Confused Khalsa Rambles...

Happy Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T00:27:00.003Z

Halloween & The Sikhs

Halloween is a global festival which is cheerfully celebrated with kids trick or treating, people mocking and gimmicking ghosts, ghouls, goblins and demons. For Sikhs on the other hand Halloween carries a real grave significance, of real ghouls and demons, who massacred Sikhs in October and November 1984.

On Halloween, 31st October 1984 – Indira Gandhi the Indian Prime Minister was assassinated. What followed her death was inhumane, depraved and despicable, some call it genocide others ethnic cleansing, I’ll let the readers decide what they feel. The world silently turned a blind eye to these events and rather mourned the death of Mrs Gandhi.

Sikhs were burnt alive, raped, made refugees, murdered on mass, Gurdwaras attacked and Sikh businesses singled out for attacks. All this happened in what Sikhs at the time saw as ‘mother India .’ What was the crime of these Sikhs? What had they done to bring out the demons of Halloween?

The bodyguards of Mrs Gandhi who assassinated her, were Sikhs, so the orchestrated carnage was planned to ‘teach the Sikhs a lesson.’ These children, mothers, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers and grandparents had no link to the Sikh assassins. In the times of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee, Guru Jee saw the destruction of the Mughal ruler Baabar and said,

There was so much slaughter that the people screamed. Didn't You feel compassion, Lord? O Creator Lord, You are the Master of all. If some powerful man strikes out against another man, then no one feels any grief in their mind. But if a powerful tiger attacks a flock of sheep and kills them, then its master must answer for it. This priceless country has been laid to waste and defiled by dogs, and no one pays any attention to the dead (Limb 360, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee)

These words ring true of what happened to Sikhs across India following Mrs Gandhi’s death, to the extent that Guru Sahibs words above aptly describe the attacks on these common, everyday Sikhs. Sikhs were brutally and clinically attacked in cities across India , Delhi , Kanpur , Patna and the list goes on, over 10,000 Sikhs died between 31st October – 3rd November, 1984, many more refugees lived on with nightmares of what they witnessed.

Hitler killed the Jews in gas chambers which were in secret locations but in India Sikhs were killed in public. The Jews have pursued Nazi’s for these genocidal acts, today the culprits of Sikh genocide walk free, let’s try and achieve some justice. Let’s remember these Sikhs and support the surviving families and widows, so the pain of Halloween can be lessened. Please see the links below to start making practical steps in this endeavour;

Genocide of Sikhs: www.carnage84.com www.witness84.com

Films: www.amuthefilm.com

Human Rights: www.lfhri.org – Lawyers for Human Rights International

Books: Government-organised Carnage, by Gurcharan Singh Babbar

Events: Candle Light Vigil, 12pm – 7pm, Wednesday 5th November, 2008
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
www.boss-uk.org

Sikhs attacked by police.. again

2008-06-30T23:55:00.003+01:00

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Looks like 1978 all over again

please do ardaas for the brave Singhs and Singhnia on the frontline.

for updated information please visit

http://gururamdass.blogspot.com/

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

-
http://flickr.com/photos/baaghisingh/show/with/2617888968/

We will Never Forget

2008-06-04T23:45:00.003+01:00

today
when we look in the mirror
we don't see our proud turbans or beards
we don't see our kirpans
or our brave appearances
because our honour and pride
our freedom and justice
are still rolling
in punjab's dirt
24 years
ago
they attacked one of our holiest, most serene and pure shrines
Our Darbar Sahib
our pavittar white marble
our seat of primal authority
our Akaal Takht... our throne that is beyond death
our beautiful Satguru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji

their bullets

entered the hearts

of innocent singhs
innocent children
fell into the sarovar and drowned in
their own blood

the sarovar that Guru Ram Das Sahib once blessed

turned red
as the officers smoked their cigarettes and spat into it
wearing their dirty shoes
looking for "terrorists"
in God's own home?
when the blood of those same "terrorists"
is responsible for india's freedom
is responsible for the protection of Hindustan's religious rights
is responsible for the preservation of the religious rights of those
who want to take ours

we will never forget

being riddled with bullets.
our Satguru Ji's angs torn
our temple desecrated
our lives taken
our hopes lost
our world shattered
our hearts crushed
our families butchered
our children hacked
our mothers sliced
our fathers shot
our brothers electrocuted
our sisters..

our blood, being hidden in punjab's dirt
being walked on, stepped on, crushed, splattered
relentlessly
to the point of no return
as we wait silently
for justice
for freedom
for truth
to return
and it will...
and it must
because

We will never Forget

1 9 8 4

*******************************

Events:
8th June, Hyde Park, London
Various, BC
28th June, Milton Keynes, UK

Links:
http://www.neverforget84.com/
Buy Amu Movie - Distribute to friends, relatives and colleagues
Carnage 84
Ensaaf - Justice
Sikh Genocide Project - Sikh created to protect OTHERS religious freedoms but today we cant protect our own
The Widow Colony - Educate ourselves, not only regarding 84 then but the aftershock still haunting our mothers TODAY
Witness 84
SikhLionz

Desecration of our Guru by Our Own Institutions

2008-04-19T20:41:00.001+01:00

Desecration of the Guru by Our Own Institutions

Thursday 17th of April 2008

Panthic Weekly News Bureau

Holy Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji stacked in a filthy corner of the complex

Click to View Photograph Galllery of Desecration

Sri Rakabganj Sahib, Delhi (KP) - Thirty years ago, thirteen GurSikhs laid down their lives in the city of Amritsar Sahib when the psuedo-Nirankari heretics began desecrating and insulting Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Sikh Nation considers Guru Granth Sahib Ji the living embodiment of the ten Gurus. Utmost respect and reverence is given to the sacred Saroops that contain the Holy Bani of our Gurus and Bhagats (saints). Three decades later, our very own institutions, are now the ones who are desecrating the Holy Saroops.

"Interestingly, the Prof. Darshan Singh & Missionary lobby is totally silent about the ongoing disrespect by Sarna and Company. Instead, they are busy criticising the Bani of Dasam Patshah, and internally promoting the likes of Chaman Lal and Hari Ratan Yukta."

Panthic Weekly was given photographic and video evidence by Sewadars of Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee (India) and the Shahbaaz Khalsa organization on the reckless beadbi that is occurring at the premises of “Gur Updesh Printers”, the official printing establishment of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) under Paramjit Sarna and company.

When the DSGMC found out this evidence was being collected, they quickly confiscated the equipment of the sevadars—but fortunately, other equipment was still in their possession with which they collected this evidence of violations.

Uncovered Guru Granth Sahib Ji stacked like bricks on the ground

Ironically, the DSGMC has a budget of over 1 Billion (100 crore) rupees to manage Delhi based Gurdwaras, Sikh schools, and colleges. The massive complex at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, besides the historic Gurdwara Sahib, contains the well known Lakhi Shah Vanjara Hall, DSGMC offices, and the publishing center known as Gur Updesh Printers.

Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is the sacred site where Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s body was cremated by Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara in 1675.

As Guru Ji's Saroops are being desecrated, the Siyaasi-masands of the DSGMC enjoy thier luxurious air-conditioned offices in the Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib complex

Due to mis-management and carelessness, this once serene and sparkling complex is now under the virtual control of the “siyaasi-masands’ of the DSGMC.

For the last several years, the committee has been outsourcing Gurdwara seva to non-Sikhs and migrant Biharis. Their presence is known from the never ending line of discarded tobacco-bettle nut packs littering the complex.

Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib complex littered with discarded tobacco pouches

Click to video of littered tobacco pouches at Gurdwara Complex

In 2005, PW published an article “Bihari migrants desecrate premises of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib” http://www.panthic.org/news/125/ARTICLE/2097/2005-12-18.html which was an expose done by Shahbaaz Khalsa that illustrated how the Gurdwara Sahib premises was being misused and desecrated by these Bihari migrants (often referred to as 'Bhaeeyas'). These migrants continue to carry and chew tobacco on the premises of the sacred complex.

