The son of Sardar Bhagat Singh, a railway labourer with a poet’s soul, and Sardarni Kartar Kaur, a deeply religious and nurturing homemaker, Rajinder grew up in an atmosphere where values were not taught through sermons but demonstrated in daily life. His father was a poet and his poems, often recited in the Gurudwara, carried the spirit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings and filled young Rajinder with a sense of truth, simplicity, and courage. His mother, though uneducated, embodied patience, tolerance, and devotion, silently shaping her children with her resilience and care. Her small yet thoughtful gestures, such as cautioning him not to strain his eyes while studying and offering him a glass of milk, revealed her profound love and compassion in his formative years.Rajinder was the second among five brothers, with his elder sibling Sardar Gurbaksh Singh becoming the guiding force in his life. Fondly called “Jind” at home, he was inspired by his brother’s letters of encouragement, which nurtured his ambition to pursue medicine despite financial constraints. His childhood was deeply influenced by village life in Daburjee, where Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs celebrated festivals together and rallied as one in times of need. These experiences of communal harmony, coupled with the hardships of Partition and the resilience of his own family, shaped his worldview.Born in an era of upheaval yet nurtured in an environment of simplicity, devotion, and shared humanity, Dr. Rajinder Singh’s birth and early life laid the foundation for the values of compassion, perseverance, and service that defined his remarkable journey.

the guidance of his elder brother, who often tutored him at home. A vivid memory from that period was when his brother explained the concept of a square by arranging thin bamboo sticks in the courtyard of a friend’s bungalow—an exercise that left a lasting impression and deepened his curiosity for mathematics. His science teacher, too, stood out as a role model, not just for his progressive approach to teaching but for his simplicity and moral strength, which inspired Rajinder Singh to integrate values with knowledge.While extracurricular activities were minimal due to the lack of facilities in post-Partition times, Rajinder Singh immersed himself in his academics. He fondly remembers walking to school with his classmate Surjit Singh, who later secured admission at IIT Kharagpur, while Rajinder Singh pursued medicine at Amritsar. Completing his matriculation in 1948 proved to be a pivotal moment in his life. Though he had taken drawing instead of biology during school, he used his vacation time to self-study biology in preparation for FSc (Medical). This hard work not only enabled him to bridge the gap in his learning but also secured him admission in the Government Medical College, Amritsar, marking the beginning of his journey in medicine.

His choice of the science stream had been strongly influenced by his elder brother. Observing his brother’s dedication to learning and his logical approach to problem-solving, Rajinder Singh felt inspired to follow the same path. He admired his brother’s way of studying and soon found himself motivated to build a strong foundation in science. This choice not only aligned with his natural curiosity but also fueled his ambition to pursue medicine as a career.Among his professors, he was especially inspired by Prof. B.R. Malhotra, in B.Sc. 1st year (1951), who taught botany. Their relationship was warm and encouraging, with the professor often appreciating his academic performance. He recalled one occasion when Prof. Malhotra organised an outing with students. The contribution required was ten rupees, but Rajinder Singh, unable to afford it, honestly told his professor that he could not attend. The honesty of this moment stayed with him as a lifelong memory.

While he enjoyed all his subjects, his heart leaned most towards biology—botany, zoology, and chemistry. His love for these subjects came from his dream of becoming a doctor, which gave his studies deeper meaning. He also valued the overall atmosphere of Government College, Ludhiana, which in post-independence Punjab was filled with positivity, inclusivity, and camaraderie. It was a time when higher education was still considered a privilege, and he treasured the academic and cultural environment of the institution. Though he could not actively engage in extra curriculum or NCC, he occasionally played football, balancing his academic focus with recreation.

