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Videos
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Countdown to Vaisakhi 2025: Inni Kaur
Inni Kaur, Creative Director at Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), shares her thoughts on what she has been contemplating on this Vaisakhi.
Countdown to Vaisakhi 2025: Dr. Jaswant Singh
Dr. Jaswant Singh, Director of Gurbani Research at Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), reflects on the sixth stanza of Guru Nanak Sahib’s 'Barah Maha' in rag Tukhari: Vaisakh bhala sakha ves kare.
Countdown to Vaisakhi 2025: Dr. Harsohena Kaur
Dr. Harsohena Kaur, Advisor at Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), reflects on the significance of Vaisakhi in 1699 as a call to commitment.
Countdown to Vaisakhi 2025: Kulvir Singh
Kulvir Singh, Chair at Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI), emphasizes the significance of Vaisakhi by urging individuals to explore the concept of Amrit and its relevance in their lives.
Sikhi & History: Bhai Vir Singh's Perspectives
Join Harinder Singh at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Delhi, as he explores Bhai Vir Singh's unique framing of Sikh history on 25 September 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.
Aftermath Part 1 | The Genocide
"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
Aftermath Part 2 | The Genocide
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 Casualties | The Genocide
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.
Commissions & Omissions | The Genocide
Multiple Commissions, Committees and Special Investigation Teams (SIT) were set up to investigate the Genocide.
Acknowledgement & Guilty Secrets of November 1984 | The Genocide
So what makes this historic event a genocide? "It was not riot, it was genocide instead. Hundreds of innocent people were killed. The pain of the kin of riot victims cannot be compensated by even paying crores of rupees."
The 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhai Vir Singh
To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhai Vir Singh, Harinder Singh shares 5 notions with 5 seeker personalities prevalent in today’s world culture.
Articles
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Ghallugharas & Raj
This essay explores the origin of Ghallughara. Why were they orchestrated, and who enacted them? How are they intrinsically linked to the Raj?
Subversion of Justice
Over the past forty years, more than ten commissions and inquiry committees have been set up to find the truth behind the November 1984 Sikh genocide, probing the role of police and politicians and seeking to identify the culprits.
Mata Gujri: The Eternal Matriarch of Sikh Valor and Grace
This essay encapsulates the extraordinary journey of Mata Gujri ji, a beacon of courage, faith, and sacrifice. As the wife of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib and the grandmother of the Sahibzadeys, her steadfast devotion illuminated Sikh history.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Podcasts
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Sikhi & History: Bhai Vir Singh's Perspectives
Harinder Singh explores Bhai Vir Singh's unique framing of Sikh history at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Delhi.
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.
Heartbeats of ‘84
Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into the profound impact of 1984 through the personal reflections of guest Pritpal Singh.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
“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.
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.
1984: Why Should I Care?
Why do I care about the violence that occurred during 1984…why should I care?
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.
Courses
Resources
Getting to Know 1984
Embark on a journey to explore the Ghallugharas (large-scale massacres and battles) of 1984. Discover the resilience and sacrifices of the Sikhs and uncover the critical lessons they impart for our present and future.
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.
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.
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.’
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'.
