In the room’s quiet, distinct voices emerge, carrying memories of courage, defiance, and resilience.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE PROTECTOR] says:
I carry the weight of sacrifice, the moment when one life stood as a shield for countless others. I am a reminder that faith cannot be bent and that some values are worth every drop of blood. In that final breath, there was no fear, only resolve.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE PARTED PATHS] says:
Resolve is what held us together as we lost everything, torn from our lands, our homes. The trains were silent tombs, carrying not lives but the memories of lives, the losses of our people scattered across borders. We were split, yet our spirits remained bound. And in those empty trains… there was Chardi Kala—that quiet strength, to endure.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE TRUTH-SEEKER] says:
Strength indeed, the same strength that made me uncover the unspeakable, the uncounted dead, the ones whose voices were almost erased. I knew what was at stake, the price of speaking, but silence wasn’t an option. They thought capturing me would stop the truth, but truth has its own way of surviving, of breathing even when voices are stilled.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE DEFIANT CITADEL] says:
And I stood in defiance too, a symbol they tried to tear down. The Akal Takht stood against countless sieges and wars, yet it was here, in my ruins, that their fear of truth showed. They thought they could erase my essence, that I would crumble. But even as I was shattered, my spirit became stronger, woven into the hearts of those who saw, who understood.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE PROTECTOR] continued:
Our stories may be different, but we each carry the same flame. They thought fear and brutality could silence us. But they didn’t know. We are more than just events; we are voices that echo through generations, reminding every soul of the resilience within.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE PARTED PATHS] continued:
Yes, that resilience flowed through us even in the emptiness of those trains. The Partition was meant to tear us apart, yet we held tight to our faith, to each other, to the idea that our strength would survive beyond borders and borders would not define us.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE TRUTH-SEEKER] continued:
Strength lives in truth. They tried to bury mine under ashes and silence, but every soul I counted lives on in spirit. Even when I was taken, others stood in my place, each one an ember that rekindled the flame of justice.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE DEFIANT CITADEL] continued:
And as for me, I am not merely stone and structure; I am a living testament. They shattered my walls, but my purpose was always greater than my form. I am the essence of the unbreakable spirit of the Sikhs. Each blow only strengthened my resolve, my voice more defiant.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE PROTECTOR] further added:
Our strength, our Chardi Kala, is more than survival; it is the will to rise above again and again. They thought each of us would be silenced, that faith would wane. But here we are, telling our stories, sharing our light, for every eye that sees us, for every heart that listens.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE PARTED PATHS] further added:
We carry this strength not as reminders of suffering but as symbols of resilience. For every death, there is rebirth; for every sorrow, a greater spirit of unity. We are more than memories of pain—we are testimonies of rising above.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE TRUTH-SEEKER] further added:
For those whose names we speak and for those whose names have faded, we stand here, unyielding. Our voices—yours, mine, all of ours—are strands in a braid of courage, woven across time, unbreakable.
A Voice from the [WALL OF THE DEFIANT CITADEL] further added:
We are not mere shadows of the past. We are the embodiment of the eternal spirit, Chardi Kala in its most vibrant form, here for those who seek to understand, who come to listen. In our stories, there is strength for every generation.
The voices soften, merging into a dignified silence, their words lingering like a heartbeat that refuses to fade.
You sit on one of the deep sofas nestled in the gallery, close your eyes, and let the quiet settle around you. The walls seem to breathe, alive with a low murmur, a soft whisper of voices. It’s as if each artwork has been waiting for this moment—to share its story, to become more than color and canvas.
With your eyes closed, the conversations begin to weave through the room, distinct yet intertwined, each voice adding to a larger harmony. There’s no rush here, no clamor. Instead, the air hums with a steady strength, a dignified resilience. And in this calm, a conversation begins.
You sense a subtle movement in the stillness—not of people, but something deeper. It feels like the room is stirring, a gentle hum vibrating through the walls. It’s almost impossible to pinpoint, but you realize it’s as if the art itself is breathing, these silent witnesses of history unfurling their stories in whispers, each with a voice of its own.
