We celebrated the 79th Independence Day on 15th August this year. Being proud Indians, we should not forget the Army men who are serving our country, away from their families, just to keep us safe from enemies. This is the story of a brave soldier who is said to be on duty even after death.
Sepoy Harbhajan Singh joined the 23 Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army in Sikkim at the age of 20 in 1966. On 4th Oct 1968, he lost his life while on duty when he slipped and fell into a stream. His body could not be found. But Sepoy Pritam Singh, his friend, had a dream in which Harbhajan told him about the place where his body was lying. Later, his fellow soldiers also had similar dreams. So, the army searched for 3 days and found Harbhajan’s body. The soldier’s body was cremated with military honours. But Harbhajan continued to appear in the dreams of fellow soldiers, expressing his desire to have a Samadhi (memorial) for him. The Army converted his bunker into a Samadhi. Later, rumour spread that the ghost of Harbhajan walks daily along the borders. Villagers also claimed to have seen a ghost rider. The Chinese Army wrote a letter to the Indian Army asking about seeing a figure in an Indian Army uniform riding a white horse and patrolling along their territory, as reported by their soldiers. When both villagers and soldiers witnessed similar incidents confirming the mysterious presence of the spirit whom they called ‘Baba’, the Army built a shrine in his name. Sep Harbhajan Singh was promoted to the rank of Honorary Captain posthumously.
There is a strong belief in the Army that Baba will warn about any accidents, disasters or impending attacks from enemies, at least three days in advance. Devotees come from various places seeking Baba’s blessings. They write their messages of request to solve their problems, grief, depression or thank you notes after blessings, and leave them in the shrine. Tourists, trekkers, local people, and soldiers passing the shrine stop and pay respects to Baba. Army units also seek blessings with plates lining the walls of the shrine dedicated to Baba. Even the Chinese used to leave a seat vacant for Baba at flag meetings of the two nations at Nathula Post, as a sign of respect.
This is the story of the Hero of Nathula, who protects our nation even after death, like a true patriot and a saint who answers prayers and grants blessings to devotees. Both the soldiers and local people believe that Baba is there to protect them, and that is a reassurance for them to live in peace. It is a mystery. But our soldiers say that their belief in Baba gives them strength and courage to stay and do their duty even under adverse circumstances, natural calamities or hostile environments along the borders. It is not a superstition, but a strong faith in Baba Harbhajan Singh, the patriot!
Dr Major Nalini Janardhanan
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