ISHAR SINGH MAJHAIL

Ishar Singh Majhail (January 1901 – 20.4.1977), son of Bhai Aasa Singh, was born at village Sarai Amanat Khan (district Amritsar). Due to his father’s death, he could not complete his studies. He passed his Matric examination from Malwa Khalsa High School Ludhiana, at the age of 21.

In 1922, he courted arrest in Guru Ka Bagh agitation. After his release he joined as a missionary of the S.G.P.C. In 1924, he was arrested in connection with Jaito agitation. He spent two years in jail. In 1927, he joined Baba Wisakha Singh Dadehar on his visit to Burma, to collect funds for the families of the freedom fighters. The same year he joined the Sikh Missionary College and studied there for two years.

In 1930, he courted arrest in the agitation of the farmers. He worked hard during Shaheed Ganj Agitation (1935-36). In 1938, he was selected as the secretary of the management of the newly established Sikh National College Lahore.

In 1940, he was appointed as the general secretary of the newly formed Akal Fauj (literally: the Immortal Army). In 1942, he was arrested during the Quit India agitation.

In 1944, he presided over the Akali conference held at Jandiala (Jullundur). In 1946, he was elected M.L.A. In 1947, he was appointed Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation. Later, he was given ministry of Civil Supplies, Industry, Forests and Agriculture. He remained minister up to 1957.

Even after this he remained loyal to Congress party and opposed the Akali Dal on almost every issue. Jathedar Udham Singh Nagoke was his mentor and principal guide and he remained loyal to him. He spent last years of his life in isolation as an ordinary Congress activist.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)