What Actually Happened? The Truth About The 1980's
What Really Happened Inside Darbar Sahib in June 1984?
In this powerful first-hand account, Bibi Satwant Kaur Ji – daughter of Bhai Amrik Singh Ji and granddaughter of Sant Giani Kartar Singh Ji – shares her emotional experience of the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib during Operation Blue Star.
🎙️ Speaking as an eyewitness to the events of June 1984, Bibi Ji reflects on the legacy of her father, the vision of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale, and the pain of watching the destruction of Sri Harmandir Sahib unfold in real time.
🔥 In This Episode:
The role of a Singh and Sikh identity in Panthic times
Emergency rule by Indira Gandhi and rising tension in Punjab
Rare insights into Sant Giani Kartar Singh Ji’s resistance
The bond between Sant Jarnail Singh Ji & Bhai Amrik Singh Ji
Moments before and during Operation Blue Star
Shaheedi of Bhai Amrik Singh Ji, his final words to his family, and their last Ardaas
What Sikhs in the West can do today to honour this legacy
The relevance of 1984 today and how history repeats itself
📍 Key Topics Covered:
1984 Sikh genocide
Operation Blue Star
Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) attack
Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (Sikh Student Federation)
Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale
Sant Giani Kartar Singh Ji
Damdami Taksal history
Punjab emergency 1984
Sikh identity, Shaheedi & Chardi Kala
Role of Sikhs in the diaspora
📌 This video is part of the Basics of Sikhi 1984 podcast series, aimed at preserving the voices of survivors, educating the Panth, and inspiring the next generation of seekers.
🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth Sikh history, Gurmat vichaar, and untold stories from the Sikh struggle.
#1984 #OperationBlueStar #SikhGenocide
---
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Transcript
What were your
experiences of:
2
:How was your life then,
as far as you remember?
3
:Actually, the story of June
:
4
:We can't finish the story
of:
5
:So I will start from
sometime before,
6
:June 1984,
the Blue Star Operation.
7
:That was not a matter of
a month, 15 days, or 10 days.
8
:That transpires what the
Immortal God ordains.
9
:But the holocaust of June 1984, there
were multi-layered factors that were at play.
10
:In the end, there was a war with the
state government with the Singhs.
11
:The government had done it in a very
planned way (Operation Blue Star).
12
:Preparations for it had been ongoing
for a long time (Operation Blue Star).
13
:When Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom
day of 300 years was commemorated.
14
:In the 70s, the Indian government, Indira
Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India,
15
:announced a state of emergency
in the entire country, in India.
16
:She announced the emergency.
17
:The emergency was
that in the entire country,
18
:state governments were suspended
& the central government directly ruled.
19
:The local state governments
were suspended.
20
:Their powers were finished.
21
:No one in the country, anywhere,
five people could not gather, it was outlawed.
22
:No one could talk/discuss (collectively),
or organise/host events.
23
:All types of media were totally banned by the
government of Indira Gandhi at that time, in the 70s.
24
:All types of media, print media, social media,
audio/radio transmitters, everything was banned.
25
:She was a very arrogant
lady (Indira Gandhi).
26
:So she used very strict laws in this
imposed state of emergency in the country.
27
:But the Sikh Nation as it is of the
Tenth Guru cannot be suppressed by anyone.
28
:In those days, Guru Tegh Bahadur
Sahib, the True Sovereign's
29
:300 years of martyrdom
was being commemorated.
30
:What did Indira Gandhi do?
31
:She suspended the
Punjab state government
32
:& imprisoned all of the leadership
of the state government, Sikhs & non-Sikhs alike.
33
:At that time, the leader
of Damdami Taksal,
34
:my respected Grandfather (paternal), Sant
Giani Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale,
35
:were the 13th leader
of Damdami Taksal.
36
:Indira Gandhi wanted that if she said, "Stand up,"
that the entire country would quietly comply like
37
:deaf & dumb people. If she said,
"Sit there", they should do so.
38
:She wanted to treat
people like slaves,
39
:& that her orders
should be complied with.
40
:But Baba Deep Singh's Taksal,
Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj's nation
41
:they cannot be the
slaves of anyone.
42
:It is the nation to liberate
people from oppression..
43
:'Those who utter God's Name
are freed of all pain.'
44
:'The truth is the
Supreme Timeless God.'
45
:At that time,
what happened was,
46
:Sant Kartar Singh organised a
program in Punjab & all of India,
47
:that Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji's 300 years
of martyrdom will be commemorated
48
:with faith & on a grand scale, with the entire
Sikh nation's resources & radiance.
49
:Now, on one side the
country's Prime Minister
50
:has decreed that five
people cannot congregate.
51
:And on the other side,
Sant Kartar Singh has said
52
:with the entire radiance
& resources of the Sikh nation
53
:Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibs'
300 years will be commemorated.
54
:Sant Kartar Singh was completely independent,
doing as they said, as do warriors.
55
:He started religious processions (Nagar
Kirtans) in villages to awaken people.
56
:And you can't imagine...
57
:You might have read about it.
58
:Where five people
couldn't gather he
59
:did Nagar Kirtans
in many locations.
60
:Sant Ji covered most of Punjab & nearby states
with Nagar Kirtans covering many miles.
61
:He rebelled openly & defiantly against
Indira Gandhi's imposed emergency.
62
:Rebelling against the total ban of
everything (any public gatherings).
63
:Sant Ji did this working day & night,
standing & preaching for 14 hours a day.
64
:Teaching the congregations about the inspirational
life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee on their 300 years.
65
:Sant Giani Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale fervently
protested in this manner against the emergency.
66
:Thirty-six Nagar Kirtans were held
in the whole of Punjab.
67
:From every corner of Punjab the masses were
woken to rebel against this tyranny.
68
:The thirty-sixth Nagar Kirtan would end
in Delhi as announced by Sant Ji,
69
:at the site of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji's
martyrdom, where Guru Ji was beheaded.
70
:He had announced the thirty-sixth Nagar
Kirtan from Punjab would culminate there.
71
:First, Indira Gandhi
was challenged in Punjab.
72
:Then, she was told we will now
come to your home (Delhi).
73
:You say five
people cannot gather.
74
:Sant Ji said, "We will come in full force as
the Khalsa that too, to your home.
75
:Let's see if
you can stop us."
76
:If you study the history of that time period,
that final Nagar Kirtan was that long that
77
:a person could stand & watch it pass from morning
until night & it still wouldn't end, it was that long .
78
:This Nagar Kirtan left from Punjab to Delhi,
it was a direct challenge to Indira Gandhi.
79
:That her orders will not
work upon the Sikhs
80
:& it was wrong & against human
rights (what she was doing).
81
:When the Nagar Kirtan left
via Beas from GT Road to Delhi.
82
:The Beas Dera (of Radha Soamis)
was on the route of Sant Ji.
83
:Sant Ji stood there for 40 minutes
challenging their leader & said,
84
:"Come out here, I want to see your power
today. What Saint are you? Come out here."
85
:He fearlessly
challenged them, saying,
86
:"I am standing here. If I have
to wait for an hour or two,
87
:come & show
me your power.
88
:You are fooling
so many people.
89
:Instead of joining people to Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj,
why are you promoting your own worship?"
90
:No one came out.
91
:Sant Ji then left there.
92
:On the way, when he came
to know that such a long Nagar Kirtan,
93
:with mass numbers is going from
Punjab towards Delhi.
94
:Then the Chief Minister of
Punjab to gain popularity
95
:sat upon an elephant & joined
the Nagar Kirtan from the front.
96
:It is a fact.
97
:I have heard & these things
really happened they are not fictional.
98
:It is on record.
99
:The so-called Chief Minister of Punjab, even
though his powers were suspended at the time.
100
:But, he was still the chief minister.
He entered the Nagar Kirtan in this way.
101
:Someone informed Sant Ji,
they were managing the whole event.
102
:He had teams of Kavishris,
Dhadhis, Kirtanis.
103
:Wherever they were going to stop,
the Kirtanis would go ahead & do Kirtan there,
104
:then the ballards of the Dhadhi were sung,
then poetry of the Kavishirs on Guru Tegh Bahadur.
