Bhai Kehar Singh (1896 – 20.2.1921), son of Bhai Jiwan Singh, was born at village Jarg (erstwhile Patiala State). At the age of 18, he joined the British Indian army. He was posted at Kohat (at present border between Pakistan and Afghanistan). He participated in the battles of Chitral, Bannu, Tank, Bajaur etc. Due to his performance he was promoted to the rank of Havildar. Later, he was posted in the Assam area. He was known for his art of using gun. He shot several tigers in that area. Once, during the course of hunting, a lion attacked him. He killed the lion with his spear. A British officer witnessed the event. Bhai Kehar Singh’s photo was published in several newspapers and magazines. After a service of 21 years, he resigned the army. After his retirement, he moved to Chakk No. 85 Dalla Chanda Singh (district Sheikhupura, Pakistan) and began cultivating his land. When Gurdwara Reform movement began in 1920, he enroled himself with the Jatha of Bhai Lachhman Singh Dharowali. On February 19, 1921 he received a call from Bhai Lachhman Singh. When Bhai Kehar Singh began preparations to join the Jatha, his son Bhai Darbara Singh too insisted to accompany. At that time he (Darbara Singh) was 10-12 years old. At Nanakana Sahib, Bhai Kehar Singh was butchered to death by Mahant Narain Das and his hired men. When the Mahant began killing the Sikhs, some Sikhs hid Bhai Darbara Singh (the son of Bhai Kehar Singh) in an almirah. He began saying, “I want to embrace martyrdom like my father.” At this Kapura Jallad grabbed him, threw him in fire and roasted him alive. Also see: Darbara Singh (Nanakana).
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)