SYNOPSIS

Most of the world religions, in one way or the other, emphasize that service to those in need and adversity is a human virtue, and a channel for spiritual attainment. Yet, in human history, only a few are acknowledged for having lived wholeheartedly and truthfully by that lofty ideal.

This documentary is devoted to the relatively unknown, yet remarkably selfless life and work of Bhagat Puran Singh, an unsung hero of India. Like Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Albert Schweitzer, Bhagat Puran Singh of Pingalwara, Amritsar was among the few shining stars in recent history who devoted their entire lives to serving the sick, the weak and the destitute. They can truly be considered as saints of the modern times.

While others like Mother Teresa were fortunate to have the support of powerful institutions, well-to-do individuals, public notoriety and the adulation of the Western media, Bhagat Puran Singh laboured alone tirelessly, in the shadows with no resources and no widespread recognition. Pingalwara stands as a testament to his dedication and purity.

Bhagat Puran Singh, the selfless humanitarian and philanthropist, was born in a village known as Rajewal near Khanna in East Punjab in 1904. The circumstances surrounding his birth were tragic; he was born only after his mother, Mehtab Kaur, had been compelled by her husband to abort three pregnancies. Mehtab was a pious woman. She took menial jobs and had to travel to distant places to support the education of her beloved son.

Bhagat Ji started his life of social service in Dera Sahib Gurudwara at Lahore. He took upon himself to look after Pyara Singh, a deformed child of just 4 years when his family abandoned him at the entrance of the Gurudwara one night.

Bhagat Ji carried Pyara on his shoulders for 14 years. It is from Pyara’s point of view that much of this docu-
mentary is conveyed.

In 1947, India was gaining her independence and Bhagat Puran Singh was moving to Amritsar where he began to look after the marginalized people on the roadside, washing their wounds and clothes and feeding them.

This experience compelled him to eventually establish Pingalwara (A House for Cripples). It embodied a pioneering approach: it was a hospital for the common man, reflecting Bhagat Ji’s belief that society, at large, must shoulder the responsibility for health care for all.
At that time, in an established city like Amritsar fully equipped hospitals existed. But what was needed by the common man was a convalescence facility that provided longer stays and full board for those without means. Unlike the conventional locations, Pingalwara was and is a healthcare and rehabilitation centre that serves everyone. This, according to Bhagat Ji, was the reason for the existence of Pingalwara.

Bhagat Ji was a man of many dimensions. A voracious reader, he was eager to reach the masses with great ideas: so he established a printing house from which he published thousands of books, and pamphlets on social issues, which he distributed for free.

A prescient man, he was 50 years ahead of the times when he started talking about pollution, the importance of protecting the environment, and planting trees. In fact, on his deathbed as he received the honour of a visit from the Chief Minister of Punjab, when asked what the Minister could do for him, Bhagat Ji replied: “Grow more trees.”

Bhagat Ji 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 Pingalwara.

This 45-minute documentary conveys the story of one of the most remarkable men of the modern era....Bhagat Puran Singh.