Sikhs Attacked in Ludhiana, Panjab

On Saturday 5th December, the Panjab Police shot and killed Sikhs protesting in Ludhiana against a rally organized by supporters of Ashutosh Noormehlia of the Divya Jyoti Jagran Sansthan.

Who is Ashutosh Noormehlia?

Ashutosh Noormehlia is a man from Bihar who was brought to Panjab by agencies to create a cult (Diviya Jyoti Jagran Sansthan) to attack the Sikh religion. The cult-leader Ashutosh openly claims that Sikhs should not follow Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and instead accept him as the Guru because he says that the 'Jyot' (light) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is within him and he claims that he is the reincarnation of Guru Gobind Singh jee as well. In his dera he keeps saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee that they treat and keep like a book which they keep on the shelf. He quotes and misinterprets Gurbani on a daily basis at his programmes. Ashutosh preaches against and insults keeping Kesh, wearing the 5 Ks, reading Gurbani, following the Shabad Guru, and going to the Gurdwara etc. The cultists claim that they are the 'true Khalsa' and oppose Amritdharis.

Video of Ashutosh Cultist preaching against Sikhi

They hold regular diwans at the heart of Sikh cities like Taran Taaran, Amritsar and Gurdaspur. Many times, events of 1978 have been repeated where the police was used for protection and attacking and killing the peaceful Sikh protestors. On one occasion, a programme was held on 19th April 2002 at which a preacher of Ashutosh, Shardha Nand, grossly insulted Sikhi and Guru Granth Sahib jee (see video above). When Sikhs showed up to protest they were attacked and fired upon. Shardha Nana escaped in government vehicles and Sikhs were arrested for causing violence. Similar events have taken place in other cities but with the help of the government Noormehls always managed to escape and Sikhs became the target of violence and police brutality.

Read more about Ashutosh here.

The events leading up to Saturday
After the events of 2002, the then government led by Capt. Amrinder Singh (Congress) banned Ashutosh from doing any form of preaching outside of his dera as it was a risk to law and order and it would hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community. However, the Badal government (the Akalis) lifted the ban and allowed Ashutosh to do programmes throughout Panjab. It should be noted that whenever anti-Sikh cults have risen in Panjab to attack the Sikhs it has always been during the Akali-BJP governments (e.g. 1978 massacre, 1984 Operation Bluestar, Bhaniaare wala, and Jhoota Saudaa).

Ashutosh had planned a Shobha Yatra (mockery and copy of Sikh's Nagar Kirtan) in Ludhiana on 5th December, in which he was to sit in a Palki and roam around Ludhiana. But Panthic Jathebandis had protested against it, and due to pressure from all sides, the Badal's government refused permission for the parade. Despite the cancellation of the Shobha Yatra, Ashutosh was adamant to hold a programme to show his power, as he knows that 40% residents of Ludhiana today are from UP and Bihar. He wanted to directly challenge the Sikh panth.

One day before on 4th December, 12,000 Bihari workers rioted across Ludhiana and burnt down Sikh buses, trucks, cars and motorcycles in protest against another issue which was related to them being treated poorly by the police when they reported that they were being their money was being looted by robbers on paydays. Although the issues are different, it is hard to ignore that both events have links. When 12,000 Biharis targetted Sikh buses (Sachkhand and Akal Takht Express buses) and Sikh property no one was fired at! However, oney day later when 500 to 600 Singhs peacefully protest they are fired with bullets by the Police.

On Friday 4th December the Sikhs were reassured by the government officials that Ashutosh's programmes were cancelled however fearing that it could be a bluff they decided to carry out a peaceful protest to the intended programme venue on 5th December. The Sikh Sangat gathered at Gurudwara Kalgidhar in Ludhiana where the Singhs did Ardaas in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee for blessings and then they began to walk.

The Singhs had only walked a hundred kilometers or so when the peaceful Sikh protestors were stopped by the Police and were blocked from going forward. The Police then tried to put Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma (Damdami Taksaal) into a Police van when the Sangat intervened and prevented it from happening. At this point tensions rose due to the heavy handed tactics of the Police.

