Dera Santpura Danna, located in the serene village of Danna in Muzaffarabad, has long served as a beacon of Sikh missionary activity, spirituality, and education. Established by Sant Bhai Daya Singh, a disciple of Sant Bhai Punjab Singh, the Dera became a hub for spreading Sikh values and traditions across the region. Sant Bhai Punjab Singh, a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, laid its foundation in the late 17th century, initiating a tradition of service and spiritual guidance that successive leaders have upheld. Despite historical upheavals, including the turmoil of 1947, Dera Santpura Danna has remained steadfast in its mission.
Sant Bhai Gurbux Singh Ji, born in 1920 in Danna village, was a visionary leader known for his devotion, scholarship, and philanthropy. He assumed leadership of the Dera in 1937, following the passing of his father, Sant Bhai Gurdit Singh. In a region marked by religious diversity and social challenges, Sant Ji championed peace and upheld Sikh values with remarkable foresight and commitment.
During the partition in 1947, Sant Ji exhibited extraordinary leadership, guiding thousands of Sikhs from Danna to safety in Poonch amidst repeated attacks. Post-partition, he focused on rehabilitating displaced Sikh families in Jammu, Kathua, and Rajasthan. He established the Gurdwara in Nanak Nagar, Jammu, and contributed significantly to education, founding a school in Marh village. A literary scholar, he edited the Punjabi fortnightly Amarjit Urdu and was deeply engaged in religious, political, and social causes. Sant Ji passed away on February 20, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and service.
Born on January 19, 1976, Sant Bhai Tejwant Singh Ji assumed leadership of Dera Santpura Danna in 2012. He got his education from Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Missionary College, Ropar, Sant Ji has revitalized the Dera’s role in education, spirituality, and social welfare. Under his guidance, the Sant Bhai Gurbux Singh Danna International School was established near Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Domana, providing modern education alongside Sikh values.
Sant Ji also initiated an annual hockey tournament in memory of Sant Bhai Gurbux Singh Ji, fostering community engagement and sportsmanship. His most notable contribution has been the establishment of the Sant Bhai Khushal Singh Gurmat Research Centre and Gurmat Sangeet Academy in Marh Bagh. These institutions aim to preserve Sikh musical traditions, promote literacy, and provide free education, lodging, and meals to students. The research center is supported by the Daswand contributions of devotees and has gained international recognition, with visitors from countries such as Hong Kong, Dubai , Holland, USA, Canada, and Australia.
Sant Ji’s leadership extends to the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle in Jammu and Kashmir, where he advocates for combating social evils and emphasizing Sikh teachings of equality, selfless service, and spiritual enlightenment. A physiotherapy centre also functioning in Guru Nanak Nagar.His work reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring the Dera remains a cornerstone of progress for the Sikh community.
The Sant Bhai Khushal Singh Gurmat Research Centre in Marh Bagh stands as a testament to the enduring mission of Dera Santpura Danna. Managed by a dedicated team of sardars J P Singh IPS (Retd), Manjit Singh,Prem Singh,Gurbachan Singh ,TP Singh including Dharmik board directors Giani Kulwant Singh,Dr. Jasbir Singh Sarna and other esteemed scholars, the center promotes research in Sikh history, Gurmat studies, and cultural preservation. With recent contributions such as eight kanals of land donated by S. Pithipal Singh Betara, the center continues to expand its facilities and impact, ensuring that the legacy of service and learning envisioned by its founders thrives in the modern era.
In the serene month of March 2024, the Research Centre at Marh Bagh opened its doors to a vibrant tapestry of learners, as fifteen eager minds embarked on their academic journey. These students hailed from diverse corners of Jammu, each carrying with them the spirit of their native soil—Karwal, R.S. Pura, Kathua, Samba, Bhaderwah, Doda, Pakhian, Gadi Garh, Nanak Nagar, and Kana Chak.Among them were Gurjeet Singh and Gurpreet Singh, their resolve as steady as the rivers that cradle their homeland. Mandeep Singh and Jashandeep Singh brought with them a thirst for knowledge that mirrored the eternal quest of scholars past. Samarpreet Singh and Prabhjot Singh carried the warmth of their communities, while Tejveer Singh and Gurdeep Singh infused the group with quiet strength and boundless curiosity. Archit Singh, Jaskirat Singh, and Ranveer Singh stood as beacons of youthful energy, their eyes set on uncharted horizons. Amit Singh and Manjot Singh, with their thoughtful demeanor, seemed destined to chart profound intellectual paths. Arvin Singh and another Prabhjot Singh rounded off the group, their presence a reminder of the unity that blooms amidst diversity. Together, these fifteen torchbearers converged at Marh Bagh, bound not only by their individual aspirations but also by the shared dream of illuminating new realms of thought and discovery.
Dera Santpura Danna remains a symbol of resilience, spiritual guidance, and education, bridging its historic roots with the evolving needs of the Sikh community.