Per Sikh Maryada (Code of Conduct), alcohol, tobacco, and similar paraphernalia are not to be brought in or consumed on any Gurdwara premises. These same migrants are also in charge of the Langar Halls and other key duties throughout the complex.

Disrespect of Saroops

When visitors at the complex come to get Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, they are taken to a well kept hall with dozens and dozens of Saroops placed on Sukhasan platforms. Yet undercover footage of the same complex revealed that Bhayeeays strolled through the Sukhasan room without covering their heads. This is a major violation of Sikh Maryada.

Employees walk around with their heads uncovered in the Sukhasan Room for Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Visitors are further shocked to know that on one side, luxurious offices with marble floors, and expensive furniture are provided to Paramjit Sarna and his DSGMC staff, but behind the Sukhasan room, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Saroops are being printed in sub-standard unkempt areas littered with rubbish and scrap.

When the sewadars of the Satkar Committee visited the printing areas, they were shocked to see so many uncovered Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji stacked like bricks. Many of these Saroops were literally touching the ground, with just a thin rumala between them.

“How can this go on in an organization whose budget is in the crores of rupees? "

Although, there was the separate Sukhasan room in the complex, it was not being utilized for these Saroops, nor was it big enough to store all of these Saroops. The Satkar Committee sewadars spent several hours relocating some of the Saroops to the Sukhasam room, so they can be given proper respect, but only so many could be moved.

Stacks of Saroops Everywhere

As the sewadars moved throughout the complex, they saw more and more stacks everywhere, many left uncovered, and others carelessly covered by a single white bed sheet. The sewadars estimated over 300 Saroops in many of these giant stacks. There were dozens of these stacks throughout the hall.

Bhai Balbir Singh of the Satkar Committee estimated that all in all there were several thousand Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji being stored in that shabby complex, all without proper maryada and respect.

One of the Satkar Committee sevadars exclaimed, “How can this go on in an organization whose budget is in the crores of rupees? If they can afford, luxurious offices for themselves, why can’t [they afford] the same for our King of Kings? Why is Guru Maharaj being kept in this condition? This is totally unexcusable!”

Hundereds of Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji stacked like bricks, dozens of such stacks were in the comple

Angs of Guru Granth Sahib tossed in Trash

Another shocking scene the sewadars encountered was that damaged or misprinted angs of Guru Granth Sahib were thrown into rubbish bins, along with normal paper waste. These Angs contained the sacred verses of Gurbani, yet they were being treated like trash.

The sewadars also saw one saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that had been parkash on a dirty desk, there were no rumallas or chaur sahib for that open saroop. It was left unattended, with a paper inserted in it as a place holder. Again, another huge violation of Sikh Maryada.

Discarded Angs of Guru Granth Sahib Ji thrown into rubbish bins.

Another violations the sewadars noted was that complete single volume Saroops were being printer in Hindi and Urdu. Sri Akal Takht directive does not allow single volumes of Guru Granth Sahib to be printed in any langauge other than Gurmukhi - only Senchees are allowed.

Sewadars of the Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee and the Shahbaaz Khalsa recently held a press conference in which this photographic evidence was handed to the press and then submitted to Sri Akal Takht Sahib so that this beadbi (extreme disrespect) could be stopped as soon as possible. Sadly, neither the appointed Jathedar Vedanti nor the press has taken notice of these violations.

Both organizations have appealed to the Panth at large, that pressure should be put on appointed Jathedar Vedanti to take stern action against the DSGMC executives so that this beadbi in their complex can be stopped.
To the Sikh Nation there is nothing more sacred than our sacred Gurbani, it is the very form of our Guru. That is why even the paper and the ink it is written with is called blessed.

ਧੰਨੁ ਸੁ ਕਾਗਦੁ ਕਲਮ ਧੰਨੁ ਧਨੁ ਭਾਂਡਾ ਧਨੁ ਮਸੁ ॥
Blessed is the paper, blessed is the pen, blessed is the inkwell, and blessed is the ink.
ਧਨੁ ਲੇਖਾਰੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਲਿਖਾਇਆ ਸਚੁ ॥1॥
Blessed is the writer, O Nanak, who writes the True Name. ||1||

While there are those who will sacrifice everything for the respect and honor of this Sacred Holy Bani, there are many who will look the other way since it is much easier and fashionable in this day and age.

Historically, it was well known that Sikhs gained their power from the sacred Gurbani. It was so revered that Sikh kings such as Raja Ranjit Singh would always have Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth Sahib on thrones higher than them, generals would take both saroops on elephants into battle as commander-in-chief.

These very detractors of the Panth have attacked not only Sri Dasam Granth Sahib, but are also undermining the reverance and respect accorded to Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The 13 Shaheeds of '78 and others throughout history gave their lives to stop this very type of beadbi happening today. In the future, will there be any Sikhs left that stand up for their Guru's respect?

Click to View Photograph Galllery of Desecration

PLEASE FORWARD TO EVERYONE

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

US Tactics

2008-02-13T01:59:00.000Z

Torture Log <- Click Here

Two wrongs don't make a right?

Wedding Cards and Printed Beadbi

2008-02-12T21:30:00.000Z

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

I came home for the weekend and found some wedding cards lying around. I have noticed that every single wedding card has Gurbaani printed on them. Popular lines from Gurbaani used in cards is:

lK KusIAw pwiqswhIAw jy siqguru ndir kryie ]
lakh khushee-aa paatshaahee-aa, je satgur nadar kare-i.
Hundreds of thousands of princely pleasures are enjoyed, if the True Guru bestows His Glance of Grace.

(Ang 44)

nwnk siqguru iqnw imlwieAw ijnw Dury pieAw sMjogu ]1]
naanak satgur tinaa milaa-i-aa jinaa Dhure pa-i-aa sanjog. ||1||
O Nanak, he alone meets the True Guru, who has such union pre-ordained. ||1||
(Ang 957)

I remember last summer we received a wedding card, which advertised the Anand Kaaraj and the reception PARTY on the same piece of card. It was IRONIC that a few lines up it had Gurbaani and few lines down it said, “COCKTAILS will be served” and “BEER BAR will be open”. Sat Naam, Waheguru.

Have we LOST THE PLOT?

Can you imagine a Muslim advertising a Muslim wedding and just underneath writing “PORK SCRATCHING will be served with refreshments”? I DON’T THINK SO. Nor can you imagine a Hindu wedding card saying “BEEF KEBABS will be served with chutney in lunch.” However, “Sikhs” advertise BOOZING and Anand Kaaraj on the same card. (Just the fact that people distribute SHARAAB (alcohol) after having Anand Kaaraj, which is taking an OATH to Waheguru with Guru Jee as the witness makes a mockery of the "VOWS"). Very depressing thought! Rab Bhalla Kare.

Gurbaani is the revealed Word of God.

baaNee guroo, guroo hai baaNee, vich baaNee amrit saare.
The Word, the Baani is Guru, and Guru is the Baani. Within the Baani, the Spiritual-life giving Nectar is contained.
(Ang 982)

However, how much respect do we show Gurbaani? To make a card “LOOK NICE” we risk the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Gurbaani. Most, if not all, wedding cards in UK and the West are thrown in the bins once the wedding has happened (unless you are Gursikh and show respect to Gurbaani or for some reason you have a hobby to collect and archive wedding cards!). I am shocked that no one realizes this and year on year every card has Gurbaani printed on them. How can we expect SUKH (peace and happiness) when we treat Gurbaani in such an intolerable (and sorry to say) cheap way. Rab Rakha!

Newspapers, for example DES PARDES and others, have Gurbaani printed in articles relating to Sikhi or on a top of an event poster printed. However, the same newspapers advertise JAADOO TOONAA (black-magic) and other wacky and silly stuff. Newspapers are generally thrown in the bin and sometimes while the newspaper is on the table people put their chaa da cup (cup of tea) on top of the newspaper) or some Auntian (aunties) use newspaper pages for covering the bottom of cupboards to keep the cupboards clean. Where is the SATKAAR (respect) for the WORD OF GOD printed on those pages?

