London: Thousands of Sikhs from across the United Kingdom convened in London on June 16 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Teeja Ghallughara, the June 1984 attack on Darbar Sahib (Amritsar) and other Sikh Gurdwaras. The gathering marked a significant event in Sikh history, reflecting on the events of 1984 and honoring the resilience, valor and sacrifices of the Sikh community.
A new book “Kaurnama: The Untold Story of Shaheed Sikh Women“ was released during a Freedom Rally held at Trafalgar Square. This book, which delves into the stories of Sikh women who attained martyrdom during the Sikh freedom struggle of 1980s-90s, is the brainchild of Shaheed Paramjit Singh Panjwar. Bhai Panjwar was a prominent figure in the armed Sikh struggle of the 1980s and 1990s and was martyred while in exile last year. His vision and dedication to documenting the sacrifices of Sikh women have culminated in this significant work.
The book was initially released on May 5 during a Shaheedi Samagam in the village of Panjwar, marking the first martyrdom anniversary of Bhai Panjwar. Since its debut, “Kaurnama” has reached readers in various countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia, garnering international attention and appreciation for its profound subject matter and detailed accounts.
Authored by Baljinder Singh Kotbhara, the book was written under the mentorship of Bhai Daljit Singh, a notable Panth Sewak personality. Kotbhara’s narrative captures the bravery and sacrifices of Sikh women, shedding light on their pivotal roles during times of armed Sikh struggle in Punjab. The book aims to fill a significant gap in historical documentation, bringing to the forefront the often-overlooked contributions of these courageous women.
The Freedom Rally at Trafalgar Square served as a platform for the Sikh community to remember the martyrs and reiterate their commitment to justice and freedom. The release of “Kaurnama” during this gathering underscores the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of Sikh martyrs.