Shaheed Bhai Sahib Bhai Fauja Singh Jee - Part 4
From the below post you will get a more indepth study of why Bhai Sahib started Khalsa Farm and a glimpse of what sort of Sangat the Singh/Singhnees used to have. Please take some time to read the below.
One day there were about 12 Sikhs from our village who were sitting in conversation with Bhai Sahib. Bibi Jee was there too. He told her that they were so lucky to not have had children. He said that Guru Sahib had blessed them with these children who were already grown up. He recognised the youth as his children and showed them the utmost love and devotion.
Once Bhai Sahib, Bibi Jee and I were coming to the farm. The river was overflowing that day. As we were crossing there were a number of soldiers there too. One of them was ranked as Major and he lit up a cigarette. It appeared that he did this intentionally because he saw Bhai Sahib wearing the full Bana (Khalsa uniform). Bhai Sahib asked him very politely to put out the cigarette because it would be courteous since it was a public place. He just ignored the request and began inhaling longer breaths while smoking. He asked again humbly but again he took no notice. This time Bhai Sahib placed his hand on his Khanda (double edged sword) and shouted at him. Me and Bibi Jee both got worried, we feared what would take place now. He told him that he was trying to make a mockery of his request. He said that if you are the man that you believe you are, you will not put out that cigarette now because I am going to cut you into two pieces. He quickly threw the cigarette into the water and asked for forgiveness.
This was an act of righteousness that was driven by the Naam that resounded in Bhai Sahib’s very being. But his personality was a fine balance between the great Khalsa Soldier and the humble Khalsa Saint. Where he upheld righteousness he also helped the needy. This he recognised as his duty and he also recognised the Sikhs in higher regards than his own life. He was forever ready to give his life for them. It was unfortunate that many at that time recognised him as a troublemaker who was always caught up in some sort of strife. Why doesn’t he just carry on repeating God’s name without getting entangled in these issues. But Bhai Sahib’s only concern was the level of deterioration occurring in the Panth and the disrespect given the the Guru.
Je Jeevay Path Luthee Jaa-ay Sabh Huraam..
These great words of the Guru were enshrined in his heart.
While the world is attached to their wealth, homes, cars and possessions. Looking for ways to amass more wealth. Bhai Sahib had no regard for these things. He was searching for ways to bring Chardhee Kalaa and progression to the Panth.
In 1976 this mission took further steps forward. 10 day camps were organised around Amritsar, which were attended by many Singhs. The days would begin with the service of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. Many areas were in a sorry state and were filthy. First they were taught to serve Guru Maharaj with respect, then Asa Dee Vaar would be sung. Then there would be a session on Gurmat Vichaar. In the evenings there would be Rehraas followed by a Keertan Deevaan, after which Bhai Sahib would lecture on Gurmat. After hearing these lectures, the lives of many took a turn and they prepared themselves to take Amrit. The youth were especially influenced by his words. It was a great phenomenon to witness. Even while travelling the Singhs and Singhnees would perform Kirtan on trailers which had a wondrous effect on the surrounding villagers. Many would just join in and create a large procession. Singhs like Master Niranjan Singh Jee (Gurdaspur), Hazara Singh Jee Retd. DSP (Gurdaspur), Gurmukh Singh Jee (Patiala), Baldev Singh Jee (Amritsar) all took part in this. They all helped in the Keertan and Vichaar seva. All who attended this "Chaldhaa Vaheer Smaagam" lost any desire to return home.
As the Singhs were travelling to the Gallee Village, they were obstructed by a CID team. The police had been sent by Niranjan ‘Singh’ Nirankaree to intentionally cause a disturbance. The police took Bhai Sahib in for questioning at a nearby Doctor’s building. They asked who had given them permission to go from village to village doing missionary work. Bhai Sahib responded by telling them that no permission needs to be sought for the work of the Sikh mission. The police were dumbstruck by his quick and sharp responses and the vigour and love he showed for his faith. The police asked for forgiveness for obstructing and went on their way.
On one occasion at Khalsa Farm, some of the Singhs warned Bhai Sahib that the nearby river was overflowing and could cause problems. They suggested that two or three huts be constructed with deep foundations. Bhai Sahib responded saying that the construction of deep and unshakable foundations of the Panth was of greater importance and that this was his sole concern. When Singhs would come to stay, he would remind them to ignore the sleeping conditions and lack of delicacies. This was a training centre that would prepare them both physically and mentally. Even though the conditions and food were simple, I myself will never forgot the bliss of living such as simple, spiritual life. Many came for a week at a time but ended up staying for months instead.
As the camps of the Chaldhaa Vaheer came to a close the ultimate programme was a Rehnsbhai at about a kilometer on the other side from the river. On one side of the river, the Singhs from the farm approached. On the other side, the villagers stood in anticipation and greeted them. The whole episode brought tears to the eyes. The whole Jatha went to the village singing Keertan. Many Singhs attended from Amritsar and Gurdaspur. There was an Amrit Sanchar ceremony where many adopted the Khalsa lifestyle. The villagers stood amazed and fascinated by what they regarded as a miracle. This man was transforming even the lowest of the low; drunks and addicts. Those villages which were once polluted by arguments and profanity were now decorated with women in Dastaars and orange Keskees. The foul language was now replaced with resounding Naam Simran and the worldly hell had become heavenly. The women expressed their regret to Bhai Fauja Singh . If he had come earlier they could have witnessed this peace and tranquillity and not wasted those years.