Panjab Insta

04/06/2024

In 1984 Sikh organizations created a full-page newspaper advertisement that was disseminated across major U.S. cities titled, “The Sikhs of India Are Much Like the American Colonists of 1776” The ad described the attacks in Punjab, the aftermath, some immediate goals, and Sikh beliefs as a people.

03/06/2024

SIKH YOUTH CLUB, KENYA (EAST AFRICA) 1930

Khalsa Bhujangi Dal, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Nairobi (Kenya), c1930

Sikhism in Kenya began with the migration of Sikh laborers and soldiers from British India in the early 20th century, who arrived to work on the Uganda Railway and serve in the British colonial army. These early settlers established gurdwaras and formed the foundation of the Sikh community in Kenya. Their contributions significantly shaped Kenya’s multicultural landscape, integrating Sikh values and practices into the broader society.

31/05/2024

BHAI MEHNGA SINGH - The 1st Shaheed of Ghallughara of 1984 or Operation Bluestar who was shot dead by the Snipers of Indian Army on 1 June 1984. The act made clear that they have come there for kill

17/05/2024

The Maharajah of Patiala having his pads adjusted before going in to bat.

Date: 1911

15/05/2024

Amrita and Sahir (Background - Wheatfields with Crows - Vincent Van Gogh)

Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda wrote, “Difficult is to define love; all the more tricky to define ours…” Neruda’s words are apt for Amrita and Sahir’s love. Theirs was a kind of love that cannot be described but felt — Sirf ahsaas hai ye rooh se mahsoos karo, pyaar ko pyaar hi rahne do koi naam na do (It’s a feeling to be felt by the soul/Let love remain love, don’t defile it by giving a name).

Both were intellectually inclined individuals who admired each other’s creativity. Isn’t admiration often akin to love? Just like French existentialists Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Sahir and Amrita soon fell in love. In fact, in an interview to Hindi magazine Kadambini, Amrita told interviewer Dharmveer Bharti, “Sahir mere Sartre aur main unki Simone thi (Sahir was my Sartre and I was his Simone)”. They were each other’s muse just like the Victorian English poet Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. In the book Parallelism in Cerebral Love Affairs, Dennis Williams writes that two intense personalities with intellectual leanings naturally come closer and eventually fall in love; the basic conditions of mundane love don’t work here.

Somewhere, Amrita knew that Sahir had a commitment phobia and his love for her was not as intense. Elsewhere, she wrote to him, “Maine toot ke pyaar kiya tum se/Kya tumne bhi utna kiya mujh se? (I loved you wholeheartedly/ Did you also love me that much?)”. In fact, this couplet appeared in her last letter to Sahir which she personally handed over to him and had the last cup of coffee and a fag with the mercurial poet.

While leaving Sahir’s place for the last time, Amrita quoted Byron (she seldom quoted English poets): “In her first love, woman loves her lover/ In all the others, all she loves is love.” Sahir calmly asked her, “Aap jaane se pahle iska tarjuma kar dengi? (Before leaving, will you please translate it?)”. Amrita wrote in her memoirs that whenever Sahir was not happy with her or sulking, he’d use aap for her instead of tum.

15/05/2024

Princess Catherine Hilda Duleep Singh (1871-1942), second daughter of Maharaja Sir Duleep Singh and Maharani Bamba (née Müller).

14/05/2024

Banda Singh Bahadhur conquered Sirhind and established a Sikh government. Baz Singh was appointed governer and Baba Ali Singh got Naibship (joint Governership)

12/05/2024

Battle of Chaaper Chheri was faught in which Nawab Wazir Khan was killed.

12/05/2024

Street in Amritsar 1910

11/05/2024

Princess Bamba Sutherland (29 September 1869 – 10 March 1957) was a member of the royal family that ruled the Sikh Empire in the Punjab. After a childhood in England, she settled in Lahore, the capitol of what had been her father’s kingdom, where she was a suffragette and a passionate advocate of self rule and independence of India. She was a close and personal friend of Indian revolutionaries whom she hosted at her house in Lahore like Lala Lajpat Rai.

08/08/2023

Guru Ka Bagh Morcha was started

On 8 August 1922, Five Sikhs axed wood from the land of Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh for Langar. The British government arrested the Sikhs for stealing wood from the land as Mahant Sundar Das claimed he was the legal cultivator. SGPC launched Guru Ka Bagh Morcha in its response

07/08/2023

In a portrayal from the 19th century, Baba Deep Singh ji is depicted engaging in combat against Afghans while valiantly holding his own severed head.

Baba Deep Singh holds a revered place among Sikhs as a sacred martyr and exemplar of devotion to Sikh teachings. His unwavering commitment to the Sikh Gurus' principles echoes through history. He proudly led Misl Shaheedan Tarna Dal, an esteemed Khalsa military order established by Nawab Kapur Singh, while also being recognized as the inaugural leader of the Damdami Taksal, as per their records. Baba Deep Singh's legacy is etched in the annals of Sikhism, an embodiment of sacrifice and dedication. His memory resonates as a symbol of profound inspiration.

