BHAI RANDHIR SINGH JI (1878-1961) Freedom Fighter, Reformer, Theologian, and Hero of Lahore Conspiracy Case, First Prisoner of Gurdwara Reform Movement

In the first two decades of this century, when the cry of freedom was a distant dream, decadence and demoralization had corroded the foundations of religious, soil and political integrity of our people, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh emerged as the most brilliant star of a new epoch, an apostle of the faith, who did not lecture or sermonize but poured his thoughts and experiences through stirring divine songs of Gurbani; a reformer, who did not change society by precepts but by example; a revolutionary, who threw away pride and position of an upper class family and plunged into the most daring revolt against British Imperialism at a time when even radical politicians did not dare to raise their little finger for freedom and liberty.

For more than than fifteen years (May 1915 to October 1930) Bhai Randhir Singh Ji was imprisoned for his involvement in the Ghaddr (Freedom Revolt) movement. After suffering a terrible and torturous prison life, and upon his release, Bhai Sahib was bestowed with the great honors in the form of Hukamnamas by all (then) four Takhats.

History will bear witness to the fact the bones and the blood of these real freedom fighters fertilized the arid soil of their country's political field. It is a pity that those who have reaped the fruits of their labors and those who wear the crown of gold, unearthed from the valley of death of these heroes, have deliberately, consciously and callously forgotten those who carried the cross of freedom to the peak of liberty. But history the greatest and ultimate judge will not forget them.