Bhagat Puran Singh (4 June 1904 – 5 August 1992) might have been born in Rajewal (Rohno) Ludhiana district, Punjab. Born into a Hindu family, he was given the name Ramji Das as a child.
He was a mature environmentalist and visionary. He initiated tree plantation drives, organised talks and lectures on various issues concerning the environment and social life, and also wrote a large number of books regarding the same. Some of his famous works include "Education of man","Righteousness alone exalts a nation","Plant or Perish", "The Way," "The Increasing Population", and many others. Along with Davinderpal Sandhu, he founded Spring Dale Senior School in 1980. He distributed free pamphlets and books to make the people aware of the impending dangers to the environment and society through the Pingalwara Society.
He talked about creating awareness about combating environment pollution and erosion of natural resources, which have now become the biggest challenge for civilisation. He talked about such ideas when these were not even thought upon.
Bhagat Puran Singh, popularly also called as bearded Mother Teresa, had probably foresighted the brazen exploitation of natural resources and its consequences. The reason, he propagated a lifestyle in harmony with nature and advocated the green revolution.
The topic of environment was very dear to him. He believed in simple living and it is today’s requirement.A big believer of sewa (service), Bhagat Puran Singh served the poor and down trodden. He cleaned streets, nurtured the sick and adopted an eco-friendly lifestyle. His service towards the environment was what we also need to adopt. Using a bicycle as means of transport and saving water through waste water management, all his ideas were simple and scientific in nature.
Working on his principles, Pingalwara’s Bhagat Puran Singh Farm, spread over 32 acres at Dhirakot near Jandiala, practices zero wastage and has a water treatment plant and dairy farm. It has taken the lead in natural farming techniques and produces the best sugarcane without using pesticides.
I have a reading craze which lead me to read an article about Bhagat Puran Singh. I was extremely impressed by his passion for nature. He became my role model. My passion for nature increased and as a result, I participated in all environmental sectors. I thought of planting more trees, one the most basic steps protect environment.
In the past three years, I have planted nearly more than twenty five saplings in UAE and India.I have participated in several clean-up campaigns as well. I hope to continue doing more.
-Shradhdha Kannappan - SFE ambassador
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