105
:Then, when the Nagar
Kirtan reached there,
106
:Sant Ji used to powerfully deliver the
message of Guru Tegh Bahadur to the congregated,
107
:teaching Guru Ji's
history & lessons.
108
:This was his method
of doing the Nagar Kirtan.
109
:After the Nagar Kirtan,
there would be Amrit Sanchar.
110
:Thousands would take Amrit & become initiated
Sikhs, this is the movement they started in Punjab.
111
:They only led the Damdami Taksal for
8 years, in this time they created a
112
:platform in this short period of time
which resulted in June:
113
:When the Chief Minister attended the Nagar Kirtan,
without invitation, the Singhs told Sant Ji,
114
:"The CM is here
sitting on an elephant."
115
:Sant Ji's face went red,
he had his spear in his hand.
116
:He had the
growl of a tiger.
117
:Sant Ji went & saw
him on the elephant.
118
:The Chief Minister clasped
his hands to greet him.
119
:Sant Ji shouted, "Get down. How dare you sit
there in front of Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj.
120
:Get down!"
121
:He got so scared & screamed,
"Don't get the elephant seated,
122
:otherwise Sant Ji will
kill me with their spear."
123
:He was so terrified
that his security took him
124
:to a side into some fields
& got him off the elephant.
125
:They then left immediately.
126
:Travelling like this the Nagar
Kirtan arrived at the Delhi border.
127
:The (future) president of India
Giani Zail Singh, when he came
128
:to know that such a
large Nagar kirtan of Sikhs,
129
:was entering Delhi that
had defied the emergency
130
:he thought, 'I should also gain some
popularity from it too,
131
:I shouldn't miss
the opportunity.'
132
:He sent a message to Sant Ji that he
will lead the Nagar Kirtan within Delhi,
133
:because I am the
President of India.
134
:When his messengers/staff came
& told Sant Ji this, he replied,
135
:"According to the traditions of the Sikh Nation
the Nagar Kirtan can only be led by
136
:Sri Guru Granth Sahib with
Panj Pyare (five beloved ones).
137
:No one person can lead
the Nagar Kirtan,
138
:if you want to attend, then,
do so as the son of a human,
139
:remove your shoes & follow it.
140
:Giani Zail Singh was shook
hearing this response.
141
:The Nagar Kirtan was
going to culminate in Delhi,
142
:the government allocated
the Ramlila Grounds for this
143
:as it is the biggest grounds,
for such mass gatherings.
144
:There, Sant Ji held the 300 years program
of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
145
:When the last day of
the program was occurring,
146
:Indira Gandhi sent a message
that she is attending too.
147
:When the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi came,
Sant Giani Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale
148
:were sitting doing the Chaur Sahib
of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj.
149
:When Indira Gandhi entered
wearing her black sari,
150
:her 'spoons' (supporters) sitting on the stage
stood up to show her respect as she entered.
151
:Some of them walked
forward to welcome her.
152
:Sant Ji whilst sitting in Guru Ji's presence
lambasted them including Giani Zail Singh,
153
:& all the ministers
who were there, he said,
154
:"Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the sovereign of all,
who grant kingdoms to people.
155
:They are the owners/leaders of many prime ministers
& are the eternal sovereign & Guru.
156
:In their presence you stood up to respect
this lady, you are disgraceful Sikhs!"
157
:Indira Gandhi, noted there & then
that defiance is present here.
158
:After that, two or three lectures praising
Indira Gandhi were given (by others).
159
:They wanted to please her.
160
:Some of the speakers
welcomed her off the stage
161
:at this 300 years program
dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
162
:They further thanked her for the
marriage of one of her sons in Punjab,
163
:stating this has strengthened
relations with us.
164
:They said they are very grateful of her,
many more praises of her were made.
165
:Sant Giani Katar Singh Khalsa
Bhindranwale said....
166
:Indira Gandhi also spoke & said,
she is attending to bow her head in obeisance
167
:to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Delhi
government has come to pay obeisance.
168
:Sant Kartar Singh then said,
"Give me the microphone (after she spoke)."
169
:He got another Saint to take on the
Chaur Sahib seva that they were doing.
170
:He got the microphone & said, "Lady, you have
said your piece, now listen to mine, before you leave."
171
:Sant Ji firstly reprimanded those Sikhs
who thanked her for marrying her son in Punjab.
172
:Sant Ji then said, "You are talking
like Mughals & not like Sikhs."
173
:In the past, kings would marry their daughters
with Mughals to save their kingdoms,
174
:this was done by
rulers in Punjab too.
175
:Sikhs never practiced such things
nor did they occur in Sikh history.
176
:It would have been better if she (Indira Gandhi)
had a daughter who was married in Punjab.
177
:Then, we would have
been even happier.
178
:(Addressing Indira) You say the Delhi throne has
come to pay obeisance to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
179
:But do tell, who blessed the
existence of the Delhi kingdom?
180
:If Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur hadn't sacrificed
their life - you would be Muslims in burkas.
181
:Hindus wouldn't have survived.
182
:So, you should be grateful your throne
exists because of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.
183
:If you were to count all the hairs on your body
then sacrifice yourself that many times,
184
:even then you cannot repay
the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur."
185
:Those who utter God's Name,
are freed of all anguish.
186
:So, Indira Gandhi wasn't used to
hearing such harsh criticism.
187
:She then asked,
"Who is this Saint?"
188
:She then heard the words
"Bhindranwala."
189
:They told her this is Bhindranwala.
190
:In reality, the root for the eventuality
of June:
191
:The whole country was heeding
to her as the prime minister
192
:but in front of millions of congregation;
whilst flaunting the emergency
193
:she was challenged.
194
:That lady could not accept this,
she would remember this.
195
:She would target Sikhs power,
their psyche & attack them in such a way
196
:that their future generations would
recall Indira Gandhi as a prime minister.
197
:So this was the background
198
:of the June 1984
Operation Blue Star.
199
:From here the Damdami Taksal
became an eyesore for the
200
:Indira Gandhi government.
201
:I think you should explain this to
them or it will be too much content.
202
:Sorry.
203
:I asked for paper, it didn't arrive
so I made notes on my phone.
204
:It's ok these things happen.
205
:I will drink water first,
206
:my head is spinning.
207
:So the question at the start of all that,
the question was to you both
208
:so Bhai Jarnail Singh is
yet to speak on this topic.
209
:The question was,
210
:What were both
of your experiences
211
:in 1984 around that,
212
:Sister stated that
:
213
:the year of 1984
and continues after that.
214
:So what I am about to tell you
is only to a certain point
215
:which is going to continue yet.
216
:This is probably part 1 of 10.
217
:June 1984, is not limited
to just those ten days or so.
218
:It is multi-layered as an issue & the
government planned it for a long time.
219
:The Shtabadi of Sri Guru
Tegh Bahadurs martyrdom.
220
:So a Shtabadi is usually when we have a
hundred year celebration.
221
:So the one in 1977,
I think there's a date.
222
:Any of you good at maths might
work out what the date was, 300 years.
223
:So, that was the programme
that was going to happen that year.
224
:In 1975, Indira Gandhi suspended
the constitution of India
225
:& called a State of Emergency.
226
:In the State of Emergency,
civil liberties were suspended
227
:& more than five people couldn't
gather/congregate & talk.
228
:The media was all banned,
print & radio.
229
:And as we know in our history,
the Sikh nation never stands quiet
230
:when repressed in such
a way & takes action.
231
:The Sikh nation
of Sri Guru Gobind Singh
232
:always challenges repression & that's
what our history teaches us.
233
:So at that time, Sant Kartar Singh
as part of the programme
234
:of the Shtabadi celebrations,
would then go on
235
:to challenge this en masse.
236
:And regardless of the ban of not
congregating more than five people,
237
:Sant Kartar Singh did 36 processions
across Punjab, which were miles long.
238
:For 14 hours a day, they stood & preached
at these processions where they would stop.
239
:It was all completely against
the State of Emergency.
