On This Day

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 7th

1765 Baba Ala Singh passed away.

==> BABA AALLA SINGH JI was born in village Phull to father Baba Ram Singh Phulwansi and mother Saabhi. He was introduced to amrit by Baba Deep Singh Ji, in TheekriWalae village. In sunmat 1810, he laid the foundation stone of a temporary structure for the Patiala fort while the construction of a permanent structure began in sunmat 1820. Simultaneously he founded the Patiala city. Barnala, Longowal, Sunaam, Bathinda, and Patiala were under his control. He passed away on 22nd Aug. 1765 in Patiala.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1925 Gurudwara Act published in Gurdwara Gazette.

1942 Independent Punjab movement initiate.

1965 Fateh Singh, then President of Shiromani Akali Dal, met with the then Prime Minister of India, Sri Lal Bahadhur Shashtri. This meeting is considered a significant in resolving Sikh demands.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 8th

1881 Lord Ripon's statement exposed the Britishers true desires that they never wanted Sikhs to be the masters of their Gurudwaras. He wrote, " I think it would be politically dangerous to allow the management of the Sikh templaes to fall into the hands of a committee emancipated from government control." As such the mahants under the government thumb failed to become the honest interpreters of the wishes of the Panth. For example, they issued a Hukamnama from Sri Akal Takhat in

1915 condemming the Komagata Maru Sikhs.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A Historical Survey," by Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

Subsequently, they instituted the election system among Gurudwaras, the most evil system that has ensured friction and continued disunity among the Sikh community to date. There is no religious or spiritual group in the world where leaders are not appointed based on merit but rather elected based popular vote.

1898 Raja Bikram Singh of Fridkot, who published the "Fridkoti Teeka" passed away.

==> FARIDKOTI TEEKA: Teekas (commentaries) on Guru Granth Sahib have been written in one form or other ever since the compilation of Guru Granth Sahib. However, the first formal Teeka in line with the traditional interpretation of Sikh scriptures was written by Sant Giani Badan Singh Ji of Dera Sekhwan at the request and encouragement of Maharaja Bikram Singh of Faridkot. It took him six and a half years to complete it. It was completed in 1883. This Teeka was reviewed by a committee appointed by Mahant Shamer Singh of Patna. After incorporating the comments of this committee, the first edition of this Teeka was published [funded] by the Maharaja Balvir Singh of Faridkot in 1906 which was printed by the Wazir Hind Press (started by Bhai Vir Singh) at Amritsar. The second edition of this Teeka was published by Maharaja Harinder Singh of Faridkot in 1928. This Teeka is known as the "Faridkoti Teeka." It is still available in the market.

Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, the contemporary of the author of Faridkoti Teeka, also started the Teeka, but he died when he finished it up to Basant Rag. Then some people borrowed it from his heir just to review the draft, but never returned it. Only the Teeka of Sri Rag is available from his draft which is in the possesion of very few researchers and scholars at this time. It is not generally available.

- Ref. Gurmat Sahit Vivechan (Punjabi, published by Punjab Languages Department). This is an extremely useful book on the history of Gurmat literature. It contains 25 essays by top-notch scholars.

1922 Guru Ka Bagh morcha was launched.

5 GurSikh saewadars were arrested and charged with cutting wood for Guru ka Langar from Guru Kae Bagh. The undercurrent of official hostility blew up in the form of "Guru Ka morcha" agitation. On instructions from the Home Secretary, District Magistrate Amritsar ordered the mass scale arrest of Akalis. The authorities obtained a complaint, from a reluctant Mahant, on cutting of useless "kikar" trees. The institution of criminal proceedings against 5 Akalis lokking after the Gurudwara, and their conviction the following day to 6 months rigorous imprisonment, provoked the Sikhs to assert their right. This provided an opportunity for the authorities to wreek untold atrocities on thosusands of Akali volunteers over a period of three months. It was remarkable the way the Akali volunteers offered themselves to be beaten mercilessly without raising an arm. They heroically kept the vow of non-violence taken before the Akal Takhat. It was not for nothing that the Golden Hawk, popularly associated with Guru Gobind Singh, was sighted daily at Guru Ka Bagh, and gave the Guru's blessings to his devotees, and assured them success.

