Vishav Namdhari Sangat (Regd) was registered in June, 2001 under Indian Law as a religious, non profit charitable society to carry on the philanthropic work as per the teachings of His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. The Registered Office of the Society is situated at Sri Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, Punjab. The Society is legal body undertaking the management of affairs of Namdhari Sect.
The Namdhari movement was started by Satguru Ram Singh Ji in April 1857 at Sri Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana . The Namdhari Sikhs known as Kukas played a very prominent role in the political freedom of India from the bondage of the Imperialist British rulers. They hold a unique place in the resistance movement. His Holiness Satguru Ram Singh Ji gave the nation the weapon of Swadeshi, non-co-operation & boycott. The Namdharis have made supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the Country.
Besides making several outstanding contributions to society, Satguru Ram Singh Ji issued following edicts, both political and social, to his followers:
- As many as 62 years ahead of Mahatma Gandhi, Satguru Ram Singh Ji advocated the practice of non-cooperation with the then ruling British as a way to free India.
- The Namdharis were asked not to accept any government service offered by the British.
- They were also told to boycott all educational institutions opened by the British.
- They were forbidden to use any foreign-made goods.
- They were to boycott the law courts started by the British.
- They were also not to use the British postal services.
- Do not indulge in infanticide or trade in female children.
- Do not practice child marriages.
- Do not lie or steal or indulge in adultery.
- Abstain from intoxicants like alcohol, tobacco or any other drugs.
- Do not give or take dowry. (He had forbidden his followers from spending more than Rs 13 at a wedding).
- Do not borrow or lend money on interest.
- Do not indulge in casteism. All human beings are born alike.
Satguru Ram Singh Ji was exiled to Burma by Imperialist British rulers in 1872. Satguru Ram Singh Ji was succeeded by his younger brother, Satguru Hari Singh Ji. The British did not allow Satguru Hari Singh Ji to leave Bhaini Sahib village, near Ludhiana, which was to be the main base of the Kukas (Namdharis) for the next 21 years. Satguru Hari Singh Ji was succeeded by his son Satguru Partap Singh Ji in 1906. In 1959, after Satguru Partap Singh Ji become one with the creator, his elder son Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji took over as the Spiritual master of the Namdhari Sikhs. Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji passed away on 13 December, 2012, ordaining his younger brother Mahraj Bir Singh Ji's son, Satguru Uday Singh Ji as the Spiritual Supreme of the Namdhari Sikhs, under whose leadership the culturally rich historic past of the Namdharis meets the modern ethos of the current day society and an amalgamated vibrant and soulful future beckons.
His Holiness Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji is the Chief Patron of Vishav Namdhari Sangat (Regd). The Society is running an old age home, charitable educational institution and a 24 Hours, free of cost kitchen (Langar) at its head Office situated at Sri Bhaini Sahib. The Society has made arrangements for the care & treatment of under-unprivileged at best hospitals free of cost. Financial Assistance is also provided to the needy and the poor. Paaths, Havaans & Varnis are performed of the peace & harmony as per the directions of His Holiness Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji.
Vishav Namdhari Sangat (Regd) is a Society registered under Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. Donations made to the Society are eligible for deduction under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.