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

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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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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Sunday
,
5
June
2022

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)

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Sunday
,
5
June
2022

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.

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Saturday
,
4
June
2022

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...

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Saturday
,
4
June
2022

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.

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Saturday
,
25
July
2009

1984 & You

Two major events took place in India, during 1984 in quick succession within a span of 5 month. The Indian Army attacked Akal Takhat Sahib in June, and an anti-Sikh genocidal campaign was undertaken by the ruling political party...

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Saturday
,
1
June
2013

Liv - 1984 Memories and Activism

This webinar will offer an overview of why and how the events of 1984 transpired in the way that they did. The presentation will then explore the symbology of "1984" as a term that holds resonance and power in the collective psyche today, and what connections can be drawn from the events to the wider discrimination against Sikhs both past and present. Using various mediums, including academic sources and art, the webinar will draw on a wider array of sources and portrayals to connect the events to the younger generation and look to the future.

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Tuesday
,
23
July
2013

June 1984 Myth vs. Reality

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Wednesday
,
24
July
2013

1984: Finding Your Personal Call to Action

For 25 years, the Indian government has failed to provide truth, justice, and reparations to victims and survivors of the June 1984 Army attack on Harmandir Sāhib and the November 1984 pogroms of Sikhs throughout India. This session explores what we, as individuals and a community, can do in response

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Friday
,
26
July
2013

1984: An Attempted Suppression of a Nation

Two major events took place in India, during 1984 in quick succession within a span of 5 month. The Indian Army attacked Akal Takhat Sahib in June, and an anti-Sikh genocidal campaign was undertaken by the ruling political party with...

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Saturday
,
1
November
2014

1984 – Re-evaluating Justice

Everyone is talking about 1984. In this video, Harinder Singh (CEO and Co-Founder of SikhRI) is talking about Justice - Build upon what was 1984 was about in terms of justice.

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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
,
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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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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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⟶

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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