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My FATHER – Dr Kharak Singh
Dr Birendra Kaur*
jo rqy sih AwpxY
iqn BwvY sBu koie ]
Those who are dyed in the love of the Beloved,
Feel love for everybody. – Guru Granth Sahib,
p 557
This best describes my father, Dr Kharak Singh ji. He
was, now I think back, the Almighty’s instrument;
the Lord operated through him. No wonder the love he showered
on everyone alike, and no wonder the love that was reciprocated
by one and all. The emotions of grief at his passing away,
and those of love, respect and admiration for him expressed
by all his relatives, friends, associates, students, neighbors,
and colleagues are beyond words. It was like – A
person, the Dr Kharak Singh ji, much greater, loftier
than the one we knew, emerged. Even for us, the family!
We did not know the extent to which he had carved for
himself a place in the hearts and minds of so many people
the world over. He never mentioned to us what all he was
achieving in the missions closest to his heart; he never
mentioned the honors that were being bestowed on him from
time to time; he never mentioned that he would return
by post the cash part of the honors (accepted on stage
so as not to put anyone in an awkward situation); he never
mentioned how he had lent a helping hand and/or provided
emotional support to many a people at crucial times in
their lives; he never mentioned all the difference he
had made in people’s lives, who attributed their
status and achievements solely to him. Many stated that
he had influenced/impacted their thought process to an
extent that transformed them. We learnt that his magnanimity
and humility knew no bounds. Many conveyed that they felt
like orphans at his demise. All these and many more instances
and intense emotions were revealed to us either by countless
of his admirers who reached out to us or through the speakers
at his bhog ceremony. Further, all such favors and feats
that he performed so naturally, were, as per his instructions,
not even to be mentioned ever.
He exuded radiance, and there was an aura around him that
one could feel from a distance. Whoever met him even once,
took a liking to him and cherished the time spent with
him. Captain Amarinder Singh ji condoled his demise over
the phone, and also paid a kind visit later, as he had
met him a few times over some concerns for the welfare
of the State of Punjab. Chief Minister Sardar Parkash
Singh ji Badal stated in The Tribune, as follows:
Kharak Singh’s death Irreparable Loss
Chandigarh 7, August. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
today expressed grief over the sad demise of Sikh scholar
Kharak Singh, who passed away on Wednesday at Mohali.
In a condolence message, Badal said Dr Kharak Singh was
an institution in himself and would be remembered by one
and all for his outstanding services towards Sikh research
studies. In his death a void has been created in the literary
circles, which was difficult to be filled, he added.
Sardar Avtar Singh ji Makkar, President, SGPC, having
paid a visit at home, yet took a return journey from Delhi
to attend the bhog ceremony. Heads/leading Representatives
of various prominent organizations, like Chief Khalsa
Diwan, Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, Mai Bhago Brigade,
Pingalwara, etc., and prominent personalities, like Dr
Sardara Singh Johl, Sardar Bhag Singh Ankhi, Dr Khem Singh
Gill, Dr Balwant Singh Dhillon, amongst others, personally
paid rich tributes. On account of time constraints, many
other prominent personalities belonging to the political,
religious as well as academic fields could not share their
sentiments. Many a sog-mattas could only be mentioned
by name of the Organizations. Verbal condolences were
conveyed personally.
The coming together of so many organizations and personalities
of diverse hues and views is a reflection of Dr Kharak
Singh ji’s multifaceted, open-minded, flexible,
perceptive, thoughtful, kind, considerate, understanding
nature. It was due to such a disposition, spirit, and
temperament that he was able to come that far towards
building a brighter, united future for the Panth.
As a child, I remember studying very hard starting from
school days, through college to university so as to excel
in exams – only to see a smile on my father’s
face. Later, for the same reason, upon his suggestion
and encouragement to write something about human hair
from Biology (my subject) point of view, I wrote some
articles that were compiled in the treaties Hail Hair!
