Baljinder’s 160-km run from Ludhiana to Amritsar a message for humanity

In a feat that blends physical endurance with spiritual devotion, Baljinder Singh Baraich, a clerk with the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, completed an extraordinary 160-km run from Hasanpur (Ludhiana) to the Golden Temple in just 41 hours. He carried with him a message: Serve humanity, live with purpose and share with others.

The run, dedicated to the first Parkash Purb of Guru Granth Sahib, was not just a test of stamina — it was a living embodiment of the Sikh tenets of “Kirat karo, naam japo, vand chhako” (Earn honestly, meditate on the divine and share with others).

Baljinder began his journey on August 22 at 4 pm, and reached the sanctum of Amritsar’s holiest shrine by 9 am on August 24, beating his own target of 48 hours by a remarkable margin. “Every step was a prayer, every mile a message,” said Baljinder Singh, reflecting on the run. “I wanted to show that service to humanity begins with self-discipline and faith.”

His achievement was celebrated by NGO Manukhta di Sewa and several religious organisations, which honoured him for his dedication and spirit. The Commissioner of MC Ludhiana, Aaditya Dachalwal, along with staff members, felicitated Baljinder at the zone D office, calling him an inspiration for civic workers and citizens alike.

No stranger to endurance

A seasoned marathoner, he has previously excelled at the district and state-level competitions, and recently earned sixth position out of 234 runners at the Phuket International Marathon, representing India on a global stage.

“Baljinder’s journey is not just about distance — it’s about direction,” said Dachalwal and added that, “he reminds us that public service can be done both inside and outside the office.”

As Ludhiana celebrates one of its own, Baljinder’s run stands as a powerful reminder that faith, fitness and fortitude can come together to create something truly extraordinary, added another MC official.

“This journey was not just about reaching Amritsar — it was about awakening the spirit of selfless service. If even one person feels inspired to help others, then every step I took was worth it,” signs off Baljinder.