We conveniently do Matha Tekh and say “Guru Jee, Guru Jee…” at the Gurdwara, but at home we print Gurbaani on cards, throw newspapers with Gurbaani in it in the bins etc. Is this not HYPROCISY?

So, what can we do about it?
… I think firstly if someone in your family is getting married then MAKE THEM AWARE of the abuse of Gurbaani and kindly ask them to print a card WITHOUT any Gurbaani. End of the day a simple card with adequate information is enough. Secondly, create awareness of the issue in your COMMUNITY. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of printing and simply make people STOP and THINK about the issue. Hopefully when someone sees Gurbaani on a wedding card, newspaper and calendar, they will think and realise not to put it on the floor, throw it in the bin or use it as a table mat.

Bhul chuk maaf.

Daas,
Manvir Singh

*********************

I'd just like to add:

Even just writing "Ik Oaan kaar" in Gurmukhi like so many people thoughtlessly do is disrespect as its the same format found on the first ang of Siri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

It's the responsibility of every Sikh to ensure that respect for Gurbani is maintained - it is no group of peoples duty to ensure this. If every Sikh reminded our own friends and families that when they contact printers, poster makers, leaflet designers etc they shouldn't print in Gurmukhi then maybe our Guru would ensure we are blessed with a Gursikh lifestyle.

Weddings in the UK usually equal beadbi - this is something which we cannot tolerate, so if you find out about a wedding taking place in a hall where alcohol/tobacco will be please do not hesitate to contact the R4G Campaign on:

Mobile : 07944 445651
E-Mail : SikhAlerts@yahoo.co.uk

Any correspondence is anonymous.

If there are any protests/telephone campaigns organised please ensure your attendance, if we're Sikhs and our Guru is being disrespected and we do nothing, then which Gurus Sikhs are we??

Feel free to circulate before people start ordering wedding cards!

Happy New Years

2008-01-08T19:04:00.000Z

http://mistakesingh.blogspot.com/2007/01/happy-new-years.html

Merry Christmas from Mother India

2007-12-27T01:08:00.000Z

Celebrations at churches across the country this Christmas Day will be marked by lit trees and candles, hymns and carols, cakes and cookies. And, in some cases, extra security.

As Christian migrants flock in large numbers from states such as Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar and Tamil Nadu to urban centres, many are finding it hard to leave behind fears of religious discrimination. At least 200 cases of attacks against Christians for their faith have been reported across the country this year, as per the newly formed Christian Legal Association (CLA).

At Christmas Eve services in Orissa, a mob allegedly led by a leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shot at two Christian children to protest celebrations by a church in the Kandhamal district. “The RSS leader instigated local residents and led a mob of more than 100 people carrying sticks and guns to attack the Christians indiscriminately,” parish priest Rabi Sudhasundar of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, told the Indo-Asian News Service.

While such incidents are mainly in smaller towns and villages, the lawyers group notes an increase in cities.

Having a ball: Rev. Vincent Paul with underprivileged children at a community centre in New Delhi. (Ramesh Pathania / Mint)

In New Delhi, home to an estimated 1.3 million Christians, the minority community has been shaken by at least two incidents in recent months.

On the morning of 5 December, at least 100 men entered the Church of Divine Mercy in Pitampura, north Delhi. The men destroyed a generator and machinery, and were overheard shouting, “Church, no church here.” The police are yet to trace the offenders, said a church member who did not want his name mentioned. Police confirmed the incident and said they have dispatched officers on a regular basis to ensure worshippers’ peace.

“There is a general fear among Christians,” says Ivan Moses, a pastor at the Delhi Bible Fellowship. “Although they are celebrating Christmas, it’s not easy.”

On the evening of 28 October, Moses said, four men broke into the Kalyanpuri community hall in east Delhi. A spiritual talk was in progress and about 200 people, including women and children, belonging to several independent church groups, had gathered, when the men started breaking chairs and pelting stones as they yelled: “Jai Shri Ram.”

Moses, who was one of the speakers that evening, says he was slapped four times. A few of the miscreants were arrested after the police arrived. Church members say they were accused of handing out flyers to convert Hindus, but deny the allegations.

They decided not to press formal charges, however, as “we did not want the local pastors to be in trouble,” said Moses. Local police confirmed the incident.

Christians Attacked after Voting for the Wrong Political Party in Gujarat, India print this articlePrint this Article

Christians Attacked by the RSS after Voting for the 'Wrong' Political Party in Gujarat, India

12/24/07 India .- Shortly after campaigning for Hindu fanatic party in the run up to the state legislature election in Gujarat state, Hindu extremists attacked tribal Christians, including a nun, to punish them for supporting the Congress Party.

The attack took place at around 8 p.m. on December 19 in Baidiya village in Vadodara district’s Kawant area while staffs and students of the Don Bosco School and Adivasi Shaishanik Arogya Kendra (Tribal Education and Health Centre) were staging a play on environmental issues for the villagers.

“This is not just an attack on a minority religion, but it is a part of a wider conspiracy to deny human rights and fundamental rights (religious and voting rights) to the Adivasis (tribal or aboriginal people), create division among them, and keep alive the divisive agenda in order to fish in the troubled waters,” Dr. John Dayal, president of the All India Catholic Union, told ICC.

Joseph Monty Rodrigues, the manager of the Don Bosco School described the attack, saying, “As the children were staging the play, one Rathwa Harsingbhai Mansingbhai rushed in and removed the curtain forcefully and hit one of the students of Class IX, Suresh Narubhai Rathwa, on the head.”

Later, another person, identified as Rathwa Pravinbhai, joined Mansingbhai to oppose the play.

Rodrigues gave a first person account in an email message, a copy of which is with ICC.

“They (the miscreants) said the Fathers and Sisters of Don Bosco were supporters of the Congress Party and therefore they must not step into this village. They insulted us and our religion and abused us for being Christians,” said Rodrigues.

At least 500 villagers were watching the play, which was organized by the Christians on an invitation by the village court.

The two miscreants also threatened to burn the Christians alive.

“Apprehending more tensions, we stopped the play at once and packed up our things,” added Rodrigues.

While the Christians were returning, some more people came to attack them.

“We left for Kawant via the Keladra-Pipalda road around 9:30 p.m. While passing from the Sim Segva stream near Keladra, a blue tempo came towards us to knock the motorbike being ridden by our staffs Madubhai Rathwa and Bharsingbhai Rathwa. But, somehow, they managed to escape. The tempo then tried to hit the jeep in which I was sitting.”

There were around 15 people carrying sticks and rods in the tempo. They stopped the vehicles and hit Madubhai Rathwa. Then they dragged the school students out of the other jeep and beat Fr. Damien Sladen, who was accompanying the children. Fr. Sladen was beaten till he fell unconscious.

The tempo was being driven by a person identified as Nangarsing Rathwa.

The miscreants also took away a laptop that was kept in the jeep besides vandalizing the vehicle.

Then the attackers came to the jeep in which Fr. Rodrigues, nun Sr. Manjula, and a few girl students were sitting.

The miscreants held Sr. Manjula’s neck and hand and tried to pull her out. Then they grabbed her scarf and shawl, and pulled her sari (an Indian wrap-around dress for women). They tore her blouse and banged her against the jeep twice and threw her down. They also grabbed her purse and mobile phone, and broke her silver chain.

The attackers also pulled out four girls from the jeep, but Sr. Manjula managed to rescue them and herself, and ran away. In the meantime, even Fr. Rodrigues could escape driving the jeep away.

“I went to the Kawant police station at 11:30 pm and informed the police, who came along with me to the place of the incident, where we found Fr. Damien injured and four girls, and also Sr. Manjula. All of them were crying,” aid Fr. Rodrigues.

The victims were admitted to a hospital.

The police did register a complaint against the attackers, but with initial reluctance.

In the meanwhile, a Hindu extremist sage, Jagat Guru Acharya Narendra Maharaj, led the alleged “reconversion” of around 2,000 tribal (aboriginal) Christians in a function on December 17 in Gujarat state’s Tapi district.

According to The Indian Express Newspaper, the function took place at the Shivaji Grounds area.

