Grief enveloped the mortuary of Mohali Civil Hospital as the family of murdered kabaddi player and promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, popularly known as Rana Balachauria, awaited his postmortem. Amidst profound sorrow, his father, Kunwar Rajiv Singh, shared a remarkable family belief that connects their lineage directly to the era of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
A Centuries-Old Blessing from the Guru
Rajiv Singh recounted a deeply held family history. Their ancestral home in Bangar village, Una district, Himachal Pradesh, once hosted Guru Gobind Singh Ji for a precise period of 13 months, 13 hours, and 13 moments. During this sacred stay, the Guru is believed to have composed 100 Sakhis (spiritual anecdotes) within their walls. "Our family considers this the greatest blessing," Rajiv Singh stated, highlighting the spiritual cornerstone of their identity.
The family traces its descent from the erstwhile royal estate of Una. Rana's great-grandfather was the ruler of this princely state. Although the family relocated to village Chankoa in Balachaur around 35 years ago, their ancestral house in Bangar remains a site of immense spiritual significance. In a poignant social media post just days before his untimely death, Rana himself had celebrated this legacy on Instagram. He described the ancestral home as "heaven" and expressed profound pride that his forefathers had the privilege to serve the Guru.
From Wrestler to Kabaddi Promoter: A Journey Cut Short
Rajiv Singh remembered his son as a man of discipline and rising ambition. Rana began his athletic journey as a wrestler during his student days before transitioning to kabaddi. Through dedication, he carved a distinct niche for himself, eventually forming his own kabaddi team and rising to prominence as a respected promoter in the sport's circuit.
A Celebration Turned into Unimaginable Tragedy
The cruel twist of fate is most stark in the timing of the tragedy. Rana's wedding was solemnized on December 4, followed by a joyous reception on December 6. "He was extremely excited about starting a new life," a tearful Rajiv Singh shared. The promise of this new beginning was brutally snatched away, leaving his wife a widow merely 11 days after their marriage.
In the face of this unbearable pain, the family clings to a resilient faith forged through centuries. Rajiv Singh emphasized their history of living with honour and service. "This pain is unbearable, but we believe Waheguru gives strength, even in the darkest times," he said, embodying a spirit of endurance rooted in deep-seated belief and historical legacy.
