Veteran civil servant and educationist Gurdev Singh devoted decades to public service, education, sports and institution-building. His body was donated to PGIMER, Chandigarh, for medical research and education.
Veteran Civil Servant Gurdev Singh Dies at 95
Chandigarh, September 19, 2026: Gurdev Singh, IAS (Retd), former civil servant and President of the Sikh Educational Society (SES), passed away at the age of 95 on September 17, 2026.
Born in Faridkot, Punjab, on April 23, 1931, Gurdev Singh had a long and distinguished career in public administration and education. He had been serving as President of the Sikh Educational Society since 2004.
His body was donated to the Department of Anatomy at PGIMER, Chandigarh, on September 18 for medical research and education. PGIMER confirmed receiving his body following his family’s decision to honour his wish.
Distinguished Administrative Career
Gurdev Singh served in the Indian Administrative Service and held several important positions during his career. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar in 1984 and was associated with various public and cooperative-sector institutions.
After retiring from the civil services, he continued to contribute to education and social development through the Sikh Educational Society and Sangat Sahib Bhai Pheru Sikh Educational Society in Faridkot.
His work was associated with the development of educational institutions managed by these organisations, several of which have received NAAC accreditation and grading.
Contribution to Education and Sports
Gurdev Singh was also known for his interest in education, sports and academic activities. He had been an outstanding NCC cadet, college union president and international-level hockey player.
He also held positions in organisations involved in promoting hockey at the national and international levels.
His wider public roles included serving as Patron of the Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh, Co-Convenor of the International Sikh Confederation and member of organisations working for weaker sections of society.
Honoured With Punjab Rattan Award
For his contribution to social and educational fields, Gurdev Singh received the Punjab Rattan Award from the All India Conference of Intellectuals, Delhi.
He was also associated with several institutions and organisations in the cooperative and public sectors, including the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories and National Heavy Engineering Corporation, Pune.
Body Donated to PGIMER for Medical Research
One of the notable aspects of Gurdev Singh’s final wishes was his decision to donate his body for medical education and research.
The Department of Anatomy at PGIMER confirmed that his body was received on September 18. His family members facilitated the donation, following his wishes.
His wife, Surjit Kaur, had also donated her body to PGIMER after her death in December 2018.
Condolences From Educational Community
The Sikh Educational Society and representatives of its affiliated institutions expressed deep grief over his passing.
Members of the society, principals, faculty members and former educationists remembered Gurdev Singh for his contribution to education, institution-building and social service.
His death has been mourned across educational, social and religious circles in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Gurdev Singh’s long public life was marked by his involvement in civil administration, education, sports and social work. His contributions to educational institutions and his decision to donate his body for medical research are being remembered as part of his enduring legacy.
Source: Babushahi Network / PGIMER-related official information.
 passed away at 95. His body was donated to PGIMER Chandigarh for medical research.){kind=link}