Sikh History

Sikh 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.

watch now ⟶
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?

watch now ⟶
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.

watch now ⟶
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?

watch now ⟶
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?

watch now ⟶
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.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
15
August
2022

1947: South Asia, Panjab & Sikhs

After 75 years of the Partition, why are the significant sections of Panjabis and the Sikhs feeling estranged? What are the historical, cultural, geopolitical, trade, and economic contexts and realities?

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
4
October
2022

Symbolism in the Guru Granth Sahib: The Swan

The contrast of a Wisdom-oriented individual with a self-centered person is brought forth with the analogy of a swan and a crane.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
11
October
2022

Symbolism in the Guru Granth Sahib: The Fish

The symbolism of fish that cannot survive outside the water is often used to depict the nature of the relationship a human being is encouraged to have with IkOankar (1Force, Divine).

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
20
October
2022

Help Illuminate the Path of Sikhi

As an educational nonprofit, our operating budget comes from people like you. Your dasvandh (ethical sharing) helps to fund the research, production, and delivery of our offerings for young and mature adults, children and parents, and institutions.

watch now ⟶
Sunday
,
30
October
2022

November 1984 | The Genocide

Was November 1984 a Genocide? In 1948, India, along with the General Assembly of the United Nations and The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, defined Genocide. 

watch now ⟶
Sunday
,
30
October
2022

The Making of a Genocide | The Genocide

In “My Bleeding Punjab,” Khushwant Singh speaks of the realization and empathy that arose from the 1984 Genocide. “I realized what Jews must have felt like in Nazi Germany. The killing assumed the proportion of a genocide of the Sikh community.”

watch now ⟶

Articles

Friday
,
15
November
2024

Gur Purab: Celebrating the 1’s Greatness of Guru Nanak Sahib

This essay attempts to answer a few questions related to Guru Nanak Sahib’s birth anniversary from primary and secondary sources, as well as the early traditions and the evolving culture to date. What does Purab mean?

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
5
November
2024

Echoes of 1984

This interview delves into the profound reflections of author Ajeet Cour, a witness to both the 1947 Partition and the 1984 Ghallughara, and her daughter, artist Arpana Caur.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
29
October
2024

Guru Amardas Sahib: The Essence of Giving

This essay reflects on the sacred nature of giving, inspired by Guru Amardas Sahib's and Baba Mohri ji's narrative. It explores the importance of honoring the trust placed in us when we receive resources meant for the greater good.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
15
October
2024

Banda Singh Bahadar

Embark on the profound journey of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar, the guardian of Panjab's heritage.

READ More ⟶
Monday
,
16
September
2024

From Humility to Divinity

In this reflective essay marking the 450th Coronation Anniversary of Guru Ramdas Sahib, we journey through the profound life of the Guru—from his humble beginnings in Chuna Mandi to his transformative role in Sikh history.

READ More ⟶
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.

READ More ⟶
Sunday
,
8
March
2009

Woman: Gateway to Freedom

“The whole Guru Grantha is the voice of a wedded women or a maiden pining in love of the Beautiful. Her nobleness in Guru Grantha is infinite, her freedom is of the highest. Both man and woman as sexes are forgotten in her voice.

READ More ⟶
Thursday
,
5
November
2009

Maharaja of Firangi

Last week I walked into the first exhibition to comprehensively explore the extraordinarily rich culture of the maharajas. “Maharaja – the Splendor of India‘s Royal Courts” is the feature exhibit at the Victoria & Alberta Museum in London...

READ More ⟶
Saturday
,
18
September
2010

Guru Angad

Today marks the gurgaddi divas, the Coronation Day of Guru Angad Sahib, the Second Sovereign of Sikhi. Guru Angad Sahib's unwavering devotion and obedience to Guru Nanak Sahib set a profound example for Sikhs.

READ More ⟶
Monday
,
18
June
2012

The Messiah Is Here

We all suffer at times, weighed down with personal traumas, disappointments and regrets. According to the Buddhists, the primary truth of all of human existence is suffering. But in Sikhi, while our Guru acknowledges that there is much suffering in life, there is more to life and the universe than mere suffering. No, life is so much more than suffering.

READ More ⟶
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.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
24
November
2015

Top Ten Truths About Guru Teghbahadar Sahib

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib’s life and legacy are unparalleled in the annals of world history. The Guru proclaimed: “Be very clear in your mind; the insightful person is the one who doesn’t fear anyone nor frightens anyone.”

READ More ⟶

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.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
7
November
2024

Heartbeats of ‘84

Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into the profound impact of 1984 through the personal reflections of guest Pritpal Singh.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
10
October
2024

1984 & Its Afterlives

To mark the 40th year of the violence of 1984, we reflect on the events that unfolded in India and make connections with the ongoing and durable violence against Sikhs, Muslims, and other minority groups in India and the diaspora.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
25
July
2024

A Conversation on Anand Sahib: The Bliss

Inni Kaur joins Sikh Heritage Month to discuss the deeper meaning of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas Sahib.

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⟶
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⟶
,

Pakistan: Uncovering a Sikh Heritage

In this episode, our panel each draws from their specific expertise and experience to draw the connection of Sikh Heritage in Pakistan.

LISTEN NOW⟶
,

The Sikhs and The Panjab

73 years ago, two nation-states were carved by the British mapmaking: Hindustan and Pakistan. The historical Sikh Homeland in The Panjab was divided by the Radcliffe line. In now truncated Indian Panjab, a proportion of the Sikhs led many campaigns to fight for economic, political, state, human, and religious rights. What’s next to secure the Sikh aspirations and the Panjab’s autonomy?

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
11
January
2017

“Emperor-Prophet” - The Real Guru Gobind Singh Ji

The Panjab Digital Library was selected to develop an exhibition for the 350-year celebration of Guru Gobind Singh by the government of Bihar.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
24
April
2017

Everywhere I Go, Bithal is Present

Listen to Harinder Singh’s reflection on Bhagat Namdev’s evolution from deity worship to seeing Divinity pervading everywhere.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
18
December
2019

1984: Why Should I Care?

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

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
30
March
2020

Sikh History in Afghanistan

Dr. Pritpal Singh discusses the importance, history, and significance of Afghanistan for Sikhs, from the time of the Gurus to now.

LISTEN NOW⟶

Courses

No courses found. See all Courses.

Resources

Getting to Know Rani Jind Kaur

"Getting to Know Rani Jind Kaur" is an extensive educational resource meticulously crafted to introduce students to the illustrious legacy of Rani Jind Kaur and the admirable qualities of Sikh leadership. Each lesson is thoughtfully paired with various "Advanced Learning Opportunities," catering to students of diverse proficiency levels and encouraging them to delve deeper into learning and contemporary discourse.

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶

A Special Report on Historical Context 1984

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current crisis involving Sikhs, Panjab, India, and the diaspora, with a focus on the historical context primarily from 1984 to 2023.

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶

Getting to Know Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

Explore the life and lessons of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and his legacy through our downloadable education resource and our originally produced podcast and video series ‘Sikh History.’

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶

Getting to Know Hari Singh Nalua

Explore the life and lessons of Hari Singh Nalua and his legacy through our downloadable curriculum, as well as through our originally produced podcast and video series 'Sikh History'.

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