Saini
 |
| Sainis | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Kshatriya |
| Religions | Sikhism and Hinduism |
| Languages | Hindi and its dialects, Punjabi and its dialects |
| Populated states | Punjab (India), Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka |
| Subdivisions | (none) |
Saini ( is a prominent caste of India.
History
Ancient India & Rajan Sini
The term Saini is derived from Rajan Sini, a character in the great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. Sini was a kinsman of Vasudeva, the father of Sri Krishna. When Devaki, the mother of Krishna, was a maiden, many princes competed for her hand. In the end, there was a great battle between two princes of different families over it: Somadatta and Sini. Sini won, and on behalf of Vasudeva he placed Devaki in his chariot and took her away.
Since that incident there was a feud between the two clans, the Sini family and that of Somadatta.
The rivalry came to the fore one last time on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Sini's grandson, Satyaki, who was a peer and friend of Arjuna and a famed archer, clashed with Bhurisravas, Somadatta's son, who was on the Kaurava side, resulting in the slaying of Bhurisravas by Satyaki.
Sainis claim descent from Sini or Rajan Saini and his grandson Satyaki (who founded the Saini Vansha of the Sura-Sena, which is one of the eleven Vanshas of Krishna).
The term Shoorsaini is as old as the history of India. Etymologically, the Hindi word “Shoor” means displayer of gallantry and "Saini" is a generic name for the ruling dynasty that ruled Northern India from Mathura to Patiala. Their rule and governance were so benevolent that the area they ruled directly came to be known as “Shoorsaini Pradesh” and the language they spoke was known as “Shoorsaini”.
Colonel James Todd, who is reputed for writing the authentic history of Rajasthan, has given a very authentic and vivid account of these illustrious people of ancient India. Mahapandit Rahul Sanakrityayan in his famous book Singh Senapati, informs us about Draupadi being a daughter of the Shoorsaini dynasty, and that even Krishna belonged to this people. In the Mahabharata, Satyaki is the leader of the Shoorsainis and is famous for his bravery.
Kansa
In this dynasty, was born the first major king of Northern India, Kansa. By virtue of his might, he declared himself as the first king of Mathura. Acknowledging his superiority, the famous king Jarasandha of Magadha, who had established his lordship in the eastern region of India by subduing many independent kingdoms, offered his two daughters in marriage to Kansa. Thus, the first empire of pre-historic or Proto-history India was established by Kansa, the scion of Shoorsaini dynasty. Kansa performed the famous Ashwamedha Yagna and set his horse moving and his armies followed the horse under his personal command. They were away for twelve years from the capital “Shoorpur” in the city of Mathura. The site of the capital city of king Kansa was discovered by Colonel James Todd, the author of the Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan.
In the Mahabharata's 18th Parva ("Chapter"), the sons of king Kansa are mentioned to be alive. Moreover even after the killing of Kansa the kingdom was given back to his father, Ugrasena who ruled Mathura. Mathura still abounds in the remains and relics of king Kansa. In the city of Jhajjar (Haryana), there live about 150-200 families who trace their descent from Kansa.
After Mahabharata, Parikshat was made king of Hastinapur. Vajra, the grandson of Krishna at Indraprastha. A grandson of Satyaki named Bhuti was made king of Saraswati. Andhaka's son was made king at Marttikavata near Mount Abu. Thus the princes of the Pandava-Krishna lines ruled North India, Sindh, Gujarat and the area North and West of the Yamuna. They founded many republics like Pargiter, Bhargava and Jayaswal.
The famous Yaudheya republic had 5000 war elephants and 5000 aristocratic families, who were good agriculturists and good soldiers. Their fame and power caused the retreat of Alexander from the Beas in 326 BC. Future wars led to the Sainis retreating into infertile foothills from central regions of Punjab under pressure from the Scythians. They have spread in a linear fashion across the rivers.
These republics can be called the forerunner of our present democracy. It covers the whole of India and every citizen has the power to vote. Thus for the first time, since thousands of years we are a big and free country, encompassing all classes and creeds.
