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What Actually Happened? The Truth About The 1980's
Episode 32 • 5th June 2025 • Basics of Sikhi Podcast • Basics of Sikhi
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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:

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:

So I will start from

sometime before,

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:

June 1984,

the Blue Star Operation.

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:

That was not a matter of

a month, 15 days, or 10 days.

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:

That transpires what the

Immortal God ordains.

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But the holocaust of June 1984, there

were multi-layered factors that were at play.

10

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In the end, there was a war with the

state government with the Singhs.

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The government had done it in a very

planned way (Operation Blue Star).

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Preparations for it had been ongoing

for a long time (Operation Blue Star).

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When Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom

day of 300 years was commemorated.

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In the 70s, the Indian government, Indira

Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India,

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announced a state of emergency

in the entire country, in India.

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She announced the emergency.

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The emergency was

that in the entire country,

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state governments were suspended

& the central government directly ruled.

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The local state governments

were suspended.

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Their powers were finished.

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No one in the country, anywhere,

five people could not gather, it was outlawed.

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No one could talk/discuss (collectively),

or organise/host events.

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All types of media were totally banned by the

government of Indira Gandhi at that time, in the 70s.

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All types of media, print media, social media,

audio/radio transmitters, everything was banned.

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She was a very arrogant

lady (Indira Gandhi).

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So she used very strict laws in this

imposed state of emergency in the country.

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But the Sikh Nation as it is of the

Tenth Guru cannot be suppressed by anyone.

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In those days, Guru Tegh Bahadur

Sahib, the True Sovereign's

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300 years of martyrdom

was being commemorated.

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What did Indira Gandhi do?

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She suspended the

Punjab state government

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& imprisoned all of the leadership

of the state government, Sikhs & non-Sikhs alike.

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At that time, the leader

of Damdami Taksal,

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my respected Grandfather (paternal), Sant

Giani Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale,

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were the 13th leader

of Damdami Taksal.

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Indira Gandhi wanted that if she said, "Stand up,"

that the entire country would quietly comply like

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deaf & dumb people. If she said,

"Sit there", they should do so.

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She wanted to treat

people like slaves,

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& that her orders

should be complied with.

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But Baba Deep Singh's Taksal,

Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj's nation

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they cannot be the

slaves of anyone.

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It is the nation to liberate

people from oppression..

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'Those who utter God's Name

are freed of all pain.'

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'The truth is the

Supreme Timeless God.'

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At that time,

what happened was,

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Sant Kartar Singh organised a

program in Punjab & all of India,

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that Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji's 300 years

of martyrdom will be commemorated

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with faith & on a grand scale, with the entire

Sikh nation's resources & radiance.

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Now, on one side the

country's Prime Minister

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has decreed that five

people cannot congregate.

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And on the other side,

Sant Kartar Singh has said

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with the entire radiance

& resources of the Sikh nation

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Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibs'

300 years will be commemorated.

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Sant Kartar Singh was completely independent,

doing as they said, as do warriors.

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He started religious processions (Nagar

Kirtans) in villages to awaken people.

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And you can't imagine...

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You might have read about it.

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Where five people

couldn't gather he

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did Nagar Kirtans

in many locations.

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Sant Ji covered most of Punjab & nearby states

with Nagar Kirtans covering many miles.

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He rebelled openly & defiantly against

Indira Gandhi's imposed emergency.

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Rebelling against the total ban of

everything (any public gatherings).

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Sant Ji did this working day & night,

standing & preaching for 14 hours a day.

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Teaching the congregations about the inspirational

life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee on their 300 years.

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Sant Giani Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale fervently

protested in this manner against the emergency.

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Thirty-six Nagar Kirtans were held

in the whole of Punjab.

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From every corner of Punjab the masses were

woken to rebel against this tyranny.

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The thirty-sixth Nagar Kirtan would end

in Delhi as announced by Sant Ji,

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at the site of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji's

martyrdom, where Guru Ji was beheaded.

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He had announced the thirty-sixth Nagar

Kirtan from Punjab would culminate there.

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First, Indira Gandhi

was challenged in Punjab.

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Then, she was told we will now

come to your home (Delhi).

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You say five

people cannot gather.

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Sant Ji said, "We will come in full force as

the Khalsa that too, to your home.

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Let's see if

you can stop us."

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If you study the history of that time period,

that final Nagar Kirtan was that long that

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a person could stand & watch it pass from morning

until night & it still wouldn't end, it was that long .

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This Nagar Kirtan left from Punjab to Delhi,

it was a direct challenge to Indira Gandhi.

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That her orders will not

work upon the Sikhs

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& it was wrong & against human

rights (what she was doing).

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When the Nagar Kirtan left

via Beas from GT Road to Delhi.

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The Beas Dera (of Radha Soamis)

was on the route of Sant Ji.