LUDHIANA MASSACRE - DECEMBER 5th 2009

The police set up a barricaded check post at Samrala Chowk, about 1 kilometer from the dera rally, and without warning fired upon the protesting Sikhs as they approached the check point. The police used tear gas and live ammunition on the protesting Sikhs. Varying reports are saying that 4 to 6 Gursikhs have been killed and 11 others were seriously injured by the indiscriminate police firing. The injured include Bhai Kanwalpreet Singh, Bhai Anup Singh, Bhai Manjinder Singh, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh, Bhai Parminder Singh, Bhai Gurpreet Singh, Bhai Gurjant Singh, Bhai Jaswinder Singh, Bhai Amarjeet Singh, Bibi Surinder Kaur and Bhai Mangal Singh.

58-year old Bhai Darshan Singh jee becomes the first Shaheed of this Saakaa (massacre). Bhai Sahib was a simple Gursikh who drove a Rikshaa for his livelihood. He was driving his Rikshaa when he saw the Gursikhs protesting. Finding out about the protest Bhai Sahib left his Rikshaa and joined the protest at the front. He has left 2 sons and 1 daughter.

Elderly Singh becomes Shaheed after Police open fire on Gursikhs.


Gursikh left bleeding and his turban removed.



Sikh youngster lying on the ground seriously injured.


Bhai Sahib jee shot in the stomach by the Police.


Bhai Sahib was repeatedly beaten on the head by the Police despite laying on the floor injured.

Panjab Police brutality

Blood on their Hands!
Panthic organizations state that Harish Bedi, the local BJP MLA leader, and his son Honey Bedi are directly responsible for organizing the cult rally with the blessings of the ruling Akali government. Both had been actively preparing for the event for several days. Witnesses attest that Honey Bedi was present at the protest site, and shot a firearm in the direction of the protesters. The organizations have requested that along with cult leader Aushutosh, Parkash Badal, Harish Bedi and his son should to be held responsible for the bloodshed in Ludhiana.



Protest ongoing
The Gursikh leaders decided that they would get the Sangat to hold back from fighting the Police as they felt it was a trip to get maximum number of Sikhs get killed. Instead the decision was made by the Singhs to sit down and peacefully protest and stay clear from the trap. All the Singhs continued the protested throughout the night and on to the next day. In the cold night of December with no extra clothes or blankets, Gursikhs sat in the roads to peacefully protest. As there was a complete shutdown in Ludhiana, I assume that Langar was not allowed to be brought to the places where Gursikhs were protesting throughout the day and night. Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale jee has taken the lead and are visiting hospitals to tend to the injured Singhs and preparing for the funerals of the Shaheeds tommorow in Ludhiana.

Reading One-Day Sikhi Camp

On Saturday 21st November with Guru Sahib's kirpaa the local Sangat along with the Sikh Seva group held a one-day Sikhi camp at Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Reading (Berkshire) to mark the Shaheedi purab (martyrdom day) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee. There were workshops on the importance of Seva, the importance and need of Guru Sahib in our lives and a reflection on the Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib jee and Shaheeds of modern history.

Some photos from the day (taken from Sikh Seva Flickr)

Hukamnama for the start of the camp. Read hukamnama here.


Younger children doing colouring activities. I think one of them is a holding a picture that he made of Bhaji Ravjeet Singh :)


Younger children learning Panjabi on a special computer program.


Mool Mantar cakes for lunch (each cake had the English translation for Mool Mantar, for example "No hate", "No fear," "Truth" etc)! Bhenji Navrup Kaur Jee made them. They were very tasty!


Langar.


Bhaji Gurpreet Singh.


Keertan after lunch.



Group discussions



Group feedback on what they thought about the life and virtues of someone without a Guru and with a Guru.


Bhenji Navrup Kaur jee with the younger class. They went through the Saakhi of Guru Tegh Bahadur jee.


Bhaji Parmvir Singh with the younger children. They produced some brilliant poems on the Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur jee!


Bhai Sahib Ravjeet Singh with young Munsimar Kaur. She looked so cute with her little Dastaar! Waheguru!


Near the end of the day we had a Q&A session and people shared their experiences. Bhai Dya Singh jee shared his experiences of finding Sikhi with the Sangat. It was very inspiring. (It looks like he is shouting in the photo! I think it's just bad timing for the photo! Satnam Waheguru).


Sangat.


A young Bhenji was chosen to read her inspirational poem about Guru Tegh Bahadur jee to the whole Sangat (I will try and look for it and post on the blog! It was an excellent poem!).