And then it becomes clear: the colors and forms are speaking, coming alive in quiet conversation. Their voices are low, woven together in a seamless harmony transcending time. It’s as if every painting and sculpture has been patiently waiting to reveal what it holds—a memory, a tragedy, a triumph.
Fragments of their exchange float through the air. Some voices are solemn and filled with grief; others pulse with strength and unwavering hope. Each story embodies Chardi Kala, the calm strength of rising above hardship. As you listen closer, you realize these aren’t random whispers; they are real histories, real lives bound together across time. They tell each other stories of courage, sacrifice, and moments that forge an unbreakable spirit.
One voice carries a tale of self-sacrifice, of standing firm in the face of death. Another speaks of survival amidst horror, of innocence clinging to hope. There is no chaos here, no mourning—only a dignified resilience that binds these voices and stories together.
Curiosity heightens as the stories take shape. Each voice, each piece of art, holds something vital to share. The walls have been silent for so long, but now they speak, revealing truths that only a place like this can hold.
This is the Chardi Kala Exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum. Each artwork exhibit is more than just a painting and a frame; it is a silent storyteller, each telling a chapter of Sikh history.
The Voice from the [WALL OF THE PROTECTOR] comes from an artwork depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom, a story of unwavering courage against tyranny.
(Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is revered as Shrisht Di Chadar – the protector of all humanity, symbolizing his role in safeguarding universal human rights. His compositions reflect a profound fearlessness amid turbulent times. One of his verses, for example, declares: “He who holds none in fear, nor is afraid of anyone, is acknowledged as a man of true wisdom.” His martyrdom marked a pivotal moment in the advancement of human rights, as he sacrificed his life to defend the freedom of others to practice their faith. This act of selfless courage is unparalleled in world history.
The Guru’s defiant heroism is deeply rooted in Sikh philosophy, which asserts that no ruler has the right to subjugate the people spiritually. Martyrdom is thus a core concept in Sikhism, representing a sacred institution within the faith. Through his sacrifice, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji embodied the Sikh belief that true justice lies in the protection of all, not just one’s own.)
Across the room, the Voice from the [WALL OF THE PARTED PATHS] captures the haunting image of two empty trains passing each other, silent symbols of the 1947 Partition and the lives forever altered in its wake.
(In this painting by Rupy C Tut., a San Francisco-based artist, the ghost trains of 1947 are portrayed without any human presence, symbolizing the absence of humanity in moments of carnage, riots, and genocide throughout history. The empty trains, the vast void of the landscape, and the haunting silence of deserted camps all evoke the violent erasure of human life and compassion during and after the Partition.)
The Voice from the [WALL OF THE TRUTH-SEEKER] emanates from a portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra, arrested yet unbroken in his pursuit of justice for the forgotten.
(A powerful painting depicts Jaswant Singh Khalra, the human rights activist, being forcibly abducted by police officials. In the same frame, multiple cremation sites reveal a somber landscape of loss, where a family—grandparents and grandchildren—stands in anguish, mourning the missing loved ones whose fates remain unknown. Nearby, the damaged Akal Takht Sahib looms, scarred by the assault of Indian armed forces during the 1984 attack on the Harmandir Sahib complex.)
Finally, the Voice from the [WALL OF THE DEFIANT CITADEL] stands as a testament to the resilience of the Akal Takht. Scarred yet defiant after the attack, it embodies the strength of a community that refuses to crumble.
(The photograph captures the Akal Takht Sahib in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, a military action conducted by the Indian Army at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The image reveals extensive damage to the Akal Takht, the highest seat of temporal authority in Sikhism. The structure’s façade is marred by bullet holes and shell impacts, with sections of the building partially collapsed, exposing the interior. Debris is scattered around the base, and the once-pristine marble is stained and broken. This visual documentation serves as a poignant reminder of the conflict’s impact on religious heritage and the resilience of the Sikh community in the face of adversity.)
Together, these voices tell a powerful story of Chardi Kala, rising above and eternally resilient. Together, these voices whisper and rise in unison, sharing the same story of resilience, the same heartbeat of Chardi Kala—rising above, eternally, against all odds. Here in the Phoenix Art Museum, if these exhibits could talk, this is the story they would tell.