The vibrant campus life was complemented by a sense of unity that reflected the times. Government College celebrated all major festivals with great enthusiasm, strengthening bonds among students from diverse backgrounds. This spirit of harmony, combined with the college’s academic reputation, made it a highly respected and lively center of learning in the region. Looking back, Dr. Rajinder Singh did not recall any major financial, social, or personal hardships during these years, which allowed him to fully dedicate himself to his studies and prepare for the next milestone in his medical career.

He pursued an advanced course in Psychiatry at AFMC Pune and completed his DPM in 1970. The MBBS years also brought challenges, from enduring personal hardships at his Taiji’s (elder paternal aunt) home. During a flood in the late 1950s, he visited Bakna village (Amritsar) to provide relief, where the stark poverty of the family of a nationalist and freedom fighter Sohan Singh Bakna left a deep imprint. His family, especially his elder brother, rejoiced when he became a doctor, and his success inspired his younger siblings—most notably Surinder Singh, who rose from labourer to Executive Engineer at the Bhakra Dam.While his batchmates motivated him, his own determination set him apart, as he chose psychiatry when many shunned it. His first posting was at Mental Hospital, Amritsar and during his service in at the Primary Health Centre, Nadaun (Kangra), he was called back by the legendary Dr Vidya Sagar, Medical Superintendent at Mental Hospital Amritsar, to address the shortage of doctors.

When the Indo-China war broke out in 1962, he responded to the nation’s call and joined the Armed Forces, where the structure and discipline suited him perfectly. His wife’s admiration for army life further reinforced his commitment. Over the years, he rose to the position of Senior Advisor (Psychiatry), with cases referred to him from across India. His role involved giving expert opinions, categorising patients, and advising on their treatment and disposal.

In 1991, he Superannuated from the Armed Forces, proud of his contributions and eager to begin a new chapter of service.

He extended warmth and understanding to anyone who approached him. Recognising his temperament and commitment, Dr. Vidya Sagar encouraged him to pursue an MD in Psychiatry and offered continual mentorship and guidance.During this period, he actively assisted Dr. Sagar in implementing several ground-breaking psychiatric initiatives, including the introduction of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the outpatient department and pioneering insulin therapy for psychiatric patients. He gained hands-on experience administering these treatments while learning under Dr. Sagar’s meticulous supervision. Most patients admitted to the hospital suffered from schizophrenia, many requiring constant supervision due to acute psychotic episodes, while cases of acute psychotic reactions were also common.

Mental healthcare infrastructure in Punjab and India was extremely limited at the time; outpatient services were rare, and the institution was often referred to as a “mental asylum,” reflecting the heavy social stigma surrounding mental illness. As a young doctor entering this field, he faced widespread prejudice—colleagues in other specialties often disparaged those working in psychiatry, and even his wife experienced assumptions and misunderstandings from others about her husband’s work. Despite these societal challenges, the hospital also fostered experimental and holistic methods, including family involvement in treatment and counselling, which were innovative for the era and helped reduce stigma.

The mentorship he received from Dr. Vidya Sagar profoundly shaped his career trajectory, philosophy of medicine, and approach to seva. He witnessed Dr. Sagar’s tireless dedication firsthand: even while suffering from severe illness, Dr. Sagar prioritised patient care, returning to the hospital immediately after temporary relief from pain. Observing such selfless commitment instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and dedication that would guide his entire career.

Through this formative experience, he gained confidence, expertise, and a deep appreciation for psychiatry, laying the foundation for his later specialisation and lifelong mission in mental health. The lessons learned in patient care, innovative treatment methods, and humanitarian service under Dr. Sagar’s mentorship became guiding principles, profoundly influencing both his professional and personal philosophy.

The training at AFMC was both rigorous and unique. Mornings were dedicated to clinical practice, where he examined patients directly, while evenings were devoted to theory classes conducted by private psychiatrists actively engaged in practice. This unusual combination gave him the rare advantage of learning not only from textbooks but also from real-life cases on a daily basis.Among his teachers, Dr. Sarvaikar, his thesis guide, played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to psychiatry. The professors’ practice of conducting lessons directly in clinics, with patients present, created an invaluable environment where theoretical concepts were constantly reinforced through clinical realities. This left a lasting impression on him and nurtured his lifelong passion for clinical psychiatry.

