SANT JARNAIL SINGH BHINDRANWALE
Today, two years after his supreme sacrifice when we review the sequence of events, we palpably feel the all-pervading influence of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on the Sikh psyche. He proved to be the single most powerful factor in arresting the erosion of Sikh values. To him alone goes the credit of launching a Sikh renaissance movement that has generated a new hope and given a new meaning to the rich Sikh heritage. His name would out-shine in splendor all those of enlightened and brave mortals who were instrumental in turning the wheels of history. He belonged to that genre of great men who make history and shape the destiny of nation.
Yet to the misguided millions, his name has Frankenstein connotations. Curiously no holy-man has ever been subjected to such diabolic distortions as orchestrated against him through a barrage of motivated and organized slander simply to justify a pre-conceived attack on the Golden Temple.
‘The dust of falsehood is bound to settle one day and Bhindranwale saintliness will ultimately cancel the current misconceptions. Truth asserts itself and asserts in a powerful way. With all their might and base conniving, Romans failed to project Christ as a thief. Prophet he was and prophet he remains to all the succeeding generations. The truth about Indira Gandhi’s obsession with dynastic rule is beginning to dawn upon the world and the day is not far when it would be recognized by one and all that she maligned a perfect saint to secure narrow electoral gains. Already accusing fingers point to the disastrous consequences of her obsession as they recognize the approaching disintegration of the country.
Sant Bhindranwale sacrifice has generated a new consciousness among the Sikhs-a consciousness that promises to shatter the fetters of slavery. Realization of the promise would be most befitting tribute to him and to all the Sikh martyrs.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 30, 1986
