RAJINDER KAUR, DR (1931-1989), journalist and politician, was born at Amritsar on 10 February 1931, the daughter of the famous Akali leader, Master Tara Singh. She was educated at Khalsa College, Amritsar, Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Camp College, New Delhi, and attained the degrees of M.A. (Philosophy), B.T. (Bachelor of Teaching) and Ph.D. (Philosophy). Her doctoral thesis was on “The Sikh Concept of the Godhead.” She taught at Khalsa College, Amritsar, for one year during 1958-59, but left teaching to enter journalism and politics.
She edited for three years the Punjabi daily Parbhdt published simultaneously from Jalandhar and Delhi, and the monthly Sant Sipdhi from Amritsar. She was president of the Istri Akali Dal, women`s wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal, and was also active in the fields of education and social welfare. She was a member of the New Delhi Municipal Committee for two years from 1977 to 1979 during which period she chaired its social welfare subcommittee. She had also been a member of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee since 1975, and was a co-opted founder member of the Sikh Education Society (Punjab) which ran Khalsa colleges at Qadiari, Banga, Chandigarh and Sathiala.
She also served for two years as a member of the Court of the Delhi University. She was a member of the National Committee on Women and the Advisory Committee of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation. In April 1978, Dr Rajinder Kaur was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian Parliament. In 1980, she participated in a seminar for Religion and Philosophy held at Wembley Conference Centre, London, and in 1982 she attended World Conference of Religious Workers on Disarmament in Moscow. Dr Rajinder Kaur fell at Bathinda to the bullets of unidentified assassins on 5 February 1989.
M.G.S.
Dr. Rajinder Kaur, born on February 10, 1931, in Amritsar and the daughter of the eminent Akali leader Master Tara Singh, stands as a trailblazer whose life bridged the worlds of journalism, politics, and academic inquiry. With an impressive academic background that includes an M.A. in Philosophy, a B.T. degree, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy—with her doctoral thesis delving into “The Sikh Concept of the Godhead”—she not only set high scholarly standards but also broke traditional expectations placed on women in her era .
Her initial foray into higher education saw her imparting knowledge as a lecturer at Khalsa College, Amritsar, in 1958–59. However, a burning passion for social justice and community empowerment soon directed her to the dynamic fields of journalism and politics. As the editor of the Punjabi daily Parbhat—simultaneously published from Jalandhar and Delhi—and the monthly Sant Sipahi in Amritsar, Dr. Rajinder Kaur used her pen to challenge societal inequities and give voice to the underrepresented. Her work in journalism was not just about reporting news; it was a deliberate effort to shape a progressive dialogue within Punjab during tumultuous times .
In the political arena, her leadership qualities shone brightly. As the president of the Istri Akali Dal, the women’s wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal, she fostered environments where feminist leadership and community service became intertwined. Her active involvement in education and social welfare led to influential roles on the New Delhi Municipal Committee (1977–1979), where she chaired its social welfare subcommittee, and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, beginning in 1975. Moreover, as a co-opted founding member of the Sikh Education Society in Punjab, she played a central role in managing educational institutions run by the society, underscoring her commitment to nurturing future generations through education and empowerment .
Dr. Rajinder Kaur’s political acumen culminated in her 1978 election to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. This historic appointment not only symbolized her personal achievements but also marked a turning point in the representation of Sikh women in Indian politics. Her later international engagements—attending a seminar on Religion and Philosophy at London’s Wembley Conference Centre in 1980 and participating in the World Conference of Religious Workers on Disarmament in Moscow in 1982—further showcased her commitment to global dialogues on peace, disarmament, and ethical governance .
Tragically, Dr. Rajinder Kaur’s vibrant life was cut short when she was assassinated by Khalistani terrorists in Bathinda on February 5, 1989. Her untimely death left an indelible mark on the collective memory of not only Punjab’s political and journalistic spheres but also on the broader narrative of courageous women leaders who fought against injustice despite overwhelming odds .
Dr. Rajinder Kaur’s legacy endures as an inspiring reminder that the confluence of intellect, determined activism, and fearless journalism can foster meaningful change. Her life’s work paved the way for subsequent generations of Sikh and Indian women to actively participate in shaping public discourse and policy. As modern scholars and activists continue to study her remarkable contributions, her journey offers valuable lessons on the power of resilience and the transformative impact of bridging the realms of tradition with progressive thought.