The two-year programme (1968–1970) provided him with a comprehensive and holistic exposure to psychiatry. All major areas were covered in depth—mood disorders, psychosis, neurosis, and beyond—ensuring that nothing was left incomplete. He was particularly fascinated by clinical case presentations, which involved carefully recording patient histories, assessing their mental states, and working out treatment plans. This process gave him not only academic satisfaction but also a deep sense of purpose, as he found direct patient interaction to be the most meaningful aspect of psychiatry.

His DPM dissertation focused on depressive illnesses, where he studied more than 100 cases under Dr. Sarvaikar’s guidance, maintained detailed histories, and conducted regular follow-ups. This research gave him valuable insights into the depth and complexity of depressive disorders, an area that would later prove crucial in his career.

After completing the advanced course in psychiatry and DPM, he was designated as a graded specialist in psychiatry within the Army, a role that brought him professional recognition and positioned him to handle more complex cases. He also completed his MD (Psychiatry) from PGIMER Chandigarh. This specialisation significantly advanced his career in the Armed Forces Medical Services. More importantly, it laid the foundation for his later mission in de-addiction work.

Following his superannuation, he joined as a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Red Cross Society Drug De-Addiction Centre, Mohali, in 1991, where the Central Government had opened a de-addiction centre under its umbrella—one of the few where only psychiatrists were entitled to treat addiction patients. With his background, he naturally assumed this responsibility.

Addiction, he observed, was one of the most devastating problems affecting families and communities, and his specialised psychiatric training enabled him to address it not only with medical expertise but also with deep compassion. This transition marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to de-addiction and community service.

His heart had always been moved by the plight of underprivileged villagers, and Baba Ji’s vision of bringing medical help to such neglected communities deeply resonated with him.When he first met Baba Ji at Baru Sahib, the encounter left a profound impression. He admired Baba Ji’s selfless commitment to humanity after his retirement and his pioneering effort to combine healthcare with value-based education. To him, this represented the resurrection of a forgotten eastern spiritual philosophy. He remembered Baba Ji’s gentle, soothing voice, his sweet and encouraging demeanour, and the grace with which he carried himself—qualities that convinced him. He felt to have been in the presence of a truly god-sent personality.

Dr. Singh began his seva by offering his services in the medical camps organised by the Trust, often alongwith his wife. Unlike his professional duties in the Army, which were limited to serving soldiers and their families, this seva brought him into contact with people from every stratum of society. He often felt that this voluntary service was a higher form of seva, one that not only brought relief to the poor but also gave him contentment and satisfaction.

Equally inspiring to him was the spiritual environment of Baru Sahib itself. Already inclined toward spirituality since his childhood, he found great solace in Baba Ji’s discipline of prayer, meditation, and regular discussions on virtues. Despite the absence of basic facilities—no proper rooms, no furniture, and limited resources—the Trust blossomed through sheer dedication and faith.

A defining moment for him came in 1989, when he witnessed Baba Ji donating his entire pension for the education of students at Baru Sahib. This act of magnanimity inspired him to work for the mission. At that time, when he was posted in Command Hospital Calcutta, he too began collecting donations from his colleagues and Sangat to support the Trust. Alongside these efforts, he continued to see patients at Baru Sahib whenever possible, strengthening his bond with the institution and its vision.

Balancing seva alongside his Armed Forces duties posed no difficulty, as his voluntary services at Baru Sahib were occasional and mostly during his leave. Yet the experience aligned perfectly with his spiritual pursuits of self-exploration and service. Encouraged further by the full-time dedication of his daughter and son-in-law, he felt naturally drawn to deepen his commitment to Baba Ji’s mission.

