ARJAN SINGH, BHAI

ARJAN SINGH, BHAI (c. 1906-1924), born to Kishan Singh of the village of Kamalia, now in Sahival district of Pakistan, was a zealous worker in the cause of Sikh Gurdwara reform. As a young boy he was deeply affected by events at Nankana Sahib in 1921 (See NANKANA SAHIB MASSACRE). Closing down his business he joined the Akali ranks. He participated in the Guru ka Bagh and Jaito agitations: he officiated as one of the Panj Piare when the jatha left for Jaito on Baisakh 1, 1981, Bk/12 April 1924.

His health deteriorated while he was in police custody and he died on 26 November 1924. Bhai Arjan Singh was tall and handsome and led a pious life. He used to compose verses, and one of his poems, “Naukarshahi nun Chailanj” or Challenge to Bureaucracy, was included in an anthology entitled Shahidi Khun. A gurdwara, a boarding house and a library were erected at Kamalia to honour his memory.