Chandigarh, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, participated in a memorial event in Samrala, located in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, to honor the birth anniversary of the esteemed saint, social reformer, and advocate for national awareness, Satguru Ram Singh Maharaj.

In his tribute, the Chief Minister regarded the teachings of Satguru Ram Singh as a beacon for social change and national revival. He remarked, “The life of Satguru continues to motivate a model of development anchored in humanity, ethical values, and national welfare.”

In response to a request from the event organizers, the Chief Minister declared that the Haryana government would explore the establishment of a Chair in honor of Satguru Ram Singh Maharaj following discussions with committee members. He also paid homage with floral tributes to all Namdhari Sikhs who sacrificed their lives during the Kuka Movement in the battle for India’s independence.

He emphasized that Satguru Ram Singh was a visionary leader who masterfully intertwined religion with action, devotion with social reform, and spirituality with national service.

“During an era when India was under colonial oppression, social injustices were rampant, and public spirit was at a low ebb, Baba Ram Singh provided guidance and confidence to society. Through the Namdhari Movement, he fostered principles of self-respect, discipline, and dignity, proving that a true saint awakens society, stands firmly against injustice, and prioritizes humanity,” stated the Chief Minister.

He remarked that the Kuka Movement, spearheaded by Satguru Ram Singh, “is a significant chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. Initiated after 1849 against British dominion in Punjab, this movement was not only an economic backlash but also a formidable attempt to stir the nation’s spirit. Satguru Ram Singh championed a peaceful resistance through non-cooperation and swadeshi, a methodology later embraced by Mahatma Gandhi. He advocated for boycotting foreign merchandise and British institutions, promoted local governance via panchayats, and spread the ethos of self-sufficiency.”

Addressing the historical context, CM Saini noted that the Baba Ram Singh movement posed a significant challenge to British rule. Although he was exiled to Rangoon for his opposition to injustice, his ideologies remained unconfined.

“The Kuka Movement made it evident to the British that their dominance in India was fleeting. In a bid to suppress the movement, 49, and later 16 Namdhari Sikhs, were brutally executed by cannon fire in 1872. From 1857 to 1947, the Namdhari struggle persisted, and through immense sacrifice, the vision of freedom held by Satguru Ram Singh Maharaj was ultimately fulfilled.”

The Chief Minister recounted that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose recognized the sacrifices made by the Namdhari Sikhs, asserting that the nation would forever honor the valor and martyrdom exhibited by the Namdhari Kukas under the freedom banner raised by Satguru Ram Singh.

He expressed that the invaluable freedom attained through the sacrifices of martyrs must be diligently safeguarded. Reflecting this sentiment, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued a commemorative postage stamp on December 24, 2014, in memory of the martyrs of the Kuka Movement. Inspired by Satguru Ram Singh's swadeshi initiative, the Prime Minister has also reiterated the call for self-reliance in contemporary times.