The Phoenix Art Museum, a beacon of cultural heritage in Arizona, houses the Khanuja Family Sikh Art Gallery, one of only two dedicated Sikh art spaces in the United States. This gallery is a testament to the Khanuja family’s commitment to preserving and sharing Sikh history through art. Their dedication has brought to life the “Chardi Kala: Rising Above Adversity” exhibit, which delves into the Sikh ethos of unwavering optimism and resilience.
Chardi Kala: The Spirit in Sikh History and Art
Chardi kala, a fundamental tenet of Sikhism, embodies a state of relentless optimism and high spirits, even amidst adversity. This philosophy permeates the artworks displayed, each piece narrating stories of courage, sacrifice, and enduring hope. The exhibit invites viewers to feel this spirit through various mediums, transcending mere visual appreciation to a profound emotional connection.
(Disclaimer: Please note that this overview is not exhaustive; it highlights only a selection of the exhibits I experienced. Each category encompasses numerous other artworks; these examples merely serve as a glimpse. To truly capture the profound feeling that permeates this gallery—to stand as a witness to Sikh history and resilience—you must visit the museum yourself. Within the Khanuja Family Sikh Art Gallery, you will find a living testament to the spirit of Chardi Kala, a journey that words alone cannot fully convey.)
The Birth of a Journey: Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The exhibit begins with artworks depicting Guru Nanak’s teachings and extensive travels (udasis), reflecting his revolutionary message of equality and devotion. These pieces capture the essence of his spiritual journey and the foundation of Sikhism.
Further along, the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji is illustrated, showcasing values of courage, unity, and unwavering faith.
The Martyrs and Defenders of Faith
Artworks honoring the sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji are prominently featured, highlighting their resilience in the face of oppression.
Additionally, the poignant stories of the Chote Sahibzaday and Waday Sahibzaday, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, are depicted, illustrating their steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifices.
Artist: Keerat Kaur | Size (h w d): 18 x 24 in | Medium: Gouache and acrylic on board. | Type: Works on Paper. | Creation Date: 2020.
(Guru Gobind Singh ji (the Tenth Master) entrusted his two younger sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, and his mother, Mata Gujri, to the care of a cook in his household named Gangu. Gangu brought Mata Gujri and the two Sahibzadas to his native village of Sahedi. Bribed by the Mughals, he turned over the three members of Guru Gobind Singh’s family to the faujdar of Morinda. They were then brought to Sirhind in the presence of Wazir Khan, the Nawab of Sirhind.
The Valour of the Young Princes I 2020 (gouache and acrylics on card) is an illuminated manuscript of a passage from Suraj Prakash Granth that describes the defiance of the two young Sahibzade (princes), Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, in front of the Mughal court. The story is depicted in five parts: Gangu’s betrayal, Cold Winds, Unjust Trial, Merciless Fate, and lastly, Pandemonium. The circular text frame is designated as the sun, and the five divisions function as its rays, each shedding light on the writing. This configuration pays homage to the title of the text (Suraj, meaning “Sun”). The two sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar (9 years old) and Fateh (7 years old), were offered safe passage if they became Muslims. Both refused and so Wazir Khan sentenced them to death. They were bricked alive.)
Empire and Elegance: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Reign
The golden age of Sikh sovereignty under Maharaja Ranjit Singh is brought to life through depictions of his court and the flourishing of Sikh culture and arts during his reign. These artworks showcase both the grandeur and humility of Sikh leadership, reflecting his secular rule and emphasis on humanitarianism.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Court, 2023
Artist: Saira Wasim (American, 1975) | Medium: Paint on wood on board. | Creation Date: 2023
A Wound Divided: Partition and Displacement
Evocative artworks (The Ghost Trains of 1947 by Rupy C Tut. as shown above) depicting the mass exodus of Sikhs from Pakistan to India portray the tumultuous period of the 1947 Partition. These pieces convey the tragedy and resilience of a community uprooted, using colors, forms, and symbols to express profound dislocation and loss.
