Christmas - Call me Scrooge

Call me Scrooge.

I'm not a Christian, and yet the idea of being bright-eyed and wide awake at midnight, on a quiet winter's night, in a church that has never felt so warm, holding a candle that has never seemed so bright, with a bunch of strangers who feel closer than family to me, and celebrating the birth of my Saviour gives me butterflies in my tummy. The idea of pouring my heart and soul into one day to make it so special, the idea of giving small and yet meaningful gifts simply to show that I care about someone, the idea of, as a form of celebration, going out of my way to show charity and generosity to those who rarely see it, and the idea of rejoicing in all that we have to be thankful for, is so so beautiful to me.

Too bad that that’s not what I see in Christmas around here, no matter how hard I try. For some reason we now think that happiness is associated with over-indulgence. Christmas is about excessive expenditure rather than real joy. There is a new Lord in town... Santa Claus is the new Jesus Christ. Over-eating and getting drunk is the new laughter and joy. Greed is the new charity. Selfishness is the new goodwill.

Commercialisation has convinced us that Christmas can't exist without mass expenditure. Christmas starts in August. As does the stress. Goodwill now doesn't involve giving to the less fortunate, but it involves satisfying your screaming spoiled little children by buying them something they neither need nor can afford simply because they demanded it. And you can't refuse their demands, because they believe in Santa. Our refusal to live in moderation always leaves us in a mild state of misery afterwards. Over the top consumerism and selfishness will only lead to empty wallets and depression, not happiness. This whole "Christmas is a good excuse to get together with the family" just says it all. We've lost our family values to the extent that we actually need an excuse to force us to get together... and then we spend the rest of the year neglecting each other. Is that all Christmas is? An excuse?

The complete and utter disregard of a religious festival upsets me. But the complete and utter disregard for traditional values—family, charity, thanksgiving, and in particular, contentment—upsets me more. These are the values that make Christmas so beautiful... and for some reason, they're rarely there. So when someone tries to knock me down with their stuck-up “well, THAT’S not very Christmassy!” comment, all I can reply with is “Neither are you”.

Bandi Chorr Divas

My warmest wishes go out to everyone celebrating Divali today. And may the Khalsa be blessed and learn from the message of Bandi Chhor Divas.

Sikhs often take this day as an opportunity to remember how the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee, was released from jail and how, with his selflessness, perserverance and wit, Guru Jee had 52 persecuted Hindu rajas released with him. On Guru Jee's return, Divali was being celebrated. Although it didn't actually fall on the same day, we commemorate the day of Divali under the name Bandi Chhor Divas.

But in all honesty, how important in this day to the Sikh Panth? How much of a major part does it play in our history compared to everything else? Is it so important that it deserves more hype and celebration than the Prakash Purabs of all our Gurus, more remembrance than Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee's shaheedi where he gave his life to defend the persecuted Hindu and Sikh faiths alike, more remembrance than the countless lives lost in jangs and the countless lives saved by our Gurus? Do we celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Jee's release from jail? Do we celebrate anything, other than Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak Dev Jee's Prakash Purab, anywhere near as much as Bandi Chhor Divas?

In reality, we have shaped things to fit in with our own personal preferences. Over the years, because of our Indian heritage, Sikhs have adopted Divali as their own. Because we want to celebrate along with the rest of India, we have placed religious significance on this day. Despite it's relatively minor significance, we hold it to be more important than almost anything else.I am not trying to undermine this victory of our Guru.

I am not asking the Khalsa to stop their celebrations. However I do urge you to look into your history and to put it into perspective. I ask you to recognise all of the achievements, wisdom and courage of the Gurus. I ask your to recognise their blessings and their sacrifices. I ask you not to let your faith be clouded by cultural traditions. I ask you to take on board the beautiful message of Bandi Chhor and to apply this to yiur lives and your Sikhi. I ask you to be mindful of what you are celebrating. I ask you to be aware of the many things that we perhaps ought to be remembering and celebrating. Most importantly, I ask you to stay true to the teachings of your Guru. I ask you to celebrate your Guru, always, no matter what the day.

Bhul chuk maaf karna jee. Vaheguroo!

When the clocks go back.

Warning: Before you read this, if you were expecting an intelligent analysis or opinion on something historical and Sikhi related, click your little 'back' arrow thingy in the left hand corner of your browser, because this is not the case. This is genuinely about British time change!

 So clocks are going back tonight. I'm trying to think about all the numerous various scenarios that could occur regarding Indian functions tommorrow, but it's all far too complicated! 

You have to consider old time, new time, AND Indian time! 

Most Indians will forget to change their clocks, so most functions will carry on at old time, so an hour early new time, but people show up an hour late anyway so they'll be an hour late old time, but on time for new time. Unless of course, someone remembers to change their clocks... then that'll mess everything up! :P Some not-so-Indian Indians may go by new time, but still be Indian enough to follow Indian timing, and end up being two hours late for functions that were held on old time! But at least they can argue that they're only an hour late new time, and therefore on time for new time Indian time ;] And if some clever bandar holds their function on new time, people who go by old time will actually turn up on time, or perhaps even an hour early if they choose not to follow Indian timing!

But of course, the real problem is when clocks go FORWARDS... then everyone shows up an hour late old time and two hours late new time, so if the function is held new time, and you are an average Indian, you are doomed. They might just go by new time and be an hour late due to Indian timing, or they'll go by old time and not stick to Indian timing so again only be an hour late, but face it, most will be two hours late. And mate, if you show up on time for new time, no Indian timing, I can guarantee no one will be there! :P I'd complain about the problems caused regarding getting one hour's extra sleep/ one hour's less sleep, but frankly, if you're Indian, you'll probably fall asleep at the function anyway...

I have just successfully given myself a headache! :P 

I didn't even consider the fact that some people my think time is going FORWARDS! Oh gawddd! Then by some combination of the above factors some people may actually end up being THREE HOURS EARLY!! Or maybe three hours late? Honestly, I'm not so sure anymore :(

You need to put four timelines next to each other - old time & clocks going forwards & clocks going backwards & indian time. Then you can see how they work in relation to each other and in relation to REAL new time. That way all of this would probably make sense, and you'd be able to work out how many hours early/ late someone would be if they thought the clocks were going forwards lol.

If you do attempt this great feat, remember that as well as the confusion regarding what the actual time is, there's also always confusion regarding people predicting what time the function will be held with regards to time change... very complicated, I know!! Good luck!

 

 

The Two Extremes - Set in Stone or Wishy Washy. Don't Lose Sight of the Truth.

There's two extremes when it comes to belief (in anything, any view, any religion, any whatever). The first extreme is when a person believes everything is black or white, right or wrong, undebatable, can't vary depending on perspectives or opinions or situations, completely set in stone. The other extreme is when a person believes that the grey area is so grey, so challengable, so open to interpretation, that they can't distinguish right from wrong anymore and they lose their direction in life, lose sight of their own standards and morality, and forget the truth.

Apply that to Sikhi.

The first type of extremists won't see that amongst the different beliefs and ways of life and amongst the different methods of following Sikhi, there are different paths to the ultimate truth. They won't accept that certain things aren't set in stone, that certain things are open to interpretation, and that in those cases a person has to follow what he or she genuinely believes will direct them closer to the truth. They deny that Sikhs can follow slightly different paths and still be Sikhs. They reject the idea of gradually becoming more and more absorbed with Sikhi and instead they jump into the rock solid stuff head on. The fact that even the most disciplined, most faithful and most devoted Sikhs have slightly differing views is not visible to them. They no longer are capable of forming their own opinions. They just regurgitate statements. They get so caught up in this black-and-white hype that they lose sight of what's important.

The second type of extremists start off normal enough, but then they get so scared about becoming the first type of extremist and get so determined not to become one that they reject the concept of right and wrong completely and become completely spineless and mushy. They open their minds so much that anyone can walk past and put any idea in them, and they'll just accept it without examining it or making the decision for themselves whether they agree with it or not. They become so wishy washy that they stop being able to have their own beliefs and opinions because they can no longer make up their minds. Because they're not willing to reject any ideas at all, they get so caught up in the whirlwind of interpretations that they lose themselves. They become so obsessed with the idea of 'the grey area' that they forget the truth.

The one thing that both of these extremists have in common is that they're too busy listening to other views (first extremist only listens to one type of view, other extremist listens to all of them) that they can't decide for themselves what's right or wrong for them. They can no longer form opinions. They can no longer make any necessary judgements. Extremist number one is scared of anything that isn't set in stone. Extremist number two is scared of anything that isn't set in stone. Extremist number one is too scared to challenge anything because they think everything is right or wrong, black or white. Extremist number two is too scared to challenge anything because they think nothing is right or wrong, everything is the same colour of grey. Both extremists are scared. Both lose sight of the truth... the teachings of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee Maharaaj.

My point? Don't be either type of extremist, don't lose sight of the truth, and don't forget what's important - Vaheguroo.

We all make mistakes.

When we see someone who has fallen, often due to their own choices and actions, we have the opportunity to either kick them down for the mistake they made, or offer them our hand and help pull them up and get them back on their feet.

Why is it that so many of us choose to kick them down? 

Don't you think they know they messed up? Don't you think they already regret it? Don't you think they wish it never happened? Don't you think they want to fix it, or recover from it?

What does kicking them down achieve? 

Does it make us feel better? Is it a 'punishment' for their mistake? Do we lack so much understanding that we can't forgive them? Do we think that, because of one mistake, that person deserves to live in misery?

Why do we tie them to their wrongdoings? Why can't we forgive them, and help them take the right path instead? Isn't this person worthy of a second chance? Can't they be given the opportunity to learn from their mistake? 

Why do we fill ourselves with so much hate that we forget about the lost, lonely, fallen person who just needs a helping hand?

We all make mistakes, and we all know that the last thing we want afterwards is to be kicked down and shunned by the very people who we would look to for forgiveness and for support. 

Everyone will lose their way. When they come back, they should be welcomed, not pushed away and told to get lost again.

 When you a tell a child, "Don't let go of my hand, or you'll get lost", that child may not understand why they shouldn't let go of your hand. They think they can let go, but still not get lost. Their friends tell them it's okay to let go. Slowly they start to think they can let go without getting lost. So the kid lets go of your hand, and they do get lost. But when that kid comes running back, do you push them away? Tell them "No, you made a mistake, now there's no going back, no chance to recover from it,  you have to live with the result of this mistake for the rest of your life"? No. You grab hold of ther hand again.  The kid was crying and helpless and learned their lesson and won't ever make that mistake again.

The mistake didn't hurt you. It hurt the one who made the mistake. And they need help to recover from it. They don't deserve to never recover from it just because they made the mistake in the first place. They need your help. Helping them could save them. Pushing them away could cause them to continue on the wrong path. A little bit of love goes a long way.

The biggest mistake of all is kicking a brother or sister back down when they're trying to get back up.

 

Wisconsin Gurdwara Shooting ~ Thoughts

On the 5th of August a Neo-Nazi Army veteran entered a Gurdwara in Wisconsin and shot and killed six innocent people.

If you don't know about this, look it up. There are numerous news articles about it. Here's a few random ones pulled out from google. I'm sure there's better ones. Educate yourselves.

• http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0805/breaking23.html
• http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html
• http://articles.cnn.com/2012-08-08/us/us_wisconsin-temple-shooting_1_oak-creek-temple-lone-gunman-sikh
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19212957
• http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/national/oak-creek-wisconsin-sikh-temple-shooting-eric-holder-calls-sikh-temple-shooting-a-hate-crime
• http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2012/08/12/hundreds-of-locals-honour-victims-of-sikh-temple-shooting/
• The mother of the killer apologises: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2184602/Wisconsin-temple-shooting-Devastated-mother-Sikh-temple-killer-Wade-Michael-Page-apologizes-sons-victims.html

Now, I don't want to go into the facts. That's what news articles are for. If you want to know the killer's name, or how the events unfolded, go and read a news article. I want to focus on the actions of the various communities affected by this sensless act of violence. This post is going to be quite bitsy. It won't flow well. It's not an essay or an article. It will just throw out some ideas, because right now, that's what my mind is doing.

Before all, may Maharaaj Jee bless all those who were afeected by this tragic event, and may They keep us all in chardikala.

Firstly, I want to make sure that everyone watches this video. It is truly beautiful. The short speeches are heart touching. The unity shown by the people is this video is so inspiring. It's unreal. In today's world, where we are so filled with divisions, boundaries and hate, this sort of thing is so rare. Please listen to the voices of America.

Most Sikhs will remember that, just after the shooting, their social networking sites and mobile phones were drowned with messages and posts about the shooting. There were moments or confusion and panic. There were constant updates as new information leaked out. But do you know what was so beautiful? Before anyone knew anything, when all we knew was that a gunman had entered a Gurdwara and shot at the sangat, before we learned about any deaths, we were already receiving text messages asking us to do Chaupai Sahib paaths and Ardaasa for the Panth. The entire Sikh population all around the world was united in their concern for their brothers and sisters abroad. I won't ever forget the feelings I felt during that time. It hit me hard, and showed me that, as Sikhs, we truly are one family. Even though I was sitting in a Gurdwara in the UK, my heart was in Wisconsin. A bullet in the heart of my brother is a bullet in my own heart.

But afterwards, the unity was not just shown by American Sikhs. It was shown by all Sikhs, all around the world. It was shown by all Americans, regardless of their faith or race. It was shown by non-American non-Sikhs who were horrified and saddened by this hate crime. There have been candlelight vigils everywhere, in every country. In America, all communities, regardless of their religion, have got together and held vigils. And these vigils have been interfaith events. All were united to support the Sikh community, and allto made it clear that no one will stand for hate crime.

 
The Muslim community, Christian community, Jewish community and undoubtedly many others have all made statements and speeches in support of the Sikh community, and sought ways to help and support the Sikh community. Jewish religious leaders were receiving phone calls from their congregations asking what they could do to help the Sikhs. Muslim leaders immediately jumped behind the Sikhs. In the video I posted above, a Muslim man tells a Sikh boy to wear his turban with pride. Christian leaders spoke out against the killer. Humanity, compassion and respect crosses all boundaries. They have all emphasised that this is not an issue for the Sikh community. It is an issue for humanity. It should touch the hearts of all of us.

Soon after the shootings, in a statement, the Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization CAIR said: 

"While details of the attack and the motivation of the attacker are still emerging, American Muslims stand with their Sikh brothers and sisters in this time of crisis and loss. We condemn this senseless act of violence, pray for those who were killed or injured and offer sincere condolences to their loved ones."

Needless to say, ignorance is an issue. It always has been. After 9/11 there have been many attacks on turban wearing Sikhs, because they have been mistaken for members of terrorist groups or organisations. Sikhs are not terrorists. Sikhs are peace loving people. This was an act of terrorism. The white supremacist was a terrorist. He killed people because of their skin colour.

I can't stress how important it is to realise that this is about humanity. Yes, Sikhs are often mistaken for Muslims, and we are attacked because of this. We are attacked because of our turbans and our beards. And it's a tragic thing. But let's make this clear - Muslims are innocent people too. Imagine if this shooting had taken place in a Mosque. It would still be wrong. We should still have united against it. This is why repeatedly stating that Sikhs are not Muslims will not solve the problem. People will then start attacking Muslims instead. It's important to make it clear that no group can be held responsible for the acts of a few individuals. Humanity is important. Don't forget about it.

 

I was incredibly touched by America's reaction to this act of domestic terrorism. Obama ordered that US flags should be lowered half way to show respect to those who were killed. America stood together and supported all those who were affected by the killings. The flags weren't lowered for six Sikhs - they were lowered for six Americans. Despite the ignorance which is still prevalent in America, Americans showed that they value the life of every American, regardless or race or religion. They all beat together as one heart, and they all mourn together.

President Obama issued a statement: 

“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. My Administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family.”

Lieutenant Brian Murphy. The 51 year old man was shot 9 times, and he still waved off fellow officers who attempting to rescue him and indicated they should assist others who were still inside. He was critically injured. I have so much respect for him. This is love. This is compassion. Love for human life - willingly risking your own life to save someone else's.

Let's not forget the innocent victims of this sensless attack. My heart is with the friends and families of these innocent Sikhs. Every human life is valuable. I'll leave it to you to imagine how much sangat attended the funerals of these Sikhs.

Bhai Seeta Singh - Granthi/Gurdwara Priest
Bhai Parkash Singh - Granthi/Gurdwara Priest
Bhai Ranjit Singh - Raagee/ musician
Satwant Singh Kaleka - President of the Gurdwara 
Subegh Singh - Member of Sangat/ worshipper 
Parmjit Kaur  - Member or Sangat/ worshipper

I want to finish on this note - the Sikh community has been so strong and so SIKH during this time. By that I mean that they have not shown anger or hate. They have shown love and concern. They have not pushed anyone away. They have welcomed people with open arms. They have truly lived by the message of Guru nanak Dev Jee. In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the Wisconsin Sikh Sangat is teaching us an amazing lesson of strength, courage, compassion, and resilience.

Oak Creek police chief, John Edwards: 

"In 28 years of law enforcement, I have seen a lot of hate. I have seen a lot of revenge. I've seen a lot of anger. What I saw, particularly from the Sikh community this week was compassion, concern, support," he told the vigil standing in front a row of people holding signs that spelled out: practice peace. "What I didn't see was hate. I did not see revenge. I didn't see any of that. And in law enforcement that's unusual to not see that reaction to something like this. I want you all to understand how unique that is."

