NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
Documentary reveals life of unsung modern-day saint and his dedication to the living world
“A SELFLESS LIFE”

(Biography Bhagat Puran Singh of Pingalwara, Amritsar )

Toronto filmmaker Joginder Kalsi has released a new documentary about the unsung hero of India, a man who gave his entire life to the service of humanity. A Selfless Life: a biography of Bhagat Puran Singh –Pin- galwara is a 45-minute labour of love; an examination of a truly remarkable life.

The relatively unknown Bhagat Puran Singh was born in Punjab in 1904. Motivated by his profound understanding of Sikh teachings and his love of humanity, he established Pingalwara, an institution dedicated to the care and healing of the disabled and infirm.

The uplifting documentary is told from the unusual point of view of the observations of Pyara, Bhagat Puran Singh’s severely disabled ward, whom he transported on his back for 14 years.

Western audiences immediately understand and recognize the contributions of such towering figures as Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Albert Schweitzer. Likewise, Bhagat Puran Singh of Pingalwara, Amritsar was also among the few shining stars in recent history who devoted their entire lives to serving the sick, the weak and the destitute.

When he died in 1992, there were no headlines, no huge processions, no massive garlands of flowers. But he left something vastly more enduring, a legacy of care and concern for all the world to see. It is a legacy that animates every atom of his beloved institution, Pingalwara, and is captured in this documentary.

This is the sixth documentary film produced and directed by Joginder Kalsi; previously he has produced Two Hearts (Hindu & Sikh weddings Ceremonies), The Khalsa (The Saint Soldiers), Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh Scriptures), A Punjabi Village and The City of Amritsar. The documentary was written, produced and edited in Canada.

The production, which has gone direct to DVD, has English and Punjabi audio tracks, is being distributed via the internet and to schools and libraries world wide.

For more information, contact:

Kalcine Enterprises Inc.

kalcine@rogers.com

416-445-5497

The Filmmaker comments... “I was in Amritsar where my last film The City of Amritsar was being released. Dr. Inderjit Kaur current CEO of Pingalwara was presiding at the opening of the film. She asked me if I would make a film on the life of Bhagat Ji. I was honoured and also anxious because I knew Bhagat Ji was a giant in spiritual terms. I did some research and I became convinced Bhagat Ji’s story had to be told in a documentary.

“While filming in Pingalwara’s various complexes, sometimes I was overwhelmed with grief, to see these unfortunate mute, deaf, disabled, men, women and children discarded by society. However, I had to acknowledge that these unfortunate souls were passing their lives joyfully and peacefully, often learning trades to help them integrate into society. I was genuinely amazed at the work of this wonderful institution envisioned by Bhagat Ji.”

Joginder Kalsi