In the following centuries Sainis and Ahirs along with other Branches of Yadus and some other Aryans aligned themselves under the banner of Krisna-Pandava and fought against the Aryans who accepted the hegemony of orthodox Brahmins to rule the kingdoms and defeated them. During this time intermarriages between different Yadu branches were possible. Satyaki the grandson of ShoorSaini was a cousin of Krisna and Kunti, the mother of Pandavas was daughter of SuraSena King. Between 500-300 BC these Aryan tribes kept fighting each other and this was the period of chaos. During this time Magadha emerged supreme and their kings were highly influenced by Brahamns. Brahamans divided the Aryan kshatriyas into Surya and Chander Vanshis. Sainis were placed under Chander Vanshis. As Sainis and Ahirs refused to accept Brahmanism they were diplomatically given the second place among Kshatriyas and Brahmans favoured those Aryan kshatriyas who accepted their hegemony and allowed them to play a role in the politics to rule the kingdoms i.e. brahmanical system in Society.
Porus
Porus or Puru, the son of king Chandra Sen, was the last Shoorsaini king. He was the overlord of the fertile area of the Punjab between the rivers Jhelum and Beas. Porus is also termed in history as the 'Lord of the Mountains.' His bravery and gallantry has become an embodiment of Indian heroism . Prof. P.D.Oak rather argues and advocates and has tried to prove in his book – “Blunders of Indian History” – (Bhartiya Itihas ki Bhari Bhulein), that in the war with Alexander the Great, Porus had in fact won and Alexander had been defeated. That is why Porus did not allow Alexander to return by the route he arrived. Alexander had to carve out a new path for his return. Prof. Oak has tried his best and has dished out very powerful and convincing arguments.
The most shrewd politician of ancient India – Chanakya (Kautilya), the architect of the Mauryan Empire heavily depended on the military help of Porus to groom and raise Chandragupta as the future ruler of Patliputra. Chanakya's plan was based on the military might of Porus and they agreed to partition the Empire into equal halves. Porus sent his son as the commander of his army to pursue the task of ousting the Nanda ruler of Patliputra. It was the fearful might of Porus' forces that scared Nanda’s army and Chanakya was successful in besieging the city and securing a victory. But as was the temperament of Chanakya, he betrayed the son of Porus and got him treacherously assassinated. The brave Shoorsaini, true to his royal lineage fell victim to Brahamanical intrigues and evil design.
An interesting aspect to note here is that in addition to the Sainis, three other groups of the Punjab claim king Porus to be one of their own. These include Janjua Rajputs, Kukhran Khatris and Mohyal Brahmins of the Vaid clan.
The Kushans
After the fall of Porus and his sons, this dynasty was lost to oblivion for about two thousand years. A new barbaric tribe of Central Asia, the Kushans crossed the Indus and established their rule in India. The Kushans killed every son and daughter of the ruling family. As a result, the dynasty faded into oblivion.
Medieval India
In Medieval India, the word "Shoorsaini" got shortened to "Saini". Banveer, the son of Queen Sheetla Saini ruled as the Rana of Mewar, from Chittor for eight years till the consecration of Udai Singh as Rana.
The British Period
During the revolt of 1857, the Sainis of Kurukshetra and the Rors of Karnal heroically, fought the British.
The principalites of Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh as well as Jagadhri, Kirada and Hansi in Haryana are Saini strongholds.The Sakyas of Nepal (amongst whom the Buddha was born) and the Reddys of Andhra Pradesh trace their origin to the ruling Shoorsaini elite of Northern India.
Distinction
It should be noted that Saini is distinct from the similar sounding 'Sahni', 'Sawhney' sub-castes who also belong to the Kshatriya caste. Sahnis & Sawhneys are Kukhran Khatri communities who originate from the town of Bhera in Rawalpindi in Punjab (Pakistan).
The Saini's have been classified as Chandravanshi Kshatriya's. The Chandravanshi lineage is one of the three lineages into which the Kshatriya caste of Hindus is divided. According to legend, the Chandravanshis are descended from Chandra,in the Lunar Dynasty or the Hindu Moon God.
Geographic distribution
Sainis are generallu spread across the areas of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. They are fairly self sufficient caste. Other than the above states, members of this group are also found in Maharashtra, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Religion
Though the majority of Saini's are Hindu. Unlike other farming castes, converts to Islam amongst Sainis is generally unheard of.
Sikh Saini
With the rise of Sikhism in the fifteenth century, many Saini's converted to the faith. As a consequence there is a substantial Sikh Saini population today especially in the state of Punjab (India) and it's neighbouring states. Many of them still hold the occupation of farmers.
