Bhai Gian Singh Surjit was born on 2nd August 1940 into the home of Sardar Banta Singh Ji in the village of Moranwali in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. He lost his eyesight at a very young age as a side effect of some medication that was given to him. At the age of 10, he was sent to Daudhar, Moga to learn music. Subsequently, he became a student of the renowned Prof. Darshan Singh Komal, who was one of the custodians of Bhai Sain Ditta Ji’s legacy. Some of the other notable students of Prof. Darshan Singh Komal include Bhai Didar Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh Zakhmi, Bhai Chanan Singh Majboor, Bhai Beant Singh Bijli and many others.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit moved to the United Kingdom in 1968 and based himself in Gravesend, Kent. On the 5th of October 1969, he got married to Sardarni Karamjit Kaur in Kent. Soon after arriving in the UK, Bhai Gian Singh Surjit formed a ‘jatha’ with Bhai Gurbachan Singh Hamdard and they made a name for themselves in those early years. Bhai Gian Singh Surjit was adept in singing many Raags set to difficult Taals and used to delight the listeners with his performances during various Raag Darbars held throughout the UK. Besides performing Kirtan, he was also a wonderful teacher who touched the lives of many through his love for teaching. Another contribution in the field of music was his collaboration with Bhai Sital Singh Sitara in 2002 to publish a book on Gurmat Sangeet for the future generations to learn from. This book was dedicated to their teacher, Prof. Darshan Singh Komal, and it was titled ‘Gurbani Komal Sangeet’.
In his later years, his attention was more focused on charity work. Along with three of his friends who were also visually impaired, Bhai Gian Singh Surjit set up the Guru Nanak Missionary Blind Society in Britain. The other three individuals involved in this initiative were Bhai Sital Singh Sitara, Bhai Rajinder Singh Bhatti and Bhai Avtar Singh Mann. Subsequently, they also established the Guru Nanak Mission Netarheen Birdh Ashram in Phagwara which has been operational for almost three decades since 1993. This Ashram serves as a charity centre for the blind, orphans, elderly and physically disabled. They provide vocational training in Braille, music, painting, sewing and various other useful skills. At the moment, there are between 150-200 children at the Ashram and every year about 15 to 20 of them get employed after graduation. All four of them worked tirelessly to raise funds for this Ashram and to ensure its success.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit was a diabetic and also had to cope with hypertension. In 1992, he had his first heart attack and in 1993, he underwent a triple bypass procedure. He also suffered a stroke in 1999. Despite his health issues, he remained in good spirits and continued his charity work, performing and teaching Kirtan. Bhai Gian Singh Surjit took his last breath on 20th October 2006 and left for his heavenly abode. He is left behind by his wife of 37 years, Sardarni Karamjit Kaur, his three children: Jasbir Kaur (Jassay), Ranbir Singh (Raja) and Harjot Singh (Joti) and his grandchildren, Jasmin, Amrik, Aaron, Arjun and Taran.
The information above was obtained from the book ‘Punjab De Parsidh Raag Rababi’ by Sardar Balbir Singh Kanwal and also the ‘Sikhi Wiki’ page on Bhai Gian Singh Surjit. If anyone has more recordings of Bhai Gian Singh Surjit to share, please contact us.
The following two Shabads are from a Kirtan Darbar held in UK in 1969. Accompanying him are Bhai Pargat Singh Matharu and Bhai Gurbachan Singh Hamdard. These were kindly contributed by Sardar Joginder Singh Kalsi. Please visit his channel ‘Joginder Kalsi’ on Youtube for various interesting videos. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Gur Ke Charan Oopar (1969)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Raj Lila Tere Naam (1969)
The next few Shabads were also contributed by Sardar Joginder Singh Kalsi from a house program during his son’s 5th Anniversary.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 01 Oothat Sukhia Baithat Sukhia
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 02 Suni Ardaas Swami Merai
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 03 Sabna Jiya Ka Ik Data
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 04 Dhur Ki Baani Aayi
The recording below is from a Raag Darbar held in Southall on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab in April 1971. These were kindly contributed by Sardar Didar Singh Chana and family.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Jaijaivanti (Ada-Chartaal)
The following recording is from a Raag Darbar held in London on 27th May 1973. These were also contributed by Sardar Didar Singh Chana and family.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit & Pargat Singh – Ahir Bhairo (Adda-Chaar Taal) & Pahari (Chanchal)
The following recordings were kindly contributed by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota. Most of these were recorded in UK in 1977.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Akhi Vekh Na Rajian Bahu Rang Tamashe
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Asa Ki Vaar 3rd December 1977
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Asa Ki Vaar 4th December 1977
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Asa Ki Vaar 11th December 1977
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Aukhi Gharri Na Dekhan Daiye (Part A)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Aukhi Gharri Na Dekhan Daiye (Part B)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Avho Bhene Gal Milah Ank Sahelrria
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Beet Jahe Beet Jahe Janam Akaj Re (longer)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Beet Jehe Beet Jehe Janam Akaj Re
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Bhinne Rainrrea Chamkam Tare (Sorath)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Gobind Hum Aaise Apradhre (Inc.)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Gurmatee Har Har Boley
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Har Har Nam Amrit Hey (Darbari)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Kalee Koyal Tu Kit Gun Kalee
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Kirtan Hoya Rain Sawayee
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Lakh Khushian Patshaiyian
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Main Banjaran Ram Ki
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Mat Dekh Bhula Bisre
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Pap Kamavandia Tera Koi Na Beli Ram
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Raj Karega Khalsa
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Ram Gayeo Ravan Gayeo (Rag Chandrakauns)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Sabh Parivar Charriya Berre
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Sabhna Jian Ka Ik Data
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Sadho Eh Tan Mithiya Jano
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Sadho Gobind Ke Gun Gao
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Satgur Aayio Sraan Tuhari (Kalyaan)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Sees Diya Par Sirrar Na Diya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Thakur Jeeyo (Abhohi Kanra)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Vaho Vah Ka Bada Tamasha
