By Sheeshpal Gusain
In the lush green valleys of Dehradun, where nature bestows its serene beauty, a soul was born who dedicated his life to the welfare of society. Purna Singh Negi—a name not only etched in golden letters in Dehradun’s history but also cherished in every heart that salutes the ideals of generosity and altruism. His life is a saga that vividly narrates the story of philanthropy, an unwavering love for education, and an unrelenting resolve for societal upliftment.
A Humble Beginning, Extraordinary Dreams
Born in 1832 in Karanpur village, Dehradun, Thakur Purna Singh Negi’s early life was filled with prosperity and values. Hailing from a distinguished zamindar family, Purna Singh inherited not just wealth and abundance but also the priceless gem of education, which was rare in that era. His enlightened intellect and compassionate heart made him realise his responsibility towards society. In an age when the light of education was limited to a privileged few and the winds of social reform were just beginning to stir, Purna Singh’s aspirations transcended personal prosperity; his dreams aimed to illuminate every corner of society.
His personality was multifaceted. On the one hand, he was a zamindar with vast landholdings, mansions, and forests; on the other, he was a skilled entrepreneur who established a furniture factory named “Purna Singh & Company” on Rajpur Road. The mansions he built were a matter of pride for Dehradun, generating income for society by being rented out. However, Purna Singh’s true wealth was his generosity, which shone through in every endeavour.
Education: A Sacred Mission
Purna Singh Negi held an unparalleled love for education in his heart. He believed that education was the lamp that could pierce the darkness of ignorance and lead society toward progress. In 1902, he established a Sanskrit Pathshala in Dehradun. This was not merely a school but a testament to his resolve to preserve Indian culture and knowledge. By promoting Sanskrit, the foundation of our ancient traditions, he endeavoured to keep the younger generation connected to their roots.
His mission did not stop there. A significant turning point came when he met Jyoti Swarup, a social reformer and staunch supporter of the Arya Samaj ideology. Jyoti Swarup dreamed of relocating the DAV High School from Meerut to Dehradun to provide quality education to the region’s children. Purna Singh Negi, who was over 70 years old and childless at the time, embraced this dream as the purpose of his life.
A Golden Chapter of Philanthropy
Purna Singh Negi’s true generosity came to light when he decided to donate nearly his entire wealth to the DAV College Trust and Management Society, Kanpur. This act of giving, which began in 1906, reached its pinnacle in 1911 when he bequeathed his invaluable land, mansions, and vast forests to the DAV Trust. The value of this property was worth lakhs of rupees at the time—an unimaginable sum today. For Purna Singh, however, this wealth was merely a means—a means to create something immortal for society.
The most poignant symbol of his generosity is the main building of DAV College in Dehradun, locally known as “Pili Kothi” (Yellow Mansion). Constructed at Purna Singh’s personal expense at a cost of 40,000 rupees, its grandeur and strength testify to his foresight. Additionally, he built two hostels, one named “Purna Ashram,” which provided shelter to students coming from far-flung areas in pursuit of knowledge.
The most touching aspect of Purna Singh’s generosity was that he arranged a modest pension of 50 rupees per month for each of his two wives, with instructions that even this amount would go to the DAV Trust after their demise. This unparalleled selflessness is an example that touches the heart. He kept nothing for himself except the satisfaction derived from serving society.
Challenges and Unwavering Faith
Purna Singh Negi’s path was not without obstacles. In the early years of the DAV School, mismanagement and internal conflicts led to frequent changes in headmasters, causing him deep sorrow. His soul was pained to see the institution of his dreams struggle with administrative instability. However, in 1911, when Lakshman Prasad became headmaster, the school’s management improved, and its reputation grew. This progress brought Purna Singh the peace of mind he sought.
An Immortal Legacy
In November 1912, at the age of 80, Purna Singh Negi bid farewell to this world. Yet, his spirit continues to reside in the precincts of DAV College. His statue, installed on the college campus, keeps his memory alive. Every student who passes through the gates of DAV becomes a part of Purna Singh’s dream. While the Pili Kothi may have changed with time, its historical significance and the story of Purna Singh’s philanthropy still resonate in every heart.
His great-grandson, Surendra Singh Negi, carried forward his legacy as a successful lawyer in Dehradun. However, Purna Singh’s true legacy is the education that continues to illuminate the lives of thousands of children. Today, DAV College stands as a premier educational institution in Dehradun, built on the foundation of Purna Singh Negi’s generosity and vision.
DAV College, Dehradun, was once a leading centre of higher education, a symbol of academic pride for Uttarakhand, the hilly regions, and western Uttar Pradesh. At its peak, it attracted students from far and wide, with an enrolment of 20,000 to 30,000. Post-independence, the college educated individuals who made significant contributions to Indian politics, administration, and society. Its alumni include Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, Central Secretaries, IAS, IPS, IRS officers, DGPs, scientists, renowned doctors, litterateurs, and celebrated mountaineers. The college not only spread education but also played a remarkable role in the nation’s development.
An Inspiration That Lives On
Purna Singh Negi’s life teaches us that true wealth is not what we accumulate for ourselves but what we dedicate to the welfare of society. His life is like a lamp that burns to give light to others. He demonstrated that wealth and prosperity can be used for societal upliftment. His philanthropy was not just the donation of property; it was an idea, a resolve to empower society through education.
Today, as we witness the progress of DAV College, it is only natural to pay homage to Purna Singh Negi’s soul. He was a zamindar, an entrepreneur, but above all, a philanthropist who dedicated his life to education and social service. His saga inspires us to do something in our lives that becomes a source of inspiration for future generations. Purna Singh Negi’s name will forever remain immortal in the soil of Dehradun, like a star that shines even in the darkest night.
Purna Singh Negi’s life is a tale that tells us true immortality lies not in wealth or grandeur but in the deeds done for society. His philanthropy established Dehradun as an educational hub and sparked a revolution in the field of education. His life conveys the message that generosity and altruism are the forces that can transform society. Purna Singh Negi—a name, an inspiration, and an immortal legacy that will forever echo in Dehradun’s history.