The “converts” took an oath and admitted affidavits saying they would not convert to Christianity ever again in the future, said the newspaper.

“Many of the tribal men also cut off their hair and took oaths, while all of them gave thumb impressions on the affidavits saying they have willingly returned to the folds of the Hindu religion,” added the daily.

Christian leaders say such reconversion claims are false, as extremist groups gather poor and illiterate tribal people, who are not Christians in the first place, and portray the rally as a reconversion function.

According to media reports, groups associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent organization of numerous Hindu extremist groups and the chief persecutor of Christians in India, sought votes for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief minister, Narendra Modi, to strengthen “Hindu forces” in the state. The BJP is a Hindu nationalist party and political wing of the RSS. (See ICC report dated December 18, “Indian Party Promises to Persecute Christians in order to Gain Votes.)

The assembly polls to the 182-member assembly in Gujarat concluded on December 16. The counting of the votes will begin on December 23.

“It looks as if they (RSS) want to create terror and communal tension before the vote counting and during the Christmas celebrations. The rumors are that the BJP is preparing to create trouble for Christians during the Christmas and this is just the beginning,” added Dayal.

Attack on churches
Attempt to terrorise a whole community

WHILE the people the world over were celebrating Christmas on December 25, the Christians in Orissa’s Kandhamal district were at the receiving end with alleged activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad destroying church after church. In the mindless violence unleashed on the community, one person was killed and several were injured. The attack was ostensibly to retaliate against the alleged manhandling of a VHP leader. That the VHP chose to convert some Christians to Hinduism on that day bears out that the whole purpose was to foment trouble. Orissa is one state where the so-called Freedom of Religion law is in force which makes it obligatory for the organisers of such conversion ceremonies to follow certain procedures. That the VHP has been paying scant regard for such a law on the specious plea that what it organises is not conversion but “home-coming”.

Despite all the potential for mischief, the district authorities failed to take any preemptive action. What’s more, they could not even protect the house of a minister from the communally surcharged lot. It is not the first time that Orissa has witnessed religious tension. The burning of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons was preceded by several incidents of attack on the minorities in the name of protest against cow slaughter and religious conversion. It is the kid-glove treatment those behind such violent campaigns received that emboldened them to burn the missionary who was tending to the leprosy patients in one of the most backward areas of Orissa. There are feudal and pseudo-political forces that do not want the poor to get educated and know their legal and democratic rights for fear it would upset the caste-based social system.

The Orissa government is duty-bound to take stringent action against all those who desecrated the churches. It should also go after those who “attacked” the VHP leader and bring them to book. No excuse is good enough to terrorise a whole community. In fact, any leniency shown will be construed as a failure of the state to protect not just the life and property of the people but also their right to preach and practise their religious beliefs. What the Orissa government does in Kandhamal district will show how committed it is to uphold the rule of law and the religious rights of the people.

Poem - The State of Our Nation.

2007-12-19T00:24:00.000Z

Now this is a message, to all you young and old
A story everyone knows, yet it's never been told
The state of my nation, today, is a shame
I'm here to let you know, the rules to this game
Before I begin, I'll apologize to you
You don't want to hear the truth but that's how we do.

We call ourselves children of the King of Perfection
Have you ever looked ahead, at your own reflection?
How far have you taken your Amrit, Singh?
Do you know what it means, to represent the True King?

Your blue bana blows, as you walk with a limp
Your nice kirpan and clean dastar, callin' yourself a "pimp"
You don't even know the name of Guru Nanak's Father,
You'd rather check out all the Singhnees and tell them to holler

You walk into the scene thinking you're so great,
You never do your nitnem, but hey, that can wait...
You want to make sure everyone thinks you're hot
You want to show all the sangat the respect you've got

Guru Gobind Singh, Mata Sahib Kaur, yeah they'll forgive me,
You say, oblivious, to their great Kurbani
You think it's all good if you look the part,
You yourself don't realize, you'll have to depart

Where'd your Bani go, your simran and sweetness?
Did you lose it all in the pleasures of fake, false bliss?
You dress up in Bana as if God is a game
You're getting jealous of other Singhs and you forgot The Name!!

You have rivalry with x,y, and z Singh,
There is even a girl with which you have a fling!!
Have you forgot where you're from, Sri KesGarh Sahib?
Did you forget our Shaheed's blood at Sri Amritsar Sahib?

Do you realize the great bhagti of Baba Deep Singh ji?
Of Mata Bhag Kaur, and dear Bhai Mani Singh ji?
They took their Amrit straight to Sach Khand, and proved, it's true
This Amrit can make lions, of weaklings like you

Now tell me about your Amrit, where did you take it?
You're living in a lie, but to your Guru, don't fake it
You should be seeing every girl like a sister or mother,
But you've told em "hey baby, don't call me your brother"

It's a SHAME to the name, and the fame of Sikhi,
Where'd you take your Amrit and where should you be?
You look down on people who cut their hair,
But you have no Sikhi inside, so how would you compare?

Now listen, Sikh girls, you aint any less,
Your desire's can't be hid beneath a nice Khalsa dress
Your Bana, kirpan, hair, sure, it gives you grace,
But you hide and bleach all the hair on your face...

I know it's hard, sister, to be this strong
But you have every excuse to do what's wrong
You hide under your graceful shawl and suit,
Walkin in the Gurdwara, thinkin "Hey, that Singh's cute"

What has become, of the Khalsa glory, dear Kaur
Without your Amritvela, you've just lost your core,
And even those who have Amritvela and Bana - whoa!!
Are still caught in slandering every girl they know

You should be a leader, ambassador of Truth
But you're wrapped in the false beauty of youth
You want to prove to everyone that you're better than them,
You're holding on to rocks, letting go of the gem

Forget Gurbani, and nitnem, and showerin' and prayers
We wanna get guys and girls, we wanna live like players
We look so hot in our Bana, our 9'inch Kirpans and Pughs
Forget Singh Shaheeds, our role models are Thugs

We enter the Gurdwara, and we swear and do ninda,
But we don't ever forget to wear t-shirts of Sukha & Jinda!!
Yeah, sure, parade Sant Jarnail Singh ji's face on your shirt,
Without learning his legacy, and keepin' your mind in the dirt

Why do we pretend to understand our Guru's grace?
We've taken our Amrit into the dirt, black is our face
And the saddest thing about this is it's 100% true
And unfortunately, I'm in the same spot as you.

- Anonymous

Temporary Victory for Laibar Singh

2007-12-11T02:29:00.000Z

JO BOLE SO NIHAAL!! SAT SRI AKAAL!!!!!!

VICTORY!!

BHAI LAIBAR SINGH JI IS NOT ON AN AIRPLANE HEADING TO INDIA!!!

He is in a gurdwara in Vancouver. More than 1000 supporters showed up today and would not allow him to be taken from the car to the airplane. Shouts of Je Bole So Nihal! Sat Sri Akal! reverberated through the electrified air as the Army of Guru Gobind Singh Ji refused to allow our brother to be hijacked by Canada's Tory government. Now we have him. He will never be turned over to the Canadian government under any conditions now! I'll post an updated report after the six o'clock news, that will be in about three or three and one-half hours.

PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE WON THIS BATTLE, BUT THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER. CANADA MAY - PROBABLY WILL - STILL TRY TO DEPORT THIS BROTHER. OUR JOB IS TO STOP THEM WHATEVER THAT TAKES!!

(For those who might not know, here is a good discussion of the meaning of Jaikara, our 'War Cry. I am going to reprint part of this on sometimes - 2, since most of my readers there are not Sikh.)

Here is a link to the news report from Vancouver CBC News at noon:

VIDEO: Raw footage of protest against deportation of Laibar Singh at Vancouver airport (Runs 2:49)

Deportation protesters snarl traffic at Vancouver airport

More than 1,000 people blocked traffic at Vancouver International Airport's departures terminal Monday morning, in an effort to stop the Canadian government from deporting paralyzed refugee claimant Laibar Singh from Vancouver to India.

