Sikh Women’s Reflections of 1984
The role of Sikh women often remembered in 1984 is that of victim. Yes women were raped, killed, and left to care for their families when their male relatives were kidnapped and killed. However, the strength and perseverance to move forward without justice is often glossed over. I find it powerful to hear Sikh women’s stories of “moving on” while continuing to speak out against the horrific injustices of 1984. Often there is talk about how Sikhs have been in a state of “victimhood” for the past 25 years. I believe the stories of the women below show how some Sikhs have empowered themselves to move forward with their daily lives in the past 25 years while living with the pain and not giving up on the demand for justice. This is agency and not victimhood.
Yes institutions, memorials, and marches show how Sikhs are attempting to move forward as a community; however, these women have done something that is far more difficult-picking up the pieces of their lives in the midst of devastation and mending them together as best as they could for themselves, their families, and their community. These women are inspirational and their lives for the past 25 years show why.
Watch the videos below in Hindi to hear their stories (hat tip: Mallika). One of the most powerful reflections of 1984 I have seen.
7 Responses to “Sikh Women’s Reflections of 1984”
This is the first so close look at what happened. Indian Justice system is teeth-less. It can only hang powerless common people. It is a joke. All these judges of Supreme court should commit suicide.
This is the first so close look at what happened. Indian Justice system is teeth-less. It can only hang powerless common people. It is a joke. All these judges of Supreme court should commit suicide.
1984 wounds and healing the "Guru Granth Sahib" way
?????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ??? ???? ?
raamachandh kee lasattikaa jin maariaa rog ||1|| rehaao ||
This is the Lord's healing rod, which eradicates all disease. ||1||Pause||
18 Page 917 Line 17 Raag Raamkalee: Guru Amar Das
??? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ?
kar kirapaa kilavikh kattae giaan anjan saariaa ||
Granting His Grace, He cuts away our sins; He blesses us with the healing ointment of spiritual wisdom.
19 Page 1235 Line 17 Raag Sarang: Guru Arjan Dev
Continued
1984 wounds and healing the "Guru Granth Sahib" way
?????? ?? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ??? ???? ?
raamachandh kee lasattikaa jin maariaa rog ||1|| rehaao ||
This is the Lord's healing rod, which eradicates all disease. ||1||Pause||
18 Page 917 Line 17 Raag Raamkalee: Guru Amar Das
??? ????? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ????? ?
kar kirapaa kilavikh kattae giaan anjan saariaa ||
Granting His Grace, He cuts away our sins; He blesses us with the healing ointment of spiritual wisdom.
19 Page 1235 Line 17 Raag Sarang: Guru Arjan Dev
Continued
Baba Sheikh Farid Shakarganj (1173 – 1266 A.D.) –
Crows have searched my skeleton, and eaten all my flesh,
but dont touch these eyes; I hope to see my Lord
Fareed, the path is muddy, and
the house of my Beloved is so far away
If I go out, my blanket will get soaked, but
If I remain at home, my heart will be broken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNO8-wpyF-A
Baba Sheikh Farid Shakarganj (1173 – 1266 A.D.) –
Crows have searched my skeleton, and eaten all my flesh,
but dont touch these eyes; I hope to see my Lord
Fareed, the path is muddy, and
the house of my Beloved is so far away
If I go out, my blanket will get soaked, but
If I remain at home, my heart will be broken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNO8-wpyF-A
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