ARCHIVED FORUM: Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib
25th JULY 2004 IN LONDON, Landmark day for British Sikhs!!
Posted by : GurSa Singh
Date: 7/29/2004 7:33 am
25th of July saw the Sikh Youth of UK taking a stance against the extremist group Al-Muhajiroun.
Despite fears of violence these youth stood in the mist of Trafalgar Square and proclaimed to all that “We are Sikh, British & Proud!”. The sea of blue dastaars made the Sikhs presence stand out in the Square.
The onlookers knew the Sikhs came for a peaceful demonstration and were openly discussing with them how to rid society of groups that tarnish communities and spread hatred against the principles of humanity. The public were amazed by the principles the Sikh Gurus stood for and were bowled over with the love for humanity Sikhi preaches.
The literature being handed out was in line with Sikhi principles; there was no way these Sikh Youths were going to deviate from their Guru’s path and drop to Al-Muhajiroun’s level of filth. The Police were very relaxed and allowed the Sikhs great freedom to mingle with reporters from the press & television. They knew the Sikhs were not going to be the starters of any trouble and the Sikh youth worked closely with the Police to maintain peace in the Square.
There was no Press Office, individual Sikhs put forward their views, these views reflected Sikhi and nobody said any derogatory comments about Islam. The youth understood this was an individual ‘Extremist Group’ that needed to be tackled for the betterment of all communities in the UK. There were no limelight seekers and the youth left their egos at home. Everyone was focused on promoting the values of Sikhi to each other and the world who was watching. Those present, whether Amritdhari, Keshdhari or Sehajdhari, wanted to make the stance that nindia of their Guru and targeting of their religion will not be stood for forthwith! Each and every youth inspired each other and the concept of ‘Khalsa Brother/Sisterhood’ was practiced.
With the gathering of the BNP and NF getting larger the defiant Sikh Youth, focused their minds on the feet of their 10th Guru and did the loudest ‘Benti Chaupai Sahib da path’ London and probably the UK has ever heard. The youth were sitting down on the pavement of the Square and the Fascists, Police and tourists watched and listened in awe. The flashes from the cameras of the press, tourists and general public made the cloudy Sunday afternoon feel like a bright summer’s day.
On completion of the ‘Benti Chaupai Sahib da path’ the Sikhs stood for ‘Ardaas’, there was pin drop silence and 5 jaikaray where sounded that made the BNP and NFs shouting sound like idle gossip!
Now here comes the most important point. The prayers were led by the Youth and so was the Ardaas. It was a sight to see and I will for the rest of my life thank the Guru for allowing my ears to listen to it and my tongue to partake in it.
The strong relationship with the police was maintained and they escorted the Khalsa towards Embankment Station for dispersion. This procession was lead with banners which proclaimed “Sikhs against Al Muhajoroun” and “If you don’t see God in all, you don’t see God at all”
The Embankment stood still as this procession passed by. The Sikhs from various parts of UK dispersed with the feeling that they have been part of a landmark event for British Sikhs. This was a day where those who attended will tell their future generations.
Taking a step back, this whole episode was devised by the Great Guru himself to show our community and other communities the strength of the Young Khalsa.
The Sikh Youth will not tolerate rallies with the sole aim of publicly humiliating their religion. Nor will the Sikh Youth stand for blatant targeting and undermining of their faith by these extremists.
The aim of the Sikh Youth was to make their voice heard, with or without the help of some of their leaders. The right to protest and complain was exercised by Sikhs in there hundreds directed towards Mayor, Metropolitan Police Authority, Commission of Racial Equality and local MPs
Petitions were devised by Sevadars and emailed out to all. A few Sikh Organisations voiced the Youth’s concerned to the authorities and advised that without giving satisfactory replies Sikhs from across the UK would exercise the right to protest in the Square.
The united feeling amongst the Youth drove them to organise and plan the landmark event of 25th July 2004. Sikh Youth meetings were called in short time periods and plans were devised. The use of contacts and discussion forums kept each other spirits focused on the task at hand.
Sewadars from East London discussed Police arrangements and devised banners, Sewadars from North London drafted and printed literature. Sewadars from Midlands organised coaches and filmed the event. None had any other thought in mind except that together they can stop this event.
The counter rally by the BNP did not dampen the spirit of the Sikhs, the ball was set in motion and nothing could stop it now.
The Guru united the Youth with such strength that the outcome was that Al-Muhajiroun retreated with such shame that the have now released a press statement saying they feared for their safety from Extremist Sikhs – “pot calling the kettle black”. This group which tell people to become suicide bombers are now interested in “Health & Safety”!
The coming together of events shows that the Guru just wants the Khalsa to take one step towards doing the right thing and the Guru will complete the task to such perfection that the spirits of all involved will never falter again to face issues like this head on.
The youth will take Sikhi in the direction prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the Khalsa Panth will flourish.
If there are any doubts about the Sikh Youth’s action on Sunday, did you know that in 2003 Al-Muhajiroun were fined only £200 for the same illegal rally in 2002 and further £750 court expenses to be paid.
The Sikh Youth of UK have only one message to give - those of you who are, have or are thinking of dishonouring our Sri Guru Granth Khalsa, you will have to answer for your actions.
Watch this space…..
