SEVA SINGH, BHAI

SEVA SINGH, BHAI (1897-1921). one of the Nankana Sahib martyrs, was born in Magghar 1954 Bk/November December 1897, the son of Bhai Ishar Singh and Mai Atto of Chakk No. 80 Nizampur Mula Singhvala, district Sheikhupura. He attended the village primary school and also learnt land or the Mahajani script traditionally used by businessmen. He received the rites of the Khalsa at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. He enlisted in the army and served with 23rd Cavalry.

There he learnt some English and was soon promoted a dafadar (cavalry sergeant). During the Great War (1914-18) while his regiment went for field service abroad, Seva Singh remained behind as a clerk in the depot and was subsequently promoted head clerk. After the war, when he came home on three months` furlough, he heard about Gurdwara Rikabgahj agitation. He applied for his discharge from the army, but his request was turned down.

He nevertheless quit on medical grounds, and became an activist in the Akali movement. He participated in the liberation of Gurdwara Khara Sauda, Chuharkana, and also registered himself as a volunteer for the liberation of gurdwaras at Nankana Sahib. He laid down his life on 20 February 1921 in the jatha led by Bhai Lachhman Singh of Dharovali. The family declined to receive any pension from the Shiromani Committee, Amritsar.

References :

1. Shamsher, Gurbakhsh Singh, Shahidi Jivan. Nankana Sahib, 1938