Amitabh and the Sikhs
Of some note to Sikhs, members of the Bachchan actor family has caught the fancy of the Indian press in relation to our faith. It started with Amitabh Bachan’s blog post, where he wrote:
Abhishek shoots Bingo in the Holy City of Amritsar and his sister Shweta joins him to pay homage and prayer at the Harmandir Saheb. I wish I could do the same, but am unable to. Soon however I shall find the time. Or as they say in such situations, when the time comes He will call you and providence shall make the right moves and ways to permit us to do so. The Sikh blood in me beckons and I must honor it. It is rather strange, but in the last few months, my attraction and interest towards my Sikh links, attain some prominence and I feel drawn towards it. Two lockets of Guru Nanak ji, Sacche Padsha, are constant on my neck – one a gift from Guddi Behenji my cousin, daughter of my Mother’s elder sister Gobind Masi ji and the other I found as a gift to me that was lying on my desk unnoticed. Now they both adorn my neck. Raj Kanwar, one of Abhishek’s early directors had presented me with a photograph of all the Guru ji’s and they now are with me at my place of worship. I seek blessings from them each morning – ‘Sat Naam Wahe Guru’ , I recite, as I touch their images and a strange sense of fulfillment and strength consumes me.[link]
Now many Indian press website running headlines – “Big B Feels Drawn Towards Sikhism” and the like. New headlines are now coming out about his son – Abhishek – performing seva at Darbar Sahib.
While many Indians and even some Sikhs are impressed, I can’t help but have little care. Maybe it is because of long allegations in the community that have never been dispelled.
Eye-witnesses and victims of the Indian government-sponsored pogroms in Delhi and throughout North India in 1984 have talked about Amitabh Bachchan’s role in inciting violence against the Sikhs. Groups such as the AISSF and Sikhs for Justice have attempted to press charges against the actor:
The AISSF on Friday demanded a probe into the role of film star Amitabh Bachchan for inciting violence against Sikhs following the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In a documentary released here today, Babu Singh Dukhia, a resident of Tirlok Puri in Delhi, claimed there were eyewitnesses that saw Amitabh Bachchan inciting mobs to avenge the death of Indira Gandhi. The documentary says Amitabh Bachchan was clearly involved in inciting mobs and was heard saying “khoon ka badla khoon” at the funeral of late Indira Gandhi.[link]
One Sikh blogger has even dedicated a website to expose Amitabh’s role. While other Sikh bloggers see historical conspiracies, I am rather skeptical of such easy interpretations. Still Amitabh’s new film, where he will be starring as a top lieutenant to the “Butcher of Punjab” (KPS Gill) leaves little to speculate where his loyalties lie. I care less for any “Sikh blood” or any interest towards “Sikh links.”
48 Responses to “Amitabh and the Sikhs”
Why dont sikhdiaspora make a ENGLISH movie showing real delhi of 1984.. uncut and unedited…it might be painful for us to watch it once.. but it will be an eyeopener to the real masters of delhi..and the human right watchers of the world..
Why dont sikhdiaspora make a ENGLISH movie showing real delhi of 1984.. uncut and unedited…it might be painful for us to watch it once.. but it will be an eyeopener to the real masters of delhi..and the human right watchers of the world..
Amitabh is a actor par excellence.
His ancestory I agree is of little relevance as I shall explain below.
Famous Sikh baiiters with SIKH mothers include
Varun
Tytlers
Amitabh
Reason I dont understand ?
How can a SIKH mother produce such KIDS ?
Having said this I still find "FORGIVENESS" as the greatest virtue
Amitabh is a actor par excellence.
His ancestory I agree is of little relevance as I shall explain below.
Famous Sikh baiiters with SIKH mothers include
Varun
Tytlers
Amitabh
Reason I dont understand ?
How can a SIKH mother produce such KIDS ?
Having said this I still find "FORGIVENESS" as the greatest virtue
He has had an on and off relationships with sikhi…i understood his pro rss view or somnthing like that led to a split with dhamendra ( real name Dharam Singh Deol), but later he played a couple of turban wearing Sikhs…nit sure wherther good actor or not, he shows positive respect to sikhs, or infact helps mumbai films show us in the negative…Does he really have Sikh blood? Or is this a Marketing play? Most of his fanbase outside of India will be mainly Sikh, or rather most diapora bollywood fans are..so what is his real view?