There are many gotras in the Sikh Saini community. The most common are generally: Bola, Gahunia, Gehlen, Kaloty, Nanua, Pabla, Pamma. For an more information regarding surnames see below.
Surnames
Surnames of Punjabi Saini's (Hindu and Sikh)
| Adhopia, Agarwal, Annhe, Attar, Badwal, Banait, Banga, Banga, Banwait, Baria, Basuta/Basoota, Bawal, Bharal, Bhati, Bhela, Bhele, Bhogal, Bhowra, Bimbh, Bola, Bondi, Budwal/Bodwal, Caberwal, Chandan, Chandel, Chande, Chandolia, Chaudhry, Chayor, Chelley, Chepru, Chera, Chere, Chibb, Chilne, Dadwal, Dakolia, Darar, Daurka/Dhorke, Dhamrait, Dhand, Dhanota, Dhek, Dheri, Dhaul, Dhole, Dhoore, Dhorka, Dola, Dolka, Dolle, Dulku, Fharar, Gaare, Gahir, Gahunia, Galeria, Galhe, Garhamiye, Garhania, Garore, Gehlan, Gidda, Giddar, Gidde, Gillon, Girn, Gogan, Gogia, Gogiaan/Gogian, Golia, Haad, Hadwa, Hansi, Hans, Hoon, Jagait, Jaget, Jagit, Jandauria, Jandeer, Jandor, Jandoria, Janglia, Japra/Japre, Joshi, Kaan, Kabad, Kabarwal, Kabli, Kadauni, Kainthlia, Kalia, Kaloti, Kamboe, Kamokhar, Kariya, Kataria, Keer, Khabra, Kharga, Khargal, Andhaia, Khelbare, Khobe, Khube, Khute, Kuchrat, Kuhar, Kuhare, Lata Longia, Lularia/Loyla, Manger, Maheru/Meharu, Masute, Matoya, Mundh, Mundra, Nagoria, Nanua, Nawen, Neemkaroria, Pabe, Pabla, Pabme, Pama, Panesar, Pangeli/Panghliya, Panthalia, Papose, Partole, Patrote, Pawar, Pharar, Pingalia, Pundrak, Puria, Saggi, Sahnam, Sair, Sajjan, Sakhla, Salaria/Salariya, Sandoonia, Sangar, Sangowalia, Saroha, Satmukhiye, Satrawla, Satrawli, Satrole, Savadia, Sehgal, Shahi, Sinh, Sona, Sooji, Sukhayee, Tabachare, Tak, Tamber, Tandoowal, Taraal, Tarotia, Tatla, Tatra, Tatri,Taunk, Taunque, Thind, Tikoria, Togar, Tondwall, Tonk/Tank, Toor, Tuseed, Ughra, Vaid, Vim, Virdee. |
Concentration of Surnames
Bola - Majority based in Jalandhar & Nawashahr
Gahunia - Majority based in District Nawanshahr, Punjab.
Gehlen - Majority based in Hoshiarpur (Punjab). There are many villages named as Gehlan, One of them is Gehlan Hithar situated in Tehsil Chunian of District Kasur in Punjab, Pakistan. It has a population of 15,000 in Pakistan.
Saini Warriors
- Bhai Jamala Singh Nanua
Bhai (also known as Bhagat) Jamala Singh Nanua was a Saini of unmatched qualities . He was the spitual leader of Bhai Kanahia , who inturn further started "Seva Panthi " mission . He wrote his own Saini Bani's . As a darbari kavi his poetry left an imprint on the poetry style of Bulhe Shah . As a baptished Sikh of 10 th guru he was named Jamala Singh Nanuan. As a great warrior his service was equal to his contempraries, Bhai Bachittar Singh, Bhai Jaita , Bhai Sangat Singh & Mai Bhago.
Bhagat Nanuan was a great Saini of the 17th century . Throughout his life he rendered his valuable services to Sikh gurudom. He enjoyed the privilege of having close relationship with 8th , 9th & 10th Sikh Gurus . At the time of 8th Guru's death in Delhi , he arranged the cremation & later carried Guru ji's bone urn to Kiratpur Sahib . From there along with Guru's family members he reached Baba Bakala as indicated by the 8th guru . After the cremation ceremony of 9th guru,. he remained in the company of his master on various teaching missions . At the time of the last voyage of Guru Tej Bahudar ji to Delhi , he accompanied the convoy . After the martydom of the Guru & Sikhs, he arranged their cremation. Later he carried Guru's severed head to Kiratpur Sahib .
