Staff photographer Baljot Rathor traveled to Punjab, India, earlier this year. She documented her trip for the Campus Times.
Devotees make their way across the marble causeway toward Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, India, on Jan. 26. Originally founded in the late 16th century by Guru Arjan, the shrine was rebuilt multiple times after being damaged during 18th-century conflicts, and later restored in the early 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ordered its upper floors and dome to be covered in real gold leaf. In June 1984, the temple became the center of “Operation Blue Star,” a military operation in Punjab that caused significant damage to the site and deeply affected the Sikh community worldwide. Today, set in the center of the sacred Amrit Sarovar, the gurdwara stands as a powerful symbol of devotion, resilience, and remembrance, drawing millions of pilgrims for darshan, sacred viewing, prayer, reflection, and seva, selfless service. / photo by Baljot RathorA statue of Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, a prominent Sikh warrior, is seen in front of the Central Bank of India in Amritsar, Punjab. Hari Singh Nalwa is the most feared Sikh warrior who, at the age of 16, conquered the Battle of Kasur against the Afghan army. He won 20 battles against the Afghan army and also broke the jaw of a tiger with his hands. Often, mothers from Punjab and Afghanistan would scare misbehaving children to sleep using his name, saying if they do not sleep, he will get them. / photo by Baljot RathorA stray dog stands among pedestrians in a busy market area in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Wild dogs are commonly seen across the region, with many in Amritsar often found near the Gurudwara temple, where Paath, or holy Sikh hymns, are recited throughout the day. / photo by Baljot RathorPilgrims line up at the front entrance of Sri Harmandir Sahib on Jan. 26 before entering the line for the Darbar Sahib, which welcomes the Sangat, holy assembly, with a quote from the Gurbani. The quote translates to “Blessed Blessed is Guru Ram Das; the one who created this place has also beautified and perfected it.” / photo by Baljot RathorThe sangat patiently waits in line for darshan at Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, India, Jan. 26. Also known as the Golden Temple, the shrine was founded in the late 16th century by Guru Arjan, who also compiled the Adi Granth, the central scripture of Sikhism. The gurdwara’s doors open on all four sides to symbolize openness and equality for all people, while the surrounding sarovar, known as Amrit Sarovar, is believed to have been established under Guru Ram Das as a place of spiritual reflection and healing. / photo by Baljot RathorVisitors gather amid the vibrant atmosphere of Hola Mohalla outside Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib on Feb. 23. Established in 1701 by Guru Gobind Singh, the festival showcases Sikh martial traditions, community spirit, and religious devotion as a Ferris wheel rises above the fairgrounds, adding to the celebratory scene. The annual gathering draws thousands who come to witness displays of horsemanship, mock battles, and devotional singing. / photo by Baljot RathorTemple visitors Sardar Sucha Singh, Sardarni Kulwinder Kaur and Sardar Gurfateh Singh visit Laal Qila at Qila Anandgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India, on Feb. 23. This historic Sikh fort is closely connected to the life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, and the early military history of the Sikh community. Qila Anandgarh Sahib was one of the main and strongest forts in Anandpur Sahib and served as the primary military headquarters of Guru Gobind Singh. Built on elevated ground, it was the highest and most strategically positioned fort in the area. During the late 17th century, the fort played a key role in defending the Sikh community during conflicts with Mughal forces and the surrounding hill rulers. / photo by Baljot RathorTakht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Takhts (seats of authority) of the Sikhs in India, is a site of immense historical and religious significance. It was here that the Khalsa Panth, the collective body of initiated Sikhs, was created by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. This marked a pivotal moment in Sikh history, establishing a distinct identity and code of conduct for the community. Today, the Gurudwara, or Sikh temple, stands as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of the Sikh faith. The temple was decorated with colorful curtains and flowers for Hola Mohalla, a Sikh festival, in early March. / photo by Baljot RathorDevotees gather at the sacred sarovar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five temporal seats, in Anandpur Sahib, India, on Feb. 23. Pilgrims visit the site daily to pray, reflect, and take part in religious traditions. The sarovar, like many Sikh sacred pools, was developed as a place for spiritual cleansing and community gathering, reflecting long-standing traditions established during the time of Guru Gobind Singh. / photo by Baljot Rathor
Bajot Rathor is a senior organizational management major with a concentration in leadership and management, along with minors in photography and American law. She is a staff photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine.
In the frantic final days of the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan following 20 years of war, American troops helped evacuate about a half million refugees, mainly Afghan soldiers and civilian contractors, along with their families.
Charles Doskow, professor of law, discussed the legality of using drones to hunt terrorists in his lecture “Defending Ourselves Against Terrorism: Targeted Killing by Drones.”
A lack of education and the absence of cultural understanding were among the reasons cited for human rights violations in Afghanistan at the Afghanistan and State Building Symposium last Friday, hosted by the La Verne College of Law. The symposium, well attended by local and international dignitaries, featured panel speakers from Afghanistan, the U.S. Afghan Women’s Council and Harvard – all of whom shared their views on human rights violations.
