Baba Deep Singh

In Sikh history martyrdom has special significance because it was mostly to safe guard righteousness, justice and country. This task of offering oneself for establishing and safe guarding the higher values of humanity like self respect, justice, fight against tyranny and love of country is unique to Sikhs. Guru Arjun Devji was first in line to consolidate these convictions and invoke a spirit that turned ordinary men into brave soldiers. Any injustice or act of tyranny Sikh spirit awakens to fight against the bully.

One such soul was Baba Deep Singh. He had retired from active soldiering at the age of 75 and was busy helping write Guru Granth Sahib at Talwandi Sabo. The Mogul rule had weakened in India and Afgans had started daring to attack again and loot. Ahmad Shah Durrani attacked India and left a trail of destruction and reached Delhi where he looted and took men and women captive. After Banda Singh Bahadur’s death Sikhs were scattered but they joined once again and stopped Durrani near Kurukshetra. Freed the captives and took the loot back and forced the Afgan to flee. But he came again and this time to take revenge he destroyed the Harmandir Sahib. On hearing this Baba Deep Singh gathered some Sikhs and came to Taran Taran where near village Gohlwar (Highway from TarnTaran to Amritsar) he confronted the Afgans. Many villagers joined Baba Deep Singh and there was a severe battle in which Babaji had a deep wound on his neck. He held the gush with his left hand and fought vehemently with his double edged sword. He was reminded of his vow that he will reach Amritsar and throw Afgans out. With deep wounds he kept fighting and reached Amritsar. On the periphery of  Harmandir Sahib he fell and died. At the age of 75 years so much bravery is remarkable. That is why he is considered as one of the great martyr of Punjab.

On the occasion of his martyrs’ day today let us pay our TRIBUTE.

Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh