Born on 6 February, 1894, in Sayyad Kasran, a part of the Punjab which now belongs to Pakistan, Sant Kirpal Singh was confronted with nationalism, religious intolerance, and bigotry since His early youth. In view of the suffering humanity He deeply thought about the nature of man and sought for a solution to the permanent discord leading to violent conflicts.
After a profound study of the basic scriptures of the Sikhs, Christians, Moslems, Buddhists, Zoroastrians etc., He found that they all give out the same basic truth and speak about the birthright of man to attain self-knowledge and God-knowledge.
At the feet of His spiritual teacher Baba Sawan Singh He experienced practically what is described in the scriptures. He dedicated His whole life to the ideal of unity: the brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God.
By lectures, books, and conferences, but first and foremost by His own example He brought about a deep understanding of the inner unity of all life, and people from all over the world, from different religions and cultures came to His residence in Delhi.
It is important to understand that Sant Kirpal Singh did not bring a new faith.
He revived the original knowledge which is the core of all religions, and explained the true nature of man whose aim is to return to the Home of our Father (God). Further, Master gave a practical experience of the Light and Sound Principle, called Word, Naam, Shabd, etc. to all seekers of the Truth.
Due to His universal view He could create mutual understanding among the different religions. During fourteen years He was repeatedly elected president of the World Fellowship of Religions which came into being in 1957.
On three world tours in 1955, 1963, and 1972 He visited major cities in the Western world, where He met religious leaders, politicians, and personalities of the society. Everywhere He conveyed the importance of self-knowledge and God-knowledge and emphasized the need of selfless service.
His efforts to create understanding from man to man, for peace in the world and for tolerance among the religions have been recognized by many honours. His efforts reached a summit when He convened the first World Conference on Unity of Man, which took place in Delhi from 3 to 6 February, 1974. Religious, political, and social leaders from all over India, and delegates from approximately 18 countries participated in the conference. This World Conference was the beginning of the Unity of Man movement.
Before His physical departure on 21 August 1974, Sant Kirpal Singh commissioned His disciple Dr Harbhajan Singh (Bhaji) and his wife Surinder Kaur (Biji) to carry on His further work — Unity of Man, according to His guidelines.