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Master Tara Singh
Context:
67th Death Anniversary of Master Tara Singh.
About:
- Master Tara Singh was a prominent Sikh political leader and activist in India, born on June 24, 1885, in Haryal, near Rawalpindi. He played a crucial role in the Indian freedom movement, particularly concerning Sikh rights and the political landscape of Punjab during the tumultuous period leading to and following the Partition of India in 1947.
Role During India’s Freedom Movement:
- Master Tara Singh was a founding member of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), both established in 1920.
- He was instrumental in the Gurdwara reform movement aimed at regaining control of Sikh places of worship from British authorities.
- His activism included numerous imprisonments for civil disobedience, reflecting his commitment to Sikh rights and independence from British rule.
- During World War II, Tara Singh supported recruitment for the Indian Army, recognising its significance for Sikhs and viewing it as a pragmatic approach to achieving independence.
- This stance aligned with a broader strategy among some Indian leaders who believed that supporting the British war effort could yield post-war benefits for India’s freedom.
Significance During Partition:
- As the demand for Pakistan gained momentum, Master Tara Singh emerged as a staunch opponent of the partition on religious lines.
- He articulated a vision for an “Azad Punjab” (Free Punjab) that would ensure a Sikh-majority state within an undivided India.
- His leadership became pivotal as he mobilised Sikh communities to resist Muslim League pressures and advocated for their rights amidst growing communal tensions.
- In March 1947, after witnessing violent riots and massacres against Sikhs in Punjab, he declared that Sikhs would not accept Muslim domination. His statements galvanised Sikh resistance and pressed British authorities to safeguard their interests.
- Singh’s efforts culminated in a significant shift in Congress party policy, as they began to endorse the idea of separating Sikh- and Hindu-majority areas from Muslim-majority regions.
- Despite his efforts, the partition occurred, leading to mass violence and displacement. However, his advocacy ensured that many Sikhs remained aligned with India rather than moving to Pakistan, thus preserving a Sikh presence in East Punjab.