But h's an actor so who cares?
He has had an on and off relationships with sikhi…i understood his pro rss view or somnthing like that led to a split with dhamendra ( real name Dharam Singh Deol), but later he played a couple of turban wearing Sikhs…nit sure wherther good actor or not, he shows positive respect to sikhs, or infact helps mumbai films show us in the negative…Does he really have Sikh blood? Or is this a Marketing play? Most of his fanbase outside of India will be mainly Sikh, or rather most diapora bollywood fans are..so what is his real view?
But h's an actor so who cares?
Not sure how to take him, beyound being a very good actor. As per this link, it seems his mum is Sikh, but it is clear that he was friends with Rajiv Gandhi and in the pocket of Samajwadi Party. So not too surprising that in practise in the 80s he may have become anti Sikh. If so, then we can't take any positive comments he makes about his Sikh roots too seriously..It could be like Rana says, marketing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitabh_Bachchan
Not sure how to take him, beyound being a very good actor. As per this link, it seems his mum is Sikh, but it is clear that he was friends with Rajiv Gandhi and in the pocket of Samajwadi Party. So not too surprising that in practise in the 80s he may have become anti Sikh. If so, then we can't take any positive comments he makes about his Sikh roots too seriously..It could be like Rana says, marketing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitabh_Bachchan
I am thankful to you for the comments and news about Amitabh bacchan pasted here. He is now exposed now. All those who want to know his mothers family background and how he provoked Hindus to incite blood of Sikhs in 1984, not only his sins but why he did so and the source of the slogan KHOON KA BADLA KHOON is given in my blog http://amitabhbacchan1984.blogspot.com/
the curious readers shall get all the answers in it. This slogan is imported from Italy and Amitabh was just used to encash his celebrity but the impact-thousands of innocent lives and…….
I am thankful to you for the comments and news about Amitabh bacchan pasted here. He is now exposed now. All those who want to know his mothers family background and how he provoked Hindus to incite blood of Sikhs in 1984, not only his sins but why he did so and the source of the slogan KHOON KA BADLA KHOON is given in my blog http://amitabhbacchan1984.blogspot.com/
the curious readers shall get all the answers in it. This slogan is imported from Italy and Amitabh was just used to encash his celebrity but the impact-thousands of innocent lives and…….
Amitabh is not a good actor,however he is a star even a super star.As far as being a sikh,well being an offshoot of hinduism,one can be a sikh & a hindu at the same time in the same generation.As to how can a sikh mother produce such a kid well Harinder should read gyneacology101.
Amitabh is not a good actor,however he is a star even a super star.As far as being a sikh,well being an offshoot of hinduism,one can be a sikh & a hindu at the same time in the same generation.As to how can a sikh mother produce such a kid well Harinder should read gyneacology101.
Param the only reason I understand how such individuals are delivered on this planet are that marrying a Sikh girl was often regarded as a sort of sexual victory by non sikhs men who baited sikhs.
This then could be further explaied in genetic term .
If Sikh bating was a genetic trait it seems to reside on the "Y" chromosome as all the sikh baiters are men folk .
Any genetist amongs us who can hunt downthis gene ?
Param the only reason I understand how such individuals are delivered on this planet are that marrying a Sikh girl was often regarded as a sort of sexual victory by non sikhs men who baited sikhs.
This then could be further explaied in genetic term .
If Sikh bating was a genetic trait it seems to reside on the “Y” chromosome as all the sikh baiters are men folk .
Any genetist amongs us who can hunt downthis gene ?
Does anyone know the role of other Bollywood film stars who are punjabi and sikh in supporting genocide victims ?
There is nothing genetic about sikhism – look at what happened to Ram Rai. The only blood that scientifically can be claimed by Amitabh is that of some ape. (refer Darwin).
Does anyone know the role of other Bollywood film stars who are punjabi and sikh in supporting genocide victims ?
