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Since the late 19th century, Malaysia has been home to numerous distinguished Sikhs, including the notable Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh, M.A. Serving as a Granthi in Penang for a long period, Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh was also employed at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, standing out as the most highly educated priest in Sentul Gurdwara’s history. Not only having completed the Granthi training, he successfully passed multiple intermediate examinations and was actively pursuing a Ph.D. Giani Ji had authored several papers in both Punjabi language and on Gurbani. Additionally, he imparted his knowledge of music by teaching instruments like the harmonium and tabla.<\/p>\n
From 1952 to 1964, Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh served at Gurdwara Sahib Butterworth, Penang, followed by a tenure at Wadda Gurdwara Penang from 1964 to 1973. His remarkable educational background and contributions earned him high regard within the Sikh community of Malaysia, particularly in Penang. Giani Ji played a pivotal role in educating many youths in Penang on Punjabi, Gurbani, and Kirtan. Known for his amiable nature, soft-spoken demeanor, and unvarying calmness, Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh easily endeared himself to the children he taught.<\/p>\n
In a firsthand account shared by a source closely affiliated with Giani Harnam Singh Ji, his visits to Wada Gurdwara Sahib, Bricklin Road, Penang in 1968 provided the initial exposure to Giani Ji’s singing. Accompanying Giani Ji regularly on the ‘Jori’ was Bhai Dalip Singh Ji, the father of Sardar Didar Singh. Giani Ji stood at approximately 5 feet 2 inches, and an estimated age of around 80 at that time. Consistently dressed in a white Kurta Pajama with a matching turban, he had distinctive white eyebrows and beard, also donning round glasses from recollections.<\/p>\n
Giani Ji was known for his punctuality in commencing and concluding the Asa Di Vaar, indicative of adept time management skills. His authoritative presence garnered high regard and profound respect within the Sangat. A notable incident involved Giani Ji doing \u2018Paath\u2019 and someone went up to him to speak. Giani Ji continued doing Paath, and simultaneously took out a pen and paper and jotted down the message being related to him (that is without stopping the recitation of Paath).<\/p>\n
If anyone had more recordings or photos of Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh to share, please contact us.<\/p>\n
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The partial Asa Di Vaar below is from a cassette contributed by S. Karl Gill from New Zealand. Please \u2018right click\u2019 and \u2018save link as\u2019 to download audio files. Enjoy!<\/strong><\/p>\n Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh – Asa Di Vaar (Incomplete) & Vichaar<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following Shabads were extracted from the Asa Di Vaar recording above.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh – Amrita Priya Bachan Tumhare (Inc)<\/a><\/p>\n Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh – Jap Man Satnam Sada Satnam<\/a><\/p>\n Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh – Pritam Ke Desh Kaise Baatan Se Jaiye<\/a><\/p>\n Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh – Satgur Aayo Saran Tuhari<\/a><\/p>\n Giani Harnam Singh Ballabh – Tu Kahe Dole Praaniyaa<\/a><\/p>\n