Bhai Puran Singh, an Indian Social activist was born in Rajewal (Rahon) in Ludhiana district of Punjab. Bhai Puran Singh was born into a Hindu family. He was given the name Ramjidas as a child. Later, while still a child, he chose to become a Sikh. Though he never finished his basic schooling, he became a writer, a publisher, an environmentalist, and a philanthropist. Bhai Puran Singh is perhaps best remembered for the home he founded in Amritsar, named Pingalwara Society, a home for the people who are sick, disabled and abandoned forlorn people.
Bhai Puran Singh as a young man he decided to dedicate his life to the selfless service to the humanity. That is why; he founded Pingalwara in the year 1947 with only a few patients, those who were the neglected and rejected found in the streets of Amritsar.
Bhai Puran Singh was an early advocate of Green Revolution that was projected during the time of Indira Gandhi. Bhagat Puran Singh was spreading awareness about environmental pollution, and growing soil erosion long before such ideas became popular. He also used to publish his ideal in the recycled paper. He was a mature environmentalist and visionary. He initiated tree plantation drives, organized talks and lectures on various issues concerning the environment and social life, and also wrote a large number of books regarding the same. Some of his famous works include "Education of man", "Righteousness alone exalts a nation", "Plant or Perish", "The Way," "The Increasing Population", and many others books that projected on the upliftment of Indian Society.
Bhai Puran Singh was honoured in 1979 by the Government of India with the Padma Shri award. He was awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in the filed of philanthropic activities and environment. Bhagat Puran Singh was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. He was nominated for his selfless work, feeding, clothing, and tending sick and dying people. He was among the citizens of India who returned their awards and medals after the Indian army`s attack on the Golden Temple in 1984. He died on August 5, 1992 in Amritsar.
