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Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind

Enjoy these photos of Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind. They are arranged in chronological order, starting with his military days as a young man at Camp Lewis, Oregon, to his later days as a wise sage. These pictures depict an honorable man who rose to become one of the foremost spiritual leaders in the United States and an inspiration to Sikh and Hindu Americans for generations to come.

Enjoy these recently discovered photos of Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind. Click on the image for a larger view.

Dr. Thind's Immediate family.

Despite his struggles for American citizenship, Dr. Thind lived the American dream. He raised his family with love and affection, sharing his spirituality that his children carry to this very day. His family includes his wife Vivian, son David, and daughter Roz.

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Army Photos

Dr. Thind became the first Indian Sikh to be inducted in the US Army during World War I. He was stationed at Camp Lewis in Astoria, Oregon. He was inducted into the Army on July 22, 1918. He was later released via Honorable Discharge on December 16, 1918.

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Army Documents

Vivian Thind (Mataji)

She was the loving, inspiring, spiritual disciple and wife of Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind. She applied his teaching to her love they shared in their time together on earth.

Mataji was a loving example for all who had the privilege of meeting and knowing her. A gracious and loving Mother, Grandmother, Auntie and friend, she was love-personified.

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Dr. and Mrs. Thind

These are the many pictures of Dr. Thind with his beloved wife Vivian. Looking at these pictures, one can sense the love they shared with their time together on earth. They married on March 16, 1940 in Colligwood Presbyterian Church, Toledo, Ohio. They remained married until Dr. Thind passed in 1967.

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Thind Family in India

These are pictures of the current Thind family in India. The family held a reunion in welcoming David Bhagat Thind and Justin Bhagat Thind, Dr. Thind's son and grandson respectively. Many of these pictures were taken in Amritsar, India, which is Dr. Thind's birthplace and hometown.

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Thind Family in USA

These are the pictures of Vivian Thind's side of the family. First picture on the left-top row is David Davies, Vivian's father and the father-in-law of Dr. Thind.

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The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is located in Amritsar, Dr. Thind's birthplace. It is surrounded by a pool known as the "Sarovar" which consists of Holy Water known as "Amrit".

As a sign of respect, all visitors must cover their heads and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harimandir Sahib premises. There are four doors to get into the Harimandir Sahib. This concept is reminiscent of the Tent of Abraham story in the Old Testament -- his tent was opened on all four sides to welcome travelers from all directions.

Anyone who wants to enter The Golden Temple may do so, irrespective of religion, color, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or other drugs while in the temple. Sikh temples around the world follow this traditional rule.

To read more on the temple, click here.

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Khalsa College

One of greatest alumni to graduate from Khalsa College, in Amritsar, is Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind, who obtained his degree in Divinity in 1912. As a student, Dr. Thind studied American history and literature (Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman), inspiring him to travel to America and fulfill his destiny as a Spiritual Teacher.

Enjoy the many scenes of Khalsa College.

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Rosalind "Nona" and David "Grandpa" Davies"

Rosalind Davies (otherwise known as "Nona") and David Davies are Dr. Thind's mother and father-in-laws, respectively. Nona and David Davies gave birth to two children: Vivian Davies (later becoming Vivian Thind) and Frank Daniel Davies. These are the few pictures provided in memory of Nona and David Davies.

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Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is often described as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World." Millions have visited the site with more than three million in 2006. According to the BBC, the Taj Mahal is one of the world's most popular international attractions. It stands as a symbol of not only great architecture, but that of love and spirituality.

To read more on the Taj Mahal, click here.

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Justin and Jenny

Justin and Jenny Thind are the grandchildren of Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind. Some of these pictures include Justin's trip to India with his father, David.

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The Gadar Movement

The main objective of the Gadar movement was to free India from oppressive British rule. Dr. Thind became a leader in the party while attending college and working in the lumber mills of Astoria and Wauna, Oregon. Between 1916 and 1917, Dr. Thind delivered speeches all over Oregon advocating India's independence and was elevated to General Secretary for the Gadar party in the state of Oregon.

These are the pictures of Gadar Movement memorials in San Francisco.

To read about the Gadar Movement, click here.

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Astoria, Oregon

From Seattle, Dr. Thind worked in several lumber mills. He eventually found his way, along with other Sikhs, to Astoria, Oregon in area known as Alderbrook. Because of the high concentration of East Indians there, Alderbrook was known as "Hindoo Alley".

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