There is nothing genetic about sikhism – look at what happened to Ram Rai. The only blood that scientifically can be claimed by Amitabh is that of some ape. (refer Darwin).
All I am going to say to this is that it is disgusting. A man who had such a hatred towards Sikhism is just going out to portray "love" towards the religion at this point? Than why is he playing the vital role of "KPS GILL" in his upcoming movie? His ancestry is so strong, an ancestry that at one point leads to Guru Nanan Dev Ji's blood line but … See Moreall that these people care about is money. Their ancestry of Bedi has been bought out by money and have been converted to the cult of the RSS to destroy Sikhism. If people do not open their eyes, especially these girls who deny his role in 1984, i think they should be ashamed. Putting an actor infront of your own Guru Ji is disgusting. Let us all not forget the tragedy of 1984 where Saach Khand Harmandir Sahib was attacked and our Guru Ji was shot. If you do not follow Baba Jarnail Singh Bindranwale, than look at what they did to our Guru, our father, our saviour. Pathetic to me when people do not believe what has happened, what would you do if your father was shot, would you not be enraged. Well if you wouldn't you are in a lot of trouble. Open your eyes. Raj Karega Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Kha Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Khi Fateh.
All I am going to say to this is that it is disgusting. A man who had such a hatred towards Sikhism is just going out to portray "love" towards the religion at this point? Than why is he playing the vital role of "KPS GILL" in his upcoming movie? His ancestry is so strong, an ancestry that at one point leads to Guru Nanan Dev Ji's blood line but … See Moreall that these people care about is money. Their ancestry of Bedi has been bought out by money and have been converted to the cult of the RSS to destroy Sikhism. If people do not open their eyes, especially these girls who deny his role in 1984, i think they should be ashamed. Putting an actor infront of your own Guru Ji is disgusting. Let us all not forget the tragedy of 1984 where Saach Khand Harmandir Sahib was attacked and our Guru Ji was shot. If you do not follow Baba Jarnail Singh Bindranwale, than look at what they did to our Guru, our father, our saviour. Pathetic to me when people do not believe what has happened, what would you do if your father was shot, would you not be enraged. Well if you wouldn't you are in a lot of trouble. Open your eyes. Raj Karega Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Kha Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Khi Fateh.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanwar_Pal_Singh_Gil…
This is what the media say about him
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanwar_Pal_Singh_Gil…
This is what the media say about him
Why do people not question the Sikh identity of KPS Gill, Lt Gen KS Brar and innumerable other high ranking surviving and deceased Sikh police officials and political figures who have beyond doubt slaughtered countless Sikhs? There should be some appreciation for someone expressing his spiritual interest in Sikh faith. Whether that person is a murderer or marauder should not matter. These two are separate issues.
Why do people not question the Sikh identity of KPS Gill, Lt Gen KS Brar and innumerable other high ranking surviving and deceased Sikh police officials and political figures who have beyond doubt slaughtered countless Sikhs? There should be some appreciation for someone expressing his spiritual interest in Sikh faith. Whether that person is a murderer or marauder should not matter. These two are separate issues.
this is the comment i wrote on AMITABH's blog and i think they block any comments that ask questions and try to figure out the truth about the allegations…
this is what i wrote…
425.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
March 13, 2010 at 2:00 am
If you claim to be proud of your Sikh “roots”, and since you have power in India, why, Mr. Bachan, don’t you speak UP for the 20 000 victims of the Sikh genocide that happened after Indira’s death?
I find it odd that Mr. Bachan is writing about his “love” of Sikhi after people our coming out and pressuring the government to investigate the claims against Bachan on doordarsharn TV, telling people “blood for blood” must be achieved. In other words, he is accused of justifying the killings of MY SIKH BROTHERS AND SISTERS, NOT YOURS, BECAUSE IF YOU REALLY CARED AND CONSIDERED YOURSELF TO PART OF THE SIKH COMMUNITY OF BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD THEN YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER SAID THOSE EVIL THINGS!! AND JUST BECAUSE YOUR AN ACTOR WHO PEOPLE IN INDIA JUST LOVE TO DEATH, IT DOES NOT EXEMPT YOU FROM BEING A COLD HEARTED SON OF A BITCH! YES, I DONT CARE IF YOUR MOM WAS BORN INTO A SIKH FAMILY, THAT DOESN’T MEAN JACKSHIT. ALSO, ANYONE CAN READ SIKH SCRIPTURES, IT’S NOT BLOOD THAT MAKES ONE A SIKH, ITS FOLLOWING THE 10 GURUS AND THE CURRENT SIKH GURU, LIKE GURU NANAK SAID, TRUTH IS HIGHEST, BUT TRUTHFUL LIVING IS THE HIGHEST OF ALL!
