Disclaimer: This episode contains violence and graphic content. Listener descretion is advised.

What happens when you bring two very different people together, with opposite backgrounds and beliefs? Can something powerful and positive come out of a violent act and devastating loss? You're going to hear an inspiring story of perspective and transformation.Today, Pardeep Kaleka is a first-generation immigrant from Punjab, India. His father, a visionary, made the courageous decision to uproot their lives and embark on a new journey in America. As one of the first Sikh families in their Milwaukee neighborhood, they faced unique challenges. Undeterred, his father's unwavering belief in the American Dream became their guiding light. Pardeep's father built a temple so the Sikh community would have a place to congregate. But on Aug 5, 2012 In a devastating act of violence, a white supremacist stormed their sick temple, tragically taking the lives of seven innocent people, including Pardeep's beloved father. But here's the thing—Pardeep didn't let darkness consume him. Instead, he embarked on a mission of rebuilding, and community building. He said, "In the aftermath of tragedy, I refused to let darkness consume me. Instead, I embarked on a mission of rebuilding, community building, and spreading hope and unity.” We'll hear his heartfelt account of the trauma and the emotional journey of reconciling conflicting emotions. You’ll learn about his father’s final moments and the impact of his final acts to leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and sacrifice.Through my father's final acts, he left behind a legacy of love, strength, and sacrifice that continues to inspire and guide me." - But there's a twist! Pardeep challenges us to rethink how we perceive "monsters." He invites us to empathize and understand the societal failures that contribute to their creation. Get ready to be inspired by the transformative power of community as we explore our shared responsibility in shaping a brighter future.This is part 1 of an amazing two part conversation. You'll witness firsthand how tragedy brought him to the doors of another white supremacist and how that grief ultimately forged an unlikely friendship.

The Gifts Of Our Wounds:https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Our-Wounds-Supremacist-Forgiveness/dp/1250107547Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices