On 28 December 1992, the Sikh Panth lost one of its most dedicated sons, Shaheed Bhai Dharam Singh Kashtiwal. Known for his deep commitment to Sikh values and the cause of justice, he lived a short but impactful life that continues to inspire generations. As an eminent figure of the Babbar Khalsa, his sacrifice became a symbol of resilience and faith in the pursuit of Sikh sovereignty.

Early Life and Family Roots

Dharam Singh Kashtiwal was born in 1963 in the village of Kashtiwal, near Batala in Gurdaspur District, Punjab. He was the beloved son of Sardar Piyara Singh and Mata Surjit Kaur. A man of humble beginnings, he received his education up to the 11th standard before working as a farmer and later with Markfed, Punjab’s grain marketing federation.

He was respected for his integrity, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to Sikh values. In 1989, he married Bibi Sandeep Kaur, with whom he had a son. To his community, he was affectionately known as Baba Kashtiwal or Singh Sahib Kashtiwal.

Commitment to the Sikh Cause

The turbulent events of the 1980s and 1990s deeply shaped Dharam Singh’s journey. Motivated by his love for the Sikh faith and its freedom, he joined the Babbar Khalsa, one of the most prominent Sikh resistance movements. His courage, discipline, and leadership earned him the role of Chief of the Babbar Khalsa Kashtiwal Group.

Dharam Singh Kashtiwal was not driven by personal gain but by the vision of preserving Sikh identity, protecting the rights of his community, and resisting oppression. His comrades remember him as a man who stood fearlessly in the face of adversity, always ready to defend the Panth.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

On 28 December 1992, at just 29 years of age, Bhai Dharam Singh Kashtiwal laid down his life in Jalandhar City during an armed encounter. His shaheedi (martyrdom) sent waves of grief and pride across Punjab, cementing his place in Sikh history as a warrior who upheld his faith until his last breath.

His passing was not just the loss of a leader but a moment that strengthened the resolve of countless Sikhs to continue the struggle for justice.

Annual Commemorations

Year after year, Sikh Sangat from far and wide gather to honor his memory. The Bhai Dharam Singh Khalsa Charitable Trust in Sultanwind, Amritsar, has become a central hub for these commemorations. Events typically include Akhand Path Sahib, Kirtan Darbars, Dhadi Jathas narrating his life story, and speeches from Panthic leaders.

In 2016, the 24th martyrdom anniversary was marked with heartfelt tributes, and in 2017, the 25th anniversary saw the honoring of families of Sikh martyrs, reinforcing the community’s bond and respect for its heroes.

Legacy Through Service – The Charitable Trust

Perhaps the most enduring tribute to Bhai Dharam Singh’s memory comes through the work of his widow, Bibi Sandeep Kaur. Just three years after their marriage, she was left to raise their son alone. Rather than let grief consume her, she transformed her pain into service by establishing the Bhai Dharam Singh Khalsa Charitable Trust.

The Trust offers shelter, education, and care to the children of Sikh martyrs, ensuring they grow up with dignity and opportunities. Over the years, many of these children have gone on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders in their own right.

The Trust’s work has expanded to include caring for abandoned girls, some rescued from infanticide, regardless of caste or religion. This humanitarian vision reflects the very principles for which Bhai Dharam Singh gave his life.

Inspiration for Future Generations

Bhai Dharam Singh Kashtiwal’s life story is a lesson in dedication, selflessness, and unwavering faith. He exemplified the Sikh ideal of the Sant-Sipahi—the saint-soldier who balances spirituality with the duty to defend truth and justice.

His sacrifice reminds us that true courage lies not in living without fear, but in standing firm for one’s beliefs despite the dangers. For young Sikhs today, his life offers a roadmap of resilience and community service.

Conclusion

Shaheed Bhai Dharam Singh Kashtiwal’s physical journey ended on that cold December day in 1992, but his spirit lives on—in the stories told by the elders, in the annual gatherings that bear his name, and in the children whose futures are brighter because of the Trust’s work.

He remains not just a martyr of the Sikh struggle but a beacon of faith, compassion, and determination. His legacy urges us to remember that while lives may end, ideals live forever.