SATBIR SINGH

SATBIR SINGH (1932-1994) was born on 1 March 1932 at Jehlum (now in Pakistan). Father : Bhai Harnam Singh, mother: Ranjit Kaur. Professor Satbir Singh`s tally of more than 70 titles covering a life span of 62 years makes a formidable catalogue. Among it are works of minute research, textual commentary, history and narrative.

Apart from his natural gift for productivity, the principal secret of Satbir Singh`s massive output was his regularity of habit. He arose very early in the morning. While many another person would still be rubbing his sleepladen eyes, Satbir Singh would have put behind him by then a good day`s work. And then he was free to indulge his daily programme of lectures, and other public activity.

He handled with much enthusiasm and special expertise manysided Panthic responsibilities.  He had time for everything. He made his time go a long way. Another very special custom of his was to spend part of his summer vacation in a hill town. Besides refreshing his body and soul, this change helped him to catch up with any arrears of work.

He stuck to this routine and never let up on it even in the worst of circumstances. Satbir Singh was a very friendly soul. He had goodwill for all and wished to be of help to others and bore no malice towards anyone. He listened to everyone`s problems with sympathy and tried to help as far as he could. Friends sat around him, seeking the advice and help on a variety of matters.

He took delight in sharing with friends their problems. To be of help to others was the passion of his life. Much of the responsibility of the activities of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee fell to the shoulders of Satbir Singh. One of his main duties was to assess the quality of literature which came to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee from various sources.

He went through it meticulously and announced his judgement. He always stood up for the welfare and betterment of the Khalsa schools and colleges. He sat on the Syndicate of the Punjabi University and expressed his opinion without fear and favour. He enjoyed the trust of the government as well and advised it on many matters.

He always felt very happy to see his friends flourish. He carried no ill will against anyone in his heart. He never forgot his old friends. For Sarup Singh of the Sikh Students Federation, he had a feeling of deep reverence. He acknowledged him as his closest friend and benefactor and always said with pride that whatever he was, it was all owed to Sardar Sarup Singh.

Likewise, he was never chary of giving credit to old Federation friends such as Dr Jaswant Singh Neki, Dr Bhai Harbans Lal, Jasdev Singh Sandhu and Dilbir Singh. Writing was the main attraction of his life. 74 books carried his signatures. To be able to present the ten lives of the Gurus at the portals of the Darbar Sahib was his ambition.

It was for him a matter of much celebration when he finally achieved this. He had the set covered in goldleaf for presentation.They carried such unusual and fresh titles as Balio Chirag, Kudarti Nur, Parbat Meranu, Pun Hoi Karamati, Partakh Han, Gur Bhan, Nirbhau Nirvairu, Ashtam Balbira, Iti Jini Kan and Purakh Bhagvant. Likewise, he prepared Punjabi versions of the classics by Bute Shah and Malcolm.

Another significant series was his Sri Guru Granth Sahib Da Sar Visthar, partI, Sn Guru Granth Sahib Da Sar Visthar, partII and III, and S`n Guru Granth Sahib Da Sar Visthar, partIV. Among his other publications were: Anadi Anahit, Sada ItihasI, Sada ItihasII, Sau Saval, SikhJarnail, Puratan Itihasik Jivaman, Sikh Ajaib Ghar Album, Kino Bado Kalu Mai Saka, Bir Parampara Da Vikas and Jis Dithia Sabh Dukh Jai. Satbir Singh died at Patiala on 18 August 1994.