Founders & Our Parent Body
The Kalgidhar Society – Baru Sahib is a non-profit charitable organisation focussed on providing quality education to fight against the alarming rise in drugs and alcohol abuse. With equal stress on Healthcare, Women Empowerment and Social Welfare, the organisation has been instrumental in the socio-economic uplift of the poor in the far-flung rural areas of North India.
Today the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, and the backward hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are dotted with 130 low cost CBSE Schools, providing modern, value-based education to around 75,000 students.
The students are mostly from the deprived sections of society, admitted regardless of caste, creed, region, religion and social status. The aim is to build a total of 500 low cost schools to provide value-based education to all children at the village level.
The Kalgidhar Society, Baru Sahib also runs 24 Colleges, two Private Universities, six Teachers Training Centres to empower 2000 rural girls, one Hospital with 280 beds, three De-addiction Centres, one Orphanage, one Old Age Home, and one Rehabilitation Centre for Distressed Women, apart from organising four Free Medical/Surgery Camps for the poor in the hilly areas of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh.
Sant Attar Singh Ji
Sant Attar Singh Ji, the most widely known and respected Sant in modern times, was born at Cheema, a village in the erstwhile Jind State (now in Sangrur district of Punjab, India) on 28 March 1866.
His advocacy of education for the girl-child, and blending education with spirituality show his sense of foresightedness. Even a century back, he knew that mere scientific education would only lead to destruction, and education of the girl-child would result in the whole family getting educated.
Towards that end, he first set up a school for girls in 1906. He did that even before establishing a school for boys and Akal Degree College at Mastuana, Punjab. Eventually he established a chain of schools and colleges. He also took part in several educational conferences motivating others to establish many more schools and colleges.
Such was his goodwill and popularity as a messenger of Universal Brotherhood and Oneness, he was personally invited by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya to lay the foundation stone of the Banaras Hindu University on 24 December 1914.
Sant Teja Singh Ji
Niranjan Singh Mehta, who came to be known as Sant Teja Singh Ji later, was born to Bhai Ralla Singh and Ram Kaur at Balowali village (in Pakistan) on 14 May 1877.
Bhai Ralla Singh was a medical doctor working in Central Jail, Lahore. Sant Teja Singh Ji passed his postgraduate studies with distinction and followed it up with a degree in law.
He then went to Harvard University in the United States for further studies. At the centre of his world was an abiding respect for his mentor a belief that education has to holistically blend science with spirituality in order to make the world a better place to live in.
Sant Teja Singh Ji established the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib in 1963 to spread the message of universal brotherhood.
“We believe it is possible to impart quality education to the students of rural areas. We wish to see their minds informed, disciplined, strengthened – in fact, trained in somewhat the same way as per the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj”
– Sant Teja Singh Ji
Padma Shri, Shiromani Pant Rattan awardee, Baba Iqbal Singh ji
Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, a revered social worker, spiritual and visionary leader, dedicated his life to uplifting humanity with compassion and unwavering commitment. Inspired by his Guru, Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, he founded The Kalgidhar Trust at Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, transforming lives through values-based education and community service.
Under the leadership of Baba Ji since 1965, the Trust established 130 CBSE-Pattern schools, providing quality education to over 75,000 underprivileged children across rural India. Starting with a one-room school at Baru Sahib, his vision expanded to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Beyond education, his vision encompassed various initiatives aimed at community welfare, healthcare, and social upliftment, impacting lives across India. His teachings emphasized selfless service, humility, and spiritual advancement, inspiring many to lead purposeful lives.
Baba Ji was awarded with the Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. In 2018 he was bestowed with Shiromani Panth Rattan (precious jewel of the Sikh community) by Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib. In 2022, he was conferred with the Padma Shri by the Government Of India for his contributions in the field of social work.
Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji’s legacy continues to inspire generations, leaving an enduring imprint on society through his profound teachings, charitable endeavors, and unwavering dedication to humanity. His teachings and contributions serve as a guiding light for those seeking enlightenment and a path.
