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lololol....the mini dhundas sitting in the back waiting for the day they can sit up front and do speeches on their bhaga wale experiences

It's Time To Bring Saragarhi into Public Consciousness July 20, 2012 by BHUPINDER SINGH (Texas) Source: www.sikhchic.com Reading a promising news item about a move by the veteran film actor, Sanjay Dutt, to make a movie on the historical battle of Saragarhi has made me want to share with the readers my thoughts on the issue of the proper commemoration of the great battle. The Battle at Saragarhi is one of eight stories of the greatest examples of collective bravery in world history, as identified by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It has been cited as one of the five most significant events of its kind in the world, yet when we read history and text books prescribed in India for schools and colleges; we find no mention of this important historical event. For some unknown reason this significant piece of history has been completely overlooked and has been reduced to a non-event. Thus the plan to make a movie and thereby make people aware of it is an effort truly worth applauding. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE This battle of Saragarhi has been compared to the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small Greek force faced a large Persian army of Xerxes in the year 480 BC. It is important to note that during the Battle of Saragarhi, the British did not manage to get relief to the unit under siege until after the 21 soldiers had fought to their death. Interestingly, there is one significant difference, that a medizing traitor named Ephialtes led the Persians around the pass running behind the Greek army, thereby squashing any remote chance of Greek victory. In the case of Saragarhi, there was no traitor, but all of them were valiant heroes who set an example of sterling courage and supreme sacrifice. The movie “300” has captured the heroism of the valiant 300 Spartans, and it is my sincere hope that that the movie on Sargarhi does justice to the bravery of these 21 soldiers. History books have become a mere repertoire of chronological events of the past rulers and significant events. However, history has to be interesting, inspiring, and relevant to us and to our lives, by connecting us to the past and instilling pride in us. The Battle of Saragarhi is such a historical event, as the 21 soldiers set a uniqiue example of bravery, courage, determination and patriotism. Though their sacrifices remain unmatched, the battle's significance has been completely marginalized. Besides books on history, this should have found its way in the text books of language and poetry for its significance, saga of bravery, and its inspirational value. We have a model of such commemoration. Anybody who has taken a course in English in the schools in India has been exposed to the poem, “The Charge of Light Brigade” by Lord Tennyson; yet we cannot find a comparable poem or epic in any language that has captured the spectacular display of the Saragarhi will power. BRIEF HISTORY Let us first briefly understand this significant event before discussing how to make it relevant today. The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on September 12, 1897 between 21 (twenty-one) Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then, the "36th Sikhs") of the Sikh Regiment of British India, defending an army post against 15 to 20 thousand Afghan and Orakzai tribesmen in a last stand. Saragarhi is a small village in the border district of Kohat, situated on the Samana Range, now part of Pakistan. In August 1897, five companies of the 36th Sikhs under Lt. Col. John Haughton were sent to the North West Frontier Province, and stationed at Samana Hills, Kurag, Sangar, Sahtop Dhar and Saragarhi. These series of forts, originally constructed by the Sikh Emperor Ranjit Singh were consolidated by the British as the frontier outposts to defend against attacks from Afghanistan. Two of the forts were Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan which were situated a few miles apart. Due to the forts not being visible to each other, Saragarhi was created midway, as a mere communication post. The Saragarhi post, situated on a rocky ridge, consisted of a small block house with loop-holed ramparts and a signaling tower. A contingent of the twenty-one (21) Sikhs led by Havildar Ishar Singh was stationed at Saragarhi. When the Afghans and Orakzai tribesmen picked it as a soft target, being a communication post, and ideal to be overrun, these brave men chose to fight to death in defending it. Details of the Battle of Saraghari as available to us today are considered fairly accurate, due to Signalman Gurmukh Singh signaling events to Fort Lockhart as they occurred, starting around 9:00 am on that fateful day. Colonel Haughton said that no reinforcements were available as he himself was under siege. The soldiers decided to fight to their last, to prevent the enemy reaching the Fort Gulistan. The repeated thrust of the attacking forces was repulsed by these brave men who inflicted heavy losses on them. The enemy broke a portion of the wall of the picket and hand to hand combat ensued. The battle raged on ferociously and the 20 soldiers gave their lives there. Finally, the Signalman Gurmukh Singh, who was in constant communication with Col. Haughton, providing the updates, was the sole defender left. He communicated his last message to the colonel as follows: “This is my last signal. Picking up the gun to fight …” and requested permission to fight. This young signalman, 19 years of age, is said to have killed over 20 Afghans before he succumbed to the injuries sustained in hand-to-hand combat. Finally, when the relief party sent by Col. Haughton arrived, they found over 800 bodies lying around the ruined post. All the 21 Sikhs were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award at that time which an Indian soldier could receive at the hands of the British Crown. The British Parliament gave a standing ovation to the heroics of these brave hearts and acknowledged their sacrifices. Their homage included reading the names of each of the twenty-one in the British Parliament and their acknowledgement. Sadly, in their own country their gallantry remains unacknowledged. SARAGARHI COMMEMORATION This significant event is celebrated with great pride by Sikh military personnel in their respective regimental centers and also by Sikh civilians in Ferozepur to commemorate this battle every year on September 12, as Saragarhi Day. It is about time that this truly inspirational act of bravery receives the worldwide recognition it deserves. Lately, there have been efforts to bring awareness to wider audiences with a creation of a comic book, YouTube coverage and information about it on internet. We have earlier talked about the move to make a movie on this great saga. These efforts are all steps in the right direction to bring attention to this significant feat. However, we should look at other means to promote the event not just at the national scale but a truly international scale. This has potential to fire the minds of coming generations, and be a true hallmark of courage and determination. For the author of this article and a longtime resident of Houston, Texas, the model for commemoration of this event is available in the way the Battle of San Jacinto is celebrated here every year on April 21. This event is celebrated with a re-enactment of this historic battle of 1836 on the grounds of San Jacinto with live firing of blanks from guns and cannons. This is a complete enactment with use of uniforms of the Texian militia and Mexican armies of the time and guns of those times. Thousands of people show up at this event and to be part of the celebration, where they not only relive that history but learn about it in a fun way. In addition, if one sees the text books here in USA, one can see how this significant chapter of history has been captured so that it could be transmitted from generation to generation. The school children take field trips to San Jacinto War Memorial and Museum to get a feel of the reality along with reading from the textbooks. The war memorials do serve their intended purpose but the true memorials are in the hearts. That memory becomes the inspiration in times of crisis. History has to have a personal appeal and be relevant; it should not be just information on some event on a particular date crammed to pass an examination. Let us turn the pages of history in such a way which we have not done in the past, by making this history of Saragarhi our heritage and inspiration for generations to come. We can make a start by commemorating it with: - Reenactment of the battle in Ferozepur, Meerut (Sikh Light Infantry Headquarters) and other cities on 12 September every year with full public participation - National leaders visiting Ferozepur to pay homage to this saga of brave men - Covering the event in Indian history books - Setting up a modern memorial with interactive facilities for schoolchildren, so that they get a dose of reality when they make day field trips - In this age of electronic media we need to have Gameboys and computer apps where the history is shared with the young generation in the medium of their choice. Every generation needs its own inspirational connection, saga of courage and determination, but we still have not laid our claim to it. This is the time to do it by making it our national heritage, a heritage that we can be proud of and have it serve as our national inspiration.