Looking back, he often described 1990 as a turning point in his life. The connection with Baba Ji left a lasting impression that shaped his resolve to continue serving even after his retirement in 1991. Inspired by Baba Ji’s example and guided by his own spiritual convictions, he went on to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to community service and the cause of de-addiction, carrying forward the mission of the The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib.

The idea of establishing the Bhai Ghanaiya Dispensary arose from his concern for the plight of Chandigarh’s poor—labourers, domestic workers, and daily wagers who had little access to healthcare after long working hours. Together with his wife, he decided to open an evening dispensary to provide dignified treatment to these patients.With no financial resources for a private clinic, the natural choice was Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur in Sector 34, Chandigarh, a place steeped in the tradition of serving sangat. They began in a partially constructed room of the Gurudwara, furnished with only a table and chair. Medicines were purchased and dispensed for the patients in the same room, and even injections were administered personally. With their trusted house assistant, Moolraj, trained by them to give injections, the dispensary became a humble yet powerful symbol of missionary service.From the very beginning, Dr. Savitri played a central role. As a General Duty Medical Officer, she managed most of the general outpatient cases and shouldered much of the responsibility in the early days. Gradually, other specialists in medicine and surgery joined in, volunteering their services and expanding the scope of care. Still, the early years were not without challenges: the dispensary operated from a single unfinished room, and an under-construction bathroom had to serve as the injection room. There was no staff, no infrastructure, and very limited facilities. Yet, these shortcomings never discouraged them or the sangat—what prevailed instead was a sense of shared purpose and faith.

The dispensary was named after Bhai Ghanaiya Ji, the devout Sikh who, in the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, became known for serving water to all the wounded—Sikhs and Mughals alike—seeing only the divine in every being. This act of compassion inspired the Gurus themselves to bless and entrust him with medical service.

For Dr. Rajinder Singh and Dr. Savitri, this philosophy perfectly embodied their own guiding principle: to serve humanity without discrimination. Looking back, the founding of the Bhai Ghanaiya Dispensary in 1991 became the first milestone of his lifelong mission—a platform that not only brought healthcare to the underprivileged but also laid the foundation for his later work in addiction treatment and healing society.

and youth, a crisis that was devastating families and destabilising communities. The urgency of the situation left no room for delay, and he resolved to establish a centre that could address the problem head-on. The chosen location for this initiative was Gurudwara Janam Asthan Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, Cheema—the sacred birthplace of Sant Attar Singh Ji, founder of the Kalgidhar Trust movement. No other site carried the same spiritual and historical significance, making it the natural home for such a mission. However, the challenges were immense—there was no infrastructure, no staff, and not even basic facilities such as beds or washrooms.

Dr. Rajinder Singh began by seeing patients inside the Gurudwara premises. Patients in need of admission were accommodated on the floors of the Gurudwara, and he himself would travel from Chandigarh to Cheema every weekend to attend to them. As the number of patients increased, his visits became more frequent, sometimes twice a week. Yet, despite these hardships, he remained unwavering, seeing the seva not as a burden but as a source of inner joy.

Reflecting on those early years, he often recalled a favourite couplet:
“Main akela hi chala tha, janbe manzil magar log saath aate gaye, aur karwaan banta gaya.”
He had begun alone, but gradually, supporters and colleagues joined in, and the mission grew into a collective effort.

The initial model of treatment was primarily outpatient-based, but those requiring extended care were admitted within the limited facilities available. The local community responded with relief and gratitude, welcoming the initiative wholeheartedly, as specialised consultation and treatment had finally arrived at Cheema Sahib, much closer to their homes.

He still remembers the very first patient, a 55-year-old man from Cheema Sahib addicted to bhooki (poppy husk). Through counselling and medication, the patient gradually improved. In a touching moment, the man referred on being asked by someone the relation to Dr Neelam Kaur with Dr Rajinder Singh, the patient described as his doll/gudia, thus giving due importance to Dr Rajinder Singh, even though Dr Neelam holds an important position in the organisation.

