Bandi Chhor is a day that celebrates freedom, justice, and the light of hope. Not only should we embrace this but, we need to put these values into practise as set out for us by our sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Otherwise, all celebrations on this day are simply meaningless rituals.
In 1619 at the notorious prison of Gwalior Fort, which had a reputation that once sent there no-one would be left alive, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji performed the role of a human rights activist and set the precedent followed by Sikh Relief (SOPW) today. There are still many Sikh political prisoners sat in different jails throughout India, even today and with each prisoner comes a family, who are also made to suffer a different kind of sentence alongside their loved one. It is our duty to strive for and achieve freedom for them all.
Everyday is Bandi Chhor day for the Sikh Relief (SOPW) team. Sikh Relief volunteers have today visited Sikh political prisoners within some of India’s harshest jails while others have spent the day with the families of the prisoners offering them our support. Tonight, remember the reason you are lighting that candle; for if we all lit a lamp – no matter how small – collectively, we could overcome the darkness.
We have to overcome with demanding equal justice from evil govt…