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Just the other day we were invited to a local home to view a videotape made recently in Punjab. It was an eye-opener, this tape. The singular thing which stood out was a complete absence of fear among the people of that ancient land.
Seen were religious ceremonies commemorating the most recent martyrdoms of youths of the local area. Ten and eleven year old boys came on stage to challenge the Indian regime to do what it could. Khalistan slogans were lustily raised and whole heartedly responded to by the congregations in full view and hearing of the police. The families of the martyred heroes who gave their everything so that someday we can be free were honored with saropas and money. Babbar Khalsa International is one organization which surely has its roots among the people of Punjab it gave substantial sums of money to each and every family honored.
The backdrop of green fields swaying in the breeze were moving in themselves as they should anyone whose ancestors have lived and fought for that great and historic land for centuries. That land steeped in the blood of martyrs will not be forsaken despite the unholy reign of terror let loose on it for over a decade. There must be something in this land, its water or its air to have produced so many heroes.
Contrasted to all this is an all too often call to World Sikh News to stop an advertisement or even a subscription for fear that relatives in Punjab or in India would be victimized and harassed. All peoples have their share of the brave and the self-seeking.
The last ten years would have crushed all but the bravest. The persecution and the repression is intense as it is aimed at eliminating an entire nation. But the spirit emanating from these people brought tears to the eyes. The Punjabi language has a word for this spirit ‘Chardi Kala’ which cannot be translated.
Our spirits were raised too for once again we had seen the face of a people who would rather die than bow their heads. How can this people not succeed?
Are the odds any more against us than at the time of Aurangzeb? We should think not. The spirit infused in us by Guru Gobind Singh will see this unequal battle to its logical end. Political and armed might never had nor ever will stand a chance against religious conviction? Jesus is reversed the world over but whatever became of the great Roman Empire the mightiest in the world at the time.
We in our warm and comfortable beds collect fears and doubts which can only be justifications for inaction. Can we someday proudly say we were responsible and did what had to be done? And be at peace with our souls? Or will we have only made more money and bigger homes to hide in as a nameless, faceless people who once had a mighty and glorious tradition and heritage?
Article extracted from this publication >> May 11, 1990