The statement given by Damdami Taksal aka Gurinder Singh is attempting to whitewash what Bhai Amrik Singh Jee said as a 'personal grudge.' Bhai Amrik Singh and the satkaar committee have always been the first on the spot when it came to beadbi of Guru Granth Sahib Jee and pakhandi saadhs. What Bhai Amrik Singh Jee speaks, is the truth, and he would know as he as he was kicked out of mehta in 2005 along with other singhs close to Baba Thakur Singh Jee, when Dhumma sahib became the self appointed 'mukhi' of Taksaal, with the blessings of the Amrinder Singh government at the time. Perhaps it should be worth mentioning that some singhs were locked up on false charges by police friends of Dhumma sahib and elder singhs were beaten up. But I'm sure that Bhai Amrik Singh Jee and other singhs can dictate the facts when asked. Bhai Amrik Singh Jee could approach Sri Akaal Takht or SGPC to expose Dhumma sahib, but I'm sure, given the current political influences, this issue would be swept under the carpet as the 'mukhi' is best of buddys with the Badal administration. Bhai Amrik Singh Jee isn't stupid, he doesn't need to waste his time trying to expose Dhumma sahib to the politically tainted establishment - as the truth will continue to reveal itself. Instead, him and singhs belonging to the jatha have committed themselves to the sewa of Guru and Panth and follow the bachans of Sant Jarnail Singh Jee - especially those bachans that are against siding with politicians. Damdami Taksaal Ajnala follow the bachans of Brahamgiani Baba Thakur Singh Jee and will continue to do so - everything will become clear soon

