On This Day

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

July 30th

1822 Sangat Singh, son of Fateh Singh became Raja of Jind.

1950 Akali Dal's working committee orders all members who defected to Congress to return.

1995 Amar Singh Ambalvi, first Vice-President of AISFF, passed away.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

July 31st

1788 Agreement reached between the Dal Khalsa and Maharaja Vijay Singh of Jodhpur.

1940 Sardar Udham Singh was hanged to death in London for killing Michale O'Dwyer, Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwalla Bagh massacare.

==> JALLIANWALA BAGH INCIDENT: A meeting was called in 1919 to protest - the arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, two prominent leaders in Punjab at the time and - against the repressive Rowlette Act of the British Government Several hundred people had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar to participate in this protest. Brigadier General Dwyer was sent to disperse the assembly. He intially proceeded with an armoured car. However, the streets leading up to the Jallianwalla bagh were too narrow for the armoured vehicle and consequently the soldiers had to abandon the vehicle and travel by foot. Upon reaching the Jallianwala bagh, Brigadier General Dwyer opened fire on the innocent and unarmed people, killing almost all. When the firing stooped, a total of 1302 people been killed, including 799 GurSikhs. Udham Singh from Sunam (Punjab), was a child at that time, whose father was among the killed. He vowed to kill the cruel General.

A subsequent enquiry was held into the shooting. As a result, Brigadier General Dyer retired, went back to England, and subsequently died six years after the Jallianwala massacre.

However, The Sikh community felt further insulted, when Rur Sngh, the custodian of the Golden Temple, offered a Saropa to Sir Michael O'Dwyer, Lieuetnant Governor of Punjab. General Dwyer was also offered a Kirpan (Sword of honor) and it was qouted in the British Parliament by Lord Finlay that he had been made a Sikh.

Udham Singh came to England and spent many years of hard work planning ways to fulfill his childhood vows. It is said that Udham Singh took up work in Sir Michale O'Dwyer's residence in England, who was the Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwala massacre. Udham Singh worked there for sometime and therefore got to know Sir O'Dwyer very well. Seezing an opportune moment Udham Singh gunned down Sir O'Dwyer at a public meeting in England as he stood to address the gathering.

-Ref. Babbar Akali Movement, A Historical Survey, Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1995 Amar Singh Ambalvi, first Vice-President of AISFF, passed away.

==> AMAR SINGH AMBALVI: was born in 1917 at village, Raulu Majra, a few miles from Rupar, Punjab. After early schooling he joined army in 1935, from where he resigned in 1939 and graduated privately in 1942 and continued his graduate studies on part time basis. With his M A., LL.B., he was admitted to the law and practiced in the Punjab High Court for several years. Very early in life, Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi became very involved in the Sikh youth movement and the political affairs of the Sikh Panth. Giani Kartar Singh took liking to this young man and saw in him great potential for leadership. He offered his political mentorship during his the early days of contemporary Sikh politics.

Sardar Ambalvi is best known for his work with Sikh youth and Sikh intellegentia through the institution of the All India Sikh Students Federation. In the early forties, when the Muslim students had organized Muslim Students' Federation, the Hindu youth were well organized into Rashtryia Svam Sevak Sangh, the Communists had their Students' Federation and the Congress was patronizing the Youth Congress, the Sikh students were out of moorings. Most were ignorant and others were indifferent towards their rich heritage and responsibilities for the future of their nation in free India. In response to this need, the All India Sikh Students was organized. Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi was one of the founding pillars of the AISSF. In early days he came into fame for a demonstration that he led against apostate (Patit) Maharaja of Kapurthala. The maharaja was facilitated at a function at the Khalsa College, Amritsar. The college was the premier educational institution of the Sikhs at that time and the Maharaja was invited to preside over a commemorative function. The Sikhs took exception to the honor being given to him. Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi organized a student demonstration which he led himself. The Sikh Students marched with black flags and shouted slogans Patit Maharaja go back. Arnbalvi was arrested by the British authorities. The incidence established the name recognition of the Ambalvi and it further solidified his resolve to organize the Sikh youth to protect their inheritance. Earlier he had organized the Sikh students along with Sardar Avtar Singh Daler under the banner of a well knit organization All India Sikh League. This organization could not keep its tempo and the youth leaders began to look elsewhere. Eventually, a meeting of the Sikh students' representatives convened in the Law College dormitory to hold discussions on alternatives. This meeting was attended by Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi along with Sardars Sarup Singh, Jawahar Singh, Sardul Singh, Raghbir Singh, Narinder Singh, Kesar Singh, Dharambir Singh, Inderpal Singh, Agya Singh and Balbir Singh. Inspired from deliberations of this meeting, a call was issued to the Sikh students under the heading Sikh Students Organize. When AISSF was formally established, Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi became a member of the first Central Executive Committee and served in that capacity until his retirement from that organization. He rose to the office of the Vice President in 1948 and was elected as the President of AISSF at their Annual Meeting held at Patiala on January 28, 1950. He succeeded Sardar Sarup Singh who had been re-elected for several times earlier to lead the AISSF.

