Master Tara Singh (1885-1967) was pre-eminent and the most durable leader of the Sikhs for more than four decades of the 20" century. The Sikh multitude reposed trust in him because of his impeccable integrity and honesty. Starting his career as an educator, he was driven to the arena of Gurdwara Reform movement and Sikh politics by his strong religious impulse that got ignited with Nankana Sahib Massacre in February 1921. Thereafter his proximity to the Sikh affairs catapulted him to the centre-stage of the community by early 1930. He led the Sikhs from the front in fight for freedom of India; but never hesitated to assert his stand which was not in line with the 'consensus' reflected by the congress. As a consequence, he became a victim of vilification.
Master Tara Singh was a strange brand of a politician who was essentially a seeker of truth. Sikh religion inspired him to dedicate his life to the service of the Panth, the poor and the hapless, the country and humanity. The Panthic concerns remained closer to his heart throughout. In the process, even his family became a victim of neglect, his patriotism was doubted, his anxiety to ensure a secure/respectful place for his community in the emerging political set-up of a secular India; was dubbed as treason. It was the tenacity and resoluteness of Master Tara Singh that exasperated; the obstinate Mohd. Ali Jinnah, Jawahar Lal Nehru and even compelled the British to acquiesce to the partition of the Punjab and acknowledge the Sikh position in the transfer of power. Reflecting on the events, Master Tara Singh wrote, "I am deeply attached to the Sikh faith. I shall give all my love to the country wherein Sikh religion flourishes and remains safe. The Sikhs abandoned their homes, hearths and Isacred shrines in Pakistan and trekked to India, where they thought their religion would be safe." "If any one calls me communal for such ideas, he is free to do so. I have no regrets", he concluded.
Such was the illustrious; though much maligned and grossly misunderstood leader that the Sikhs brought forth during the critical and fateful phase of their history in the 20th century. He surely deserves a serious study on his life and contribution. The book in hand is the first-ever effort in this direction.