30th October
1748
Meer Manu and Adina Begh seized Amritsar fort Ram Rehni on the observence day of Diwali, with 2,000 Sikh inside. The seize went on for 4 months. All the Sikhs inside died of hunger. Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgharia, compelled by the situation, killed his daughter.
-Ref. “Amritsar Ji Dae Darshan Eshnan Utay 500 Sala Di Ethasak Directory,” Satnam Singh Khalsa Advocate, pp 80
1751
On the observance of Diwali, Diwan Kodha Mal got the kar-sewa of Amrisar Sarowar performed. After cleansing the structure, he got wells dug and equiped with well-gear to fill the sarowar with water.
-Ref. “Amritsar Ji Dae Darshan Eshnan Utay 500 Sala Di Ethasak Directory,” Satnam Singh Khalsa Advocate, pp 80
1902
Chief Khalsa Diwan was established at Amritsar, with Bhai Sahib Arjan Singh, Chief of Bagarian, as President and Sunder Singh Majithia as Secretary. Its aims and objects were as follows:
- Uplift of the Sikhs in all spheres – political, social, moral, and economic.
- Propagation of the Guru’s Divine World, carrying of his teachings to the farthest hamlet, and the spread of the fragrance of nam all around.
- Removal of illiteracy and the spread of education among all, irrespective of caste and creed.
- Protection of the political rights of the Sikhs and the redressal of their grivevances through constitutional means.
It paved the way for national revival by its impact on society, education, and religion. Though it toed the line of the rulers, yet it always tried to bring Sikh grievances to their notice. The contribution of the Chief Khalsa Diwan cannot be under estimated. It spearheaded the movement to open colleges and schools throughout the State. The Sikh Education Conference was its annual feature since 1908 and it was able to add every year one High School.
1902
Chief Khalsa Diwan launched at Lahore
1922
The Panja Sahib incident took place. During the “Restitution Movement” for restoring the Sikh Gurudwaras to the Khalsa Panth, several GurSikhs sacrificed their lives and many were arrested. Sikh Sangat learned of a train carrying some of the arrested GurSikhs. Several petitions were made to appropriate authority for permission to serve “Guru Ka Langar” to the passengers. However, all requests were turned down. Therefore, on this day, Karam Singh and Paratap Singh lay over the railway tracks at Hassan Abdal (Panja Sahib). They were subsequently run over. However, the train stopped and the GurSikh agitators who were being taken to the Attock Jail were served meals. This incident marks a unique example of sacrifice for the sake of faith in the twentieth century.
1928
Simon Commission visited Lahore.
1972
Fateh Singh could not brave the insult of isolation and died.