Satwant Singh Manak gives an exclusive interview below. It is heart touching to see his mentality after suffering through what he has seen.
Watch this full length video by Ensaaf:
Satwant Singh Manak is a Sikh warrior of conscience. He worked as a Punjabi Police officer for many years. During the 1980's and early 1990's, Manak witnessed first hand the abuse of police power against the Sikh community. He resigned from his position, and endured tremendous personal backlash for speaking up about what he witnessed. Manak has spent the last 19 years of his life trying to secure a fair hearing in the Indian court system for the innocent Sikhs he saw killed.
Last week, Ensaaf released an original on-line video titled The Last Killing. This touching movie recounts Manak's personal experience and journey.
SikhNet sent some interview questions to Satwant Singh Manak, asking him how he stays positive and strong. His responses are here below.
SikhNet: What is Chardi Kala to you in your life?
Singhs are always in Chardi Kala. We are always in Chardi Kala, and that’s why we are raising our voice. That’s how we can reach the point of justice. We lean on the Guru. The Guru is the source of courage (himmat) and strength (takat). He gives us the strength to be in Chardi Kala as we fight for justice. You need to lean on the Guru. We must stay in Chardi Kala. We must have faith.
SikhNet: Do you have any particular practices or affirmations that help you to keep up?
Sache Patshah (The True King) gives courage. We are nothing outside of Him. This body belongs to Him. This courage belongs to Him. This body and breath belong to Him. Everything is His. So there is no reason to be afraid. We have faith in Guru Granth Sahib. It says, “Aad Sach Jugaad Sach Hai Bhi Sach Nanak Hosee Bhi Sach.” In the beginning was truth, through time was truth. Guru Nanak says only truth will triumph. So just have faith. No one will defeat the truth. Keep faith in the Guru. Truth can not be defeated.
Since the Guru is truth, then why be afraid of the world’s lies? There is a lot of power in the Guru.
The time for Simran and Bhagti (meditation) is important. It strengthens your heart. It helps you believe that the Guru will do everything. You have no reason to fear. If you dwell on the obstacles, you can’t fight the battle. If you dwell on Sache Patshah (the True King) and the truth, then you will succeed.
We do Ardaas (prayer) because we know this is just a small matter. If you look at it, the fight we are fighting is a small fight. It’s not that big. It’s nothing for the Guru. The Guru can solve this. That’s why we must have faith in him everyday, and dwell on his truth.
The truth triumphs all. So there is no need to fear.
SikhNet: Do you have a message that you would like to give to the Sikh youth, especially in the Punjab?
The Sikh youth should keep their faith. Keep away from drugs. They should keep away from everything that is not good. Youth’s shoulders will carry the weight of Sikhi. They have to read the history. They have to read the Sikh history. Learn it, read it, and keep Sikhi alive. The weight of keeping Sikhi alive and moving forward falls on their shoulders. They have to protect the Sikh faith.