After arriving in Amritsar yesterday, we learned about the shootings of Sikhs in Wisconsin. Later, we visited the Jallianwala Bagh public garden. In 1919, the British government ambushed this meeting ground and massacred nearly 2,000 Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims. It is shameful that after almost 100 years, we still have not learned acceptance. Every step we took at Jallianwala Bagh was another reminder of the tragic events in Wisconsin. Also, to think these tragedies happened to such an accepting religion is even worse. These crimes were against Sikhism, a religion that aims not only to tolerate all other religions but also to practice pluralism in addition to gender equality since its beginning days. I was reminded of the positive that can exist when we visited the Indian Pakistani border. India and Pakistan have had well-known tensions since the Partition. However, the thousands of people at the border to watch the changing of the guards were all about acceptance. Everyone craned his or her neck to get a glimpse of the Indian and Pakistani guards shaking hands and crossing flags. The Indian people welcomed us into their dancing circles, and they even let us run the Indian flag down to the Pakistani border and back. This morning, we visited the Golden Temple, the most holy site for the Sikhs. Once again I could feel the eyes on me, but this time I was not so ashamed to be there. I still feel awful about what happened in Wisconsin, though I’ve realized that I have a responsibility to put a stop to the hatred that could be born. By coming to the temple, I can show my respect for the religion and prove to those hurt by the ramifications of the shootings that we can live as one peacefully. Visiting the temple was an amazing experience, and the people showed nothing but kindness to us. My heart goes out to those hurt and affected by the shootings in Wisconsin.
- Alison
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