Youngest Martyr in the World Baba Fateh Singh

Our Baba ji great grand ancestor Bhai Nand Lal Goya stands witness to the happenings of the times as he was one of the few Sikhs who were left stranded along with Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the Fort of Anandpur Sahib.

Baba Fateh Singh's early life was closely intertwined with the sacred and historic town of Anandpur Sahib. He was born on 25th Feb, 1699 at the very site that is now commemorated by the modern-day Gurdwara Bhora Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, a place of immense significance for Sikhs. This special connection to the place of his birth would later become a part of his legacy.

Tragically, Baba Fateh Singh lost his mother, Mata Jito, in December 1700, when he was still very young. This marked a pivotal moment in his life, as he was left without a mother's care and nurturing presence. Following this loss, he was raised by his paternal grandmother, Mata Gujri.

Mata Gujri played a pivotal role in Baba Fateh Singh's upbringing, instilling in him the values, teachings, and traditions of Sikhism. Her influence, along with the spiritual environment of Anandpur Sahib, would have a profound impact on his character and devotion to his faith.

Growing up in the same locality where he was born, Baba Fateh Singh experienced the spiritual and cultural richness of Anandpur Sahib. The town was a central hub for Sikh activities and a place where Guru Gobind Singh had established the Khalsa Panth. The upbringing and guidance he received from his grandmother, coupled with the spiritual environment of Anandpur Sahib, likely played a significant role in shaping his steadfastness and commitment to Sikh principles.

According to one theory regarding the genesis of the Akali Nihang tradition, they stem from Fateh Singh, with their characteristic blue garbs and turbans tracing their origin to the uniform of Fateh Singh and being prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh for his warriors.

“One day Fateh Singh Ji dressed all in blue supporting a high turban Dmala [sic; Dumalla, a style of Sikh turban] with a piece of loose cloth hanging out on top Farla [flag on top of Nihang turbans]. His clothing decked out in all manner of weapons came into the midst of his farther ahead of a large army of other children. Fateh Singh was only five years old at the time. His demeanour was extremely fierce. At this young age it is said he could handle himself against a grown adult warrior with a sword stick. So no Sikh dare cross him. It is said seeing him dressed the way he was he inspired awe but being a child also laughter. But no Sikh dare laugh. Then the Guru himself burst out laughing after him all other Akalis and Sikhs. Fateh Singh ran to his farther [sic; father]. Guru Gobind Singh sitting him on his lap blessed him and said, 'After you like you a Panth of fierce warriors Akali Nihangs shall come into being.' ”

This background information helps to contextualize Baba Fateh Singh's early life and the factors that contributed to his later actions and sacrifices. It sheds light on the strong foundations that were laid in his formative years, setting the stage for his enduring legacy as a symbol of courage, faith, and sacrifice in Sikh history.

Baba Fateh Singh's story is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale that stands as a testament to his unwavering courage and sacrifice. Born into a Sikh family, Fateh Singh's life was tragically cut short at the incredibly young age on 12 Dec, 1705. Despite his tender age, he displayed remarkable strength and determination that left an indelible mark on history.

The incident took place in the historic city of Sarhind in Punjab, India. Baba Fateh Singh's elder brother, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, was also a part of this harrowing episode. During a tumultuous period marked by religious strife, they became targets due to their Sikh faith and association with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.

In a heartrending turn of events, both Baba Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh were captured by the Mughal forces under the orders of Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind. Despite their tender ages, they were subjected to immense cruelty and brutality.

The boys were subjected to a heart-wrenching ordeal that defies comprehension. They were offered the choice of converting to Islam or facing brutal punishment. Despite their young age, they displayed unshakable resolve and refused to renounce their Sikh faith. Their steadfastness and refusal to abandon their principles angered Wazir Khan, who decided to carry out a gruesome punishment that would forever be etched in history.

The brothers were sentenced to be bricked alive into a wall, a horrifying form of execution. This brutal act was meant to extinguish their lives in the most agonizing manner possible. The young boys, Baba Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, faced this impending fate with remarkable courage and unwavering faith.

On the fateful day, as the bricks began to stack around them, their spirit remained unbroken. They continued to chant prayers and affirm their faith in the face of unimaginable pain. Their sacrifice became a symbol of the unyielding spirit of Sikhism and the principles of righteousness and justice.

Baba Fateh Singh's martyrdom at such a tender age serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of religious freedom and human dignity. His story continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the importance of upholding one's beliefs in the face of adversity and the enduring power of faith.  

The Indian Government has announced his Martyrdom day on Dec 26 as ‘Veer Bal Divas’ in the entire country.