If one woman could persuade 40 men, who had
completely given up, to go back to a battle in which they knew they
would die, and even lead them into that battle herself, and take the
honour of becoming the bodyguard of the Tenth Master himself, then what
is there that a Singhni cannot do? If 40 Singhs could be so scared that they even wrote a letter to their Guru saying that they are no longer His Sikhs,
be so desperate to give up, and yet still return to battle, fight
courageously, redeem themselves by becoming Shaheeds, and with their
final dying breath beg for forgiveness from their Guru, and be forgiven,
then what is there that a Singh cannot overcome?
The Khalsa
has no limits. Our history shows us that we have no limits. No matter
how far we fall, we can be picked up. No matter what mistake we make, we
can be redeemed. No matter how small we are, we can do great things.
Dhan Dhan Mata Bhaag Kaur Jee. A woman who
inspired 40 Singhs who had deserted their Guru to return to battle. A
woman who led 40 Singhs into battle herself. The female bodyguard of
Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee Maharaaj Himself. A woman who could stand
up to anyone.
Dhan Dhan Chaali Mukhte (Forty Liberated Ones)
who redeemed themselves in the highest possible way by giving Shaheedi
fighting for Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee Maharaaj at the Battlefield of Muktsar.
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.
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.
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.
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 ♥
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!