During his presidentship of the AISSF, Sardar Ambalvi brought the message of the Federation home by addressing student study circles, meetings and conferences. He has always been a member of the group of extremists in Akali Organization. Sardar Ambalvi, who was always identified with the Federation was exceptionally energetic, pushing and daring as well. Sardar Ambalvi was arrested in 1942, 1943, and 1950 for his work with the community to stand for their political rights. Besides, AISSF, he was a very active member of the premier organization of the Sikhs, the Shromani Akali Dal. He served that organization as their General Secretary in 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1949. This was a very crucial period in Sikh history. The fate of the Sikh Nation was being determined in New Delhi and London by Hindu, Muslim and British leadership. The Sikh leaders were not up on the consequences of those determinations. Sardar Ambalvi was the main person who worked behind the doors in negotiating with the political parties, particularly the Muslim League, for the discussion of a future of the Sikhs after British quit India. He was leader of the Sikh Youth who served a liaison between Master Tara Singh and Mr. Jinnah. It was through the efforts of this group that Mr. Jinah had consented to publicly support the Sikh demand until the time that this understanding was sabotaged by the stooges of Indian National Congress. Thoughout his life, Sardar Ambalvi has been the chief exponent of keeping the separate entity of the Sikhs and for the creation of a place on earth where Sikhs may breath a sigh of freedom. After partition, Sardar Ambalvi played a very prominent role in getting the famous Anandpur Sahib's resolution unanimously passed on October 17, 1973.

Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi left for heavenly abode on July 30, 1995 at the age of 78, only a month after a sudden death of his son in a car accident. The cause of Ambalvis death was a sudden heart attack as he remained healthy until the last breath. Sardar Ambalvi died exactly 50 years after the first annual session of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) where he was appointed as its first vice-president.

-Ref. K-net message from Harbans Lal Oct. 11/95.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 1st

1863 Maharani Jind Kaur, mother of Maharaja Dalip Singh, passed away in Kaesington, England and was cremated in Nasik Nagar on the outskirts of Bombay, India. She was arrested by the British government in 1847 and imprisoned at the Shaekhpura fort. After numerous efforts, she managed to join Maharaja Dalip Singh in England. She was by Lord Dalhousie as "the only woman in the Punjab with manly understandings."

==> Maharani JIND KAUR: was daughter of Sardar Manna Singh Auhlakh, a resident of village Chandh, district Sialkot, Tehsil Jafarwall. She was wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and mother of Maharaja Dalip Singh. Once the British government gained control of the Khalsa Raj's affairs, she was initially kept under house arrest at Saekhupura and subsequently jailed at Chunar fort (U.P. district Mizapur). However, she escaped in a beggar's attire and reached Nepal, where she lived with dignity. In 1861, Maharani Jind Kaur reached England to visit her son Maharaja Dalip Singh, where she died on Aug. 1, 1863 at the age of 46. Her body was brought back and cremated in Nasik Nagar, on the outskirts of Bombay.

On March 27, 1924, Maharaja Dalip Singh's daughter, Bamba Dalip Singh, brought the ashes of Maharani Jind Kaur from Nasik Nagar and buried it next to Maharaja Ranjit Singh's samadh. Sardar Harbans Singh Rais of Atari performed the last rights (antim Ardas) on this occasion.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 523)

Here are a few glimpses of her life from "Maharani Jind Kaur" by Dr. B.S. Nijjar that also sheds light on the sad, unfortuante affairs of Sikh state after the death of Sher-i-Punjab, and offers a rare glimpse of the treachery of some Dogras and Brahmins.

At one time the Dogras has become so influential that the Raja Hira Singh wanted to be the king by pushing aside Maharaja Dalip Singh. The Sikh army did not like him. They liked Maharaja Dalip Singh.

There was a general discontent among the Sikh army and they were not happy with the way Rani was behaving. She had became louder in her demands. She asked for more jagirs for her brothers and more yearly allownaces for herself. She spoke of the designs against every survivor of the royal family and of intending flight to the southern side of Satluj where the English would at least secure for her son, his father's protected territory. This, of course, was a great miscalculation on her part.

Rani an Accomplished Administrator

However, Rani issued a proclamation praising the fidelity of the Khalsa troops. She had shown considerable energy and spirit in conducting the State business, with the courage and determination seldom shown by any woman in Sikh history. Lord Hardinge had un-willingly praised her for her regular life and devotion to the State affairs. She commanded the obedience of regimental committee as well as Sardars, who were also represented in the Supreme Council of Khalsa. However, she committed the impardonable sin of compromising with the Army. Several conferences with the military officers took place and at one of those, the Sardars said that the army would not let the Government go on.

Weakness of Rani

Harding wrote to Ellenborough about administration of Rani Jind Kaur, on October 23, 1845 A.D., "Rani now reviews the troops unveiled, and dressed as a dancing woman, which displeases the old but gratifies the young; but her irregularities are so monstrously indecent that the troops have held her horse and advised her to be more chaste or they would no longer style her the Mother of all the Sikhs."

The officers adamantly told the Rani that that army could govern very well for itself. The demand of the increase in pay was, however, not conceded nor was it definitely refused. But the troops were declaring loudly that Rani and her brother were unfit to reign and must be imprisoned or put to death and Peshaura Singh [son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, but not of Jind Kaur] be seated on the throne. The general joy expressed at the death of Hira Singh [son of raja Gulab Singh dogra] and Pandit Jalla, was thus giving place to appreciation of the order and justice prevailing under their rule. The Khalsa army now became openly independent of the Civil authority and almost acted as Kingmakers.

