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Videos
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Key Challenges & Advice for the Sikh Community’s Future
As individual achievements within the Sikh community continue to rise, a new challenge emerges: prosperity often brings caution, with people becoming more reluctant to take risks when there’s more at stake.
Diaspora's Role in Justice for 1984 & Speaking on Panjab's Future
What role should the Sikh diaspora play in seeking justice for 1984 and discussing sovereignty and Khalistan, especially from a place of relative safety?
Youth Activism & Misrepresentation: Sikhs, Sovereignty, and Media Narratives
Violence in modern forms, like drone warfare, has become normalized, making it difficult for communities visibly associated with arms—such as Sikhs—to be understood within their cultural and historical context.
Navigating Identity, Justice, and Safety: A Message to Sikh Youth
In recent years, Sikh youth in the diaspora have taken up advocacy, challenging narratives and seeking justice despite fears of backlash. How can they navigate the tension between family commitments, safety, and the drive for community empowerment?
1984: What does justice look like?
The concept of justice is often discussed in relation to the events of 1984, where the focus tends to be on bringing perpetrators to justice. However, a deeper question emerges: What does true justice look like?
Countering 1984 Narratives & Overcoming Barriers
Understanding the 1984 events starts with self-education and discerning sources. The government’s single narrative—the White Paper—was quickly discredited, yet it remains widespread, leaving much unaddressed since June 1984.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 3: A Day of Commemoration
This day was Guru Arjan Sahib’s martyrdom. Thousands gathered to commemorate. A total curfew was imposed, trapping thousands of civilians inside the Complex; no opportunity was given for civilians to leave.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 3: Inside Perspectives
“When I met Bhindranwale on the evening of 3 June 1984 in the Akal Takht, I did not know that I was perhaps the last journalist to meet the lion in his den.”- Subhash Kirpekar (Journalist), “Operation Blue Star: An Eyewitness Account”
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 4: Operation Bluestar Begins
“Operation Blue Star” begins. Indian Army attacks the Complex and more than 120 other Gurduaras in Panjab simultaneously. The shelling of the Complex starts between 4 and 5 am. At 7:00 pm, Major-General KS Brar orders Vijayanta tanks towards the clock tower entrance. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims were killed.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 4: Inside Perspectives
The Army began the assault on June 4 morning by firing heavy artillery and mortars against the temple complex, destroying the tops of two 18 century towers, the water tank behind a large public assembly room called Teja Singh Samundri Hall...
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 5: No Way Out
Tanks and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) fire at the Complex structures. Many civilians either die, are injured, or are unfairly arrested. Thousands remain trapped in the crossfire.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 5: Inside Perspectives
"We tried to get these people out but could only achieve partial success because the army began its offensive.”- Apar Singh Bajwa, DSP of Panjab Police (BBC News Flash-Backs, 3 June 2004)
Articles
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Legacy of 1984
Discover the essence of Sikhi in "Legacy of 1984: Rising Voices," a poetic tribute that delves into the indomitable spirit of Sikhs during tumultuous times.
Why Was Bhindranwale There?
Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale is a pivotal figure in the events of 1984. There is much consternation and confusion over his actions and choices in the lead-up to the June 1984 Ghallughara.
No More Blue Stars
In recent years, diasporic Sikhs have been moving to consciously avoid using the terms Operation Blue Star or Holocaust and instead use terms like the Battle of Amritsar, genocide, or Ghallughara when speaking about June and November 1984.
The Attack on Political Sikhi
What did Indira Gandhi hope to achieve in the June 1984 attack on the Harimandar Sahib Complex and Gurduaras around Panjab? What was the goal of the Indian National Congress (I) party’s brutal and genocidal pogroms against Sikhs across the country in...
1984: Why Should I Care?
I once met an elderly man who had taken pictures before and after 1984. I asked him: “What was it like photographing 84’?” His response: “I feel like I have been photographing 1984 my entire life.”
Don't Ask, My Daughter
Tell me, Mother! What is the truth? What is a lie?
1984 Woke Me Up From A Deep Slumber
In this poignant reflection, Inni Kaur shares her awakening from a cultural Sikh to a deeply connected follower, driven by the pain and loss of June 1984.
You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop
Date: June 10th or 11th, 1984 – General Brar via his ADC (Aide de Camp) requested to meet a few of the old Sikh and Hindu families in Amritsar. Grudgingly, my parents agreed to host the dinner. The General (wearing his decorated uniform) along with 5-7 Indian Army Officers entered our home in a celebratory mood, as if they were to going to attend a victory lap. But, what transpired was very different. There were approximately 40 civilians from various families also present.
1984: My Struggle & Inspiration
Dr. Pritpal Singh shares his reflections on the events of 1984 in India against Sikhs, where many innocent lives were lost.
June 1984 Ghallughara
The June 1984 army action on the Golden Temple complex – Sri Harimandar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib – was a tipping point in the Sikh and Indian history 33 years ago.
1984 is in my DNA
Thirty-three years ago the world’s fourth largest army marched into Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, India.
Don't Ask, My Daughter
Tell me, Mother! What is the truth? What is a lie?
Podcasts
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1984: Witness, Document, Justice
Since 1984, in the aftermath of “Operation Blue Star” and the Sikh Genocide, many narratives have surfaced—graphic, heartbreaking, and deeply emotional. Yet, one crucial perspective often remains overlooked: the voices of the first responders.
The Attack on Political Sikhi
Manvinder Kaur and Santbir Singh explore the events of 1984 that forever transformed the landscape of Sikh history and politics in India.
Why Was Bhindranwale There?
Santbir Singh delves into the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the events of June 1984.
Legacy of 1984
Through vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, Inni Kaur revisits 1984, weaving threads of courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Join this lyrical exploration today.
Sant Jarnail Singh: The Man, the Myth, the Truth
Listen as Santbir Singh delves into an in-depth conversation with Harinder Singh about Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Sikh history.
No More Blue Stars
Santbir Singh joins Manvinder Kaur to discuss his recent article, “No More Blue Stars.” They delve into the evolving terminology surrounding the events of 1984 and explore ways the community can reclaim and reshape the narrative of these events.
No More Blue Stars
Santbir Singh joins Manvinder Kaur to discuss his recent article, “No More Blue Stars.” They delve into the evolving terminology surrounding the events of 1984 and explore ways the community can reclaim and reshape the narrative of these events.
Sant Jarnail Singh: The Man, the Myth, the Truth
Listen as Santbir Singh delves into an in-depth conversation with Harinder Singh about Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Sikh history.
Legacy of 1984
Through vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, Inni Kaur revisits 1984, weaving threads of courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Join this lyrical exploration today.
Why Was Bhindranwale There?
Santbir Singh delves into the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the events of June 1984.
The Attack on Political Sikhi
Manvinder Kaur and Santbir Singh explore the events of 1984 that forever transformed the landscape of Sikh history and politics in India.
1984: Witness, Document, Justice
Since 1984, in the aftermath of “Operation Blue Star” and the Sikh Genocide, many narratives have surfaced—graphic, heartbreaking, and deeply emotional. Yet, one crucial perspective often remains overlooked: the voices of the first responders.
Courses
Resources
The Ghallughara of 1984 - Lesson Plan for 6-8
An education resource that highlights the persecution of Sikhs in India during the 1984 Ghallughara (code named Operation Blue Star by the Indian government) and the Sikh principles of justice.