Finally, the Sikh community will never forget this tragedy. The gurdwara was repaired. They removed the bloodstained carpeting, repaired shattered windows and painted over gunfire-scarred walls. But Sikh Temple of Wisconsin members left a single bullet hole to mark the memory of a white supremacist’s deadly rampage.

• http://www.washingtonpost.com/thousands-of-mourners-expected-at-wisconsin-funerals-for-6-sikh-victims-of-white-supremacist/2012/08/10/48b42ba0-e2bc-11e1-89f7-76e23a982d06_story.html

As human beings, it's our job to make sure that hate is erased from our communities. It's our job to make sure that ignorance within our own communities is wiped out. We need to instill love in the hearts of our children. We need to go out and educate. We need to love. We can't just demand peace. It's our job to bring peace. Vaheguroo.

1984 Attack On Harimandir Sahib - Western News Footage

Please please please watch. It's heartbreaking, reduced me to tears. This sums up the pain that the Sikhs have had to endure. It also reveals some truths that the Indian government denies. Even the Western media acknowledges our the truth in our cries. Please watch and share ♥

The Mothers, Daughters, Wives and Sisters of 1984.

 

I was a mother. I watched them cut my child's hair before they cut his throat. I was a sister. I watched them beat up and arrest my brothers. They never returned. I was a wife. I watched them torture my husband to death. I was a daughter. I cried as they tied up my father, poured kerosene on him and set him alight. I was beaten. I was raped. I was tortured. Everything I had was taken from me. I watch my oppressors walk freely every day. I have nothing. I live in poverty, in neglect. I'm alone, I'm afraid. No one hears me, no one listens. I want answers. I want freedom.

- Never forget the mothers, daughters, wives and sisters of 1984. ♥

Congress opposes Operation Bluestar memorial - THEY WANT US TO FORGET!

**MUST READ** 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Congress-opposes-Operation-Bluestar-memorial/articleshow/13883423.cms?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=tweets

With a day to go for municipal corporation elections in the state, Congress on Wednesday took an aggressive stand opposing Bluestar memorial and honouring of Beant Singh's assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana at the Akal Takht. The party also said that there was no need for a memorial to the victims of anti-Sikh riots in Delhi.  

DO YOU NEED ANY MORE PROOF? NOT ONLY DOES THE GOVERNMENT NOT CARE ABOUT OUR SHAHEEDS, BUT THEY ALSO WANT US TO FORGET ABOUT THE INNOCENT VICTIMS OF 1984! THE HUMAN LIVES THAT THEY TOOK! EVEN OUR OWN SO CALLED SIKHS, WHO ARE SLAVES TO THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT, ARE TELLING US TO FORGET ABOUT OUR DEAD MOTHERS, FATHERS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS. THEY DON'T WANT US TO REMEMBER THE PEOPLE THEY KILLED! 

Opposing memorial to victims of Delhi anti-Sikh riots of November 1984, Amarinder Singh (state congress president) said it would be like opening up healed wounds.  

HEALED WOUNDS? WE HAVE NOT HEALED! OUR WOUNDS HAVE BEEN BLEEDING FOR 28 YEARS! NO EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO HEAL THEM... THEY HAVE SIMPLY BEEN IGNORED!

"Nobody ever justified these riots and people are leaving the tragic events behind, but Akali leaders are doing things to keep the old wounds festering to vitiate the atmosphere," he said.  

THE RIOTS WEREN'T JUSTIFIED? WELL THEN WHY DID THEY HAPPEN! THEY WEREN'T STOPPED OR CONDEMNED EITHER... THEY WERE AIDED BY OFFICIALS. THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO RIGHT TO COVER UP IT'S CRIMES! WE WON'T LEAVE THESE EVENTS BEHIND UNTIL JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED! 

  

"These tragedies are part of history and it is absolutely foolish to make such a statement, which can disturb peace in Punjab," Amarinder said. 

THIS SICKENS ME. WE ARE BEING OPPRESSED. THEIR IDEA OF 'PEACE' IS TREADING US INTO THE GROUND. PUNJAB IS A BOMB JUST WAITING TO GO OFF... THIS IS THEIR IDEA OF PEACE! GIVE US JUSTICE AND THEN THERE WILL BE PEACE! 

"The memorial and Rajoana's felicitation are bad for Punjab and the country and are happening at a time when Punjab required focus on building its economy," Amarinder said.  

WHAT MORE CAN BE SAID? THEY ONLY CARE ABOUT ECONOMY... MONEY IS WORTH MORE THAN JUSTICE, MORE THAN HUMAN LIFE. THEY DON'T WANT JUSTICE TO INTERRUPT ECONOMIC PROGRESS. THEY DON'T WANT TO ADDRESS THEIR MISTAKES, THEY DON'T WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND ANY REMAINS OF THE SIKH GENOCIDE... IT THREATENS THEM. THEY WANT US TO FORGET!  

***** 

We are being oppressed. They are trying to silence us. They don't want to give us justice. They don't want to pay for their mistakes. They don't care. They're covering up their crimes. They're telling us to ignore the past. Get over it. Forget. They want us to forget the dead. They don't want any remainders of their mistakes to be seen. They'd rather focus on the economy. They won't even allow us to put up a memorial. They say there's no need to remember. They say we should forget. How can we forget? The victims are still dead. The killers still roam free. The mothers are still crying, suffering in poverty and neglect, insane with the trauma and their memories, still waiting for their sons to come back, still waiting for justice, still waiting for answers. Our wounds have been bleeding for 28 years, and they won't heal. We must remember our shaheeds and the innocent victims of the anti-Sikh genocide. We must remember what they did to us. We must remember that we never got justice. We must continue fighting. We must continue raising our voices, raising awareness. We musty continue the struggle for justice!

WE WILL NEVER FORGET 1984!!

Lest We Forget

India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984 by two of her Sikh bodyguards acting in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar. Operation Blue Star was the brutal attack on the Holy Sikh shrines of the Akal Takhat and the Golden Temple during the period June 1 to 6, 1984. The Indian army invaded the Harmandir Sahib complex on the orders of Indira Gandhi, in order to remove the militant Sikh followers of Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale who were residing there. In the attack, around 1,600 innocent pilgrims - men, women and children - were killed. The operation saw the use of heavy artillery, rockets and tanks being employed. The attack was a massive, painful blow to the Sikh population. Gandhi paid for her crime. Over the next four days after Gandhi's assasination, thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred in systematic riots planned and led by Congress activists and sympathizers. The Congress government was widely criticized for doing nothing to help, and for indeed inciting the violence and acting as a conspirator, especially since voting lists were used to identify Sikh families. On November 1, 1984, a huge mob from the suburbs of Delhi descended on various localities where mainly Sikh were concentrated. They were armed with iron rods, knives, clubs and some carried combustible materials, including kerosene. They had voters' lists of houses and business establishments belonging to Sikhs. The mobsters swarmed into Sikh homes brutally killing men, women and children. Their houses and shops were then ransacked and burned. Crazed mobs beat, tortured, raped and killed any Sikhs they could find. The most affected regions were neighbourhoods in Delhi, but in and out of Delhi, crazed mobs stopped buses and trains, pulling out Sikh passengers who were lynched or doused with kerosene and burned alive.

Never forget 1984.

 

Bleeding Wounds... 1984

My heart hurts at this time of the year. 28 years ago Harimandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) and Akaal Takht was desecrated by the Indian Army. They surrounded the complex, and no one was allowed in or out - no attempt was made to reduce the loss of innocent human life. The white marble floors were stained red, washed with blood, the sarovar (water tank) was coloured a deep crimson. The walls were embedded with bullets, the structures crumbled, dead bodies littered the complex. Innocent pilgrims - men, women and children - were shot and killed in cold blood. Their crime? Coming to remember the Martyrdom of the Fifth Sikh Guru, coming to worship, to love, to be at peace. The most beautiful, peaceful, holy place in Punjab was invaded by tanks and armed soldiers, it was showered with bullets and grenades, it was turned into a battlefield for the government to take out their fury... and hundreds of innocent Sikhs were mercilessly caught in the crossfire. Tell me, is a three year old child a terrorist? Is a 90 year old woman a terrorist? Is every man in a Turban a terrorist? Congratulations, India, for letting the real terrorists run free. Vaheguroo ♥

 

Bhagat Puran Singh Jee's letter renouncing the Padam Shree award from the Indian Govt.

Bhagat Puran Singh Jee's rejection letter to the Indian Government renouncing the honour of Padam Shree (the fourth highest civilian award in India, awarded by the government) after Operation Bluestar:

 To,
The President of India,
Rashtrpati Bhavan,
Delhi.

Subject: Return of the award of Padam Shree against the in-human army action at Sri Darbar Sahib Sri Amritsar.

Shriman ji,

Sending the armed forces into Sri Darbar Sahib for military action has already produced countless painful results. As a result of this army action the Sikh world has been deeply hurt. You have seen how painful has been the effect of this army action on the Darshani Deodhi and the building of Sri Akal Takhat. Army has perpetrated acts, which you could not have known. Up to September 9, 1984, I have been investigating what I have heard from the people. I have exercised much restraint and have not rushed to conclusions. I will relate some of the happenings (that I have investigated).

1. Army-men arrested a scripture reader of Sri Darbar Sahib along with his family. The entire family was not given either food or water for the whole day. Rifle butts were administered on the scripture reader’s hands the whole day. Another scripture reader of the shrine was given the same treatment until his hands were swollen.

2. The sangat in Darbar Sahib complex consisting of women, men and children has been fired upon (and killed) as the mosquitoes are wiped out with poisonous spray.

3. The pilgrims who had been arrested in Sri Darbar Sahib and Teja Singh Samundari Hall around 12 noon on Tuesday were given water by the Sikh army-men after thirty hours on Wednesday. The children’s eyes were popping out with thirst and their mothers tried to moist their lips with sweat. When some women asked for water for the children the army-men told them that the children would grow up and kill the army-men so why should they be given water? On Tuesday the small quantity of water that was given to the children had cigarettes thrown into it. They were told that this is the prasad of their Guru. Army-men smoked cigarettes in Teja Singh Samundari Hall and kept on blowing the smoke at the Sikhs. The treatment meted out to the Sikhs in the name of army action has deeply hurt the feelings of the Sikh world. Hands of the young pilgrims, arrested from Darbar Sahib, were tied with their turbans, their hair were untied and used to cover their eyes with. They were forced to kneel down on the hot marble floor and to walk around on their knees. Hands of the boys were tied behind them and they were shot through their foreheads.

On the first of June 1984 the CRPF had commenced firing on Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar. On the first of June before the arrival of the army, the CRPF had killed a scripture reader in attendance upon Guru Granth Sahib and the volume itself was shot at. After it was all over, the Sikh Reference Library and the Sikh Museum were set on fire out of enmity and in pursuance of predetermined action. On June 3, 1984, two Sikhs wearing yellow turbans and kirpans got off at Batala bus stand. They were asked by the army-men to take off their turbans. On their refusal to do so they were both shot dead. Another Nihang was shot at and killed near Gumtala jail because he had refused to surrender his kirpan. One Sikh in proper Sikh dress was standing on the roof of his house in an area of Amritsar called Kittas. Army-men killed him because he was wearing a yellow turban.

On the third of July a black turbaned and kirpan-wearing young Sikh of about 25 years of age was walking past the Kitchlew traffic island. The army arrived, handcuffed and arrested him although nothing incriminating was found on his person. When army-men went to arrest the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee Sardar Gurcharan Singh Tohra from Teja Singh Samundari Hall, one of them was smoking a cigarette. When Sardar Tohra asked him not to smoke (in the holy precincts), his reply was, “shut up old-man or I will shoot you dead. Tohra said ‘I am the President of this place’ upon which the army-men became quiet.

