Giani Partap Singh

Giani Partap Singh Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Amritsar

Giani Partap Singh (1904-1984) preacher, Philosopher, journalist and author, was son of Bhai Makkhan Singh Sasan and Mata Mathura Devi of the village of Nara in Rawalpindi district of the Punjab (now in Pakistan). Born on 3 January 1904, he learnt Gurumukhi and scripture reading at home and passed his middle school examination from the village school in 1918. he read with deep interest literature brought out under the influence of the Singh Sabah movement and joined the Khalsa Upadeshak (Missionary) College, Gujranwala, from where he passed in 1922, the Giani examination of the Punjab University, Lahore. In 1923, he was engaged by Shiromini Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee as a preacher. Soon afterwards he was arrested for making a rebellious speech and was sentenced to one and half year's imprisonment. Giani Partap Singh served as assistant Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht, Amritsar, from 1938-48 and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib from 1948-52. He was then Appointed JATHEDAR OF SRI AKAL TAKHT, AMRITSAR, from which position he retired in 1955.

In 1956, Giani Partap Singh floated a monthly journal, "THE GIAN AMRIT', which he himself published, edited until December 1981 and then he handed over to Dr Man Singh of Nirankari Durbar. Giani ji was also closely associated with Pingalwara mission of Amritsar. He wrote over two dozen valuable books with historical themes. Some of his better known books were Gurmat Lecture (1944), Itihasak lecture (two volumes) 1945, Sansar da Darmik Itihas(1948), Akali Lahir da Itihas(1951), Naqli Nirankari(1967),Kuka Gurdom(1972), Amritsar Sifti da Gahar,W LAhir da Mahan Neta(1976). The language department of the Punjab Government honored Giani Partap Singh ji in 1981 for his contribution to Punjabi journalism. He was also honored by Kendrya Sri Guru Singh Sabah, Delhi for his esteem services to Sikh religion. He also was honored by Tamra Patra for his valuable contribution in Freedom fight for India. On 10 May 1984 Giani ji was assassinated in his home by so called Sikh militants for resisting Sant Bhindranwala for maligning sanctinity of Sri Harimandir Sahib, He was then 82 years and we lost a valuable Jewel of Punjab, a Bram Giani.