Bhai Jagraj Singh

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Yesterday marked one year since our brother, Bhai Jagraj Singh, passed away. Bhai Sahib was well known amongst the British Sikh community, most notably for his contribution to Parchaar. His initiative to start a YouTube channel, Basics of Sikhi, which explained Sikhi in English, was an idea that changed the lives of many Sikhs, young and old, around the world.

I myself, being one of those Sikhs, who before coming across Basics of Sikhi, had no clue about Sikhi. Despite being born and raised into a Punjabi Sikh family, I often found that it was difficult to understand what the meanings behind Sikhi were. When I came across Bhai Sahib's YouTube channel, that all changed. I was able to learn the meaning behind Japji Sahib, learn about our Itihaas, and most importantly understand how compassionate Guru Sahib truly is. Bhai Jagraj Singh gave me a platform to connect to Sikhi. I was touched by Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message, and I found myself inclined to walk this path. With Maharaj's kirpa, after a few months of watching Bhai Sahib's videos, I began growing my kesh. It's almost been three years, and I can honestly say that without Bhai Jagraj Singh's Parchaar, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I only met Bhai Sahib once, at the Handsworth Vaisakhi celebrations in 2016, but that one opportunity was enough to experience his devotion and dedication to Parchaar of Sikhi. I thank Guru Sahib for giving me the chance to tell Bhai Jagraj Singh, how his videos changed my life, and to be able to have an honest talk with him.

Bhai Jagraj Singh's legacy lives on, not just through Basics of Sikhi, but through the people who joined this path, as a result of his Parchaar. He sparked a revolution in modern Parchaar and gave way to many others who would continue his legacy.

Bhai Sahib's passing was a great loss to the Panth, and its development here in the western world, but it was also a reminder that we shouldn't take this life for granted. We have gone through many lives to get to this one, and now we have the chance to connect with Waheguru and achieve Mukti.

To support Basics of Sikhi and Everything 13's fundraising appeal, you can set up a regular monthly donation using the link: www.basicsofsikhi.com/donate

Bhul chuk maaf karni (forgive me for my many mistakes).

 - Daas

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