Partition ( 1984 ) | Bholla Javed( Faisalabad, Pakistan) | 2021 | Oil On Canvas | 51 x 38 in.
The Long Shadows: Attack on Harmandir Sahib and the 1984 Genocide
The 1984 attack on Harmandir Sahib is depicted, highlighting both destruction and the enduring strength Sikhs draw from their holy site. Artworks also address the 1984 genocide in Delhi, documenting stories of survival and the dignity of Sikhs who rose above their suffering.
Genocide Of Sikhs, November 1984
(Indira Gandhi – India’s prime minister, ordered the attack in June 1984 of the Golden Temple – The holiest shrine for Sikhs – to arrest a few activists, resulting in the death of thousands of pilgrims, especially women and children. To avenge this, she was shot dead by 2 of her Sikh bodyguards. Subsequently, thousands of Sikhs were systematically killed, properties and businesses burnt, and women sexually molested. This was orchestrated by the government leaders who are depicted in this painting. Police officials were bystanders or encouraged such actions. Men, including young boys, were caught, and tires filled with kerosene were put around their heads, and they were burnt alive. Women and young teenage girls were gang raped. The paintings show some of these scenes. The violence may capture public attention, but the long-term impact on survivors and communities is rarely discussed. For many, the struggle didn’t end when the violence ceased; it continued as they grappled with loss, displacement, and the psychological toll. Despite their suffering, they took the initiative to rebuild, refusing to let their trauma define them. Instead, they emerged as symbols of resilience, striving to help others heal and find justice. By recognizing and amplifying these women’s experiences, we move closer to a world where voices, especially those silenced by trauma and history, are truly heard. The Congress leaders who led the mobs subsequently became ministers and achieved high posts in subsequent governments, justice still eludes the victims. Unfortunately, over the last 40 years, subsequent killings of minorities in India have continued; for India to be a functioning democracy in this world of nations, it has to acknowledge its mistakes and set up a center of truth and reconciliation similar to South Africa.)
The Spirit of Seva: From Pingalwara to the Farmers’ Protest
Artworks dedicated to Bhai Puran Singh, founder of Pingalwara, honor his selfless service to humanity and reflect compassion and care for the most vulnerable.
(One of the most prominent Sikh heroes of the last century, Bhagat Puran Singh ji, devoted most of his adult life to selfless service to terminal and mentally ill patients, who, in most cases, had been abandoned by their families and society at large. Whenever and wherever he saw a deserted dead body (human or animal), he would immediately prepare by his own hands a grave and give the corpse a deserving burial or cremation as a sign of respect for the dead. He is recorded to have said, “I believe in dignity. Dignity in death is a birthright of each living thing”. )
Visual tributes to the recent Farmers’ Protest capture the resilience of Sikh farmers and their commitment to justice.
Farmer’s Protest, 2020
Farmer’s Protest| Sukhpreet Singh | 2021 | Oil On Canvas | 43 x 384 in
(Farmer’s protest depicts the involvement of hundreds of thousands of farmers originally started by the Punjab farmers and then joined by others across India. It was against three laws instituted by the government unilaterally, which the farmers felt would affect their livelihood and survival. You see exciting aspects in this painting of farmers, including women, young and old, ex-soldiers being subjected to tear gas/ water cannon / barbed wires/roadblocks/beatings and yet serving the same policemen with food. These protests remained peaceful, and ultimately, after one year of some deaths and much suffering was withdrawn, the government made promises to improve their livelihood. Still, these are yet to be fulfilled.)
A Modern Chardi Kala: Rising Optimism Amidst Challenges
In the Chardi Kala spirit of resilience and unwavering optimism, the Sikh Art Gallery at the Phoenix Art Museum presents a range of artworks capturing moments of collective strength and compassion. Among the approximately 20 paintings currently on display in this permanent Sikh gallery (covering roughly 1700 sq. feet), many artworks pay tribute to the acts of seva (selfless service) carried out by the Sikh community during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting. These pieces honor the memory of lives lost and celebrate the resilience and unity that define the Sikh spirit.