Some of the young children showed so much enthusiasm to learn about Sikhi and had a great knowledge of Gurmat already. Blessed are the parents of those children who are walking on the Path of the Great Guru.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Shaheedi Divas of Guru Teg Bahadur Jee Sahib

Today marks the martydom day of the Ninth Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur Jee Sahib and the three Great Gursikhs - Bhai Mati Daas jee, Bhai Dyaal Daas Jee, and Bhai Sati Daas jee. Guru Sahib's sacrifice is unmatched and unparrel in world history. Many people have given their lives for their own family, their own country, or their religion, but no other early example can be found in history of someone who sacrificed themselves for the sake of another's religion and for the sake another's freedom to live in peace. May Guru jee inspire and bless us all to live selflessly and make our lives of benefit to others and the world. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

ਤਿਲਕ ਜੰਵੂ ਰਾਖਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤਾ ਕਾ ॥ ਕੀਨੋ ਬਡੋ ਕਲੂ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਕਾ ॥
He protected the 'Tilak' (forehead mark) and 'Janeoo' (sacred thread of the Hindus) which marked a great event in the Iron age.

ਸਾਧਨ ਹੇਤਿ ਇਤੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਰੀ ॥ ਸੀਸੁ ਦੀਆ ਪਰ ਸੀ ਨ ਉਚਰੀ ॥੧੩॥
For the sake of the innocent, he laid down his head without expressing a sign (of pain).13.

ਧਰਮ ਹੇਤਿ ਸਾਕਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਸੀਸੁ ਦੀਆ ਪਰ ਸਿਰਰੁ ਨ ਦੀਆ ॥
For the sake of Dharma (righteousness), he sacrificed himself. He laid down his head but not his faith.

ਨਾਟਕ ਚੇਟਕ ਕੀਏ ਕੁਕਾਜਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਲੋਗਨ ਕਹ ਆਵਤ ਲਾਜਾ ॥੧੪॥
They asked him for the performance of miracles, but he refused, deeming them unworthy. 14.

ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥
DOHRA

ਠੀਕਰਿ ਫੋਰਿ ਦਿਲੀਸਿ ਸਿਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪੁਰਿ ਕੀਯਾ ਪਯਾਨ ॥
Defying the king of Delhi (Aurangzeb) he broke the potsherd of his body and left to be with God.

ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ ਕਰੀ ਨ ਕਿਨਹੂੰ ਆਨ ॥੧੫॥
None could perform such an unmatched great act as that of (Guru) Tegh Bahadur.15.

ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਕੇ ਚਲਤ ਭਯੋ ਜਗਤ ਕੋ ਸੋਕ ॥
The whole world mourned on the departure of (Guru) Tegh Bahadur.

ਹੈ ਹੈ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਜਗ ਭਯੋ ਜੈ ਜੈ ਜੈ ਸੁਰ ਲੋਕਿ ॥੧੬॥
The world weaped but the heavens resounded in joyous celebration.16.

(Bachitar Naatak, Guru Gobind Singh Ji)

Interview with 1984 anti-Sikh Genocide Victim

For videos of complete show (highly recommended!) click below:
IBN Zindagi Show - 1984 Anti-Sikh Genocide

Some books on 1984

The past week has marked the 25th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh Genocide. May Guru Sahib bring the victims of the genocide justice and may peace, truth and righteousness prevail across the world.

Below are some books that the Sangat can read more about the 1984 Sikh holocaust and anti-Sikh Genocide:



Government Organized Carnage, November 1984 [Sarkari Qatl-e-Aam]
Author: Gurcharan Singh

Read online book

"...The book presents a horrible eyewitness account of the worst ever genocide of Sikhs in India. It is an eye opener for the Human Rights Organisations all over the world to have a glimpse of the pseudo-humane face of Indian democracy a stigma on the forehead of evolution of Human Culture and civilization."



Fighting for Faith and Nation: Dialogues with Sikh Militants
Author: Cynthia Keppley Mahmood

Preview book
Buy book

"...Drawing on her extensive interviews and conversations with Sikh militants, she presents their accounts of the human rights abuses they suffer in India as well as their explanations of the philosophical tradition of martyrdom and meaningful death in the Sikh faith..."




The Gallant Defender
Author: A R Darshi

Read online book

Written by the former Joint-Secretary of Punjab "on [the] political conditions in Punjab, India, with particular reference to the role of Sant Jarnail Siṅgh..."

- Shaheeda Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam -

Train Meeting... (Part 2)

Continued....

I explained to the lady that a Sikh is to wake up daily in the early morning of the hours before sunrise so that you one sacrifices their sleep in order to remember and pray to God. I said, "A Sikh prays in the morning and does meditation on God's Name and then prays in the evening and before going to sleep." The lady replied, "Dear, one should pray to God all day and at all times." I smiled and said, "I agree with you. When I meant praying. We have set prayers for morning, evening and night but the Guru wants us to remember God at all times." She got happy and smiled.