06/08/2023

On August 7th, 1765, Raja Ala Singh, the ruler of Patiala, passed away. Despite the unfortunate demise of his sons before him, the throne passed to his grandson Maharaja Amar Singh. He received the title of Raja from Ahmed Shah Durrani and an area comprising 727 villages.

At the age of 57, Raja Ala Singh laid the foundation of the city of Patiala. During the Vadda Ghalughara of April 1762, he chose not to initiate hostilities with the Afghan marauder Durrani and remained neutral. He paid tribute to Durrani and maintained cordial relations.

06/08/2023

Chandigarh's planned modernism remains an enduring source of fascination due to its distinctive attributes as a planned modern Indian city, carefully envisioned by renowned architects like Le Corbusier. The city's founders had a visionary ambition to create a future that transcended the constraints of tradition, as expressed by Jawaharlal Nehru, who commissioned the city's development.

One of the remarkable features of Chandigarh is its well-thought-out grid layout, tilted towards the foothills of the Himalayas. The city's Capitol Complex, situated in the north-east, houses various administrative classes, while the sectors, each measuring 800 by 1200 meters, become more compact as one moves towards the south-west. The residential areas in Chandigarh represent a self-contained concept, embodying the principles of a "fifteen-minute city," with mixed-use developments that enable residents to access most amenities within a short distance.

These residential sectors are undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing, characterized by large lots, tree-lined avenues, and charming row-houses. The sectors near the Capitol Complex, home to judges and senior bureaucrats, exude a captivating beauty that captivates visitors and residents alike. In contrast, the denser sectors, housing those lower in the administrative hierarchy, showcase vibrant and colorful community life, reflecting the essence of traditional Indian settlements.

However, despite its many positives, Chandigarh is not without its shortcomings. One of the prominent issues lies in its unnecessarily large scale, designed for an automobile-centric lifestyle that many residents could not initially afford. As a result, the wide avenues and long distances between places create an impersonal and somewhat disjointed urban environment. The city's infrastructure heavily relies on concrete, making it environmentally unsustainable due to the high carbon footprint associated with concrete production.

Another significant concern is the socio-economic segregation apparent in Chandigarh's planning, as the city's sectors tend to group government staff by rank and function.

05/08/2023

View of the Hazuri Bagh garden with, on left, the minaret of the Badshahi Mosque and, behind, the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh in the city of Lahore in Punjab Province of Pakistan in February 1962.

The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh  is in Lahore, Pakistan that houses the funerary urns of the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780 – 1839). It is located adjacent the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, as well as the Gurdwara Dera Sahib, which marks the spot where the fifth guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev, died.

The garden was built during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in the style of Mughal gardens. In the centre of the garden stands the Hazuri Bagh Baradari, built by the Maharaja in 1818 to celebrate his capture of the Koh-i-Noor diamond from Shuja.

The foundations of the modern Lahore Fort date to 1566 during the reign of Emperor Akbar, who bestowed the fort with a syncretic architectural style that featured both Islamic and Hindu motifs.

After the fall of the Mughal Empire, Lahore Fort was used as the residence of Emperor Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire. The Sikhs made several additions to the fort. It then passed to the control of the East India Company after they annexed Punjab following their victory over the Sikhs at the Battle of Gujrat in February 1849.

04/08/2023

Bhagat Puran Singh, the founder of Pingalwara, messiah of the downtrodden and an environmentalist died in Amritsar

04/08/2023

"Winners of the Panjab University Sports Final at Chauburji Grounds in Lahore (later Pakistan) on 26th January 1924.

Government College, Lahore dominated with 8 trophies, excelling in mile relay race, cricket, cross country running, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, and shooting.

Forman Christian College, Lahore secured 2 trophies for athletics and first aid.

Khalsa College, Amritsar also earned 2 trophies for football and hockey.

Dyal Singh College, Lahore emerged victorious in the tug-of-war Challenge Cup."

Tag Alumni of all these colleges and University campuses from both India and Pakistan (if you know any) to celebrate the spirit of undivided Punjab.
india

official

04/08/2023

03/08/2023

UK Member of Parliament Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, who has been advocating for Sikh issues, was recently detained at Amritsar airport by immigration authorities for a duration of 2 hours. Dhesi has been serving as a British MP since 2017.

( reports)

03/08/2023

UK Member of Parliament Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, who has been advocating for Sikh issues, was recently detained at Amritsar airport by immigration authorities for a duration of 2 hours. Dhesi has been serving as a British MP since 2017 : Hindustan Times

02/08/2023

Sanjay Dutt To Make Punjabi Debut In Gippy Grewal's Sheran Di Kaum Punjabi

02/08/2023

Sikh soldiers guarding Jerusalem during Ramadan, towards the end of WW2.

