The Hindu majority of India celebrated its 44th anniversary of independence from the British on August 15. The Sikhs and Kashmiris observed it as a “black” day all over the world with strikes and demonstrations,
Did the Hindus really have a reason to celebrate? Yes, only if they think they got so much for nothing. Their contribution in the struggle against the British was negligible but they got a subcontinent to rule as they pleased. The Sikhs, a mere two per cent of the population, had made more contributions in the struggle than all the other 98 percent put together. But today they are sought to be subjugated by the majority Hindus.
India was a country with great potential. But place a dog upon a throne and it will still behave like a dog. The Brahmins really blew it.Used only to being slaves for 1300 years, the Hindus could not handle the power placed in their hands, today, in just 43 years, there is not a single non Hindu community in India which is happy. The Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Mizos, Nagas and even so called untouchable low caste Hindus feel threatened and insecure.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah was a leader with foresight and he wisely opted for a separate Muslim state. He knew the Hindu character well and went so far as to advise the Sikhs to do likewise. He warned Sir Sobha Singh, “Sardar Bahudar you know the Hindu only as your coslave; now you will know the real Hindu when he becomes your master and you become his slave. Prophetic words, indeed!
As early as 1950, the Sikhs got a foretaste of what was to come. They had to refuse to sign the constitution of India as the promises made to them prior to 1947 were nowhere in sight. Also, when states were made on linguistic lines, Punjab a Sikh dominated area was not. This was the gratitude the Hindus showed for the sacrifices the Sikhs had made for them over 300 years. Guru Tegh Bahadur laid down his life to protect the faith of Hindu pandits. One had heard of many brave men who have laid down their lives for their faith but one never heard of so noble a sacrifice as martyrdom for the faith of another.
While other nations are busy in educating their people and raising their standard of living, India is busy torturing, killing and raping the people of its minorities. Its army is perhaps the only one in the world which has the distinction of attacking women and children with tanks and artillery in a place of worship. How long can such an evil empire last? Kashmir and Punjab are under virtual siege by India while there are sporadic uprisings in the east.
India has not spared even Hindus who do not belong the ruling brahmin banias class. Poverty is growing as corruption sucks out the very blood of the economy. Diseases eradicated in the west 60-70 years ago are rampant. Leprosy is common as is cholera which claims thousands of victims.
Millions struggle with malnutrition all their lives. That India is the biggest democracy is the biggest lie of the
Century its jails are full of innocent people and the newspapers are full of deaths of young men killed in police “encounters”.
So India does not have much to be proud of, far less to celebrate, unless it be the last days of the Hindu Empire.
The Khalsa it seems is again destined to play a key role in shaping the course of events on the sub-continent. The call is out. And let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Khalsa will not be found wanting. Even as the Hindus celebrate their hollow victories won for them by others, Sikhs are strengthening their resolve to cast off the curse of subjugation by those fit only to be slaves themselves.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 17, 1990
