A
Son’s Tribute To His Father
Dr. Bhai Sher Singh ‘Kashmir’
This photograph was
clicked during Bhai Sahib’s stint in Forest Department, J&K (Govt.)
GENERAL: The names of poet-philosphers
Bhai Vir Singh Ji and Prof. Puran Singh Ji are known to one and all. Interestingly,
in the 20th century, well before the demise of Prof. Puran Singh
there had been an exchange of hundreds of letters between him and Bhai Sher
Singh Ji (Kashmir), a lumanary of highest calibre, even though they met only
once. The meeting lasted fairly long and it is said that it was love at first
sight, wherein they drank from each others souls. Bhai Sahib’s only request to Prof Puran Singh
was to write a Foreword for his exegesis on the Japji Sahib which he readily
agreed and kept his word.
The masses are unaware that a man of the intellect of
highest order and cosmic intellegence, Bhai Sher Singh was shadowed in the dense
jungles of the Department of Forestry J&K (Govt). He was mainly absorbed in
performing his official duties and wrote many books on forestry which are even
now used as reference books. Notwithstanding his arduous official duties he was
also engaged in writing on Sikh theology to fulfil his urge towards Panthic
duties and wrote voluminous manuscripts to enlighten his brethren.
Bhai Sher Singh was a Poet-Scientist of India. He teamed
up with Sir Joginder Singh to organize the “Khalsa Review” for Punjab on the
lines of the “Modern Review” journal of Bengal.
His scientific works were no less credible than his
flights of poetic imagination. Even as
on today the students of forestry read with great respect, the name and
achievements of Forest Chemist of Bhai Singh’s calibre, who occupied the Chair
as Forest Conservator in Kashmir and also Director Forest in the Forest Research
Institute & College Dehradun when no Indian could aspire to this coveted
post.
Family background
Bhai Sher Singh’s parents
belonged to a small village, Golra Sharif (Distt. Rawalpindi), a well-known
place of pilgrimage located near the holy shrine of Panja Sahib in Pakistan, about
15 kms from Rawalpindi city.
It will be of interest for
the readers to know that Sufi Pir Sahib of Golra Sharif had gone for ziarat of
Mecca Sharif when Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his one of his Udasi’s, also happened to visit the holy
city. It is here that Pir Sahib attended all the discourses of Guru Nanak. It
left an indelible impression on the mind of Pir Sahib and he became Guru
Nanak’s disciple. On his return, Pir Sahib continued to perform the duties
assigned to him as the Pir of Dargah, yet he and his descendents invariably
incorporated all the principle diktats of Guru Nanak in their lifetime. They
were revered by all faiths with utmost humility. Some of the descendants even got
converted to other faiths like Sikhism.
The ancestors of Bhai Sher
Singh (Kashmir) are said to be linked with Pir Sahib as may be seen from the family
tree:—
Choudhary Attar Singh, a maternal grandfather and
an honorary commissioner, finding Bhai Roop Singh, MA, of high acumen got his
daughter (Smt. Sundri Devi) married to him. Roop Singh passed away three months
after the marriage.
After the demise of her
husband, Bhai Roop Singh, Sardarni Sundri Devi gave birth to a son solemnized as
Bhai Sher Singh on the Tuesday of 4th September 1893 at his maternal
grandfather’s residence in Rawalpindi.
Bhai Sher Singh’s mother, a God-fearing
lady, brought up her son between the holy shrine of Panja Sahib and Rawalpindi city
with great endurance. His father Roop Singh MA, a saintly figure, was not only
diligent but was very well-to-do person with religious and spiritual
tendencies. At that time a belief existed amongst the family and the villagers
that he had inherited the spiritual impetus from his ancestors who had links with
Pir Sahib of Golra.
Bhai Sahib’s mother, Sardarni
Sundri Devi, who had inherited divine values from her parents, focused her
entire physical and spiritual faculties solely on grooming her only son, with
utmost care and caution; which brought a wholesome change in his life. After
primary grounding in Gurmukhi alphabets – Painti
Akhri, he was made to set on a chowki
— a small stool with two cushions to
come to the level of Guru Granth Sahib. His mother would sit on one side and make
him read with a straight back at the age of five, until he started reading
fluently.