Lately, for the same reason again, I was assisting him
to the best of my ability and availability, as he devoted
himself to the cause of the Guru. I could see that he
was passionately engrossed in a noble mission, towards
the realization of which he was working round-the-clock
diligently, industriously. On the one hand, he was finding
solutions to the woes of the Panth and, on the other,
he was taking the universal concerns of the Gurus of justice,
equality and sarbat da bhala to the entire mankind. As
such, I felt that it was a God-sent opportunity for me
to be in my situation. I felt very fortunate to be a member
of his immediate family as well as that of his extended
family – the Panth. But, courtesy the same situation,
my loss today is also doubled!
More recently, but this time for my own satisfaction,
I have compiled Dr Kharak Singh’s editorials that
appeared in the Abstractsof Sikh Studies and articles
that he contributed to various seminars on Sikhism into
two books, titled the Turn of the Century: A Commentary
on Panthic Events and Selected Sikh Doctrines, respectively,
to be published by Singh Brothers, Amritsar, shortly.
We are familiar with his achievements; I shall share with
you his recent times, comprising mainly the around 5-month
long illness, from which he never recovered. On learning
that a recent surgery has been successful, his very first
words in the post-surgery Recovery Room, even before gaining
full consciousness, in a state of semi-consciousness,
were, “If, by the Grace of Waheguru, I have survived
then I am destined to do more sewa.” To him, his
very existence and sewa were synonymous.
He considered himself fortunate that, in spite of his
surgeries and treatments, there was not a single day when
he had missed his nitnem. On this, I asked him as to how
many times he had recited the Guru Granth Sahib? “Innumerable”,
he replied, “I have lost count.” The bir of
Guru Granth Sahib always illumined his home, whichever
country of the world he served.
One would get to hear him singing, in a mystic trance,
a shabad every morning – probably his vaak of the
day. He was an exceptional singer with an extremely melodious
voice. I wanted to record a few shabads by him for our
personal collection, to which he agreed, but never could
find the time from his ever occupied, busy schedule. But,
his voice still resounds in my ears!
The growing and spreading cancer within him was simply
bhana (will) of the Lord – a testimony of his unflinching
faith in the Almighty and absolute submission to His will.
Even in this state of terminal illness, when one could
succumb to mental agony, he devoted all the energy he
had in him and continued indefatigably the activities
that he was engaged in and sharing his vision with his
associates.
The glow on his feeble face had to be seen to be believed,
when he learnt, only recently, through Col Jagtar Singh
Multani, Offg CEO, ISC, that Dr Manmohan Singh, PM, had
sanctioned the finances for the standard translation of
Guru Granth Sahib – a project that too was his brainchild.
He was much concerned that only a translation, which is
collectively approved by a galaxy of Sikh scholars, should
be referred to by English-knowing readers as well as by
those who are going to take up its further translations
into other languages of the world – so as to guarantee,
as far as possible, the true spirit of Gurbani to one
and all. He conceptualised numerous such projects, utilizing
every moment of his life meaningfully – to the last.
He waited eagerly to recover and get back to work, since
he had a long list of activities to complete and initiate.
One day, he did appear poignant, and expressed his helplessness,
saying, “Now what exercise can I do for cancer?!”
Countless of his well wishers prayed that some years of
their lives may get added to Dr Sahib’s life, for
they felt convinced that his guidance was indispensable
for a progressive, brighter future of the Panth, and the
exercise of its responsibilities towards humanity. He
valued their emotion, but he was clear, “The lifespan
is pre-determined by the Almighty; it is what deeds one
performs during this period, that is of significance.”
His approach was that whatever holds approved on the touchstone
of Gurbani, one must endeavor to accomplish the same with
grit and resolve. And, irrespective of the political party
to which we belong, whatever be our economic or social
status, we must all stand united, work together to achieve
new heights/levels.. His modus operandi: “We must
ferry our kishti across, even in the face of the tempest;
rather now is the need, and consistency in efforts a must.
Under favorable conditions, everything functions smoothly
anyway.” Some would ask him, “Two earlier
efforts of making a world-level organization by the Sikhs
have not materialized, then why are you putting in so
much effort into it again?” He would reply, “Because
earlier two efforts have not materialized, that is why.