The lady then said, "Be careful. When I pray my mind wanders all over the place. When you pray remember to keep your mind present in the prayer because if you pray and your mind is not there then it is not really prayer." I was amazed at the vichaar; it was like I was talking to someone about Gurmat. I shared the Saakhi (story) about Guru Nanak Dev Jee disappearing in the Vein River for 3 days and coming back out and Guru Jee proclaiming "There is no Hindu nor Muslim." I went on to explain that the Muslims said that if you see God in all then pray with us and Guru Jee went to Mosque but did not postrate (bow down). The Muslim priest and ruler told Guru Jee that he didn't pray with them but Guru Jee replied that he was praying but their mind was not in the prayer.

I shared a few more stories and then the lady said, "Please write the name of your Guru so that I can remember when I go home." She got a pen out of her bag and said, "Spell it for me." I spelt it for her and then she said "Can you say your Guru's name again." I said "Guru Nanak". She slowly repeated "Gu-roo Naa-nak... Guroo Naa-nak... Guru Nanak!" It was as if she was getting a sweet taste from repeating Guru Jee's name. I said, "Yes, that is the correct pronunciation."

My stop came and I had to leave the train. The lady said, "Can I shake your hand please." So I shook the hand of the elderly lady. She said, "You have not asked me my name." I smiled and said, "What is your name?" She replied, "My name is Grace... my surname is Way. My full name is Grace Way." I said, "You have a very appropriate name" (in my mind I kept thinking "Gur-Prasaad.").


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee

= Happy Gurpurb to everyone =

Train Meeting... (Part 1)

Two weeks ago, on Thursday, I was coming back from university and caught the train. It was quite busy and there weren't many free seats. Luckily I found a seat next to an elderly lady. I asked her if it was okay for me to sit next to her but she was facing the other way and couldn't hear me, so I just sat down. That day I had collected some religious education resources from my teacher. I had three packs of A3 photocards depicting different religious practices and ceremonies in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. I decided to open the packs and have a look at the pictures as I had free time on the train. As I was looking the cards I could see the elderly peering over and taking an interest in the photos.

After a while, the lady pointed at the cards and said to me, "Which one of these is your religion?" I said, "None of these are my religion. I am a Sikh." She said, "Sikh?" with a tone as if she was not familiar with the religion. After pausing for a while she said, "I believe all religions are like different paths trying to climb up a mountain. Although they are different paths they are aiming for the same thing - the One God. I don't believe we have a different God - just the same God for everyone." I smiled and said that agreed with her.

I then asked her, "What is your religion?" The lady looked like as if she was in her mid 70s. She replied, "I am an Evangelical Christian but believe that everyone who loves God will get there." It was nice to hear that despite being an "evangelical" she believed that God's Grace was beyond religion and all were loved by God. We talked about the church she goes to and the community work they do and so on.

Then she asked me, "Do you have initiation or baptism in your religion?" I said, "Yes. We have baptism ceremony but its only for those who are old enough or mature enough to make the commitment to God and live the way of life instructed by the Guru. It is similar to confirmed baptism or initiation in Christianity rather than the baptising of babies." She said that her church doesn't do child baptism either and that their baptism ceremony involves immersing the individual into a pool of water and coming back out, which is to signify that the person has died and reborn. I shared that taking Amrit is the same principle that it is a spiritual rebirth.

The lady was interested to know about Sikhi and so I told her about the basic Rehit (discipline) a Sikh has to keep. "A Sikh maintains the God-given body and looks after the hair which is not to be cut, coloured, trimmed etc. The head is kept covered with a turban which is a spiritual crown and a sign of commitment to God." I went on to say, "The body is considered the Temple of God, so we do not pollute this sacred body with alcohol, tobacco or any drugs etc." The lady smiled and said, "We too believe the body is the Temple of God. Its fascinating. We too believe that God in the form of Holy Spirit resides in the body. But I must admit I do drink once in a while. But I understand why religion says those things."