Jawahar Singh Comes to Power

After the overthrow of of Raja Hira Singh and his favourite Pandit Jalla, the ministerial office was not immediately filled and for some time all power of the Sikh Kingdom remained in the hands of the "Army Panchayat." In May, 1845, A.D., however, Jawahar Singh brother of Rani came to power as he was appointed to the exhalted office of Prime Minister for five months from May 1845 to September 1845 A.D. The Prime Minister immediately did his best to win over the army. He raised the salary of the soldiers by half a ruppes and thus consolidate his position. [An average soldier made about Rs/. 11 a month at that time.]

The Dogra Rajas could not tolerate the high position of Jawahar Singh and thus spared no effort to exploit the Khalsa soldiers against him. Raja Gulab Singh instigated Pishaura Singh, another son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to revolt as he was to be fully supported by the former. At the instigation of the Dogra Rajas, Prince Pishaura Singh revolted and occupied Attok, but was defeated by Jawahar Singh's forces and murdered. It was a blunder on the part of Jawahar Singh as the Sikh army did not appreciate this hasty step of their Prime Minister and turned against him. Raja Lal Singh, the Commander-in-chief of the Khalsa Army, all the more, exploited this situation. A meeting of the Army Panchayat was called and the matter was put before them.

Ultimately Jawahar SIngh was summoned to appear before the Army Panchayat. Jawahar Singh was not unaware of the fury of the Army Panchayat. He rather fully anticipated his fate. Therefore, he took his nephew Maharaja Dalip Singh with him in the hope that the presence of the Maharaja might influence the Khalsa troops in his favour in securing a pardon.

But the fierce and infuriated soldiery sorrounded the elephant on all sides, and the boy Dalip Singh was rougly snathced from the arms of his uncle. Jawahar Singh bowed before the troops, and with folded hands, implored them to hear him for a moment. They, however, would not allow him to utter a word even. He was stabbed with a bayonet on the left, and as he bent over on the right, a man sent a bullet through his brain. Jawahar Singh fell from the 'howdah' a corpse, and his body was dragged from the elephant and mangled with swords of those who sorrounded it.

Bawa Rattan Singh and Bhai Chaittu, the councillors of Jawahar Singh, were killed without any ceremony, on the same spot. The cash, in gold and silver coins, which Jawahar Singh and the Rani had brought with them and their fort, was now plundered by the soldiers, and the Rani and her slave girls were compelled to retire to the tents which had some days previously been pitched for their reception. The whole thing was, thus, well premeditatd and planned. The boy Dalip Singh was separated from his mother for a while and kept with the soldiery, fearing that the Rani in her rage and excitement might destroy herself and her child. When these fears had subsided, the prince was again made over to his mother. The soldiers. however, kept a strict watch over Rani's tents the whole night, to prevent any accident. She passed the night in fearful screams and shrieks, lamenting over the death of her beloved brother and cursing the Khalsa. As morning broke, she was permitted to to see the mangled body of her brother. Her lamentations and painful cries renewed with a violence which moved the bystanders to pity and melted even the iron hearts of those who had been instrumental in causing her brother's murder.

Weeping bitterly, Jind Kaur threw herself and her child on the body of her brother. When partly by entreaties and partly by force, she was separatd from the corpse, she rolled upon the ground, tearing her hair and her clothes. This hearth rending spectacle touched the sympathies of the most valorous spectators. The scene was terminated at noon, when the Maharaja with great difficulty, was persuaded to return to the city. The corpse of the murdered prime minister was also carried to the city, where his funeral obseques were performed outside the Masti Gate, in the presence of several Sardars of the court.

From: "Maharani Jind Kaur" by Dr. B.S.

1944 The Working Committee of the All Parties Sikh Conference met at Amritsar. It held that the C. Rajagopalachari's formula "was mainfestly unfair and detrimental to the best interests of the country and the Sikh Community." It regarded Gandhi's approval of the same as "breach of faith" on the part of the Congress leaders and violative of assurances to the Sikhs "at its Lahore session in 1929".

==> CR FORMULA: enunciated by C. Rajagopalachari, on July 10, 1944, with which Gandhi was in agreement envisioned, "Muslim contiguous districts in the north-west and east of India, wherein the Muslim population is in absolute majority" holding a plebiscite after termination of war on the basis of adult suffrage to decide the formation of a sovereign state separate from Hindustan, in return for Muslim League's cooperation for the formation of a provisional interim government for the transitional period. It envisioned transfer of population on a voluntary basis.

-Ref. "The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995.

1980 Khalistan Flag Hoisted for the first time. The Sikh Youth Organisation, Dal Khalsa, hoisted the flag of Khalistan at the very spot where 13 GurSikhs fell martyr while defending the Guru Khalsa Panth against the Nirankaris, on April 13, 1978.

==> WHO WERE THE MURDERED GURSIKHS?

