Episode 32

full
Published on:

5th Jun 2025

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
Speaker:

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!

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About the Podcast

Basics of Sikhi Podcast
A talk show about Sikhi (Sikhism) and all topics related.
Basics of Sikhi Podcast is a relaxed talk show about Sikhism (Sikhi) and topics related.

Most discussions and learning about Sikhi take place in a formal setting like a Gurdwara (Sikh temple), by way of Punjabi speaking Parchariks (educators) speaking to the congregation. In recent years, many educators have taken to online platforms such as YouTube & Facebook to inspire, educate and spread the message of Sikhi to the world, in English.

Our successful and popular YouTube channel, Basics of Sikhi (be sure to subscribe!) has been hugely appreciated as a new, interactive and modern way of learning about Sikhi, especially by the younger generation, some of which who cannot speak or understand Punjabi so much.

In a similar way, this Podcast, hosted by Sukhdeep Singh (Sikh educator at Basics of Sikhi) and Karanveer Singh (Sikh volunteer), is continuing that innovation by bringing learning about Sikhi to an informal and relaxed platform in the form of this talk show podcast. Sukhdeep & Karanveer will invite different guests to the Podcast to discuss various topics directly and indirectly related to Sikhi e.g. Sikh history, traditions, fitness, nutrition, mental health, music and the list goes on!...

We hope you enjoy this Podcast and would greatly appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow us on social media!

——————————————————


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About your host

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Basics of Sikhi

Basics of Sikhi is a project by Everythings 13, an educational charity dedicated to spreading the wisdom of the Sikh Gurus. We are known mostly for our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/basicsofsikhi. Our talk show podcast is uploaded there too!

🙏 Please SUPPORT our work:
www.basicsofsikhi.com/donate
👋 Contact us:
www.basicsofsikhi.com/contact-us