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i hope they allow this comment
this is the comment i wrote on AMITABH's blog and i think they block any comments that ask questions and try to figure out the truth about the allegations…
this is what i wrote…
425.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
March 13, 2010 at 2:00 am
If you claim to be proud of your Sikh “roots”, and since you have power in India, why, Mr. Bachan, don’t you speak UP for the 20 000 victims of the Sikh genocide that happened after Indira’s death?
I find it odd that Mr. Bachan is writing about his “love” of Sikhi after people our coming out and pressuring the government to investigate the claims against Bachan on doordarsharn TV, telling people “blood for blood” must be achieved. In other words, he is accused of justifying the killings of MY SIKH BROTHERS AND SISTERS, NOT YOURS, BECAUSE IF YOU REALLY CARED AND CONSIDERED YOURSELF TO PART OF THE SIKH COMMUNITY OF BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD THEN YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER SAID THOSE EVIL THINGS!! AND JUST BECAUSE YOUR AN ACTOR WHO PEOPLE IN INDIA JUST LOVE TO DEATH, IT DOES NOT EXEMPT YOU FROM BEING A COLD HEARTED SON OF A BITCH! YES, I DONT CARE IF YOUR MOM WAS BORN INTO A SIKH FAMILY, THAT DOESN’T MEAN JACKSHIT. ALSO, ANYONE CAN READ SIKH SCRIPTURES, IT’S NOT BLOOD THAT MAKES ONE A SIKH, ITS FOLLOWING THE 10 GURUS AND THE CURRENT SIKH GURU, LIKE GURU NANAK SAID, TRUTH IS HIGHEST, BUT TRUTHFUL LIVING IS THE HIGHEST OF ALL!
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i hope they allow this comment
I've been reading all your comments with keen interest as I am doing research on a project. I would like to say a few things on the matter.
It really amuses me to see that so many of you have comments about Amitabh Bachan and his religious views, past or present, but have failed to mention how you have come to your conclusions? Where is the evidence? Do any of you know for sure, 100 percent what he said at the time of the riots in 1984?
I went to Punjab in 1989, years after the riots and when I went to the Golden Temple I saw some of the destruction left behind by the Indian army. The bullet holes in the walls, the falling bricks and blotches of blood still visible on the walls. I was astonished and angered at how the government could allow such a tradegy to occur.
I didn't know this at the time, but there were people from my family who were part of Binderwales pro Khalistan group. In fact, on the day of the storming a close relative managed to get out under the temple through the drains and escaped. This relative was killed years later by the police. This relative was a terrorist. I have no doubt in my mind and heart that Binderwale and his men (my uncle) were terrorists who sought to instil fear in the hearts of many at the time and create panic. Just like the modern day terrorists we see in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
My family would tell stories of how the terrorists would assasinate people for speaking out against Binderwale. How they would take money and even covort with women. All in the name of Khalistan and Sikhism. It makes me sick to admit these things but they are true. My family also revealed how weapons were purchased from Islamic militant groups in nearby Pakistan, who were also waging war on India, and how for payment, Binderwale would sell them drugs obtained from the opium fields of Kullu Manali.
It is a widely known fact that when holed up in the Golden Temple Binderwale and his men urinated and defacated inside the holiest of Sikh shrines. They were there for days and lets face it, when you gotta go, you gotta go. But what does it tell you about the man? He would rather dirty the holiest of Sikh shrines than die like a man.
You say Amitabh Bachan used the words "Blood for Blood", but fail to see Binderwale and his men were in shootouts on the rooftops of houses in Punjab killing and wounding innocent people before the storming. That doesn't mean the storming was justified at all, but you have to see the history behind the facts.
