Gurdev Singh IAS (Retd) and President of Sikh Educational Society, Passes Away at 95, body donated to PGI for medical research
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, September 19, 2026: Gurdev Singh (23.04.1931-17.09.2026), IAS (retd), M.A., LLB, President of the SES (Sikh Educational Society, Estd 1937) since 2004, and a distinguished former civil servant, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born in Faridkot, Punjab. His body was donated at PGI Chandigarh yesterday for Medical research.
He had been the recipient of ‘Punjab Rattan’ Award for his outstanding accomplishments in the social and educational sphere by the All India Conference of Intellectuals, Delhi. After an illustrious bureaucratic career, Gurdev Singh had been associated with the SES and Sangat Sahib Bhai Pheru Sikh Educational Society (Faridkot), both of which are active in the field of education. He was an embodiment of the Sikh spirit of ‘Seva’ in the fields of education, sports, and social work. His administrative experience, scholarship and wide-ranging vision contributed significantly to the development of the institutions with NAAC grading A and A+, with which he was associated.
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Gurdev Singh had an illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service, serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar in 1984. According to reports, he did not consent to military action in Sri Harmandir Sahib during the events surrounding Operation Blue Star and was subsequently transferred from Amritsar. As a scholar himself, he had published widely on issues pertaining to Panjab with his experience as a bureaucrat and his commitment to the society. He had been an avid scholar, class topper, President of his College Union, an outstanding NCC Cadet and an International Level Hockey player. He had also held official positions in the organisations promoting hockey at the national and international level.
He was the Patron of the Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh, (a think-tank of internationally known intellectuals), Co-Convenor of International Sikh Confederation and Member, Trust for Welfare of Vanjaras and Other Weaker Sections. He had been Director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, Vice-Chairman, National Heavy Engineering Corporation, Pune and President of more than a dozen Cooperative Sugar Mills.
His demise has cast a pall of grief over the educational, social and religious circles. Principal Dr Jaswinder Singh, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Chandigarh (an SES managed Institution) recalled his extraordinary decision to donate his body to PGIMER, Chandigarh, after his death for medical research and education. In a previous decision, his wife, Surjit Kaur’s body was also donated to PGIMER at her demise in December 2018.
Professor Prem Singh Chandumajra, Former MP; Members of the Sikh Educational Society, Vice President Dr Birendra Kaur; Secretary Col (retd) Jasmer Singh Bala; Joint Secretary Advocate Karandeep Singh Cheema; and other office-bearers of the SES expressed deep condolences on his passing. Among those who expressed grief, included representatives of the educational institutions associated with SES – Principal Dr Jaswinder Kaur, Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Chandigarh; Officiating Principal Dr Indu Ratti, Sikh National College, Banga; Officiating Principal Dr Harpreet Singh Hundal, Sikh National College, Qadian; Principal Ravneet Kaur, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Chandigarh; and Principal Amanpreet Kaur, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Collegiate Public School, Chandigarh.
Baljit Balli Editor in Chief of Babushahi Network has also expressed condolence on his demise and shared grief with his family. He prayed to almighty to give peace to departed sould and strength to family to bear this irreparable loss.
Retired principals and faculty; along with current faculty members, also expressed their grief over the passing of the veteran educationist and former civil servant.
The passing of Gurdev Singh marks the end of a long and distinguished public life devoted to service, education, intellectual pursuit, sports and institution-building. His legacy will continue through the educational institutions he served, the students and educators he inspired, and the values of dedication, integrity and service that remained central to his life. His life and ideals would continue to inspire generations.