He sacrificed his life in the Battle Of Chamkaur Sahib . His son, Darbar Singh laid down his life in the battle of Agampur & another son Gharbara Singh was killed in the battle of Muktsar. His great grandson Kavi Jai Singh Saini had the privilege of being 'Darbari Kavi' at the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh & Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala.
- Maharaja Patiala Baba Ala Singh
The Maharaja of Patiala, Baba Ala Singh belonged to the Saini caste. After the marriage of his first son, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh into a sidhu family (Jatt clan), Ala Singh became very disappointed. Shortly after the marriage Bhupinder Singh realized that he had made a mistake by marrying into a non-Saini caste. After the death of Ala Singh the raj was considered to be Jatt rule. Historically however it is from a Saini Riyasat (lineage).
- Gurudas Saini (The Sarv Khap records tell us the story of the valorous warrior Gurudas Saini)
In 1290 AD to 1296 AD (CE) the king Hamirdev Chauhan was in power at Ranthambor, where he had a large fort. There were many forts around Ranthambor. which protected Ranthambor. [Ranthambor is in Rajasthan and is the location of the famous wildlife sanctuary of its name) The task of protecting the fortress of Jahin was that a general, whose name was Gurudas. He was of the Saini Vansh. He was a warrior, an expert in the arts of war. His horse was so well trained that he would be controlled by the thighs of his master. This hero would tie the stirrup of his horse to his saddle horn and guide his horse by his thighs. His spear, his sword, and his Khand/Khanda were his famous weapons, which he would keep with him when he rode into battle. In the battle he would blow the Toorri and the Runsingha (battle horn). His wife was a Yadhav Ahir lady, Raj Kaur. She was also a brave warrior. In those days the warrior and his wife would choose each other in the Svayamvar Ceremony for marriage, there was no restriction of caste. That came later is Muslim times. Raj Kaur would also ride a horse, and support her husband in battle the lady would do her prayers and blowing her conch shell climb onto her horse. These two were successful in over seven battles. Both husband and wife would wear armour.
Many famous warriors acknowledge the steel of Gurudas and came to him to learn the art of battle. Guru Dash was about 45 years old, his wife was about 37 years old, and they had one son m, Rajbal, who at time was 14 years and seven months old.
That year Jajaludin Khilji attacked Jahin with an army of 42,000 troops, to remove this thorn from his path. He camped with his army eight miles from Jahin.
Gurudas has only 7,000 men at his command. Gurudas and his wife took 3,500 chosen warriors and at three o’clock at night attacked the Khilji camp, and cut a large part of it to pieces. The rest ran off.
Jalaludin did not know that the General of his enemy was such a great warrior. He then sent reinforcements of another 22,000 troops.
When this new army advanced towards the fort, Gurudas Saini stopped them in a narrow canyon. The battle carried on for six days and four nights. The Khilji army lost its courage and retreated to a new position. The new battle carried on for 42 days.
To use a local expression, Guru “ ne dushman ko nakonh Chane chabaye- the enemy was force to eat gram( chana) with his nose”
Hamirdev sent another 7,000 troops to reinforce Gurudas.
The valorous Gurudas, made a flanking move of 21 miles to the enemy’s rear, and attacked the 22,000 strong Khilji army. This caused a panic in the Khilji troops.
Gurudas left 2,500 troops with his wife and son, in front of the enemy, and with the rest using guerilla tactics drove the enemy away.
One writer of that time, Hariprakash, writes that the great warrior Saini fought the Khiljis for 90 days and drove them off. Many leaders/generals of the Khiljis perished in these battles. Though it is now universally known that Rana Hamir Dev and his armies ultimately perished at the hands of the Khiljis.
Yet our country had not shortage of traitors and it is rumored that The cooks and Pujaris of the kitchen conspired with the Khilji leaders and laced the food of the three Saini families with a drug which left them sluggish and unable to function.
The Khiljis advanced with a force of 28,000.
Even so the hero Saini came out of the fought and took to battle. As the day warmed they fell unconscious. He could not help guide his army and was martyred.
