Faithful to the End
Chacha Ji - Das Joga Singh
On his last day alive, Das Joga Singh was heard singing a new song that he had recently written and composed for Mahraz Jee. His fine voice rang out that day and those who were working with him, remarked amongst themselves at the beauty of his words and the strength of his devotion to Mahraz Darshan Das.
It was for his songs, his singing and his writings that Das Joga Singh, affectionately called ‘Chacha Ji’ or 'Uncle' by Mahraz Jee, was best known within the mission.
Das Joga Singh, Chacha Ji was born in India in 1943. Before entering the mission in 1977 he ran an engineering workshop in Delhi. After meeting Mahraz Jee, he was later to remark ‘I was never the same again. More and more I longed to work with Mahraz Jee in his mission.’
In 1982 Das Joga Singh came to England, it was the start of five years service to the mission in England. His many duties included accompanying Mahraz Jee throughout England, singing Kirtan (hymn singing), performing ‘Vaak' (singing of verse that accompanied the main religious discourse); and recording Mahraz Jee’s words.
On that fateful day, 11th November 1987, at Dormers Wells High School in Southall, Chacha Ji dutiful as ever, accompanied Mahraz Jee. Just before 10pm, after the completion of Satsang, Mahraz Jee and Chacha Ji were sitting with the congregation.
Minutes later shots rang out. Chacha Ji was on his feet at once. Mahraz Jee had been shot and as he leapt to his defence, Chacha Ji himself was shot. Twenty four hours later he too was dead. To die beside his Master would have been his dearest wish. Those who knew him well, tell of his wish to serve until the end.
The day before he was killed Mahraz Jee warned those with him of what was to come. He was heard to say, “We’ll be leaving here soon.” No one present knew just what he meant, except perhaps Chacha Ji. ‘Mahraz Jee, promise to take me with you,’ he said. Mahraz Jee laughed and said, “We’ll see.”
Chacha Ji is survived by his wife Das Rajinder Kaur, and his two daughters and son.