Satguru Ram Singh was a Sikh philosopher (Indian philosophy) and reformer and the first Indian to use non cooperation and boycott of British merchandise and services as a political weapon.”
Satguru Ram Singh ji, the founder of Namdhari Sikhism, and Kuka Movement was born as the eldest son of Mata Sada Kaur and Jassa Singh on 3 February 1816. He was born into a respected carpenter family, which lived in the village of Raiyan, near Sri Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana.
The child was named Ram Dhan. Miracles are associated with his birth and childhood. Even as a child he had aspiritual bent of mind.
As a young man, Satguru Ram Singh ji served in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Satguru Ram Singh ji's regiment was called the Regiment of Bhagats as he led a disciplined life and inspired the fellow soldiers to be religious. He was pained by the immoral ways of the soldiers of the Sikh army and was disillusioned with the fall in values of the society. After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in1939, the disintegration of the Sikh empire was imminent.
In 1845, After receiving the Guru Mantra from Satguru Balak Singh ji, Ram Singh followed his path and got the name Satguru Ram Singh then one fine day as per his guru guidance, on April 12, 1857, Baisakhi, an auspicious day in the history of Namdhari Sikhism. On that day, Satguru Ram Singh ji administered amrit to five of his disciples and founded the Namdhari Khalsa. On that day, Satguru Ram Singh ji hoisted a white triangular flag in Sri Bhaini Sahib before a small group of artisans and peasants who formed the core of his Namdhari Khalsa.
Satguru Ram Singh ji named his sect Namdhari as the disciples had to enshrine the Lord's name in their heart and soul. From birth to death, they would live with the naam. Satguru Ram Singh ji knew that only a person of high moral values and principles could sacrifice his life for the cause of the nation and society. He set out to create this ideal Sikh who would be spiritually and morally empowered.
Satguru Ram Singh ji toured the entire Punjab with his disciples, administering naam and amrit to thousands who sought his spiritual guidance. It is said that within ten years from 1857 to 1867, Satguru ji had baptised over seven lakh people. Men, women and children of all ages thronged in thousands to his camp to join the spiritual movement which gave them a unique identity and dignity.
In course of time, Baba Ram Singh became a secular chief of Kukas. He would go about surrounded by horsemen and held his court everyday. He appointed Governors and Deputy Governors to organize Kukas in different districts of the Punjab.
He also inspired young men by giving them military training.The Kuka Movement made the people aware of their serfdom and bondage. It evoked the feelings of self respect and sacrifice for the country. Within a few years, the followers of the Kuka Movement increased manifold. They called for boycott of educational institutions of British and laws established by them. They were rigid in their clothing and wore only hand-spun white attire. The Kuka followers actively propagated the civil disobedience.It seemed inevitable that before long,
January 15. 1872. The Kuka outbreak was visited by terrible punishment, which was equalled in brutality by few events in our history. A large number of Kuka prisoners were blown to death with cannons and their leader Baba Ram Singh was deported to Rangoon.In 1920, the Kukas started publication of the paper ‘Satyug‘, and in 1922, the daily, ’Kuka’ was started. When the Non–Cooperation Movement was started by Gandhiji, the Kukas joined hands.
Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp to highlight the heroic deeds of the unsung heroes of the Kuka Movement.
Issued Date : 24.12.2014
Denomination : 500 Paise
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