Over 1 million Sikh pilgrims had assembled at Amritsar on the Vaisakhi day of 1978. At the same time, the Nirankari-called Sect of bohemians from Delhi and other parts of the Indian sub-continent held a procession and a conference at Amritsara. During their Conference the speakers made venomous attacks on Sikhism, Sikh Gurus, Sikh scriptures, etc. A few Sikhs, under the command of Bhai Fauja Singh, marched from the Darbar Sahib to protest against this fake Nirankari procession in which Gurbachan Singh Nirankari had seated himself on a higher position than Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the prevalent Guru of GurSikhs, is always respectfully seated at the highest platform in any congregation. Anyone seated on a platform higher than that of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is considered disrespectful and sacrilegious among Guru Khalsa Panth.

Further, the Nirankaris were hurling grave and malicious insults against the GurSikhism religion, beliefs, and sentiments. Oblivious to the GurSikhs, the Nirankaris had other plans, including a para-military platoon armed with lethal weapons, guns, revolvers, acid-filled bottles and mechanical propellants for shooting poison-tipped arrows, all well positioned behind a row of trucks. The GurSikh protestors were persuaded by the police officers on duty into believing that steps were being taken to stop further provocations of GurSikhism sentiments. Then the voice of Gurbachan Singh. Nirankari chief, was heard over the sound system, saying "these sikhs think they can stop us from freely carrying out our program. Let them know today, how mistaken they are. Time has come to be active for those, who have come here for this job". Suddenly the para-military platoon briskly advanced toward the GurSikh protestors. The police on duty hurled tear-gas bombs against the unarmed GurSikhs, converting them into sitting ducks for their hunters. Even some Hindu police officials like O.D. Joshi joined the Nirankaris attacks on the protesting GurSikhs. When it was all over 13 lay dead and over 50 were seriously injured. The batch of protesting GurSikhs were from Akhand Kirtan Jatha and Bhindranwale jatha, led by Bhai Fuaja Singh, included the following 13 who layed their lives:

1. Bhai Amrik Singh

2. Bhai Avtar Singh

3. Bhai Darshan Singh

4. Bhai Dharamvir Singh

5. Bhai Fauja Singh

6. Bhai Gurcharan Singh

7. Bhai Gurdial Singh

8. Bhai Harbhajan Singh

9. Bhai Hari Singh

10. Bhai Kewal Singh

11. Bhai Piara Singh

12. Bhai Raghbir Singh

13. Bhai Ranbir Singh

The irony of the Sikh situation was this that Punjab was being ruled by a so-called Sikh Party; Amritsar was one of the holiest cities of the Sikhs; one minister, Mr Jiwan Singh was also present in the city; the city was the headquarters of the Akali Party and the Sikh Parliament (SGPC) and the Nirankaris had long been attacking the Sikh religion and this was known in the Government. Furthermore all the killers of the Sikhs escaped from the Punjab safely, even with the help of officials of the Punjab Government (including Niranjan Singh, an official of the Punjab and, allegedly, the Chief Minister of the Punjab).

Throughout the world the Sikhs exhibited their fury. However, the Akali ministers of Punjab province bowed before the Central (Hindu) Government and refused to ban the activities of this gang of bohemians. Meanwhile these ministers addressed various Sikh congregations and spoke against the Nirankaris so that the Sikh masses should not become furious against them for their indifferent (or pro-Nirankari) attitude.

Thus this became the starting point of the new phase of the struggle of the Sikh nation. The lead was given by the Sikh Youth under the guidance of the Sikh intelligentsia. They had to fight various platforms: the Hindus, the Communists and some of the pseudo-Akalis, who loved their office more than their nation.

This amritsar massacre was one of the most significant incidents of this century for GurSikhs. It led to the murder of Lala Jagat Narain, the rise of the Khalistan demand, attack on the Golden Temple and Sri Akal Takhat, and enormous destruction of lives and properties in Punjab, Delhi, and other locals of GurSikh population. It should be noted that although Gurbachan Singh's movement call themselves Nirankaris, they do not have anything in common with the original Nirankari movement that made enormous sacrifices and significant contributions for GurPanth's reform. For details see the description on Nirankaris below.

On October 6, 1978, a Hukumnama bearing the seal of Sri Akal Takhat (by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat, Amritsar) was issued, calling upon GurSikhs all over the world to socially boycott these fake "Nirankaris" and not allow their faith and creed to grow or flourish in the society. This Hukumnama was prepared by a committee comprising of the following:

Giani Gurdit Singh

Giani Lal Singh

Giani Partap Singh

Giani Sadhu Singh Bhaura

Sardar Kapur Singh

Sardar Parkash Singh

Sardar Satbir Singh

Through this Hukumnama, all GurSikhs were asked to stop "roti beti di sanjh", food and marital relations, with the fake nirankaris. Gurbachan Singh was subsequently killed by the GurSikhs on Apr. 24, 1980. However, the repercussion of the initial event continue to persist.

-Ref. The Illustrated History of the Sikhs (1947-78), by Gur Rattan Pal Singh.

THE SIKHS' STRUGGLE FOR SOVEREIGNTY, An Historical Perspective by Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon. Edited By: A.T. Kerr Page 110-119.

1981 Through Aug. 2, the All Canada Sikh Convention was held in Calgary that gave the Canadian Sikhs a national body, "Federation of Sikh Societies of Canada". Specific resolutions at the conference took the shape of projects for the first time.

[Gurakum Singh]

..