Temple servants of Sri Darbar Sahib Mukatsar, were made to lie face downwards in the circumambulatory path around the sacred tank and beaten mercilessly. As a result of this one of them died. All those boys who had taken amrit were pulled out of their homes in the villages and were beaten severely.

I am compelled to observe that the army has displayed bankruptcy of character and has acted with hearts full of enmity and in a manner indicating that it wanted to wipe out the Sikhs. Young-men from villages have been troubled much after the army action. Apart from the truth depicted above, I have received information about such shameful incidents, to mention which is to violate the cultural norms.

After hearing of and seeing such happenings, I reject and return to you the award of Padam Shree conferred upon me.

Puran Singh Bhagat

 This is the HONOUR, LOVE and LOYALTY Bhagat Jee had for JUSTICE and for the PANTH!

Global Protests for Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana

The global unity shown over this cause is unbelievable!!

Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee's First Sermon

Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee's first sermon must be heard again today, and it applies just as much now as it did when he first gave it.

Guru Arjan Dev Jee had been brutally tortured and had embraced martyrdom, becoming an example for the Panth. The Sikhs were grief-struck and felt a sense of despair. The small Panth of Guru Nanak had been targeted by the mighty power of the Mughals.

Guru Hargobind Sahib, became the next Guru as per the orders of his father. In front of all the gathered Sikhs, Baba Buddha jee put the two swords of miri and piri on Guru Hargobind Sahib. Guru Sahib was dressed like an emperor and there was a kalgi on his dastaar.

The Dhadis, Bhai Abdullah and Bhai Nath Mal, at the hukam of Guru Hargobind Sahib, sang a vaar filled with bir ras.

Then, Guru Hargobind Sahib rose and gave his first sermon to the Sikhs:

“Today the offerings that are beloved to me are good weapons and good youth. If you want my happiness, then exercise your bodies, wrestle, play gatka, go into the jungles to hunt and learn to ride horses. Weakness is now a crime to the Nation that cannot be forgiven for anyone. You will take up the sword and I now wear the sword so that the swords of tyranny and oppression will stop forever.

You have all come from far and wide today. The cool tranquillity has been stolen from not just your heart and my heart, but from the entire world. Our swords will not rest until we bring this oppression to an end.

Make day and night one. Go into the villages and light the inferno of revolution. Tell the people that we need their youth. Only that is a good youth that sacrifices itself for the cause of the Nation. We need sacred hearts and pure minds. Enshrine Waheguru in your hearts. We fear death because we have not experienced true life. We feel worry because we have not enjoyed a taste of life. We feel fear because our destination and goal seems so far off. But if you challenge death, death will flee from you. If you learn to walk with your heads held high then worry will depart. If you are determined to walk, the destination will not be so far away. Have faith in Vahiguru and all fears will vanish. If fear has left you then even death will seem like bliss.”

Guru jee continued,

“Do not think that you are too few. You are all like springs. Oceans flow out of these very springs. There are hundreds of thousands of springs like you in our Nation. When you come together and flow forward, you will create a flood.
A small and insignificant piece of wood, when made into a match, can light the entire jungle on fire. But you are humans! And furthermore, those humans whose heart has just now been scorched on hot iron plates [reference to shahidi of Guru Arjan Dev jee].

Addressing the poets in the Sangat, Guru Sahib said,

“See, God has given you the gift of poetry. When nations are built, you are the foundations. Stop all these other untimely songs and work to bring the Nation out of this deep dark pit. Tell those stories which will make the people willing to lose their skin like they would be willing to change their clothes. Fill the people of our Nation with the spirit and fervour to be like moths so they will sacrifice themselves in the flames of our cause.

Our blood has become cold. Tell us stories of Shahidi and become the furnaces that will boil our blood. Give us the passion to make the trampled Punjab and our crushed Nation rise to its feet once again.”

Speaking to the Dhadis, Guru Sahib said,

“Now is the time that your instruments should call out a challenge. Your notes should stir the Nation. The beat of your dhads should awaken the people and the bells on your bows should make hearts fill with the zeal of sacrifice.”

 
We must hear Guru Sahib’s message again today and rise to the challenge.

My thoughts on the Current State of Panjab

I haven't got any work done over the past week. I can't think about anything except what's happening to our brothers and sisters in Punjab.

 

I can't get over how corrupt the Indian government is and how unnecessarily violent the police are. Why are peaceful protests seen as such a crime? Why are the police beating protestors when all they've actually done is turn up? Why are the police acting violently and provoking reaction at a perfectly safe, peaceful protest? Why are youth being fired at, from behind? Why are the voices of the minorities immediately suppressed? Why are so called Sikh police officers failing to support the Panth? Why aren't these so called Sikh police officers showing loyalty towards their Guru and their Panth? Why is it okay for completely innocent boys to be shot? Why the hell is the Indian system so messed up?!

But I also can't get over how much support people are showing, and how much awareness we've managed to raise. The protests were shown on the news. People involved in British politics are showing their concerns. Seas of orange flooded areas of the country. Handsworth, Smethwick etc. were absolutely covered in orange, with orange material tied on every post, railing, streetlight, shop etc. Nishaan sahibs are adorning the cars and houses of Sikhs. Orange Dastaara are everywhere.... even the Raagis at Harimandir Sahib pledged orange. People are being asked by work colleagues about why they have nishaan sahibs on their houses and cars. I've been repeatedly asked about the orange band around my wrist at school. Even Facebook showed a video about Rajoana in the advertisements bar at the side of my page. People are shocked by the injustices of the Indian government.


All of this is simply a question of Humanity. The death penalty itself is a breach of human rights. The inconsistent use of the death penalty in certainly unjust. Needlessly beating and firing at innocent protestors is disgusting. Killing unarmed youth is completely unnacceptable. What's it gonna take for India to bring justice to its people? This is not about political/ religious factions opposing one another. The fight is for Justice.