This gurudwara was under the control of Mahant Sundar Dass. From Aug. 23 until Sept. 13, the government sided with the Mahant and ruthelessly lathi-charged the visiting Jathas. However, Sikhs persisted with their non-violent agitation. The courage and persistent of Sikhs became world renouned during this period. From Sept. 13 until Nov. 17, Sikhs courted arrests. Finally, the government gave in and on Nov. 17, 1922, all Sikh demands were accepted and the agitation was successfully concluded. During this agitation 5605 Sikhs courted arrest, over a dozen Sikhs accepted shahidi and thousands were injured.

1923 Third proclamation announcing rewards for the arrest of the Babbars was issued.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 9th

1922 Akalis arrested at Guru Ka Bagh.

==> GURU KA BAGH gurudwara was under the control of Mahant Sundar Dass. He had agreed to serve under a committee of eleven members appointed by the SGPC on August 23, 1921, but the land remained under his possession. The Sikhs used to hew wood from the land for common kitchen and Mahant, under instigation from others, lodged a complaint against the Akalis. The government was on the outlook for opportunities to retrieve its prestige, lost in the Key's affair. On Aug. 9, 1922, five Akali Sewadars were arrested for cutting wood for Guru Ka Langar from Guru Ka Bagh. Subsequently a morcha was launched to seek the release of the five GurSikhs.

From Aug. 23 until Sept. 13, the government sided with the Mahant and ruthelessly lathi-charged the visiting Jathas. The violent use of force on the non-violent Akalis had great impact in and outside the Punjab. The Government brutality was condemned. The police beat the Akalis with iron-tipped rods and batons, till blodd began to flow and the brave GurSikhs fell unconcious. The insults heaped up on the Akalis were unbearable. They were given inhuman punishments and their religious symbols were desecrated and hair pulled out. The effect of all this on thousands of GurSikhs was tremendous, resulting in deep seated hatred against the British rulers and the Sikhs lost all faith in non-violence. The Babbar Akali movement took its final shape during this Morcha. The courage and persistent of Sikhs became world renouned during this period. From Sept. 13 until Nov. 17, Sikhs courted arrests. Finally, the government gave in and on Nov. 17, 1922, all Sikh demands were accepted and the agitation was successfully concluded. During this agitation 5605 Sikhs courted arrest including 35 members of the SGPC, over a dozen Sikhs accepted shahidi and thousands were injured.

-Ref. "Babbar Akali Movement, A Historical Survey," by Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1922 Babbar Akali movement launched.

==> BABBAR AKALI MOVEMENT: "Babbar" is an Arabic word which means a lion. Sher and Akali are Punjabi words which mean lion and without death, respectively. In Sikh context Akali is a Sikh who worships the Almighty and who is without death or fear. When combined with word Babbar, word Akali means a Sikh who is without death and is fearless and brave, like a lion. This is how the Babbar Akalis really were. They defied death, fought with great courage, and received martyrdom. They fought the holy war without any selfish motive.

Babbar Akalis had established their rule in the Doaba region of Punjab in the early 20s. Commissioner Towshed of Jalandhar wrote a long letter to the Governor of Punjab;

"The British rule is over in Doaba. No one is ready to cooperate with the government for the fear of the Babbars. There are some people, loyal to the British goverment, who visit my residence in a very secret manner and utter the news, in a low tone, into my ear."

In addition ot the brave men of Doaba, several Sikhs from the Majha and Malwa region also gladly accepted martyrdom. Those include Babu Santa Singh son of Sardar Suba Singh of village Shoti Harion (Tehsil Samrala); Babbar Nikka Singh son of Sardar Buta Singh, village Alowal, Tehsil Tarn Tarn. (Source - Babbar Akalian da Itihas by Dr. Bakhshish Singh Nijjar)

There are some books available on the Babbar Akalis. Two prominent books about this topic are by Dr.' Bakhshish Singh Nijjar (M.A. PhD in history, M.A. Punjabi, M.A.M.L.O. Farsi). He is a Rtd. director of Punjab State Archives and curently living in USA. His books are:

1. Babbar Akalian da Itihas (Punjabi)

2. Babbar Akali Lehar da Itihas

3. History of the Babar Akalis

There is another gentleman, Dr. Gurcharan Singh Aulakh who recently wrote his PhD thesis on the Babbar Akalis. His book is called, "Babbar Akali Movement" and is published by Aman Publications, Punjab.

