“Panth Rattan” Giani Sant Singh Maskeen who passed away today: the 18th February 2005 at appox. 8.00 AM I.S.T. due to a massive heart attack while attending a marriage function in Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/maskeen/2002-gyani-sant-singh-ji-maskeen.html

Giani Sant Singh Maskeen was a colossal striding across the contemporary Sikh Society for nearly five decades. He was a dedicated Sikh Missionary of great knowledge, zeal and repute who was renowned worldwide. A fearless preacher, very outspoken and having a rational outlook, he preached according to the concepts of Gurmat and Gurbani. He was one of the few towering personalities to whom the Sikhs looked up to.

He was successful in disseminating Sikhi in America, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia. He also established a meditation center at his home town Alwar in Rajasthan, India where a Samagam (function) is held every year on the eve of Hollah Mohallah and which is attended by the scholars, preachers and learned people of the Sikh Community. The Khalsa School he established at Alwar has been a great success.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=2002

He authored more than a dozen books and innumerable audio cassettes and CDs, which have impacted the thinking and way of life of the Sikh Community. His daily discourses of Guru Granth Sahib on National TV network were beamed worldwide. His words provided guidance to many a wavering mind.

His demise has created a vacuum, which would be very difficult to fill. The Sikh Community needed him at this crucial juncture when western influences are making inroads into the Sikh Culture. The loss of Giani Sant Singh Maskeen is indeed, a great loss to the worldwide Sikh Community.