Hero of Nathula

A soldier is a soldier always, whether on duty or off-duty. This theory is proved right by a revered soldier of the INA(Indian National Army). His name is Harbhajan Singh. No not cricketer Harbhajan Singh, but soldier Harbhajan Singh. There is a shrine in his honor, built by the army and he is believed to grant wishes of those who worship him. He is still protecting our country even after his death! 

Baba Harbhajan Singh was born in 1946 on August 30 in Sadrana village (now in Pakistan), in a Sikh family in Punjab. He passed matriculation from DAV High School at Patti, Punjab, and then joined the 23, Punjab Regiment on February 9, 1966. He died near Nathu-la in 1968, while on a patrol near the China border. He himself helped in the search to locate his body by coming in the dream of a fellow Indian soldier and telling him of what happened to him and where his body lay. He is said to inform the Indian soldiers at least three days in advance whenever there is a war between India and China on the border. If a soldier falls asleep during duty then he is said to wake him up. He is revered by not only the Indians but also by the Chinese Army guarding the Indo-Chinese border between Sikkim and Tibet. During flag meetings at Nathu La, the Chinese Army keep a separate chair for him. As per belief, any army man who wears an unclean uniform is punished by Baba (as he is commonly referred to) himself, with a slap. Baba's uniform which hangs in the display is cleaned by none other than Baba himself!

Every year on 11 September a berth was booked for him and three soldiers would go with Baba's photo to his home and would bring him back after his leave gets over. He was given salary and promotion till his retirement a few years ago. However, his soul has been guarding the Indian border for more than 50 years now even after death. He was promoted to the rank of Captain from Sepoy. Today, even though he has been granted retirement, he is still believed to be manning the treacherous region of Nathu-La.

A short film "Plus Minus" released on YouTube where Bhuvan Bam played the role of Baba Harbhajan Singh and also starring actress Divya Dutta, is made on the life of the soldier(Harbhajan Singh).

 It is a common belief that water kept at the Baba Harbhajan shrine becomes capable of curing sick persons. Devotees, therefore, buy a water bottle for an ailing person in their house, then write the name of that person over the bottle with the help of markers kept in the temple and then leave the bottle in the temple. After that they take this bottle of water which has Baba's blessings and give it to the sick to drink.This water should be consumed within 21 days and during this period no family members of the ailing person should consume non-vegetarian food.It is also believed that the slippers which are kept in the temple, help in the cure of gout and other foot problems.

Soldiers of the Indian Army who are posted in the region, pay a visit to his shrine and entire units seek his blessings with various plates dedicated to him lining the shrine's walls.

Baba's shrine has three rooms, Baba's office, storeroom, and living room. In the living room, every item of his need is kept neatly. His bed, shoes, slippers, water bottle, ironed uniform, and an umbrella. People and soldiers passing through make it a point to visit the temple and seek his blessings. The temple is surrounded by snow in the winter season. 

Baba Harbhajan Singh is known as the "Hero of Nathula".He is an inspiration for fellow soldiers who guard our borders embracing extreme conditions just because we would be safe. Baba Harbhajan Singh is still doing his duty and giving timely warning and advice in dreams to fellow soldiers whenever there is any danger. Even the Chinese are in awe of him. 

Salute to a soldier like him! 

He is our Hero!

HERO OF NATHULA.