PARTĀP SIṄGH, coming from the village of Shaṅkar in the district of Jalandhar, had won repute for his regularity of habit and strong sense of discipline. He had been a Viceroy commissioned officer (jamādār) in the Punjab army. He had been able to spend his early years at school. He seemed well to understand the value of the three R's and had sent up one of his sons to the university. That was Swaran Siṅgh who received his Master's degree in Physics at the University of the Punjab. He had a fabulous career as a minister in Jawāharlāl Nehrū's government after Independence.

         Partāp Siṅgh assumed public office in 1933 as president of the Shiromaṇī Committee for the management of the Sikh shrines after his retirement from the army. He succeeded Gopāl Siṅgh Qaumī, B.A., who after a single day in office had resigned. Before quitting, he quipped, "My party commanded me yesterday to take over as president and I did accept its word. Today they have asked me to relinquish the office which I am doing without any hesitation."

         Jamādār Partāp Siṅgh solidly established himself as president/vice-president of the Shiromaṇī Gurdwārā Parbandhak Committee during 1933-46. He had many likeable qualities and he proved a firm and popular administrator. His unquestioned integrity continued to be his strong asset. By his suavity of manner and his expertness in dealing with men and affairs he won wide appreciation. He was especially respected for his personal rectitude. He completed his second term in office enjoying the fullest confidence of his colleagues and he held the reins of administration tightly in his hands. It was through his firm leadership that he made the Gurdwārā legislation truly applicable and viable.

         Before he entered upon the office of President of the Shiromaṇī Gurdwārā Parbandhak Committee, Jamādār Partāp Siṅgh had also been a member of the Punjab Legislative Council. This was during 1923-24.

Sardār Siṅgh Bhāṭīā