EDUCATIONAL
BACKGROUND
Bhai Sher Singh was born on 4th
September, 1893, and at the age of seven in 1900, he joined the Mission High
School in Rawalpindi. He bagged the first position throughout his educational
career. He completed his M.Sc. (Hons) in 1916 securing the first position in Panjab. He worked as professor in Khalsa College,
Amritsar, for one year and thereafter worked as a personnel secretary to
Maharaja Sir Dalip Singh of Faridkot. He underwent training at Forest Research
Institute and College (FRI), Dehradun, for two-and-half years and attained his Degree
in Provincial Forest Service with highest distinction. He joined the Kashmir
Forest Department in 1920. To start with, he worked as Divisional Forest
Officer followed by his stint as Deputy Conservator of Forests and retired as the
Conservator of Forests. He was called on deputation to join Forest Research
Institute & College, Dehradun, as Director Professor.
An article from Bhai Sher
Singh’s thesis which was sent to the Director General of Archeology, New Delhi
on 29th March, 1947, was highly appreciated by Dr. R.N. Chakravarty of
the Archaeology Survey of India. He was delighted to find a senior Forest
officer taking keen interest in the flora & fauna of Rig-Veda period and asked him to forward a copy of The Indian
Forester journal in which it was published for use as reference work in the Central
Archaeological Library.
SPIRIT
OF SEWA
In Bhagat Lakshman Singh’s autobiography
it is distinctly pointed out that Bhai Sher Singh was a Sarvan son of his
mother Mata Sundri Devi. As a true Sikh
family man he used to keep his family and mother with him during his stint as Forest
conservator at various places. He without fail used to carry his “Safri Birh”
of Guru Granth Sahib. Many of his Muslim companions and colleagues did not
appreciate this. Neither the Dogra rulers of Jammu & Kashmir nor his
colleagues were successful in distracting him from serving the cause of the Sikh
Panth.
Bhai Sher Singh constructed a Gurudwara at Doda
(Jammu) where he wrote his monumental
work Krishna Leela Rahas. While trekking
on the tedious Kutcha Roads of areas like Solan, Gilgit, Gurez, he discovered
the (a) “Sardah Yatra”, the path
tread upon by Guru Nanak in the region, (b)
The closeness between Sharda and Gurmukhi scripts. “Gurmat Sahit” was first
propagated in Kashmir.
Bhai Sahib also constructed
Gurudwaras as Ram Ban, Udhampur, Doda, Banihal in Jammu Region of J&K State
and Mirpur, Kotli (Pakistan occupied Kashmir). He spent most of his mortal
days in Baramulah (Kashmir) Region of J&K State.
This
photograph was taken at Bhai Sahib’s residence at Baramulah. He is seen with
his wife and son P. Parkash Singh Sawhney.
Bhai Sher Singh used to say
that Prof Puran Singh and Bhai Vir Singh are spiritual son and father. They had
blessed him and uttered these prophetic words: “the Guru’s garden is still
green and will become greener with each passing day. Sikhism indeed is like a lotus
flower in the lake of India, it will live as long as this flower. In the times
to come many more ruby-red petals are bound to be unfurled from this Lotus of
Sikhism.”
After the sun set on Lahore
Darbar, the Baramulah region of Kashmir came under control of Sardar Sham Singh
Attari, Sardar Harbans Singh Attari. As the years went by, Bhai Jodh Singh,
Sardar Gurmukh Singh, Bhai Sher Singh, Sardar Thakar Singh and Thakar Gandar
Singh and other well-to-do Sikh personalities built their residences in the
region. They used to have religious congregations and Bhai Sher Singh played a
leading role in organising them.
PANTHIC
ACTIVITIES: Bhai
Sher Singh participated in almost all Sikh conferences and meetings. He was, however,
very influenced by the writings of Principal of Prince of Wales School/ College,
Jammu, and used to have hour-long discussions on various topics with him.
After his retirement at the
age of 55, he was employed us Conservator of Forests, Junagarh State, where he
served for two years. He was later on asked to join Forest College, Coimbatore,
as the Principal. He had hardly served their for two years when the Government of
Sri Lanka asked him to join Forest Training College, Colombo/ Ceylon, as
President Advisor on deputation.
ACADEMIC
QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL ACHIVEMENTS
Bhai Sher Singh did his Schooling from the
Mission High School, Rawalpindi.
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1. B.Sc.
with Hons. & Ist Class First Panjab University with Scholarship for Best
Student – 1914.
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First Class topper & broke all past records.
Got the FULLER MEDAL EXHIBITION
(GOLD MEDAL) for topping B.A.–B.Sc.
Combined (1914)
LORD
HARDING GOLD MEDAL:- For
bagging B.Sc. OMENS PRIZE for Best Student – Pass & Hons.
