A Champion of Sikh Rights
Master Tara Singh, born on June 24, 1885, in Haryal near Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan), was a towering figure in Sikh history, renowned for his relentless advocacy for a distinct Sikh identity and an autonomous Punjab. His contributions during British rule and post-independence India shaped the political and religious landscape of the Sikh community, earning him a lasting legacy as a dedicated leader.
Advocating for Sikh Identity Under British Rule
Master Tara Singh played a pivotal role in distinguishing Sikhism from the broader Hindu fold during the British era. His efforts ensured that Sikhs were recognized as a separate community under the Government of India Act 1919, granting them distinct communal representation akin to Muslims. To strengthen the community’s position, he encouraged Sikh recruitment into the British Indian Army, aligning strategic collaboration with the assertion of Sikh identity. His leadership in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the premier Sikh political organization, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which oversees Sikh gurdwaras, solidified his influence in preserving Sikh religious and political traditions.
A Life of Resistance and Leadership
Tara Singh’s commitment to Sikh rights often put him at odds with civil authorities, leading to his arrest 14 times between 1930 and 1966 for acts of civil disobedience. Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, he became a key figure in the Civil Disobedience Movement of the 1930s, leading with unwavering resolve. His advocacy extended beyond religious reforms to the political sphere, where he championed the creation of a Punjabi-speaking state as a means to safeguard Sikh heritage and autonomy.
The Azad Punjab Movement and the Struggle for Reorganization
In 1942, alongside leaders like Giani Kartar Singh, Joginder Singh, Mohan Singh, and Ujjal Singh, Tara Singh launched the Azad Punjab Movement, proposing a restructured Punjab that excluded Muslim-majority districts to ensure no single community held dominance. Though this plan did not materialize, his vision persisted. Post-independence, as noted by historian S. Ajmer Singh in Twentieth Century Sikh Politics: From One Slavery to Another, Tara Singh tirelessly campaigned for the reorganization of Punjab on linguistic lines. At the time, Punjab’s demographic composition included 60% Hindus and 35% Sikhs. His decade-long struggle culminated in the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966, passed on September 7, which led to the creation of the modern state of Punjab, alongside Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, on November 1, 1966. This marked the realization of Tara Singh’s dream of a Punjabi-speaking state.
Legacy of a Visionary Leader
Master Tara Singh passed away on November 22, 1967, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to Sikh interests. His contributions were instrumental in securing a distinct identity and a separate state for the Sikh community. In recognition of his indomitable spirit, a portrait of Master Tara Singh was unveiled in the Parliament House on August 21, 2003, honoring his enduring struggle for Sikh rights and autonomy.