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

July 31st

1788 Agreement reached between the Dal Khalsa and Maharaja Vijay Singh of Jodhpur.

1940 Sardar Udham Singh was hanged to death in London for killing Michale O'Dwyer, Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwalla Bagh massacare.

==> JALLIANWALA BAGH INCIDENT: A meeting was called in 1919 to protest - the arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, two prominent leaders in Punjab at the time and - against the repressive Rowlette Act of the British Government Several hundred people had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar to participate in this protest. Brigadier General Dwyer was sent to disperse the assembly. He intially proceeded with an armoured car. However, the streets leading up to the Jallianwalla bagh were too narrow for the armoured vehicle and consequently the soldiers had to abandon the vehicle and travel by foot. Upon reaching the Jallianwala bagh, Brigadier General Dwyer opened fire on the innocent and unarmed people, killing almost all. When the firing stooped, a total of 1302 people been killed, including 799 GurSikhs. Udham Singh from Sunam (Punjab), was a child at that time, whose father was among the killed. He vowed to kill the cruel General.

A subsequent enquiry was held into the shooting. As a result, Brigadier General Dyer retired, went back to England, and subsequently died six years after the Jallianwala massacre.

However, The Sikh community felt further insulted, when Rur Sngh, the custodian of the Golden Temple, offered a Saropa to Sir Michael O'Dwyer, Lieuetnant Governor of Punjab. General Dwyer was also offered a Kirpan (Sword of honor) and it was qouted in the British Parliament by Lord Finlay that he had been made a Sikh.

Udham Singh came to England and spent many years of hard work planning ways to fulfill his childhood vows. It is said that Udham Singh took up work in Sir Michale O'Dwyer's residence in England, who was the Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwala massacre. Udham Singh worked there for sometime and therefore got to know Sir O'Dwyer very well. Seezing an opportune moment Udham Singh gunned down Sir O'Dwyer at a public meeting in England as he stood to address the gathering.

-Ref. Babbar Akali Movement, A Historical Survey, Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Aman Publications, 1993.

1995 Amar Singh Ambalvi, first Vice-President of AISFF, passed away.

==> AMAR SINGH AMBALVI: was born in 1917 at village, Raulu Majra, a few miles from Rupar, Punjab. After early schooling he joined army in 1935, from where he resigned in 1939 and graduated privately in 1942 and continued his graduate studies on part time basis. With his M A., LL.B., he was admitted to the law and practiced in the Punjab High Court for several years. Very early in life, Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi became very involved in the Sikh youth movement and the political affairs of the Sikh Panth. Giani Kartar Singh took liking to this young man and saw in him great potential for leadership. He offered his political mentorship during his the early days of contemporary Sikh politics.

Sardar Ambalvi is best known for his work with Sikh youth and Sikh intellegentia through the institution of the All India Sikh Students Federation. In the early forties, when the Muslim students had organized Muslim Students' Federation, the Hindu youth were well organized into Rashtryia Svam Sevak Sangh, the Communists had their Students' Federation and the Congress was patronizing the Youth Congress, the Sikh students were out of moorings. Most were ignorant and others were indifferent towards their rich heritage and responsibilities for the future of their nation in free India. In response to this need, the All India Sikh Students was organized. Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi was one of the founding pillars of the AISSF. In early days he came into fame for a demonstration that he led against apostate (Patit) Maharaja of Kapurthala. The maharaja was facilitated at a function at the Khalsa College, Amritsar. The college was the premier educational institution of the Sikhs at that time and the Maharaja was invited to preside over a commemorative function. The Sikhs took exception to the honor being given to him. Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi organized a student demonstration which he led himself. The Sikh Students marched with black flags and shouted slogans Patit Maharaja go back. Arnbalvi was arrested by the British authorities. The incidence established the name recognition of the Ambalvi and it further solidified his resolve to organize the Sikh youth to protect their inheritance. Earlier he had organized the Sikh students along with Sardar Avtar Singh Daler under the banner of a well knit organization All India Sikh League. This organization could not keep its tempo and the youth leaders began to look elsewhere. Eventually, a meeting of the Sikh students' representatives convened in the Law College dormitory to hold discussions on alternatives. This meeting was attended by Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi along with Sardars Sarup Singh, Jawahar Singh, Sardul Singh, Raghbir Singh, Narinder Singh, Kesar Singh, Dharambir Singh, Inderpal Singh, Agya Singh and Balbir Singh. Inspired from deliberations of this meeting, a call was issued to the Sikh students under the heading Sikh Students Organize. When AISSF was formally established, Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi became a member of the first Central Executive Committee and served in that capacity until his retirement from that organization. He rose to the office of the Vice President in 1948 and was elected as the President of AISSF at their Annual Meeting held at Patiala on January 28, 1950. He succeeded Sardar Sarup Singh who had been re-elected for several times earlier to lead the AISSF.