Two other useful books on the Akalis and Babbar Akalis are:

Babbar Akali Lehar (Punjabi) by Sunder Singh Babbar

Akali Lehar (Punjabi) Partap Singh Giani.

1942 60,0000 Sikhs courted arrest under the "Britishers Leave India" movement.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 10th

1938 Kartar Singh Kirti and Gurdit Singh of Mandhali were sent to the scaffold for the murder of Anup Singh.

1992 Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Harjinder Singh Jinda were hanged to death. Harjinder Singh "Jinda" and Sukhdev Singh 'Sukha' were hanged to death. They gunned down General Vadiaya after his retirement from Indian army. General Vadiya was the Chief of the Indian Army who ordered the attack on the holiest of the holy shrines at Amritsar and elsewhere in Punjab during 1984 operations.

==> WHO WERE THE MURDERED GURSIKHS?

Over 1 million Sikh pilgrims had assembled at Amritsar on the Vaisakhi day of 1978. At the same time, the Nirankari-called Sect of bohemians from Delhi and other parts of the Indian sub-continent held a procession and a conference at Amritsara. During their Conference the speakers made venomous attacks on Sikhism, Sikh Gurus, Sikh scriptures, etc. A few Sikhs, under the command of Bhai Fauja Singh, marched from the Darbar Sahib to protest against this fake Nirankari procession in which Gurbachan Singh Nirankari had seated himself on a higher position than Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the prevalent Guru of GurSikhs, is always respectfully seated at the highest platform in any congregation. Anyone seated on a platform higher than that of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is considered disrespectful and sacrilegious among Guru Khalsa Panth.

Further, the Nirankaris were hurling grave and malicious insults against the GurSikhism religion, beliefs, and sentiments. Oblivious to the GurSikhs, the Nirankaris had other plans, including a para-military platoon armed with lethal weapons, guns, revolvers, acid-filled bottles and mechanical propellants for shooting poison-tipped arrows, all well positioned behind a row of trucks. The GurSikh protestors were persuaded by the police officers on duty into believing that steps were being taken to stop further provocations of GurSikhism sentiments. Then the voice of Gurbachan Singh. Nirankari chief, was heard over the sound system, saying "these sikhs think they can stop us from freely carrying out our program. Let them know today, how mistaken they are. Time has come to be active for those, who have come here for this job". Suddenly the para-military platoon briskly advanced toward the GurSikh protestors. The police on duty hurled tear-gas bombs against the unarmed GurSikhs, converting them into sitting ducks for their hunters. Even some Hindu police officials like O.D. Joshi joined the Nirankaris attacks on the protesting GurSikhs. When it was all over 13 lay dead and over 50 were seriously injured. The batch of protesting GurSikhs were from Akhand Kirtan Jatha and Bhindranwale jatha, led by Bhai Fuaja Singh, included the following 13 who layed their lives:

1. Bhai Amrik Singh

2. Bhai Avtar Singh

3. Bhai Darshan Singh

4. Bhai Dharamvir Singh

5. Bhai Fauja Singh

6. Bhai Gurcharan Singh

7. Bhai Gurdial Singh

8. Bhai Harbhajan Singh

9. Bhai Hari Singh

10. Bhai Kewal Singh

11. Bhai Piara Singh

12. Bhai Raghbir Singh

13. Bhai Ranbir Singh

The irony of the Sikh situation was this that Punjab was being ruled by a so-called Sikh Party; Amritsar was one of the holiest cities of the Sikhs; one minister, Mr Jiwan Singh was also present in the city; the city was the headquarters of the Akali Party and the Sikh Parliament (SGPC) and the Nirankaris had long been attacking the Sikh religion and this was known in the Government. Furthermore all the killers of the Sikhs escaped from the Punjab safely, even with the help of officials of the Punjab Government (including Niranjan Singh, an official of the Punjab and, allegedly, the Chief Minister of the Punjab).

