What I leave behind

Guy​What I Leave Behind

Relaxing in my home office and scratching my mind for writing on a new topic

I do not leave behind great wealth, famous titles, or monuments carved in stone. What I leave behind is quieter, deeper, and, I believe, more enduring.

My Work, Calling, and Contribution

I leave behind the record of a life spent in service and responsibility. As a Power Engineer with the Government of India, I was entrusted with work that sustained communities and supported national growth. My professional life taught me discipline, accountability, and the importance of doing one’s duty sincerely and without noise. I took pride not in position, but in honest work done well.

Known as P M Singh, here is my last Government of India ID as Dy Director, CEA

Alongside this, I was fortunate to witness, and participate in, the evolution of computer hardware and software industries at a defining moment in history. I aligned myself early with this transformation and had the privilege of hiring and mentoring over 250 world-class engineers from across the globe, who worked hand in hand with more than 500 Fortune companies in the United States. This experience broadened my worldview and reaffirmed my belief that collaboration, diversity of thought, and ethical leadership can shape industries and futures.

The Famous CD ROM, with comments from media and world leading Literary intelligentsia

Beyond profession, I felt a deep calling to bridge technology with spirituality. I was honored to be the first person to digitize Sri Guru Granth Sahib on CD-ROM, introducing the computer to the Granth so that the Gurus’ word could spread widely, reach younger generations, and transcend physical boundaries, always with reverence and humility. This effort was never about innovation alone, but about preservation, access, and seva.

When I first introduced the Sri Guru Granth Sahib to the computer medium, it raised many eyebrows. Concerns were voiced, fingers were raised, and even a formal complaint was lodged with the Akal Takhat. The Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahib, who happened to be visiting Silicon Valley, examined the matter carefully. The fear was genuine that printed outputs of Gurbani might lead to misuse or Beadabi.

San Jose Mercury News published the story on the Cover of Living Section on Sep 9, 1995 - incidentally our wedding day

I stood with humility, clarity, and reverence for the sanctity of the Guru. After due consideration, the Jathedar cleared me of any sacrilege charge, recognizing that the intent was preservation, access, and respect, not dilution. That moment did not just vindicate me personally; it opened the door for technology to serve the Guru’s word.

Roots, Land, and Giving Back

Watching Grading of my lands in village Badbar Dist Barnala Punjab

I leave behind a lifelong commitment to my ancestral land, which I continued to develop with care and responsibility. To me, inherited land is not ownership alone, it is a trust passed through generations.

DhunAnand foundation is committed to honor annually 10 top students of Government High School, village Badbar District Barnala Pb with a blazer and books/stationary to DhunAnand Scholars

I also leave behind my work toward educating village children through the DhunAnand Foundation founded by our son Shivpreet Singh. Education, I believe, is the most powerful instrument of dignity and transformation. Supporting rural children was my way of repaying the soil that shaped me.

Family: My True Wealth

On recent Jason’s wedding Reception

At the heart of my life stands my beloved wife, Harvinder, my companion, strength, and anchor. Whatever balance, calm, and continuity my life reflects is inseparable from her presence. We walked this long journey together, sharing sacrifices, responsibilities, joys, and silent understandings that need no words.

My Beautiful family 

I leave behind my son Shivpreet, a scholarly and deeply reflective mind whose intellectual depth and pursuit of knowledge give me confidence that learning and wisdom will continue to flourish in our family on the footsteps of Bhai Nand Lal Goya, a loureute poet in the court of Sri Guru Gobind Singh. Beside him stands my daughter-in-law, Shilpy, from a proud Army background, who truly stands like a rock. Her strength, discipline, and steadfastness have completed our family circle. Together, they nurture and guide our three grandchildren, Gobind, Jania, and Geet who represent continuity, hope, and the future unfolding before us.

Whole Family get together to celebrate our Golden Jubilee celebrations in Sep 2022.

I am also deeply honored to remain closely connected with my four sisters and their families, bonds that have strengthened rather than faded with time. Equally meaningful is my close relationship with my wife Harvinder’s siblings and their families. These extended family ties have enriched my life, reminding me that relationships, when nurtured, become a lifelong source of strength and belonging.

Faith, Reflection, and Lifelong Learning 

I feel contented to get the ‘Hukamnama’ from the ‘embodiment of God’ Sri Guru Granth Sahib. So proud to have designed the Guru’s room adjoining my bedroom.

I leave behind faith and values, not rigid doctrines, but guiding principles: honesty, humility, service, resilience, and gratitude. My engagement with Sikh heritage and spiritual thought has always been about living with conscience, not display.

I leave behind curiosity and reflection, a habit of observing the world, appreciating history, culture, and learning continuously, even in later years.

Companionship Beyond Words

Tweety finally out of his cage. Bhaalu enjoys his Thorne 

I also leave behind the quiet joy of companionship that filled our home. Tweety, our Amazon-breed pet bird - a parrot, now 23 years old and, God willing, destined to live up to 85 years, has been a gentle, enduring presence, almost a living witness to our family’s passage through time. Alongside Tweety is Bhaalu, our Bernedoodle - a mountain dog, whose warmth, loyalty, and affection brought life, laughter, and comfort into our everyday moments.

What Remains

Front page of my Blog in Google

I leave behind stories, written not to impress but to remember, of family, faith, work, struggle, travel, and gratitude. They are my thoughts preserved in words.

