Initially, Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj toured the country and abroad extensively, met the devotees wherever they were and consoled and encouraged them to maintain their faith and devotion. In 1987, he convened a Special General Body Meeting in Delhi on March 5 and 6. It reviewed the decisions taken at Mussoorie and re-emphasized the areas that were considered relevant in the contemporary perspective. In addition, it was decided to organize blood donation camps at different places on the occasion of Manav Ekta Divas (April 24) every year as a gesture of selfless service to humanity and a humble acknowledgement of the supreme sacrifice of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji and other saints for the noble cause of human welfare. Another important decision of this Conference was to set up a full-fledged department of Social Welfare and place it under the charge of a Member of the Executive Committee of the Sant Nirankari Mandal.
A similar Special General Body Meeting was held in Delhi on March 20 and 21, 1997. More than 2000 delegates participated. The Meeting reviewed the various decisions taken during the earlier conferences and considered improvements where they had become necessary. Interestingly, most of the decisions taken at Mussoorie in 1965 and 1973 as also in Delhi in 1987 were found to be relevant even to the present day needs. However, certain points did require to be explained or redefined so that no superstitions could make inroads into the Mission’s ideology and one’s life based thereon. The Meeting decided that more attention should be paid to rural areas in the matter of spiritual tours, opening new branches and building Satsang Bhawans. Another important decision taken was that the training of the new missionaries and orientation of the old may be encouraged as an oraganised effort.
The next Special General Body Meeting was held in Delhi on March 28-29, 2002. It once again reviewed the decisions taken earlier and emphasized the need to implement the relevant ones. This time, all the decisions were published in the form of a book and made available not only to the Members of the General Body of the Sant Nirankari Mandal, but other interested devotees also. While the role of each functionary was laid down more precisely, the devotees in general were also encouraged to participate in promoting the Mission. Special emphasis was laid on the need for discipline, co-ordination and co-operation at all levels. A spirit of collectivity was emphasized as compared to individuality, particularly in the matter of written word.
In spite of all the efforts mentioned above, it was being felt that with the passage of time, some organizational changes had become imperative. The Mission must take advantage of the talent of its youth, strengthen its second line and introduce professionalism. Need was also felt to decentralize certain functions and to re-infuse and strengthen the spirit of motivation, dedication and discipline. Moreover, the Mission must find some suitable substitute for the All-India Working Committee dissolved in November, 2008.