Throughout the world the Sikhs exhibited their fury. However, the Akali ministers of Punjab province bowed before the Central (Hindu) Government and refused to ban the activities of this gang of bohemians. Meanwhile these ministers addressed various Sikh congregations and spoke against the Nirankaris so that the Sikh masses should not become furious against them for their indifferent (or pro-Nirankari) attitude.

Thus this became the starting point of the new phase of the struggle of the Sikh nation. The lead was given by the Sikh Youth under the guidance of the Sikh intelligentsia. They had to fight various platforms: the Hindus, the Communists and some of the pseudo-Akalis, who loved their office more than their nation.

This Amritsar massacre was one of the most significant incidents of this century for GurSikhs. It led to the murder of Lala Jagat Narain, the rise of the Khalistan demand, attack on the Golden Temple and Sri Akal Takhat, and enormous destruction of lives and properties in Punjab, Delhi, and other locals of GurSikh population. It should be noted that although Gurbachan Singh's movement call themselves Nirankaris, they do not have anything in common with the original Nirankari movement that made enormous sacrifices and significant contributions for GurPanth's reform. For details see the description on Nirankaris below.

On October 6, 1978, a Hukumnama bearing the seal of Sri Akal Takhat (by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat, Amritsar) was issued, calling upon GurSikhs all over the world to socially boycott these fake "Nirankaris" and not allow their faith and creed to grow or flourish in the society. This Hukumnama was prepared by a committee comprising of the following:

Giani Gurdit Singh

Giani Lal Singh

Giani Partap Singh

Giani Sadhu Singh Bhaura

Sardar Kapur Singh

Sardar Parkash Singh

Sardar Satbir Singh

Through this Hukumnama, all GurSikhs were asked to stop "roti beti di sanjh", food and marital relations, with the fake nirankaris. Gurbachan Singh was subsequently killed by the GurSikhs on Apr. 24, 1980. However, the repercussion of the initial event continue to persist.

-Ref. The Illustrated History of the Sikhs (1947-78), by Gur Rattan Pal Singh.

THE SIKHS' STRUGGLE FOR SOVEREIGNTY, An Historical Perspective by Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon. Edited By: A.T. Kerr Page 110-119.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 11th

1635 Sain Mia Mir passed away at Lahore.

==> SIAN MIAN MIR was an exemplary and accomplished saint who was a close associate of Guru Arjun Dev and Guru Har Gobind Sahib. Sian Mia Mir witnessed the torture of Guru Arjan Patshah at the hand of Mughal rulers of the time. He laid the foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib that is still burried intact.

Mian Mir was a descendant of Khalifa Umar. He was born in 1550 at Seesthan but lived in Lahore for most part of his life. He died on 11 August 1635 in Lahore. His grave is in Hashimpur near Lahore. His famous disciple MullahShah was the Peer for Shahjada Darashikoh.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

1664 GUR GADHI, Patshahi Ninth, Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji (ACTUAL DATE).

Ninth Patshah, Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji, ascended to Guru Gadhi. Guru Hargobind died in 1644 and appointed his grandson and Tegh Bahadhur's nephew, Har Rai, as the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Har Rai died in 1661 and appointed his younger son and Tegh Bahadhur's grand nephew, Har Krishan, as the eight Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Har Krishen's pontificate lasted for only three years. Just before his death in 1664, Guru Har Krishan, on request of the Sikhs, in his semi conscious state, told his followers to go Bakala and anoint his great grand uncle as the next Guru of the Sikhs. He did not mention any name. The ctual words he used were Baba Bakale. To take advantage of this apparent ambiguous pronouncement all the great grand uncles of the Guru rushed to Bakala and declared themselves to be the ninth Guru of the Sikhs.

