June 1984

June 1984

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.

Videos

Thursday
,
14
November
2024

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.

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Wednesday
,
13
November
2024

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?

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Tuesday
,
12
November
2024

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.

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Monday
,
11
November
2024

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?

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Sunday
,
10
November
2024

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?

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Saturday
,
9
November
2024

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.

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Monday
,
6
June
2022

1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 6: The Shelling of Akal Takht Sahib

Lieutenant-General Jagjit Singh Aurora, who studied the front of the Akal Takht before it was repaired, reckoned that as many as eighty high-explosive squash-head shells were fired into the Akal Takht Sahib.

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Monday
,
6
June
2022

1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 6: Inside Perspectives

“The effect of this barrage on the Akal Takht was devastating. The whole front of the sacred shrine was destroyed, leaving hardly a pillar standing.” - Mark Tully, Amritsar, Mrs. Gandhi's Last Battle

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Tuesday
,
7
June
2022

1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 7: Sikh Reference Library Destruction

The army deliberately set fire to the Sikh Reference Library after the attack was over. Valuable archives and material of significant historical importance were destroyed in this fire. The army claims that the library caught fire during the crossfire. The library was intact until the evening of June 6, 1984. This has been verified by the in-charge of the library, Sardar Devinder Singh Duggal. The library was set ablaze on June 7, in the early hours of the morning.

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Tuesday
,
7
June
2022

1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 7: Inside Perspectives

Many of the arrested Sikh devotees were brutally beaten and killed. Thousands of Sikhs from rural Panjab marched towards the Complex when they heard about the army's attack. They were fired upon from helicopters.

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Saturday
,
1
June
2024

1984 Ghallughara: Battle of Amritsar

40 years ago, the world witnessed the desecration of Harimandar Sahib (Golden Temple) by the Indian Army. This video revisits “Operation Blue Star” through archival images and interviews, offering a deeper understanding of this complex historical event.

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Monday
,
10
June
2024

Sant Jarnail Singh: The Man, the Myth, the Truth

Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into an in-depth conversation with Harinder Singh about Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Sikh history.

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Articles

Tuesday
,
25
June
2024

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.

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Tuesday
,
4
June
2024

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.

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Tuesday
,
26
March
2024

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.

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Tuesday
,
13
February
2024

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...

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Wednesday
,
18
December
2019

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.”

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Tuesday
,
11
June
2019

Don't Ask, My Daughter

Tell me, Mother! What is the truth? What is a lie?

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Monday
,
2
June
2014

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.

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Saturday
,
6
June
2015

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.

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Thursday
,
3
November
2016

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.

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Friday
,
16
June
2017

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.

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Thursday
,
16
November
2017

1984 is in my DNA

Thirty-three years ago the world’s fourth largest army marched into Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, India.

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Tuesday
,
11
June
2019

Don't Ask, My Daughter

Tell me, Mother! What is the truth? What is a lie?

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Podcasts

Saturday
,
9
November
2024

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.

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Saturday
,
29
June
2024

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.

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Friday
,
28
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
27
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
12
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Sunday
,
9
June
2024

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.

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Sunday
,
9
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
12
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
27
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Friday
,
28
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Saturday
,
29
June
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Saturday
,
9
November
2024

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶

Courses

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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.

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