How do you commemorate the events of 1984?

Today is the anniversary of the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and more importantly the day on which the Sikh Genocide was instigated. Thirty years have passed, but for many Sikhs it can feel like none. Few have been convicted for their role in the Government-led violence that cost the lives of tens of thousands of Sikhs in Delhi and beyond, whilst the issues that led to the events of 1984 as a whole have instead of being resolved, exacerbated further. It is no wonder that the Sikh community worldwide meets this day in a myriad of ways from lighting candles in memory of those who passed, to raising slogans and demanding justice. In order for the Panth to realise just how would be best to commemorate this day, it would be insightful to first consider how individual Sikhs mark it. What follows are the words of our writers and prominent Sikh activists in this regard.

“I remember and recollect where we are and what I can do to get to where we need to be.

Remembrance of the events is on the surface of the issue. You go slightly beyond the surface to accountability – those responsible have not been punished; deeper still and there is the issue of acceptance and acknowledgment – both the State and the community haven’t fully accepted or acknowledged what actually happened, the scale or the causes; deeper still is the real issue which is that this incident cannot be viewed in isolation from the wider political context – these incidents were the consequences of the government’s unwillingness to seek a reasonable settlement to legitimate socio-economic demands for Punjab.”
-Baljit Singh, National Sikh Youth Federation


“The candle I light is one that shows the way, the slogan I shout is one that empowers us to step up and solve our own problems. Truth, justice and equality are not the ideals I for long for but the way I live my life, in what I write, in what I say and do.”
–Gurpreet Singh Rehal


“By making our ‘Genocide 1984’ documentary, our message from Akaal Publishers is that you can shoot us, you can rape us, you can displace us, you can set your armies upon us, you can send your intelligence sleuths behind us. But you know what, we aren’t going anywhere!! We will rise & roar like Lions as we do at all times. The Sikh Spirit cannot be contained, cannot be maimed & you know what? It can’t be tamed. So, ‘Genocide 1984’ – has only made us stronger, made us more focused. The Khalsa lives & when it blazes it’s swords you shake in your boots. You still try & don’t realise, you haven’t got a chance. We have God at our side. With Him with us who can we fear? Raj Karda Khalsa atte Raj Karega Khalsa – The Khalsa rules & will rule.”
-Harjinder Singh, Akaal Publishers


“This is a day like any other. The struggle in life is continuous so the passing of time and the ticking of a clock over to 31 October should herald the same activity to which we dedicate our lives otherwise. The events of 1984 are themselves part of a much bigger clash that has been taking place between Sikhs and the ruling elite since Guru Nanak’s revelations rocked the very foundations of society. I believe that we can, one day, commemorate these events, but that day is not now for we are in the midst of battle. Today, the pen and the spoken word has replaced the gun and the sword, but combat is no less lively or fatal. Sikhs who look to this day to be reminded of what took place thirty years ago would do well to look deeper at the issues themselves and to consider how they can help make a change by engaging all year round.”
–Harwinder Singh Mander


“My commemoration does not happen on a particular day nor will it be as a special occasion. The events of 1984 serve as a reminder of what the Ruling Clique are willing to do to negate the existence of the Nankonian Philosophy and whenever my discipline falters or my ego is out of place I’m reminded by these events. This was an attack against a people who stand for the same reality I wish to see come into fruition: the work of Banda Singh Bahadur in working to create Begumpura with the Punjab state, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in creating begampura in the Sikh Empire, and now my fight with my fellows Humans to establish Begampura in myself and then in the World.”
-Jagdeep Singh, Snakes & Fakes


“It’s always a sad day because I reflect on the work I have done over the last 12 months and question the contribution I have made to the Panth’s mission. Its a day for evaluation and planning in order to make my actions next year more meaningful. The images and narratives that are often splashed across social media no longer evoke a sense of injustice and suffering because the true pain is looking at our ineptness in dealing with the crux of the issue.”
–Jaspinder Singh


“Every bed time, my daughter expertly negotiates more than the planned stories. And as she lays her head down, she inevitably requests “mama/papa, sakhi sunau” (“mama/papa, tell me a sakhi”). These sakhis are chosen based on occurrences of the day, lessons learned or historical events.