Introduction

This Blogspot has been created to enable everyone to share experiences about how my dear Chacha Ji, Bhai Nirmal Singh, affected their lives. I have been overwhelmed by the number of tributes being made since he departed on various forums on the internet, by emails, text messages as well as in person. People have so many stories to share - and it’s through these that his legacy will continue. 

As you may well know Bhai Nirmal Singh Ji, was the youngest brother - leaving behind his elder brothers and sisters and his mother. He had been married for 12 years and thus also left behind his wife and three gorgeous children, aged 7, 5 and 2. 

It's for these kids that I would like everyone whose heart has been touched by Bhai Nirmal Singh, to share their experiences on this blogspot. 
  
With God’s grace, these shared experiences may help the children to see the side of their father that were yet to see; to appreciate the difference their father made to so many lives, so that they can understand the passion he had for Sikhi. Up until eight years ago I only knew the family side of my Chacha Ji– it wasn’t until I myself came into practising my religion that I started seeing this whole new side of him which had always been there. 

For these kids, he has been a fantastic father. Just as Akaaljot Singh (aged 7) said at the funeral, he used to take them 'everywhere'. However, Asees Kaur (aged 5) may find it difficult to recall her dad taking her and Akaaljot to kid’s camps, as well as the Sikhi Camps at which he gave lectures, and talked to many campers on a one to one basis. 

Akaaljot remembers how his dad used to drop them off and pick them up from school, how he bought them ice-creams, took them to town to introduce them to the 'outdoor' gear he loved so much! He was a complete 'hands on' dad – he even tried to maintain this when he was diagnosed with ‘Cholangicarcinoma', a rare form of cancer with extremely low survival rates.  The timing of this dreadful news coincided with the birth of their third child, little Anand Singh (who is now 2). 

The last two years have been a battle, but my Chacha Ji fought hard like a warrior. He always accepted Guru Sahib's Will which meant he ‘lived’ life as well as he could. 

He underwent life threatening surgery in Leeds after a second opinion, having been told that he had inoperable cancer by Birmingham based Doctors. He was up and about within six weeks of surgery- and back to being the proactive dad. However, as time progressed so did the disease. In February 2007, Chacha Ji, together with my dad and me, went to Harmandhir Sahib. At this time his pain was increasing at a steady pace, at times being unbearable and uncontrollable by regular pain sedatives. 

On return to England he had received Chemotherapy. The first round helped with the pain management - and again the warrior within him won. The disease spread further, for which he received radiotherapy. Again he fought hard and again won. The legion on his spine decreased. Unfortunately when the disease spread to his stomach lining, the chemotherapy offered was extremely harsh and did not help in the slightest. Eventually, in the early hours of March 13th, he left his earthly home for Akaal Purakh. 

I’m sure everyone would agree with me when I say that Bhai Nirmal Singh Ji made a profound impact on everyone he met. Not only a loving husband and father, but also a fantastic little brother, the youngest son, and the best uncle anyone one us nieces and nephews could wish for. 

If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences on how Bhai Nirmal Singh Ji touched your life please write to: InMemoryOfBNS@hotmail.co.uk  

Also, please let us know if you wish your submission to remain anonymous. 

Akaaljot, Asees & Anand - this blogspots for you. Enjoy reading about your dad and his adventures! 

Lots of love, 
from Amerdip, your ‘big bhenji’ xx. 

Bhai Nirmal Singh with his family