In Samvat 1359(12 91 CE) his son Rajbal also was martyred on the battlefield.
The praise of these warriors was written by a contemporary of the times – Minhas ( a royal bard)
This Saini family was from the Haryana province (old Haryana- that could be anywhere from the Sutlej to Western U.P), and held a high position in the court of raja Hamir Dev.
An account of Gurudas is found in another “history of Rajasthan ‘on page 177, but that is a small account.
One Muslim Pathan was a friend of Gurudas, and fought alongside Gurudas. On his death he resided with his son Rajbal, and looked after him. He also was martyred fighting alongside Rajbal. This good example of the Heroism, nationalism, and patriotism of the Pathans. The Pathans are men of their word.
When the traitors came to be known to Hamirdev, they ran away, joined the Khiji and converted to Muslim. However Rajbal, before he was killed had them captured. Their faces were blackened, they were made to ride donkeys in their villages, and finally they were killed and their bodies were fed to carrion.)
- Banveer Saini (Great Saini Warrior of Rajasthan)"Saini". Banveer, the son of Queen Sheetla Saini ruled as the Rana of Mewar, from Chittor for eight years till the consecration of Udai Singh as Rana.
- Senapti Gulab Singh Saini of Ballabhgarh
Prominent Saini Personalities
- Nek Chand Saini
Nek Chand, is an Indian self-taught artist, famous for building the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. Chandigarh, India, is an unlikely location for the world's largest folk-art environment. Chandigarh, a stark 20th-century utopian dream city, was designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier.In the midst of this carefully planned, 1950s-style architecture lies The Rock Garden, a 40-acre garden kingdom comprised of meandering paths, courtyards, waterfalls, pavilions, theaters, plazas and thousands of sculptures created by an untutored builder named Nek Chand Saini (b.1924). In the past few years, completing this monumental endeavor and guaranteeing its preservation has become an international effort involving many individuals and organizations.
- Sergeant Uday Singh Taunque was born in Jaipur, India on 23rd April 1982 and till 1994 stayed with his parents at various military stations till he moved to his paternal grand parents home in Chandigarh. and enrolled in St Stephen's School. In 1995 Uday's parents and sister also moved to Chandigarh. Uday on leaving school in Chandigarh in June 2000, left for the US with his father and sister and decided to join the US Army. Uday enlisted in the army on 28 August 2000 and on termination of initial training at Fort Knox was assigned to Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 34 Armor Regiment, based at Fort Riley, Kansas, USA.
Uday's unit was deployed to Iraq in September 2003. On 1 December 2003 Uday was in the lead Humvee of his platoon as a gunner while out on reconnaissance in Habbaniyah, when the platoon came under fire. Uday was the first to fire back and kept the insurgents pinned down till such time reinforcements could arrive. However, in the continuing firefight he was hit with a gunshot to his head, and could not survive and died on the way to the hospital. His wounds were simply too severe. This action had led to the capture of a number of a terrorists and a large weapons cache. Uday was awarded with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
Uday's ashes are buried at The Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington (near Washington D.C.) Section 60 Gravesite No 8122. Also a memorial for perpetuating his memory has been established and will be completed shortly at his home in Chandigarh (1550, Sec 18-D). This courageous and brave boy has touched many hearts across two nations and not only brought honour to the family but to all who knew him and the army that he loved so dearly
- Avatar Saini Director - South Asia, Intel Asia Electronics. Avtar Saini joined Intel in April 1982 as a Product Engineer in the area of magnetic bubble memories. Through the 1980’s he worked as a circuit designer on the Intel386, and a micro-architect/logic designer on the Intel486. In 1989, he was promoted to co-lead the Pentium® processor design team where he managed the design and its ramp into volume production.
In 1994, Saini was promoted as General Manager, Santa Clara Microprocessor Division where he managed Intel’s next generation 64 byte architecture microprocessor. In May 1996, he moved to Folsom, California to head the Platform Components Division where he was responsible for the Chipset and Graphics solutions for the Intel Architecture platform. In September 1999, Saini was relocated to India as Director South Asia. He holds 7 patents for his work in microprocessor design.
