Border Baba

In fact, Baba Harcharan Singh is still considered very much a part of the army even today, 35 years after he got lost in a blizzard. He is believed to protect the border for the Indian army in East Sikkim. The troops there also believe Baba will give them a 72 hour warning before anything untoward happens. The only time they worry about the border and extra units deploy for patrolling, is in September and October when Baba takes his annual leave. His story is carved in stone at his temple in Sikkim.

It goes that Harcharan Singh who was commissioned in 23 Punjab Regiment in 1966, was escorting a mule column from the Batakh at Tuk-la to Den dukla in Sikkim, when he slipped and died. A few days later he appeared in the dreams of another army man and requested that a samadhi be raised in his memory. The regiment obliged and raised a samadhi in Harbhajan’s memory at Tuk-la where his company was posted. Later the temple was moved to Nathu-La.

Tales of jawans having lost their way in blizzards and coming across Baba who then steers them back to their units abound, and are sincerely believed in, from the Commandant downwards. In fact every new unit that is posted to the area makes it a point to host a langar there as soon as it can.

The devotees also come carrying bottles of water that they leave at the temple for many days. It is believed that after they take the water back it attains properties to cure people of their diseases.

But it’s as the protector of the country’s borders that Baba’s reputation has gained fame and respect. Which is why the army there is just a little worried these days over the fact that according to his commissioning date Baba is set for retirement soon. But for that too there is a way being thought out: Giving him honorary re-employment.