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

Wednesday
,
1
June
2022

1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 1: Attack Begins

Pilgrims start to gather at Sri Harimandar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib Complex, commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib. The Border Security Force and the Central Reserve Police Force start firing upon the Complex to test the defenses and preparedness of the Sikh fighters, in which at least 8 people died.

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Friday
,
19
November
2021

Representing 1984

Join us as we explore the recent rise of literature, art, film, and photography focusing on the anti-Sikh violence of 1984.

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Thursday
,
3
June
2021

1984 Remembrance: The Sikhs and the Indian State

Why is Remembrance necessary? Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh talk about 1984 and parallels with human rights movements today.

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Tuesday
,
1
June
2021

1984: Ghallughara and I

Harinder Singh dives into the events of June and November 1984, the myths and realities of the attacks, their importance in a Sikh context, and a vision for the future that is rooted in progress and justice.

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Thursday
,
4
June
2020

1984: The Devoted & The Worldly

1984 is considered the third Ghallughara in Sikh history. Why was Sri Harimandar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib complex attacked? What’s the Sikh historical context? How must the memory be kept alive 36 years on?

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Tuesday
,
11
June
2019

Don't Ask – Inni Kaur #Remembering1984

Don't Ask. Poem by Inni KaurDon’t ask, my daughter what happened in 1984.These wounds are still raw don’t touch them.

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Monday
,
17
June
2024

1984: Voices of Resilience

Harinder Singh spoke at the BC Sikh Heritage Event, "1984: Voices of Resilience," delving into the 1984 Sikh Ghallughara (a major genocidal campaign) and its lasting impact on the Sikh community.

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Sunday
,
30
June
2024

None Compares to You!

In this video Inni Kaur shares her profoundly personal and spiritual journey to Sri Harimandar Sahib.

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Friday
,
18
October
2024

1984: Witness, Document, Justice

Join SikhRI as we pay tribute to those who answered the call of humanity during those dark days in Delhi. Featuring an esteemed panel of historians, activists, and legal advocates, this event sheds light on their courageous efforts.

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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Wednesday
,
6
November
2019

What would Guru Nanak Sahib do in 1984?

What would Guru Nanak Sahib do in 1984? Listen to this discussion between Harinder Singh and the Sikh Cast host, Manpreet Singh.

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Wednesday
,
18
December
2019

1984: Why Should I Care?

Why do I care about the violence that occurred during 1984…why should I care?

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Friday
,
5
June
2020

1984: The Devoted & The Worldly: Harinder Singh – The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

We're taking an in-depth look at the events of Operation Blue Star in 1984 in Amritsar, Panjab. It's considered the third Ghallughara, or massacre, in Sikh history. The Indian government assaulted the sacred Golden Temple Complex and Akal Takht. In this episode, SikhRI's Senior Fellow on Research and Policy speaks to a live audience to provide clarity and context on the operation and it's legacy on the Sikh community. He answers why the attack happened, it's the historical context and why the memory is kept alive in #Remember1984.

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Thursday
,
10
June
2021

1984 Remembrance: The Sikhs and the Indian State

Join Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh as they discuss 1984 and explore its parallels with human rights movements today. 

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
29
November
2021

Representing 1984

Join us as we explore the recent rise of literature, art, film, and photography focusing on the anti-Sikh violence of 1984.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Sunday
,
2
June
2024

1984: A Conversation

Join us for a heartfelt conversation between Inni Kaur, SikhRI’s Creative Director, and Darsnoor Kaur, SikhRI’s graphic designer, as they explore the profound impact of June 1984, known as the Ghallughara or “Operation Blue Star.”

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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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