Retirement from government service, in accordance with prescribed rules, signifies the completion of a defined phase of one’s career. While 58 years is conventionally regarded as the age of superannuation from government service, there exists no upper limit to life’s dreams, courage, and enterprise. For entrepreneurs and the spirited, age is merely a number; the true strength to resides in the passion of the mind and the dedication to pursue new endeavours.
If one possesses the zeal to achieve, physical fitness, and the courage to embrace fresh challenges, new milestones can be attained at every stage of life. Retirement from Government service need not signify the end of life’s journey; rather, it can become a new chapter devoted to fulfilling unaccomplished dreams and enriching life with noble experiences.
Er. Gursharan Singh Bahia, who retired four years ago as deputy chief engineer (Civil) from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited , life line of Punjab and a key partner in Punjab’s economic progress was born on 16 November 1964 to Sardar Pritam Singh and Sardarni Prakash Kaur.
After-retirement, he has settled at Jalandhar with his native village, Kukkar Pind (District Jalandhar). Having discharged his official responsibilities at PSPCL with utmost seriousness and dedication, Er. Bahia has embarked on a new phase of life, in which mountains, nature, trekking, and motorcycling have become his constant companions.
According to his wife, Mrs. Parmjit Kaur, Er. Bahia has harboured a special affinity for nature since childhood. Trekking through dense forests, listening to the sweet songs of birds, gazing at flowing streams, and soaking in the majesty of towering peaks have always drawn his toward the natural world.
However, during his 34-year-long tenure at PSPCL, his deep bond with nature could not receive its due share of time owing to his devotion to duty, the responsibility of meeting PSPCL prescribed targets, and family commitments.
While ensuring uninterrupted power supply to consumers of Punjab Er. Bahia began nurturing his passion through short, one-day treks. Gradually, this hobby transformed into a passion, and he successfully completed several challenging high-altitude treks. After his retirement in 2022 ,
the year 2023 marked the beginning of his major trekking expeditions with the Druk Path Trek in Bhutan, at an altitude of approximately 4, 250 metres. This was followed in 2024 by the Everest Base Camp Trek (5, 364 m) and the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (4, 200 m). In 2026, he conquered the Mardi Himal Trek (4, 500 m) and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (4, 130 m).
These journeys are not merely mountain expeditions; they have become a means for him to challenge himself, test his limits, and draw closer to nature.
From Mountain Peaks to Open Roads: A Passion for Motorcycling
Besides trekking, Er. Gursharan Singh Bahia is also an avid motorcyclist. Last year, during a Spiti Valley bike expedition, he rode up to Kunzum Pass (4, 551 m) and Chandratal (4, 300 m).
His recent Ladakh bike expedition stands as yet another testament to his courage and spirit. On this journey, he fearlessly rode through some of the world’s highest motorable roads, including Umling La (5, 798 m), Khardung La (5, 359 m), and Sanku La (5, 091 m), along with remote areas near Chushul and the China border.
Fitness as a Way of Life
At 62, Er. Bahia’s achievements exemplify passion, courage, and spirited living. He believes that retirement is not the end of life but a new opportunity to fulfil unaccomplished dreams and live life on one’s own terms.
Specially conscious of his physical fitness, Er. Bahia visits the gym daily. He also runs 4–5 kilometres and cycles up to 20 kilometres regularly. In terms of diet, he primarily prefers home-cooked vegetarian meals, though he occasionally consumes non-vegetarian food.
Er. G.S. Bahia has only one daughter, who, after completing her Master’s degree in computer science in California, USA, has settled there as a software engineer and is herself an enthusiastic trekker.
Er. G.S. Bahia’s story conveys a powerful message: age is only a number. With passion in the heart, fitness in the body, and dedication to pursue something new, one can set new milestones at every stage of life. His journey of touching the high peaks of the mountains not only narrates a tale of adventure and courage but also inspires others to lead an active, healthy, exciting, and vibrant life after retirement.
This thrilling expedition to the lofty summits of the mountains is a living example that, as long as passion endures, age never becomes an obstacle. It is a journey that not only tells a story of bravery but also motivates others to embrace an active, fit, adventurous, and spirited life post-retirement.
Indeed, one may retire from a job, but never from dreams. As long as the mind burns with passion and the heart yearns to do something new, there is no age limit for stepping toward new destinations in life.