Delhi marks 100th martyrdom day of Teja Singh Samundri

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday paid tribute to his grandfather, renowned Akali leader Sardar Teja Singh Samundri, on his 100th martyrdom anniversary at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, where several eminent dignitaries gathered to honour the freedom fighter’s legacy.

The commemorative programme, held at Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara Hall, was attended by former President Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s wife Gursharan Kaur, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, members of the Delhi Cabinet, judges of the Supreme Court and High Court, and a large gathering of devotees. The event also featured soulful Shabad Kirtan by Padma Shri Bhai Harjinder Singh (Srinagar Wale), followed by Guru ka Langar.

Sardar Teja Singh Samundri, one of the foremost leaders of the Akali movement and a key architect of the Gurdwara Reform Movement, was martyred in Lahore Jail on July 17, 1926, while serving the Panth. He played a pivotal organisational role in the formative years of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and was instrumental in leading several peaceful protest movements, including the Guru Ka Bagh Morcha, Rakabganj Morcha, Jaito Morcha, Nabha Morcha and Chabiyan Morcha.

Beyond his contribution to Sikh religious reform, Samundri was also remembered for championing social equality. According to the note, he took a stand against caste discrimination by encouraging Dalits to draw water from common village wells and publicly serving them, while also establishing schools in Sarhali and Lyallpur in 1917 to promote education. His work earned recognition beyond the Sikh community, with the Indian National Congress reportedly seeking his inclusion in its Working Committee. He was also associated with the founding efforts of the Hindustan Times in 1924.

Samundri as a leader known for his humility, organisational ability and commitment to non-violent resistance. Despite repeated imprisonment, he remained steadfast in his service until his death in Lahore Jail a century ago. His ideals of selfless service, moral courage and dedication to public life continue to inspire generations, the LG said.