Shaheed Bhai Ram Singh Chuladha

Martyr of June 1984

 

Bhai Ram Singh was born on 10th January 1948, to the blessed womb of mother Mata Budh Kaur and in the house of Sardar Jagat Singh in the village of Chuladha, district Kapurthala. He was one of four brothers—Bhai Kewal Singh, Bhai Sadhu Singh and Bhai Arjun Singh. From an early age, Bhai Ram Singh displayed remarkable courage and steadfastness. He was a deeply devoted Gursikh, known for his unwavering faith and his radiant high spirit. He became a dedicated student and follower of Damdami Taksal during the leadership of Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. Under this esteemed guidance, Bhai Ram Singh received complete Sikh training, immersing himself in Gurbani recitation and formal religious education.

 

Standing firmly beside Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, Bhai Ram Singh contributed significantly to the widespread missionary efforts of that era. Following the tradition of their predecessors, Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa revitalised Sikh consciousness on a grand scale, inspiring countless youth to return to the teachings of Sikhi and recognise its priceless spiritual heritage. Thousands received Amrit, renewing their lives in the Khalsa discipline. During the period of Emergency declared in India by then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa openly opposed the government’s authoritarian measures—famously challenging her at the Ram Leela Ground in Delhi. As part of this resistance, he organised 39 large-scale Nagar Kirtans, a bold and peaceful form of protest. This era was marked by the stirring slogan sung 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.”

 

On 13th April 1978, the Narakhdhari cult martyred 13 Singhs who were protesting against the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. The 13 Singhs were part of Sikh congregation of 125 Singhs and Singhnia from the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Damdami Taksal. Bhai Ram Singh stood resolutely with Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale throughout this tumultuous period and played an important role in the community’s response. The avenging of the Narakhdhari atrocities was later carried out by Bhai Ranjit Singh and Bhai Kabal Singh, who eliminated the Narakhdhari cult leader, Gurbachana, as well as Jagat Narayan and several others responsible for anti-Sikh actions. Bhai Ram Singh was instrumental in these efforts and contributed significantly behind the scenes.

 

On 19th July 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale fearlessly protested against the arrests of Bhai Amrik Singh and Baba Thara Singh, Bhai Ram Singh who also joined Sant Ji at Sri Darbar Sahib for this protest. Bhai Sahib also masterminded the eliminations of DIG Atwal and those responsible for the assassination of Shaheed Bhai Surinder Singh Sodhi. His team executed these operations with precision and dedication. Bhai Sahib frequently consulted with Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh, General Shabeg Singh and Baba Thara Singh, planning strategies and key decisions vital to the movement.

 

During the Battle of Amritsar in June 1984, Bhai Ram Singh fought valiantly on the front lines alongside the brave defenders of Sri Darbar Sahib. He was positioned at the Ramgharia Bunga. On 6th June 1984, he witnessed the martyrdoms of the great Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale and Bhai Amrik Singh. On 8th June, Bhai Ram Singh and Bhai Major Singh Nagoke attempted an attack on Giani Zail Singh during his visit. Although the attempt did not succeed, and instead one of Zail Singh’s bodyguards was killed, the event caused panic—prompting General Brar to scream in fear and leap into the Sarovar to save himself. Bhai Ram Singh continued fighting until 9th June, steadfast within the sacred complex of Sri Darbar Sahib. The Ramgharia Bunga was heavily targeted by the army, and it was there that Bhai Ram Singh attained Shaheedi, offering his final breaths in defence of his Guru’s Sikhi.

 

Information given by the family of Shaheed Bhai Ram Singh Chuladha