On June 7th thousands of Sikhs from all over the UK gathered at Hyde Park and then marched towards Trafalgar Square. This is an annual event, but seeing as this was the 25th year there was an extra turn out for the event this year (which is ridiculous really, there should be a similar turn out every year).
It was great to see so many Sikhs getting together to remember the tragic events of 1984. We need more unity on all matters within our community. We as a community may feel that after 1984 we have weathered the tide and the worst is over, we may even think of burying the past. Lets not kid ourselves, theres still an anti Sikh agenda out there. Look at the events in the recent past - we've had the Dera Sacha Sauda fake Baba, the blog site about Sikh Girls, the arson attacks on UK Gurdwaras, and more recently the Austrian incident (which i will discuss later). These issues are still in our midst, and will continue to arise. We as a community need to face these challenges collectively, by putting our petty differences aside.
Back to the 1984 rally, theres been alot of conversations regarding what is achieved by this event and that we are still in the same place as we were 25 years ago in terms of getting justice. Theres even by comments by the Indian Premier to forget those events.
My thoughts and those of friends are that yes this protest march may not be ideal, and we may not be achieving anything in terms of justice etc, but in the absence of any other suggestions then its something that probably will need to continue until the youth step up and think of new ideas. I'd like to point out to the detractors, that look at the sangat that turns up, so many of them were not even born until after 1984, and yet they turn up to this event because they feel passionate about the subject. It was in all honesty great to see the youth participating in this event. The one thing i object to is burning of flags and effigies, which i believe is nonsense and achieves nothing what so ever. It was good to see the youth approaching the non sikhs in and around the area to explain what the march was about etc.. however i think we could do with some professional leaflets explaining the reason for the march.
In terms of forgetting those events. Then i'm afraid that is not an option. The sacrifices made by the thousands of Sikhs during the period of unrest in the Punjab, the desecration of our holiest sites should never be forgotten. We need to raise more awareness within the youth about the events. How can we forget when theres still thousands of innocent sikhs, who have spent their whole youth in prisons and are still languishing in there without any charges. Are these things we should forget, as we are comfy in the West?
My one concern is that those Shaheeds that stepped up to the challenge, and stood against the tyranny as the Sikhs of the Guru would, they laid down their lives, but what of their families? We have forgotten them, we need to do more for them. Many of these Shaheeds were the only earners in their households, they had family responsibilities like us all,they must have had doubts in their minds about what would happen to their loved ones afterwards. Yet they placed their full faith in Guru Ji and literally placed their heads on their palms and embraced martyrdom. But it is our collective responsibility to look after their families, and ensure they face no difficulties. If we do not, then its possible that the future Singhs and Singhnian will think twice before taking such steps.
As for the Khalistan issue, well i think if the issues of the Sikhs had been addressed by the Government, then this demand for Khalistan would never have arisen. Infact i'm sure if the Government made some positive attempts to punish those responsible it would also quell the calls for Khalistan a little, as the Sikhs would feel like part of India. All they want is to be recognised and treated equally.
Finally, if we all become Khalsa first then there aint no Maa da Laal who can stop Khalistan forming.
