At 100 years old, most people would think of slowing down. Fauja Singh, however, chose to speed up—quite literally. The British Sikh centenarian astonished the world by completing marathons well into his 100s. His story is not only a tale of physical endurance; it is a living testimony to the Sikh understanding of life and death—that both are part of one eternal race, not to be feared, but embraced with courage, humility, and unwavering faith.
⸻
Life and Death in Sikh Thought
For many, death is a subject best avoided—a shadow looming over life. In today’s world, where material pursuits dominate, discussions about death are often pushed aside. Yet, in Sikh philosophy, death is not a taboo. It is woven into the spiritual fabric of the faith as a truth to be acknowledged, accepted, and understood.
Life and death are not opposites, but two verses in the same divine poem—phases in a continuous spiritual cycle.
In Sikhism, life is an opportunity: an open stretch of road granted by Waheguru, where every step is meant to bring us closer to our true Home. Death, far from being an abrupt end, is a gentle turn on that road—leading us into the realm of the Eternal.
Thus, the Gurus teach us not to live in fear of death, but to prepare for it through Naam Simran (remembrance of the Divine Name), righteous living, and seva (selfless service).
Death is not a deadline—it is a divine design, a transition from the visible to the invisible, from worldly service to union with the Timeless One. One cannot predict it, plan it, or avoid it—but one can transform it from a moment of fear into a moment of divine union.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji declared:
“ਜੋ ਆਇਆ ਸੋ ਚਲਸੀ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਆਈ ਵਾਰੀਐ।” (SGGS, p. 474)
Whoever has come shall depart; all shall have their turn.
This single verse captures a universal truth: our earthly journey is temporary. The real question is not when we will die, but how we are living today.
Are we living with purpose, compassion, and Naam on our lips?
Are our daily actions aligned with the Hukam (Divine Will)?
That is the true measure of life in Sikh philosophy.
⸻
The Spirit of Chardi Kala
What makes Fauja Singh extraordinary is not just his longevity—it is his embodiment of Chardi Kala, the Sikh spirit of eternal optimism.
Chardi Kala is not naïve positivity; it is spiritual resilience born from deep faith in Waheguru’s wisdom. It allows one to stay buoyant even in the fiercest storms.
After losing both his wife and son, Fauja Singh could easily have been consumed by grief. Instead, he chose to run—towards health, towards service, and towards a life filled with meaning. His marathons became more than athletic achievements—they became acts of seva, inspiring thousands to see that age is no barrier to purpose.
In interviews, Singh often credited his vitality to a simple vegetarian diet, moderation, and faith in God.
“The reason I am so fit,” he once said, “is because I believe in God. I have no tension, no stress.”
This tension-free state is not ignorance—it is Gurmat (the Guru’s wisdom) in action.
A Sikh grounded in Naam sees life’s trials not as punishments, but as parts of the Divine plan—meeting them not with anxiety, but with acceptance.
Gurbani teaches us that death is not a calamity—it is a certainty:
ਸਭਨਾ ਮਰਣਾ ਆਇਆ ਵੇਛੋੜਾ ਸਭਨਾਹ ॥ (SGGS, p. 595)
Death comes to all, and all must suffer separation.
This separation—from loved ones, possessions, and worldly roles—is painful for those left behind, but for the departing soul, it is a homecoming. The soul returns to the Source from which it came.
Guru Ji reminds us further:
“ਸਭਨਾ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਇਕੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਵਿਸਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਈ।” (SGGS, p. 2)
There is only the One, the Giver of all souls; may I never forget Him!
The moment of death is known only to the Divine. Some depart in infancy; others live to see the twilight of old age. Death asks neither permission nor time:
ਮਰਣਿ ਨ ਮੂਰਤੁ ਪੁਛਿਆ ਪੁਛੀ ਥਿਤਿ ਨ ਵਾਰੁ ॥(SGGS, p. 1244)
Death does not ask the moment; it asks not the date or day.
This unpredictability itself is a gift—it teaches us to stop trying to control the uncontrollable, and instead focus on what we can shape:
our present actions, our service, and our inner state.
In Sikh thought, awareness of mortality is meant to make us more alive—not more afraid.
⸻
Life as a Marathon
In many ways, Fauja Singh’s running mirrors the Sikh vision of life. A marathon requires preparation, discipline, and pacing. You cannot sprint the whole distance; you must endure with steady resolve.
Likewise, life demands spiritual discipline, focus, and the strength to keep moving despite fatigue or obstacles.
The finish line—in both running and life—is not an end, but a completion—a moment to merge with the One who granted the strength to run.
⸻
Lessons from a Centenarian
From Fauja Singh’s example, we learn:
1.Age is no barrier. Faith and purpose can keep both body and spirit youthful.
2.Grief can be transformed. Personal loss can become a source of inspiration for others.
3.Seva takes many forms. Even running can be selfless service if it uplifts and inspires.
4.Chardi Kala is a practice. Staying optimistic is not just temperament—it is spiritual discipline.
⸻
A Final Reflection
In honouring Fauja Singh’s remarkable journey, we glimpse the Sikh understanding of life and death as a single divine continuum.
Every breath becomes an invitation to live with purpose, serve with love, and remember the Divine with steadfast devotion.
This awareness is not meant to burden us—it is meant to awaken us: to fill our days with courage, gratitude, and spiritual resolve.
Like Fauja Singh, may we summon our inner resilience, step into life’s marathon with faith, and trust that the One who grants us breath will also carry us through our final mile—cradled in compassion, wrapped in grace, and welcomed into the eternal embrace of the Creator.
⸻
(Courtesy: Khalsa Samachar — contact: stuti29malhotra@yahoo.com)
By Dr. Stuti Malhotra