And finally, I leave behind gratitude for my wife Harvinder, for Shivpreet and Shilpy, for Gobind, Jania, and Geet, for my sisters, Harvinder siblings and extended family, for faith, for work, for service, for companionship, and for the time granted to reflect and record.

On my way… may be to Hawaii - our next trip

If I am remembered, let it not be for what I accumulated, but for how I lived, with duty, humility, purpose, and a full heart and ‘Chardi Kala’.

That is what I leave behind.

Bally, Mafi Cha De -The Art of Living Together

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‘Bally! Māfī Chā De’ -The Art of Living Together

Two real brothers in their 80s sitting shoulder to shoulder while eating on the same cot

Two Sikh brothers in their mid-eighties sit on the same cot, sharing a simple meal and warm conversation. One can only imagine how many times, perhaps a hundred thousand, they must have forgotten and forgiven each other over a lifetime. Yet here they are, peaceful and content, enjoying each other’s company.

This simple scene reminds us of a profound truth: relationships survive not because people are perfect, but because they choose to forgive.

My grandmother Sdn Karam Devi Bhabhi ji with my Dad S Vasdev Singh and my mother Sdn Savitri Devi with sister Bhagwant in her lap  - 1946 Karachi

It takes me back to my grandmother Bhabhi ji in her Multani tone, who would gently remind us during moments of conflict:

“O my Sweet heart! Have mercy and please forgive him/her - Bally, Māfī chā de.”

At the time, her words felt unreasonable, especially when emotions were high. But once anger settled, forgiveness came easily, and the heart felt lighter.

Life demands tolerance, especially in close relationships, most of all between husband and wife. In today’s fast-paced world, we are so busy that we forget how to forgive.

Forgiveness is not weakness; it is wisdom.

Forgetting is not loss; it is freedom.

Have mercy. Forgive. ‘Bally! Māfī chā de’

Encouraging English Outreach Program in Badbar

​It is encouraging and credible to see that students are still keenly interested in enhancing their language skills, even though this places an additional burden on top of their regular academic workload. Moreover, in villages, many children are also expected to contribute to household responsibilities to help their families make ends meet.

I sincerely appreciate the efforts of parents who truly understand the value of educating the next generation and who continue to support their children despite these challenges.

My comments would be incomplete if I did not place on record my heartfelt thanks to the teaching team, headed by Shikha ji, for their dedicated guidance and leadership of the expert team comprising Garima ji. Their commitment and efforts are truly commendable.

If possible, I would welcome the opportunity to share these sentiments over a cup of tea by inviting all parents and listening to their valuable feedback.

DhunAnand serves Snacks to Parbhat Pheri in Punjab

Local GTV channel covering the Parbhat Pheri in the early morning

​Prabhat Pheri, literally meaning “dawn rounds” or “morning procession,” is a cherished Sikh tradition of early-morning devotional walks held before sunrise. Groups of devotees, starting from a Gurdwara, move through neighborhoods singing shabads and chanting praises of Waheguru, spreading spiritual energy, positivity, and unity. Prabhat Pheris are especially organized to mark Gurpurabs and other Sikh festivals, with the belief that these sacred hymns purify the surroundings and deepen the community’s connection with the Divine.

GTV coverage encouraging youths and nextzen

Traditionally, this practice was largely limited to urban areas. However, about a decade ago, the tradition was meaningfully introduced in District Moga, Punjab, bringing this spiritual experience to rural communities as well.

Bhai Swarjit Singh introducing DhunAnand spirit of Sewa

Swarjit Singh ji helping day and ight.

On this occasion, Bhai Swarjit Singh of the DhunAnand Foundation actively participated in the Prabhat Pheri and also arranged hot tea and snacks for the Sangat. Bhai Swarjit Singh also performs Kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. This thoughtful gesture was warmly appreciated by the participants and reflected the Foundation’s spirit of seva (selfless service) and community care.

Heritage Street Amritsar redeveloped Dec 2025

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Heritage Street, Amritsar

Heritage Street, Amritsar, was developed by the Government of Punjab and completed in 2016 to create a dignified and well-planned approach to Sri Darbar Sahib (Sri Harmandir Sahib). Extending from Town Hall to the main entrance of the shrine, this pedestrian-only corridor was designed to decongest the Old City and enhance the spiritual and visual experience for pilgrims and visitors.

Bhangra themed statues

The street blends traditional Punjabi architecture with modern urban design and features wide walkways, heritage-style façades, artistic lighting, and landscaped spaces. It also provides access to important landmarks such as Jallianwala Bagh, a national memorial of great historical significance.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

Earlier, the street featured bhangra-themed statues. Following objections from devotees and Sikh organisations—who felt the sacred route should reflect Sikh history and the legacy of martyrs—these statues were removed and shifted to the district administration complex. The beautification plan was then revised.

Sardar Hari Singh Nalua

The updated design includes statues of prominent Sikh warriors such as Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Hari Singh Nalwa, now in the final stages of installation. The move has been widely welcomed by devotees as strengthening the spiritual and historical character of the heritage pathway, enhancing its dignity and connection to Sikh history.

Today, Heritage Street offers a serene, respectful, and culturally rich pathway that reflects the spiritual and historical essence of Amritsar while leading visitors toward Sri Harmandir Sahib.