-MISSION FOR ALL-
The Nirankari movement began with the reformist teachings of Baba Dyal Singh in the early 19th century. This eventually caused a distinction between mainstream Sikhism and the Sant Nirankari mission. In 1929, one segment of the movement led by Baba Buta Singh, now known as the Sant Nirankari Mis
sion, disassociated itself from mainstream Sikhism and became an independent sect.[3]
Baba Buta Singh was succeeded by Baba Avtar Singh. In the 1960s, the sudden growth of the Sant Nirankari Mission aroused the ire of fundamentalist Sikhs and led to violent clashes.[4] In 1980, Gurbachan Singh, third chief leader (satguru) of the Mission, was assassinated by Ranjit Singh, a member of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. The Jatha, shortly before the killing, had been involved in protests against the Sant Nirankaris.[5] There were other violent clashes in 1978. After the assassination of third guru Gurubachan SIngh, his son Baba Hardev Singh succeeded as the chief leader of the organisation and remained until his death on 13 May 2016. On 17 May 2016, Baba Hardev Singh's wife, Savinder Kaur succeeded him. She is the first woman chief to lead the mission.
