Fauja Singh, popularly known as the "turbaned tornado", has tragically passed away at 114 years old in a traffic accident. The incident occurred this Monday around 3:30 p.m. when Singh was hit by an unidentified vehicle while walking along a road in his hometown of Beas Pind, in Punjab, India. The news of his death was confirmed by the author of his biography, Khushwant Singh, through social media: "My turbaned tornado no longer exists."
Fauja Singh's life was truly remarkable, becoming a global icon of perseverance and vitality. His story was captured in the biography The Turbaned Tornado, written by Khushwant Singh. Despite some of his age-related feats, such as running marathons over the age of 90 and 100, not being officially recognized by Guinness due to the lack of birth records, his determination knew no bounds.
Singh set extraordinary times in his age group and served as an inspiration to people worldwide. His influence went beyond the tracks, carrying the Olympic torch in 2012 and being awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2015. The news of his passing has left a deep void, being remembered not only in India but throughout the global community, bidding farewell to a true symbol of what can be achieved with an indomitable spirit. The Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, expressed his condolences in X, highlighting that Singh joined a march "with an uncrushed spirit" and that his legacy will "continue to inspire".