2024 - Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji | Commemorative Coin

The release of the 5th commemorative coin for the year 2024 marked the 2nd Birth Centenary of Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji. Although the theme was originally intended for release in 2016 to commemorate the event, significant delays were encountered, despite the issuance of a gazette notification in 2019.

Namdhari Guru Ram Singh, born on 3 February 1816 and passing away on 29 November 1885, stands as the revered second guru and religious leader of the Namdhari sect within Sikhism. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first British Indian to employ non-cooperation and the boycott of British goods and services as a political tool. In response, the British colonial government of India exiled him to Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar), on 18 January 1872.

Namdhari Guru Ram Singh was born into a modest Tarkhan family, the son of Sada Kaur and Jassa Singh, in the village of Raiyan near Sri Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana. Raised in the traditions of Guru Nanak by his mother, he acquired basic literacy skills in Punjabi. The initial two decades of his life were devoted to attending to the family's agricultural pursuits.

At the age of 20, his father enlisted him in the army of the Sikh Empire. However, witnessing the disintegration of the empire following Maharaja Ranjit Singh's demise and alarmed by the rise of British influence, Namdhari Guru Ram Singh rallied his predominantly humble followers to proclaim a new "Sant Khalsa" aimed at restoring Sikh prestige.

At the heart of Satguru Ram Singh Ji's teachings lay the concept of devotion to the Supreme Being. He stressed the significance of leading a life marked by righteousness, simplicity, and selfless service. His philosophy propagated universal brotherhood, equality, and the eradication of social evils.

The Kuka Movement, alternatively known as the Namdhari Movement or the Satyug Movement, unfolded as a socio-religious uprising spearheaded by Satguru Ram Singh Ji in the mid-19th century. This movement sought to challenge the oppressive social and economic conditions pervasive in society, advocating for a return to a more righteous and egalitarian way of life.

Followers of the Kuka Movement, referred to as Kukas or Namdharis, embraced distinctive practices such as donning blue attire, maintaining uncut hair, and adopting a disciplined and communal lifestyle. These practices symbolized their unwavering commitment to the principles of the movement.

Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji Kuka's legacy transcends the temporal boundaries of his lifetime. His teachings continue to resonate among followers, and the Kuka Movement stands as a significant chapter in India's history. The enduring principles of righteousness, social justice, and devotion to the divine, championed by Satguru Ram Singh Ji, serve as a perennial source of inspiration for individuals seeking both spiritual enlightenment and societal transformation.

Release Function: