UNITED SIKHS wishes its supporters a prosperous and blessed Bandi Chhor Diwas today, November 11. On this day in 1619, the sixth Sikh prophet Guru Hargobind Ji was released from prison. Upon his release, Guru Hargobind Ji requested that 52 Hindu princes who were political prisoners in the same fort be released along with him. The Emperor Jahangir decreed that as many princes that could hold on to the hem of Guru Hargobind Ji’s shirt could be freed. Thus Guru Hargobind Ji had a special shirt with multiple hems made, and every prisoner held on and attained liberation.
As we celebrate Bandi Chhor Diwas, we remember the duty one has to advocate for the rights of not only oneself, but for all individuals facing unjust treatment. We attain inspiration from the actions of Guru Hargobind Ji 396 years ago to stand unwavering for civil rights–whether it is in the United States, when we fought alongside Iknoor Singh for his right to serve in the U.S. Army, or in India yesterday, where we stood with hundreds of thousands of individuals during the Sarbat Khalsa of 2015 to condemn recent misgovernance and call for reform.
It is through your support that we are able to advocate for the civil rights of minorities all over the world. Donate today to help us continue our efforts.