There were 21 claimants and also included Dhirmal, the older son of Baba Gurditta and the older brother of Guru Har Rai. The Sikh elders including Diwan Dargah Mal, Baba Gurditta the high priest, and Mata Sulakhani (widow of Guru Har Rai and mother of Guru Har Krishan) reached Bakala on this day. They were besieged by the pretenders and their agents; and were offered all kind of gifts, bribes, and threats. They ignored all of them and went to Mata Nanaki's house and formally anointed Guru Tegh Bahadhur, declaring him to be the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. Baba Gurditta applied saffron mark and presented the coconut five pice consecrated by Guru Har Krishan to Guru Tegh Bahadhur. However, Guru Tegh Bahadhur extracted a promise from them to maintain a dignified silence for the time being.

The imposters, in frustration, organised a movement against this installation and allured some innocent Sikhs to denounce Tegh bahadhur as the new Guru. This resistance lasted for about 50 days, until Oct. 9, when the Sikh masses re-discovered their ninth Guru with the help of Makhan Shah. Today is the actual date when the Gur Gadhi was bestowed. However, Guru Khalsa Panth observes it on a different date.

-Ref. The Sikh Religion and The Sikh People, by Dr. S.S. Kapor, Hemkunt Press, New Delhi, 1992.

==> Guru TEGH BAHADHUR was born on Vaisakh 5 sunmat 1672 (April 1, 1621) to father Sri Guru Har Gobind Patshah and mother Matta Nanaki Ji. He married Srimati Gurjri Ji in Kartarpur on Assu 15 sunmat 1689. On Chaet 24 sunmat 1722 (March 20, 1665), Guru Sahib ascended on Guru Nanak's Gur Gadhi. Guru Sahib traveled the forests of Malwa, Puyadh, Bangar, Purav, Bihar, and Bengal enlightening thousands with his preachings. Guru Sahib's bani is so moving that it can melt the most strong and resistant minds.

Guru Sahib bought the land near Satluj from Pahadhi Rajas and established Anandpur City, which is populated with Khalsa members.

In order to eradicate the prevalent injustices in the nation and sow the seed of true religion, Guru Sahib accepted martyrdom by giving his head in Delhi, on Maghar Sudi 5 sunmat 1732 (Nov. 11, 1675). Guru Gobind Singh writes in Bachiter Natak Thikar Phoar Dalees Ser Prabh Par Kio Dhayan, Tegh Bahadhur See Kario Kari Na Kinhu Aan The place of Guru Sahib's martyrdom is known as Sis Ganj Gurudwara, in Chandani Chaowk, Delhi. The place where Guru Sahib's body was cremated is marked by Rakab Ganj Gurudwara.

Guru Tegh Bahadhur served as the ninth Guru of GurSikhism for 10 years, 7 months, and 18 days. Guru Sahib's journey through our planet amounted to 58 years, 7 months, and 7 days.

Tegh Bahadhur Simaria Ghar Nao Nidh Yawae Dhayae (Chandhi 3)

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 600)

1984 Government of India conducted a false Sarbat Khalsa. In response, instead, Singh Sahiban called for a World Sikh Conference on September 2, 1996.

1976 The SGPC unanimously endorsed the Constitution of the Sikh Dharma Brotherhood, including the Articles of Organization, in its Resolution No. 697

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 12th

1922 Marked the begining of arrests and ruthless torture of GurSikhs in Guru Kae bagh Gurdwara.

==> GURU KA BAGH gurudwara was under the control of Mahant Sundar Dass. He had agreed to serve under a committee of eleven members appointed by the SGPC on August 23, 1921, but the land remained under his possession. The Sikhs used to hew wood from the land for common kitchen and Mahant, under instigation from others, lodged a complaint against the Akalis. The government was on the outlook for opportunities to retrieve its prestige, lost in the Key's affait. On Aug. 9, 1922, five Akali Sewadars were arrested for cutting wood for Guru Ka Langar from Guru Ka Bagh. Subsequently a morcha was launched to seek the release of the five GurSikhs.

