Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola Shaheed: A Legacy of Courage, Faith, and Sacrifice
Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola, also revered as “Bhola Petrol,” was born on 3 January 1964 in Tarn Taran, Punjab, to Sardar Gopal Singh and Mata Surinder Kaur. He belonged to a Ramgarhia Gursikh household and completed his education up to the matric level, followed by a Giani course at Tarn Taran College. As a young, committed student, he emerged as a vibrant member of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), particularly within the Sant Bhindranwale Jatha, under the leadership of Bhai Harminder Singh Sandhu.
Involvement in the Kharku Movement
Immersed in Sikh activism during the turbulent mid-1980s, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola Bhola became deeply involved in the Kharku movement. A courageous and principled figure, he operated with Singh peers such as Bhai Amrik Singh Khalsa, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu, and Bhai Surinder Singh Sodhi, among others.
Acts of Valor and Sant Bhindranwale’s Trust
Bhai Bhola earned immense respect from Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale himself. Notably, he executed swift retribution against those responsible for the death of Bhai Surinder Singh Sodhi, earning praise, where Sant Bhindranwale once remarked, “This Singh (Bhai Bhola) weighs heavy in my heart.”
He was also linked to the assassination of Ramesh Chandra, a prominent editor pursuing anti-Sikh narratives, alongside Bhai Labh Singh and others, on 12 May 1984 in Jalandhar. After the act, the group safely relocated to Amritsar.
Martyrdom and Betrayal
On 16 September 1986, Bhai Bhola was summoned by Baldev Singh Hothian for a meeting near Khalsa College in Amritsar. Despite suspicion, he attended, and his group advised him to bring a small pistol—but Baldev dismissed the precaution, stating, “Let it go … this might lead us into trouble.”
Shortly thereafter, Bhola disappeared and, on 17 September 1986, was confirmed as having attained Shaheedi under tragic circumstances—reportedly a result of internal betrayal during a fratricidal confrontation at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash, Mehta, near Amritsar (data.june84.com). Despite the betrayal, he remains a beacon of courage and conviction in Sikh memory.
Remembrance and Legacy
Years after his martyrdom, his memory continues to inspire the Sikh community. On 23 September 2018, devotees and family members gathered at his Tarn Taran residence to observe his 32nd martyrdom anniversary, marked by devotional recitations of the Sukhmani Sahib, Kirtan, Ardas, and Siropao presentations to his brothers—Jarnail Singh, Darshan Singh, and Jagjit Singh.
Why Bhola’s Story Matters
- Unwavering Integrity: Even amid betrayal and danger, Bhai Bhola exemplified unwavering loyalty and fortitude.
- Authentic Leadership: Sant Bhindranwale held him in high esteem, which attests to Bhola’s dedication and spiritual strength.
- Martyrdom as Inspiration: His story continues to motivate Sikh youth and communities committed to upholding justice and truth.
