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!