In the pages of Punjab’s history, the 1980s remain a time of both immense pain and extraordinary heroism. Among the countless young Sikhs who rose to defend their faith and rights, Shaheed Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola, lovingly remembered as “Bhola Petrol,” stands as a beacon of courage whose fearless life continues to inspire.
Childhood and Early Roots
Bhai Gurinder Singh was born on 3 January 1964 in the historic district of Tarn Taran, Punjab. His father, Sardar Gopal Singh, and mother, Mata Surinder Kaur, raised him in a home grounded in Sikh values and discipline. Tragedy struck early—when Gurinder Singh was only six months old, his mother passed away.
After this loss, Gurinder Singh Bhola’s aunt, Bibi Harbans Kaur, took him under her care in the village of Chamyari near Ajnala. Despite growing up away from his birthplace, he frequently returned to Tarn Taran, maintaining deep ties with both his family and community. This strong sense of belonging would later fuel his dedication to the Sikh cause.
Education and a Life-Changing Encounter
Gurinder Singh attended the local Government School in Tarn Taran, completing his matriculation before enrolling in the Giani course at Tarn Taran College. It was during this period that he crossed paths with Bhai Paramjit Singh Pammi, who introduced him to Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
That introduction was more than just a meeting—it was a spark. The words of Sant Bhindranwale and the rising wave of Sikh activism deeply moved the young Gurinder Singh, setting him on a path that would define the rest of his life.
Rise of a Fearless Spirit
The early 1980s were marked by the Dharam Yudh Morcha, a movement seeking justice, dignity, and the protection of Sikh identity. Bhai Bhola threw himself into the struggle with boundless energy. He became known for his unwavering resolve, often standing up to authority without a hint of fear.
One story still told with admiration is the day he confronted a police constable in the bustling Bohri Chowk of Tarn Taran. Armed only with his courage, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola disarmed the constable, taking his loaded revolver and cartridge belt—without brandishing a single weapon himself. Such daring acts not only boosted his reputation but also inspired those around him to shed their fear.
Joining the All India Sikh Students Federation
A dedicated member of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), he joined the ranks of Sant Bhindranwale’s Jatha. Within these circles, his quick thinking and fiery nature earned him the nickname “Bhola Petrol”—a fitting symbol for his unstoppable energy.
But his service was not limited to bold confrontations. After a tragic incident during the Dharam Yudh Morcha, he worked alongside fellow activists to establish Gurdwara Takkar Sahib on the site of a martyrdom near the railway line in Tarn Taran. This was an act of both remembrance and defiance, ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen were honored through continued sewa.
Betrayal and Martyrdom
The final chapter of Bhai Bhola’s life unfolded in September 1986. On the 17th, he was called to a meeting near Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash in Mehta, Baba Bakala. Unknown to him, this was a carefully laid trap. Instead of discussions, he faced betrayal.
In a twist that still haunts the Sikh community, his life was taken not by the state forces he so often opposed, but through internal strife within the movement. This fratricidal end robbed Punjab of a young leader at just 22 years old.
Remembering the Martyr
Despite his short life, Bhai Bhola’s name continues to echo in gatherings and gurdwaras. On 23 September 2018, the 32nd martyrdom anniversary was observed at his Tarn Taran residence. The program began with Sukhmani Sahib Paath, followed by kirtan, Ardas, and the reading of Hukamnama Sahib. His brothers—S. Jarnail Singh, S. Darshan Singh, and S. Jagjit Singh—were honored with Siropaos in recognition of their family’s sacrifice.
The Message He Left Behind
Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola’s legacy is not one of sorrow, but of inspiration. His life teaches that courage is not measured in years but in the moments when we choose to stand, even if we stand alone.
Today, his story is preserved through oral history, community commemorations, and platforms, ensuring that new generations know the name and deeds of Bhola Petrol.
Conclusion—A Spirit That Lives On
In remembering Shaheed Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola, we are reminded of a timeless truth: bravery is not the absence of fear, but the refusal to be controlled by it. His defiance in the face of oppression, his dedication to seva, and his willingness to sacrifice everything make him a true son of Punjab.
As we remember Bhola Petrol, let us recommit to the principles for which he stood: justice, faith, and fearless sewa. In doing so, we honor his memory and carry his legacy forward—one act of courage at a time