On October 8, 2005, Kashmir was struck by one of the deadliest earthquakes in its history. The 7.6-magnitude quake shook the region, reducing entire towns to rubble. The devastation was unimaginable—80% of Uri was flattened, over 1,345 lives were lost, 2,000 people went missing, and 36,000 homes were destroyed.

As the world watched in shock, one man and his community took immediate action. Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, the revered visionary behind The Kalgidhar Society, Baru Sahib, didn’t wait for official calls for help. Instead, he mobilized a relief mission that would not only provide food and shelter but also rebuild lives.

The Devastation – A Quake That Shook Kashmir

The 2005 earthquake in Kashmir was nothing short of catastrophic. The region of Uri and Tangdhar faced complete destruction, leaving thousands of families homeless. With temperatures dropping and winter approaching, the situation became even more dire. Entire villages were wiped out, and essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads crumbled.

Despite the government and international relief efforts, the scale of the disaster was overwhelming. Survivors struggled to find food, clean water, and medical assistance. The people of Kashmir needed more than just aid; they needed a plan for survival and rehabilitation.

 The Arrival of Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji

Amidst the despair, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji and The Kalgidhar Society stepped in with a focused mission: not just relief but reconstruction. Understanding that true service goes beyond providing temporary aid, they sent teams of skilled masons, plumbers, electricians, and dedicated sevadaars to Kashmir.

These individuals weren’t just volunteers; they were people who understood how to build from the ground up. Their goal was to restore homes, schools, gurdwaras, mosques, and even the historic Pandav Temple. Their work went beyond charity—it was about giving the people of Kashmir their dignity and normalcy back.

Rebuilding Lives – A Mission of Strength and Service

For 70 days, the relief team worked tirelessly to rebuild what was lost. The Kalgidhar Society invested ₹2.25 crores into relief and rehabilitation efforts. Their contribution wasn’t just financial; it was the sweat, dedication, and hard work of the sevadaars who refused to rest until families had roofs over their heads.

Key Contributions of the Relief Mission:

• 10,175 lives uplifted with essential aid and rehabilitation.
• 1,850 homes worth of materials were provided to affected families.
• Restoration of vital infrastructure, including the Army Library, Training School, and a Canteen.
• Religious and cultural preservation, ensuring places of worship like gurdwaras, mosques, and temples were rebuilt.

The efforts were a testament to the power of selfless service. By the time the harsh winter set in, thousands of families had shelter, warmth, and hope.

Acknowledgment from the Government of India

The exceptional work carried out by The Kalgidhar Society did not go unnoticed. In its 2005-2006 annual report (Page 112), the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, officially recognized their contributions in Kashmir.

The recognition was a reflection of the society’s unwavering commitment to humanity. Unlike many NGOs that focus solely on food and medical aid, this mission prioritized long-term rehabilitation. This unique approach ensured that affected families weren’t just surviving—they were given a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.

A Vision Beyond Relief – Rebuilding Hope

Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji believed that true service extends beyond offering langars and temporary relief. While feeding the hungry is vital, rebuilding communities ensures long-term impact. His vision focused on sustainable rehabilitation, where families could regain normalcy and children could return to schools.

His work in Kashmir proved that real seva isn’t just about immediate aid but about empowering communities to stand on their own feet again. His belief in education, self-sustenance, and rebuilding society remains a guiding light for future generations.

A Lasting Impact

The 2005 earthquake in Kashmir was one of the darkest moments in the region’s history. However, in that darkness, the relief mission led by Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji and The Kalgidhar Society shone as a beacon of hope. Their efforts in rebuilding homes, schools, and places of worship not only saved lives but also restored faith in humanity.

Today, as we remember this monumental relief mission, we are reminded of one powerful truth: Seva (selfless service) is the highest form of devotion.

Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, your legacy lives on in the hearts of the people you uplifted. Your vision of service continues to inspire generations to serve, rebuild, and bring hope where it is needed the most. 🙏