In a major leadership shift within the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB), a renowned spiritual organisation based near Amritsar, Jasdeep Singh Gill has been named the new patron and ‘Sant Satguru’. The announcement, made on September 2, 2024, marks the beginning of a new era for the society, which has followers worldwide.
Gurinder Singh Dhillon Names Successor
The current head of RSSB, Gurinder Singh Dhillon, has officially passed the mantle to 45-year-old Jasdeep Singh Gill. This transition is significant for the spiritual community, as Gill will now lead the organisation, which is deeply rooted in the teachings and spiritual practices that aim to guide followers towards a higher spiritual path. The RSSB’s secretary, Devender Kumar Sikri, released a statement confirming this transition, stating that Jasdeep Singh Gill is now the patron and will carry the title of ‘Sant Satguru’. With this position, Gill will also hold the authority to perform spiritual initiations, a key aspect of the organisation’s practices.
A Leader with an Impressive Academic and Professional Background
Jasdeep Singh Gill brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to his new role as the spiritual leader of RSSB. He holds a PhD in chemical engineering from the prestigious University of Cambridge and has a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), obtained through an exchange programme. His academic journey began at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemical engineering and biotechnology.
Professionally, Gill has held several prominent positions in the pharmaceutical industry. He most recently served as the Chief Strategy Officer and senior management personnel at Cipla Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company, from 2019 until May 31, 2024. His experience also includes roles as a board observer at Ethris and Achira Labs Private Limited and as a board member of Wealthy Therapeutics until March 2024. Earlier in his career, Gill was with Ranbaxy, where he served as the Executive Assistant to the CEO, and he also held leadership roles at Cambridge University Entrepreneurs as the President and Chairman.
A Vision for Continued Spiritual Guidance
As the new Sant Satguru, Jasdeep Singh Gill is expected to continue the work of his predecessor, Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, who has been a beloved leader within the RSSB community. In his statement, Sikri emphasized that Dhillon has asked the ‘sangat’ (congregation) to extend the same love, support, and affection to Gill that they have shown to him over the years. Dhillon’s tenure was marked by his efforts to preserve the core spiritual teachings that are central to RSSB’s mission, and it is anticipated that Gill will uphold these values while also bringing his unique insights and experiences to the role.
RSSB: A Spiritual Organisation with Global Reach
The Radha Soami Satsang Beas, founded in 1891, is a spiritual movement that draws its teachings from the essence of all major world religions, focusing on the inner journey of the soul under the guidance of a living spiritual teacher. With millions of followers worldwide, the organisation emphasizes meditation, ethical living, and selfless service as paths to spiritual enlightenment.
The appointment of Jasdeep Singh Gill as the new Sant Satguru of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas marks a pivotal moment in the organisation’s history. With his extensive academic and professional background, coupled with his deep commitment to the spiritual values of RSSB, Gill is poised to lead the society into a new chapter, continuing its mission of guiding individuals on their spiritual journey. As followers transition to his leadership, there is a shared hope and expectation that Jasdeep Singh Gill will uphold the legacy of his predecessor while inspiring the community with his vision for the future.