Baba Hardev Singh, head of Nirankari sect: Everything you need to know about him

Baba Hardev Singh was the chief priest of the spiritual organization Sant Nirankari Mission. He was born to the previous Satguru of Sant Nirankari Mission, Gurbachan Singh and his wife Kulwant Kaur. He completed his education in Patiala and Delhi University and joined the Nirankari Sewa Dal in 1971 as a primary member. He succeeded his father Satguru Sant Gurbachan Singh after his assassination.

Sant Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji during a function in Panchkula. (Express Archive)

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The Sant Nirankari Movement or Universal Brotherhood Movement, which was started by Baba Buta Singh in early 20th century, believes in the importance of a living leader. Sikhism, on the other hand, believed in the Sikh scriptures as their final guru. It was this difference that caused the Sant Nirankari movement, which separated from mainstream Sikhism in 1929.

In this photo, Baba Hardev Singh gives darshan to his disciples at his Nirankari Sant Samagam. (Express Archive)

Satguru Gurbachan Singh was assassinated by fundamentalist Sikhs belonging to Akhand Kirtani Jatha who were wary of the growing power of the Nirankari Mission.

Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh, as he gives blessings to young children at their annual Samagam. (Express Archives)

After the assassination, Baba Hardev Singh succeeded his father as the Satguru of the mission and continued to provide teachings to the believers. (Express Archive)

In 2005, the Nirankari Museum was launched by Baba Hardev Singh. This museum is located within the Sant Nirankari Sarovar in New Delhi.

In this photo, Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh and his wife Savinder kaur bless a child during a Nirankari Samagam in Chandigarh. (Express Archive)

The Sant Nirankari or Universal Brotherhood Mission has grown to be a global entity with over 2000 centres around the world.

In this photo, Guru Hardev Singh gives blessings to the people during Nirankari Darbar at Mauli Jagran. (Express Archives) Read More: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/hundreds-gather-at-nirankari-centre-to-mourn-bab-hardev-singh-killed-in-canada-car-crash-2799680/

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Hardev Singh terming it as a “tragic and great loss to the spiritual world. My thoughts are with his countless followers in this sad time.” (Source: PTI)

Followers mourn the demise of Baba Nirankari Hardev Singh in Delhi on Friday. (Express photo by Gajendra Yadav)

Hearing the news of Baba Hardev Singh's demise, devotees thronged the Nirankari Bhawan in Ludhiana. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)