The press has been recognized as the fourth pillar of power in any worthwhile government. The other three being 1) the Legislate true 2) the Judiciary and 3) the Executive. In June 1984 when the government of India perpetrated the worst holocaust on the Sikh nation, the Sikhs throughout the world looked to the governments of their respective counties of residence for help at this critical juncture. But as to speak of any real solid help, no government cared to say even a few words of sympathy for the mass murders of thousands of our kith and kin, The reason for the indifference was not that the governments of these countries were cruel or heartless, but because, the powerful media blitz by the government of India had succeeded in painting Sikhs as cold blooded terrorists and murderers rather than innocent victims yearning for their basic human Fights.
World Sikh News is a direct outcome of this realization that unless the Sikh has their own media (i.e. their own television, radio and newspaper) through which they can inform others and themselves about the truth of their sufferings and justice of their cause they will find themselves at a great disadvantage.
It is encouraging to note that the World Sikh News has provided a very significant medium to the Sikh ration in particular, and other people in general for news from their own perspective rather than the perspective of the government of India or its supporters.
On this seventh anniversary of the World Sikh News, I would like to convey two things to its workers, management and owners: 1) congratulations on the good work done and 2) please work harder to promote unity among, different Sikh organizations, particularly who are working for the common goal of Khalistan, Similarly, I would like to convey to messages to my Sikh brothers and sisters 1) if you have any sympathy for the sufferings of kith and kin in India and the freedom for the Sikh nation, then first thing we need to do is to protect, preserve and promote our media, and 2) instead of simply ignoring the whole issue, or, exchanging some though fellow Sikhs, resolve to initiate and participate in some constructive efforts to bring unity among various Sikh factions, propagate Sikhs point of view and improve the Sikh image.
Sincerely,
Daljit Singh Jawa
Topeka, Kansas
Article extracted from this publication >> February 7, 1992
