Brother, He showers grace even on those who have no merit and takes from them true Guru’s service. By touch of Philosopher’s stone, i.e., base metal has become gold. Our light has blended with His light, and we have become one with Him.

— Third Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib

This profound verse from the Third Guru reminds us of the divine principle of equality and grace, irrespective of social standing. It perfectly sets the stage for today's stories, which highlight pivotal moments in Sikh history where the community championed these very values against entrenched prejudice and state repression, ensuring that spiritual spaces remain open to all.

⚖️ 1920 — The Day Equality Challenged Tradition

When newly baptized Sikhs, previously deemed 'low caste', were denied entry to Harmandir Sahib, sparking a pivotal moment for inclusion and Gurdwara reform.

Imagine being denied entry to your holiest shrine, not because of your faith, but due to societal prejudice.

In 1920, a group of newly baptized Sikhs, considered 'low caste' by some, sought to offer Karah Prasad (sacred sweet pudding) at Harmandir Sahib. The Mahants (hereditary priests) refused, clinging to outdated customs over the Guru's teachings of universal brotherhood. This act of defiance, led by reformers, challenged deeply entrenched discriminatory practices within the Sikh community.

This confrontation wasn't just about offering Prasad; it was a powerful assertion of Sikhi's (Sikh faith's) core principle of equality, reminding us that no one is above or below another in the eyes of Waheguru (God). It directly ignited the Gurudwara Reform Movement, ensuring that Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) would truly be houses of the Guru for all.

Reflect on how easily human-made divisions can corrupt spiritual spaces, and how vigilance is always needed to uphold foundational principles.

✊ 1920 — Akal Takhat Reclaimed: A Panthic Victory

Bhai Teja Singh of Bhuchar led Sikhs to reclaim Akal Takhat, bringing this supreme temporal seat of Sikh authority under community control.

Imagine the spiritual and temporal heart of your faith, once managed by a few, being reclaimed by the entire community.

Following the defiance at Harmandir Sahib, the priests at Sri Akal Takhat, the supreme temporal authority of the Sikhs, abandoned their posts rather than acknowledge the equal rights of all Sikhs. Bhai Kartar Singh Jhabbar and Teja Singh of Bhuchar seized this moment, appointing a committee of 25 Sikhs to manage the sacred seat. This spontaneous act effectively brought Akal Takhat under Panthic (community) control.

This event marked a monumental shift, placing the destiny of Sikh institutions squarely in the hands of the Sangat (congregation), not hereditary priests. It laid the groundwork for the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), ensuring Gurdwaras are managed according to Gurmat (the Guru's teachings) and by the collective will of the Khalsa (the collective body of initiated Sikhs).

Consider the power of collective action when guided by righteous principles to uphold justice and self-determination.

🛡️ 1923 — The SGPC & Akali Dal Declared 'Unlawful'

The British government declared the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and Shiromani Akali Dal illegal, escalating the struggle for Sikh rights.

When movements striving for religious autonomy and justice are met with state suppression, true resolve is tested.

In 1923, the British government, deeply concerned by the Sikhs' unified demand for the restoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha, took drastic action. Viewing the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal as a threat, they declared both organizations 'unlawful'. This move led to the arrest of 50 SGPC members, charged with 'conspiracy to wage war against the King Emperor'.

This period highlights the immense sacrifices made by Sikhs to safeguard their religious freedom and political voice against colonial rule. The government's actions, intended to crush the movement, only strengthened the Sikhs' resolve, proving that conviction for justice cannot be easily suppressed.

Reflect on the courage required to stand against injustice, even when faced with significant state power and severe repression.

🕊️ 1982 — Tragedy Near Parliament: The 1982 Procession

A Sikh procession carrying the ashes of those killed earlier was met with police firing near the Indian Parliament, resulting in more deaths.

Even in solemn moments of mourning, justice can be tragically elusive, and peace brutally shattered.

On this day in 1982, a Sikh procession, carrying the ashes of 34 Sikhs killed just weeks prior, marched near the Indian Parliament House in Delhi. Instead of solemn respect, they faced police firing. Four Sikhs, including a saint, Jang Singh, were killed. Disturbingly, police also fired inside Gurdwara Rakab Ganj, with eyewitness accounts and newspaper photographs showing officers aiming directly at the sacred site.

This tragic event stands as a painful reminder of the challenges and injustices faced by the Sikh community, particularly during periods of heightened tension. It underscores the vital importance of protecting peaceful dissent and religious sites, and the enduring quest for truth and accountability.

Remember those who suffered in the pursuit of justice, and commit to safeguarding civil liberties and human rights for all.