"Death is the privilege of brave men, provided they die for a noble cause."
(— Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 579)

This verse sanctifies the act of sacrifice in the pursuit of righteousness. Today's histories embody this ideal, chronicling those who gave their lives for truth, justice, and the sovereignty of their people—from the defiance of a single person to the collective resolution of a nation.

🕊️ 1995 — The Price of Truth: Jaswant Singh Khalra

The tragic story of the human rights activist murdered for exposing secret state-sponsored cremations in Punjab.

What happens when one person's search for truth becomes a threat to an entire system?

In the turbulent 1990s in Punjab, Jaswant Singh Khalra, a bank director, began investigating the disappearances of thousands of young Sikhs. His research uncovered shocking evidence of the secret police cremations of unidentified bodies. Despite threats to his life, he presented his findings internationally and prepared to use his evidence in court.

Khalra was abducted and killed for exposing these atrocities, becoming a martyr for human rights. His story is a testament to the incredible courage required to speak truth to power, ensuring that thousands of victims are not forgotten. His sacrifice continues to inspire the ongoing fight for justice and accountability.

His life asks us a vital question: What are we willing to risk for the truth?

⚔️ 1761 — A Diwali Resolution: The Siege of Lahore

During Diwali, the Sarbat Khalsa resolved to liberate Lahore from its oppressive Afghan-appointed governor.

Diwali in Amritsar has often been more than just a festival; it has been a time for revolution.

In 1761, Sikh leaders gathered for their traditional Diwali celebrations, a gathering that doubled as a Sarbat Khalsa (a biennial council of the Sikh nation). Together, they made a bold and unified decision: to attack Lahore and oust its governor, Khawaja Abed Khan. This was a direct challenge to the authority of the Durrani Empire in Punjab.

This resolution was a powerful declaration of Sikh sovereignty and unity. It demonstrated that the Sikh community, organized into Misls (confederacies), could act as a single, decisive political force. They were ready to govern and protect their homeland.

This event reminds us that collective will, rooted in shared values, has the power to reshape the destiny of a nation.

🧱 1676 — Two Bricks Against an Empire

A lone Sikh's audacious act of defiance against Emperor Aurangzeb following Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom.

How does a single person stand up to the most powerful man in the empire?

Just months after the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in 1675, Emperor Aurangzeb was returning to Delhi. As his grand procession passed by, an unnamed Gursikh (devoted Sikh) emerged from the crowd and threw two bricks at the Emperor. Though the act failed to harm Aurangzeb, its symbolic impact was immense.

This was one of the first recorded acts of grassroots militancy following the Guru's sacrifice. It showed that the spirit of defiance was not limited to armies but was alive in the heart of the common person. This signaled a profound shift in the Sikh response to state tyranny.

It's a powerful reminder that even the smallest act of courage can send a message that echoes through history.

🙏 1969 — A 74-Day Fast for Chandigarh

Sardar Darshan Singh Pheruman's ultimate sacrifice, fasting to death for Punjab's right to its capital city.

Could you fast for 74 days for a cause you believe in?

Sardar Darshan Singh Pheruman, a veteran freedom fighter, undertook a fast unto death in 1969. His demand was simple but profound: that Chandigarh, the city built to be Punjab's capital, should be fully and finally transferred to Punjab. His protest was a stand against political promises he felt had been broken.

After 74 days, he achieved martyrdom without his demand being met. His sacrifice remains a potent symbol in Punjab's long and complex political journey. It highlights the deep emotional and political significance of Chandigarh for the state.

Pheruman's story compels us to consider the lengths people will go to for their principles and their homeland.

✨ 1972 — Remembering Sant Fateh Singh

Commemorating the passing of Sant Fateh Singh, a key leader in the Punjabi Suba movement.

Leaders shape movements, and their passing often marks the end of an era.

On this day in 1972, Sant Fateh Singh passed away. He was a central figure in Sikh politics during the mid-20th century, best known for leading the Punjabi Suba movement. This was the long and arduous campaign for a state with a Punjabi-speaking majority.

While his methods were sometimes controversial, his influence on the creation of the modern state of Punjab is undeniable. His passing marked a significant transition in Sikh political leadership.

Remembering figures like him helps us understand the complex forces that have shaped the Punjab we know today.