- Tarsame Singh Saini (Taz of Stereo Nation )
Tarsame Singh, aka TAZ, the artist formerly known as Johnny Zee, established himself as a recording artist with the release of his debut album "Hit the Deck". He stormed the UK Asian Pop Charts for 36 weeks at number 1. The album went on to become one of the biggest selling Asian fusion release to date. Then came the album that broke all music barriers, Spirits of Rhythm with the hit track, Don't Break My Heart. The latter half of 1999 saw TAZ release his first solo album entitled "Nasha" in the UK, causing a major storm on dance floors across Europe and the USA. To date the album has already gone gold... The new millennium sees TAZ as a solo artists, retaining the name of "Stereo Nation" starting to delve into new musical territory with Latin, R&B, Soul, Dance and Bollywood. TAZ's latest album entitled "Slave II Fusion"("Oh Laila'), released in December 2000. achieved sales exceeding 1.5 Million. As a consequence to this success, he was approached to record a track for the movie "TUM BIN" in which TAZ himself performed. Due to popular demand TAZ returned to the UK to release his single "Laila" into the mainstream charts. The single entered the British Charts at number 44. The follow up album entitled "Taz-Mania" has surpassed the phenomenal success of the previous album. Having already recorded for the Film Industry, TAZ has just finished recording for the latest Hrithik Roshan film "Koi Mil Gaya" which has been deemed by the Indian Film Industry as the Bollywood Blockbuster Movie of the year!
- Baljit Singh Saini (Famous Indian Hockey Player, Made India proud on many occasions)
Baljit ("Baljeet") Singh Saini (born August 12, 1976 in Ropar, Punjab) is a field hockey defender and midfielder from India who made his international debut for the Men's National Team in 1995 during the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup. Singh Saini represented his native country at two consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, where India finished in eighth place. His older brother Balwinder Singh was also a field hockey international for India.
- Jessie Singh Saini (The Billionaire) Hard work and talent made this non-entity in his homeland rich and famous in foreign soil. Originally known as Jaswinder Singh and re-christened "Jessie Singh the billionaire" is now a big name in Silicon Valley in California, USA. He is the owner of BJS Electronics and deals in trading of computer peripherals. He now has three companies with a turnover of $246 million and is the second richest Punjabi in North America. He has the rare distinction of hosting a dinner attended, among others by the then US president Bill Clinton. He keeps in touch with his roots and occasionally visits Jalandhar where he has a house in Green Park.
- Rupa Saini
The erudite hockey Olympian, Rupa Saini belongs to a Faridkot-based family which has a rich tradition in sports, particularly in Indian hockey. At one time, the Saini sisters dominated women's hockey in India and this can be gauged from the fact that three of them- Rupa, Krishna and Prema- turned out for the country in a Test series against Japan in 1970. Rupa, at that time, was a 15-year- old pony tailed girl bristling with youthful exuberance. And it was this young and talented girl who went on to captain the Indian team in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The list of Rupa Saini's achievement is long and impressive. She has donned the Indian colours in the 1974 France and 1978 Madrid World Cups, apart from earning nearly 200 Test caps both in India and abroad.She also played in the 1979 world championships held in Vancouver. Taking a drive down the corridors of memory lane, Rupa reveals the crests and troughs she had to undergo in her illustrious career. She opined that one of the most happiest moments of her 19-year-long, effervescent career was when she got a chance to play alongside her two sisters -Krishna and Prema- in a five Test match series against Japan in 1970. These days Rupa, having earned a doctorate degree, is employed as a senior lecturer with the Government College of Physical Education in Patiala. She has also been appointed as a manager of the senior Indian team by the Indian Women Hockey Federation (IWHF).
- Amar Singh Dhamrait Amar Singh as he was popularly known in his native village Bazidpur in Distt. Nawansher of Punjab State needs no introduction. His caring attitude and selflessness benefited a lot of needy youth to migrate to greener pastures. The people he helped and guided are well-settled in the middle east and other countries and are ever-grateful to him. He is a source of inspiration for everyone to help others improve their livelihood.