During his presidentship of the AISSF, Sardar Ambalvi brought the message of the Federation home by addressing student study circles, meetings and conferences. He has always been a member of the group of extremists in Akali Organization. Sardar Ambalvi, who was always identified with the Federation was exceptionally energetic, pushing and daring as well. Sardar Ambalvi was arrested in 1942, 1943, and 1950 for his work with the community to stand for their political rights. Besides, AISSF, he was a very active member of the premier organization of the Sikhs, the Shromani Akali Dal. He served that organization as their General Secretary in 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1949. This was a very crucial period in Sikh history. The fate of the Sikh Nation was being determined in New Delhi and London by Hindu, Muslim and British leadership. The Sikh leaders were not up on the consequences of those determinations. Sardar Ambalvi was the main person who worked behind the doors in negotiating with the political parties, particularly the Muslim League, for the discussion of a future of the Sikhs after British quit India. He was leader of the Sikh Youth who served a liaison between Master Tara Singh and Mr. Jinnah. It was through the efforts of this group that Mr. Jinah had consented to publicly support the Sikh demand until the time that this understanding was sabotaged by the stooges of Indian National Congress. Thoughout his life, Sardar Ambalvi has been the chief exponent of keeping the separate entity of the Sikhs and for the creation of a place on earth where Sikhs may breath a sigh of freedom. After partition, Sardar Ambalvi played a very prominent role in getting the famous Anandpur Sahib's resolution unanimously passed on October 17, 1973.

Sardar Amar Singh Ambalvi left for heavenly abode on July 30, 1995 at the age of 78, only a month after a sudden death of his son in a car accident. The cause of Ambalvis death was a sudden heart attack as he remained healthy until the last breath. Sardar Ambalvi died exactly 50 years after the first annual session of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) where he was appointed as its first vice-president.

-Ref. K-net message from Harbans Lal Oct. 11/95.

You forgot that Bhai Gurjant Singh ji BhudhSinghwala was shaheed on july 31st.

Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, son of Sardar Nashatar Singh & Mata Surjeet Kaur, was born in village Budhsinghwala, District Faridkot in 1964. Bhai Sahib's family had a common farmers living. Sikhi was flourishing in the family for generations. Gurjant Singh had three brothers and a sister, he was the third-eldest out of the sons. He only studied to the 5th grade and he had to leave his studies, as his family needed him to work, as they were not that well off. Bhai Sahib was religious from a young age and met Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindrawale on numerous occasions. He started helping around the house and started farming along with his brothers on the family farm. He never tired doing work and never lost faith whilst the family went through hardships, and remained always in Chardi Kala.

The governments carnage reached the Moga area and the Bibi Kahn Kaur Gurdwara was surrounded by armed police, indiscriminate firing was opened on sangat and many were drenched in blood and attained Shaheedi, Bhai Sahibs paternal grandfather Bhai Kehar Singh was one of the Shaheeds of this incident. Bhai Sahib had much affection for his grandfather.

The Shaheedi of his grandfather had a deep effect upon his tender heart at the age of 18 years. The government tyranny making its way throughout the Moga area, arrived at Bhai Sahibs village. Bhai Sahib was arrested and imprisoned in Firozpur jail for one and a half years. Bhai Sahib had just been released from jail when the police re-arrested him and his brother Bhai Jagroop Singh for murder. In the ensuing interrogations of the police both Bhai Sahib and his brother were tortured severely. When they were released after 8 days of torture, they both could not walk, they both got home in the evening. On the same night the police again entered their house and took their father, brother and paternal uncle into custody.

Bhai Sahib after undergoing all this oppression and torture decided to live the life of serving the Panth and left his home, to protect and fight for the rights of the people of Panjab. A tornado of fighting for justice was invested within him, after undergoing torture and oppression at the hands of the authorities. From the outset Bhai Sahib worked alongside Bhai Varyam Singh Khapiawale - after his Shaheedi, Bhai Sahib worked under the leadership of Bhai Aroor Singh of K.L.F. Slowly, slowly Bhai Sahibs fame grew due to the missions he completed and the enemy started to fear for their safety. When the enemy used to hear the name of Bhai Sahib they used to shiver with fear.

Bhai Sahib had undertaken the leadership of Khalistan Liberation Force, after the Shaheedi of Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma in 1987. Under Bhai Sahibs leadership K.L.F completed numerous successful missions and became one of the leading freedom fighting outfits. K.L.F was founded by Bhai Aroor Singh in 1986, Bhai Budhsinghwala was appointed Lieutenant General then, Bhai Budhsinghwala was the 3rd Chief of K.L.F. He was respected as the mastermind and most intelligent, Sikh freedom fighter.

A Nihang who used to live in the same village as Bhai Sahib informed the police on numerous occasions of Bhai Sahibs actions and whereabouts. This informant helped the police arrest and torture Bhai Sahib on numerous occasions. Bhai Sahib was arrested and sent to Faridkot jail on one of these occasions. Upon release from jail - on bail, instead of going home, Bhai Sahib went directly to Shaheed Bhai Varyam Singh and became once again engrossed in seva. Bhai Sahib caught the Nihang informant and poured petrol over him and burnt him alive in the middle of the village. People of the surrounding area were happy and ecstatic at the elimination of this Nihang who caused much distress to the inhabitants of the locality.

Bhai Sahib started bringing many oppressors to justice and the police started to repeatedly harass the family of Bhai Gurjant Singh. His brothers were severely tortured and subsequently jailed. Bhai Sahib's sister's (Bibi Gurcharan Kaur's) family were tortured and harassed on a number of occasions. To try to retract Bhai Sahib from his seva,the authorities used oppressive tactics of the worst kind. His paternal Uncle Chand Singh and paternal cousin Bhai Joga Singh were martyred in a fake police encounter. His mother, father, and brothers were also terrorised. But Bhai Sahib was steadfast and did not retract an inch from his resolve.

