Fateh Singh (Sikh leader)

Fateh Singh (27 October 1911 - 30 October 1972) was an Indian Sikh religious and political leader, and a key figure in the Punjabi Suba movement. He was revered as Sant Fateh Singh among his followers.

Early days

Fateh Singh was the son of Channan Singh, a resident of Badiala in Bathinda district of Punjab. Fateh Singh did not have any formal schooling, but he started learning to read and write Punjabi language at the age of 13. He expressed deep interest in the Sikh scriptures, as a result of which his father apprenticed him to a Sikh scholar named Ishar Singh. Later, Fateh Singh migrated to the Ganganagar in the princely state of Bikaner (now in Rajasthan). He toured the nearby villages, preaching the Sikh faith. He also promoted education among the citizens, and established several gurdwaras and schools, besides an orphanage.

Punjabi Suba movement

In the 1950s, Singh entered politics when he started supporting the concept of "Punjabi Suba", a separate state for the Punjabi speakers in India. By the late 1950s, Fateh Singh had become the senior vice-president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, and had led several marches supporting the Punjabi Suba movement. On 18 December 1960, he started a fast-unto-death in support of his demand. Several prominent Indian leaders tried to convince him to abandon his fast. He ended his fast on 9 January 1961, after the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru issued a statement indicating the support for establishment of a Punjabi Suba. Paul R. Brass, the Professor Emeritus of Political Science and South Asian Studies at the University of Washington, opines that the Sikh leader Fateh Singh tactically stressed the linguistic basis of the demand, while downplaying the religious basis for the demand—a state where the distinct Sikh identity could be preserved.

Fateh Singh

Fateh Singh may refer to:

Fateh Singh (Sikhism)

Sahibzada Fateh Singh was the fourth and youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh. He and his older brother, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh are among the most hallowed martyrs in Sikhism. He is also known as Baba Fateh Singh. The term Baba is used in India for an elder who is respected for his wisdom.

Biography

Sahibzada Fateh Singh was the fourth and youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh. He was born on 12 December 1699, to Mata Sundari at Anandpur sahib.

A combination of Mughals and hillmen besieged Anandpur Sahib on the orders of emperor Aurangzeb. The stock of food in the town ran out. The Mughals promised to leave the Sikhs alone if they would hand over the fortress of Anandpur. To this Guru Gobind Singh agreed and left the town with his family and a small band of retainers. Gangu brought Mata Gujri and the two Sahibzadas to his native village of Sahedi. Bribed by the Mughals, he turned over the three members of Guru Gobind Singh's family to the faujdar of Morinda. They were then brought to Sirhind in the presence of Wazir Khan, the Nawab of Sirhind. The two sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar (7 years old - Born: 1697) and Fateh (5 years old - Born: 1699) were offered safe passage if they became Muslims. With a courage that belied their years, both boys refused to do so. Wazir Khan sentenced them to death. They were bricked up alive within a wall.

Fateh Singh (shooter)

Subedar (Honorary Captain) Fateh Singh was a retired Indian Army JCO from the 15th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment and sport shooter. He won gold and silver medal in the big bore individual and team events in the Commonwealth Shooting Championships in 1995 in New Delhi. He was on duty as part of the Defence Security Corps and killed during the 2016 Pathankot attack.

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