240
:The 37th procession so 36
in Punjab & the 37th one
241
:to finalise/end the
celebrations, was also in Delhi.
242
:That's where Sri Guru Tegh
Bahadur gave His Shaheedi.
243
:The final Nagar Kirtan (procession)
Pehnji said was many miles long.
244
:The Sikhs challenged her in Punjab
& her seat of power in Delhi at that time.
245
:And Indira Gandhi's emergency
wasn't a thing that Sikhs would bow to.
246
:And during this, one of the Nagar Kirtans,
Sant Kartar Singh went past Beas.
247
:So, Beas is where the headquarters
of the Radha Soamis is.
248
:Sant Kartar Singh stood outside
their Dera and said,
249
:"If you call yourself a guru, then come out
& show us a miracle, show your powers.
250
:For an hour, they stood out there
challenging them & they didn't come out.
251
:These Nagar Kirtans is what built
the strength of the Singhs
252
:who saw & witnessed this
history at the time.
253
:So they would then go on to obviously challenge
the sarkar (government) in many other ways.
254
:The Punjab Chief Minister
attended the final Nagar Kirtan
255
:& came on an elephant to make
a fanfare of his own arrival.
256
:So if you think about it,
the elephant was probably
257
:higher than the actual parkash of
Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the Nagar Kirtan.
258
:Sant Kartar Singh heard of his arrival &
shouted at him to get off his elephant.
259
:And he got scared of their sort of power
in terms of how they were shouting at him.
260
:So the CM said to his
guards, "Take me a away
261
:from this area so I can
safely get off the elephant."
262
:He was scared that Sant Kartar Singh
would stab him with his teer,
263
:so it's like an arrow but we would
say it's like a small spear.
264
:So he's frightened, so he just got out of
there after getting off the elephant.
265
:And then the Indian Government
actually gave permission for the Sikhs
266
:to congregate at Ram Lila ground.
267
:So Ram Lila in Delhi
is like a massive open space.
268
:So they gave that permission because
they knew Sikhs would come en masse.
269
:Indira Gandhi came to
that programme as well.
270
:And Sant Kartar Singh was doing
Chaur Sahib when she walks in.
271
:Now, Indira Gandhi's fanboys let's say,
who were sitting on the stage came off the stage
272
:to welcome her into the Diwan.
273
:And Sant Kartar Singh
was very angry about this
274
:& then criticised the Sikhs
who walked off the stage
275
:to welcome her to say that Guru Granth
Sahib is here the King of all Kings.
276
:How dare you welcome the Prime Minister
of the country like that because no one's higher
277
:than Guru Granth Sahib
in their Darbar.
278
:The other leaders also praised her
off the stage, when they did their speeches
279
:& also said that one of her sons
who was Sanjay Gandhi is also married
280
:in Punjab to a Punjabi girl.
281
:So we have a double
relationship with Delhi.
282
:One that Indira Gandhi is the Prime Minister
& secondly she's married off her son to Punjab.
283
:Sant Kartar Singh also criticised the leaders
for saying that & also told Indira Gandhi
284
:to wait & listen to his speech
& what he's about to say to her directly.
285
:Now, this is also recorded, someone has got the
spool in the UK, but they don't release it.
286
:Pehnji might have seen it, Mata Ji has actually
been to see it, it's in Wolverhampton.
287
:A spool on like old recordings.
288
:The actual recording
does exist.
289
:Sant Kartar Singh then criticised the
leaders & her directly & said that
290
:she had become the leader of Delhi
& she said she came to pay respects
291
:to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur as the leader of Delhi
& Sant Ji said that Delhi wouldn't have
292
:a government or any power
you'd all be in burqas, if the Mughals
293
:had continued their oppression,
but it's only Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur
294
:giving their Shaheedi
that stopped that occurring.
295
:So the Delhi Darbar should
always pay obeisance here &
296
:it's only because of Sri Guru
Tegh Bahadur that you even exist,
297
:otherwise you would have been
cleared off the face of the earth.
298
:At that point, she learns who they are,
& learns the word that this is Bhindranwale
299
:& from that point she makes an
agenda to go against the Taksal
300
:& because she was challenged
in such a way, she was used to people
301
:praising her & not
challenging her, in any way.
302
:Then, she wanted to oppress the Sikhs
from that point on, so no other Sikh
303
:could ever challenge her
in this way again.
304
:After Ram Lila Ground the Damdami Taksal
became an eyesore for the government.
305
:Then, the government started promoting
the concept of fake gurus in Punjab.
306
:The Nirankaris were publicised/promoted
to create doubt in the minds of Punjabis.
307
:As they knew the fame of the Bhindranwale
Taksal was increasing daily & was loved by all.
308
:The Sikhs of Punjab were following them,
so doubt in the minds of Sikhs should be created.
309
:Many fake gurus were created
& promoted in Punjab.
310
:People got entrapped in this
net, this was done methodically.
311
:Some people knowingly or unknowingly
became followers (of these fakes).
312
:Sant Giani Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale
preached intensely against these fakes Gurus.
313
:Like I have already mentioned, they would
stand up & preach for 14 hours a day at a time.
314
:This continued for a while.
315
:Then, in 1977, 1 Bhadroa on 16th August,
Sant Giani Kartar SIngh Khalsa
316
:left for Sachkand, due to
a car accident.
317
:All Singhs of prominence, my father & others,
unanimously agreed to appoint Sant Giani
318
:Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale as
the 14th Leader of Damdami Taksal.
319
:At that time, when Sant Jarnail Singh was
appointed my father was doing a master's degree.
320
:Few people know that he was
a very learned academician.
321
:He was not only a warrior.
322
:His studies & academics
was of the highest level.
323
:He was a medallist in graduation.
324
:He had a post-graduation
master's degree in Punjabi.
325
:He was a medallist
from the university.
326
:Giani Ditt Singh, Mohinder Singh, Mool Singh
medal was awarded to him which is still at home.
327
:After that, he started his research work,
his PhD on 'Guru Nanak as a Traveller'.
328
:He was doing it, but due to June 1984,
he was not able to complete his PhD.
329
:At the time, when Sant Giani Jarnail Singh got
appointed he got my father to make a vow.
330
:He said he would only lead the Taksal if Bhai
Amrik Singh Ji supported him throughout.
331
:My father would initially wear a normal
turban, with blazers, shirts & trousers.
332
:He was the man of Khalsa
College, such a personality.
333
:He was top in academics,
with a top personality.
334
:His lifestyle according to the teachings
of the Guru's was foremost too.
335
:His martyrdom was also
of the highest level.
336
:Martyrdom at the
most sacred site.
337
:There was no
compromise anywhere,
338
:because we claim sovereignty as Sikhs,
we are not tempted by minor things.
339
:So, they got this promise
from him, from my father.
340
:Then, my father stayed with him,
living permanently at Mehta.
341
:They started wearing a
chola & round turban.
342
:Then, this duet started such a
social wave/movement & battle,
343
:that they both stayed together
even until their last breaths.
344
:The love they had for each other, cannot
be described but we saw it & experienced it.
345
:I'm going to come
to the end part now.
346
:When I was younger,
I used to visit there.
347
:I used to go
to Amritsar often.
348
:My father became the President of the All
a Sikh Students Federation in:
349
:At that time, the All India Sikh Students
Federation had grown so much in Punjab that
350
:in the 80s, that the membership
on the records of the time
351
:was more than 3.5 lakh
(350,000 members).
352
:Without registration, there
was no end to supporters.
353
:Not only in Punjab, but in other states
too, in schools & colleges,
354
:in universities, there
were federation units.
355
:Rejuvenation of the Sikh
Nation was underway.
356
:The Damdami Taksal was also operating as the
travelling university of the Guru's Teachings.
357
:And, the federation,
a rejuvenating force.
358
:This combination of youth &
Gurmat (the Guru's Teachings).
359
:Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Khalsa
led the teachings of Gurmat.
360
:The youth was led by my respected
father, Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh.
361
:So, this combination,
after the Gurus period,
362
:I feel that it is one of the best
combinations of Sikh history.
