Surat Singh Khalsa

Surat Singh Khalsa

Surat Singh Khalsa (born 7 March 1933) is an Indian human rights activist and a prominent figure in the Sikh community. He is widely known for his hunger strikes and protests advocating for the release of Sikh political prisoners in India.

Early Life

Surat Singh Khalsa was born in the village of Hassanpur, in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, India. He was raised in a devout Sikh family and was deeply influenced by the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib from an early age.

Activism

Surat Singh Khalsa's activism began in the 1970s when he became involved in various movements advocating for the rights of Sikhs. He has been a vocal critic of the Indian government's policies towards the Sikh community, particularly in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Hunger Strikes

One of the most notable aspects of Khalsa's activism is his use of hunger strikes as a form of protest. In January 2015, he began a hunger strike demanding the release of Sikh political prisoners who had completed their sentences but were still being held in Indian jails. His protest garnered significant attention both within India and internationally, drawing support from various human rights organizations.

Impact

Khalsa's activism has had a considerable impact on the Sikh community and the broader human rights movement in India. His efforts have brought attention to the plight of Sikh political prisoners and have sparked discussions about the treatment of minority communities in India.

Personal Life

Surat Singh Khalsa is married and has children. His family has been supportive of his activism, despite the personal and physical toll it has taken on him.

See Also

• Sikhism
• Human rights in India
• Operation Blue Star
• 1984 anti-Sikh riots
• Political prisoners in India