His military training in psychiatry and discipline proved invaluable during these formative years. The sense of duty and perseverance imbibed in the Army became his lifelong assets, and even at the age of 92, he continues to serve with consistency and dedication, finding pleasure in his daily work.

The spiritual legacy of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj also played a pivotal role, as Sant Ji’s life of service, preaching, and revival of Sikh identity through baptism had long inspired him. Although there was no governmental support ever, the centre survived and grew purely through determination, donations, and the spirit of seva.

Looking back, he considered the centre’s most significant achievement to be its ability to run and transform lives despite overwhelming challenges—no infrastructure, no staff, no proper washrooms, only verandah floor—but with abundant faith, perseverance, and joy in serving humanity.

S. R. Laddar (IAS, 2006–07) in the presence of Padma Bhushan Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Vice President of the Kalgidhar Trust. The inauguration ceremony carried immense significance. During his address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the growing drug menace in the region and praised the initiative for tackling such an urgent problem. His presence gave the centre official recognition and reflected administrative commitment to the cause.Awareness was a key component of the launch. Posters and flyers were distributed in the community to educate people about drug abuse, while both the Deputy Commissioner and Dr. Khem Singh Gill spoke about the importance of preventive measures and remaining drug-free. Far from facing resistance, the initiative was warmly received by the community. The municipal council members and the village sarpanch welcomed the project wholeheartedly, expressing their happiness that treatment facilities were now available locally.Unlike Cheema, the Jharon Centre was designed to play a unique role in research. Patients admitted there became part of a focused study on the “Role of Spirituality in the Treatment of Addictive Disorders.” While Cheema blended spirituality with medical treatment from the outset, Jharon initially emphasized treatment without the spiritual component to allow a comparative study.

The findings clearly showed that the blended model at Cheema produced better results, thereby strengthening the case for integrating spirituality into addiction treatment. In its early phase, the centre admitted about 12–14 patients, most of them middle-aged individuals suffering from opioid dependence and alcoholism. Over time, the demographics of patients broadened, but these initial observations were valuable in shaping and improving treatment strategies.

Looking back, the Jharon Centre created a long-term impact not only by providing additional space for patients but also by establishing a pioneering research model. It reinforced the value of combining spirituality with conventional treatment in substance use disorders, which became a hallmark of the Kalgidhar Trust’s approach. The centre’s work left a lasting legacy in Sangrur and nearby areas—addressing a critical social issue while demonstrating how compassion, science, and spirituality together could transform lives.

rooms, a pharmacy, and robust infrastructure to ensure both comprehensive care and dignity for patients and their families.

The realisation of this vision was made possible through the collective support of local donors and the Akal Charitable Trust. In 2007, villagers came forward wholeheartedly, contributing amounts of ₹20,000–25,000 each. Their names remain inscribed at the centre as a mark of gratitude. For the local community, the project was deeply personal, as it was situated in their own village. The Trust played the central role in ensuring that this dream became a reality, while the villagers also donated land for the facility.

The foundation stone was laid by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, and the inauguration of the Drug De-Addiction Centre, Cheema, Sangrur was done by Sukhbir Singh Badal, the then President of Shiromani Akali Dal, and Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, underscoring the importance of the initiative.

The new infrastructure transformed the scope of services. For the first time, patients could be formally admitted, and the centre recruited a team of qualified professionals including psychiatrists, medical counsellors, officers, nursing staff, social workers, and ward attendants. A fully functional laboratory was established, enabling proper diagnostic investigations to support treatment. The upgraded facilities also introduced structured rehabilitation programs, offering not just detoxification but holistic recovery and reintegration. Set up as a 30-bedded hospital, this initiative laid the foundation for a long-term addiction treatment and rehabilitation centre.

