Shaheedi Samagam Palatine Gurdwara Sahib
Remembering 84 Sikh Holocaust
"OPERATION BLUESTAR" is the code name for the June 1984 attack on Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, by the Indian Armed Forces. This attack was conducted under the pretext of "flushing out terrorists" but was designed to cause maximum damage to the Temple Complex and the Sikhs inside. The attack took place on the day of Guru Arjan Dev Patshah's Shahadat Gurpurab observations. The operation was sanctioned under the orders of Indira Gandhi (then prime minister) and Zail Singh (then President). The Golden Temple Complex was attacked by the Indian Armed Forces using tanks, helicopters, and other heavy artillery. Sri Akal Takhat was desecrated during this attack. Sri Darbar Sahib sustained at least 300 bullet holes. Thousands of innocent people were murdered in cold blood.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the horrendous crimes committed against the Sikhs in the very land of their origin. We, your fellow servants, have taken it upon ourselves to enlighten the world about the events of 1984. We are focused on uniting all the branches within our community and promoting an awareness of the human rights abuses that afflicted innocent Sikhs at the time. "This is our history. How can we preserve it? How can we share it with the rest of the world?" "Why is it that the world knows all about the Nazi Holocaust, but no one knows about the massacre of innocent Sikhs in 1984? Is it because the Jews have made an effort to tell everyone?" We, as the next generation have to promise each other, that we will keep this passion of justice alive and never forget it. If we forget 1984, it will be a crime hidden within itself.
So long as the Sikhs are connected to the Guru, no one can destroy them; but if we are separated from the Guru, we lose. Remember: the enemy can only win if we leave our Guru. In unity lies our strength. We are committing to keeping these memories alive and never forgetting them, as they are of the utmost significance for the future and history of the Sikh community.
Please join us at 2:30 PM on June 5th 2009 for peaceful demonstration in front of Indian Consulate to express our unity & committing to keep these memories alive. Buses will leave SRS Palatine Gurdwara Sahib at 1 PM sharp.
Please come out on the evening of June 6th 8:00 PM for candlelight vigil at the 1280 Winnetka Street, Palatine, IL 60067 There will also be other events leading up to the evening of June 6th for a full schedule please visit http://www.srschicago.com . For any questions or inquiries, email: info @ srschicago.com
Friday June 5th
Arambh Sri Akhand Path Sahib at SRS Palatine Gurdwara Sahib 7 :00 AM
Keertan & Nitnem 5 AM to 9 AM
Demonstration in Front of Indian Consulate Chicago 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
455 N City front Plaza Dr Chicago, IL 60611
Buses Leave for Demonstration Downtown Chicago in Front of Indian Consulate 1 PM Sharp from Palatine Gurdwara Sahib
Rehras Keertan Katha & Dhadi Vaaran
6:00 PM to 9 PM
Langar 9:30 PM
Saturday June 6th 2009
Keertan & Nitnem
5 AM to 9 AM
Amrit Sanchar
1 PM to 5 PM
Rehras Keertan Katha & Dhadi Vaaran
6:00 PM to 9 PM
Langar 9:30 PM
Sunday June 7th 2009
Bhog Sri Akhand Path Sahib
Nitnem, Asa Di Waar Keertan
5AM – 9 :30 AM
1st Devaan's Ardas
9:30 AM
Keertan, Dhadi Vaaran, Kavishri Jatha Programs
10 AM – 1:30 PM
Samapti 2:00 PM
Keertan by
Bhai Gurjant singh Khalsa & Jatha
Bhai Kanwarpal Singh & Jatha
Dhadi Bhai Ratan Singh Nidharak
& Kavishari Jatha.
Guru Panth De Daas
Sikh Religious Board
1280 Winnetka Street, Palatine, IL
847-358-1117
