⟵ Back to videos

November 1984: The Sikh Genocide

Thursday
,
31
October
2024

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.

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. Thousands of Sikhs were brutally attacked, killed, and driven from their homes in a series of coordinated assaults.


To this day, the events of November 1984 ignite powerful debates: Was this a genocide, as defined by the 1948 United Nations Convention? The Convention’s criteria—acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group—compel many to call these attacks an orchestrated genocide against Sikhs. Yet, Indian authorities have largely classified it as communal violence or a pogrom.

The Sikh Research Institute recognizes its ethical responsibility to promptly correct any factual small or large errors. Please get in touch with us via email to request a correction if you have identified a mistake.

Suggest a correction →
No items found.
No items found.

In This Video

No items found.

Latest Videos

Monday
,
26
May
2025

Why do Sikhs cover their heads?

Sikhs cover their heads when they feel the presence of the Divine. The larger idea is that we feel the Divine is in every place, but we may not feel that presence all the time.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
22
May
2025

The Question That Went Viral

In April, Indian National Congress (INC) party member Rahul Gandhi stopped at Brown University for a speaking engagement. During the Q&A, Sidak Alumni Gurpartap Singh asked him what the INC is doing to reconcile with the Sikhs, and their interaction...

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
22
May
2025

Explore Var Sat (Mahala 3) 2/2

In this composition, Guru Amardas Sahib emphasizes that IkOankar (the Divine) is the Creator of the entire creation. It illustrates how beings attached to transient things and relationships remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death.

watch now ⟶

Share on Social Media

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay informed with our weekly updates, important events and more at SikhRI.

Thank you! Your submission has been received.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.