“When all other means have failed, it is proper to take the sword in one’s hand”
– Guru Gobind Singh Ji, from Zafarnama.
On Apr 18, 2024, during Sikh History Month, North Park’s Sikh Student Association (SSA) organized the Gatka Event in the school’s big gymnasium in collaboration with Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara (BDS Gatka).
BDS Gatka is a team of skilled Sikh martial arts performers based in Brampton, Ontario. The organization hosts classes for people interested in learning about the history and application of the art.
Gatka is an ancient form of martial arts that has existed and been used in Sikh battles since thousands of years. Many other weapons are used in the arts along with the sword. Today, this art exists amongst the people of Sikh beliefs who have passed the art form through generations. It uses spiritual, mental and physical skills.
Before the main event started, Balraj Singh, one of the performers of the Gatka, educated the audience about the main concepts of Sikhism. Topics like some parts of the Sikh History, the 5 Ks, and the spiritual and mental importance of the martial arts were taken up. Before the Gatka started, special emphasis was laid on the fact that resorting to the use of any of the weapons is allowed only when there are no other means. Women were also a part of the performance, which captivated the attention of the girls who attended the event.
Upon being asked what the most special thing about the event was, one thing everyone had to say was that the Gatka event was truly fascinating and educational towards Sikh history.
“It was really impressive! Watching the Singhs demonstrate their skills with their Shastars (weapons) was amazing and offered a great glimpse into Sikhism. It truly felt like a special occasion, bringing people together to celebrate our heritage and feel a sense of collective pride,” said Gursidak Singh, one of the attendees of the event.
“The Gatka event was very exciting and mesmerizing to the audience too. It stood out to me that they mentioned how they treated women equally and that they don’t use weapons with aggression like people would normally think. Near the end of the performance, I found the part when they all circled one person and went on him exceedingly exhilarating,” stated by Angelyn Omana, another one of the audience members.
The Gatka event was a great experience for the audience to be a part of. It was an amazing way of educating the youth about more specific, deeper parts of the Sikh history.
THE NORTH STAR 