The Darbar Sahib room radiated with golden light as the celebrations for Baba Virsa Singh ji’s birthday – jyoti parkash – began at 2 a.m. on the 18th of February with 8 Akhand Paths started faithfully by volunteers, often entire families, and ended 48 hrs. later.
Then to extend the celebrations through the weekend another 8 Akhand Paths, special havan at Angeetha Sahib, a well-attended seminar, the wonderful children’s and cultural program and the final day’s divan, with langar and homemade specialties and tea around the clock . The sangat felt Babaji’s loving presence at each moment and as he himself would lovingly instruct, they filled their “jholis” (the Punjabi idiom “filling their laps”) with blessings of Nam and Jaap Sahib and Seva and left to share that love with all they meet.
Dr. Surjit Kaur Jolly of Delhi University, revived the Gobind Sadan Institute’s contribution to the annual celebration with a wonderful symposium on Governance and Socio-Economic Concerns of His Holiness Baba Virsa Singh Ji. Few people understand the impact Babaji had on the course of civilization, by turning leaders away from corruption, from communal strife, towards justice.
Keynoted by Ranjit Singh Kalha who, in addition to several Ambassadorial posts, retired as Secretary in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared how Maharaj’s simple lessons of integrity and strong will had guided him throughout his career. The entire proceedings were taped and we will share more as they become available.
Beyond Gobind Sadan, the major historic Rohri Sahib Gurdwara, in Nisingh, district Karnal, is holding a huge celebration of Babaji’s birthday with Sikh luminaries, Sant Amar Singh of Nanaksar, and Hazuri Ragi from the Golden Temple leading the way. It is significant that despite the strident voices heard in the media, people all over the world are recognizing Babaji’s leadership in returning our Guru’s universal message to center stage to bring peace.
So we have plenty, singing God’s praises each in their own way, raising the level of a powerful consciousness that we can overcome even the most intractable problems, as long as we remember to thank God, transcend our differences, and come together as 1 body in Love to serve the sick, and those in need. That is Baba Virsa Singh ji’s hallmark that he indelibly stamped not only on every corner of Gobind Sadan, but more importantly in every heart and mind of those who were lucky enough to come into his radiant presence. And that Light will continue to shine forever.