One of the most impactful pieces is Saira Wasim’s painting commemorating the historic opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019. This event marked the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhism. Originally from Pakistan and now based in Boston, Wasim has been recognized by Phaidon as one of the great women artists, displaying her works in museums worldwide.
The Silent Witness: This Hit Me the Hardest
As I stood before Remembrance of the 40th Anniversary of the Sikh Genocide by Arpana Caur, I felt an unsettling disturbance take hold of me.
The painting’s powerful imagery—a drowning figure symbolic of suffering and another figure turning away—cuts deep.
It reflects a reality that Sikhs have faced repeatedly: the silent apathy of those who could reach out but choose instead to look away. The artist’s use of water, traditionally a symbol of life, as a metaphor for death struck me, embodying the tragic despair of 1984 when Sikhs were systematically hunted and murdered in India while those in power and society either stood complicit or turned a blind eye.
This artwork brought to the surface memories of recent events, especially during the Farmers’ Protest, when a similar indifference was palpable. Many people remained silent as the State machinery worked to fuel negative sentiments against Sikhs, portraying us in a false light. This lack of empathy—the turning away when a community is unjustly targeted—is a recurring theme that has haunted us for decades, and this painting encapsulates it in such a stark, painful way.
For me, this piece goes beyond art; it is a raw reminder of the struggles Sikhs continue to face and the resilience we must summon to rise above indifference and injustice. It is a call for awareness, standing with marginalized people, and embracing the spirit of Chardi Kala—the unyielding optimism and courage to persevere, even when others turn away.
Conclusion: Stories in Colors, Lines, and Spirit
The Chardi Kala: Rising Above Adversity exhibit is an experience that reaches beyond the walls of the Phoenix Art Museum. Every artwork resonates with the spirit of Chardi Kala, inviting each visitor into a realm where Sikh history is not only observed but felt deeply. These pieces embody centuries-old faith and resilience, transforming moments of struggle into timeless pillars of courage, unity, and unbreakable hope.
Walking through the Khanuja Family Sikh Art Gallery, one becomes part of a conversation that spans lifetimes. Each artwork is a testament to the Sikh ethos, an invitation to witness the journeys, sacrifices, and resilience that have shaped the Sikh spirit for generations. In this space, you are encouraged to look and listen—to feel the interconnected threads of resilience that bind these stories in a profound tapestry of strength.
The Chardi Kala exhibit is more than a reflection of the past; it’s a powerful message for both the present and the future: that optimism, dignity, and resilience in the face of adversity are not just ideals but ways of life. This exhibit invites everyone who enters to embrace these stories, witness a legacy of courage, and carry forward the light of Chardi Kala in their lives.
If you’re planning a visit to Phoenix, don’t miss this opportunity to explore the beauty and resilience of Sikh culture through this remarkable art. Let this exhibit inspire you, as it did for me, to rise above life’s challenges with unwavering optimism and strength.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Parvinder Khanuja, who personally guided me through this exhibit. Dr. Khanuja’s profound knowledge and passion for Sikhi and Sikh art made this experience truly memorable. His dedication to preserving and sharing Sikh history is evident in every piece of this gallery. A humble and devoted Sikh, Dr. Khanuja graciously took time from his busy schedule to share his insights, adding depth and meaning to each artwork we encountered. His commitment to this gallery and his vision for Sikh art in America are both inspiring and invaluable.
For those who seek to understand the essence of chardi kala, this exhibit offers a journey that words alone cannot capture. It is a profound experience, a testament to resilience, and a legacy Dr. Khanuja has helped preserve and share with the world.
📍 Phoenix Art Museum – Chardi Kala: Rising Above Adversity
Disclaimer: Some of the photos included in this blog were sourced from the Khanuja Family Collection Instagram page due to lighting limitations with my camera during my visit. These images and artwork descriptions are credited to the Khanuja Family Collection and offer a clearer representation of the exhibit’s depth and detail. For the latest updates, additional artwork highlights, and more insights into the Sikh Art Gallery, I encourage you to follow their Instagram page for a closer connection to this inspiring collection.
