Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan – Life, Vision, and Humanitarian Journey

Early Life and Family Background

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan was born on 15 August 1967 in Gurusar Modia, a small village in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, India. His father, Maga Singh, and mother, Nasib Kaur, were deeply spiritual individuals and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda, a socio-spiritual organization based in Sirsa, Haryana.

Growing up in a modest farming family, Gurmeet Ram Rahim was known for his simplicity, compassion, and curiosity about spirituality. As a child, he often participated in community service activities with his parents and developed a keen sense of empathy toward those in need.

He studied at a local school in his village and was actively involved in sports, music, and farming. His childhood friends recall him as someone who always encouraged honesty, hard work, and mutual respect. He married Harjeet Kaur, and the couple has three daughters and a son.

Association with Dera Sacha Sauda

Dera Sacha Sauda (often called DSS) was founded in 1948 by Shah Mastana Ji Maharaj, a saint from Baluchistan who spread the message of humanity beyond the boundaries of religion. The Dera promotes the idea of living a truthful, disciplined, and service-oriented life. After Shah Mastana Ji, Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj guided the Dera until 1990.

On 23 September 1990, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan was formally anointed as the third spiritual leader of Dera Sacha Sauda by Shah Satnam Singh Ji Maharaj. Under his guidance, the Dera grew rapidly in size and reach, attracting millions of followers from India and abroad. He encouraged people from all religions to unite under the common values of humanity, compassion, and moral living.

Spiritual Teachings and Philosophy

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan emphasizes that spirituality should be practical — expressed through action, not just words. His core philosophy is based on “Deeds are worship”, meaning that true devotion lies in serving humanity selflessly.

He promotes meditation on God’s name, living a pure and disciplined life, and avoiding social evils like addiction, corruption, and hatred. One of his well-known messages is “Humanity is my religion”, which summarizes the inclusive nature of his teachings.

He encourages followers to balance both spiritual and worldly responsibilities — to be good family members, responsible citizens, and compassionate human beings.

Welfare and Humanitarian Work

Under his leadership, Dera Sacha Sauda has become known worldwide for its large-scale humanitarian projects. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan initiated more than 160 welfare campaigns (called “Humanitarian Works”) that aim to address every aspect of social upliftment.

1. Blood Donation and Medical Aid

Dera Sacha Sauda holds the world record for largest blood donation drives, certified by Guinness World Records. Blood is supplied to hospitals, defense services, and emergency cases. The Dera also runs free medical camps, eye check-ups, and organ donation awareness campaigns.

2. Tree Plantation and Environmental Protection

The followers have planted millions of trees under his guidance to combat climate change and desertification. They also run “Clean Earth” drives and promote organic farming to encourage sustainability.

3. Drug De-Addiction Movement

One of his most impactful missions is the anti-addiction campaign, which helps people quit alcohol, drugs, and tobacco through counseling, support groups, and spiritual guidance. Thousands claim to have been freed from addiction after following his teachings.

4. Empowerment of Women

He has encouraged women to take leadership roles within the community, providing education, vocational training, and financial support for widows and underprivileged women. His movement “The Braveheart Devout Warrior” inspires young women to stand against injustice and live with self-respect.

5. Support for Orphans, Widows, and the Elderly

The Dera runs shelters and homes for orphans, differently-abled individuals, and elderly citizens who have no family support. Food, clothing, and education are provided free of cost.

6. Disaster Relief

Whenever natural disasters strike — such as floods, earthquakes, or cyclones — Dera volunteers (called Shah Satnam Ji Green S Welfare Force Wing) are among the first to reach affected areas. They provide rescue, medical help, and rehabilitation support without expecting anything in return.

7. Cleanliness Drives

The “Cleanse the Earth, Remove Dirt from Minds” campaign launched by him became one of the largest cleanliness movements before the government’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.” His followers have cleaned cities, bus stands, railway stations, and even rivers.

8. Animal Welfare

He advocates compassion toward animals and has established shelters for stray and injured animals. The Dera also promotes vegetarianism as a way of living with kindness and non-violence.

The Concept of “Shubdevi”

The term “Shubdevi” represents a spiritual principle introduced by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan. In his teachings, Shubdevi means the divine power of good deeds — a symbolic embodiment of positivity, purity, and inner light that awakens when one performs selfless service.

He explains that every person carries within them the potential of Shubdevi, but it manifests only when one lives with compassion, honesty, and gratitude. Unlike the external worship of deities, Shubdevi is an inner goddess of virtue that guides a person toward truth and peace.

This concept bridges spirituality with practical life and encourages people to transform themselves rather than depending solely on rituals.

Educational and Social Reforms

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan has always emphasized the importance of education with moral values. Under his guidance, Dera Sacha Sauda has established schools, colleges, and vocational institutes where students learn technical skills along with ethics and community service.

He often speaks against dowry, female foeticide, and child marriage, calling them social evils that weaken society. His campaigns such as “Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao” and “Kanyadaan by Father of Humanity” (where he arranges mass marriages of poor girls without dowry) have received wide appreciation.

Artistic and Cultural Contributions

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan is also known for his creative talents. He has composed and sung hundreds of spiritual and motivational songs in Hindi, Punjabi, and Haryanvi.

He directed and acted in several films that aimed to deliver messages about cleanliness, patriotism, and social reform. His music often blends traditional Indian instruments with modern styles, appealing to youth while spreading moral lessons.

He promotes a lifestyle free from addiction, violence, and hatred through artistic expression — music, drama, and film — believing that creativity can be a powerful tool for positive change.

Global Impact and Followers

Today, Dera Sacha Sauda has millions of followers not only in India but also in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Followers come from all faiths — Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians — and see the Dera as a place of peace and equality.

International volunteers participate in tree plantations, blood drives, and disaster-relief efforts across continents. The Dera’s global presence reflects Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan’s message that humanity has no religion or boundary.

Modern Initiatives and Technology Use

He has been an early advocate of using technology for good causes. The Dera runs digital platforms to coordinate blood donation, welfare activities, and educational content.

Social media is used to inspire youth toward positivity, discourage hate, and promote interfaith harmony. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan often says that modern tools should be used not for division but for uniting people with constructive actions.

Lifestyle and Personal Traits

Known for his energetic personality, he maintains a disciplined routine involving meditation, community work, and creative pursuits.

He often dresses in vibrant, colorful attire symbolizing joy and optimism. His simple vegetarian diet and focus on exercise and meditation have inspired many followers to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

He also encourages planting trees and growing one’s own food as part of living in harmony with nature.

Legacy and Influence

Over the years, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan has become a symbol of service-based spirituality. To his followers, he represents a reformer who blended ancient values with modern thinking. His vision of a world without discrimination, addiction, or corruption continues to guide millions.

Even amidst challenges, his teachings about faith, discipline, and humanitarianism remain strong among his devotees. The movement he leads demonstrates how spirituality can manifest through large-scale social work rather than isolation or ritualism.

Conclusion

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan’s life represents a rare combination of spirituality, social service, and leadership. From a small village in Rajasthan to guiding millions globally, his journey reflects dedication to human welfare and moral reform.

His message — “Humanity above all” — continues to resonate with people who believe that true religion lies not in divisions of caste or creed, but in kindness, compassion, and service to others.

Through initiatives like blood donation, environmental conservation, and women’s empowerment, he has inspired a generation to serve selflessly.

For his followers, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan is not only a spiritual master but also a humanitarian who transformed faith into action — proving that the greatest prayer is a good deed done with love.