The Widow Colony

I have to admit, that I had no idea that this had happened in the wake of the assasination of Indira Ghandi.  I remember chaos and horror, but no specifics.    And sadly, no specifics with a human face.

I will also admit that my knowledge of  Sikhism and the  Sikh separitist movement (Khalistan) is a tad biased, and tempered with things like the terrible Air India disaster in 1985.  

With that, I commend the producer and director (a remarkable husband and wife team) of the documentary ‘The Widow Colony‘ for their effort to bring to the mainstream the ongoing human rights issues that are shattering India and the Hindu and Sikh communities.

I also commend ANYONE bringing to light the plight of innocent women and children caught in the crossfire of politics and hate.  Anywhere.

Women must support women.

“After the assassination of Indira Gandhi on October 31st, 1984, corrupt officials in the Delhi government, army and police collaborated with hired criminals to massacre thousands of Sikhs. In total, 4000 Sikh men were killed while many thousands of women were raped or beaten.  

Currently many of these women, who have received little support and no justice from the government or authorities in the past 24 years, are living in a small development in Delhi locally known as “The Widow Colony” which is an area with poor living conditions and poor prospects for the children growing up there. The women try to earn what they can by working at a local centre built by a charity organization. ”

With that, ‘The Widow Colony is being screened 2 pm,4 pm, 6:15 and 8:30pm on October 3rd and 1:30pm, 4, 7, and 9pm on October 4th at the Surrey Arts Center (Bear Creek Park). Tickets are $10 and can be ordered by phone at 778-319-1699.

If you can, please try to see this film,   I think I will try.  I need to always broaden my knowledge of our sad world and the cultures and issues that affect us all.