July 1, 2025 (Nationwide) — This year, the Sikh Coalition is creating opportunities for sangat members to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Jaswant ji was a dedicated human rights activist who courageously exposed widespread human rights violations and atrocities during the “decade of disappearances” that followed the Sikh Genocide in 1984. His tireless efforts to uncover the truth about enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and secret cremations brought international attention to the plight of Punjab’s disappeared and their families. As a result of his work, he was abducted, tortured, and murdered on September 6, 1995. Ten years after his death, six police officials from Punjab were ultimately convicted of his murder.
Given that Jaswant ji’s work is so deeply connected to and emblematic of the human cost of post-1984 persecution of Sikhs, the Sikh Coalition has put together an advocacy toolkit to assist sangats across the nation in seeking local proclamations to commemorate his life and legacy. Previously, sangat members have used such proclamations (at the state, city, county, and school board levels) to increase Sikh awareness and sangat civic engagement—including around anniversaries of 1984 and annual Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month celebrations in April. The toolkit includes instructions on how to request a proclamation, as well as draft suggested language.
Finally, the Sikh Coalition was excited to join last week’s opening of Jaswant Singh Kalra Elementary school in Fresno, California. We extend our warmest congratulations and well wishes to Jaswant ji’s family, the Jakara Movement, the Central Unified School District and its Board of Trustees, incoming Principal Raul Diaz, and the greater Fresno sangat and wider community for their tireless work in accomplishing this remarkable commemoration. Our Education Director Manpreet Kaur was in attendance at the event, and you can view pictures from the event here and news coverage here.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.