Important Sikh Figures

A lifelong sevadaar who carried the abandoned, the disabled, and the dying on his own back through the streets of Lahore and later Amritsar. In 1947 he founded the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society — a shelter that to this day cares for thousands who have nowhere else to go. He embodied Vand Chhako and Seva more visibly than almost any modern figure.

A bank employee who, working from cremation-ground records, documented over 25,000 illegal cremations of disappeared Sikh youth in Punjab during the 1980s–90s. He testified internationally before being kidnapped by Punjab police on 6 September 1995 and tortured to death. His evidence remains the bedrock of the long fight for accountability.

Fourteenth Jathedar of the Damdami Taksal. He led one of the largest amrit-sanchaar revivals of the 20th century, calling Sikhs back to Rehat, Nitnem and the Khalsa identity. He attained shaheedi inside Sri Harimandar Sahib complex during the Indian Army's June 1984 assault, Operation Blue Star.

Sikh bodyguards of the then-Prime Minister who carried out the response to the desecration of Sri Harimandar Sahib in 1984. Bhai Beant Singh was killed at the spot; Bhai Satwant Singh was hanged in 1989. They are remembered in ardaas as shaheeds of the Panth.

One of the towering parchaariks of the early 20th century. He spread Naam, Nitnem and amrit across rural Punjab and founded the famous Akal College and Gurdwara complex at Mastuana sahib.

Renowned for his deep katha of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and his quiet, persistent seva at Gurdwara Rara Sahib. His recorded katha is still studied across the world.

Long-serving leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and a central voice for Sikh rights during Partition and the campaign for Punjabi Suba. Spent years in jail for the Panth.

Among the most beloved katha-vachaks of the late 20th century, he delivered katha in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu across India and the diaspora. His recorded katha remains a primary entry point for many into Gurmat.