I then went on to say, "Sikhs are vegetarian and do not eat fish, egg or meat. We see God's Light within animals also. Sikhs have a simple diet. The main reason is to be compassionate as possible. To consume the blood, sweat, and suffering of an animal killed for one's meal and to then sit and pray to God for his compassion and kindness seems hypocrisy. How can we have peace inside when we are eating something that has cried in pain and suffered in anguish in order to be put on to our plate?" The lady looked at me with a startled face and said, "You know something. I eat meat once a week. I agree with your religion and I feel bit bad now. But back when I was younger there was no variety of vegetarian food and it was difficult to live without meat." I said, "I agree that only recently the variety of vegetarian food in England has increased but now you can live without meat." She looked at me and smiled with amazement at the Rehit (discipline) instructed by Guru Jee.

To be continued.

Dasam Granth Videos

I was lucky to find some very informative videos of Bhai Gurcharan Singh Lambha explaining the purpose and content of three compositions found in Dasam Granth, which are very useful for the general knowledge of the Sikh Sangat.

'Charitarpakhyaan' in Dasam Granth: Purpose & Content




'Krishan Avtar' in Dasam Granth: Purpose & Content



'Raam Avtaar' in Dasam Granth: Purpose & Content





Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Jee!

Episode 5 India Trip: Meeting Gursikhs

On day 7 of the trip, we arrived at Sachkhand Sri Harimandir Sahib in the evening. It was such a wonderful feeling to have a glimpse at the Amrit Sarovar and the abode of Guru Raam Daas jee after such a long time. After having Darshan of Guru Sahib jee, we went had Darshan (a glimpse) at Shastar (weapons) of Guru Sahib and great Gursikhs of the past at Sri Akaal Takht Sahib. The day we arrived we were fortunate to attend a late evening Keertan programme in memory of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh jee held in a tent outside Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Gurdwara organized by a Sikh youth organization.

The next day we visited Bibi Amarjit Kaur jee, the wife of Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee. It was the first time I have met Bibi jee. She lives in a room near to the Nishaan Sahibs next to Sri Akaal Takht Sahib. Bibi jee didn't look too well but despite that was in Chardi Kalaa. I was humbled to see the room she was living in. You could see pigeons flying into the room through the window and didn't look like the room had been decorated or renovated for a long time. Howevever despite the living conditions Bibi jee said, "I am living in Heaven. What else could I ever ask for? I look outside and in front of me is Sach Khand!". Waheguru.

At the end of the brief meeting, my mum decided to give a jumper as a small gift to Bibi jee. Bibi jee refused to take it for herself. After insistence, she said, "I don't need anything. Guru Jee has given me everything. As you have brought this and insist to give it, I will keep it and give it away to one of the girls (orphans) I have brought up. When a girl visits her mother, she expects a gift. I will give this gift to her." Waheguru. Bibi Jee has no children of her own but runs an orphanage and school where she treats all the children as her own. She said, "Our orphanage is open to everyone. We look beyond religion, caste and labels. We have Hindu children as well as Sikhs. Anyone who needs help, we try and give it." It was amazing to see Bibi Jee in such Chardi Kalaa despite having experienced many hardships with martrydom of her husband, being arrested and put into jail in June 1984 and much more. May Guru Jee continue to support and bless such Gursikhs.


After meeting Bibi jee we set off to visit Bhai Sahib Jeevan Singh jee, who I have never seen but heard lots about by many Gursikhs. It took a while to find the house of Bhai Sahib, which is on the one the streets behind Sri Akaal Takht Sahib. When we arrived at Bhai Sahib's house we were warmly greeted by a Gursikh husband and wife who are caring for Bhai Sahib. Unfortunately the day we went to meet Bhai Jeevan Singh jee he was really ill and was unable to talk or move. The Bhenji caring for Bhai Sahib, "Bhai Sahib is resting in his room but you can go in and say Fateh to him." Just seeing Bhai Sahib physically was very emotional for everyone. It is beyond words, but Darshan (a glimpse) of such a blessed soul is very touching. Bhai Sahib looked asleep so we didn't want to disturb him.

My mum had brought a soft cardigan for Bhai Sahib as a gift, so she left that next to him on his bed. We then sat back down in the living room. Bhai Sahib's door was left open and we could see him through the living room. As we were drinking Garam Jal my mum told me to look in the direction of Bhai Sahib. Bhai Sahib woke up looked at the cardigan and closed his eyes again. A few seconds again he woke up and looked at the cardigan and hugged it and then went back to sleep whilst keeping hold of the soft cardigan. Waheguru. It was a really sweet sight to see, with Bhai Sahib having an innocent smile and look on his face.

