Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh: A Tribute to the Lion of Punjab on His Birthday

Marble plate depicting date of birth of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Today marks the birthday of one of the greatest emperors in Indian history, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab. He was the first Indian in a millennium to reverse the tide of invasions, taking the battle back into the homelands of India’s traditional conquerors—the Pashtuns (Afghans). 

At the height of his power, his empire stretched from the Khyber Pass in the northwest to the Sutlej River in the east, and from Kashmir in the north to the Thar Desert in the south.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Born in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), Ranjit Singh was the only child of Maha Singh, chief of the Shukerchakia clan. Following his father’s death in 1792, he inherited the chieftainship at the age of 12. Despite being uneducated, he was a shrewd judge of people and events. His childhood was spent in Badrukhan, a village just five miles from my village Badbar, linking his early years to places rich in Sikh history.

At 15, Ranjit Singh married the daughter of a Kanhaya chieftain, and his ambitious mother-in-law, Sada Kaur, guided his affairs for many years. A second marriage to a girl from the Nakkais further consolidated his power. In July 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore, the capital of Punjab. Though the Afghan king, Zamān Shah, confirmed him as governor, Ranjit Singh declared himself Maharaja of Punjab in 1801, cementing his sovereignty.

Physical Challenges and Remarkable Achievements

Ranjit Singh was blind in one eye, had pockmarked skin from smallpox, and was of modest height. Despite his unassuming appearance, he earned the title Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab) through his courage and military genius. A lover of life, he enjoyed hunting, horses, and the company of handsome men and women, while maintaining a passion for strong liquor.

A Visionary Leader

Ranjit Singh united the Sikh confederacy into a cohesive empire. His secular outlook set him apart—he was free from religious bigotry and treated adversaries with mildness. His court and army were a tapestry of diversity:

• His Finance Minister was a Hindu Brahmin.

• His Prime Minister was a Dogra.

• His Foreign Minister was a Muslim.

He banned cow slaughter in his empire to honor his Hindu subjects’ sentiments and fostered harmony among Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims.

A Modern Empire

Ranjit Singh built a modern army by recruiting European officers, introducing advanced warfare techniques, while ensuring they followed strict moral codes. His empire was a bastion of literacy and prosperity, with Punjab being the most literate state of its time.

Cultural and Religious Contributions

• He renovated the Golden Temple in Amritsar, adorning it with gold, which remains its iconic feature.

• He supported Hindu and Muslim places of worship, funding their renovation.

• He built Gurudwaras at Patna Sahib and Nanded Sahib, honoring Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Conqueror of Afghans

Ranjit Singh achieved what no ruler before or after him could—he successfully conquered the Afghans and prevented Mughal incursions into Punjab. His military victories remain unparalleled, earning him respect as one of India’s greatest rulers.

Remembering the Lion of Punjab

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s legacy is a testament to his courage, wisdom, and humanity. On his birthday, let us honor his contributions by sharing his story with future generations. His connection to places like Badrukhan, close to Badbar, adds a personal touch for those who cherish Punjab’s history.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

I am humbled by Balbir Veer ji comments.

Balbir Veer ji with me in our place couple of years back. I anticipatedly wear his signature white turban to try catching up his intellect and wisdom.

Respected Balbir Veer Ji & Harvey Ji,

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Thank you so much for your heartfelt congratulations and kind words for Shivpreet and Shilpy on their 25th wedding anniversary. Your blessings and encouragement mean the world to us and to them. It is truly humbling to see the love and support of our community for their journey, and your thoughtful message captures this sentiment beautifully.

Balbir Veer ji with Loveleen Bhenji, in spite of their health issues, drove a long distance to meet Shivpreet and Jeremey Marias on their live performance in a New Jercey Gurdwara Sahib last month.

We are delighted that you enjoyed the glimpses of our celebration in Barcelona. It was a joy to share these moments with family, and your warm wishes made them even more special. ShivShilpy extend thanks for your blessings.

With love and gratitude,

Warmly,

Pm

In response to Comments by Balbir Veer ji

Respected Veerji & Harvey Ji

Firstly, kindly accept and covey our heartiest congratulations 🎊🎉 to our adorable Shivpreet andShilpi for crossing the first major milestone of their lives. Their extraordinary journey for this amazing achievement is worthy of the Kudos of our entire community which we were fortunate enough to witness .

Secondly thanks for sharing the extraordinary images of celebration in Barcelona.

Enjoy this family celebration in the dazzling city of Barcelona with our best wishes,

Warmly & Brotherly

Balbir, Loveleen, Hansdeep, Tejal , Paawan, Kavita ,Asthir & Jodhveer

ShivShilpy 25th Anniversary Celebrations!

