PM Modi, Sonia Gandhi offer condolences. Â
By Dileep Thekkethil
Baba Hardev Singh, the spiritual head of Nirankari Mission, the Sikh sect which has millions of followers across the world, died in a car collision in Montreal, Canada, at the age of 62.
A statement issued by Sant Nirankari Mandal read, “With profound pain and sorrow, this is to inform all that His Holiness Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj has merged into this Almighty God. He was traveling in a car in Canada which met with a serious accident at about 5.00 am (IST) today.”
Baba Hardev Singh was in Canada to attend the second Nirankari International Samagam (NIS), a spiritual meeting that was scheduled for June, in Toronto. NIS is a five-day inspirational festival featuring concerts, dance performances, creative arts expositions, health events, and an international conference on the theme of humanness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock on the unfortunate accident that led to the death of the spiritual leader. He tweeted, “Baba Hardev Singh’s demise is tragic & a great loss to the spiritual world. My thoughts are with his countless followers in this sad time.â€
Baba Hardev Singh’s demise is tragic & a great loss to the spiritual world. My thoughts are with his countless followers in this sad time.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2016
“Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock and grief over passing away of Baba Nirankari Hardev Singh Ji, Head of Nirankari Samaj, in road accident,” a statement issued by the Congress
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, “Nirankari Baba Shri Hardev Singh passed away in a road accident in Montreal. Really sad to hear about his demise. Baba Hardev Singh’s demise is a loss to the nation. He was doing a lot of service for the people. I have personally seen his samagams.”
With profound pain and sorrow, this is to inform all that His Holiness Nirankari Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj has merged into Almighty God.
— SantNirankariMission (@santnirankari) May 13, 2016
Baba Hardev Singh was born Gurbachan Singh, to the previous Satguru of Sant Nirankari Mission, and his wife Kulwant Kaur. He took over his father’s position after his assassination.