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Sant Ji stood there for 40 minutes

challenging their leader & said,

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"Come out here, I want to see your power

today. What Saint are you? Come out here."

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He fearlessly

challenged them, saying,

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"I am standing here. If I have

to wait for an hour or two,

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come & show

me your power.

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You are fooling

so many people.

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Instead of joining people to Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj,

why are you promoting your own worship?"

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No one came out.

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Sant Ji then left there.

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On the way, when he came

to know that such a long Nagar Kirtan,

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with mass numbers is going from

Punjab towards Delhi.

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Then the Chief Minister of

Punjab to gain popularity

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sat upon an elephant & joined

the Nagar Kirtan from the front.

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It is a fact.

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I have heard & these things

really happened they are not fictional.

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It is on record.

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The so-called Chief Minister of Punjab, even

though his powers were suspended at the time.

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But, he was still the chief minister.

He entered the Nagar Kirtan in this way.

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Someone informed Sant Ji,

they were managing the whole event.

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He had teams of Kavishris,

Dhadhis, Kirtanis.

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Wherever they were going to stop,

the Kirtanis would go ahead & do Kirtan there,

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then the ballards of the Dhadhi were sung,

then poetry of the Kavishirs on Guru Tegh Bahadur.

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Then, when the Nagar

Kirtan reached there,

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Sant Ji used to powerfully deliver the

message of Guru Tegh Bahadur to the congregated,

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teaching Guru Ji's

history & lessons.

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This was his method

of doing the Nagar Kirtan.

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After the Nagar Kirtan,

there would be Amrit Sanchar.

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Thousands would take Amrit & become initiated

Sikhs, this is the movement they started in Punjab.

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They only led the Damdami Taksal for

8 years, in this time they created a

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platform in this short period of time

which resulted in June:

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When the Chief Minister attended the Nagar Kirtan,

without invitation, the Singhs told Sant Ji,

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"The CM is here

sitting on an elephant."

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Sant Ji's face went red,

he had his spear in his hand.

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He had the

growl of a tiger.

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Sant Ji went & saw

him on the elephant.

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The Chief Minister clasped

his hands to greet him.

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Sant Ji shouted, "Get down. How dare you sit

there in front of Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj.

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Get down!"

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He got so scared & screamed,

"Don't get the elephant seated,

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otherwise Sant Ji will

kill me with their spear."

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He was so terrified

that his security took him

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to a side into some fields

& got him off the elephant.

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They then left immediately.

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Travelling like this the Nagar

Kirtan arrived at the Delhi border.

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The (future) president of India

Giani Zail Singh, when he came

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to know that such a

large Nagar kirtan of Sikhs,

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was entering Delhi that

had defied the emergency

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he thought, 'I should also gain some

popularity from it too,

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I shouldn't miss

the opportunity.'

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He sent a message to Sant Ji that he

will lead the Nagar Kirtan within Delhi,

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because I am the

President of India.

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When his messengers/staff came

& told Sant Ji this, he replied,

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"According to the traditions of the Sikh Nation

the Nagar Kirtan can only be led by

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Sri Guru Granth Sahib with

Panj Pyare (five beloved ones).

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No one person can lead

the Nagar Kirtan,

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if you want to attend, then,

do so as the son of a human,

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remove your shoes & follow it.

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Giani Zail Singh was shook

hearing this response.

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The Nagar Kirtan was

going to culminate in Delhi,

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the government allocated

the Ramlila Grounds for this

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as it is the biggest grounds,

for such mass gatherings.

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There, Sant Ji held the 300 years program

of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

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When the last day of

the program was occurring,

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Indira Gandhi sent a message

that she is attending too.

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When the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi came,

Sant Giani Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale

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were sitting doing the Chaur Sahib

of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj.

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When Indira Gandhi entered

wearing her black sari,

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her 'spoons' (supporters) sitting on the stage

stood up to show her respect as she entered.

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Some of them walked

forward to welcome her.

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Sant Ji whilst sitting in Guru Ji's presence

lambasted them including Giani Zail Singh,

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& all the ministers

who were there, he said,

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"Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the sovereign of all,

who grant kingdoms to people.

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They are the owners/leaders of many prime ministers

& are the eternal sovereign & Guru.

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In their presence you stood up to respect

this lady, you are disgraceful Sikhs!"

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Indira Gandhi, noted there & then

that defiance is present here.

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After that, two or three lectures praising

Indira Gandhi were given (by others).

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They wanted to please her.

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Some of the speakers

welcomed her off the stage

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at this 300 years program

dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur.

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They further thanked her for the

marriage of one of her sons in Punjab,

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stating this has strengthened

relations with us.

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They said they are very grateful of her,

many more praises of her were made.

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Sant Giani Katar Singh Khalsa

Bhindranwale said....