On the eve of Shiv and Shilpy’s 25th wedding anniversary, we decided to make it a truly memorable celebration by taking the family on a trip to Barcelona. 

Final touches to the planned dinner at the breakfast table.

One of the highlights of our trip was experiencing an authentic flamenco show.  This was brain child of Shilpy with pro-active support of Gurpal designed this program.

Baggi flanked by Gurpal and Tarunpal

It wasn’t just us; we extended the invitation to our wider family as well, and I was thrilled when Harvinder’s younger brother Baggi  and his two sons, Gurpal and Tarunpal, agreed to join us.

Barcelona’s vibrant cultural diversity was the perfect backdrop for such a special occasion. 

Golden Entry

As we immersed ourselves in the pure art of flamenco at the breathtaking Palau Dalmases, a beautifully restored 17th-century palace.

The palace itself was a masterpiece—its modern, sophisticated touches blended seamlessly with the charm of its original architecture, creating an unforgettable ambiance.

The city’s rich history and blend of Catalan, Andalusian, and Gypsy influences made every moment feel magical. 

To add to the sensory delight, we started with a dinner. Sitting together as a family, we savored Spanish staples like paella and tapas before soaking in the electrifying flamenco rhythms after the great dinner. 



Now was the turn to head to Tablau theater started in 1970 to witness the live performance after sumptuous dinner.

ShivShilpy were rightly seated at a VIP seats.

The venue itself was exceptional—the  historic tablaos that carried an old-world charm, with intimate spaces that made the experience feel personal and unique.

Witnessing such a powerful performance in such an elegant setting was truly a highlight of our trip, leaving us awestruck and deeply moved

El Duende 

The performance was nothing short of magical. For an hour, world-class dancers, guitarists, and singers transported us to a world of passion and artistry. 

Flamenco Palau Dalmases- Awarded recently among the 10% of the best Shows in the world.

These performances, with their fiery energy and intricate artistry, left us spellbound. 

Looking eye to eye with us.

It was an experience that tantalized all our senses—sight, sound, and food taste coming together in perfect harmony.

Looking back, I feel so grateful for the joy of celebrating such a milestone with not just Shiv and Shilpy, but also with family who joined us. Barcelona gave us memories that we will cherish forever. 

Thank you all for being a part of this celebration through your kind thoughts and blessings.

Shiv with his family in his Frms

‘Paer Vatt Te

Khushi Jatt Te’

Shiv the farmer had boundless joy during his visit to his farms on Dec 23, 2019.

Nainital revisited in 2014

When I revisited Nainital after 42 years, it felt as though time had folded in on itself, bringing me back to the week after our wedding in New Delhi. Harvinder and I had spent those early days of our marriage here, surrounded by the serene beauty of the hills, the stillness of the lake, and the quiet promise of a life ahead.

As I walked through the town, I marveled at the symbols of harmony that make Nainital so unique—a temple, a Gurudwara, a church, and a mosque, all standing proudly together, back to back. They seemed to whisper stories of unity and coexistence, the very essence of modern India. The bustling streets and thriving economy were a testament to this shared spirit.

I couldn’t resist recreating our boating scenes from 1972. As the boat glided over the lake, memories came flooding back—Harvinder’s promise to row the boat of our life together, and the laughter and dreams we had shared on that water. The visit was short, but it was as though I had found a piece of my younger self waiting there, in the heart of Nainital, where love and harmony still flourished.

A message of Love, Peace and Oneness

Gods Serene Visage!

A few days away from Christmas, as I was having a morning cup of tea sitting by the window in the quiet of my bedroom, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight that felt nothing short of divine. 

Slowly fading!

Outside, a vibrant rainbow stretched across the sky, its colors blending seamlessly with the cool winter air. But what truly made the moment extraordinary was how this natural wonder seemed to frame the sacred glass picture of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji that adorns my window wall.

Message of Love, peace and Oneness

The reflection of His serene visage, illuminated by the soft, multicolored glow of the rainbow, was a sight that filled my heart with awe and reverence. It felt as though nature itself had conspired to magnify His eternal message of love, peace, and oneness. For a moment, time stood still, and I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude and wonder.

Going, going, gone!

And then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the rainbow began to fade. In a matter of minutes, the vibrant colors dissolved into the grayness of the sky, leaving me with only the memory of the moment. Yet, even in its absence, the experience lingered—its beauty and meaning etched into my heart. Though it was brief, it felt eternal.