Update (2018): Savinder Kaur (known to followers as Mata Savinder Hardev) led the Sant Nirankari Mission for about two years. In July 2018 she named her youngest daughter, Sudiksha, as her successor. She died in Delhi in August 2018 after a prolonged illness.
Five days after the death of Nirankari head Hardev Singh, his wife Savinder Kaur was declared the next spiritual head of the Nirankari Mission.
In her late fifties, she became the first woman, and the fifth person, to head the sect, which was founded in 1929 and says it has over 10 million followers. The sect’s followers accepted her as their ‘Guru’, which ended speculation over who would succeed Hardev Singh.
Who was Savinder Kaur?
Savinder Kaur was originally from Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh and studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School in Mussoorie. She married Hardev Singh in 1975. From then on she went with her husband to every congregation and was shown the same respect and love by followers.
How she became head of the Nirankari Mission
Hardev Singh died in a road accident in Canada in May 2016. His 36 years as head were the longest of any leader of the sect.
The official announcement of his successor was made in New Delhi by Rev HS Upashak in front of thousands of devotees. Rev JRD ‘Satyarthi’, President of the Sant Nirankari Mandal, presented her with the white scarf.
Straight after taking over, Savinder Kaur asked followers to pledge to stay in harmony with each other and to take the Nirankari Mission forward as Baba Ji (Hardev Singh) had wished.
Sudeeksha, the youngest of Hardev Singh’s three daughters, had earlier been tipped to lead the sect. Baba’s elder son-in-law, Sandeep Khinda, had also been mentioned. Hardev Singh was survived by his wife Savinder Kaur and their three daughters: Samta, Renuka and Sudeeksha.
Succession and death in 2018
In July 2018, Savinder Kaur named her youngest daughter, Sudiksha, as the sixth head of the Sant Nirankari Mission. Weeks later, in August 2018, she died in Delhi after a long illness. Thousands of followers attended her last rites.
Sudiksha, now known to followers as Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji, has led the Mission since then.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the head of the Nirankari Mission now?
Sudiksha, the youngest daughter of Baba Hardev Singh and Savinder Kaur, has led the Mission since July 2018.
When did Savinder Kaur die?
In August 2018 in Delhi, a few weeks after naming Sudiksha as her successor.
How did Baba Hardev Singh die?
In a road accident in Canada in May 2016.
Who founded the Nirankari Mission?
It was founded in 1929 by Baba Buta Singh.