Ramgarhia Sikhs

Ramgarhia Sikhs constitute that group of the Sikh community which has progressed most, both in India and abroad and have made their presence felt everywhere. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, the head of Ramgarhia Misl, is among the most prominent person of Sikh history. He had conquered a number of territories in the Bari Duab area of Punjab including Batala, Kalanaur, Deena Nagar, Gurdaspur and considerable part of Jalandhar Doab fell under his control. The Hill rulers of Kangra, Nurpur, Mandi and Chamba started paying him a tribute of 2 lakh of rupees. Jassa Singh was earlier known as Ichhogallia after the name of his village, but later on when he was assigned to the task of rebuilding Ram Rauni Fort at Amritsar, and after reconstruction he named it Ramgarh, he became popular as Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. They are among the most well-known artisans of the world. They are known for their excellence in making furniture, tools and implements and all kinds of machines. If one visits the State of Punjab, and particularly, the town of Ludhiana, one will come across large number of families engaged in the business of manufacturing machines and machinery parts. Similarly, Jalandhar is a centre for manufacturing hand tools. A large number of agricultural implements are made in Phagwara, Gurayan and other similar towns of the State. The Ramgarhias engaged in the fabrication of machines and other machinery parts, even when they are semi-skilled, are so perfect that it is difficult to find fault with their products.
The Ramgarhia Sikhs have made a tremendous contribution in the development of agro-industries in the private sector. They could foresee the agricultural development of the State of Punjab and came out with innovations which could influence agricultural mechanization in the whole country. “One such example is that of Sunder Singh, who started with Persian wheels and became one of the most reputed thrashermanufacturing units in the country. The machine-Ludhiana Thrasher-developed by him became popular in all wheat growing regions of the country and was responsible for the development of a wide range of thrashing equipment and establishment of a new farm machinery industry in Punjab and neighbouring States. In Punjab it would not have been possible to handle the wheat harvest during the last few years, if the power thrashers were not there. (Green Revolution in Punjab, Author: Dr. M.S. Randhawa, Former V.C., PAU, p. 29)
Their contribution for strengthening the Ramgarhia group of Sikh community has benefitted the entire Sikh community in different ways. They have contributed not only in making and managing Gurdwaras in most of the prominent towns of the world, but, have also by starting a number of educational and medical health institutions. That is why, we have a large number of Ramgarhia associations working in all these spheres not only in Punjab and other parts of northern India, but also at various other places in India and abroad. However, the maximum organisations of Ramgarhias are also like Bhatras in U.K. only. We will discuss some of their organisation working in different spheres in India and abroad in the following paragraphs. They have setup their own Gurdwaras in most of the prominent towns of the world. Whereas, in Punjab we find Ramgarhia’s Gurdwaras in town and villages also, we find some Gurdwaras in other parts of the country and also other prominent towns of foreign countries. These Gurdwaras are managed by particular Ramgarhia organisations. They have been forming their Biradari Associations in most of the towns of the world and one of the tasks of these organisations has been the management of Gurdwara built by them.

Bhai Bandi

One of the earliest organisations formed by Ramgarhia Biradari came into being in 1940 at Amritsar. This organisation named as Bhai Bandi was founded on 29th April 1940. Bhai Bandi is the name of the organisation registered under the societies act1860 in 1951 at Amritsar. Its registration No. is 41/1951-52. During all these years, the members of this association have been meeting twice a month to share their views and experiences and resolve any issue arising in the life of individual or among themselves. Another notable feature of these meetings is the appreciation of all those persons who have done some good work and brought honour to the biradari/Sikh religion. Such persons are honoured also by arranging specific occasions. The charitable works undertaken by the society include helping the needy people. The biggest achievement of this organisations the setting up Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Bhavan and Bhai Lalo Ji Hall. These places are used for various celebrations including the most important celebration of the birth anniversary of S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. The association also joins the combined celebration of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia’s birth anniversary at Bunga Ramgarhia Sri Darbar Sahib and at Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Park, G.T. Road, Amritsar. The President and Secretary of this organisation are S. Jaspal Singh (Mob. 9876294700) and S. Sukhwinder Singh Ghatore (Mob. 991562652) respectively.

