Times of India | August 07, 2025
At 100 years old, most people would consider slowing down. Fauja Singh, however, chose to speed up – quite literally. The British Sikh centenarian stunned the world by completing marathons well into his 100s. His story is not just a feat of physical endurance, but a living testimony to the Sikh view of life and death: that both are part of an eternal race, one not to be feared, but embraced with courage, humility, and unshakable faith.
Death is not a deadline; it is a divine design. One cannot predict it, prepare for it in worldly terms, or escape it – but one can transform it from a moment of fear into a moment of remembrance of the creator of the universe. It is this profound understanding that underpins the resilience of people such as Fauja Singh.
Guru Nanak Dev declared: “ Jo aaiaa so chalsee sabh koee aaee vaareeae , ”( Sri Guru Granth Sahib P 474)– whoever has come, shall depart; all shall have their turn.
What makes Fauja Singh extraordinary is not just his longevity, but the Sikh spirit of Chardi Kala – eternal optimism – that propelled his journey. After personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and son, Fauja Singh chose to run towards health, towards community causes, and perhaps, unknowingly, towards the Sikh ideal of seva, selfless service through inspiration.
In interviews, Singh often attributed his energy to his simple living, vegetarian diet, and deep faith. He once said, “The reason i am so fit is because i believe in God.” This tension-free mindset is Gurmat, the Guru’s wisdom in action.
Gurbani teaches us that death is inevitable. It is the law of nature. Whosoever is born must die. Rich and poor, young and old, all die.
Guru Nanak Dev says, “ Sabhnaa marnaa aaiaa vechhoraa sabhnaah ,” – death comes to all, and all must suffer separation. The moment of death remains a mystery to all but God. Death arrives without regard for time, age, or place – often suddenly and without reason. Perhaps there is mercy in this unknowing. For the uncertainty of our end lies in the hands of the One who breathes life into us and gently reclaims it. As Guru Nanak Dev profoundly states, “ Maran na moorat puchhiaa puchhee thit na vaar ,” –death does not ask time; it does not ask date or day of the week.
In honouring Fauja Singh’s remarkable journey, we catch a glimpse of the profound unity between life and death. In this continuum, each breath becomes an invitation to run with intention, serve with grace, and remember the Divine with steadfast devotion. This awareness is not meant to burden us, but to awaken us – to infuse our days with courage, thankfulness, and spiritual resolve. May we, too, summon our inner resilience, step into life’s marathon with faith, and trust that the One who grants us breath will carry us through our final mile.