01/08/2023

Bhai Ram Singh, one of the greatest architect who designed Khalsa College, Islamia College etc., was born in Rasulpur village near Batala, to a traditional carpenter family

31/07/2023

Before the advent of processed foods and modern diets in 1957, a Sikh farm laborer in Ambala, Punjab would have appeared quite different compared to today. Their appearance and lifestyle were influenced by traditional agricultural practices and local dietary habits.

30/07/2023

On July 31, 1788, Maharaja Vijay Singh of Marwar Kingdom and the Dal Khalsa (a confederacy of 11 Sikh misls) reached a territorial compromise agreement, maintaining a status quo between the growing Sikh power and the Marwar Kingdom.

30/07/2023

Sardar Udham Singh, a prominent figure in India's freedom struggle, was executed through hanging in London. The reason for his ex*****on was his act of retribution, wherein he killed Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in response to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This gruesome incident occurred on April 13, 1919, when British forces opened fire on unarmed Indian civilians who had gathered for a peaceful protest in Amritsar, Punjab. The massacre led to the death and injury of hundreds of innocent people, leaving a lasting impact on India's struggle for independence. In seeking justice for his fellow countrymen, Sardar Udham Singh carried out the assassination of O'Dwyer on March 13, 1940, and he was subsequently arrested, tried, and eventually hanged for his actions. His bravery and sacrifice have been revered as a symbol of the unwavering spirit of resistance against colonial oppression during India's fight for freedom.

30/07/2023

In the picturesque landscapes of Oregon, a haunting tale of two Indian immigrants unfolds.Burr Singh and Charley Singh, two brave souls who braved oceans for a better life far from their native Punjab.

Burr Singh, a hardworking chap at a Portland h**p rope company, mysteriously finds himself confined in the Oregon State Insane Asylum in '29. The reasons? A heartache, affliction, or some damn enigma that led him to The Institution.

As for Charley Singh, hailing from Punjab and a laborer in peaceful Bridal Veil, Oregon, he faced a similar fate. Institutionalized in '17, he endured an agonizing thirty-three years in the asylum, grappling with life's cruel twists.

For early Punjabi men in the Pacific Northwest, life was no picnic—communal labor camps, distant families, and brutal working conditions. The mix often led to a tumultuous relationship with alcohol, worsened by the unjust penalties and fines slapped on non-white workers in Oregon.

Inside the gloomy walls of The Institution, Burr and Charley's lives collided, their experiences etched into history. With no kin nearby, they embarked on their final journey all alone. In the end, their existence was reduced to unclaimed ashes, echoing the solitude they knew in life.

Their poignant saga stands as a solemn reminder of the trials endured by those seeking hope in foreign lands—a tale of resilience, loss, and the haunting echoes of the past.

29/07/2023

Punjab has a unique spirit that often goes unnoticed. Despite facing many crises, its values are very much alive.

The spirited youth of Punjab, often stereotyped for their interest in drugs or modified tractors, defied criticism and rose to the occasion during the state's floods. Despite the authorities' delayed assistance, they fearlessly plugged breaches and aided the flood-affected communities.

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਲੱਖਣ ਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਵੱਲ ਅਕਸਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਦਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਂਦਾ। ਅਨੇਕਾਂ ਸੰਕਟਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਬਾਵਜੂਦ ਸੂਬੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਕਦਰਾਂ-ਕੀਮਤਾਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਾ ਹਨ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਜੋਸ਼ੀਲੇ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ, ਜੋ ਅਕਸਰ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਜਾਂ ਮੋਡੀਫਾਈਡ ਟਰੈਕਟਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੀ ਰੁਚੀ ਲਈ ਬਦਨਾਮ ਹਨ, ਨੇ ਆਲੋਚਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਟਾਲਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਸੂਬੇ ਦੇ ਹੜ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਮੌਕੇ 'ਤੇ ਪਹੁੰਚਕੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਸਮਾਜ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਨਿਸ਼ਠਾ ਦਿਖਾਈ। ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਦੇਰੀ ਨਾਲ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਦੇ ਬਾਵਜੂਦ, ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਨਿਡਰਤਾ ਨਾਲ ਪਾੜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੂਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਹੜ੍ਹ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਕੀਤੀ।

28/07/2023

Baba Bujha Singh, a revolutionary of Ghadr Party heritage, was killed in a fake encounter by Punjab police in 1970 during the Akali Dal-led government under Parkash Singh Badal.It is considered first fake encounter in post independent police history of Punjab He was a key organizer of the Ghadar Party in Argentina and later joined the Communist Party of India. He played a prominent role in the dissident faction that formed the Lal Communist Party in 1948.

After his death, Baba Bujha Singh became an icon of the Naxalite movement in Punjab. He is celebrated in Punjabi literature, with poets like Shiv Kumar Batalvi honoring him in their works[poem Budhe Rukh Nu Fansi in his honour]. A film titled "Baba Inqlab Singh" was also made about his life in 2010.

27/07/2023

The Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh from Princess Bamba Collection