All India S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Federation

A federation in the name of S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was started in 1980 at Amritsar. However, in 1992 it was renamed as All India S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Federation and was registered as a society at Amritsar (Regd AW_320 Year 1992) in the said name. It was mainly setup to propagate the history and achievements of S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia by celebrating his birthday and renovating and raising memorials in his name. There were certain general objects which were meant for the entire Sikh community and other people (not only Ramgarhias). This becomes clear from the aims specified by them in following words.

To help every needy and weak person either male, female or child without any discrimination.
To open FREE Industrial training schools, education schools, colleges and Hospitals.
To preach our History to the new generations and publish books and prepare literatures, preserve historical sites and rebuild lost historical places as much as possible.
To celebrate the Birthdays and anniversaries etc. of our Great forefathers to preach the same with our peoples for their knowledge.
To preach the Gurbani and Shabad Guru for proper understanding of the common man

To achieve the above targets, the Federation, first of all decided to celebrate the Birthday of M. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia on every 5th May of the year. So the first time in Amritsar, the Birthday of M. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was celebrated on 5th May, 1980. Scholars from University were called to read their research papers to give the audience the knowledge of our Ramgarhia history and the honour of Ramgarhia as conferred by the Sikh Panth to them. Small Tracts and Brochures were prepared and distributed free in all the consequent celebrations every year. A portrait of 14”x20” size was also prepared from a 5’x3’ Oil Painting specially got painted from a renowned Artist S. Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh and Portrait was printed in thousands from offset press at Delhi. It was being distributed free till date with a book on the life history of M. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. In the initial days when the Federation was founded, it was learnt by them that the Building of Ramgarhia Bunga in the eastern side of Parikarma of Golden Temple, was being proposed to be demolished to widen the Parikarma as per the scheme of the S.G.P.C. The Federation strongly protested with the S.G.P.C., propagated it in all the meetings about the importance of this historical monument. With all these efforts they were able to save this Bunga from the demolishment. Now it is being renovated and preserved by the S.G.P.C. and the community is putting its share in this project, shortly it will be ready for the public view in its new shape and elegance. Further to this the Federation decided to raise a monument in the shape of Statue of M. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia at a suitable place in the city of Amritsar since he fought many battles for the safety of the Amritsar and Harmandir Sahib. So a Bronze Statue of M. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia on the Horseback in the war fighting pose was proposed, ordered, got prepared and installed on a Pedestal at G.T. Road, Amritsar in between two sides of roads i.e. 100ft. road and Chamrang Road. It was got prepared with the joint efforts and contribution of all Ramgarhia Bhai-Chara of Amritsar as well as Punjab Govt.

(Harjeet Singh Ramgarhia from Sangrur with his members visited historical Ramgarhia Gate, Amritsar and are being honoured by President Piara Singh Matharoo and Sec. Gen. Gian Singh Bamrah with all the members of all India S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Federation (Regd.), Amritsar) Now the Federation has taken up another project of raising the Ramgarhia Darwaja presently known as Chattiwind Gate. This is the place, where sometime exited Ram Rauni and afterward named as Ramgarh Fort or Kila Ramgarh, for the safety and protection of Amritsar city and Golden Temple from the enemies like Mughals and Pathans etc. This Fort was built by M. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia every time the enemy raised it to ground during many battles for the control of Amritsar. Thus it became the Symbol of honour for the Sikh Panth. That is why Sikh Panth given the Honour of Ramgarhia i.e. of Ramgarh Fortwale (Caretaker of Ramgarh Fort) to M. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. The entry from this place to Amritsar city and Ramgarhia Katra, was called Ramgarhia Darwaja (now Chattiwind Gate). In this way this place is the birth place of Ramgarhia honour. To keep this historical place in memory for the generations to come, we are raising this Ramgarhia Darwaja. The entire plan & site has already been prepared and approved from the Amritsar Municipal Corporation vide their Resolution No. 15/3, dated 17-01-2003. The construction of this Darwaja in yet to be completed. They have another plan for building his smadhi place. (where his last rights were done) since he breathed his last at his capital city of Sri Hargobindpur Sahib on Aug 8, 1803, which is now in very deplorable condition and some migrated peoples have unauthorisely occupied it and converted it in their residences. They want to restore this place and make a suitable monument in the memory of their leader. S. Piara Singh Matharu (9815699252) and S. Gian Singh Bamrah (9464283050) are the President and Secretary of this organisation.

