Surat
We showcase news that Sikhs should focus on, exploring topics from both India and everything outside of it. Every month, SikhTeens will post an IGTV video analyzing three news topics; the analysis will also be posted in this newsletter that comes out every month!
The only way to properly introduce the ਸੁਰਤਿ project is by bringing you all back to the city of Sirhind, Punjab during the year 1710 CE. You see, herein lies the world’s first exposure to Sikh sovereignty: the Sikh coin. Forged with both the formidable ferocity and the intelligent rule of Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur, this coin wasn’t just a form of currency; it showed the British, India, and the Mughal empire that the Sikh empire wasn’t stuck in the past. It used efficient governing and economic techniques introduced by our Gurus to enforce the “Halemi Raj” (compassionate rule).
The most important aspect of the Sikh coin, however, was what was written on it. Along the front and back of the coin—all written in the language of Farsi—Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur wrote, “[the coin] struck by the double edged sword [miri and piri] of Guru Nanak, by the grace of the true lord, of the victory of Guru Gobind Singh, king of kings.” Obviously, we always talk about the idea of Miri and Piri and how Sikhi is such a great faith because we do both. But, considering what Baba Ji wrote, the greatness of the idea of Miri and Piri does not solely lie in the fact that we do both; instead, Sikhi’s beauty comes from us doing both at the same time. Even at the pinnacle of Sikh Miri, our leaders held spiritual power to the same priority as political success.
And that is what I want to emphasize here: This project will be focusing on Sikh news, or news that especially pertains to members of the Sikh faith, but make sure to recognize that presenting and reading this news is very Miri-Centered. And by channeling our inner Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur, remember that it’s as important to recognize the Piri and all these situations as well; recognize that whatever eye-opening or blood-churning topics we cover, every person on this planet is still part of the Naam, and try to treat each other as such.
Curators note
MAY 2021
Watch this video to understand the current events back in Punjab and India. Now five months into the protests we touch on updates on the political situation and the prisoners. After we talk about the significance of Holla Mohalla and how it was celebrated at the protest sites, Bhul Chuk Maaf
FEBURARY 2021
After a short break we are back with another episode of Surat. In this month's segment we touch on updates in the Jaggi case and how Twitter censorship plays a role in the Kisaan protests. If you find anything wrong with our analysis, Bhul Chuk Maaf
JANUARY 2021
With Surat’s third episode, we try to zero in on the intricacies of the protest at the Singhu border. We’ve all heard of the meetings taking place between the farmer unions and the Indian government, but what actually goes on in these meetings? What are both sides pushing for? Second, we try to help our audience visualize the current state of the protest by discussing the culture and lifestyle at the Singhu border. Lastly, we give you all some updated, fast facts and statistics of the Kisaan Morcha. If you find anything wrong with our analysis, Bhul Chuk Maaf.
DECEMBER 2020
The only right way to start Surat episode two was by acknowledging the great accomplishments of the international Sikh Sangat during the month prior. As energized as can be, we rallied against the new agricultural bills in India, and we stood strong behind the young Sikh boy from London who faced the bullying many of us remember experiencing. Then, we went on to provide our analysis of three topics: updates in the Jaggi case, the Afghani Sikh situation, and, lastly, the tension between UNESCO and the control of the Harmandir Sahib. Again, you find an issue with our analysis, bhul chuk maaf.
NOVEMBER 2020
With Surat episode one, we wanted to start by emphasizing the importance of analyzing news directly from India with a perspective not explored in both Indian and international media. This episode was longer than it usually would be, but it definitely packed a punch. We explored three different topics: first the Kisaans in Punjab, second a claim that the Khalistani movement is backed by Pakistan, and third the 328 missing Guru Granth Sahib Saroops from the SGPC. Bhul Chuk Maaf.