Gatka The Lion's Roar
Sandeep’s story is one of courage and indomitable spirit. As a five-year-old who lost his father to the insurgency of 1984, one of the most traumatic periods experienced by the Sikhs all over the country, he didn’t cower or let his fears dominate his senses and his thoughts. He trained in the Khalsa Panth’s traditional martial art form, Gatka, which makes him a fearless warrior – like a lion whose roar can be heard far and wide.
Sandeep has not stopped learning. On the contrary, he has already begun to perpetuate it by teaching younger boys in his village, Sayan Kalan, in Punjab to take up the form and practice it with all their heart and their might. Sandeep has been an ardent follower of the teachings of Saheb Sri Guru Gobind Singhji, which emphasise that tolerating injustice, is as immoral as committing it. His teachings form the core or the belief system of the Khalsa Panth. Not one to succumb to this personal tragedy, Sandeep drew on the Sikh spirit and trained hard for years to attain perfection in Gatka.
Sandeep’s sole aim today is to teach Gatka and empower younger men to face life with courage and determination. He teaches the kids various techniques and the art of using weapons like swords, shields, daggers and more. He also ensures that his trainees participate in as many demonstrations and competitions as possible.