Our Story
About the Foundation
Named after a 19-year-old freedom fighter who spoke at the Stockton Sikh Temple over a century ago, the Sarabha Foundation carries forward his spirit of courage and selfless service.
The Man Behind the Name
Kartar Singh Sarabha
Born in 1896 in the village of Sarabha near Ludhiana, Punjab, Kartar Singh Sarabha was a revolutionary who gave his life for the freedom of his country at just 19 years old.
At 16, he traveled to San Francisco to study at the University of California, Berkeley. But when the Ghadar Party was founded in 1913, he abandoned his studies to join the movement. He became the editor of the Ghadar newspaper's Gurmukhi (Punjabi) edition, writing fiery poetry and articles that inspired thousands.
Sarabha's connection to Stockton is profound. In February 1914, he spoke at a historic rally at the Sikh Temple - just steps from where our foundation now stands. The Stockton Gurdwara was a gathering place for Ghadar revolutionaries, and Sarabha's voice rang through these very streets.
He returned home in 1914 to lead the armed revolution. After his arrest, he was executed on November 16, 1915 in Lahore. Bhagat Singh, one of the most celebrated revolutionaries, carried Sarabha's photograph in his pocket and called him his greatest inspiration.
“He was barely 19, yet his courage shook an empire. We carry forward his spirit of seva and sacrifice.”
A Legacy of Courage
From the streets of Punjab to the Sikh Temple of Stockton
Birth of a Revolutionary
Kartar Singh Sarabha is born in Sarabha village near Ludhiana, Punjab, into a Jat Sikh family.
Journey to America
At just 16, Sarabha arrives in San Francisco to study at the University of California, Berkeley.
The Ghadar Party
The Ghadar Party is founded. Sarabha abandons his studies to join the revolutionary movement, becoming editor of the Ghadar newspaper's Gurmukhi edition.
Stockton Rally
Sarabha speaks at a major public meeting in Stockton where the Ghadar tri-colored flag is hoisted at the Sikh Temple, the very neighborhood where our foundation now stands.
Return Home
Sarabha returns home to mobilize soldiers in the British army to join the freedom movement.
Supreme Sacrifice
At just 19 years old, Kartar Singh Sarabha is executed in Lahore Central Jail for his revolutionary activities. He becomes one of the youngest martyrs in the fight for freedom.
The Legacy Lives On
The Sarabha Foundation carries forward his spirit of selfless service, right here on Sikh Temple Street in Stockton, where the Ghadar movement once found its voice.
The Foundation Today
A community space on Sikh Temple Street
Today, the Sarabha Foundation operates out of a building at 1946 Sikh Temple Street, Stockton - in the very neighborhood where Ghadar revolutionaries once gathered. We've transformed this space into a community hub that serves everyone, regardless of background or faith.
From monthly food distributions with Khalsa Aid to financial literacy workshops and English classes, we're building a place where young people can come together to learn, grow, and serve their community - just as Sarabha envisioned a free and empowered people.