Looking back, the inauguration of the Cheema building in 2007 was a turning point in the journey of Akal De-Addiction initiatives. It elevated a small, struggling service into Punjab’s largest NGO-run de-addiction centre, equipped with modern medical facilities and anchored by the spiritual guidance of a Gurudwara Sahib.

The community embraced the centre with pride, and for countless families, it became a beacon of hope, making specialised treatment accessible for the first time. This milestone not only expanded patient intake and services but also solidified the Kalgidhar Trust’s leadership in the fight against addiction—blending healthcare and spirituality into a model of holistic healing.

Initially, Dr. Rajinder Singh considered filing a PIL, but financial constraints made it unfeasible. It was then that he found a ray of hope in Justice Sardar Mehtab Singh of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, who had earlier visited Baru Sahib and was aware of the drug de-addiction mission. When Dr. Rajinder wrote to honourable Justice Mehtab Singh with the copies of the letters sent to Chief Minister Punjab, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Punjab, Commissioner of Excise and Taxation and others, Justice Mehtab Singh responded not with words but with swift action — instructing a government lawyer to take up the case of Dr. Rajinder Singh vs. State of Punjab entirely on his behalf, without requiring his presence in court.Under Justice Mehtab Singh’s direction, the case progressed rapidly. Within a few months, the High Court ordered the liquor vend to be shifted 500 meters away. However, when Dr. Rajinder again wrote a letter to Justice Mehtab Singh that the new site was still on the patients’ route, the High Court lawyer contacted him directly, asking for his preferred relocation, and soon even the local DSP approached him for directions. Ultimately, the vend was moved far away from Jharon, completely eliminating the threat of temptation for patients and addressing the villagers’ concerns.The victory was not just legal but moral — a triumph of justice backed by sincerity of purpose. Dr. Rajinder Singh always remembers Justice Mehtab Singh’s timely intervention as a landmark point in the victory in this legal battle. Without his support, the struggle could have dragged on indefinitely. Justice Mehtab Singh’s discreet yet powerful backing reaffirmed Dr. Rajinder’s faith in the judiciary and showed how committed judges can strengthen grassroots social service by safeguarding the larger good of the community.

position in the region and its spiritual significance. Initially, the centre was run single-handedly, with staff gradually being added over time. Although the shortage of psychiatrists posed a challenge, the availability of trained nursing staff from Eternal University’s nursing college helped support the centre’s services.At the time of launch, the Baru Sahib centre introduced pioneering facilities, including separate wards for both male and female patients, making it the first in the private centres to cater for the women struggling with addiction. It also offered both OPD and IPD services, while simultaneously conducting drug awareness programmes across schools, colleges, and the university campus at Baru Sahib.

The centre’s presence brought immense relief to the Himachali community, which previously had to take patients to far-off towns for treatment, often on foot through mountainous terrain. Despite geographical and regulatory challenges, the centre became a trusted place of compassionate care, complementing the work already being done in Punjab. Its impact was profound, not only offering treatment but also creating a legacy of respect and faith in addiction recovery.

To further strengthen the campaign, Dr. Rajinder Singh organized a Marathon Race Against Drugs, flagged off by legendary athlete Milkha Singh. Around 1,000 participants from schools, colleges, and voluntary organizations took part, turning Chandigarh into a powerful symbol of resistance against drug abuse and inspiring youth to embrace fitness and discipline.

Recognizing the power of media, Dr. Rajinder Singh also supported the short film ‘Chup’ as a tool for mass awareness. The film emphasized treatment and rehabilitation over criminalization and encouraged families to seek timely help. With over 21 lakh views on YouTube, it significantly expanded the reach of the anti-drug message.

