"The assault, which the Sikhs themselves call the Ghallughara,66 was diabolically conceived not only to scathe the Sikh psyche but also to make the “sufficient moral effect from a military point of view not only on those who were present, but more especially throughout the Punjab.”67 That is how Brigadier Dyer had explained his intention when he came to Jallianwala Bagh, near the Golden Temple, to disperse an illegal assembly 65 years ago on 13 April 1919. Dyer had acted impulsively, on his own. Operation Blue Star was not only envisioned and rehearsed in advance, meticulously and in total secrecy, it also aimed at obtaining the maximum number of Sikh victims, largely devout pilgrims unconnected with the political agitation. The facts should speak for themselves." - Ram Narayan Kumar, Reduced to Ashes
In November 1984, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a horrific wave of violence erupted against the Sikh community in India, especially in Delhi.
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.
In this video Inni Kaur shares her profoundly personal and spiritual journey to Sri Harimandar Sahib.
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.
Harinder Singh, Senior Fellow of Research and Policy at the Sikh Research Institute, delves deeper into the themes of Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention.
Join Harinder Singh and Mo Dhaliwal as they delve into the profound experiences of the Third Ghallughara (large-scale massacre) in India in 1984 and beyond.
Brig. A. S. Brar (W-122) explained that he was posted in Delhi as Commandant of Rajputana Rifles Regimental Center during the days of riots.
Security and safety is achievable when ordered from those in command. Without their support and authority, it’s chaos.
The Myth: Only the Congress Party was motivated to attack Sikhs // The Reality: Suggests something different
"It was barely a fortnight since thousands of Sikhs were orphaned, widowed, or rendered homeless in the wake of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination...”- Manoj Mitta, HS Phoolka, When A Tree Shook Delhi
Two lessons can be drawn from the experience of the Delhi riots: 1. The extent of criminalization of our politics and 2. The unreliability of our police force in a vastly critical situation affecting the livelihood of an entire community.
The attacks had a momentous effect on Sikhs across 18 states and over 100 cities in India. More than 30,000 Sikhs were killed throughout India, many of whom were burnt alive. More than 300,000 Sikhs were rendered homeless throughout India.
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.
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.
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...
Genocide doesn’t happen in isolation. It is a combination of deep-seated hatred and racism. There are many who will deny the 1984 Genocide. But I remember…
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into the profound impact of 1984 through the personal reflections of guest Pritpal Singh.
Manvinder Kaur and Santbir Singh explore the events of 1984 that forever transformed the landscape of Sikh history and politics in India.
Santbir Singh delves into the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the events of June 1984.
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.”
Join Harinder Singh and Mo Dhaliwal as they delve into the profound experiences of the Third Ghallughara (large-scale massacre) in India in 1984 and beyond.
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.
How do we remember? How do we advocate? How do we survive? In this episode we feature three leading voices in the November 1984 Anti-Sikh pogroms study.
It has been 39 years since the 1984 Sikh Genocide orchestrated by the Indian government. Why is the legal course of action still necessary? What outcomes have been achieved so far, and what else is being pursued?
The discussion aims to shed light on the systematic campaign of violence perpetrated by the Indian State against the Sikh community, which led to thousands of disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Join Harinder Singh and Mo Dhaliwal as they delve into the profound experiences of the Third Ghallughara (large-scale massacre) in India in 1984 and beyond.
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.”