363
:This combination of the two souls,
of leadership & management.
364
:Everything is ordained by God,
God send's his army to do their duties
365
:to give martyrdoms or complete
their God given missions.
366
:But, I will still share a
small incident with you.
367
:How dedicated he
was in this mission.
368
:Day & night, in the service
of the Sikh Nation.
369
:He used to talk about creating
a home for the Sikh Nation.
370
:I will give you an example,
when we would go to Amritsar.
371
:My father's room used
to be on the left hand
372
:stairs of Guru Ram Das Langar,
you may have seen it.
373
:There is the Ramgharia Bunga there,
next to Baba Kharak Singh's Dera.
374
:He had a room
there for resting.
375
:The room in the veranda, under the
stairs on the left, food would be
376
:cooked & the office of
the Federation was next to it.
377
:When we would go there, we were
not allowed to stay there permanently.
378
:Nor was Jarnail Singh's family, allowed
to reside permanently there in Amritsar.
379
:But, we were small children then (sisters),
we would want to visit our father
380
:they would be surrounded by
Singhs & busy all the time.
381
:He would see us
from a distance.
382
:Then, he would ask us, have you
paid obeisance to Guru Ramdas?
383
:Have you bathed
(done ishnaan in the sarovar)?
384
:If we said no,
he would say go.
385
:Do ishnaan first, pay obeisance to Guru Ram Das,
then go to see Sant Jarnail Singh (get their darshan).
386
:Then, come to me.
387
:This was the respect they taught, not that
his children have come after a year or two
388
:& I should meet them,
& ask how they are.
389
:No. First, the Sikh Nation, then your
beliefs, then your duty, then your family.
390
:My younger sister was about 3 years old,
there was a press conference taking place,
391
:this was in 1983.
If I'm not mistaken,
392
:this was in 1983.
If I'm not mistaken,
393
:Bhai Surinder Singh Sodhi
had been martyred.
394
:I'm not confirmed
(not sure of the date).
395
:It was after that.
396
:It was a few days later.
397
:I don't remember
the year now.
398
:The journalists had come.
399
:It was a press conference.
400
:Yes.
401
:My sister was crying,
402
:She started throwing a tantrum that she wants
5 Rupees off my dad, it was a lot of money then.
403
:She was crying, seeing her father
after a long time & wanted 5 Rupees.
404
:My father just ignored her.
405
:For 10 minutes, 15 minutes,
30 minutes, she just kept crying.
406
:He didn't care for,
didn't give her his attention.
407
:Then, when a child knows no-one is paying attention
they start crying louder to get attention.
408
:When she started crying louder,
realising she was now disturbing him.
409
:He took 5 rupees from his pocket.
His pockets would be full of (cash) notes.
410
:He took a 5 rupee note
& put it in her hand.
411
:The poor girl had grown tired of crying & fell
asleep there, with the 5 rupees in her hand.
412
:My father continued
his press conference.
413
:When he saw that she has fallen asleep he
took the 5 rupees & put it back in his pocket.
414
:All the journalists left.
415
:A senior Singh from the
Taksal came and said,
416
:"Respected brother, what
kind of father are you?
417
:Does any father
act like this?
418
:Your daughter has come
after so many years.
419
:She cried for half an
hour for the 5 rupees.
420
:If you gifted it to her, you
shouldn't have taken it back.
421
:When she wakes up she
will look for the 5 rupees again.
422
:You took it & put it
back in your pocket.
423
:He said, "Shut up."
424
:Keep your mouth closed.
425
:He said, "I feel ashamed that such Singhs are
with me, is your thinking so limited?
426
:What do you think? The Sikh Nation has put this
money in my pocket, for them, not for my children.
427
:This money is the right of the
Sikh Nation (owned by them).
428
:This money is to create the
nations home, for the struggle.
429
:This is poison
for my children.
430
:I don't want my children
to eat this poison.
431
:If they have the capability,
my blood in them, my values
432
:then they will earn
their own money.
433
:I can't give this
money to my children.
434
:I can't betray the
Sikh Nation.
435
:He never asked us, how our
studies are? How we live?
436
:He didn't care for it.
437
:When leaving, he would say we are to become
highly educated, recite Gurbani & memorise it.
438
:He would say things like
this & nothing more.
439
:I saw that scene with my own eyes, when
Bhai Surinder Singh Sodhi attained martyrdom.
440
:A cook (Langari) was holding me,
Bhai Sawinder Singh from village Gairi.
441
:He has now been martyred & his photo
p in the Shaheedi Gallery (of:
442
:He often would pick us up,
cradle us & feed us too.
443
:When Sodhi was shot in the
Sindhi Hotel outside (the complex).
444
:A commotion began that
"Sodhi has been killed."
445
:All of a sudden everyone's
attention went there,
446
:as many bullets were fired in his chest,
they were making sure he wouldn't survive.
447
:In an injured condition, Sodhi
was carried into the complex.
448
:A commotion began, Sawinder Singh
wanted to see Sodhi & was cradling me.
449
:He came to see him & brought
me along, whilst cradling me.
450
:When the Singhs brought Sodhi in,
he was injured & bleeding;
451
:on the right hand side of Guru Ram Das Langar there
is a shabeel (water point), which is there even today.
452
:It used to have water taps back then.
They brought Sodhi there & we arrived there too.
453
:Sodhi breathed his last breath there,
at the time I was a child, so didn't realise.
454
:There, the Singhs put water
into his mouth from the taps.
455
:Some Singhs went in pursuit of the assassins,
the male assassin was called Shinda.
456
:They didn't find Shinda that day but
found the female assassin there & then.
457
:When Sodhi was martyred, they put water in his mouth,
his arms extended down & he had been martyred by then.
458
:When Sant Ji & my father found out,
everyone came there & moved Sodhi's body
459
:to the veranda in front of the Langar Hall
& some Singhs left to get Sodhi's sister.
460
:In those days, on that evening, I saw that
this Morcha/struggle had got to this point.
461
:The Dharam Yudh Morcha
which was ongoing at the time.
462
:Actually, the Morcha began
due to the false imprisonment
463
:of Baba Thara Singh & my father. They were
arrested when challenging false charges of others,
464
:when they went to court to represent Singhs.
They were then arrested there under a false conspiracy,
465
:both my father & Baba Thara SIngh.
466
:Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Khalsa was at
Mehta at the time (of their arrests).
467
:From Amritsar, my Chacha (paternal uncle) rang
Mehta to say Bhai Amrik Singh has been arrested.
468
:The Singh who answered the call
said Sant Ji has a fever.
469
:But, he insisted that he needed to speak
to Sant Ji directly due to Bhai Amrik Singhs arrest.
470
:He spoke to Sant Jarnail Singh
on the landline at Mehta.
471
:When Sant Ji learnt of the
arrests of Bhai Amrik Singh
472
:& Baba Thara Singh, he came
to Amritsar, even whilst ill.
473
:First, they planned to surround
the police station directly,
474
:attack it & free Bhai Amrik
Singh & Baba Thara Singh.
475
:They couldn't bear these arrests due to their love
for Bhai Amrik Singh. How is it possible to arrest them?
476
:Sant Ji first said lets
go to the police station.
477
:But some leading Singhs said this could be
detrimental, let's fight this legally.
478
:So that the government isn't given
an opportunity, to use against us.
479
:Then Sant Jee did an Ardas (supplication prayer) at
Sri Akal Takhat Sahib & started the Dharam Yudh Morcha.
480
:Sikhs started to court arrest daily,
the jails were overflowing with Sikhs.
481
:The government then had to free my father,
even though they didn't want to.
482
:They would free you of one charge
& put new charges on you immediately.
483
:When my father was freed
I was with him that day.
484
:The Sikhs almost carried him
out after he was cleared,
485
:& the Sikhs huddled him out
before they could charge him again.
486
:But, Sant Ji & the Singhs had said
we will not leave him there now.
487
:The tussle between the
government had got to this stage
488
:& the government was now
an enemy of Damdami Taksal.
489
:The Indian government had planned
to now finish Damdami Taksal.