Later on Bhenji said that Bhai Sahib is expected to get up now. So she went in and said, "Bhai Sahib jee you have guests from England come to see you." Bhai Sahib opened his eyes. He was unable to talk or move much but put his hands together as if he was saying Fateh. We said Fateh to Bhai Sahib. Then he looked at my mum and put his hands down to the side of the bed. My mum thought Bhai Sahib had dropped something and started to look down for what he was looking for. Only a few seconds later we realised that Bhai Sahib was trying to touch my mum's feet. Waheguru. He then went back to sleep.

Old photographs of Bhai Jeevan Singh Jee at the house.

Near to Bhai Sahib's room door, there was this photo frame of Gurbani hanged up which to me summed up who Bhai Jeevan Singh jee was:

"hum nehee changge, buraa nehee koe." (I am not good, no one is bad)

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

The Battle of Saragarhi

12th September marks the Battle of Saragarhi that took place in 1897. It is the incredible story of 21 Sikh soldiers against the ferocious Pathan (Afghan) tribesmen, numbering close to 10,000. The staggering ratio of 1: 416 stacked against the Sikhs was both unmatched and unprecedented, making their "last stand" at Saragarhi as the greatest odds faced by any troops in the history of modern warfare. The Battle at Saragarhi is one of eight stories of collective bravery published by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It has been mentioned as one of the five most significant events of its kind in the world which includes the Saga of Thermoplyae associated with the heroic stand of a small Greek force against the mighty Persian Army of Xerxes in 480 B.C.

A Glimpse at the Story of the Battle of Saragarhi

Saragarhi Saragarhi was a communication relay post between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the Sulaiman Range of the North Western Front Province. Since Lockhart and Gulitsan were not in a visual line of sight due to geographical attributes, a midway heliograph communication post (communication by capturing sunlight with a mirror and transmitting it via coded messages) was built at Saragarhi. The Saragarhi post was vital in ensuring the survival of these two Forts in specific and the defence of the region, in general.


Resistance from Local Tribes
The last decades of the 19th century the Russians were trying to make inroads into the Indian continent via Afghanistan and the British had to make several incursions into Afghanistan to prevent Afghan tribes allied with the Russian from taking over. In order to this the British used posts constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, during his Western campaign. Constant raids and skirmishes by violent and bloodthirsty tribesmen were a regular occurrence and the British Indian Army was in constant vigil. Castration, mutilation and skinning captured soldiers alive was one of the many ways tribal leaders instilled fear and control.


Sikhs Soldiers in the British Army
The relationship between the Sikh soldiers and the British Army started out of mutual admiration for each others' courage and tenacity in the battle during the First Anglo-Sikh War (1839-45) and the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1845-49). The inclusion of Sikh soldiers in the British Army was a testament to that admiration. The British recognised that the bravery, honesty, integrity, and fearlessness of the Sikh soldiers came from their faith, the Amrit they had taken and the Rehit (code of conduct) thay lived by, and therefore only Amritdhari Sikhs who prescribed to Rehit were enrolled in the army.


Plan for Attack
Before 12th September, numerous attempts were made by the Pathans to overrun the post but they failed due to calculated defensive actions by the Sikhs under the able leadership of Havildaar Ishar Singh, the detachment commander at Saragarhi. Unknown to the Sikhs, the Pathans were planning a major attack set for 12th September 1897 at 9am to destroy this vital post. The Pathan strategy was to block the reinforcement from Fort Lockhart and strike Saragarhi with no mercy. Havildaar Ishar Singh peered through his binoculars from the watch tower of his post. Through the magnified view, he could see columns upon columns and row upon rows of Pathans waving their swords and guns violently at the Sikhs. The dust kicked up by the thousands of horses temporarily blocked the sun rising over the horizon. The Pathan forces assembled before the Sikhs who were raring to go.


Call for Back-up
Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, the detachment signaller, began signalling to Fort Lockhart about their position: "ENEMY APPROACHING THE MAIN GATE ... NEED REINFORCEMENT". Lt Col Haughton, Commanding Officer of 36th Sikh Battalion, rushed his troops to help the outnumbered Sikhs but the Pathans had cut-off the supply route between Fort Lockhart and Saragarhi so that the Sikhs would be stangled into submission. Fort Lockhart transmitted back: "UNABLE TO BREAKTHROUGH ... HOLD POSITION". Saragarhi flashed back: "UNDERSTOOD". With that message, Lt Col Haughton had sealed the faith of the Sikhs at Saragarhi to certain death. As he watched from Fort Lockhart, Haugthon with his own eyes counted at least 10 enemy standards (each representing 1,000 tribesmen) facing the 21 Sikh soldiers.