"For the last ten years grave human rights violations have been perpetrated in Punjab by the police in their efforts to suppress an often violent campaign for the establishment of a Sikh homeland in a state called "Khalistan". These violations include scores of "disappearances", extrajudicial killings, widespread torture, unacknowledged detentions as well as deaths in custody. Amnesty International has documented its concerns about these human rights violations for many years. The state and central governments continue to deny the occurrence of virtually all these human rights violations. For example, K.P.S Gill, the Director General of Police, Punjab, claimed during a visit to London in June 1994 that allegations of "disappearances" were entirely unfounded since they concerned young men who had left the country and were living abroad. However, there were often eye-witnesses to their arrest and court orders to produce some of the victims of such practices in court have been routinely ignored by police and senior officials."

- Amnesty International

Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana

Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana. This Singh was one of the masterminds behind the killing of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Sinh, who was responsible for the death of over 50,000 young Sikhs (in extra judicial killings by the Indian Govt). This Singh was to be hanged till death, but his punishment would have been less severe if he asked for mercy, which this self-respecting Soorma rejected. Instead this Lion of the Guru requested that the government should execute him when they want to.

He shows no fear of death, like a true Guru ka Singh. His last wish is that any parts of his body be donated to those who need them, and that his eyes be donated to the blind Raagi of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. In this way, his eyes can continue to have Darshan of Maharaaj even when he's gone.

"His is a rare case where an accused in a murder case, after being awarded death penalty, had not only chosen not to go for an appeal but even kept on asking to hang him as early as possible."

One more name to the long list of Sikh Shaheeds... Please remember him in your prayers...

The first part of Bhai Sahib Jee's will:

Ik Onkar

Oh Kabir, there is nothing of mine in this life,
Whatever is there, is yours.
If I surrender what is yours, unto Thee,
What do I lose or pay?

Bhagat Kabir, Guru Granth Sahib

Accepting the Omnipresence of Akal Purakh (God Almighty), I hereby swear an oath that, after my death, all the parts of my body which can benefit any person are pledged to the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs, Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

It is my earnest wish that after my death, my eyes may kindly be given to Hazuri Ragi of Sri Darbar Sahib Harmandar Sahib, Bhai Lakhwinder Singh, who is blind, so that through him, my eyes continue to revere holy Darbar Sahib. For medical or other reasons, in case this is not possible, then my eyes may be given to any other needy person.

In addition to this any other part of my body (heart, kidney or any other) which can be beneficial to any other person, may be given to that person.

How beautiful and abundant is the pyaar of this Gursikh??

Pledge Orange!!

This is why you should pledge orange!! Orange dastaara, patke, chunia, armbands, wristbands, scarves, flags, hoodies, t-shirts, whatever... it's the colour of the revolution!! Be questioned, educate those around you! RAISE AWARENESS!!

Young Hindu Panjabi Apologises to Sikh Nation

MUST WATCH: ONE LOVE ♥

To both my Sikh and my non Sikh brothers and sisters, please watch and share this video. It is an example of the love Humanity shares, regardless or religious, cultural, social, national, political etc. boundaries. If you can't understand Panjabi, I've written a rough translation/ summary below.

A YOUNG HINDU PANJABI SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE KILLINGS OF TWO INNOCENT PEACEFUL SIKH PROTESTORS BY THE POLICE AND THE DISGUSTING AND DISRESPECTFUL ACTS OF PROVOCATION OF THE SHIV SENA. 

A Hindu Panjabi who has been watching the peaceful protests against the execution of Rajoana is talking about how yesterday a group of Sikh students was fired at by police after being provoked by the Shiv Sena (through burning and stamping on a Sikh's turban), in which two youth, much like himself, were killed. He expresses the distress he felt when he heard about the killing of Jaspal Singh, an 18 year old innocent Sikh student, and Ranjit Singh, who was only 16, who were peacefully protesting. He is deeply upset by the deaths and he expresses the pain he feels for the families. He cannot understand how and why the police can commit such atrocities. He asks his Sikh brothers to see the difference between the Shiv Sena and the rest of the Hindu population. He says that the Shiv Sena supporters cannot call themselves Hindu, and they are tainting the name of Hindus. He was angered that the Shiv Sena could commit such a disgusting act as to disrespect and set fire to a Sikh brother's turban. He requests for his Hindu Brothers not to fall into the trap of the Shiv Sena. He says if anyone is fighting for their justice (i.e. the Sikh Panth), please let them fight. He doesn't understand why the Shiv Sena got involved. Sikhs want justice for the massacres of 1984, and for these shaheeds, from the government, so why are the Shive Sena getting involved? He says these interferences are all just dirty politics. He says if you think Sikhs are bad, then answer this question: When Aurangzeb was forcefully converting the majority Hindu population to Islam, who did we (the Hindus) run to? To Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee Maharaaj, who was martyed for us. Where was our bravery then? When our sisters and daughters were being abducted, where was our bravery then? Where was the Shiv Sena then? At that time the Sikhs saved us. Now today, when they are being targeted, why are we not standing with them? Although he doesn't personally support Rajoana, he strongly objects to the injustices that occured yesterday with the killings of innocent protesters and the involvement of the Shiv Sena in disrespecting Dastaars. He personally, from the entire Sikh Sangat, puts his hands together and asks for forgiveness, as a Hindu, that people are taking his name of God and committing these disgusting acts. His last message for his Sikh brothers is to please hate the Shiv Sena, not Shiv Ji. They are not Hindus; they are animals taking the name of Hindus. After 27 years there was finally peace in our Panjab, and we were beginning to live in harmony. When the Son of a Mother dies, he's not a Hindu or a Muslim or a Sikh, he is simply the Son of a Mother.

This young Hindu should definitely not have to apologise on behalf of these animals, but the point is, you can't paint everyone with the same brush; love and despair crosses religious boundaries.

