Baba Santa Singh Nihung
From SikhiPedia
Baba Santa Singh Nihung was the 13th jathedar of 96 Crore Buddha Dal for a few decades. He was born to Bhai Bhagwan Singh and Mata Pritpal Kaur in 1928 in Distt. Gujranwala, Pakistan (Village Kila Miya Singh). He joined the Buddha Dal when he was only 10 years old. At that time, the dal was under the leadership of Baba Chet Singh.
Accomplishments
Baba Santa Singh started a printing press at Guru Ka Bagh at Anandpur Sahib. The sole purpose of the press, which is still in existance, is to spread message of the Sikh Gurus. The press works to publish Sikh literature which is passed free of cost for the propagation of the Panth. The magazine Nihung Singh Sandesh was also started by Baba Santa Singh when the headquaters of the press were relocated to Patiala.
Furthermore, the Buddha Dal factory in Patiala, located in the back of the historical Gurdwara Sahib there, was also initiated by Baba Santa Singh. The factory is well known worldwide for producing quality weapons, including kirpans, dhaals, karras and other martial arts equipment.
Excommuncation
Baba Santa Singh was excommunicated from the Panth after he initiated the work of rebuilding Akal Takhat Sahib on orders of Indira Gandhi after its distruction in 1984. He was later allowed to partake in Panthic activities following his apology.