ji Maharaj.

Baba Iqbal Singh ji retired from his job with the Himachal government in 1982. Then he took over the responsibilities of Kalgidhar Trust, where he started the school with only five children in a single room. Over time, the school evolved into a 10+2 private school affiliated with CBSE, named Akal Academy Baru Sahib. “Baru” means large and is hidden in the valley of seven hills. People used to ask baba ji Who will come here? Baba ji would reply with utmost satisfaction. “The great souls” will find their way and come here to study because this school will not just provide worldly education but will be a hub of Spiritual and Worldly Education. Akal academies take pride in ‘value-based education. Their mission – to re-invent the erstwhile Gurukuls (on the pattern of Nalanda and Takshila), wherein moral values could be harmoniously woven along with modern scientific education in youth to produce good global citizens.

The Kalgidhar Trust/Society, under his guidance, grew to 129 Schools, three universities (total 80 streams), one hospital, three de-addiction centres, a free teacher training institute in the remote parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP and Haryana “away from urbanisation”— imparting Value-based Education to marginalised rural children who otherwise are exposed to the menace of drugs and alcohol abuse or child labour.

His efforts to curb female feticide in Punjab, empower women and run RELIEF & REHAB centre for orphans, senior citizens, widows, and the needy in society were tremendous successes.

His efforts in preserving the Indian Culture and value of Amrit vela was of utmost priority; he was the constant reminder of Nam Japo, Kirat Karo, Vand Chako (Pray, work and share). “He believed Spiritual Knowledge instils faith in you and without faith knowledge can be harmful.” He would address students personally, meet them, and share daily wisdom with young minds.

Sadh Sangat Globally loved him. In 2012 Babaji was rated as the most critical non-political Sikh globally by the “Top Sikh 100” organisation. In 2014 he was awarded a citation from New York State assemble as an “Exceptional Individual”, worthy of the USA’s esteem and the great state of New York for fostering tolerance for people of all races and cultures. National Institute of cleanliness education and research (NICER) honoured baba Iqbal Singh with a lifetime achievement award. He helped fight the Turban Ban by FIBA International, and in 2018, he was bestowed with “Shiromani Panth Rattan” by Takht Sri Harmandir ji, Patna Sahib.

As his age advanced, his efforts to spread the message of Guru Nanak continued through his words writings (Literature). He published his first book Sikh Siddhant which talks about the importance of simple lifestyle choices, the benefits of a vegetarian diet and growing spiritually.

His second book Sikh Faith talks about how the divine has created the whole universe and pervades everywhere in it. Religion is the different way to reach one destination to merge with the divine within. How to become God-conscious and create spiritual brotherhood in the universe?

Baba Iqbal Singh ji tirelessly worked to benefit humankind in any manner he could. During the Tamil Nadu Drought, he successfully inspired and guided the youngsters of Tamil Nadu and turned their parched lands into thriving farms. His Initiative Deedaday offers free education to marginalised children of Farmers, suicide victims, preachers, sewadars and benefits around 14000 Students.

His decade’s efforts have brought education to the most deprived villages of North India. Educated people to fight drugs, Child labour and empower their women “So Kyun Manda Akhiye jit Janme Rajan” (Why hurt/ abuse who has birthed the kings).

His efforts have been recognised and appreciated by the government of India; on the eve of Republic Day 2022, he was conferred by Padma Shri, India’s highest civilian award.

As he departs the worldly adobe, leaving behind a mission to spread the message of universal brotherhood and provide a holistic education for all, Sadh Sangat seeks peace, strength and prayer for “Sarbat Da Bhalla.”