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Indira Gandhi also spoke & said,

she is attending to bow her head in obeisance

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to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Delhi

government has come to pay obeisance.

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Sant Kartar Singh then said,

"Give me the microphone (after she spoke)."

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He got another Saint to take on the

Chaur Sahib seva that they were doing.

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He got the microphone & said, "Lady, you have

said your piece, now listen to mine, before you leave."

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Sant Ji firstly reprimanded those Sikhs

who thanked her for marrying her son in Punjab.

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Sant Ji then said, "You are talking

like Mughals & not like Sikhs."

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In the past, kings would marry their daughters

with Mughals to save their kingdoms,

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this was done by

rulers in Punjab too.

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Sikhs never practiced such things

nor did they occur in Sikh history.

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It would have been better if she (Indira Gandhi)

had a daughter who was married in Punjab.

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Then, we would have

been even happier.

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(Addressing Indira) You say the Delhi throne has

come to pay obeisance to Guru Tegh Bahadur.

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But do tell, who blessed the

existence of the Delhi kingdom?

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If Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur hadn't sacrificed

their life - you would be Muslims in burkas.

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Hindus wouldn't have survived.

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So, you should be grateful your throne

exists because of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.

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If you were to count all the hairs on your body

then sacrifice yourself that many times,

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even then you cannot repay

the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur."

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Those who utter God's Name,

are freed of all anguish.

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So, Indira Gandhi wasn't used to

hearing such harsh criticism.

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She then asked,

"Who is this Saint?"

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She then heard the words

"Bhindranwala."

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They told her this is Bhindranwala.

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In reality, the root for the eventuality

of June:

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The whole country was heeding

to her as the prime minister

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but in front of millions of congregation;

whilst flaunting the emergency

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she was challenged.

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That lady could not accept this,

she would remember this.

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She would target Sikhs power,

their psyche & attack them in such a way

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that their future generations would

recall Indira Gandhi as a prime minister.

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So this was the background

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of the June 1984

Operation Blue Star.

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From here the Damdami Taksal

became an eyesore for the

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Indira Gandhi government.

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I think you should explain this to

them or it will be too much content.

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Sorry.

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I asked for paper, it didn't arrive

so I made notes on my phone.

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It's ok these things happen.

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I will drink water first,

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my head is spinning.

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So the question at the start of all that,

the question was to you both

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so Bhai Jarnail Singh is

yet to speak on this topic.

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The question was,

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What were both

of your experiences

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in 1984 around that,

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Sister stated that

:

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the year of 1984

and continues after that.

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So what I am about to tell you

is only to a certain point

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which is going to continue yet.

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This is probably part 1 of 10.

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June 1984, is not limited

to just those ten days or so.

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It is multi-layered as an issue & the

government planned it for a long time.

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The Shtabadi of Sri Guru

Tegh Bahadurs martyrdom.

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So a Shtabadi is usually when we have a

hundred year celebration.

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So the one in 1977,

I think there's a date.

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Any of you good at maths might

work out what the date was, 300 years.

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So, that was the programme

that was going to happen that year.

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In 1975, Indira Gandhi suspended

the constitution of India

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& called a State of Emergency.

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In the State of Emergency,

civil liberties were suspended

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& more than five people couldn't

gather/congregate & talk.

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The media was all banned,

print & radio.

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And as we know in our history,

the Sikh nation never stands quiet

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when repressed in such

a way & takes action.

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The Sikh nation

of Sri Guru Gobind Singh

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always challenges repression & that's

what our history teaches us.

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So at that time, Sant Kartar Singh

as part of the programme

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of the Shtabadi celebrations,

would then go on

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to challenge this en masse.

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And regardless of the ban of not

congregating more than five people,

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Sant Kartar Singh did 36 processions

across Punjab, which were miles long.

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For 14 hours a day, they stood & preached

at these processions where they would stop.

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It was all completely against

the State of Emergency.

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The 37th procession so 36

in Punjab & the 37th one

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to finalise/end the

celebrations, was also in Delhi.

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That's where Sri Guru Tegh

Bahadur gave His Shaheedi.

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The final Nagar Kirtan (procession)

Pehnji said was many miles long.

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The Sikhs challenged her in Punjab

& her seat of power in Delhi at that time.

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And Indira Gandhi's emergency

wasn't a thing that Sikhs would bow to.

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And during this, one of the Nagar Kirtans,

Sant Kartar Singh went past Beas.

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So, Beas is where the headquarters

of the Radha Soamis is.

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Sant Kartar Singh stood outside

their Dera and said,

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"If you call yourself a guru, then come out

& show us a miracle, show your powers.

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For an hour, they stood out there

challenging them & they didn't come out.

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These Nagar Kirtans is what built

the strength of the Singhs

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who saw & witnessed this

history at the time.

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So they would then go on to obviously challenge

the sarkar (government) in many other ways.

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The Punjab Chief Minister

attended the final Nagar Kirtan

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& came on an elephant to make

a fanfare of his own arrival.

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So if you think about it,

the elephant was probably

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higher than the actual parkash of

Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the Nagar Kirtan.

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Sant Kartar Singh heard of his arrival &

shouted at him to get off his elephant.

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And he got scared of their sort of power

in terms of how they were shouting at him.

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So the CM said to his

guards, "Take me a away

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from this area so I can

safely get off the elephant."

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He was scared that Sant Kartar Singh

would stab him with his teer,

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so it's like an arrow but we would

say it's like a small spear.

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So he's frightened, so he just got out of

there after getting off the elephant.

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And then the Indian Government

actually gave permission for the Sikhs

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to congregate at Ram Lila ground.

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So Ram Lila in Delhi

is like a massive open space.

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So they gave that permission because

they knew Sikhs would come en masse.

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Indira Gandhi came to

that programme as well.

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And Sant Kartar Singh was doing

Chaur Sahib when she walks in.

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Now, Indira Gandhi's fanboys let's say,

who were sitting on the stage came off the stage

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to welcome her into the Diwan.

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And Sant Kartar Singh

was very angry about this

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& then criticised the Sikhs

who walked off the stage

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to welcome her to say that Guru Granth

Sahib is here the King of all Kings.

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How dare you welcome the Prime Minister

of the country like that because no one's higher

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than Guru Granth Sahib

in their Darbar.

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The other leaders also praised her

off the stage, when they did their speeches

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& also said that one of her sons

who was Sanjay Gandhi is also married

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in Punjab to a Punjabi girl.

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So we have a double

relationship with Delhi.

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One that Indira Gandhi is the Prime Minister

& secondly she's married off her son to Punjab.

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Sant Kartar Singh also criticised the leaders

for saying that & also told Indira Gandhi

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to wait & listen to his speech

& what he's about to say to her directly.

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Now, this is also recorded, someone has got the

spool in the UK, but they don't release it.

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Pehnji might have seen it, Mata Ji has actually

been to see it, it's in Wolverhampton.

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A spool on like old recordings.

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The actual recording

does exist.

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Sant Kartar Singh then criticised the

leaders & her directly & said that

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she had become the leader of Delhi

& she said she came to pay respects

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to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur as the leader of Delhi

& Sant Ji said that Delhi wouldn't have

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a government or any power

you'd all be in burqas, if the Mughals

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had continued their oppression,

but it's only Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

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giving their Shaheedi

that stopped that occurring.

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So the Delhi Darbar should

always pay obeisance here &

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it's only because of Sri Guru

Tegh Bahadur that you even exist,

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otherwise you would have been

cleared off the face of the earth.

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At that point, she learns who they are,

& learns the word that this is Bhindranwale

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& from that point she makes an

agenda to go against the Taksal

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& because she was challenged

in such a way, she was used to people

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praising her & not

challenging her, in any way.

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Then, she wanted to oppress the Sikhs

from that point on, so no other Sikh

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could ever challenge her

in this way again.

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After Ram Lila Ground the Damdami Taksal

became an eyesore for the government.

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Then, the government started promoting

the concept of fake gurus in Punjab.

306

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The Nirankaris were publicised/promoted

to create doubt in the minds of Punjabis.

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As they knew the fame of the Bhindranwale

Taksal was increasing daily & was loved by all.

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The Sikhs of Punjab were following them,

so doubt in the minds of Sikhs should be created.

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Many fake gurus were created

& promoted in Punjab.

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People got entrapped in this

net, this was done methodically.

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Some people knowingly or unknowingly

became followers (of these fakes).

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Sant Giani Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale

preached intensely against these fakes Gurus.

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Like I have already mentioned, they would

stand up & preach for 14 hours a day at a time.

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This continued for a while.

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Then, in 1977, 1 Bhadroa on 16th August,

Sant Giani Kartar SIngh Khalsa

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left for Sachkand, due to

a car accident.

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All Singhs of prominence, my father & others,

unanimously agreed to appoint Sant Giani

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Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale as

the 14th Leader of Damdami Taksal.

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At that time, when Sant Jarnail Singh was

appointed my father was doing a master's degree.

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Few people know that he was

a very learned academician.

321

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He was not only a warrior.

322

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His studies & academics

was of the highest level.

323

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He was a medallist in graduation.

324

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He had a post-graduation

master's degree in Punjabi.

325

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He was a medallist

from the university.

326

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Giani Ditt Singh, Mohinder Singh, Mool Singh

medal was awarded to him which is still at home.

327

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After that, he started his research work,

his PhD on 'Guru Nanak as a Traveller'.

328

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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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