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh A number of allegations have been put against Baba Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa. Most of these are to cause further friction in the Taksal. The Taksal on its own does not make up the Panth, Taksal is part of the links which including other Jathebandi's of the Panth make up the backbone of the Sikh Dharam. Bhai Amrik Singh Ji Ajnala are doing a great seva exposing Radha Swamis and raising other Satkaar issues, but if Bhai Sahib has a personal grudge against Harnam Singh then this is not the time to express it, he should not use a Panthic issue, but face to face at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and work for the unity of Damdami Taksal. But the allegations which have been placed against Baba Harnam Singh are totally false. If anybody including Bhai Amrik Singh Ji Ajnala can prove this, take it to the Panj Singh Sahibaan at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, provide the proof take the media with them so nobody can go back on their word, then Harnam Singh will present himself at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to accept and punishment given to him from the Panth. Most of these allegations are by people who hate the whole concept of Damdami Taksal or Sri Dasam Granth and by those people who are questioning why is Harnam Singh doing so much but were not getting any lime light? In the picture where Parkash Singh Badal sits on a chair, where as everyone around him sits on the floor, does anyone know the reason for this? This is because he has had a hip replacement not because he is higher than Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, but because it is phsically not possible for him to sit on the floor. As for Harnam Singh holding a thaal of sweets is this Anti-Panthic? Many other leaders have vowed to do so much, what have they achieved? The two of the numerous issues of the Panth, the calendar issue was sorted. The memorial for the 1984 Shaheed Singhs has begun building. Yet Harnam Singh is still Anti-Panthic? Harnam Singh starts building 1984 and the affects could be felt as far as Delhi? Yet he's still Anti - Panthic? Singhs dont waste your energy slandering each other, do as much as you can for the benefit of the Panth.

http://en.wikipedia....shpora_incident

jeonwala on a follow up clip at the same program puts his foot on an Asa Di War booklet. What a prat.

The thread title seems to suggest something else. I'm glad it isn't. :blink2: :biggrin2:

I'm sorry I never knew you existed in that period of time. How can wearing a dastar be optional for women, not men? That would mean a dastar has no significance whatsoever. Anyway, this is what I believe so I'm not going to say any more to this.

I have a bad feeling about this. It will probably be turned into a political/hindu propaganda tool where they're saying mata ki jai and other things to change what actually happened. It will be just another pro-hinduvita pro-indian government propaganda movie. Shouldn't dwell on it and if there are even a few inaccuracies or we aren't happy we should protest and boycott this movie.

Show him the puratan maryadas of daal panth and Research the jhatka tradition amongst Sikhs and nihangs. Then also look into why you feel not eating meat is good. After looking at both sides of the equation make up your own mind..

Along with the mass killing of Sikhs and Christians in the North east the Indian army has one of the worst human rights records in the world. Just look at the Independent reports from Amnesty and Human Rights watch. The Genocide of Sikhs in the Punjab is that a good job as well?

I agree with you on this. If the girl has bern around a lot of turban wearing men and guys she will have a different perspective than a girl who hasnt been around them. I will give u my example. For 10 years of my life i lived in a only white community and the only sardars there were my dad who wore a turban and my younger brother who wore a patka. I was about 16 till we were there and I had told myself I would only marry a mona because I was exposed to guys my age wearing paghs. Dad doesnt count! So we moved to Seattle which has a good amount of Punjabi community. And i would have thought there would be some guys my age wearings turbans but no. Most actually probably like 80% were monay and the others were either young and wore patkas or wore turbans like a maniac. So still i thought no way i will only marry a mona. So we went back to India for the first time in India at the age of 18 and I was so suprised at the guys wearing turbans. I know its more like a fashion trend but still they are wearing turbans. I was amazed how good a guy can look in a turban if its tied properly. And from then on my mind slowly started changing about marrying a mona over a turban guy. As we went back home in the next couple yrs i got even more determined that i would only marry a guy that wears a turban and thats what i did. A guy looks totally different in a turban than one as a mOna. So basically it all depends on how much and what kind exposure one experienced in that particular category.