All India Ramgarhia Vishavkarma Federation

All India Ramgarhia Vishavkarma Federation is a registered organisation based at Delhi which is engaged in promoting the ramgarhia biradari people in different ways. As the members of the federation participate in different Ramgarhia activities and celebrations at various places, this organisation has been publishing a fortnightly paper giving details of all such activities. This paper is being published under the name of Ramgarhia Parliament since 12th March 2001. As per the reports Ramgarhia Bunga Nanded has been setup by collecting funds from Ramgarhia Biradari all over India. This Bunga has been restored and dedicated to Sach Khand Sri Hazur Sahib. The Amritsar unit of this organisation has restored another historical place belonging to Baba Hardas Singh, grandfather of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia at Sur Singh, District Taran Taaran. As S. Jagjeet Singh Rehal the National Gen. Sec. is not keeping good health, an emergency meeting was held on 17th December 2017 under the
Presidentship of S. Avtar Singh Hit at Grace Banquet Hall, Naraina in which the old committee was replaced by a new committee appointing S. Sukhdev Singh Riat and S. Kulwant Singh Khalsa (9810036681) as the President and Gen. Sec. respectively

Ramgarhia Board Delhi

Ramgarhia Board Delhi is other important Ramgarhia organisation, established for protecting the interest of the Ramgarhia community in the changing social, economic, political and cultural setup. Its main objects are –

To start, establish, run, takeover, manage and maintain schools, colleges, technical, medical, physical, computer, information and technology, to educate children of the community by seeking recognition and affiliation from the Education Department/Govt. Authorities or the concerned authorities.
To spread the message of love, brotherhood and service of mankind, to provide a forum to members of Ramgarhia community, to discuss relevant issues for development and upliftment of the community.
To provide assistance for matrimonial alliances and other communication with regard to matrimonial problems, to settle all types of disputes including matrimonial disputes among the families of the members, to arrange free marriages for weaker families.

This organisation celebrates Jassa Singh Ramgarhia day and honours respectable Sikhs particularly Ramgarhia achievers on special occasion. S. Surjeet Singh was the founder of this board, which presently headed by S. Gursharan Singh Sandhu, Chairman, S. Jatinderpal Singh Gaggi, President; and S. Hardit Singh Gobindpuri as the Gen. Secretary of the Board. The Board also publishes a weekly paper Ramgarhia Darpan which covers the news of the Ramgarhia community. Contact details of Ramgarhia Board Delhi are, address BE-166, Hari Nagar, New Delhi-110064, email: info@ramgarhiaboarddelhi.com, phone: +911140450822.

Ramgarhia Board in other Cities

There are organisations of the name of Ramgarhia Board in other cities also. The most notable cities are Ludhiana, Mumbai and Kolkata. As Ludhiana has maximum population, it has various organisations of this community. One of these organisations is named as Punjab Ramgarhia Welfare Board. This organisation has a number of member and office bearers, who are big industrialist of Ludhiana. Many of them are office bearer of the respective associations of the particular industries like Punjab Sewing Machine Industry and Small Scale Trader Board. This organisation is presently being headed by S. Gurmeet Singh Kular as the Chairman. It may be mention here that there is one more important organisation based at Ludhiana which is being run by Dr. Karnail Singh Kalsi as an NGO under the name of Ramgarhia Khoj and Sewa Society. The main work of this organisation stationed at Kalsi Diagnostic Centre, 42 Dashmesh Nagar, Link Road, Ludhiana, is the searching and updating of data regarding Ramgarhia all over the world. The Ramgarhia books available in five volumes give the entire relevant information about the Ramgarhias with
their different Gotras and organisations all over the world. The site of Ramgarhia Kaum may be visited for any search information. When Ramgarhia Kaum-volume 3 was released in Toronto Dr. Karnail Singh Kalsi was welcomed by Ramgarhias settled there.