- Sardar Mahan Singh Gahunia A distinguished general of the Saini Army. His contribution in upliftment of Saini Community is being applauded by all. Took active part in the freedom movement launched by the patriots to liberate our country from the British rule. Known for his strong character, honest, simple and ever helpful attitude at his native village Sujjon in Nawansher district. His urge for knowledge and material well-being took him to seas to Philippines. Business acumen and hard work brought him abundant success and laurels. he became a successful, distinguished and respected businessman in Manila. His benevolent instinct prompted him to support his relations and other interested villagers to migrate to the Philippines for improving their sources of livelihood. Formed the Sarb Hind Saini Sabha. Arranged moral and material support for Azad Hind Fauz of Netaji during the vital years of the Indian Freedom movement. His efforts to extend a helping hand to the needy widows and poor school going children in the form of aid and scholarships consistent with the financial position of the trust, are praiseworthy.
- Dr. Jasbir Singh Saini Known for his expertise in treating heart rhythm problems, Dr. Jasbir Saini did his undergraduate work in India and his postgraduate medical training in cardiology in St Louis, Missouri. He began his practice in Phoenix in 1989.
Involved in several major national research projects in cardiology, Dr. Saini was a former chief of the cardiology department at the Thunderbird Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix Arizona, USA.
- Ajit S. Adhopia Originally from Delhi, this man is known for his community service in Canada, his adopted land. He writes a regular Column on Hinduism for "Toronto Star", a national newspaper in Canada and also wrote two books on Hinduism that are very popular there.
He has been a Social Activist in the Indian community for 30 years and won awards from all levels of government, in recognition of his contribution to society. His recent awards include Civic Award of Recognition for Volunteerism – City of Mississauga 2002 and Recognition Award for Community Service-Ethnic Press Council of Canada.
- Sunny Dhoor Sunny Dhoorh migrated to America from Punjab in the year 1988 after graduating in the Law course of Punjab University, Chandigarh. In India he worked as an advocate and when opportunity called Sunny migrated to the U.S. Henceforth there is no looking back for this hardworking and determined stalwart.
The fruits of his labor ripened and now he is the proud owner of a about a dozen of convenient stores in the Michigan State, USA. This put him in the league of one of the most prominent and leading businessman of the state. He is also a spokesperson for the Indian community in the state. He is a contender in politics and keep company with the Democratic Party, as is evident with his frequent association with the Governor and the former presidential candidate, Mr. John Kerry during his campaign. It is during this meetings that Sunny highlights the issues the Indian Community is facing. A regular donor to religious organizations and humanitarian causes. Sunny is proud to belong to the first Saini IAS family (Ch. Dasonda Singh) of Punjab.
- Sanjeeva Reddy He was born on May 19, 1913 in Elluru in Ananthapur district, Andhra Pradesh. He gave up his studies to join the Satyagraha Movement in 1931 and served long terms of imprisonment during the freedom struggle. He became the first chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in October 1956. He was a Union Minister from 1964 to 1967. He became the President of India on July 25, 1982. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy passed away in 1996.
- Major Harminderpal Saini
On 13 April 1999, Major Singh fearlessly led his column from upfront, setting a personal example for his command to emulate. He made the supreme sacrifice of his life while fighting the Pakistani ISI sponsored proxy war and safe guarding the integrity of India. His mortal remains, draped in the tri-colour of the Indian flag, were sent to his village in (Mundi Kharar) Ropar (the vicinity of which Anandpur Sahib is located) on 14 April 1999 where he was cremated with honours reserved for the bravest. When the nation celebrated the tercentenary of the Khalsa Panth in April 1999, this brave officer upheld the martial spirit of the Khalsa by his supreme sacrifice. There can be no better example of the spirit of Service Before Self - the motto of the Indian Army - where Major Singh, despite having suffered grievous injuries, continued to lead his troops from the front and eliminated two mercenaries before laying down his life. Major Harminder Pal Singh was honoured with the [Shaurya Chakra], for his exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty, posthumously.
- S. Dilbagh Singh Saini S. Dilbagh Singh who was a famous personality from Doaba. He was the Minister for Agriculture and Forest in the Punjab Govt. for some time. As a businessman he is beyond compare running his empire of transport trucks. He helped the community of the Sainis by being their spokesman and his contribution for the upliftment of the community will always be remembered. During his tenure, he initiated a series of measures to take Doaba in the forefront.
- Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Javed Gehlan He is resident of Gehaln Hithar, Tehsil Chunian District Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. He graduated from Forman Christian College Lahore in 1989, Punjab University Lahore in 1996 and Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad in 1998. He has many publication in the field of chemical engineering and air pollution.
References
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