490
:The elimination of Damdami Taksal
was now a permanent agenda.
491
:They thought, Damdami Taksal or Sant Ji, when they
see the power of the Indian army they would run away.
492
:As if 2 police officers come to
a village, they can control it all.
493
:They thought,'When they see our weaponry & the
army out in force, they won't be able to stay there'.
494
:It wasn't that Sant Jarnail Singh, Bhai Amrik Singh
& Baba Thara Singh didn't know the attack would occur.
495
:They knew.
496
:They were ready & waiting.
497
:And, they waited for the day
to become martyred.
498
:Many times my father had said to the family,
I daily ask for martyrdom in our Ardas from Guru Ji.
499
:This was his only wish & that his martyrdom
doesn't occur anywhere else but at the feet of
500
:Guru Ram Das & Guru Hargobind Sahib & the
bullet should not penetrate him through his back,
501
:it should be in the chest.
This was his desire.
502
:Daily, he prayed for this.
503
:Then, when the attack occurred on the 1st June
Bhai Mehnga Singh Babbar & 2 others were martyred.
504
:On the 2nd June, the government lifted the
curfew, allowing people to leave the complex.
505
:In fact, they did announce people could leave
but they didn't stop people entering the complex.
506
:The governments agenda was clear
all those entering would be trapped.
507
:The government wanted to enact genocide
of the Sikhs & install fear in them.
508
:They wanted to murder Sikhs en masse
to destroy the Sikhs spirit & confidence.
509
:So, they cannot even think of speaking
against the government (again).
510
:So they no longer speak
of becoming independent.
511
:Fear should be
instilled in them.
512
:But, the government didn't know
the Sikhs there, are already ready to die.
513
:They didn't fear death.
They were elated (at the thought of it).
514
:Can you imagine? Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji,
we have learnt that in those days, when they
515
:learnt of the impending attack
the Singhs put on new clothes & turbans.
516
:They cleaned their Kakkars (kirpans & karas).
They argued with each other for more bullets.
517
:They had only one aim,
we are to die but
518
:we should kill more than anyone
else & attain martyrdom like this.
519
:General Subegh Singh had given orders that
the Singhs are only to fire when one bullet can
520
:penetrate four to five army soldiers,
as they had so little bullets.
521
:On the other side, was the Indian state,
that had cannons, grenades, bombs, tanks,
522
:armoured vehicles, specialist squads,
parachute commanders, helicopters,
523
:what kind of facilities
does the government not have?
524
:On the other side a small number
of Singhs (to counter them).
525
:The Singhs only had a total of
1 or 2 rocket launchers.
526
:When the tanks entered,
first Bhai Mohr Singh's whole family
527
:were martyred at the
Baba Deep Singh Gurdwara.
528
:When the tank came in front of them one of
the Singhs fired the rocket launcher (unsure who).
529
:When the rocket launcher
was fired the government made
530
:out they had vast arms, but in
reality they did not (the Singhs).
531
:They only had home-made
poor weapons.
532
:Just before the attack Sant Ji, my father
& General Subegh Singh distributed weapons
533
:to the Babbars & Kar Seva
Jatha Singhs from Hazur Sahib.
534
:Whoever had two weapons, had one taken
off them & it was distributed amongst others.
535
:On the 2nd June when the curfew was
lifted that was my last meeting with my father.
536
:Present were my paternal grandmother,
my younger sister & my mother
537
:& another paternal
grandmother (relative).
538
:My father came & my maternal
uncle was with him,
539
:he was martyred there too,
my other maternal uncle lived on.
540
:In this last meeting, there was not even
one percent of any worry or stress even
541
:upon his face, that something
catastrophic is about to transpire.
542
:He had no signs of fear,
confusion, nothing.
543
:Rather he was in higher spirits than
normal, with his saffron turban on
544
:that scene comes in
front of my eyes
545
:that white bana (chola),
his hazooria & weapon.
546
:He would wear a pistol over his
clothes he had two licensed guns.
547
:A pistol, which you can see in
the photos, & his strap of bullets.
548
:He also had a carbine which is
a gun, this big, like a machine gun.
549
:Those were his personal
licensed firearms.
550
:He gave his carbine to some youths
& told them to wait outside the room.
551
:He got us seated & sat down cross-legged
himself, my mother was seated too.
552
:With a relaxed demeanour he asked,
"Are you all well? Have you eaten?"
553
:He said, "Ok, so you
should all go home now.
554
:My mother asked,
"Where should we go?"
555
:He said, "The curfew has been relaxed
so you can leave, the situation will get worse
556
:once it is reintroduced, so leave
with the children as quickly as you can.
557
:He had me seated in one lap
& my sister in the other, he gave us
558
:a lot of love, possibly the first time
he showed us so much love.
559
:He said to my mother,
"I have some duties for you.
560
:Get these children educated
to the highest standard.
561
:Don't think these are girls &
let's not get them educated.
562
:It was a trend in Punjab at the time
that girls were put through less schooling.
563
:Get them educated to the highest
standard to whatever they want to study
564
:with the highest grades in their
degrees, they are not to be halted.
565
:Two or three more duties
were narrated to my mother.
566
:He explained what is to
be done in the future.
567
:My mother asked him,
"Why are you talking like this today?
568
:How will I do these huge
tasks by myself?
569
:Where are you
going to go?"
570
:He simply & easily replied,
"I am going to be martyred."
571
:Not any reaction.
572
:He said,
"I am going to be martyred.
573
:The day I was awaiting, the day I begged daily to
come from Guru Ramdas, has now arrived.
574
:Now, the responsibilty is upon your
shoulders, I am going to be martyred.
575
:He passed me to my grandmother
giving her my arm to hold on to.
576
:My mother said,
"I will not leave. I will stay here.
577
:I cannot leave you. If you
are to become Shaheed so will we.
578
:We are two sisters & one brother.
My brother was born in August:
579
:So my mother had family
on the way (heavily pregnant).
580
:My father said, "Ok, if Sant Kartar Singhs
lineage is to continue, you will be saved
581
:but I am not going to look back at where you
are, just go & sit where the rest of the women are.
582
:He didn't care (to look back),
as the Sikh Nation was primary for him.
583
:His responsibility to the Sikh Nation
& the Guru was primary for him.
584
:His family came second. Guru Gobind
Singh also sacrificed his family.
585
:The Sikh Nation was
primary for Guru Ji.
586
:Sant Giani Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale's
Jatha went to Rampur Khera annually.
587
:Before I was born, I was born
after Sant Kartar Singh went to Sachkand.
588
:My mother was sitting nearby
& this happened at Rampur Khera.
589
:Baba Harnam Singh was seated
there & Sant Kartar Singh asked,
590
:"Baba Ji, where is the wind coming from?"
It was evening & they were seated on the rooftop.
591
:Baba Harnam Singh signalled with his
hand & said it is coming from this direction.
592
:Sant Kartar Singh: "Baba Harnam Singh Ji,
Chamkaur Sahib is in that direction.
593
:The blood of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh
was spilt there, the wind is coming from there.
594
:Both the saints said, lets do Ardas (supplication prayer),
they both stood up & readied to do the Ardas.
595
:Sant Kartar SIngh supplicated, "O plumed
true sovereign (10th Guru), you sacrificed
596
:all four sons, you didn't even keep
one alive for yourself.
597
:I am your humble Sikh, I cannot compare to you.
I have two sons, sacrifice one to your cause.
598
:So, the time now dawned in June 1984 & the Ardas
of Sant Kartar Singh was to be fulfilled.
599
:So, the time had come for one son
to be sacrificed for the Sikh Nation.
600
:Sant Kartar Singh had nurtured Bhai
Amrik Singh to give martyrdom.
601
:He wasn't raised to lead the
Federation or raise his family.
602
:He had asked, begged for
martyrdom for his son.
603
:Then, when that time came, they were
all excited, like it was a festival or wedding.
604
:They donned new clothes, they meticulously
layered their turbans when tying them.
605
:His personality was that radiant,
you couldn't look him in the eyes.
606
:His radiance was such,
those souls were different.