The Story of Bhai Balwant Singh Ji Rajoana

This is the story of Bhai Balwant Singh Jee Rajoana. The Indian government intends to hang this man. He was the back up assassin of former Chief Minister of Punjab, Beanta, who was responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Sikhs.

Why Balwant Singh Rajoana Never Appealed Against His Death Sentence

Why Balwant Singh Rajoana Never Appealed Against His Death Sentence

Ruchi Gupta

Balwant Singh Rajoana was to be executed on March 31. This would have been the first execution in India since 2004. His execution has been stayed - for the time being - in response to the rising whirlpool of politics that's engulfed Punjab on this issue. That India should sully its record again after 8 years with state sanctioned murder is a matter of distress, but this consideration seems largely removed from the politics of Rajoana's execution. However even in addition to principled opposition to the death penalty, the cynical considerations swirling around his execution, the specifics of the case itself are significant.

Opposition to capital punishment is removed from the specifics of the case, basing the argument on human rights, the range and extent of power given to the State, citizen's right to equality before law, the inherent arbitrariness in the exercise of power by individual state functionaries, and irrevocability of the punishment especially given the possibility of wrongful conviction. In contrast, the proponents of capital punishment argue on the specifics, seeking justification in the heinousness of the crime, recidivism, retribution, and deterrence. In this the proponents are almost vigilante in their perspective, with their preoccupation with punishment for the alleged lawbreaker than the state, its powers and processes, and civil liberties

Nevertheless in this instance, the specifics too raise some disturbing questions. Balwant Singh is on death row for his role in the suicide bombing of the former Chief Minister of Punjab, Beant Singh in 1995. 17 persons, including the Chief Minister were killed. The history has some relevance. Punjab had been racked by insurgency since the seventies, with the regional autonomy movement progressively hardening into a secessionist movement over the decades. President's Rule was established in 1987 in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar and the Sikh pogrom in Delhi in 1984. After five years of President Rule checkered by militancy and heavy police crackdown, elections were called in 1992, but were postponed twice. Protesting that the elections were unlikely to be "free and fair", the Sikh parties boycotted the elections. With voter turnout in the low twenties, Beant Singh's ascendancy was widely disparaged by the Sikhs as lacking legitimacy. Militancy and consequent police clampdown continued unabated. Beant Singh was assassinated in 1995 by suicide bomber Dilawar Singh, aided by Balwant Singh and others.

During trial, Balwant Singh refused counsel, asking instead to be allowed to represent himself. He did not cross-examine witnesses. He was awarded the death penalty. In 2009, when his death sentence came for conviction in the High Court [as part of the legal process], he again refused counsel and asked to be allowed to argue his own case. His intent in each instance was not to seek acquittal. In the 14 years that the case made its way from the trial court to the High Court, Balwant Singh held to his story, claiming that he strapped the bomb on to the body of Dilawar Singh. The High Court, noting that there was no evidence in favour of Balwant Singh in order to "have a second thought on the murder reference of Balwant Singh, coupled with his three confessional statements, there is no other alternate with us but to confirm" the death penalty. Balwant also refused to appeal against the death penalty administratively through mercy petition to the Governor and/or President. In a letter to the Chief Justice of the High Court, he writes, "legal system, judicial system of this Country and the rulers of this Country have been discriminating" [and that] "slavery of such system is not acceptable to me". In embracing 17 years of imprisonment including solitary confinement and ultimate execution, Balwant Singh is making a political statement.

In his letter and statements, he brings out his search for justice in the democratic framework, his feeling of marginalization and his desire for rebellion. He sees the injustice of the swiftness of response when a five star hotel in Mumbai is under siege and the dilatory tactics of commissioning enquiry committees without any accountability for the thousands who perished in the 1984 Sikh pogrom. He writes, "thousands of Sikhs were massacred. It is submitted that these murderers have neither been punished nor been punished by any Court of law of the country even after 25 years [...] Here I would like to ask your Lordship that the persons who have killed thousands of innocent xxxx, xxxx, and xxxx [redacted] are not the terrorists. Why not the law of the nation, [redacted] try to interfere in the matter. On the contrary, when the  hotels of Mumbai are attacked then the military of the country immediately interferes. The commandos of Delhi initiate immediate action after reaching Delhi. This is made to known as to which in which village the assailants reside in [redacted]. Contrary to it, the [redacted] of [redacted] of people in Delhi could not be identified. How the security can be assured without the law when everybody knows the killers" [sic]. He locates the justification for the suicide bombing in this persecution by the state (as per his contention) and the lack of accountability saying in a statement to the District and Sessions Judge, Patiala, "conscience of a person have self respect refuses to accept the authority of callous rulers. Such feels instigate a person for becoming human bomb rather than to become a human being [sic]"

The purpose of this article is not to romanticize Balwant Singh or terrorism. But surely some introspection is required when an obviously bright individual seeks political expression in the rejection of the "democratic" government itself even at the cost of his own life? Our democratic systems are discriminating - on class, caste, and religious lines. After 64 years of democracy, which by definition means people's control over the state to ensure propagation of their interests, more than 3 quarters of our country still ekes out a living on just Rs 20 per day. In our ostensibly secular state, all significant minorities have been persecuted (1984, 1992, 2002, 2008) without any accountability. Likewise the constitutional promise of equality before rule of law is flouted routinely. The poor are routinely displaced, their rights violated, their very being often declared illegal. The poor overwhelmingly populate our jails; around 70% are under-trials, not convicts. The death penalty too is disproportionately administered to the poor. Balwant Singh's execution is now embroiled in cynical politics from all sides, however whatever the outcome, we all share some blame in perpetuation of a system where meaningful political expression, redress and justice is denied to all but a small minority.

(Ruchi Gupta works in a think tank in Delhi. The views expressed are her own. She can be reached at  gupta.ruchi@gmail.com)

WE ARE NOT EXTREMISTS!

#RAJOANA

 

  

What are we fighting for? Watch this video.