More than 1,000 protesters at Vancouver International Airport's departure terminal attempted to block the deportation of Laibar Singh on Monday.
(CBC)
The federal government granted Laibar Singh a 60-day stay of the deportation order on Aug. 19, the day before he was expected to be deported. His deportation was later scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PT Monday at Vancouver airport.

Singh came to Canada in 2003 on a forged passport, but suffered a massive stroke three years later that left him a quadriplegic and unable to care for himself.

He has since argued that he will die if he is deported to India because he won't be able to get proper medical treatment.

Singh initially sought refugee status in 2003 on the grounds that he would be persecuted by police in Punjab, where officials have accused him of links to separatist militants, but his refugee claim was denied that year.

His appeals to stay in Canada were turned down by immigration officials, who ruled Singh couldn't remain because he doesn't have adequate community ties.

Laibar Singh came to Canada in 2003 on a forged passport and suffered a massive stroke last year that left him a quadriplegic.
(CBC)
That's something his supporter, Harsha Walia, of the refugee rights group No One Is Illegal, said is outrageous, based on the support the community has already shown for him.

Walia said 40,000 people have signed a petition urging Ottawa to allow Singh to stay in the country on humanitarian grounds.

Singh has avoided deportation twice already.

He was first scheduled to be deported on July 8, 2007, but sought sanctuary at the Kalgidhar Darbar Sahib Society temple in Abbotsford instead.

The Canada Border Services Agency then arrested Singh on Aug. 13 at an Abbotsford, B.C., hospital, after he left the Sikh temple to seek medical attention.

With files from the Canadian Press

( post copied from http://www.roadtokhalistan.blogspot.com )

Emergency Rally for Laibar Singh [Surrey, Canada]

2007-12-07T23:22:00.000Z

EMERGENCY RALLY FOR LAIBAR SINGH JI!!

Saturday, December 8th at 2:00PM

there will be a Rally and Campaign

happening at

13450 102nd Avenue

Surrey, BC
Canada

(Citizenship Office)

THIS CAME TO MY INBOX JUST A FEW MINUTES AGO. I READ IT AND LITERALLY SCREAMED. I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT I WAS READING. I NEVER BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WOULD STOOP SO LOW AS TO DEPORT A PARALYSED, SICK HUMAN BEING.

TODAY I AM ASHAMED TO BE A CANADIAN. TODAY, AS A CANADIAN, I HAVE NO MORAL HIGH GROUND. I AM SHAKING AS I TYPE THIS. PERHAPS TOMORROW, I'LL BE SORRY FOR MY HASTE TONIGHT, BUT I NEED TO GET THIS UP IMMEDIATELY! HERE IS A PICTURE OF OUR BROTHER, LAIBAR SINGH JI.

TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, I SAY:

J'ACCUSE!

REMEMBER THE KOMAGATA MARU?

SUCH PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE SINCE THOSE DAYS...

Please read it, and please forward it immediately.

Please attend the rally on Saturday.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki
Fateh,

People need to know that the Laibar Singh is being deported on Monday December 10th. The Immigration officers came today and gave him the letter stating he must be at the Vancouver Airport by 11:30am. Laibar Singh Uncle Ji came and got sanctuary at Kalgidhar Darbar in Abbotsford. The Sangat has been wonderful and has been helping Mr. Singh financially as well as emotionally. Day in and day out he has people coming and visiting him, offering him words of encouragement and enlightment. He is a wonderful being.

Today all he did was cry, he's afraid of what's to come. The fact is even if Mr. Singh goes back to India, do you really think there is going to be the same amount of progress as he's making now (from where he was before and where he is physically now) - its astonishing. He can tell the difference between hot and cold, before he couldn't! Before he didn't even know when he was urinating or anything), will he get the one-to-one care he deserves?

Even if people flood the man with donations, who is going to handle the money out there? If we get him into a private hospital, how are we going to manage and trust the people that will be taking care of him? My brain is flooded with questions. I honestly think the best care Uncle Ji will get is RIGHT HERE. He has so many doctors that give him unlimited attention, he has his amazing caregivers, he has Guru Ji's Sangat.

There are many people that don't know the entire story. Yes he came here with a fake passport or whatever -but so many people have done this is in the past and continue to do so in order to seek refuge from persecution.

Mr Singh is a paralysed man, hoping to get better, he's wanting to stay until he gets well and is able to at least sit up and his doctors are saying that it is more then possible for him. We could have easily taken this whole situation out of the public and done it underground, but we didn't! Why don't they realise this? Also there have been a couple of cases in the past where people took santuary in Churches and were given status.

If you read online or in the papers, people have horrible comments about Mr. Singh. Basically they base there judgements on what they hear. They blindfold themselves and their hearts and don't realise what's really going on. They complain about tax money -- do they even know how many people have made contributions to Mr. Singh's treatment that wasn't taken from tax money?

You know the Sikh Community has never had a case like this, its so unique and with the amount of supporters Mr. Singh has its a shame to see that the Government is not recognising or realising this. Please, please Guru Pyari Sadh Sangat Ji come help, come support.

Tomorrow, Friday December 7th there is going to be a Press Conference at 4:30PM for the Media happening at (Building #) 300 West Georgia Street

Saturday, December 8th at 2:00PM there will be a Rally and Campaign happening at 13450 102nd Avenue Surrey at the Citizenship Office

If you have any questions or comments please contact Harjap 778-552-2099 or Ninder 778-808-9551

Thank you sooo much!
Ninder
Kaur Gill"

***

Post originally from http://roadtokhalistan.blogspot.com/

FREE BURMA!

2007-10-13T02:15:00.000+01:00

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/972303571

http://www.freeburma.org/

It happens in India [ http://www.sikhgenocide.org/ + http://ensaaf.org/ ] and now it's happening openly in Burma too....

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing

Chattar Sion & Jeevan Sion, Mini Justice Served

2007-10-07T04:05:00.000+01:00

Amritsar, October 5
In a bizarre incident, agitated activists of the Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee picked up two brothers from the shop of famous publishers Jeewan Singh Chattar Singh and Sons, near Golden Temple, and blackened their faces in full public view. They later dragged them to a room of the Akal Takht secretariat here this evening.

However, Baljit Singh and Prabhjit Singh were freed from the illegal detention in the Akal Takht room on the intervention of Giani Gurbachan Singh, head granthi of the Golden Temple, and senior police officers. The Jathedar of Akal Takht was reportedly on duty when the incident occurred.

The brothers are accused of selling 50 “birs” of Guru Granth Sahib to a Delhi-based Sikh couple. The activists of the committee followed the vehicle of the couple Surinder Singh and his wife up to Beas. They intercepted them and compelled them to return to Amritsar. The agitating Sikh activists alleged that the birs were stacked in the Delhi couple’s vehicle and they were wearing shoes. It is alleged that the couple wanted to sell the birs at a high price. It is alleged that both brothers were first beaten up in full public view and then in the room of Akal Takht. The heavy police force that reached the incident site could not intervene because of the surcharged religious sentiments.

A senior SGPC member and convener of the Akal Purkh Ki Fauj, Jaswinder Singh Advocate, justified the action of the committee. He said they won’t allow the police to take action against the Sikh activists. He said the matter had been brought to the notice of SGPC chief Jathedar Avtar Singh. The “direct action” was taken by the committee under the leadership of Amrik Singh of the Damdami Taksal.

SSP KVP Singh, who himself went to the SGPC office to defuse the situation, told The Tribune that the “matter would be resolved”. He said nobody had been arrested so far. He said the publishers had hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs by selling the birs against ‘maryada’, but the committee should not have taken law into its hand. Both brothers were taken to police station. “They have not been arrested”, he clarified.

Harbhajan Singh, father of both victims, alleged that the police stood a mute spectator when his sons were in illegal custody. “This is no Sikhism”, he said.

It may be mentioned here that on May 3, 2001, the five Sikh high priests had summoned Bhai Jeewan Singh and Chattar Singh and sons at Akal Takht on May 14 for publishing the holy Guru Granth Sahib in violation of the hukamnama (edict).