The First Attack on the Fort
Like wild hordes on the loose, the Pathans howling at top of their voices rode with guns blazing onto the Sikhs in order to breach the main gate of the post. One of the sepoys sounded the army trumpet as per Havildaar Ishar Singh's command and in a flash they formed up two lines, one row in a squatting firing position and the other standing. With only having a few months of having been given a new type of rifle which was capable of firing ten rounds of 303 calibre bullets a minute, it proved to be more than a match to the muzzle loading rifles possessed by the tribesmen. Tribal leaders called for the Sikhs to surrender as their fight was the British and not with the Sikhs, however Havildaar Ishar Singh, a fearless Gursikh, just stared back at them with his piercing eyes.


The Sikh's Fire Bullets
The effective range of the Henry Martini rifle was around 600 yards (550m). Havildaar Ishar Singh held his order to fire until the enemy closed in within 250m from his post. Once the Pathans breached this marker, he yelled: "NAA DARRO AR SIO JAB JAAE LARRO" and in a loud chorus all the soldiers repeated: "NISCHAI KAR APNEE JEEET KARO" ... With the effective firing-range the Sikhs destroyed the first line of the Pathan advance. However reloading the guns were time consuming. From atop the post, Havildaar Ishar Singh saw again thousands of Pathans in rows upon rows, waiting to charge against them. Now the Pathans knew the actual strength of the Sikhs and planned for a massive assault on all flanks, a multi-pronged attack designed to divide the outnumbered Sikhs into much smaller groups thereby ensuring weaker defensive formations.


Second-Attack on the Fort
The attack this time was with such fury that the earth around the fort shook as the Pathan horsemen thundered across the barren land to slice the Sikhs into pieces. Havildaar Ishar Singh, unnerved by this onslaught, gave battle orders again: "SQUATTING SOLDIERS TO THE RIGHT ... STANDING SOLDIERS TO THE LEFT ... QUICKLY ... QUICKLY...", with clarity amid the chaos of battle. The highly disciplined Sikh soldiers followed the orders like clock-work. The tribesmen attacked in two formations, one towards the main gate and the other towards the gap at the fort. Havildaar Ishar Singh calculated that at least 150 tribesmen rode in this wave. He could see only the white of their eyes as the tribesmen approached closer, masking their faces. Undeterred, he and the other 20 soldiers roared like thunder, "BOLE SO NIHAL ... SAT SRI AKAAL!". The tribesmen's attack was repulsed once again by the Sikhs due to superior marksmanship and motivation but the soldiers' ranks and ammunitions also started to dwindle.


10 Soldiers Left

From 9am to 12pm the Sikhs had been charged at seven times and had been now left with 10 soldiers led by the wounded Havildaar Ishar Singh, who despite being injured by bullets and saber slashes continued his duties. The ammunition gradually finished and by 2pm, Sepoy Gurmukh Singh signalled Fort Lockhart Battalion HQ: "LOW ON AMMO ... NEED AMMO ... URGENTLY!". Lt Col Haughton sent some men to try and pass the ammunition to the trapped Sikhs, but again to no avail. As the Pathans attacked again, the 10 Sikhs repelled them back once again. The tribesmen now resorted to sitting fire to the bushes and scrubs around Fort. With the thick smoke the Sikhs could not see the enemy. The Battalion HQ in Fort Lockhart could clearly see the tribesmen approaching the breach in the fort due to their elevated position above Saragarhi. Lt Col Haugton frantically signalled Saragarhi: "ENEMY APPROCHING THE BREACH ...!" Havildaar Ishar Singh, due to injuries sustained, had to drag himself towards the breach, accompanied by two other soldiers, to stop the tribesmen from entering the fort. Out of ammunition, all three of them fixed their bayonets and charged the tribesmen. Overwhelmed by the sheer numbers facing them, all three fell were they stood bravely. At the same time, the tribesmen entered the main gate due to the thinning of the defensive lines. However, hand to hand fighting still took place inside the fort, in full view from Fort Lockhart.

Four Sikhs Left
Only 4 Sikhs were alive by the time the tribesmen breached the fort, with an additional soldier, Gurmukh Singh, in the nearby mound providing up to date situation report via heliograph. Out of ammunition, they did not lay down their weapons; instead, they formed an all round defensive position with their backs against each other, their bayonets pointing outwards. A force of nearly a hundred Pathans hacked the valiant Sikhs into pieces, but not before the Sikhs took a few heads with them. From Lockhart, soldiers were in utter disbelief of the raw courage displayed down below at Saragarhi and the stiff resistance put up by the remaining Sikhs. They simply gasped in awe of the action unfolding before their very eyes.