From Aug. 23 until Sept. 13, the government sided with the Mahant and ruthelessly lathi-charged the visiting Jathas. The violent use of force on the non-violent Akalis had great impact in and outside the Punjab. The Government brutality was condemned. The police beat the Akalis with iron-tipped rods and batons, till blodd began to flow and the brave GurSikhs fell unconcious. The insults heaped up on the Akalis were unbearable. They were given inhuman punishments and their religious symbols were desecrated and hair pulled out. The effect of all this on thousands of GurSikhs was tremendous, resulting in deep seated hatred against the British rulers and the Sikhs lost all faith in non-violence. The Babbar Akali movement took its final shape during this Morcha. The courage and persistent of Sikhs became world renouned during this period. From Sept. 13 until Nov. 17, Sikhs courted arrests. Finally, the government gave in and on Nov. 17, 1922, all Sikh demands were accepted and the agitation was successfully concluded. During this agitation 5605 Sikhs courted arrest including 35 members of the SGPC, over a dozen Sikhs accepted shahidi and thousands were injured.

-Ref. Babbar Akali Movement, A Historical Survey, by Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1988 Through Aug. 12, a symposium entitled Sikh Canadians: The Promise of the Challenge, was held in Tornto. The objective of the symposium, apart from promotion of the Sikh image among Canadians and loggying various levels of government, was to approve the Constitution of the Institute by the Sikhs gathered at the Symposium. A Cabinet Minister participated at the reception which was very well organized. Subjects discussed at the workshops were: Being Visible; Networking; Media Relations; and New Directions in Sikh Studies.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 13th

1986 Sardar Kapur Singh, National professor of Sikhism, passed away.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 14th

1914 Sardar Harnam Singh of Hushiarpur was hanged until death in Mandla Jail

[Paneer Monster]

14th Aug 1947

Dominion of Pakistan gains independence. Rather then keeping over 150 sacred Sikh Gurdwarae within the remaining land of India with the SIkh Majority, the British had slyly and cruely given them to angry muslim mobs to disrespect and many were demolished. Some of the most prominent Gurdwara Sahib in Pakistan include Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Sachcha Sauda, many Gurdwara in Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj and Gurdwara Dera Sahib (which used to have the tava Dhan Dhan Sache Paatshah Satguru Arjan Sahib Ji was shaheed on until it was smashed into pieces during the partition). Some Historical gurdwarae was also into mosks. It is also believed that the british had intent on giving Sri Amritsar Sahib to Pakistan..... Sikhs lost out most during partition... Alot more can be written.... but I think invividual research would be best.....

Partition of India is a tragedy not to be celebrated.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

Sorry guys, I wasn't able to post yesterday.

August 15th

1923 The case of the Babbars was initiated.

1924 10th Shahidhi Jatha of 500 Akalis, led by Sardar Visakha Singh Daftur (Lahore), courted arrest on reaching Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as Gangsar. About a mile and a half north of Jaito is Tibhi Sahib Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, Where is that Akali? The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995

1947 The Sikh Homeland handed over to the Hindus against the wishes of the Sikh nation and divided into East and West Punjab.

Punjab was divided into East and West Punjab. A major segment of the Sikh community was uprooted from their ancestoral land and forced to migrate to India. This day marks the Independence day for India. Though citizens of India, the Sikh coumminty encoutered organized and pre-meditated killings of their members, lootings of all their worldly possessions, and general human suffering and deprivation that is unparalleled in the history of humankind. Over two lakh Sikhs gave their lives in search of freedom while being forcibly migrated to East Punjab. However, untill today the independence promise remains unfulfilled for the Sikh community. The community itself continues to persists in petty internal squibled, allow others to dictate terms, and is unable to establish its own sovereign state where Sikhs may prosper without any restriction. More than the lost lives, dearer than homes and lands left behind, was the Holy Nankana Sahib, the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev. Numerous other historical gurudwaras were also left behind with their fates unknown. For more information refer to History section on page 29 of the September 1994, Volume 42:9, No. 489, issue of The Sikh Review.