The hukamnama issued by the then Jathedar Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, on May 9, 1998, had directed that the SGPC had the sole right to print the ‘birs’ of holy Guru Granth Sahib as per the Sikh maryada in order to prevent “blasphemous” acts of private publishers.

However, despite repeated warnings, Bhai Jeewan Singh and Chattar Singh continued to violate the directives of Akal Takht and for this they were also declared ‘tankhayia’. The publishers had evaded their appearance at Akal Takht on one pretext or the other.

Again, on April 22 last year, the SGPC had directed the oldest publishers of Amritsar, Jeewan Singh Chattar Singh and Sons, and other publishers to stop the publication of Guru Granth Sahib as per the directives of Akal Takht eight years ago.

The SGPC had warned that a CD, which was in its possession, showed a publisher selling Guru Granth Sahib to a Muslim seer even though Akal Takht had banned performing “path” of Guru Granth Sahib at “samadhis”.

The “malpractice” of the publisher was also highlighted through a sting operation. The publisher was shown accusing the SGPC of having failed to supply good quality “birs” as per the demand of the Sikh “sangat”.

Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071006/main9.htm

pauVI ]
pourree
Pauree:

hir jil Qil mhIAil BrpUir dUjw nwih koie ]
har jal thal meheeal bhurupoor dhoojaa naahi koe
The Lord pervades and permeates the water, the land and the sky; there is no other at all.

hir Awip bih kry inAwau kUiVAwr sB mwir kFoie ]
har aap behi kurae niaao koorriaar subh maar kutoe
The Lord Himself sits upon His Throne and administers justice. He beats and drives out the false-hearted.

sicAwrw dyie vifAweI hir Drm inAwau kIEie ]
sachiaaraa dhaee vaddiaaee har dhurum niaao keeoue
The Lord bestows glorious greatness upon those who are truthful. He administers righteous justice.

sB hir kI krhu ausqiq ijin grIb AnwQ rwiK lIEie ]
subh har kee kuruhu ousuthath jin gureeb anaath raakh leeoue
So praise the Lord, everybody; He protects the poor and the lost souls.

jYkwru kIE DrmIAw kw pwpI kau fMfu dIEie ]16]
jaikaar keeou dhurumeeaa kaa paapee ko ddundd dheeoue
He honors the righteous and punishes the sinners. ||16||

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

After ignoring various Hukamnamay from Akaal Takht Sahib and doing nothing when summoned to apologize for the act, Chattar Sion and Jeevan Sion have finally got some small part of what they deserve.

How can someone with a dastaar on their head 'SELL' their Guru for a profit to person who they know is blatently going to disrespect Guru ji (through innocence or anti-Sikh thinking....)

Hopefully this will send a message to all other printers of Gurbani that if they aren't in line with the Rehit Maryada, and the police/law fails then Singh's will hesitantly re-enact the events of this day.

Big heart felt thank you to the Gursikh Sangat in Panjab, India who stood up and did what was needed.

This is a humble request to all Sangat - please do not print Gurbani in Gurmukhi font on your wedding cards, posters, Akhaand Paath invitations etc. When printing Gurbani in Gurmukhi font it's the exact same form that is found within Siri Guru Granth Sahib ji Maharaaj and Gutka Sahibs, that we treat with utmost respect - the Gurbani that Singhs have and will die for to maintain the respect of.

As an alternative simply write the english transliteration and translation, example:

jaikaar keeou dhurumeeaa kaa paapee ko ddundd dheeoue
He honors the righteous and punishes the sinners. ||16||

The reader will get the message and the Gurbani won't end up being touched by dirty hands, put on the floor and eventually thrown away with the household rubbish.

It's the responsibility of every Sikh to ensure that respect for Gurbani is maintained - it is no group of peoples duty to ensure this. If every Sikh reminded our own friends and families that when they contact printers, poster makers, leaflet designers etc they shouldn't print in Gurmukhi then maybe our Guru would ensure we are blessed with a Gursikh lifestyle.

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

BOLAAAAAAY SO NIHAAAAAAAL
SAT SIRI AKAAAL!!!

Road To Khalistan Blog

2007-06-17T02:58:00.000+01:00

Witness stories that are shocking, awe-inspiring and absolutely amazing… beyond description…

The real, true experiences of three Khalsa women in Delhi in November, 1984.

http://roadtokhalistan.blogspot.com/

If you only have time to check one blog for updates, make it this one.

State of India

2007-03-22T18:14:00.000Z

When the country is ran by these people, no wonder so many minorities are tortured to death in India, and corruption is the only currency..

Torture main reason of death in police custody: Study

2007-03-13T15:46:00.000Z

Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 12
Deadly facts about torture during interrogation in Punjab have come alive in a study on custodial deaths by the Institute of Correctional Administration. As many as 50 per cent of the police officials talked to have admitted that third degree methods are used against the suspects due to social and political pressures.

The study, carried out by the institute’s deputy director Dr Upneet Lalli, has further revealed that need for conducting speedy investigation is another reason. “There is a pressure (on the cops) to perform as also pressure to conform”, the report says. For the purpose of the conducting the study, as many as 150 police officials were talked to.

The report adds: Lack of accountability and almost total immunity enjoyed by the police until recently accounts for the fact that 58 per cent of them feel there is no sense of shame in cops accused of torture. Only 27 per cent say their colleagues feel bad about the use of force to effect confession and recovery.

“There seems to be no clear cut message from the top about intolerance to torture as 18 per cent feel their seniors will feel bad. Another 27 per cent have opposite to say,” the report asserts. Just 10 per cent of the police personnel are aware of the guidelines issued by the National Human Rights Commission on custody-related issues. Only 12 per cent are correctly able to specify the Articles of the Constitution dealing with the matter, even though a majority of them are aware of the Supreme Court verdict in D.K. Basu versus State of West Bengal case.

The voluminous 200-page study “Custodial Deaths and Human Rights Commission - an analysis of its role and prevention” has already been submitted to the Punjab State Human Rights Commission. Quoting the contents of the report, the sources in the commission say just one-fourth of the officers talked to admit consultation with their seniors or the relevant rules in case of doubt about their powers.

As many as 90 per cent police personnel from the state and even outside agree to the need for adopting scientific methods of investigations against the hardened criminals. “The main kind of abuse a person faces in police custody has been mentioned as physical (41 per cent) and mental (67 per cent),” it adds. “The main reason behind deaths in police custody has been mentioned as torture, medical negligence and drug addiction”.

Panjab Police - Case Study

Torture of Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Ji

Avtar Singh, a candidate for the Punjab Assembly brutally tortured (with hot iron and electric shock) and murdered by the Indian Police.

Another example of the barbaric behavior of Indian Security forces. This is the treatment Sikhs get in the so-called "largest democracy in the world." Bhai Avatar Singh Ji, pictured below had received the following barbaric treatment for being a Sikh :

His abdomen was burnt by using a hot ironing-press.
His right fore-arm was cut open.
All the major bones in both of his arms were broken.
Hot pinchers were used on his wrists to poke burn his skin.
Hot Steel rods were used to burn the soles of his feet (not shown)

This is just one case, of literally thousands. Amnesty International and other Human Rights Organizations have been crying out about these abuses for decades, while the Panjabi people like myself are living comfortably and whenever someone mentions a case of torture, or police brutality its taboo. We begin covering our ears, and try changing the subject.

We're basically ignoring a problem, like the ANI propaganda about drug abuses in current day Panjab.

These cases of torture are NOT a thing of the past, you just have to look at two recent detainee's Bhai Panjab Singh (UK) and Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara. The only reason we hear about these cases of torture is because these people are 'high profile' Sikhs, many are still in jails since the 1980's WITHOUT TRIAL who are simply forgotten.

Singhs still in prison for 20+ years, and if they are released they're just hounded constantly in their old age. By contrast in Africa, Nelson Mandela went to prison and became Prime Minister.

Sikh Women have suffered no less.

The only way these things are going to stop, is if we realize as a community, or atleast accept these things are happening. How can a problem be solved, such a huge problem, if we dont even accept it exists?