Dr. Singh’s motivation behind the research stemmed from his desire to assess recovery beyond clinical remission, focusing instead on the patient’s overall social, emotional, and behavioural transformation. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data, including long-term patient follow-ups, interviews, and psychosocial evaluations. This made the research distinctive, as it highlighted the role of spiritual therapy and counselling alongside medical treatment in addiction recovery. It was prepared with the support of psychiatrists, counsellors, and social workers from the Cheema Sahib Centre, and conducted in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER Chandigarh. This paper was published in the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry issue of Apr-June 2023.Presenting this paper at AIIMS, among leading national and international experts, was an enriching experience for Dr. Singh. The event—one of the first of its kind in North India—provided him a prestigious platform to represent the Akal model of holistic rehabilitation. The research was highly appreciated by faculty from PGIMER, including Dr. Debasish Basu, for its practical and human-centred approach. The feedback reinforced the growing academic and clinical respect for spirituality as an integral part of recovery, marking a paradigm shift in addiction medicine.This presentation was not just an academic achievement but a landmark in validating the scientific foundation of the Akal model. It symbolized the coming together of medicine, spirituality, and service, offering concrete evidence of the impact of value-based care. For Dr. Rajinder Singh, this milestone strengthened his lifelong mission—to create awareness, provide compassionate treatment, and inspire preventive action against addiction across Punjab and beyond.

and empower them to play an active role in building a healthier, addiction-free society.The webinar brought together an eminent panel of speakers, including Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh, Dr. N L Gupta (Associate Professor, Eternal University), Dr. Davinder Singh, nursing officers, and two rehabilitated patients from Canada and America who shared their recovery journeys. This blend of medical expertise, spiritual insight, and real-life experience made the session deeply impactful and emotionally resonant. The event required meticulous planning, with the team working relentlessly to coordinate speakers, manage technical logistics, and ensure seamless connectivity across multiple time zones. It stood as a shining example of teamwork and adaptability during a global crisis.The success of this landmark webinar not only reinforced Dr. Rajinder Singh’s belief in preventive awareness as the strongest tool against addiction but also demonstrated how technology could serve as a bridge for compassion and education. The event’s global outreach created a ripple effect of awareness among youth and families, emphasizing that staying informed is the first step toward staying safe. For Dr. Singh, the recognition by the World Book of Records was not just a personal achievement but a milestone in his lifelong mission—to spread the message of a drug-free, value-based society, proving that even in times of isolation, collective consciousness and service could unite the world for a noble cause.

To ensure maximum reach and inclusivity, Dr. Singh published the book in three languages—English, Hindi, and Punjabi—making it accessible to diverse linguistic audiences across India and abroad. The book carries the strong preventive message, quoting Mark Twain: “It’s easy to stay out than to get out of drugs.” This quote encapsulates the essence of his philosophy—prevention is far better than cure. He deliberately avoided medical jargon and technical terms, writing in plain, simple language so that even readers without medical knowledge could easily grasp the content. By imagining himself in the reader’s place, he made the book both engaging and educational.“Be Aware & Beware of Drugs” also includes real-life success stories of recovered patients, practical insights, and answers to frequently asked questions about addiction and recovery. These personal stories added emotional depth and relatability, transforming the book into a guide of hope and awareness rather than just information. The book was met with overwhelming appreciation from readers, families, and institutions who found it an effective tool for spreading awareness. With its simplicity, clarity, and emotional resonance, Dr. Rajinder Singh’s work became a powerful medium for preventive education, continuing his lifelong mission to create a drug-free and value-driven society.

Another landmark achievement of 2023 was the publication of an impact study conducted under his guidance at the Akal Drug-De-Addiction Centre. The study highlighted the long-term effectiveness of Dr. Singh’s holistic treatment model, which integrates spirituality, counselling, and medical care. The results revealed that patients who received this form of treatment not only achieved sobriety but also demonstrated improved psychosocial functioning, higher employment rates, and stronger marital relationships. The research validated his belief that addiction recovery must address both the body and the spirit, reinforcing the success of his value-based, compassionate approach to rehabilitation—one that continues to serve as a replicable model in addiction medicine.