CAN YOU STOP MISBEHAVING HERE. YOU ARE CROSS ALL LIMITS OF SANITY. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE MODERATORS ARE NOT TAKING ANY ACTION IN THE FACE OF CONSTANT NAME CALLING AND INSULTING POSTS BY THIS IMPOSTOR.

One thing I feel Punjab can do is discard Hindi altogether in favour of English. That is what South India did, they only teach English and their own local language. Hindi does not hold any status in the south. Since English is so prevalent in the south, education is also top and most foreign companies like to invest in the south because of the English factor. In Punjab a similar pattern should have been adopted. After Haryana and Himachal were unfairly separated, I feel Punjab should have discarded Hindi just to get back at the center, plus such a move could have had a positive impact on Punjab's education. Today we could have had a lot of foreign investment in Punjab similar to the South. I feel today, Sikh schools in Punjab such as Akal Acedemy should discard Hindi and only teach Punjabi and English.

actually jatts are from a scythian race, like rajputs n other panjabi tribes. also jatts only became farmers/landowners after banda singh bahadur, then bit more with the misl period and then practically every jatt became a farmer/landowner after maharaja ranjit singh rewarded them with it. agree with u tho that jatts need 2 stop this crappy boastin n be-littlin of others, especially as jatts get cussed in pakistan by other tribes. Sikhs r sikhs, end of

erm firstly shut up u mug, stop with the bakwaas, please tell me WHERE i mentioned/blamed the hindus for panjabs agricultural problems? 2ndly, if u bothered 2 actually do research as to why panjab is suffering, u wud kno, panjabs got HUGE problem with cancer in its paani, due to uranium being found in it, farmer suicide because they cant pay the massive debts, coz the indian govt charges panjab the highest rates of any state, yet gives them lower rate prices in return when it comes 2 sale of crops. Also Panjabs waters have been illegally restricted, which means the farmers r digging deeper n deeper, meaning uranium is contaminating the water, which then leads 2, 1 in 3 persons in malwa area havin cancer. Then an alternative is, to use electric pumps, but then, the electricity keeps cuttin, coz panjab has 2 share its electricity with other states! If the indian govt didnt illegally steal panjabs waters, then a lot of these problems wudnt have surfaced to such great size, coz farmers wud of been able 2 deal with the demands, with easy access 2 water. Why is himachal, delhi, haryana and rajastan stealing panjabs water, when they already get water from elsewhere? Why is panjab, a land of five rivers being touted as place that cud b desert land in the future? U tell me which of these problems has 2 with sikhs being lazy n not wanting 2 work in the farmlands? Even if sikhs dont wana do farming, biharis/UP ppl have been fillin in the gaps for the last 10 yrs, and still no improvement? No one here is playin the lazy or victim card, but pathetic bandhars like u, who r pro-india, will find any excuse 2 stick up for indian govt and cuss the khalistanis, who speak with facts. no one is disputing panjabis alcohol problems and general lazy work ethic nowadays either. LOL, also u say the threat of militancy is wat keeps outsiders from investin in panjab? watever mate, where is the threat of militancy?

Please keep your laughable suggestions to yourself. Matrimonial showing disrespect to the Sikhs' appearance and turbans should be banned from Gurdwaras.

Why do people always have to take things to extremes? We don't have to all intermarry for this caste issue to go away. Why can't we just learn to get along? People stuck to their castes back in the day, but they still fought side-by-side. The people discriminating against other castes don't know Sikhi. If a Jatt doesn't let a Chamar take prashad from the same place as other people, then that Jatt isn't a Sikh of the guru. I'm from a Jatt background. I'm proud of it. It's part of my blood. It's almost like an ethnic group within itself. That doesn't mean that I think I'm better than people who aren't Jatts. A lot of songs big-up Jatts, but that don't mean other people gotta develop an inferiority complex and start hating on us. Those songs are for us. Go ahead and rep your people if you want, nobody is stopping you. What about all the songs repping Punjabis, and saying how we the best? You think Gujjus or Tamils get <Edited> off? Maybe we should intermarry with them so we don't have any beef. Why stop with South Asians? Maybe every ethnicity around the world should intermarry so that we would end up with one generic race and have world peace? Probably not gonna happen. Respect each others differences and treat each other as equals.