Feature on Baba Harbhajan Singh

 

A GHOST SOLDIER WHO PROTECTS INDIA’S BORDER

 

When it comes to serve the country, the soldiers actually never die. Military mythology is a thing, whether you believe in it or not. This is the story of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army Soldier, who died in the year 1968. But you will be surprised to know that his ghost still protects the Eastern Borders and his brothers-in-arms at Indo-China Border.

Harbhajan Singh was born in 1941, in a village of Punjab. He enrolled himself in the Indian Army at the age of 15, in the year 1956. He was initially allotted the Punjab Regiment, later on served in Signal Corps as well. He was transferred to 14^th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment and after the 1965 Indo-Pak War, was shifted to the 18^th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment.  While posted near Nathu-La Pass, he slipped and drowned in a glacier while leading a column of mules (Animal Transport) carrying supplies to a lonesome outpost in a very treacherous terrain, and met his end. His body could be recovered after five days full-fledged operations and was cremated with due honours. But did he really die?

It is believed that his own ghost directed and led the search party to his dead body. He appeared in Sepoy Pritam’s dream, a fellow soldier and directed him to the place and asked him that a shrine should be erected in his memory.

Even today, jawans posted at Nathu-La post have a firm belief that Baba Harbhajan Singh protects them. It is also believed that he warns three days in advance of any impending attack. During flag meetings, Chinese PLA also sets aside a chair in honour of Baba Harbhajan Singh. The water from his shrine is offered as “Prasad” and is believed to heal the ailing soldiers. The shrine has to be guarded by barefooted soldiers only. His uniform including shoes are cleaned on a daily basis. Stories about his ghost visiting the camps at night and even waking up the soldiers and slapping those who sleep while being on duty, are quite common and many soldiers posted there often have some experience of the same to share.

The belief about his paranormal existence is so firm that every year on 11 September, a train carrying his belongings departs for his hometown accompanied by fellow soldiers, and goes right till his home’s doorsteps. In addition, until his recent retirement, Singh was granted promotions and finally retired as Honorary Captain. His family was regularly provided with salary until his retirement. Baba Harbhajan Singh is looked up to as a holy saint today and soldiers and visiting civilians pay homage to him while visiting Sikkim.

Guess patriotism never really dies! Once a Soldier, always a Soldier.

JAI HIND