Such an organisation is indispensable; this is the only
route to the destined glory, promised by the Guru.”
Nobody on earth could stop him from executing his clear-cut
convictions!
The genre of the institutions that he established with
the support from his able friends have the capability
to cater to and handle effectively the contemporary unresolved
issues as well as those that may arise in the times to
come. These think tanks are also in a position to chalk
out programs and offer guidelines for progress of the
Sikh community along an appropriate course from time to
time.
I shall also touch upon another aspect of his personality,
with which many readers may not be familiar. Reading about
his numerous achievements in the fields of education,
religion, and social service, one would visualize him
to be a serious, somber, solemn personality, who, probably,
also couldn’t care less about his appearance. But,
on the contrary, he would dress up fondly, and looked
handsome and dignified in every kind of attire. I am reminded
of the 20th Jan 2003, when he had invited his local friends
and relatives to a surprise party, and disclosed only
on the occasion that it was the golden jubilee of their
wedding. And, also that he was wearing the same achkan
he had worn 50 years ago on his wedding day! Making, at
the same time, a point that he still fitted it. Taking
care of health was a priority with him; he followed a
regular regime of fitness exercises that included, walks,
PT, yoga, etc. His job and passion demanded frequent travelling,
yet the fitness regime was followed, no matter which city
of the world he would wake up in.
I am reminded of another occasion -- the chatth (house-warming)
ceremony on 1st May 1983. On this day, after the bhog
ceremony, he acknowledged the hard work put in by all
the contractors and labourers, and honoured them individually
in the sangat.
And, far from being the grim, grave kind, he was jovial,
light-hearted, cheerful, and relaxed. His workload did
not accompany him out of his office. He was at home in
every kind of gathering, be it that of high officials,
laypersons, relatives or children. His childlike innocence,
sparkling eyes, honest expressions at once made one feel
comfortable. He had a great sense of humor and was witty
to the core. Just to mention two instances:
* Once his friend was boasting about his own brilliant
performance at school to a young child, who was not performing
as well at school. He proudly impressed upon the child:
“I never got 99% marks in Math!” Noticing
that the child was coming under pressure, Papaji, in a
bid to release the child’s tension, told him that
you can also say, “I also never got 99% marks in
Math ever!”
* Once someone was lamenting that the girl’s family
has conveyed: “…there should not be more than
11 bandey in the baraat.” Papaji suggested that
he could tell them, “Bandey taan 11 hi hongey…
”
There was never a sitting with him in which you would
not get a slice of his wit. It was always fresh comments,
as per the conversation in progress – custom-built,
on the spot! For that reason, you had to be with him to
relish his crisp wit.
Even towards the end, when he was confined to bed, one
of my cousins said, “So, Mamaji, you have fallen
sick.” “Yes,” he replied, “for
a change.” It was indeed a change, for even at the
age of 86, his verve and nerve matched that of the youth.
And, even this ‘change’ did not deter him
from his mission. Meetings began to be held at home, and
then around his bed. The latest two Editorials of the
Abstracts came from the hospital bed. Even on the 4th
of August, he dictated me a letter (reproduced on p 128)
addressed to Sardar Waryam Singh ji, Secretary, Dharam
Prachar Committee of SGPC, referring to some ongoing projects
along with the ones to be undertaken in the future. Next
day, he became unconscious, and the next his light merged
with His.
He was truly dyed in the love of the Almighty and was
one with the Guru to such an extent that the last words
we heard from him were ‘Waheguru’ ‘Waheguru.’
Blessed are those on whom Waheguru entrusts noble responsibilities,
and also gives them the competence to carry these out.
Blessed, thus, was Dr Kharak Singh ji, who was chosen
by the Almighty for participating so significantly in
the service of the Panth and humanity at large.
Fortunate am I to be the daughter of such a gurmukh.
(Watching
my father’s burning pyre, I felt that it was his
'jalau' that had set the logs afire!)
