August72012
“‎While some experts and talking heads are quick and careful to point out what separates the traditions of Sikhs, Muslims and whoever else, I would rather remember the lessons of Udham Singh, a Sikh freedom fighter who at the height of the Indian independence struggle with England voluntarily changed his name to Mohammed Ram Singh to reflect a universal fight for justice. I want to remember the lessons of the Stockton Gurdwara in California during the early 1900’s, which opened its doors to Punjabi Americans and Indian Americans of all religions at a time when they couldn’t own land or become citizens.”

Our Uncles and Aunties in this Culture of Violence by Subash Kateel.

Did you read that? A Sikh freedom fighter who altered his name because he knew the hate the British colonizers had wasn’t just for him, but for Muslims, for Hindus, for Sikhs. So he called himself Mohammed Ram Singh.

Mohammed. Ram. Singh.

Muslim. Hindu. Sikh.

This is why I’m proud to be Desi. Our culture has heroes transcending borders, faiths and identities for one single purpose: Solidarity in the face of brutality. Don’t let another tragedy become a chance for hasty dialogue. We were known throughout the world for throwing the Empire out of our lands, for fearlessly facing those who tried enslaving us. For standing up for each other.

Let’s do this again, mere desi pyaron.

(via mehreenkasana)

(via fuckyeahsouthasia)
Page 1 of 1