After seeing the effectiveness of Bhai Gurjant Singh, the butcher D.G.P. Ribeiro got the most brutal S.H.O. Mith Singh appointed at the Bage Purane Police station, which was adjoining to Bhai Sahib's village in Thana Baga. The S.H.O made Bhai Sahib's family his target for meting out police brutality and being unjust, this brute got the front iron gate from Bhai Sahibs house removed and placed it at the police station. He humiliated Bhai Sahib's father by dragging him by the hair, in the heat of the Panjabi summer in front of the police station and made a public display of torturing Bhai Sahib's father. He challenged Bhai Sahib's father to "go get your tiger of a son to come and face me, face to face."

Bhai Sahib learnt of the atrocities met out to his family, and after a while he made plans to avenge these evil actions. He along with his 3 associates Bhai Lakhvinder Singh Lakha village Dhole Ke, Ajmer Singh Lodhivaal and Bhai Darshan Singh Tarkhanbad, exterminated the S.H.O at the police station whilst he was under the guard of his bodyguards. After removing the S.H.O, Bhai Sahib and his associates fired at the police in the police station, but they locked themselves in out of fear and did not dare to return fire. Bhai Sahib and his associates left the police station at 7.30am with such calmness and braveness, no police official had the courage to even follow the Singh's after they left. The newly appointed S.H.O got the very same iron-gate reinstated at Bhai Sahib's house.

Bhai Sahib put many oppressors to justice and he worked with Bhai Jarnail Singh Halivara (Longowal Kand), Varinder Singh Daka, Amar Singh Maan, Binderjeet Singh Dune ke, Manjeet Singh Mini Baba Moga, Amrik Singh Dune Ke, Kulvant Singh Kukrana, Gurmeet Singh Machaki, Manohar Singh Teera, whilst completing his missions. After the Shaheedi of Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma, Bhai Gurjant Singh was appointed the new commander in chief of K.L.F., Bhai Sahib and his associates eliminated the following oppressors: S.S.P Gobind Ram, S.S.P A.S.Brar - Patiala, S.P. Patiala - R.S Gill, S.P. Detective R.S.Tiwara, D.S.P Tara Chand Jagroan and in turn avenged the deaths of many Shaheeds.

Bhai Sahib also seriously injured the following oppresors: D.G.P Mangat, S.S.P Sumedh Saini, S.P Kehar Singh. Other prominent successes of Bhai Sahib were the Panjab Congress Vice President Lala Bagvan Daas who was eliminated along with his bodyguards at Jaito, ex-treasurer Balwant Singh was eliminated in Chandigarh, Magistrate Goyal Moga was eliminated after getting his armed guards to surrender and he kidnapped the Romanian diplomat L. Radu and got the message across to the global media about the Sikh struggle and state oppression. The son of the S.S.P Des Raaj Sharma of Tarn Taran was kidnapped in order to get Bhai Sahib's associates freed from the police, this was the first time a hostage was taken for political demands in Panjab and Bhai Sahib's friends were freed.

There was a bounty of 4 Lakh (400,000) Rupees upon his head. Bhai Sahib was the most wanted Sikh freedom fighter and he was believed to be the mastermind of many successful actions against the authorities. The Ludhiana police had received confirmed intelligence reports that Bhai Sahib and other freedom fighters were holding a meeting at Model town extension - in house no. 95. The police along with the assistance of the army at about 10pm surrounded the house and ordered the inhabitants of the house to open the gate, but the house owner replied that he had dignitaries in attendance. According to the police the Singh's tried to escape through the back of the house, but the police had already surrounded the house and opened fire on the Singhs, one Singh got injured in the firing. Bhai Budhsinghwala did once again try escaping but due to the heavy fire he was martyred in the exchange of fire. The police claimed in their press release that Bhai Sahib was martyred within the house but all other accounts of eyewitnesses said that Bhai Sahib was martyred about 50 meters from the house in an alleyway.

This police operation was carried out by the S.S.P of Ludhiana 'Chotpadhiea' & D.S.P D.S.Gill. There were large engravements made upon the grass around the house - where the police had entrenched themselves. The police did not return Bhai Sahibs body to his relatives.

Bhai Sahib was a freedom loving spirit who did not enter controversies with others and all Sikh Jathebandhi's (Organisations) respected Bhai Sahib. Bhai Sahib used to speak very little, due to which he was able to command K.L.F for a relatively long time. Bhai Budhsinghwala was said to be wanted for 37 accomplished actions by the police. The people began to admire and respect Bhai Gurjant Singh more and more as time went by, as he was dead against thieves and robbery and he put numerous such thieves to justice.

Bhai Sahib attained Shaheedi on 31st July 1992 at the age of 28 years. The Panth will never forget the service he rendered.

