Bhai Vir Singh’s birth anniversary celebrated with devotional tributes

The 153rd birth anniversary of poet, scholar and religious reformer Bhai Vir Singh was celebrated today at the Bhai Vir Singh Memorial Hall, where a large number of devotees gathered to pay tribute to his life and work.

The programme began with the bhog of the Sehaj Path, followed by the recitation of Bhai Vir Singh’s poems and discussions on his contributions to Punjabi literature. Jathas from Bhai Vir Singh Orphanage Home, Sikh Missionary College and Hazuri Ragi Bhai Baldev Singh presented shabad kirtan on the occasion. A special one-hour katha by Bhai Pinderpal Singh engaged and uplifted the audience.

Gunbir Singh, vice president, Bhai Vir Singh Niwas Asthan, said the celebrations helped people reconnect with the rich legacy of Bhai Vir Singh. “His poetry, shabad gayan and discourses brought his memory alive today. The sangat visited his residence, library and museum with deep admiration and devotion,” he said. The anniversary celebrations today highlighted not only his literary brilliance, but also his deep association with Amritsar, where much of his writing, reformist work and institution-building took shape.

Bhai Vir Singh (1872–1957) is regarded as one of the most influential figures of modern Punjabi literature and a key force behind the Singh Sabha Movement. Several major institutions that shaped Sikh awakening, such as the Chief Khalsa Diwan, the Sikh Educational Society, Khalsa College Amritsar and the Punjab and Sind Bank, trace their origins to his vision and guidance.

Born into a family known for scholars and public service, he rose to prominence at a time when the Sikh identity was facing decline. His poetry and reformist ideas played a major role in reviving cultural confidence among Sikhs.

He founded the Khalsa Tract Society, established the Wazir-e-Hind Press and started the Punjabi weekly Khalsa Samachar. Despite his literary excellence and humanitarian work, Bhai Vir Singh preferred to stay away from the limelight. Recognition came only in the later years of his life, when he was honoured by the Sahitya Akademi and other literary bodies. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan. During a survey conducted by the Hindustan Times, he was voted the most influential Sikh of the twentieth century. On the tercentenary of the Khalsa, the Government of Punjab honoured him with the Nishan-e-Khalsa.