Human Geography section, on page 33 of the September 1994, Volume 42:9, No. 489, issue of The Sikh Review.

1951 The Times of India reported that the Sikhs were opposed to Hindu-Congress because each and every demand of the Sikhs was opposed by the Congress.

1960 Sikhs observe Indian independence day as Ghulami (Slavery) day.

1960 Master Tara Singh begins fast unto death.

Master Tara Singh begins fast unto death to protest against the discriminatory attitude of the government in not forming a Punjabi Speaking State demanded by the Sikhs although the rest of India had been reorganised on linguistic basis. On Aug. 28th, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, made a statement in the Indian Parliament declaring:

It had repeatedly been said that there was discrimination against the Sikhs thhough instance of this had not been pointed out. I suggested, however, that if there was any such apprehension, a high level inquiry could be made into the matter to find out if there had been any such discrimination.

On the basis of this offer, Master Tara Singh was prevailed upon to break his fast on Oct. 1.

==> MASTER TARA SINGH: Master Tara Singh was born on 24 June, 1885, in Haryal in Rawalpindi district of North Western Province of undivided India. His mother, Moolan Devi, was a pious lady and his father, Bakshi Gopi Chand, was a patwari of the village and was a well known and respected person. Tara Singh's original name was Nanak Chand. In 1902 Nanak Chand embraced Sikhism and came to be called Tara Singh.

Tara Singh had a bright educational career and was a scholarship holder almost at all stages of his education. In 1907 he passed his B. A. examination from Khalsa College, Amritsar. Later Tara Singh joined as headmaster of Khalsa High School, Lyallpur, at an honorarium of Rs. 15 per month. Since then he came to be known as Master Tara Singh. His career as a teacher ended in 1921, following the Nankana tragedy.

He also edited two Akali newspapers, Akali (Udru) and Akali te Pardesi (Grumukhi) in which he forcefully put forward the aims and objectives of the Akali Dal.

He took an active part in national politics till his death on 22 November 1967.

-Ref. Master Tara Singh, by Verinder Grover, Deep & Deep Publications Delhi, 1995.

1969 Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman launched his fast until death to force resolution of Punjab demands from Indian central government.

1980 Dal Khalsa hoisted Khalistan flag throughout the Sikh Homeland.

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August 16th

1604 SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB first installed in Sri Harmindar Sahib (ACTUAL DAY)

The Holy Sri Guru GRANTH SAHIB was ceremonially installed in Sri Harmindir Sahib, Amritsar. Guru Arjan, shortly after Akbar's visit, early in 1599, began the project of compilation of Adi Granth. Bhai Gurdas was appointed amanuensis. Guru Arjan took five years to complete the project. Adi Granth was ready in 1604 when it was installed in Sri Harimandir Sahib. Baba Buddha Ji was appointed the first priest. Today is the actual date of the event, however, it is observed on a different date by Guru Khalsa Panth.

1932 Communal Award announced.

Following the failure of the second Round Table Conference (RTC), the British Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald issues the Communal Award which came a rude shock to the Sikhs. The Sikh disaffection arose out of the statutory majority of over 51% given to Muslims in the Punjab, whereas the Sikh representation was around 19%.

-Ref. The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995

1940 Gandhi wrote a nasty letter to Master Tara Singh. It contained some of his preceoceived notions about Sikhs and the Akali movement. It was also influenced by the Punjab Congress's solid support of Subash Chandra Bose for the Presidentship of the Congress vis a vis Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Ghandhi's nominee. Gandhi wrote,

As I told you, in my opinion, you have nothing in common with the Congress nor the Congress with you. You believe in the rule of the sword, the Congress does not . Your civil disobedience is purely a branch of violence. I am quite clear in my mind that being in the Congress, you weaken your community, and weaken the Congress. You have to be either fully nationalist or frankly communal and therefore dependent upon the British or other foreign power.

Although this letter created a storm in the Sikh press and basically ignore the threat posed by Gandhi and Congress to the Sikhs.

-Ref. The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995.

1965 Fateh Singh announced another fast unto death for Punjabi Suba.

1977 Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindrawalae passed away.