- Sikh Lionz

srry bout that khalsa ji.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 2nd

1764 Baba Budha Singh Ji relinquished control and bestowed the control of Sirhind to Baba Ala Singh Patiala.

==> BABA AALLA SINGH JI was born in village Phull to father Baba Ram Singh Phulwansi and mother Saabhi. He was introduced to amrit by Baba Deep Singh Ji, in TheekriWalae village. In sunmat 1810, he laid the foundation stone of a temporary structure for the Patiala fort while the construction of a permanent structure began in sunmat 1820. Simultaneously he founded the Patiala city. Barnala, Longowal, Sunaam, Bathinda, and Patiala were under his control. He passed away on 22nd Aug. 1765 in Patiala.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 3rd

1977 Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindrawalia was seriously injured in a car accident.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 4th

1982 Gurbakash Singh tried to hijack Indian Airline plane to Lahore.

1982 Dharam Yudh morcha to seek Sikh demands was launched by Akali Dal. Additionally, the morcha initiated by Jarnail Singh Bhindrawalae, for release of Amrik Singh was also included in this.

1987 A convention was held in Amritsar. Despite risk to their lives at the hands of Indian police gangs, some Sikh leaders attanded the convention. The generals of the army of Khalistan, in this convention, confirmed their goal of total freedom from India.

Darshan Singh Ragi, chief Granthi of Sri Akal Takhat, tried to support the Hindu allies but he was snubbed by the Sikh generals. Some of his words were in complete contradiction to the Sikh fundamentals. As a result he, ipso facto, ceased to be the Granthi of Sri Akal Takhat. The Delhi regime tried to reinstate him, but the Sikh Nation with one voice, rejected the un-Sikh ideas and confirmed the goal of freedom for Khalsistan.

-Ref. THE SIKHS' STRUGGLE FOR SOVEREIGNTY, An Historical Perspective by Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon. Edited By: A.T. Kerr Page 127.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 5th

1992 Bhagat Puran Singh Ji, a panthic saewak who devoted his entire live in service of humankind, passed away.

==> Bhagat PURAN SINGH, the legendary Saint of Amritsar. Bhagat Puran Singh died in Chandigarh on 4th August 1992. aged 88. Born Ramji Das at Rajewal, district Ludhiana, the sensitive Child, sickened by ritualism and priestly arrogance, readily embraced Sikhism with encouragement from his pious mother, Mehtab Kaur. Soon Gurbani saturated his whole being with love and compassion for all humanity, in the spirit of Guru Nanak's exhortation Jete jiv tete sabh tere, vinn seva phal kisei nahi. [sGGS: 3541 All living things, 0 Lord, reflect your glory; there is no fruit nobler than taking care of them. Thus began a remarkably humane mission when in 1924, he picked up a four-year old polio-stricken child abandoned near Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. On Partition in 1947 he set up Pingalwara at Amritsar with scores of sick and disabled, eventually moving to the present sprawling home for hundreds of destitutes, orphans and mentally ill, where he ministered personally to their physical, mental and spiritual health, to the end, with financial help from far and wide. Credited with little formal education, Bhagat Puran Singh nevertheless started a crusade for ecology and environment long before the 1992 Earth Summit. A relentless pamphleteer for every good social cause, he used only recyclcd, paper for printing in his press. Shy of publicity and utterly free of ambition, he returned the 1977 Padma-Sliri award in the wake of army assault on his beloved Harmandir Sahib. His nomination for Nobel Peace Prize in India and abroad, earlier this year, found him serenely unconcerned. We mourn his passing away, even as we rejoice that so great a man of God sanctified our land and illumined our lives.

-from Sikh Review, Sept. 1992

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

August 6th

1923 Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) resolved to launch Nabha Agitation at Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as "Gangsar". About a mile and a half north of Jaito is "Tibhi Sahib" Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, "Where is that Akali?" The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

"The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995.

1925 The Nabha agitation at Jaito was successfully concluded after performing 101 akhand path as a sort of penance for disruption of one akhand path two years earlier.

1947 Sikhs meet with British government regarding Vatican status for Nankana Sahib and other Gurudwaras.

1978 Dal Khalsa came into being at Gurdwara Akal-garh, Sector 35, Chandigarh. A large number of Sikh Youth Organisations participated in this meeting and discussed the affairs of the Panth. They decided to form an organisation in the name of "Dal Khalsa." Among the founders of the Dal Khalsa were :-

Kapur Singh,

Harsimran Singh,

Harjinder Singh Dilgeer,

Jaswant Singh,

Manmohan Singh,

Satnam Singh,

Satnam Singh Chandigarh,

Gurprit Singh,

Rupinder Singh Nagari,

Harinder Singh Mohali and

Mohinder Singh of Delhi.

According to this organization, the Sikhs in India are half-free and half-slaves and their salvation lies in getting an Indepdendent Sikh State. The Dal Khalsa proposed to contest the SGPC Elections to be held in March, 1979. It declaredly adopted the slogan of "Khalistan" and proclaimed that the Dal Khalsa stood for a sovereign Sikh State, not within the Union of India. The Indian Government tried to defame the Dal Khalsa by calling it an associate of Zail. In fact, the only person who had acquaintance with any Congress leader was Gajinder Singh, who later hijacked Indian Airliner to Lahore in 1981. He was not a founder Mukh Panchs (Member of Presidium).

1983 Amrik Singh and Baba Thara Singh were released. They were arrested on July 18, 1982. Jarnail Singh Bhindrawalae had organized a morcha for their release.