One Sikh Left
At 3.30pm Sepoy Gurmukh Singh transmitted: "MAIN GATE BREACHED ... DOWN TO ONE ... REQUEST PERMISSION TO DISMOUNT AND JOIN THE FIGHT ...!" Orders came back: "PERMISSION GRANTED!" 19-year old Gurmukh Singh disassembled his heliograph device, picked up his rifle and bravely went into the fort to join the fight. Soldiers at Fort Lockhart saw him disappear into the thick of the battle, right into the tribesmen line. They could only hear him roaring at the top of his voice: "JO BOLE SO NIHAAL ... SAT SRI AKAAL! ... JO BOLE SO NIHAAL, SAT SRI AKAAL...!" The third battle cry grew even more weaker, whilst Gurmukh Singh began choking on his blood as he stood there, bayoneting. Legend has it that he took down single-handedly 20 tribesmen before succumbing to the repeated slashes of the tribesmen's swords and the fire that was engulfing the post. Twitching, as his last breath left him, Sepoy Gurmukh Singh could hear in his mind the melodic Shabad of "DUKH BHANJAN" his mother had recited every evening in their home. He died, satisfied in the knowledge that he had done his duty and lived to his last breath with Kesh (hair) intact!


The Aftermath
Without the stiff resistance of the 21 Sikh soldiers at Saragarhi, both Fort Lockhart and Gulistan would have fallen to the enemy. By defending their position long enough for the relief column to arrive with artillery support, the 21 Sikh soldiers became the crucial factor in turning the tide of battle in their favour.The 21 Sikh soldiers fought on continuously for 7 punishing hours without food and water, completely surrounded, and pounded from all flanks. Unwearied by constant charges and mortal danger, they stood their ground against daunting odds, they repealed wave after wave of attack and fought till their last bullets. Even when out of ammunition, they did not abandon their post and instead chose to engage in a fatal hand to hand combat, till all made the ultimate sacrifice. When the relief column arrived a day later, they saw the burnt out bodies of all the 21 Sikh soldiers, together with at least 600 dead bodies of the tribesmen strewn only yards in front of their position.


News of Bravery Spreads
LT Col Haughton signaled his HQ in Punjab about the battle that had transpired. Within a few hours, tales of their bravery were making news across India. The Governor General of India, the Earl of Elgin, wrote a personal telegraph to Queen Victoria describing the bravery of the Sikhs soldiers defending the post till their death. The news reached the British House of Commons, and the tales of sacrifice of the 21 Sikh soldiers were narrated. At the end the of Chief Whip's speech, the entire parliament gave a rousing standing ovation to the Gallant 21 Sikhs, as their names were called out aloud in a symbolic roll call. The collective courage of the 21 Sikh soldiers moved Queen Victoria so much that she awarded the 21 Sikhs with the Indian Order Merit (IOM), which is the highest award for bravery given to colonial troops and it was equivalent to the British Victoria Cross. This was the only time in history of warfare where each soldier who took part in the same battle was given the highest award. Additionally, the Queen awared their next of kin with 500 rupees and 50 acres of land. Finally, a memorial cenotaph was to be erected near the place where all these 21 soldiers fell, as a perpetual record to the heroic action of these gallant soldiers.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee

Gursikh Photography and Filmmaking

Last year Bhai Atma Singh jee and Bhai Resham Singh jee, two UK-born Gursikh brothers from Slough (England) set up a photography and film-making business called Atma Images. You can see their professional work on their website: www.AtmaImages.com


Atma Images provides their services for weddings, events/functions, and also does portraits for individuals, families etc and commercial assignments (e.g. photography/filmmaking for businesses) nationwide. In following their Gurmat principles and beliefs, they only cover Anand Kaarajs (wedding ceremonies) of Amritdhari Gursikhs and don't offer their services to any event or function which involves the consumption of alcohol or meat.

In following Guru Jee's instructions, they give 10% of all their profits to charity. They also offer their skills to organisations doing Gurmat sevaa and running Panthic projects.

Atma Images are ideal for Gursikhs and also Gursikh businesses. Please support these Gursikhs.





Check www.AtmaImages.com for more of their creative work and further details.