In 1947, the mason crossed over the border from Pakistan with his two masonary tools and wife in the tow. Like some other refugees, he was also allotted a small piece of land in Pilibhit area of U. P.

Basant Singh was a religious man besides saying his daily prayers with utmost devotion, he strongly believed in sincere hard work and simple living.
Over a period of time the masonary work brought him some money which he invested in a saw mill. Due to his continuous hard work and honest dealings, the business soon flourished. Over a period of time he added a grinding mill, cotton processing plant and a few trucks to his inventory.
Inspite of the flourishing business and abundance of money, his life style never changed. He never felt the need of a personal vehicle and would rather walk or use a cycle over short distances. His eating habits were very simple, his favourite drink being the butter milk.
He was very generous towards the poor but never gave them any money. Instead he would provide them with rations and whenever there was a marriage, the poor received ample help from Basant Singh, but always in kind. He would also arrange medical care like eye camps for them. Large sums of money went to schools. All through this period his wife stood by his side. She would work along with her husband throughout the day and was always the last one to go to bed.

In the next few years, God blessed them with five daughters and a son. The children grew up in the care of devoted parents who had disciplined their own lives in a practical and simple manner. There was never a sign of lavishness in their life styles. Each child possessed only two sets of clothes. During their spare time they would also give a helping hand in the family business.
The children grew up and were married off. The marriage ceremonies were simple. No dowry was provided to the girls. The entire expenditure for the marriages was limited to Rs. 1100/-.

Basant Singh loved his children. They were never away from his heart and he knew exactly what they required. He provided them good education and helped them in getting established in business. Whenever any urgent need arose he was always there to help. When one of his sons-in-law fell upon bad times, he provided them with a very comfortable house to live in. Throughout his life the poor people were never away from his heart. Under duress they were sure of getting help from Basant Singh..

On 22 December 1989, his only son was planning to fly back home from Guwahati after delivering a consignment with his trucks. In the evening prior to his departure he was waylaid and murdered. Basant Singh received his son at the airport in a coffin.
This tragedy would have broken any man but not Basant Singh. He accepted the tragedy as HIS command. The money from the life Insurane claim of his son was utilised for building a school and a Gurdwara. Each of the daughters also received some money. The gentle and gracious soul continued his daily routine.
He had never fallen sick in his life and would recommend to everyone to: -

Speak the Truth.
Earn livlihood through honest means.
Never think ill of anyone.
Lead a simple life.
Before he passed away, he bequeathed large sums of money to schools, Gurdwaras and Pingalwara.
He has left behind sincere, hard working and proud children who are venturing through life with their heads held high. Whenever they talk about their father, their faces emanate happiness and contentment.

Pingalwara is fortunate in having contacts with a person like Basant Singh. All the 800 inmates of Pingalwara pray for his soul and wish happiness to his children. We also pray for a touch of the goodness he has left behind.

S. Basant Singh
Mohalla Raja Ganj,
Station Road, Puran Pur,
Distt. Pilibhit, U. P.