PARTAP SINGH

PARTAP SINGH, coming from the village of Sharikar in the district of Jalandhar, had won repute for his regularity of habit and strong sense of discipline. He had been a Viceroy commissioned officer (Jamadar) in the Punjab army. He had been able to spend his early years at school. He seemed well to understand the value of the three R`s and had sent up one of his sons to the university. That was Swaran Singh who received his Master`s degree in Physics at the University of the Punjab. He had a fabulous career as a minister in Jawaharlal Nehru`s government after Independence.

Partap Singh assumed public office in 1933 as president of the Shiromani Committee for the management of the Sikh shrines after his retirement from the army. He succeeded Gopal Singh Qaumi, B.A., who after a single day in office had resigned. Before quitting, he quipped, “My party commanded me yesterday to take over as president and I did accept its word. Today they have asked me to relinquish the office which I am doing without any hesitation.” Jamadar Partap Singh solidly established himself as president/vice-president of the Shiromani Gurdwara parbandhak Committee during 1933-46.

He had many likeable qualities and he proved a firm and popular administrator. His unquestioned integrity continued to be his strong asset. By his suavity of manner and his expertness in dealing with men and affairs he won wide appreciation. He was especially respected for his personal rectitude. He completed his second term in office enjoying the fullest confidence of his colleagues and he held the reins of administration tightly in his hands. It was through his firm leadership that he made the Gurdwara legislation truly applicable and viable. Before he entered upon the office of President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Jamadar Partap Singh had also been a member of the Punjab Legislative Council. This was during 1923-24.