Now, do you mean to tell me that the majority Hindu population at the time weren't going to get angry regardless of what AB allegedly said? There was bound to be tensions/violence. They're bloody Indians for godsake! It's in their BLOOD!
I don't think you can blame one person for the slaughter that ensued. Nor could you say it was totally correct for Indira Gandhi to be assisnated. Nor could you say it was correct for the Army to storm the Temple. Nor could you say it was right for Binderwale to commit acts of terror. The list is endless.
I would like to see the footage of this so called speech however. I'm really surprised in this day and age it hasn't surfaced. Until it does I will keep the belief that AB respects the Sikh religion and in some way or another feels an affinity towards it.
I've been reading all your comments with keen interest as I am doing research on a project. I would like to say a few things on the matter.
It really amuses me to see that so many of you have comments about Amitabh Bachan and his religious views, past or present, but have failed to mention how you have come to your conclusions? Where is the evidence? Do any of you know for sure, 100 percent what he said at the time of the riots in 1984?
I went to Punjab in 1989, years after the riots and when I went to the Golden Temple I saw some of the destruction left behind by the Indian army. The bullet holes in the walls, the falling bricks and blotches of blood still visible on the walls. I was astonished and angered at how the government could allow such a tradegy to occur.
I didn't know this at the time, but there were people from my family who were part of Binderwales pro Khalistan group. In fact, on the day of the storming a close relative managed to get out under the temple through the drains and escaped. This relative was killed years later by the police. This relative was a terrorist. I have no doubt in my mind and heart that Binderwale and his men (my uncle) were terrorists who sought to instil fear in the hearts of many at the time and create panic. Just like the modern day terrorists we see in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
My family would tell stories of how the terrorists would assasinate people for speaking out against Binderwale. How they would take money and even covort with women. All in the name of Khalistan and Sikhism. It makes me sick to admit these things but they are true. My family also revealed how weapons were purchased from Islamic militant groups in nearby Pakistan, who were also waging war on India, and how for payment, Binderwale would sell them drugs obtained from the opium fields of Kullu Manali.
It is a widely known fact that when holed up in the Golden Temple Binderwale and his men urinated and defacated inside the holiest of Sikh shrines. They were there for days and lets face it, when you gotta go, you gotta go. But what does it tell you about the man? He would rather dirty the holiest of Sikh shrines than die like a man.
You say Amitabh Bachan used the words "Blood for Blood", but fail to see Binderwale and his men were in shootouts on the rooftops of houses in Punjab killing and wounding innocent people before the storming. That doesn't mean the storming was justified at all, but you have to see the history behind the facts.
Now, do you mean to tell me that the majority Hindu population at the time weren't going to get angry regardless of what AB allegedly said? There was bound to be tensions/violence. They're bloody Indians for godsake! It's in their BLOOD!
I don't think you can blame one person for the slaughter that ensued. Nor could you say it was totally correct for Indira Gandhi to be assisnated. Nor could you say it was correct for the Army to storm the Temple. Nor could you say it was right for Binderwale to commit acts of terror. The list is endless.
I would like to see the footage of this so called speech however. I'm really surprised in this day and age it hasn't surfaced. Until it does I will keep the belief that AB respects the Sikh religion and in some way or another feels an affinity towards it.
That is one thing I have been trying to look for, the actual footage, and so far have not found it
That is one thing I have been trying to look for, the actual footage, and so far have not found it
You will not find it,because at this point everything is conjecture and there is no actual truth to it.By the way Deep did a good job of explaining,maybe now some of the puritanical/fanatic/moron sikhs will realise,that they lost the bluff,called by Mrs.Gandhi.
You will not find it,because at this point everything is conjecture and there is no actual truth to it.By the way Deep did a good job of explaining,maybe now some of the puritanical/fanatic/moron sikhs will realise,that they lost the bluff,called by Mrs.Gandhi.
This post is in reference to the comments made by @Deep for the benefit of the claimed research. While the comments reflect his/her immature understanding about the complexities of the turbulent times in Punjab, I do agree that unless a specific proof can be established against Amitabh's involvement, he should be given a benefit of doubt and also agree that any act of violence for any end goal is unjustified.
