To: Guinness World Records
From: Supporters of Fauja Singh

Fauja Singh, a 113-year-old British Sikh and global icon, has spent his life inspiring people around the world through his achievements in marathon running and his unparalleled spirit of resilience. Born on April 1, 1911, in Punjab, British India, Fauja Singh holds a unique place in history as a symbol of health, determination, and humility. Yet, his rightful recognition as the world’s oldest living man remains unjustly denied due to a lack of a birth certificate—a systemic limitation tied to the colonial-era neglect of record-keeping in India.

We urge Guinness World Records to acknowledge Fauja Singh as the world’s oldest living man by accepting alternative credible evidence that verifies his age, including:

His British passport listing his date of birth as April 1, 1911.
Historical documentation and corroborated records that align with his life milestones.
A congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth II marking his 100th birthday in 2011.

Why This Matters
1. Historical Injustice and Systemic Bias
Fauja Singh was born in British India, where birth certificates were not systematically issued for non-European residents. The absence of a birth certificate is not an individual failure but a systemic injustice faced by millions from under-documented regions. By requiring a birth certificate, Guinness World Records perpetuates exclusionary policies that disadvantage those born in such circumstances.

2. A Global Symbol of Hope and Resilience
Fauja Singh is a living embodiment of health and perseverance, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. Recognizing him as the world’s oldest living man would celebrate not just his remarkable longevity but also his contributions as a beacon of inspiration for generations.

3. Inclusivity and Fairness
Guinness World Records has the opportunity to set a precedent for inclusivity by adapting its policies to accept credible alternative documentation in cases where official records are unavailable. This would demonstrate a commitment to fairness and equity, honoring individuals regardless of their cultural or historical circumstances.

4. Representing Marginalized Communities
Fauja Singh’s recognition is more than a record—it is an acknowledgment of the strength, resilience, and contributions of Sikhs, Punjabis, and other communities who have historically faced systemic erasure. Recognizing him would uplift his legacy and validate the experiences of countless others from similar backgrounds.

 
Our Call to Action
We respectfully urge Guinness World Records to:

Accept credible alternative evidence to verify Fauja Singh’s age.
Recognize Fauja Singh as the world’s oldest living man based on this verified evidence.
Celebrate this extraordinary individual, whose legacy transcends age, culture, and geography.
This recognition would not only honor Fauja Singh but also demonstrate Guinness World Records’ commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equity on a global scale.

 
Conclusion
Fauja Singh is more than a record-holder; he is a living legend whose life story inspires millions worldwide. Recognizing him as the oldest living man would cement his place in history and affirm Guinness World Records’ role as a fair and inclusive global authority on human achievement.

Please join us in signing this petition to help secure this well-deserved recognition for Fauja Singh!