Baba Harbajan Singh was an Indian army soldier who served in the 23rd Battalion of the Sikh Regiment during the Indo-China War of 1962. He was born in the village of Tarn Taran in the Punjab region of India in 1946, and he joined the Indian army at the age of 18.
During the Indo-China War of 1962, Baba Harbajan Singh was posted at the Nathu La Pass in the Sikkim sector of the Himalayas. This pass is located at an altitude of 14,200 ft and is considered to be one of the most treacherous terrains in the world. The soldiers posted there had to deal with extreme cold, high altitude, and hostile terrain.
On October 1, 1968, Baba Harbajan Singh was on duty as a sentry when he fell ill and passed away. It is said that he died of a heart attack while on duty, his death was a great loss to the Indian army as he was an experienced and dedicated soldier.
However, after his death, his comrades reported that they had seen Baba Harbajan Singh in the form of a ghost, who would come to check on the welfare of his fellow soldiers. He is said to have appeared to several soldiers in dreams, warning them of impending danger and saving their lives. As a result, he became a legendary figure among Indian soldiers and was given the title of “Baba” (meaning “father” or “saint” in Hindi).
The Indian army built a temple in his honor at the Nathu La Pass, and soldiers continue to visit the temple to pay their respects to Baba Harbajan Singh. They even leave their offerings like sweets, flowers and money at the temple. Some soldiers even believe that his spirit continues to protect the Nathu La Pass, which is considered a sacred and strategically important area for India.
It is said that Baba Harbajan Singh still guards the Nathu La Pass even after his death, and his spirit is believed to protect the soldiers who serve at the pass. He is also considered to be a source of inspiration and motivation for the soldiers who serve at the pass. His legend has become so popular that a movie was also made on his life, which was based on the story of his ghostly apparition.
The Indian army also has a ritual of visiting the Baba Harbajan Singh temple before going on leave and also before returning to their duties. The soldiers also believe that if they do not visit the temple, Baba Harbajan Singh will not allow them to leave the pass.
It is important to note that the story of Baba Harbajan Singh is more of a legend and it is not confirmed by any official records. However, it has become an important part of the Indian army’s folklore and continues to be an inspiration for the soldiers serving at the Nathu La Pass.
