Sukhdev Singh Laaj


Sukhdev Singh Laaj, a Sikh Preacher and a social activist from Ludhiana, was born on 05.01.1945 at
Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan). As his father S. Jagat Singh, a teacher, died when Sukhdev Singh was very
young, the responsibility of bringing up him and his other siblings fell on his monther Bibi Lajwant Kaur.
After partition, when the family shifted to Ludhiana, Sukhdev Singh got a diploma in Civil Engineering
from Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana. He served Punjab Electricity Board throughout his life
and retired as SDO in 2003. After his retirement, he dedicated his life to social service and promotion of
Sikh religion. He associated himself with such organizations like Gurmat Parchar Society, Sikh Missionary
College and World Sikh Organisation to go ahead with his social and religious activities. S. Laaj firmly
believed that educating the Sikh community is the solution for all Sikh problems.

When Jathedar Akal
Takhat Sahib mentioned in his speech on Sirhind Fateh Diwas that each Gurdwara should keep 5% of its
receipts only for education, he being a member of Gurdwara Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana, Management, started
this practice and with the help of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle made it a movement in Ludhiana and
other places. He is a Sikh Role model as he is making sincere efforts to bring Siklighars, Vanjaras and other
such tribes, who believe in Sikh religion, in the main stream, so that all these people may feel proud of being
Sikhs. He was among the first Sikhs to draw the attention of the Sikh leaders and organizations to this aspect
of matter. It was because of his efforts that a book about these people and the miserable positions in which
they are living has been compiled. A CD has also been prepared as to attract the attention of the people to
this crucial matter. A school for their education has been set up at Ludhiana and is being run by Sri Guru
Angad Dev Sewa Society of which he is an active member. This organization is also engaged in other social
activities. It is because of his great contribution for this cause that he has been honored by various societies
including Alag Shabad Yag International Charitable Trust (Prof. Pooran Singh Dhami Award 2009). This
Gursikh is humble, sweet tongued and kind hearted. All these qualities and his services make him a role
model. His email is sukhdevsinghlaaj@gmail.com.