New Delhi, February 2 – On February 3, 1816, a fearless soul entered the world in Bhaini village, Ludhiana, destined to challenge colonial tyranny and ignite spiritual awakening in Punjab. Baba Ram Singh Kuka, the visionary Sikh spiritual leader, not only disrupted British slumber but also spearheaded social reforms that reshaped Sikh society.
Born into humble beginnings, Ram Singh’s early life shunned formal education. His father, Jassa Singh, trained him as a carpenter, but the young man’s spirit yearned for deeper purpose. Enlisted in Sher Singh’s army, fate intervened during a journey to Peshawar. There, Saint Balak Das recognized his potential, initiating him into sacred mantras and a life of moral valor over worldly combat.
By 1845, Ram Singh left the military to immerse himself in Sikh scriptures and Khalsa traditions at Bhaini Sahib. His reputation as a saintly reformer spread rapidly. Followers saw in him not just a guru but a beacon for ethical living and societal change.
On April 12, 1857, he baptized five devoted disciples, founding the Namdhari sect—followers committed to embodying divine presence within. Ram Singh championed gender equality, ethical conduct, and selfless patriotism, urging true warriors to prioritize morality.
Beyond spirituality, Baba Ram Singh led the Kuka Rebellion, launching a non-cooperation movement against British-imposed education, factory goods, and liquor. Punjabis boycotted colonial products en masse, striking fear into imperial hearts. The British responded with arrests; Ram Singh was exiled to Rangoon and later the Andamans.
Enduring 14 years of brutal imprisonment, he passed away in 1885. Yet, his legacy of courage, reform, and resistance endures, inspiring generations to uphold justice and faith.