This issue deserves so much thanks, most of all to Beth Tabler and Adrian of GDM for making it happen, and personally, I want to thank them for choosing my story as inspiration for the cover and featuring Punjabi Sikhs - which is huge.
For those who don't know, my family background is Sikh, and it's a religious minority that doesn't often feature in fiction, and I've never seen Sikh coded characters on the cover of anything sff in the West personally. In Reed Lions you'll find a band of brothers on the march, Sikh coded by names like: Harpreet, Buppi (nickname for Bulpindher), Many(short for Maninder - a Sikh friend of mine I tuckerized), and others.
The story pays nods to the sacrifice of Sikh soldiers in history and wars - like those used as cannon fodder in Africa and other wars.
At it's core: it's a story of positive masculinity and male brotherhood, duty, sacrifice, PTSD/depression, and the tolls/tragedy of war.
I want thank the members of my discord for all their support and this one is dedicated to them, and to Boe Kelley for the gift of a gaming keyboard I specifically wrote this on.
I'd like to thank Mihir, Shazzie and all the others who've taken time out to read, review, and share this. And of course the deepest thanks as well to the contributors with whom I get to share this lovely TOC and for giving their BRILLIANT stories, which you can get here.
In North India, Baisakhi falls on April 13 or 14, signifies the solar New Year, especially for Sikhs. It represents rebirth, thankfulness, and harmony between various cultures. It is traditionally marked by group feasts and visits to Gurudwara. It also honors the founding of the KHALSA PANTH BY GURU GOBIND SINGH. Baisakhi encourages everyone to welcome fresh start and savor the happiness of the community.
The occasion, also called Vaisakhi, is mostly observed in North India, particularly in Punjab, and it heralds the start of the Sikh and Punjabi New Years. The harvest season also begins on this day. Sikhs visit their local Gurudwara on Baisakhi and gather to prepare and distribute langar, or communal meals.
"Remember we have the potential to make life better for others. In our own small way, we can inspire, mentor, and encourage other women to do great things. So, don’t hold back. Don’t be silent. Don’t give in to fear.
Be bold. Be adventurous. Be yourself. There will always be people who want to tell you what you can do and what you can’t. What is possible and what is not. I know because I have encountered those people throughout my life. Some of them were well meaning.
But all of them wanted to limit my potential. Your potential is limitless. Your life — the life you want — is worth fighting for.
So, fight."
Nikki Haley is a prominent American politician and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2018 and as the 116th Governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017. Here are five relatively lesser-known or rare facts about Nikki Haley:
First Female Governor of South Carolina: Nikki Haley made history in 2010 by becoming the first female governor of South Carolina. Her election marked a significant milestone in the state's political landscape, breaking gender barriers.
Her Sikh Heritage: Nikki Haley was born Nimrata Randhawa to Sikh parents who had emigrated from Amritsar, India. She later adopted the name Nikki, a commonly used nickname for people named Nimrata. She is the first woman of Indian-American descent to hold a governorship in the United States.
Author of Autobiography: In 2012, Nikki Haley released her autobiography titled "Can't Is Not an Option: My American Story." The book provides insights into her life, her journey into politics, and her experiences as the governor of South Carolina.
Role in Removing Confederate Flag: Following the racially motivated Charleston church shooting in June 2015, Nikki Haley played a pivotal role in advocating for the removal of the Confederate flag from the grounds of the South Carolina State House. Her leadership during this period earned her widespread recognition.
Resignation as UN Ambassador: Nikki Haley resigned from her position as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in October 2018. Her departure from the Trump administration was amicable, and she cited a desire to take a break from public service. Despite stepping down from her official role, she has remained active in political discussions and public affairs.