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2. M.Sc.
( Hons.) First Class First – 1916.
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Scholar Lord Arnold (Gold Medal) for reading MA,
M.Sc. 1916 Lord Mechlogan Gold for standing First in M.Sc.
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3. Fellowship
December, 1916.
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A) Fellow
of Chemical Society of London,
B) Member
of Chemical Society of New York America,
C) Member
of Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland – October 1917.
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Dr. Bell I.C.S. Collector of Industrial
Intelligence Association him with Dr. Suman Chemical Advisory Board to
conduct research on Colour Phenomenon. His thesis got distinction.
Sir Holland addressed Chemists assembled in
Lahore and his work paper and got this published in journal.
Cf. Journal of Physiology from Professor J.N. Laugh
Hedgerley Lodge Madingle Rd. Cambridge – June 21,1917 on “Colour Phenomenon”.
His contributed extensively to scientific
research and his thesis earned his Ph.D.
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P.F.S. with (Hons) from Forest Research
Institute & College, Dehradun -1921-1923.1.
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He topped the P.F.S. Class of Officers attending
from Burma, Central Provinces. State Govt. (1923) awarded Gold Medal for
Highest marks with Hons. Silver Medal for Forestry. Hill Memorial for
Silviculture etc. (Cf. Indian Forester 1923) also of H.:L. Wright, Esq.
I.F.S. Conservator of Jammu & Kashmir State Srinagar, “He has done remarkably
well. Here I should let you know about him. He has done remarkably in every
subject and though examined by outside examiners – some of whom are Americans
– he obtained 100% on utilization & Silviculture. He did not get W. Plan
prize because really could not let him have every prize. I expect you are very glad to get to
Kashmere & I must envy you of your good fortune”
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He also submitted D.Litt thesis on Rig Veda in English
which remains in active consideration (Cf. East Punjab University l/r. 227 of
Mar. 11, 1947.)
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Bhai Sher Singh also presented a research paper on
the Sikh Religion at the World Religion Conference, Chicago, in 1921. He had also
gone to Chicago to address and participate in the World Fellowship of Faiths in March, 1933.
Some of his works:-
1. English translations of Japji, Sidh Gosht, etc.
2. The Perfect Man and Peace Eternal (Sukhmani Sahib English translation)
3. Holy Song of Bliss Eternal (Anand Sahib English Translation)
4. Atam Darshan - part 1 and 2
5. Waheguru Darshan - part 1 and 2
6. Brahm Gyan di Kunji - Part 1 (Krishna Leela Rahas)
7. Brahm Gyan di Kunji - Part 2 (ramayan Rahas)
8. Dashmesh Darshan tey Dasan Granth di Kunji
9. Atmik Kiran tey Arshi Udariyan
10. Balihari Quadrat vasaya
11. East Looks Aghast At West
12. Five Fundamental Obstacles
13. Sach Khand Yatra
14. Search For Reality
15. Niki Umar Wadiyan Gallan
16. Naam Maha Rasya - Rangla Sawan
17. Vichar Dhara
18. Sikhan vich karigari di vidya di den (1917-1918)
19. Gurpurab Punam, Vismad Punj (1932)
20. Sri Guru babey ji ki Chahun Jugi Janam Sakhi - An Autobiography of Eternal-Nanak - New Light on Eternally-old Atman, 1942
21) Sri Suhag Bhag, 1945.
22) Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji - What he did for India and mankind at large, 1933
23) Amrit
24) If Guru Nanak Came to America, what would he do, say and advocate, 1933.
25) Guru Nanak: The Saviour of the world, 1935
26) Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, The Saviour of the World, 1932-33
27) Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji: Being Some Unwritten Leaves In The Life Of The Guru, 1933
28) Guru Gobind Singh: His Life Sketch
29) Biography of Guru Amardev
30) Sri Guru Amardas ji, 1942
31) Ki Dasam Pita Ney Devi Pooji Si?
32) Panj Prashan
33) Life, Love and Immortality
34) Retold Tales Sublime (Guru Nanak's Life)
35) Science atey Dharam
36) Jeevan Jugti Vismaad udarian
37) Naam, Sri Namdev ji
38) Sri Guru Gobind Singh (Punjabi)
39) Dharna da Sagar, 1944
40) Jeevan Gurti, 1944
41) Heer Tey Ranjha
42) The Modern Scientific Shorthand, March 1928.
43) The Khalsa or the Elect.
