Bhai Harbans Singh Jagadhari Wale had carved a niche among the raagis as a person who explained the shabads using simple idioms. His bhog ceremony, which took place in Ludhiana on Sunday, was attended by people from all walks of life, including SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar and Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.

He died on May 13 of prolonged illness at the age of 71. He is survived by three daughters and a son.

The industrial town of Ludhiana had been his home for the last three-and-a-half decades. Earlier, he lived in Jagadhri (Haryana) where he had migrated to after Partition.

A person who reached out to wide audiences using the then-new medium of audio cassette tapes, Bhai Harbans Singh’s rendering of Gurbani spread to many hearts.

He will long be remembered for his melodious voice and success in the endeavour to make the words of the Gurus reach the masses.

The obituary by Roopinder Singh was published in The Tribune on May 25, 2011