Letter by Raj Bir Kaur Khalsa Eugene, Oregon

The American Sikh representatives visited the wounded survivors at the hospital, and Sardar Hazara Singh tells the stories of heroism to S.S. Swami Singh Khalsa and Sardarni Amarjit Kaur (wife of the martyred Bhai Fauja Singh).

In the fall of 1977 I joined the yatra to India. During this trip, by Guru's grace I met some of our most beautiful and inspiring Khalsa brothers and sisters, the Bhai Randhir Singh Jatha.

My first encounter with the Bhai Randhir Singh Jatha was during our first village trip to one of their Jatha's personal homes, near the town of Jullandar. As we arrived, the day had be­come quite warm. The home itself was clean and simple and set in the peace­ful surroundings of farm land. Next to the home, a large colorful tent had been erected for the Gurdwara. The Gurd­wara service was already in progress as we departed from the buses. The Bhai Randhir Singh Jatha received us grac­iously with open hearts. They invited us to their home, to rest and partake in some breakfast.

Slowly everyone began to congre­gate under the large tent to join to­gether in reciting Gurbani Kirtan. I will never forget the experience of being in Gurdwara that day. I can clearly remember walking up towards the Guru to pay my respects, and hearing an incredibly spirited sangat of Khalsa brothers and sisters chanting the Guru's hymns. I went to sit down be­hind them. As I sat listening and watch­ing them, I became immersed in their powerful, spirited performances of singing God's praises. All were dressed in the garb of Guru Gobind Singh. The group of ragis was large and tightly knit with several of them adding to the rhythm of the sound by playing me­tallic percussion-like instruments.

I was enthralled when I first heard and saw the Bhai Randhir Singh Sikhs break into a continuous, vigorous and energetic recitation of "Wahe Guru". Their faces were so radiant and medi­tative as they rhythmically tossed their heads to one side in unison while chanting. It was contagious and I soon found myself joining them.

The energy was very high as we all chanted together. I began to feel a peace and tranquility created among us. A link between the new Western Khalsa and the Bhai Randhir Singh Sikhs was becoming manifest, a link never to be denied or broken. I cannot remember when I last felt so much at home. I had no reservations at the thought of spending my life with them.

They always seemed to give their all, whether in kirtan or serving langar lines. In the eyes and faces of the Bhai Randhir Singh Jatha, I became aware that a life of service to God and Guru was the key to fulfillment and radiant happiness.

What more is there in this lifetime for a Guru Sikh, than to be in the company of the Holy, leading a simple well-disciplined life of worship and ser­nice? My prayer is that all Sikhs may be as one-pointed in their devotion to humanity and God's service.

My impression of Bhai Fauja Singh Khalsa
Bhai Fauja Singh was like a gardener who selflessly and joyfully planted the seeds in the Indian villages in hopes that the spirit of the Khalsa would be reawakened.