HARCHAND SINGH JEJI
Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji (11.1.1893 – 6.12.1984), son of Sirdar Gulab Singh, was born at village Charhal (district Patiala). This family had been serving the Patiala State since long; hence the ruler has special regards for them. Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji received his preliminary education from Patiala. Later he joined Khalsa College Amritsar. At Amritsar he came into contact with several senior Sikh leaders.
After completing his studies, he joined service at Patiala Darbar. He served the Darbar for more than 8 years. By this time Pandit Daya Kishan Kaul had established himself at Patiala Darbar and Bhupindera Singh (the ruler of Patiala) was in his grip. When Sirdar Harchand Singh felt that Pandit Kaul had become unbearable, he resigned his job.
During this period, his son got married to the daughter of Bhai Sewa Singh Thikriwala. Bhupindera Singh did not like this. For some time Bhupindera Singh interned Sirdar Harchand Singh in latter’s bungalow (because Sirdar Harchand Singh had wore black turban to exhibit his solidarity with the Panth). In 1933-34, Baba Kharak Singh visited Patiala State. Those who welcomed Kharak Singh were given severe punishments by Bhupindera Singh. Bhupindera Singh confiscated sirdar Harchand Singh’s bungalow at Patiala. Sometimes later, Bhupindera Singh confiscated the rest of the property of Sirdar Harchand Singh and expelled him from the State. Sirdar Harchand Singh moved to Amritsar.
In 1938, Bhupindera Singh died and his son Yadavindera Singh became the chief of the State. Yadavindera Singh expressed his sympathy for all those who had to suffer at the hands of Bhupindera Singh. Yadavindera Singh himself married the daughter of Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji.
Sirdar Harchand Singh Jeji was a very generous person. He made liberal contribution for the Panthic causes and for social welfare. In September 1961, Sirdar Harchand Singh played his role to bring an end to Master Tara Singh’s fast unto death.
Attack on Darbar Sahib by Indira Gandhi made him despondent. Massacre of the Sikhs during Black November further affected his health and he died within a few days.
(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)