NewZNew (Chandigarh) : On Saturday, while the Nation paid its tribute of gratitude to the great freedom fighters who won the political independence for the country, the followers of the Sant Nirankari Mission all over India and across the world remembered their own great saints who dedicated their lives for spiritual liberation of the mankind. They observed the day as Mukti Parv or the Spiritual Liberation Day.
A mammoth gathering of devotees from the capital city and its adjoining states of Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh congregated to take part in the Main Samagam Delhi despite rainy weather. Everyone including elders, Youngers and children paid tribute to the saints who received God-knowledge and preached the same till the last breath of their life. Their services were described as a conscious effort towards elevating the stature of mankind with no discrimination of caste, creed or colour.
The special day derives its significance from Jagatmata Budhwanti Ji, the esteemed spouse of the then Head of the Mission Shahenshah Baba Avtar Singh Ji, who left for her heavenly abode on this day in 1964. Later, when Baba Avtar Singh Ji himself merged into this eternal abode on September 17, 1969, tributes began to be paid to him also on this day. The day was christened Mukti Parv in 1979 when Rev Labh Singh Ji, the first President of the Sant Nirankari Mandal passed away on August 15 that year. Now as decided by His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj, the Mission will pay their tributes to Nirankari Rajmata Kulwant Kaur Ji also on this very day, even though she breathed her last on August 29, last year. She had a long journey of 84 years inspiring millions to lead a balanced and spiritual life based on divine virtues. She taught everyone what humanity is, by being humble herself. Her words were always noble and polite whether they were spoken to children, youngsters or adults.
Speaking on the occasion, Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj said “The contributions of the remembered saints are truly lofty and great. They spent their life to spread the message of truth and salvation of the soul from the bondage of birth and death. Man also needs to get rid of many more chains and bondages that exist in the society like casteism, alcoholism, hatred and ego of wealth and power, etc. These saints led us to the path of abolishing such bondages by God-realization and living a virtuous life.
The contribution Rajmata Ji made to promote the Mission and to improve the individual and social life of every child, youth or the elderly who came into her contact, cannot be described in words. She taught every spiritual and social aspect of the Mission not only by words but through action. She lived what she preached and remained steadfast whatever the circumstance. No unrest in the law and order situation, challenges of the rural areas due to lack of facilities, her own deteriorating health or even old age could deter her from travelling and attending congregations. In fact, she used to say that she recovers from indisposition when she attends congregations and meets Sadh Sangat.
The height of her devotion, dedication, the spirit of love and sacrifice, the broad vision patience, tolerance, humility and sweetness of language took her life beyond the reach of words to described it. She dismantled all the walls of caste, religion, region and culture and treated every high and low, rich and poor, office-bearer and Sewadar alike. She advised even her own children to identify with Sadh Sangat or devotees and not the (holy) family and claim privileges as a matter of right. We can only try to take inspiration and follow such a lofty example.”
Earlier, His Holiness inaugurated an exhibition dedicated to Rajmata Ji’s life and teachings. Titled ‘Rajmaa … Ek Amit Prerana’ (an everlasting motivation), the exhibition was spread over six sections – Motherly Affection; Sweetness; Purity; Broad Vision, Faith; and Humility.
The exhibition used a rainbow to depict Rajmata Ji’s life as a beautiful blending of every colour of life. It introduced the exhibition to the viewer in the words: “The very moment, when those torment drops of rain blend with the pious rays of sun, a rainbow is painted. We think of you. The way you looked at blending the good and the bad. Searching for that friend in an enemy. Finding love in those thorns of hatred. Seeking humility beyond those layers of ego. Some call it optimism. Millions call it – Rajmaa”.
The exhibition concluded with the message of His Holiness that ‘Sadh Sangat also remains a mother’ (Satguru Ka Bayaan, Sadh Sangat Hai Maa).
During the Samagam, His Holiness blessed the young boys and girls who achieved ten top positions in an All-India Essay Competition organized in April 2015 by Prachar Vibhag of the Sant Nirankari Mandal. They belonged to two age groups 10-16 and 16-20 years. The topics related to the history of the Sant Nirankari Mission in general and the life and teachings of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji, in particular.