1.  Dr Kharak Singh, founder member of the Institute of Sikh Studies and revered Founder Convener of the International Sikh Confederation passed away a year ago on August 6, 2008 at Chandigarh.  For us members of both Sikh Organizations, he was a father figure, under the shadow of whose brilliance and guidance we flourished.  After a lifetime of dedicated and excellent contribution to Agricultural Economics in India and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, his deep devotion to the cause of the welfare of Sikhs cannot ever be forgotten.  For us in the International Sikh Confederation, he was mentor, divine guide, and determined leader with a clear goal and, last but not least, a large-hearted fatherly host.  In all this, Mrs Raj Mohinder Kaur, his life partner, provided an atmosphere of divine bliss, enabling Doctor Sahib to produce top standard books on Sikh history, philosophy, religion and a quarterly magazine par excellence.  The lady, who is now our Patron and guide, nursed this great scholar with wifely care till he breathed his last:

2.  His boundless energy for work has inspired us to try to walk in his footsteps.  It wasn’t easy.  Visit him anytime, any day and there he was – smiling, welcoming, and full of energy, and a gracious host.  Every minute with him was a pleasure and seldom did we leave in a hurry.  Each minute spent with this great man was a learning one.  Problems were always solved with a fresh and friendly outlook and after each meeting we parted with a sense of purpose and the will to march forward faster and faster.  All this was surprisingly true – hence can we ever forget this loving, genius.  With me remains a deep and painful regret – Why didn’t I meet this demigod earlier?  Who knows what we might have achieved together!

3.  On this day of 6 August 2009, on the great man’s first barsi, I call on all members of our two organizations to re-dedicate themselves to the various Sikh causes that our revered mentor – Dr Kharak Singh espoused with rare enthusiasm and strive to complete the tasks that he, along with all of us, set out to achieve.  May Waheguru give us at least the same mental, physical and spiritual strength that this wonderful human being possessed and achieved throughout his eventful life.  He will always be an inspiration to those who came into close contact with him.

4. May Waheguru Ji give his family members added strength in their mission of spreading the values and writings of this true and humble Sikh.
International Sikh Confederation
Chandigarh

(Courtesy:  Sewa Lehar, August 2009, p 5)