Surinder Singh
1985 – 2009
Surinder Singh was born in the Nangal Khurd (Mahalpur), Hoshiarpur, Panjab, where he lived most of his life with his younger sister and mother and father. From a very young age he had deep routes in Sikhi and had a Gursikh upbringing.
Throughout his early life he was well known in his local area and would get along with everyone who he met. As a young lad he would sometimes get into trouble, but always knew the difference between right and wrong. Unlike some of the youth in Panjab, he was very much against the use of any Alcohol or Drugs and was a strict Vegetarian. He understood the keys principles of Sikhi and also Dharam (Justice). Surinder Singh would often go around and protect local sisters in the area from perverts and junkies. He was one of the toughest in his area and demanded respect from all those who lived in his phind, He never allowed anyone to take the honour of our sisters. He would often deal with anyone who disrespected Sikhi. He was seen as a man of principle and gained everyone’s love in the area.
Surinder would often listen to Sant Jarnail Singh Ji’s speeches and researched the Kharku movement. He was always interested in the life of the Shaheeds, and would read for hours about their lives and how they lived, and how they carried out their missions. He became a strong believer in the Sikh Freedom Struggle and wanted to fight for the rights of the Panth. He would tell his friends and those around about the greatness of Sikhi and the principles of the Sikh warriors of the 1980’ and 90’s.
After studying at college, Surinder Singh came to
LD was a very intelligent person and because of his nature he was very cautious about anti panthic elements who were trying to destroy the Sikh nation.
He often approached Gurdwara Committee’s about how they treated our Guru, and insisted Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should have a bed of their own, and not share with other Saroops of Maharaj. He was very much against how Gurdware were run and wanted to tackle the issue of corrupt Committees. LD would often hold his meetings in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, as he believed we should always talk openly in front of our Father. He would always do an Ardas before he went out and did any Panthic Seva.
After only 4 and and a half years, LD gained a massive reputation for a chardi kala Gursikh of Guru Ji. He had invested thousands of pounds into buying equipment for the youth to spread Sikhi and always said it was never his, whoever wanted to do Panthic Seva, it was theirs.
After seeing the amount of cowards that had joined the panth in the
LD would often speak of how we should unite with our Brothers and Sisters who were coming newly from Panjab. He said there was so much we could learn from each other. He was disappointed with Brothers/Sisters from
When LD would meet a Sikh, he would touch their knees out of respect and embrace them with open arms. He would always go out of his way to treat someone with the upmost respect whether they had their Kesh or not. He would say anyone who bowed to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is my Brother or Sister regardless of how they looked.
In April this year, LD was involved in a fatal car accident. He died instantly. His body was flown back to Panjab, where he was cremated in the traditional Sikh way.
The loss of the life of Surinder Singh has been a massive loss to the Panth. He was not only a person who got things done but was also a leader. He was a great speaker and also a good listener. He would be there for anybody who needed him, regardless of their background. LD helped and supported many families in the
Surinder Singh’s life should be a lesson to us all. He came to this world empty handed, but due to the Seva he committed himself to, he will be remembered forever to us all. We should all unite together and fight for the same Cause. We should be masterminds in everything we do. And most importantly of all, we should treat people as equals to ourselves.