607
:It was God's doing.
608
:Children have attachment to their father
& I held onto the corner of his chola (garment).
609
:When he passed me
by the arm to my grandmother
610
:firing of bullets had stopped then, when
bullets were fired, you couldn't hear anything.
611
:I held onto the corner of his chola
& said, "I am not going to leave.
612
:I will do my schooling here."
But he ... sorry.
613
:Bole So Nihal - Those that utter God's Name,
are freed of all anguish
614
:Sat Sri Akaal!
The true supreme God is immortal.
615
:Then, he passed my hand
to my grandmother. We left there.
616
:But my mother & younger sister
remained there & left on the 5th June
617
:when the tanks entered.
618
:From the Akal Takhat Sant Ji ...
my father's first point of battle
619
:was on Guru Ramdas Langar.
He moved around all defensive positions
620
:encouraging the Singhs, supplying
anything that was needed.
621
:I saw the defensive positions at
the top of the Ramgharia Bunga.
622
:The Singhs were seated with a
heap of bullets next to them.
623
:Their gun would be pointed out
of the small openings.
624
:With a packet of roasted black chickpeas
next to them & just a bucket of water.
625
:With nothing else.
626
:Seated like those at Chamkaur
dee Garhi, in high spirits
627
:with no fear of tanks
entering or cannons.
628
:Just one sound resonating, that
may we attain martyrdom quickly.
629
:But before martyrdom we
should take out 10-15 of them.
630
:Not leaving alone
(without killing others).
631
:This was their spirit,
passion & radiance.
632
:You could feel the power emanating
in the parkarma (walkway) of Guru Ramdas.
633
:Guru Gobind Singh is reminding us of
the scene at Chamkaur Dee Garhi again.
634
:It actually felt like this.
635
:We didn't know what
happened as we had left.
636
:My mother was there & she
tells us what she saw & experienced.
637
:She said one bomb would explode,
causing a dust storm in the heat of June.
638
:The government bombed the
water tank, so Sikhs die of thirst.
639
:They cut the electricity.
640
:Much explosions & firing took place in the
summer heat, but they did not lose heart.
641
:Until the end, they fought, & now tanks had
entered. Many Singhs had attained martyrdom.
642
:When my father was defending
from the Guru Ramdas Langar,
643
:the government tried to parachute
soldiers in via a helicopter.
644
:As the army was failing to
enter via any direction.
645
:The battleground strategy was
led by General Subegh Singh.
646
:When the army would enter, they would
shoot them in the ankles. Bodies would pile up.
647
:They couldn't work out where
the bullets were being fired from.
648
:The government failed for 2 or 3 days,
they then decided to parachute soldiers in.
649
:My father with his LMG didn't allow
one soldier to land, without being shot.
650
:This plan failed
& the helicopter left.
651
:Then, Sant Ji sent a message to Bhai
Amrik Singh to come to the Akal Takhat,
652
:as his position was no longer safe,
Sant Ji loved him more than life.
653
:They were like two bodies
with the same life force.
654
:Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa
Bhindranvale loved him a lot.
655
:When my father was in jail, I would
daily go to Sant Ji in the evening.
656
:I would ask when is
my daddy coming back?
657
:If Sant Ji were drinking skanjvi he
would give it to me to divert my attention.
658
:He would say drink this
& say Amrik Singh will come.
659
:Then, the day my father came back...
there is a photo with the media.
660
:That day Sant Ji cradled me
& asked, "Are you happy now?"
661
:Your dad has come back.
662
:I didn't know it would be my last
ime seeing my father (in June:
663
:Then, when Sant Ji called my
father to the Akal Takhat Sahib.
664
:This was on 5th June. There was a Ragi
Singh there (hymn singer),
665
:bullets were reigning down like rain,
this Ragi was hiding behind a pillar.
666
:He had come to do his
duty & got stuck there.
667
:He met us afterwards,
I cannot recall his name now.
668
:He was hiding behind the pillar,
seated there, avoiding the gunfire.
669
:My father asked him,
"What are you doing seated here?"
670
:He said, "I am just saving myself."
Amrik Singh: "Are you scared of dying?"
671
:Ragi: "Yes."
Amrik Singh: "Are you thinking of your family?"
672
:Ragi: "Yes. I don't
feel like dying.
673
:Amrik Singh: "If you don't feel like
dying, then we won't let you die.
674
:Come, I will help you escape."
Ragi: "I can't leave here."
675
:Amrik Singh: "Why?"
Ragi: "If you help me escape,
676
:outside there will be the army, they
will assume I am a combatant & kill me.
677
:If I survive that, your Singhs will kill
me, saying I am a traitor for escaping.
678
:I will die regardless, hence
why I am hiding here."
679
:Amrik Singh: "No, let's go. If you
feel like this, no-one will kill you."
680
:Bhai Amrik Singh took him by the arm
& led him to a narrow alley at the back
681
:of the Akal Takhat. He was told
to walk straight on & no-one would kill him.
682
:He met us many
times afterwards too.
683
:He clutched Bhai Amrik Singh's feet.
Ragi: "Brother, you escape too.
684
:You can escape too,
there is a safe path."
685
:Amrik Singh: "I didn't bring
you here for this.
686
:To escape with you,
do not try to weaken me too?"
687
:The Ragi then apologised & asked
what message should I covey to others?
688
:Amrik Singh: "A son, will be born in my home.
Celebrate his birth. Do not cry for my martyrdom.
689
:Celebrate it." He was arrested.
When freed he came to see us.
690
:He told us about
this conversation.
691
:Then, on the night of the 5th June
they decided to all attain martyrdom.
692
:As tanks & the army had entered the
complex, the Singhs couldn't tolerate
693
:soldiers entering the parkarma
(walkway) with their boots on.
694
:They chose martyrdom over
accepting this sacrilege.
695
:They read their final prayer (Kirtan Sohila)
& yearned to enter the cradle of the Tenth Guru.
696
:One author has stated that my father
along with 4 other Singhs, wanted to command
697
:Sant Ji to leave like the Singhs
had done with Guru Ji at Chamkaur.
698
:So, the Sikh Nation has Sant Ji
after the attack to provide leadership.
699
:They had just stood up (5 Singhs),
Sant Ji said, "Before you say anything
700
:listen to what I have to say.
I know what you want to say.
701
:Do not say it to me.
I cannot accept this request.
702
:The first leader of the Taksal
Baba Deep Singh attained martyrdom.
703
:To uphold the sanctity
of this place.
704
:Baba Gurbakash Singh the leader of the Taksal (second),
was also martyred for the same reasons.
705
:I am also the 14th leader of the Taksal,
my time for martyrdom has come, I will not leave.
706
:Ask Bhai Amrik Singh if he wants to leave,
he can provide leadership post the attack.
707
:My father said, "Sant Ji, the agitation
all started with my arrest.
708
:What would I say if I left? That Sant Kartar
Singhs son, chose escape over martyrdom?
709
:The promise of staying together, will transpire,
we will be together to the end now."
710
:At night on the 5th June
they made this collective decision.
711
:The eye witnesses who saw this, tell us,
the evening Rehras (prayer)... look bullets
712
:are hailing down, death is nearing
with every passing second.
713
:They are this fearless, they
said, "Let's do Rehras first."
714
:On the 5th June, my maternal uncle
read the Rehras to my father.
715
:Then, on the 6th June they did their
morning prayers & prepared doing
716
:an Ardas (supplication prayer)
at the feet of Guru Hargobind Sahib.
717
:Saying, "True Sovereign, bless
us with martyrdom but we do
718
:not want liberation, bless us with
rebirths & Shaheedi until the Sikh Nation
719
:attains it's own homeland."
Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal.
720
:attains it's own homeland."
Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal.
721
:Then, Sant Jee placed his spear at the
spot where the 6th Guru's weapons are
722
:Then, Sant Jee placed his spear at the
spot where the 6th Guru's weapons are
723
:& tied their kamarkase (waistbands)
& came down shouting
724
:war cries down the stairs
towards the Nishan Sahibs.
