Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Shinda, affectionately known as Shinda Lashkari Nangal Wala, was born in 1962 in the village of Lashkari Nangal, located in Tehsil Ajnala, District Amritsar, Punjab. He was born into a devout Sikh family, the son of Sardar Piara Singh and Mata Pritam Kaur. From an early age, Bhai Sahib was drawn to the spiritual life, and being raised near the revered Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh, he developed a deep connection to Sikhi and regularly visited the gurdwara throughout his childhood.
At a young age, Bhai Sahib received Amrit Sanchar and fully committed himself to the disciplined lifestyle of the Khalsa. He was known for his quiet and introspective nature—reserved, soft-spoken, and detached from worldly distractions. He lived a simple and spiritual life, eating only what was necessary and often preferring solitude and reflection over social interaction.
Bhai Shinda’s deep devotion found expression through sewa (selfless service). Whenever time permitted, he would travel to Hazoor Sahib, where he served in the Langar Sewa under the guidance of Baba Nishan Singh Ji. He was particularly fond of preparing food and would often be seen heating chapatis on the large Loh (iron plate) in the langar hall. His dedication and humility earned him immense respect from the local Sangat both in his village and at Hazoor Sahib. Elderly women in the community affectionately called out, “Ve Shinde Putt…”, while jokingly teasing him for his quiet demeanor, often saying, “Majhail people are usually big talkers—how come you’re so silent?”
Despite his reserved nature, Bhai Sahib had a powerful spiritual presence and a deep connection to Gurbani. He strictly followed his Nitnem (daily prayers) and lived by Gurmat principles.
In December 1983, when Sri Akal Takht Sahib issued a call for Dharam Yudh Morcha’s arrest to Hazur Sahib Sangat, a Jatha from Hazoor Sahib prepared to go for arrest in Amritsar. Bhai Shinda joined the Jatha and boarded the train from Nanded to Sri Darbar Sahib. Upon arrival, the Jatha took shelter at Nanak Niwas Sarai. However, without informing anyone, Bhai Sahib unexpectedly returned to Hazoor Sahib the very next day.
When he arrived back at Langar Sahib, the elders, especially the Bibiyaan, were astonished and asked, “Shinde Putt, you went with the Jatha to offer arrest at Akal Takht Sahib—what brought you back?” Bhai Sahib remained silent, offering no explanation. One elderly Bibi, sensing a divine reason, remarked, “It must be Guru Sahib’s hukam… No worries, child. Everything happens under His command.”
At the time, no one understood the mystery behind Bhai Sahib’s return. In hindsight, it is believed that Akal Purakh Himself called Bhai Shinda back—not to escape martyrdom, but to reserve it for a higher purpose: to attain Shaheedi defending the sanctity of Sri Darbar Sahib during the impending attack of June 1984.
Haunted by regret for leaving the Jatha, Bhai Sahib could not rest. Just three days later, he again boarded the train back to Sri Darbar Sahib, silently rejoining the Jatha. His fellow Singhs were relieved and surprised, asking, “Shinde, where did you go? We searched for you everywhere.” But once again, Bhai Sahib did not explain.
When the Indian Army launched Operation Blue Star in early June 1984, Bhai Shinda took his position atop the Langar Sahib building at Darbar Sahib. Alongside other brave Khalsa warriors, he fearlessly defended the sacred complex. During the intense battle, Bhai Sahib kept raising the spirited jaikara—“Bole So Nihal…Sat Sri Akal!”—every time an enemy soldier fell while trying to enter the Darbar Sahib complex.
On 6 June 1984, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Shinda attained martyrdom, defending the Guru’s sanctum with unparalleled courage and commitment.
To this day, many members of the Sangat believe they still feel his presence on the rooftop of Langar Sahib, especially during peaceful early mornings or quiet evenings. His spirit, they say, lingers where he stood tall—shouting jaikaras and resisting tyranny in the name of faith and righteousness.
—Written by the Editor and Admin of June84.com, based on the Reference of Bhai Bhagwan Singh Kar Sewa
