About Us - Guru Harkrishan Educational Society
Guru Harkrishan Educational Society
The society was founded on humanitarian principles inspired by Guru Harkrishan Ji, with a primary mission to assist needy students in pursuing professional education.
Inspiration
Inspired by the humanitarian character of Guru Harkrishan Ji (the eighth Guru of the Sikh faith), who was deeply dedicated to mitigating human sorrow, sickness, and suffering without distinction of faith, caste, or creed.
Establishment
Founded in the year 1986. Operating with dedicated service for over three decades.
Core Mission
Helping needy and deserving students pursuing professional/vocational education without any distinction of caste, creed, religion, or domicile.
The Founder
Sardar Avtar Singh Rawel (Born: July 24, 1929 – Died: 1987). Academic (MA in Economics), journalist's son, and former Controller of Stores cum Additional Director for the Department of Industries, Punjab Government.
“If we serve food to a needy person, their hunger is satiated for a day. If we provide clothes, their requirement is met for a season. But if we contribute in pursuing professional course of a student and after being professionally qualified, he can earn his livelihood for rest of his life.”
A Lifelong Livelihood
In the year 1986, prior to his retirement as Joint Director of Industries, Punjab, this powerful realization shaped the mind of Mr. Avtar Singh Rawel. He floated this noble idea to his friends and relatives who eagerly supported him. Eleven elite members of the society, including Sh. A.S. Chatha (the then Chief Secretary, Punjab Government) and Sh. H.S. Mamik (prominent industrialist, educationist, and owner of Chandigarh Spun Pipes and Vivek High School), joined him in this cause. Thus, the GURU HARKRISHAN EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY was officially registered with the Registrar of Companies in Chandigarh on November 5, 1986.
Why name Guru Harkrishan Educational Society?
“Contemplate the spirit of HARKRISHAN, seeing whom all sorrow and suffering is dispelled.”
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Guru Harkrishan Ji, the healer of sorrows, was born in A.D. 1656 as the second and younger son of Guru Har Rai Ji, the seventh Guru of the Sikh faith. Recognizing his docile spirit and acute intellect, he was appointed as the eighth Guru at the tender age of five years and three months.
Guru Harkrishan Ji was a savior deeply concerned with lessening the suffering of mankind. He shared everything he had, providing unremitting sympathy, love, solace, and help to all. He opened the doors of his heart to men of all faiths Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and others alike without any distinction.
His life is best remembered for bringing comfort to the victims of cholera and smallpox in Delhi. While selflessly serving the sick, Guru Harkrishan Ji contracted the smallpox infection himself and breathed his last in A.D. 1664.
Inspired by this ultimate humanitarian example, Guru Harkrishan Educational Society was founded in 1986 to empower students who want to build a better future through education.
Governing Council / Management
The affairs of the society are managed by a highly distinguished governing council composed of industrialists, former academics, medical professionals, and military veterans.