725
:It was all a killing ground in front of
the Akal Takhat to the Darshan Deori.
726
:The military were there & a
tank was there too.
727
:Sant Ji opened fire on the army
going towards the Darshan Deori.
728
:The army then bombed the approaching
Singhs & Sant Ji attained martyrdom.
729
:My father took the support of
the Nishan Sahibs, as he was injured.
730
:He fought defending from here
& was taking fire & bombardment
731
:he was fatally wounded in the
chest, which is what he desired.
732
:He wanted to be
shot face on.
733
:He used to say to my mother,
"You do a lot of daily prayers,
734
:supplicate for me, that I should
be shot face on & not in my back."
735
:This wish was
fulfilled by Guru Ji.
736
:He attained Shaheedi
between the Nishan Sahibs.
737
:All the Singhs attained Shaheedi.
The army feared them that much
738
:that they shot the dead bodies of the
Singhs again when approaching them.
739
:To ensure they didn't get
up, to start killing again.
740
:Due to the bravery with which
the Singhs fought this battle.
741
:Like the Chamkaur battle,
history repeated itself.
742
:Exactly the same.
743
:That whole scene of
Guru Gobind Singh.
744
:We didn't witness previous historical battles
but we saw more than half of this one.
745
:Those that fought & got
Shaheed are great.
746
:Guru Gobind Singh is great
as are his Singhs.
747
:Today, 40 years have passed.
748
:But, the wounds are still fresh
& they sacrificed, for all of you.
749
:They gave Shaheedi for
you, not for us.
750
:Their family was not primary
for them, the Sikh Nation was.
751
:If they were mine,
they were yours too.
752
:They expected the Sikh Nation to
awaken after they left.
753
:Our homeland should be made, our youth
should practice the Guru's Teachings.
754
:Now, the responsibility is
upon your shoulders.
755
:You are all their sons/children.
756
:I am not primary (you are),
he gave birth to me.
757
:But, his spirit lives on in you.
758
:Many of you are to become
Bhai Amrik Singh,
759
:one of you could become
General Subegh Singh
760
:or Baba Thara Singh. We cannot say
what God will get us to do, blessing us.
761
:This service & responsibilities
are not dependent upon your family,
762
:nor relatives, so my supplication
whilst clasping my hands is
763
:pure blood was sacrificed there.
Remember that.
764
:Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa,
Vaheguru ji ki Fateh!
765
:Bole So Nihal
Sat Sri Akaal.
766
:Khalistan Zindabad,
may the homeland of the pure/Khalsa, live on!
767
:Sister, we are very grateful
for your contribution.
768
:A final question from the
Singhs, then it is time for Langar.
769
:You have visited the west. What can
the Sikhs here do for freedom & for Punjab?
770
:How can positive changes
be made in Punjab.
771
:Very good question.
772
:There is a time (for everything).
773
:Many of you would have studied history
from Guru Nanak Sahib to the present day.
774
:When Guru Gobind Singh sent Baba Banda
Singh Bahadur to Punjab as a leader.
775
:He became Shaheed too. The Sikh
Nation became leaderless then too.
776
:Sikhs had bounties upon their heads,
we were enemies of the state.
777
:Our historical Gurdwaras
were attacked.
778
:Genocides were enacted to destroy us
morally, socially, politically & religiously.
779
:The government always thought
Sikhs are now extinct.
780
:But, then 2 Sikhs like Baba Bota Singh
& Baba Garja Singh would show our rule.
781
:No one can subjugate
the Sikh Nation or Punjab.
782
:So long as the concept of,
'the Khalsa shall rule' exists
783
:no one can
subjugate the Sikhs.
784
:Bole So Nihal,
Sat Srik Akaal!
785
:As if even if one Sikhs shouts
'the Khalsa shall rule,' the rule exists.
786
:There, 2 Sikhs did this, Baba Bota Singh & Baba
Garja Singh, we are not in a worse state than them.
787
:So what if our Sikhs
gave Shaheedi (in present times)?
788
:So what if Sikh men, women & children
have been sacrificed. We are here.
789
:In great numbers we exist,
but each thing has it's timing.
790
:Now, it isn't necessary to take up arms
& fight in Punjab (like we did in the past).
791
:Guru Sahib taught us strategy too.
792
:Guru Gobind Singh fought
his last battle at Mukatsar.
793
:Guru Ji was at a raised position as had
been His battle strategy previously.
794
:The enemy could be seen from here. This is
why the fort was selected at Chamkaur too.
795
:Guru Ji could have just fought
in the battlefield there too, but no
796
:Guru Ji wanted to teach us, that even
in calamity, be calm & strategically plan,
797
:to traverse the challenges.
We are in the same situation.
798
:I have already said,
history repeats himself.
799
:Our current situation has
existed before with Sikhs.
800
:Doubts are created, our institutions are
maligned, our leaders are disrespected,
801
:divisions & conflict is created,
so Sikhs kill one another.
802
:Or argue continuously over matters
of religious divergence of beliefs,
803
:should we read Raagmala or not,
the length of Mool Mantar
804
:& creating doubts in Guru
Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj,
805
:or other divisions are created. These are man
made, primarily we should not get stuck in them.
806
:Our first duty is to
rise above these things.
807
:Read as much Gurbani as you can,
it's about your love & faith.
808
:Guru Sahib says read as much as
you can, recite with every breath.
809
:Sikh organisations represent different
flowers in the bouquet of the Sikh Nation.
810
:They are the Sikh Nation's pillars. Be it
Nirmalas, Nihangs, Taksal or others.
811
:Wherever our faith is (organisationally)
doesn't matter as our base
812
:is Guru Granth
Sahib Ji Maharaj.
813
:Firstly, we need to escape divisions of "You are
from Buddha Dal; a Taksali; from Sur Singh; or a Nirmala."
814
:Sant Jarnail Singh respected all
organisations & their leaders.
815
:These divisions shouldn't enter
us, I don't know how they have.
816
:In Guru Gobind Singhs army there were
divergent beliefs, the Udasi Mahants fought
817
:as did 500 Pathans,
Guru Ji accepted them all.
818
:Bhai Ghaniya Ji gave water to the enemy
Guru Ji accepted him & gave him bandages to use.
819
:Strategy dictates it is not
the time for armed struggle.
820
:We need to succeed academically.
You may not know, when my father
821
:was studying his Masters at
Khalsa College Amritsar,
822
:he didn't have the money to pay
the fees & he wanted to quit.
823
:At the time my grandfather was the leader
of the Damdami Taksal & Sant Jarnail Singh
824
:Khalsa Bhindranwale would visit my father
in his hostel, they loved each other like brothers.
825
:Sant Ji was a personal assistant at
the time (of Sant Kartar Singh).
826
:He went to see my
father in the hostel,
827
:he wanted Singhs who were
educated to the highest level too.
828
:My father told him, he is considering halting
his studies due to the fees from next year.
829
:Sant Ji: "You are not to stop your
studies. Tell me what the fees are."
830
:Sant Ji returned to Mehta & discussed
the matter with Baba Thara Singh.
831
:They didn't tell Sant Kartar Singh as he
didn't discuss any worldly or family matters.
832
:Sant Jarnail Singh & Baba Thara Singh
decided to raise the money for the fees.
833
:They rented some land & sub let
some of it, making a profit.
834
:They did this all without
Sant Kartar Singhs permission.
835
:The profit then paid the
fees for my father's studies.
836
:They said, "Have this. Pay your
fees. Don't stop your studies.
837
:We want educated Singhs
in the Jatha (Taksal)."
838
:The priority is our daily practice
of prayers, to learn about our history,
839
:to be aware of our duties. We are
to be high academic achievers too.
840
:This is very important. Let's say
we get Khalistan tomorrow,
841
:who will be the education
minister out of you?
842
:If we are educated ourselves, can we
become the education minister.
843
:Someone out of you will be in charge
of the army, another revenue, another tax.
844
:So lets become deserving too.
845
:With high academic attainment,
with knowledge of our history.
846
:We are to have our daily practice
that the Guru's taught & we are not
847
:to enter doubt/divisions. We should know
the difference between information & knowledge
848
:on social media, this is very important.
