JODH SINGH, BHAI
Bhai Jodh Singh (31.5.1882 – 4.12.1981), son of Bakhshi Ram Singh, was born at village Ghungrila (district Rawalpindi). His father died when he was just 2 years old. He received his early education at Rawalpindi. In 1902, he moved to Amritsar to become home teacher of the sons of Sir Sunder Singh Majithia. During his job, he passed his B.A. in 1904 by topping the university and M.A. in Mathematics again by topping the university. In 1906, he joined Khalsa College as a Lecturer in Mathematics. During this time he studied a lot of Sikh literature and the other works of philosophy. Due to his association with student leaders, he had to resign his job in 1913. During this period he did odd jobs till he re-joined as Professor of Divinity at Khalsa College in 1924. He was also nominated as a member of the Punjab Legislative Council. At that time the Gurdwara reform movement (1920-25) was at its climax. Bhai Jodh Singh played the role of a mediator between the Akalis and the British regime. He was appointed Principal of Khalsa College Amritsar in 1935. The same year, he mediated a compromise between Master Tara Singh and the ruler of Patiala. He moved to Ludhiana after his retirement in 1952. In 1954, he founded Punjabi Sahit Academy. In 1962, he was appointed as the first vice-chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala. He was awarded honorary degrees of D.Litt. by Panjab University Chandigarh and the Punjabi University Patiala. Bhai Jodh Singh wrote several books including Sikhi Ki Hai (1911), Tika Japuji Sahib and Bhagat Bani Satik (1911), Life of Guru Amar Das Ji (1921), Gurmat Nirnay (1932), Prachin Biran Bare Bhullan Di Sodh (1947), Some Studies in Sikhism (1953), Gospel of Guru Nanak in His Own Words (1969) Kartarpur Wali Bir De Darshan (1969), Kabir (1971) etc. Bhai Jodh Singh always maintained good relationship with the regime of the day. As a person he was a strict disciplinarian. Punctuality of time was his principle, and he practiced it throughout his life. He died at Ludhiana in 1981.
(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)