192 Lakeshore Road St. Catharines Canada
Some of his works:-
1. English translations of Japji, Sidh Gosht, etc.
2. The Perfect Man and Peace Eternal (Sukhmani Sahib English translation)
3. Holy Song of Bliss Eternal (Anand Sahib English Translation)
4. Atam Darshan - part 1 and 2
5. Waheguru Darshan - part 1 and 2
6. Brahm Gyan di Kunji - Part 1 (Krishna Leela Rahas)
7. Brahm Gyan di Kunji - Part 2 (ramayan Rahas)
8. Dashmesh Darshan tey Dasan Granth di Kunji
9. Atmik Kiran tey Arshi Udariyan
10. Balihari Quadrat vasaya
11. East Looks Aghast At West
12. Five Fundamental Obstacles
13. Sach Khand Yatra
14. Search For Reality
15. Niki Umar Wadiyan Gallan
16. Naam Maha Rasya - Rangla Sawan
17. Vichar Dhara
18. Sikhan vich karigari di vidya di den (1917-1918)
19. Gurpurab Punam, Vismad Punj (1932)
20. Sri Guru babey ji ki Chahun Jugi Janam Sakhi - An Autobiography of Eternal-Nanak - New Light on Eternally-old Atman, 1942
21) Sri Suhag Bhag, 1945.
22) Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji - What he did for India and mankind at large, 1933
23) Amrit
24) If Guru Nanak Came to America, what would he do, say and advocate, 1933.
25) Guru Nanak: The Saviour of the world, 1935
26) Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, The Saviour of the World, 1932-33
27) Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji: Being Some Unwritten Leaves In The Life Of The Guru, 1933
28) Guru Gobind Singh: His Life Sketch
29) Biography of Guru Amardev
30) Sri Guru Amardas ji, 1942
31) Ki Dasam Pita Ney Devi Pooji Si?
32) Panj Prashan
33) Life, Love and Immortality
34) Retold Tales Sublime (Guru Nanak's Life)
35) Science atey Dharam
36) Jeevan Jugti Vismaad udarian
37) Naam, Sri Namdev ji
38) Sri Guru Gobind Singh (Punjabi)
39) Dharna da Sagar, 1944
40) Jeevan Gurti, 1944
41) Heer Tey Ranjha
42) The Modern Scientific Shorthand, March 1928.
43) The Khalsa or the Elect.
- P. Prakash Singh,
Police Medal,
Dy Inspector General.
2A, Hospital Road,
Jangpura,
New Delhi - 14.
Ek Tola, Miniature Guru Granth Sahib:
The smallest known Granth Sahib
Short History: Size
appx. 1" x 1" x 1"
The story goes that miniature Guru Granth Sahib's manuscript was
printed sometimes in 1912. During the World war 1 , British Indian Army
was called to fight for the common cause. The Sikh Regiment expressed concerns
about proceeding to battlefield without Guru Granth. The British Generals who
were well aware of the Sikh sentiments and respects of Holy Granth, came
out with brilliant idea of making a mini Granth Sahib. At their advise
The British Government solved the problem by printing 13 miniature copies of
Guru Granth Sahib in Germany
Of the known thirteen copies of Granths, only about 8 are
accountable today. One of them is at Golden Temple Amritsar, one at British Museum
at London , the next is with the Badi Family at Unna , one with Gurudwara at Agra ,
and one with Sahni Kashmirwale Family in Canada
How it came to our family:
My father, Bhai Sahib (Dr.) Sher Singh, Kashmirwale, (the known
author of Atam Darshan & Waheguru Darshan) was honoured by British
Government of India as "Sardar Bahadar" for his literary achievements
some seventy years ago. My father thanked the British Government, but
refrained from accept it. At that time he was in service of Kashmir Government.
H.H Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir , was
friendly with my father. At this Maharaja enquired as to why he had not
accepted the British honour. It is said, he replied "Maharaja Sahib, you
have been always addressing me as Sardar Bahader or Sardar Sahib. The British
honour was nothing new". The Maharaja was delighted at his remarks.
This was a bold retaliatory step taken by a citizen during the
British Raj in India
The Miniature Guru Granth was at that time given to him by
the Jathedar of the Akal Takhat Sahib as Siropa. Thus he was
called Bhai Sahib Bhai Sher Singh, Kashmirwale. Since we are from Kashmir , we are called Kashmirwale.
Capt. Jittender J.S. Sahni
(Kashmirwale)
Bhai Sahib Bhai Sher Singh's
son.
Email: sahnij@hotmail.com