There have been many recent efforts to promote awareness of female infanticide, a problem rife in Panjab for centuries. It is only after accepting a problem that we can begin to address it.

Wake up, wake your families and friends up.

For you it's a short conversation, for another human being it could be freedom.

Feel free to forward, circulate or cut any part of this post.

Current Badal/'Akali' Government Gift to Panjab

2007-03-09T01:45:00.000Z

Ban on Swords - Sign The Petition

2007-03-05T23:40:00.000Z

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Reconsider an outright ban on swords.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/swords/#detail

The proposed ban on the import, sale and manufacture of swords will have an adverse effect on legitimate practitioners, collectors and manufacturers. Actual sword related crime is very rare and does not warrant a ban that affects the cultural activities of thousands of legitimate martial artists, collectors and smiths. Current legislation is quite adequate to deal with violent crime connected with bladed weapons. New legislation is merely for show. Enforcing such a ban will also affect cultural events such as Scottish Sword Dancing and many Sikh festivals. We urge the PM to reconsider this knee jerk reaction to media influenced scaremongering.

Imagine a Gatka Demo without Siri Sahibs and Khanday, or the 5 Pyare not being able to hold Siri Sahibs at Nagar Keertans.

Sign the petition, only takes literally 10 seconds.

Sangat Attends Provocative Anti-Sikh Seminar

2007-03-03T00:56:00.000Z

After this thread a group of Sikhs decided to attend the event to try their best to educate other faiths about Gurmat and prevent any slander of our Guru's. This is a reponse written by one of the attendee's:

Waheguru jee ka khala waheguru jee kee phateh.

Piyari Saad Sangat Jeeo,

Yesterday there was a talk held in a London University by the islamic society who had invited recent converts to their religion.

After the Coventry Incident it had been decided amongst the Uk sangat that someone will attend this talk and remonstrate or demonstrate with the organisers if they put forward the recent speaker Aman Dhaliwal who went on to do nindia of guru sahibs. Usually we tend to get such negative responses from the sangat especially when satkar of guru jee or sikhi is concerned and something has been done about it, but what happened yesterday is surely commendable.

The youth who numbered about 50-60 including amritdharis and non amritdharis united in love for maharaj and went to this talk. With maharaj's will the Speaker Aman Dhaliwal had not attended. It was a sight to see in the lecture room, the room was full of 50-60 singhs. The atmosphere was slightly tense, probably due to the fact that maybe the organisers did not expect us.

When we walked in, IT WAS SAD TO SEE SOME SIKH LADS AND GIRLS STANDING WAITING at the entrance. One Sikh lad had a dastaar, and one mona lad came up to us very surprised and visibly shaking saying how did you find out about this?

Sangat jee we have to start involving ourselves in talks of other universities aswell...Firstly our own knowledge of other faiths will increase, but also we will get an opportunity to see just how many of our brothers and sisters are wavering or going over to other sides. Secondly, the people who go to these talks of other faith groups should make sure they have knowledge of what maharaj says about their faith. Some of these points will come up in a bit.

We didnt really see any other people there ie white people, mainly asian muslim or apnay. The talker started to talk. In effect what he said were valid points. He was a 30 year old black muslim male, who had been 'institutionalised' from day one in care homes, correctional establishments and bascially went through criminal actvities and prison spells until he read the Koran. Then he decided to become muslim but in his own words couldnt find a right practising 'muslim'. All credit to him because he also said that he was empty and if he had come across sikh, buddhist or hindu scriptures he would have 'filled up' with them. Then he also mentioned how he found muslim young people not really praying properly or not understanding what they were doing. There were similarities between our youth and them. He also talked about how the koran should be read by non muslims to see what it says. At the end he opened up to questions from the floor.

Singh1 put his hand up saying the reason why they were there was because of the 'sikh' convert speaker issue. He went onto to say that there is free will and democracy in this country. Funny how that is mentioned when it pleases the mind. Simple answer to that was that singh 1 asked if he had kids. The speaker replied he did, and singh 1 asked would he educate them about islam he replied definitely, then was asked would he feel pain therefore if his children converted to another faith? It hit him that maybe other people are just as passionate about their faiths apart from islam.

Singh 2 then chose to expand on the definition of 'Sikh'. The islamic society from coventry had said Sikh Convert on their flyers etc but how can one convert if they were not sikh in the first place. Singh 2 asked the speaker to think about the use of the word convert , revert by asking if he had any faith before being muslim [he said he was a convert]; the speaker replied no and agreed that he really was not a convert because he was empty before.

Singh 3 then chose to tell the whole audience that Guru jee refers to the nature of a muslim in guru granth sahib jee as having a heart of wax ie should be compassionate and accepting of others, and this is contrary to making others a part of their own system. This was met with a round of applause from everyone in the hall.

Singh 4 then chose to make it clear that aman dhaliwal should not really slander the gurus or talk disrespectfully of the SIkh religion, and neither should he be talking as it is clearly provocative. The talker agreed entirely and promised to let the organisers and islamic societys know that this is important that he does not slander sikhi in anyway shape or form.

Sangat jee , for your information at the speaker quoted from the koran [i think it might have been the cow section of koran]- that one should not enforce religion on another- at this point Singh 1 wanted to ask " so is it true to say that a muslim going out trying to convert others is not right pracitising?" but time did not allow us to.

In between all this the dean of the university and a hindu entertainments rep from the student union tried to stop the talk which was quite funny because the conversation was amicable and not at all threatening.

In fact there were muslims in the lecture room who were agreeing with what was being said. Sangat jee we need to be really clear with our thoughts and intentions.

The number of youths there looked intimidating but the way the conversation went , it seemed that parchar of what a gursikh should be like was also going on.

Saadh sangat jee to clarify more issues at the end of the talk singh 1 went to the front to talk to the speaker with others. He represents a society called ISLAMIC PROPAGATION SOCIETY you should be able to get charity number from charity commission. We obtained his email to make sure the so called sikh talker does not talk again or is controlled - but we need to monitor these situations...our eyes and ears at unis are students themselves...baki maharaj kirpa kardea.

Singh 1 asked the speaker if a muslim does not get up for fajr niwaaj [their amrit vela prayer] then can they be called a muslim? he said definitely not. Singh1 said similarly if a Sikh cannot satisfy the definition of a sikh by Guru jee, then he cannot be a sikh. Our role is to work up to this definition.

THE SPEAKER REMARKED: HE DID NOT KNOW SUCH A DEFINITON OF A SIKH EXISTED.

Conclusion The singhs left controlled and with piyar. The task was complete, but we know by all means it never will be completed as Guru jees itihaas [history] has shown us. But one thing is for sure, credit goes out the youth ; who ususally dont get credit for good things.

When the everyone returned to gurdwara a collective ardas was done asking maharaj for knowledge of our sikhi , keeping tiyar bar tiyar in rehit so that we can offer our minds bodys and wealth to guru jee for seva as well as knowledge of other faiths for our own sake.

Sangat jee: important issues arose from this:
1) parchar of sikhi in 'needy' areas like prisons hospitals and schools - through leaflets gatka and maybe awareness weeks
2) need for ourselves to be tiar bar tiar but also veechar before travelling to panthic issues so that we can come to an agreed conclusion
3) preparation of materials explaining sikhi to the 't' all areas.
4) the presence of all sangat was powerful to sikh non sikh members of audience.

After the ardas, raagis were doing kirtan and sang the shabad "gursikha kee har dhoor de hum paapi bhee gat pae" give me the dust of the feet of gursikhs [love for each other] so that i the sinner may be saved.

Sangat jee maharaj built up the whole situation to finish it off with this lesson. All the gursikhs non amritdhari or not / different jathebandies also embraced each other. Shared fatehs and left.

please forgive any errors in relaying the events back.

please do ardas that maharaj har maidanay fateh isse tara bakshan.

Waheguru jee ka khala waheguru jee kee phateh.

Fourth Mehl:
One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name.
Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar.
Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased.
Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name.
One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind.
That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate - upon that GurSikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed.
Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2||

Don't Quit

2007-02-28T19:47:00.000Z

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.

