KARTAR SINGH BHINDRANWALE

(Giani) Kartar Singh Bhindranwala (4.10.1932 – 16.8.1977), son of Jathedar Jhanda Singh, was born at village Purane Bhure (district Amritsar). He got initiation from Giani Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwala, in 1948, when he was a student of the 12th grade, at Khalsa College Amritsar. After his studies he joined service as Patwari (village registrar), at Muktsar. After a few months, he resigned his job and joined the Jatha of Giani Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwale. Due to his devotion, loyalty and his understanding of the Sikh scriptures, he became the most favourite of Giani Gurbachan Singh. On June 28, 1969, Giani Gurbachan Singh died, without making formal declaration about a successor. Giani Kartar Singh claimed that Giani Gurbachan Singh had appointed him as his succeeor. Some members of the Jatha wished to appoint Giani Mohan Singh as the successor of the Jatha. In became a dispute of Majha and Malwa area (Kartar Singh was from Majha and Moan Singh was from Malwa). This led to division in the Jatha.

To avoid confrontation Giani Kartar Singh set up his dera at Chowk Mehta. He remained the in charge of Bhindran Jatha for eight years only. During this short span, he declared his jatha as Damdami Taksaal and clained that it had been started by Guru Gobind Singh, Bhai Mani Singh and Bab Deep Singh (which was a lie).

Giani Kartar Singh was an eloquent speaker and writer too. He edited the works of Giani Gurbachan Singh, under the heading of Khalsa Jiwan. He built several Gurdwaras e.g. at Chowk Mehta (Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash), Kabarwala, Ram Thamman, Kahlwan etc. The Jatha established its headquarters at village Mehta (district Amritsar). Due to this Jatha came to be known as Bhindran-Mehta Jatha. On August 3, 1977, he was severely wounded in an accident. He refused to allow trimming of hair from a part of his body, even for the sake of medical operation. He succumbed to injuries, on August 16, 1977.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)