I will spare the diatribe against the specifics but it is interesting that while s/he demands specific proof for the defense of Amitabh, s/he makes hypothetical statements based on hearsay about the motives and actions of others. Similarly, if his/her relative engaged in confirmed thuggish activities, s/he should not generalize such behavior to everyone else.
Also, for the purpose of research, it may be beneficial to note that the violence was conducted by many different groups during those times, all categorized under the broad theme of "terrorism". We should be careful in bucketing all or ascribing these acts to one or few.
– Political factions with a goal of a separate sovereign state
– Politicians / Police / rich and powerful individuals with a goal of settling their feuds with their neighbors, business partners, other enemies etc.
– Local unemployed youth or neighborhood thugs out to make a quick buck
– Government sponsored mercenaries brought in from other states
– Rejected romantics, drug addicts, emboldened thieves etc in the "miscellaneous" category
Another area you may want to look into is the anatomy of a lynching mob, against any religious or an ethnic minority. The conclusion that these are spontaneous acts of public violence is absolutely wrong. These are not drunk dudes outside a football game but orchestrated crowds for political or economic gains, led by individuals with agendas.
This post is in reference to the comments made by @Deep for the benefit of the claimed research. While the comments reflect his/her immature understanding about the complexities of the turbulent times in Punjab, I do agree that unless a specific proof can be established against Amitabh's involvement, he should be given a benefit of doubt and also agree that any act of violence for any end goal is unjustified.
I will spare the diatribe against the specifics but it is interesting that while s/he demands specific proof for the defense of Amitabh, s/he makes hypothetical statements based on hearsay about the motives and actions of others. Similarly, if his/her relative engaged in confirmed thuggish activities, s/he should not generalize such behavior to everyone else.
Also, for the purpose of research, it may be beneficial to note that the violence was conducted by many different groups during those times, all categorized under the broad theme of "terrorism". We should be careful in bucketing all or ascribing these acts to one or few.
– Political factions with a goal of a separate sovereign state
– Politicians / Police / rich and powerful individuals with a goal of settling their feuds with their neighbors, business partners, other enemies etc.
– Local unemployed youth or neighborhood thugs out to make a quick buck
– Government sponsored mercenaries brought in from other states
– Rejected romantics, drug addicts, emboldened thieves etc in the "miscellaneous" category
Another area you may want to look into is the anatomy of a lynching mob, against any religious or an ethnic minority. The conclusion that these are spontaneous acts of public violence is absolutely wrong. These are not drunk dudes outside a football game but orchestrated crowds for political or economic gains, led by individuals with agendas.
A few remarks:
Since when does blood carry the essence of Sikhi within it? Amitabh is as much of a Sikh as I am a Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Pagan, Bhuddist. Sikhi is defined in many ways and the one definition which I propose further reflection on states that a Sikh is he/she who develops a deeply rooted, intimate relationship with his/her Guru. I'm not one to define who is or is not a Sikh. But I ask if Amitabh has taken any steps to develop such a relationship and carry forth responsibly under the guidance of the Guru.
Forgiveness is a great virtue, but in the contemporary context of individuals who have committed crimes against humanity that amount to the targeting of specific individuals due to their ethnic, religious, or racial identities, then we have an individual who is participatory to an act of genocide. This, these such acts, require far more than forgiveness; it requires justice. Forgiveness, a simple slap on the wrist, only further creates a culture of impunity that breeds injustice. We need to move forward responsibly, not only with some idealist morality. And to add to that responsibility is the language we use in expressing our opinions.
Paramjit Singh writes: “maybe now some of the puritanical/fanatic/moron sikhs will realize,that they lost the bluff,called by Mrs.Gandhi.” I’m not sure why these Sikhs are morons, fanatics, or even puritanical – not that the last is by any means something to disassociate ourselves with: since when did Sikhism’s principles become deplorable. There are Sikhs out there that our heavily misguided. This is fact. In fact, there are Sikhs that are misguided on just about every subject matter that revolves around our community. Some of these are subjective misguidance’s, where as there are those out there that are very constructive and can’t be considered misguided and have taken up the path of substantiating their claims in order to prove their points. Which brings me to my last point.
