GURDWARA Gursagar Mastuana Sahib and Akal Academy Surrey in B.C. hosted Sant Teja Singh Day over the weekend, drawing hundreds from the Sikh community to honour the legacy of one of the most influential Sikh leaders of the 20th century.
The event celebrated Sant Teja Singh’s pioneering contributions to the establishment of the Sikh and Indian community in Canada and the broader Western world. A saint-scholar and reformer, Sant Ji tirelessly advocated for the rights of early Sikh immigrants at a time of widespread discrimination, helping lay the foundation for the vibrant Sikh presence in North America today.
Gian Singh Sandhu, a respected community leader, spoke passionately about Sant Teja Singh’s advocacy efforts and his vision of Sikh empowerment through education and unity.
Avtar Singh Gill, community activist shared his vision for continuing Sant Ji’s legacy through community service and public leadership, while Mohinder Singh, President of the organizing society, emphasized the ongoing relevance of Sant Ji’s message.
Also in attendance was Mandip Dhaliwal, MLA for Surrey North, whose presence reflected growing recognition of Sant Teja Singh’s contributions at the provincial level. In fact, the Government of British Columbia has officially proclaimed July 1 as Sant Teja Singh Day, honouring his profound influence on BC’s multicultural and spiritual fabric.
Guest speakers Prof. Lakhvinder Singh and Prof. Manpreet Kaur offered deep insights into Sant Ji’s spiritual and academic accomplishments. A heartfelt message from Prof. Gurvinder Singh Dhaliwal further highlighted Sant Ji’s commitment to faith, education, and community building.
Among his many visionary efforts, Sant Teja Singh:
. Purchased 250 acres of land in West Vancouver with the intent of establishing a Sikh University;
. Founded the Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver and the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society in Stockton, California, key institutions for Sikh immigrants;
. Established the Guru Nanak Mining and Trust Company in Vancouver to provide economic empowerment and support to the Sikh community;
. Laid the foundation for Akal Academies and The Kalgidhar Trust, now serving thousands of children with value-based education across India.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to keep Sant Teja Singh’s vision alive through education, service (seva), and unity.
