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The BBC One documentary “1984: A Sikh Story” has the radical Sikhs, especially the ones settled in Britain up in arms, back home its location producer for this documentary Chandigarh- based Mandeep Singh Bjawa rues the fact that “even after 25 years of Operation Blue Star and 1984 Sikh Riots, we are not ready to see the things objectively.” Britain-based organizations like the Council of Sikh Temples have objected to projection of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawala, “ looking like Osama bin Laden…using pictures of him wearing a turban and holding a gun.”
BBC has received 52 complaints about the documentary which attracted 1.3 million viewers and was billed as news presenter Sonia Deol’s, “journey back to India in a bid to discover how such an attack could ever have taken place.”
Bajwa says, “The events of 1984 are mired in controversy, hurt, anguish and a deep sense of failure. To present a balanced and impartial look at these tragic happenings after a quarter of a century, the BBC produced a documentary “1984: A Sikh Story.”” It is a look back at the year’s events through the eyes of a young British Sikh girl, her journey to Punjab, meeting with some of the victims of the tragedy, others who were involved and yet more people who gave their views on what 1984 means to them.”
He adds, “A thorough research was carried out into all the happenings which impacted those times. Every bit of writing, both official and public, from all ends of the spectrum was gone into and thoroughly analysed and weighed. The events were viewed through the eyes of eye-witnesses, victims, opinion makers and analysts. All points of view were allowed to be aired and it is only after thoroughly analysing all contributions that any conclusions were drawn.”
“We were able to get some great interviews with people who saw things at first hand or experienced traumatic happenings. Their contribution was significant. We were lucky enough to get permission from the SGPC to not only film in the Parikrima of Darbar Sahib but also record interviews there. All in all it was a very moving experience. The majority of people have appreciated the sensitivity shown while filming and telling the story. The conclusions that we’ve drawn about the relevance of the events of 1984 today has been applauded by everyone. It’s sad that a very small but vocal and aggressive minority of people have seen fit to attack our presenter, Sonia Deol on contestable grounds,” says Bajwa.
He contests, “There is no conflict between Hindus and Sikhs here in India, and it never was. So why shouldn’t Sikhs like Sonia join other Indians in celebrating festivals? I really don’t think showing Damdami Taksal head Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala in a turban makes him look like Osama bin Laden. If one doesn’t show a Sikh in a turban what else can one show him wearing?”
BBC has received 52 complaints about the documentary which attracted 1.3 million viewers and was billed as news presenter Sonia Deol’s, “journey back to India in a bid to discover how such an attack could ever have taken place.”
Bajwa says, “The events of 1984 are mired in controversy, hurt, anguish and a deep sense of failure. To present a balanced and impartial look at these tragic happenings after a quarter of a century, the BBC produced a documentary “1984: A Sikh Story.”” It is a look back at the year’s events through the eyes of a young British Sikh girl, her journey to Punjab, meeting with some of the victims of the tragedy, others who were involved and yet more people who gave their views on what 1984 means to them.”
He adds, “A thorough research was carried out into all the happenings which impacted those times. Every bit of writing, both official and public, from all ends of the spectrum was gone into and thoroughly analysed and weighed. The events were viewed through the eyes of eye-witnesses, victims, opinion makers and analysts. All points of view were allowed to be aired and it is only after thoroughly analysing all contributions that any conclusions were drawn.”
“We were able to get some great interviews with people who saw things at first hand or experienced traumatic happenings. Their contribution was significant. We were lucky enough to get permission from the SGPC to not only film in the Parikrima of Darbar Sahib but also record interviews there. All in all it was a very moving experience. The majority of people have appreciated the sensitivity shown while filming and telling the story. The conclusions that we’ve drawn about the relevance of the events of 1984 today has been applauded by everyone. It’s sad that a very small but vocal and aggressive minority of people have seen fit to attack our presenter, Sonia Deol on contestable grounds,” says Bajwa.
He contests, “There is no conflict between Hindus and Sikhs here in India, and it never was. So why shouldn’t Sikhs like Sonia join other Indians in celebrating festivals? I really don’t think showing Damdami Taksal head Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala in a turban makes him look like Osama bin Laden. If one doesn’t show a Sikh in a turban what else can one show him wearing?”