The next batch of recordings are from UK as well and these were kindly contributed by Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 01 Gurmati Har Har
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 02 Aao Ji Tu Aao Hamare
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 03 Vin Boliya Sabh
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 04 Tu Tu Karta Tu Hua
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 05 Je Jaana Mar Jaiyai
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 06 Jhakar Jhaangi
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 07 Tere Ghar Anand
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 08 Guru Nanak Tutha
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 09 Eebay Beethal
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 10 Sawal Sundar Ramaiya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 11 Vadh Sukh Rainarhiye
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 12 Mann Laaga Hai
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 13 Avaho Bhaine Gal
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 14 Raj Paap Kamaavde
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 15 Beera Beera Kar
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 16 Barse Laaye Chari
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 17 Mo Kau Tu Na Bisaar
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 18 Haun Reh Na Sakaan
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 19 Deh Shiva
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 20 Dhan Jeeyo
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 21 Babiha Amrit Vele Boleya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 22 Saajan Tere Charan Ki
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 23 Vaido Na Vaayee
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 24 Mere Ram
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 25 Meri Khalho Maujrhe
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 26 Jite Shastra Naaman
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 27 Aaye Sany Prahune
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 28 Gur Taar Taaranhareya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 29 Avaho Bhanie Gal Milho
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 30 Kali Koyal Tu Kit Gun Kali
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 31 Paap Kamavdiyan
The following recordings were obtained from the ‘Kirtan Legends’ page on Youtube. Please check out their channel for more rare recordings.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Aao Ji (December 24 1981)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Bohar Hum Kahay Avengay
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Keho Prabhu (1978)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Khalsa Mero (April 19 1981)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Mere Abhay Bente (1978)
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Suraj Kiran Mile (August 31 1981)
The following recordings were contributed by Sardar Paramjeet Singh from Malaysia.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 01 – Nanak Tinah Basant Hai
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 02 – Vichaar
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 03 – Khoon Ke Solay
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 04 – Vichaar
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 05 – Nava Likho Itihaas Sikhi Da
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 06 – Ek Dhiavoh Moorh Mana
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 07 – Apne Satgur Ke Balhare
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 08 – Rajan Ke Raja
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 09 – Jhim Jhim Varse (Incomplete)
The Shabads below were digitised from a cassette obtained from the UK.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Dehi Mati Bole Paon
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Dhan Dhan Dhan Jan Aaya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Mahima Sadhu Sang Ki
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Meet Kare Soi Hum Maana
The next few recordings are from Veer Pertahp Singh Tuli from Toronto, Canada.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 01 Bin Shabde Sabh Jag Baurana
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 02 Man Mere Gur Shabadi
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 03 Satgur Hoye Dayaal
The Shabads below are from 1983 and these were contributed by Dr. Manjit Singh Hunjin who is a brilliant artist. Please check out his artwork on his Instagram page, ‘AmsimeetArt’.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Ja Tu Mere Val Hai
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Saval Sundar Ramaiya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Tu Tu Karta Tu Hua
The following recordings were downloaded from the ‘SikhNet’ website.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Aisee Preet Karo
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Ham Nehee Changea
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Mero Sundar
The recordings below are from a program held in Hitchin, UK on 26th December 2004 in conjunction with the 300 year Shahidi anniversary of Sahibzaade.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 01 Mangla Charan
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 02 Dhan Dashmesh
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 03 Viakhya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 04 Dharti Anandpuri Dee
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 05 Viakhya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 06 Chhote Lal Do Pyare
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 07 Viakhya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 08 Garda Police Deeya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 09 Viakhya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 10 Dadi Di Sikhiya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 11 Viakhya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 12 Ditta Hukam
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 13 Viakhya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 14 Nikkiyan Jindan
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 15 Viakhya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 16 Anand Sahib
The recording below was obtained from an online source but unfortunately I can’t remember the name of the website it was downloaded from.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Saadh Sangat Mil (Raag Abhogi Kanra – 10.5 beats)
The Shabads below are from the album ‘Shabad Gurbani Gurmat Sangeet Sabha UK’.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Hoan Kya Salahi Kirm Jant
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Main Banjaran Ram Kee
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – Sees Dia Par Sirar Na Dia
The following ‘Dharmak Geet’ are from a studio album. These were also obtained from an online source.
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 01 Sukhiya Fateh Bulaa
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 02 Sukha Jinda Bheno Nee
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 03 Jhuk Ke Sis Nivaeyai
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 04 Paeri Berriya Hathi Hath
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 05 Sikh Panth De Soore
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 06 Dhan Harjinder Paariya
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 07 Hae Ni Paapan Delhiye
Bhai Gian Singh Surjit – 08 Koi Koi Marda Desh Kaum