Shaheed Bhai Jangir Singh Rode

Martyr of June 1984

 

Bhai Jangir Singh was born in 1920 to the blessed womb of Mata Dhan Kaur and in the house of Bapu Joginder Singh Rode in the village of Rode, district Moga. He was one of seven children and was deeply fortunate to be born into the same family as Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. His siblings included Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa, Bhai Jagjit Singh, Captain Harcharan Singh Rode, Bhai Vir Singh Rode, Bhai Jugraj Singh Rode and Bhai Harjit Singh Rode. Bhai Jangir Singh had his Anand Karaj with Bibi Gurdev Kaur, and together they were blessed with six children. Two of his sons later attained Shaheedi—Shaheed Bhai Lakhbir Singh Rode and Shaheed Bhai Swaran Singh Rode. Their other children included Singh Sahib Jathedar Bhai Jasvir Singh Rode, Bhai Hardyal Singh Rode, Bhai Jagtar Singh Rode, and their daughter, Bibi Satwant Kaur. The family’s livelihood depended primarily on agriculture and farming their own land. Despite this simple way of life, their father remained deeply committed to religious causes.

 

In the early 1920s, during the Akali Movement—also known as the Gurdwara Reform Movement—Bhai Jangir Singh took an active role in efforts to restore Sikh practices within Gurdwaras and remove the influence of Mahants, who had aligned themselves with the British Raj. He participated in multiple agitations and willingly underwent self-arrest on several occasions. The entire family was known for its unwavering devotion to the Sikh faith and was highly respected in the region. Their bond with the congregation of Damdami Taksal began during the leadership of Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. The family served selflessly and played a significant role in spreading the message of Sikhi from village to village throughout Punjab and beyond. During his frequent visits to the village of Rode, Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale decided to take Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale under his wing at Damdami Taksal. There, he received full training in Gurbani Santhiya and Sikh religious discourse (Prachar). Over time, the Rode family became deeply integrated into Damdami Taksal, and Bhai Jangir Singh himself spent long periods at the headquarters in Bhindran, serving with dedication.

 

After the passing of Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa, leadership of Damdami Taksal transitioned to the 13th Jathedar, Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. Like his predecessors, Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa also dedicated himself to the propagation of Sikhi and inspired countless youth to reconnect with their faith. Thousands received Amrit during this era. When a state of Emergency (1976-1977) was imposed in India by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa publicly opposed it, including during a speech at the Ram Leela Grounds in Delhi, and later organised up to 39 Nagar Kirtans as a form of peaceful protest. This was also the period in which the famous verse spread throughout the Sikh Panth:

 

“Sirr Jaave Ta Jaave, Saada Sikhi Sidak Na Jaave.”

“If our head must be taken, so be it—but may our Sikhi and our principles never leave us.”

 

Bhai Jangir Singh and his entire family served tirelessly alongside Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa and the Jatha. However, in a tragic turn of events, Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa was severely injured in a car accident. He refused medical treatment that required the removal of hair from his body—a principle he was unwilling to compromise—and ultimately passed away on 16th August 1977.

With his passing, new leadership was required for Damdami Taksal, and Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale was selected as the next Jathedar. Having spent years in rigorous discipline and training, he stepped into leadership with great impact and soon became a prominent figure who influenced Sikhs across Punjab. His growing popularity drew concern from the Indian Government.

In 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Ji initiated the Dharam Yudh Morcha, a major civil agitation involving large-scale protests and mass voluntary arrests. The atmosphere in Punjab grew increasingly tense. A government-led campaign was launched to discredit him, ultimately culminating in “Operation Bluestar”—the assault on the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex in June 1984.

 

During the Battle of Amritsar, many Singhs and Singhnia took defensive positions to protect the sacred complex. Bhai Jangir Singh fought alongside Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh, General Shabeg Singh and Baba Thara Singh. He attained Shaheedi on 6th June 1984. His son, Bhai Swaran Singh Rode, also attained Shaheedi during the same battle. After these events, Bhai Jangir Singh’s son, Bhai Jasvir Singh Rode, was appointed the Jathedar of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib. Supported by their grandfather, Bapu Joginder Singh, he played a role in the subsequent movement advocating for Sikh rights and demands for a free homeland, Khalistan.

 

Information given by the family of Shaheed Bhai Jangir Singh Rode