A six-year-old was given the assignment to write about how his family celebrates their holidays in December. He chose the topic Shahadat of Sahibzade, which depicted the martyrdom of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When asked why he chose this topic, the child smiled and said,
To my surprise and delight, we then see 20 more profiles of contemporary Sikh women, some young and some old, told with loving anecdotes of their lives. This is a wonderful book - inspiring, real, and long overdue! All of our sons and daughters should read this book and appreciate the contribution of their sisters and mothers with love. It is my prayer that we see many, many more books about this important topic.
Mai Bhago grew up in a devout Sikh household where the Sikh tradition of valor was imparted early. As a young girl, she most likely heard about her family’s relationship with the Gurus, along with the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib Ji, the wars of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, and Mughal injustices.
Equality for women has always been one of the main attributes of Sikhism, and a great number of women have made significant contributions in the past. Sikh history is replete with exemplars that portray women as equal to men in service, devotion, sacrifice, and bravery.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women launched sixteen days of activism ending on friday, December 10th, International Human Rights Day.
Why are our turbans gendered as superficial, fashionable, or decorative just because we wear makeup or dance—while men’s turbans are perpetual symbols of honor, pride, their dedication to their faith? We are harshly policed for how we look, how we dress, how we act, while we practice our Sikhi. Yet, regardless of what harm or violence they inflict, cis men do not seem to be.
All of these lessons I have come to embrace and recognise in my 26 years of existence as an evolving Kaur. Like little notes to Self, I hope they serve you too.
“With the platform I have today, my greatest dream this year was to produce something that will grow and impact children in a tangible way. Growing up as a Sikh South Asian girl in Colorado Springs, Colorado, I wanted nothing more than to blend-in with my peers. Fast forward a few years – my individuality is what I cherish the most about my life’s journey,” says Singh.
Did you know several Kaurs competed in the Olympics this year! Their stories are incredible!
In 2019, Kaur accepted her first Emmy Award from The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, making history as the first Sikh woman to take home this prestigious award. Kaur thrives on the energy she gets when she’s producing and say’s it’s what kept her going during the pandemic...