Deep has made many accusations, most of which is conjecture transmitted to him through his family. This conjecture has no place in serious discourse on a part of our history which was embroiled in a campaign of violence and oppression led under the guise of fighting of terrorism. A wide body of evidence exists that states that this effort to fight ‘terrorism’ has in fact been responsible for the deaths of countless 10’s of thousands (going up to hundreds of thousands) of innocent Sikhs that had no involvement in any form of ‘terrorist’ activities.
The fact remains that these pogroms and those that were responsible for administrating them remain a part of history that continues to be symbolic of India’s inept, corrupt judicial system that refuses to hold to account individuals responsible for some of the most gregarious human rights violations. We don’t need video-tape evidence when the dead bodies of 10’s of thousands of innocent Sikhs were littered throughout the streets as police officers stood by idly incapable of enforcing the law or protecting the defenceless.
A few remarks:
Since when does blood carry the essence of Sikhi within it? Amitabh is as much of a Sikh as I am a Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Pagan, Bhuddist. Sikhi is defined in many ways and the one definition which I propose further reflection on states that a Sikh is he/she who develops a deeply rooted, intimate relationship with his/her Guru. I'm not one to define who is or is not a Sikh. But I ask if Amitabh has taken any steps to develop such a relationship and carry forth responsibly under the guidance of the Guru.
Forgiveness is a great virtue, but in the contemporary context of individuals who have committed crimes against humanity that amount to the targeting of specific individuals due to their ethnic, religious, or racial identities, then we have an individual who is participatory to an act of genocide. This, these such acts, require far more than forgiveness; it requires justice. Forgiveness, a simple slap on the wrist, only further creates a culture of impunity that breeds injustice. We need to move forward responsibly, not only with some idealist morality. And to add to that responsibility is the language we use in expressing our opinions.
Paramjit Singh writes: “maybe now some of the puritanical/fanatic/moron sikhs will realize,that they lost the bluff,called by Mrs.Gandhi.” I’m not sure why these Sikhs are morons, fanatics, or even puritanical – not that the last is by any means something to disassociate ourselves with: since when did Sikhism’s principles become deplorable. There are Sikhs out there that our heavily misguided. This is fact. In fact, there are Sikhs that are misguided on just about every subject matter that revolves around our community. Some of these are subjective misguidance’s, where as there are those out there that are very constructive and can’t be considered misguided and have taken up the path of substantiating their claims in order to prove their points. Which brings me to my last point.
Deep has made many accusations, most of which is conjecture transmitted to him through his family. This conjecture has no place in serious discourse on a part of our history which was embroiled in a campaign of violence and oppression led under the guise of fighting of terrorism. A wide body of evidence exists that states that this effort to fight ‘terrorism’ has in fact been responsible for the deaths of countless 10’s of thousands (going up to hundreds of thousands) of innocent Sikhs that had no involvement in any form of ‘terrorist’ activities.
The fact remains that these pogroms and those that were responsible for administrating them remain a part of history that continues to be symbolic of India’s inept, corrupt judicial system that refuses to hold to account individuals responsible for some of the most gregarious human rights violations. We don’t need video-tape evidence when the dead bodies of 10’s of thousands of innocent Sikhs were littered throughout the streets as police officers stood by idly incapable of enforcing the law or protecting the defenceless.
egregious human rights violations*
Have to remember to proof read next time around. : 0
egregious human rights violations*
Have to remember to proof read next time around. : 0
If AB is showing hiS interesest in Sikhism at this stage should not we welcome it instead of accusinng him of his presumed past deeds. With the passage of time a man grow wiser. Has he not broken his releation with Gandhi family?
amitab is only a actor, not a good humanbeing.. because in1984 he gave congratulation to those people , hwo killed the innosent people (sikhs)..i cannot forget 1984 in my whole life..
amitabh needs a lesson like kps gill….they gotta go to the school where indira gandhi went………..and then be ambushed…the way she was….
Wonderful information sharing dear.