Iqbal Singh Gill
28 years old Iqbal Singh was born in the village Manukey in the district Moga. His father, S. Niranjan Singh, was a farmer by birth and profession. Being of a jat family Iqbal's artistic approach was not looked upon favourably in the farming family. But still he pursued his aim as an art student in a Secondary School in Patto Hira Singh after doing his matriculation.
His love of art was developing while he was about five years of age. In his school days he used to make paintings of the Gurus and other Sikh warriors. It was, when in the 7th standard that he made a pencil sketch of his drawing teacher Master Teja Singh. The boys mocked him and showed the sketch to the teacher so that he could reprimand him, but on the contrary the teacher so much liked the sketch that he showed it to everybody and predicted that one day this boy would be amongst the prominent artists of India.
His prediction came true and today Iqbal is one of the most sought after artist/sculptor in Punjab. His devotion and artistry is second to none. He is so busy that to take any new work, the client has to wait for over 18 months. He has orders coming from all over India and abroad.
His talent is being ably used by Baba Jora Singh (Lakha) who is the sole in-charge of Gurdwara Mehdiana Sahib, which is an historical Gurdwara of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guru Ji came to this place after the historic battles of Anandpur Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib.
His sacrifice to promote Sikhism in the most modern and scientific way is apparent on the visit to the Mehdiana Gurdwara, where Sikh history has been created with excellent life-size sculptures and paintings. A visitor can be awe struck by the intensity of the sculpters of the 'Shaheeds' whose blood laid the foundation of the Khalsa panth. Baba Jora Singh is of a dynamic personality, who has been motivated by Guru Gobind Singh himself.
The young generation will particularly benefit and advance their knowledge of Sikhism after their visit to this unique place, which is about 25/30 miles from Ludhiana towards Ferozepur. The Gurdwara of Nanaksar, another place worth visiting, is also nearby.
