Gobind Sadan
Press Release for Indian Media
Thousands of people gathered in Delhi at Gobind Sadan, a unique interfaith charitable community organized by the late Baba Virsa Singh, on 4 November, 2012 to mourn the death of Harvinder Singh Jolly (“LL”) at the age of 47. He had been one of Babaji’s closest associates, and after Babaji departed for his heavenly abode, Harvinder Singh was very active as the Secretary of the Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust, which is managing the affairs of Gobind Sadan.
Those who spoke in his praise during the Antim Ardas ceremony included Shri Ashok Singhal, former International President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Patron of the Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust. Shri Ashok Singhal said, “There is so much sadness in my heart over his sudden departure. He was with the greatest Mahapuraksh. When I went to see Maharaj Ji in the hospital, Harvinder Singh was doing his seva night and day. Such a great, heavy responsibility was on his shoulders. Maharaj Ji’s mission is so great. I think if we all adopt it, our country can be first in the world. His work was to bring the whole society together.” In his speech Shri Ashok Singhal suggested that the vacancy of Harvinder Singh in the Trust should be filled by one of his family members and requested them to choose one member for this responsibility.
Hardip Singh, Joint Secretary-Treasurer of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust, remembered Harvinder Singh’s early days at Gobind Sadan and noted that he then became Baba Virsa Singh’s liaison with high officials. He observed, “During the past five years since Maharaj Ji’s passing he did such great seva. We will always remember him and ask for Maharaj’s blessings for him.”
Mary Pat Fisher, Director of International Communications for Gobind Sadan, spoke of Harvinder Singh’s dedication to the Sikh Gurus’ mission of equality of all people, regardless of caste or creed. “As he had been taught by Baba Virsa Singh, he behaved the same way with Prime Ministers as with labourers. The gardeners and beldars at Gobind Sadan are sorely missing him, because he had great respect for them and always stood with them through every difficulty. He insisted that they should join on an equal basis in all of Gobind Sadan’s celebrations, whether Eid celebrations in Gobind Sadan’s mosque, Navaratri in Gobind Sadan’s havan and Mataji’s Mandir, Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday, Christmas, or whatever. Despite his high position, he never allowed anyone to touch his feet. His entire adult life was devoted to Maharaj’s mission, day and night, without any concern for his personal comfort.”
Others who spoke of Harvinder Singh’s dedication and sacrifices, “Tan, man, dhan,” for his beloved teacher, Baba Virsa Singh, included Gurdev Singh, member of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust, Churchill Chadha, Treasurer of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust, Baba Jarnail Singh of Bagthala, Haryana, Rajinder Singh of Kela Parikshat Garh, Uttar Pradesh, Shamsher Singh Sandhu, representing Delhi Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, B. M. Singh, leader of Sugar Cane Farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Sukhbir Singh, Senior Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi-UK) and General Secretary of Vyapar Mandal, Delhi, Sri Balkrishan Naik, Joint General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hem Singh, District Panchayat Chairman, J. P. Nagar (UP), Bhai Gurdial Singh representing Gurdaspur sangat, Balwinder Singh, Head Granthi of Dera Baba Siri Chand (a branch of Gobind Sadan in Sector 39, Chandigarh), and Amarjit Singh, retired ACP, Delhi Police.
Dr. Rai Singh, President of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust, concluded the programme by reading a resolution passed by the Trust in appreciation of Harvinder Singh. He also supported the suggestion of Shri Ashok Singhal that Harvinder Singh’s place in the Trust be filled by one of his family members, and said that a meeting of the Trust would be called immediately for this purpose.