In the same year, Dr. Singh expanded his preventive mission through the Sukhman Program under Project Chardi Kala, a mental health and wellness initiative targeting adolescents aged 13 to 18. The program, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), uses psychological tools like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology to build emotional intelligence and resilience among youth. The initiative’s success led to the creation of Chardi Kala Studios in Delhi, Agra, Chandigarh, and Baru Sahib—interactive hubs for mental health promotion. Alongside this, he launched the Akal Tele-Counselling Service in Chandigarh, ensuring accessible psychiatric and emotional support for those unable to attend in person. The year culminated with Dr. Singh receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Grey Shades, recognizing his voluntary service of over three decades in addiction medicine, his compassionate leadership, and his dedication to building a healthier, drug-free society.

offers timeless insights from great thinkers and philosophers, aiming to guide readers toward meaningful, balanced, and purposeful living. The process of writing the book was deeply personal and fulfilling, as it allowed him to revisit the wisdom and experiences that had shaped his journey.Another major milestone in 2024 was securing CSR funding of ₹1 crore from the American company CitiusTech, a crucial support for the Kalgidhar Trust’s mission of drug prevention and education. The funds were directed toward awareness programs across Akal Academies, government schools, and village panchayats to sensitize youth and rural communities about the dangers of addiction. Dr. Singh emphasized that true treatment begins with prevention, and by empowering young minds through education, the Trust could create a lasting social impact. The Trust’s credibility—built on decades of service in education, women’s empowerment, and rehabilitation—played a key role in earning the corporate partner’s trust. This collaboration reinforced Dr. Singh’s belief that international partnerships and local compassion together can build a stronger foundation for a drug-free society.

In recognition of his decades-long contribution to addiction treatment and awareness, Dr. Rajinder Singh was honored with the Prominent Punjabi Award by News18 Punjab in 2024. This accolade celebrated not only his leadership in treatment but his pioneering focus on preventive education—a philosophy that set his work apart. For him, the award represented public acknowledgment of his life’s purpose and an affirmation that awareness-based service can transform lives. It also served as a renewed source of inspiration, motivating him and his team to expand their outreach and continue spreading the message of a healthier, value-driven Punjab. With these achievements, 2024 became a year that celebrated both his intellectual legacy and his unrelenting spirit of seva (selfless service).

counselling approach helped families bring affected youth back into the mainstream. This initiative has significantly enhanced healthcare access in rural regions and strengthened preventive measures at the grassroots level, embodying his vision of proactive, community-based addiction care.

In recognition of his ongoing work in Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Singh was honoured with the ‘Prime Contribution Award’ for a Drug-Free Himachal Pradesh by the Chief Minister of the state. Since 2016, he has been serving tirelessly in Sirmour—one of the poorest and most remote districts—through the Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre, Baru Sahib. The centre has become one of the largest and most effective facilities in the state, recognized under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). It provides comprehensive care to both male and female patients, particularly addressing nicotine and substance addiction among women in the hilly areas—a pioneering step in gender-inclusive rehabilitation. This award acknowledged his outstanding service in treatment, education, and prevention, and served as both recognition and renewed motivation for his unwavering dedication to public health.

Dr. Rajinder Singh viewed this milestone not as a culmination, but as a call to further action. The recognition reinforced his belief that even in the face of difficult terrains, limited resources, and infrastructural challenges, perseverance and compassion can overcome all barriers. He sees his work in Himachal as a model of resilience that can inspire similar community-driven initiatives across India. The 2025 achievements—through the mobile outreach program and the national recognition—underscore his lifelong mission: to blend awareness, accessibility, and empathy into an effective framework for addiction prevention and rehabilitation, bringing healing and hope to the most underserved sections of society.

Recently, on World Mental Health Day 2025, his another book, “Rewiring the Brain for Wellness,” was released. It is a comprehensive guide for the improvement of mental health through natural techniques.