Social media is the most damaging to us today.
849
:We are accepting all information as
wisdom, either knowingly or unknowingly,
850
:which is creating internal
conflict & doubts (in Sikhs).
851
:Anyone like me, who is incompetent
adds some information onto social media
852
:after reading it, we think we have gained
much wisdom from social media.
853
:You do not even fact check it. We should
verify to stop false information spreading.
854
:If we have small differences, we
should not share them on social media.
855
:Our priority should to join our children
to Punjabi & unshorn hair in a top-knot.
856
:This is why I prefer Punjabi.
857
:This is why I spoke in Punjabi.
In our homes & when we get Khalistan
858
:the language will
be Punjabi not English.
859
:Join your children with the wisdom of the Gurus,
your language & excellent educational attainment.
860
:Share Sikh History & the history
of the Guru's with your children.
861
:Lighting the spark of Sikhi
is very important.
862
:The day that spark has finished in us,
that day we will end too.
863
:Singhs never become extinct,
even if killed en masse.
864
:Take out this doubt that someone
can subjugate us or kill us.
865
:Nobody can kill us. People like
Aurangzeb came & we survived.
866
:Abdali came, yet we prospered. Indira
Gandhi came & went. We are still here.
867
:We do not die out.
868
:There is nothing endangering us.
869
:So long as we have faith & respect for Guru
Granth Sahib Maharaj, they are with us.
870
:This Sikh Nation isn't man-made,
it belongs to Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj.
871
:No man can kill it off. But, when
we break from our Sikh lifestyle we die.
872
:The 10th Guru says, "So long as the Khalsa
remains unique, I will empower it."
873
:We will die when we lose our uniqueness,
when we lose our identity.
874
:We relinquished our language, have not
studied our history, nor made our children
875
:follow the Guru's teachings.
We did not congregate.
876
:We have betrayed our principles,
our Shaheeds, our leaders, our history
877
:& entered internal conflicts due to
doubts, then we will become extinct.
878
:I am pleading with clasped hands, that you start to differentiate between information & knowledge.
879
:Don't take social media for granted
& assume you are knowledgeable.
880
:It isn't always authentic.
881
:Fact check it.
882
:The most foremost is education
& practicing the Guru's teachings.
883
:If we look after our families the Sikh
Nation & Punjab will be catered for.
884
:One of the questions was,
885
:What should the role of
a Singh in married life be?
886
:True say. It would have been better if
you had actually asked a Singh.
887
:We can ask brother (Jarnail Singh).
888
:Women know the
role of a woman.
889
:Still, what do I expect of a Singh?
890
:My first request to you is that,
a woman born & bred in Punjab
891
:would expect her
Singh to know Punjabi.
892
:Both spoken &
understanding of Punjabi.
893
:It's a very good thing to learn other languages,
we should have knowledge of them & it is a talent,
894
:but it's a sin to relinquish
your mother tongue.
895
:So, the priority is that if we don't
develop our speaking skills in Punjabi,
896
:then our second, third, & fourth generations will
ultimately lose their language & Gurmukhi.
897
:At least, we can slow it down.
898
:So, my request to the camp organisers is that you
are doing a very good job & I have come learn from you.
899
:So, I have a small suggestion,
because my field is academia & teaching.
900
:From the last 23 years, from teacher to
head teacher & to administration now.
901
:So I expect one compulsory topic/talk on Gurmukhi,
to develop your communication skills in Punjabi.
902
:We have started to celebrate the birth of Guru Angad
Dev as Gurmukhi Divas (day of Gurmukhi)
903
:in all the schools under
SGPC management.
904
:The ones whose
management I oversee.
905
:So, with this you can make your own
amendments (jn your camp timetable).
906
:So, the question
of the role of a Singh.
907
:First of all, nobody is perfect.
If we accept this.
908
:Nobody is complete.
909
:I don't know in what context this
question has been posed.
910
:But when a woman expects traits of a husband,
somebody she will spend her life with,
911
:it seems to me the list of traits we expect,
we don't hold those virtues ourselves.
912
:But, then we ask for numerous virtues such
as someone who is honest, truthful, brave
913
:smart appearance, good personality
be it blah blah, so many conditions.
914
:We create a long list.
915
:I feel that, they should be human,
down to earth, ready to learn.
916
:Guru Ji has named us Sikhs, we have to learn,
keep on learning for our whole lives.
917
:According to the situation, you might
have to lead your family,
918
:you should be able to
lead at that time.
919
:Where your family will need you,
you might need to help them up discreetly.
920
:As a partner with the family you may
have to support your family discreetly.
921
:Sometimes you may need
to stand in between them
922
:& listen to their problems
& provide solutions.
923
:I think these expectations are
not just for women (wives).
924
:If we have any relationship,
be it a brother's, son's, husband's,
925
:or any other relationship,
926
:when we want it
to function smoothly,
927
:then when both partners
are in good coordination,
928
:then it can be successful.
929
:From both sides.
930
:Either from wife's side,
931
:or from husband's side.
932
:The proper balanced coordination
of both is important.
933
:That's why, Guru Sahib in Gurmat (the
Guru's way) has given equality to the sexes.
934
:Look, at Muslims,
935
:we can't slander any religion, neither do we,
everyone has their own beliefs & faiths.
936
:All religions are good
for those who follow them.
937
:But, there are a lot of
restrictions, for Muslim women,
938
:they can't go inside & pray
(in a place with men).
939
:It is necessary for them to do purda
& many other things.
940
:But our Guru Sahib,has made
the relationship of equality,
941
:that when there is a slight imbalance,
then the other side takes care of it.
942
:So, I feel that, in relationships,
tolerance & contentment
943
:are declining, if these
virtues are regained then,
944
:every relationship can
be fine, as per Gurmat.
945
:On this same question,
946
:what should be the role of
a Singh be for the Sikh nation?
947
:The role of a Singh
for the Sikh Nation
948
:I feel that, in all relationships,
we are dedicated to our nation.
949
:Our every duty, should be
dedicated to the nation.
950
:Guru Sahib has also taught this.
951
:If a Singh wakes up, takes a bath,
& goes to work, this is also his national duty.
952
:Guru Ji's command is that, at anytime,
any Singh or Singhni, whoever it is
953
:whatever type of action they can do,
within their environment
954
:they should do autonomously.
955
:Committing to their
own actions (destiny).
956
:Doing his own work.
957
:Secondly, the Guru's have taught us
how to function & live in the world,
958
:how should this be?
959
:From the morning to
the evening, Guru Ji has said,
960
:'live in the illusive creation
remaining detached from it.'
(332 Ang)
961
:Whatever work we do or job?
962
:Or family business, or organising a wedding,
or any other kind of work,
963
:then we should not
become so imbued in it,
964
:that the worldly vices
or powers, overpower us.
965
:Guruj Ji has taught us that a Sikh is to live
in the world like a lotus flower (lives on water).
966
:All our duties are to be done
without worldly attachment.
967
:We should not
leave the world,
968
:Guru Ji hasn't outlawed
householder life
969
:leave the world & go
to jungles to reside, giving up everything.
970
:Guru Ji says Sikhs have to
fulfil all (worldly) duties.
971
:If needed, then the Sikh should
sacrifice his/her life for the Sikh Nation.
972
:Live a life of forever being ready
(for any circumstance).
973
:If needed, the Sikh should preach the Sikh faith
& surrender their life to this cause.
974
:If needed the Sikh will do other seva (selfless service)
for the propagation of the Guru's wisdom,
975
:which is done independently
without any duality.
976
:Preaching done to not address controversy,
being non-hating (Nirvair) & fearless (Nirbhau) in nature.
977
:This should be done throughout their life
alongside their worldly duties,
978
:this is the teaching
Guru Sahib gave us.
979
:The teachings the Guru has given us
cannot be superseded by anyone else.
980
:That's all I have to say.
If I have knowingly or unknowingly
981
:said something wrong
I ask for forgiveness.
982
:Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa,
Vaheguru ji ki Fateh!