Ramgarhias in U.K.

Ramgarias as a part of Sikh Community manage maximum Gurdwaras in UK. They have Gurdwaras in Bedford, Hitchin, Slough, Bristol, Hayes, South Hall, Woolwich, Coventry, Durby, Bradford and Leeds. We have Ramgaria Sabhas in different areas to manage the respective Gurdwaras. There is a Ramgarhias council also located at 51, Metynell Road, Leicester, Leicester Shire, LE 53NE, UK (tel.: 011-62760765). This council was setup in 1977 whereby all the Gurdwaras and institutions run by the Ramgarhias of UK could come together to share views affecting their community. The intention was to take forward and promote their culture, their families and build a base for their children who are our future.
The Council has at present thirty two member organisations and has its own constitution. For this purpose UK is divided into North, Midlands and South Regions. The elections of office bearers takes place every year and the main posts are filled from one region and the assistants from another and the process is followed in rotation covering all regions. The main aims and objectives of the council are:

To promote togetherness and prosperity of the Ramgarhia Community living in UK and to reform the social conduct.
To find solutions for problems occurring due to relationship of Western Culture and Sikh Traditions.
To expand communication and brotherhood between other communities and organisations.
All member organisations o implement decisions taken by UK Council.
To setup a register of UK Ramgarhia Community.
To search and publicise the Ramgarhia History.
To make aware the whole Ramgarhia Community in the field of Culture, Religion, Politics and Industry.
To implement changing educational reforms.
To inspire for equal opportunities in organisation.

In 1999 Ramgarhia Council UK as the national body setup individual regionals to look after the local issues but still responsible to them and work with them. S. Kirpal Singh Sagoo and S. Pritpal Singh Manku are the President and Gen. Secretary of this organisation. It contact details are, address: Ramgarhia Board Temple, 51 Myrell Road, Leicester, Leicester shore, LES 3NE U.K., Phone: 01162760765

Ramgarhias in Canada

As Canada has considerable Sikh population, the number of Ramgarhias in this country is also quite big. That is why, a number of Ramgarhia organisations are existing on both the sides of Canada (Eastern and Western). One principal organisation is known as Ramgarhia Sikh Foundation of Ontario. This foundation, is a non-profit organisation working for the betterment of Ramgarhia community. When they celebrate Jassa Singh Ramgarhia day, they confer some international award on that particular occasion. This foundation also organises monthly Kavi Darbar for promoting the literary activities. They celebrate birthday of Bhai Lalo Ji and Vishavakarma Day also. S. Daljeet Singh Gaindu is the Chairman of this organisation. Even in Ontario state, there are local Ramgarhia organisation like Ramgarhia Sikh Society of Toronto. This organisation has its Headquarter at Gurdwara located at 140 Revalda Road, Toronto, This organisation is headed by S. Satvir Singh Ubhi and S. Sewak Singh Manak as President and General Secretary respectively The Gurdwara can be contacted on phone no. 4167489442.
As in Ontario, the Ramgarhias are also active in other states of Canada. Similarly the position in other countries like Australia, New Zealand and European and East Asian country. Further, their organisations everywhere are not only confined to the management of Gurdwaras. There is considerable contribution of Ramgarhias in Education and Banking also. A large number of educational institutions have been started by them and are functioning successfully in Punjab and many other places. In Punjab, Ludhiana and Phagwara are the main stations where their education institutions have emerged as among the best. The details in this regards are available in Chapter 7 of this book. Similarly, their contribution in Banking is clearly visible in the form of Ramgarhia Bank. The details of Ramgarhia Bank will appear in the subsequent paragraphs.
Like the above noted caste based organisations there are many other organisations wherein the Sikhs have formed social organisation irrespective of their caste. Particularly, in foreign countries many such organisations do exist, for the purpose of empowering the Sikh community on the whole. We will be discussing some of these organisations working in different fields in India as well as abroad.