"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo see. I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots" "I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said.

"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise" He asked in return.

"As high as it can" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and bring back this story.

Never Give up.

Global Priority

2007-02-01T04:10:00.000Z

Global Priority_______________________ US Billions
Military spending in the world___________________ 780 Billion
Narcotics drugs in the world____________________ 400 Billion
Alcoholic drinks in Europe _____________________ 105 Billion
Cigarettes in Europe__________________________ 50 Billion
Business entertainment in Japan _________________ 35 Billion
Pet foods in Europe and the United States ___________17 Billion
Basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world_____13 Billion
Perfumes in Europe and the United States ___________ 12 Billion
Reproductive health for all women in the world ________ 12 Billion
Ice cream in Europe_____________________________ 11 Billion
Water and sanitation for everyone in the world _________ 9 Billion
Cosmetics in the United States _____________________ 8 Billion
Basic education for everyone in the world _____________ 6 Billion

According to UNICEF, 30,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.That is about 210,000 children each week, or just under 11 million children under five years of age, each year.

A few hundred millionaires now own as much wealth as the world’s poorest 2.5 billion people

The richest 50 million people in Europe and North America have the same income as 2.7 billion poor people. “The slice of the cake taken by 1% is the same size as that handed to the poorest 57%.”

Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two dollars a day.

The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the poorest 48 nations (i.e. a quarter of the world’s countries) is less than the wealth of the world’s three richest people combined.

Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.

The poorer the country, the more likely it is that debt repayments are being extracted directly from people who neither contracted the loans nor received any of the money.

20% of the population in the developed nations, consume 86% of the world’s goods.

The top fifth of the world’s people in the richest countries enjoy 82% of the expanding export trade and 68% of foreign direct investment — the bottom fifth, barely more than 1%.

Who is it down to make a difference?

Is it likely the U.S or UK is going to cut its defence budget so that 11 million under 5 year olds don't die every year from painful starvation?

Everyday we can make choices, smart choices that will change things for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Think about the things you buy, sometimes its worth paying the extra for a quality item, but where we're just paying for the name - surely the extra money paid would be better giving an African family agricultural goods to feed themselves.

After so many scandals and cases of charitable funds going astray, I don't trust anybody or any organisation when it comes to money. It's a sad state of affairs when Shaheed funds are being used for political advancement when the families who gave lives for our faith are left with nothing but pictures and no usable income.

Our own mothers are in widow colonies around Delhi, doing demeaning jobs for people who laugh at their loss everyday, and we still do nothing.

Nothing drastic is needed, we don't need to sell up everything we have and give it all to charity .. just next time you go to India, or any other third world country take some time to visit Shaheed's families, find free charitable hospitals, schools and try and give whatever you can. if you cant give financially, just you taking an afternoon out playing with the children could mean more to them than we could ever imagine.

Some quotes from the unofficial Pingalwara Site:

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." -Albert Einstein

There’s enough on this planet for everyone’s needs but not for everyone’s greed — Mahatma Gandhi

When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.— Dom Helda Camara

There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher-Henry Van Dyke

Leeds Chapeltown Gurdwara Bans Parties with Alcohol, Meat on Premises

2007-01-31T18:20:00.000Z

In a great triumph by Akal Purakh Vaheguru for the Panth, with the grace of Satguru Ji, Gurdwara ‘SikhTemple Chapeltown’, Leeds will no longer allow parties, alcohol, and meat on any of its premises, and as a result the anti-gurmat activity that had been ongoing for more than 25 years has now come to an end.

The Sikh community is indebted to the local sangat and the management committee for their momentous and principled decision and is grateful for the guidance and direction from Akal Takhat Sahib for helping resolve this longstanding issue. A Sandesh from theAkal Takht that party halls should not have any association to Gurdwaras was issued in April 2006 and Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti personally condemned the actions of the Leeds Gurdwara setup. Upon being requested by the Sikh Sangat both locally and nationally the committee previously said that they would make efforts to change the setup. However nothing to date had been done.

Leeds Chapeltown Gurdwara complex had for some years been the scene of disgraceful, anti-Gurmat scenes. Thecomplex consists of the Gurdwara with a party hall about 15 metres adjacent to it. The fact such activities were allowed to carry on in a building which is part of the Gurdwara estate was bad enough, however visitors to the hall would regularly smoke and drink in the shared car park, and sometimes the loudbeats from music played in the building next door would be heard over the sublime kirtan inside GuruJi’s Durbar.

Originally there were discussions about moving these activities into a community centre across the road about 50 metres away and to turn the building next door into a school. But this again proved unacceptable as the property would still be part of the Gurdwara estate and as purchased through Guru Ji’s golak.

On Sunday 21st January 2007, many concerned Sikh sangat from around the country travelled to the Gurdwara and a representative was allowed to share their concerns with the Sangat and appeal to the conscience of the wider local sangat. With Satguru ji’s grace, the local Sangat unanimously decided that these anti-Gurmat activities should no longer be allowed to continue in any part of the Gurdwara estate, be it next door or across the road.

Upon the decision by the sangat, the Gurdwara President reflected: “They (sangat from outside the area) came and they did their duty in front of us (sadhsangat) today. We apologise that we didn’t do what they have achieved. We were asleep until they woke us up and exposed what has been going on in front of you. We thank them on behalf of all the sangat for this day. We feel ashamed today as we knew the goings on in the hall were wrong and against Sikh maryada, but we still allowed it to carry on. We are happy today that the issue was raised with us and that the parties, alcohol or meat will not be allowed on any of our premises.”

This decision was made by the sangat in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. A written agreement was also made and all future parties cancelled. The Gurdwara will assist those who have already booked parties and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Of course these activities at Leeds Gurdwara are not isolated to this Gurdwara. The message that was sent out by Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, the Gurdwara Parbhandaks, and the Sangat is that anti-Gurmat activity will no longer be tolerated on any part of the Gurdwara estate.

Resonating this move in Leeds, an appeal goes out to all Gurdwara Committees that wherever such activities are allowed these must be brought to an end if we truly call ourselves Sikhs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. There are many needs within the community which can be served by such halls without needing to compromise Gurmat and contradict the divine values enshrined inGurbani. Teaching of Gurmat, our children’s education, needs of elders, activities for women and young people, are all too often neglected in favour of halls for parties. The Sikh community needs to re-assess its priorities and quite rightly the first priority must be respect for Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the upholding of Sikhi Gurmat values.

Respect For Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign
Tel: 07944-445651
Email: sikhalerts@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.Respect4GuruJi.co.uk
Blog: www.Respect4Guruji.blogspot.com

Working together, the UK Sikh Community will uphold Sikh Rehit Maryada and maintain respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

************

A Battle won, the war rages on.

To get involved in the Respect for Guru Granth Sahib ji campaign, which is the duty of every Sikh simply email or text the above number.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing"

Edmund Burke

What children see, children do. - Think!

2007-01-26T01:03:00.000Z

The brief for Children See Children Do was to let all adult Australians know that they have an influence on children within their community and that they can make a difference to children's wellbeing. The brief, a copy of which is attached, asked the creative team to address the concept that responsibility for children's wellbeing goes beyond parents and child care professionals and rests with all of us. The brief was to target the general public – all Australian adults.

A second part to the brief was to provide the first campaign to be launched under the social marketing brand Child Friendly Australia.

The brief was developed by NAPCAN and workshopped with the DDB team over several weeks. The brief was then put out through the DDB Creative teams and the final concept was selected from approximately eleven submitted. We have been extremely fortunate to have a major advertising agency prepared to contribute so much to this cause and to do so with the full expertise available to them (not the cheapest and easiest). Their most valuable contribution comes from their expert knowledge in knowing what and how to get a message to the public.

Making the Ad

The film was produced by Soma Films also on a pro-bono basis using professional talent and crew. NAPCAN contributed approximately $10,000 toward out of pocket expenses for the shoot and in recognition of the talent.

Before filming the script was sent to the Children's Guardian (Child Welfare) who oversee any filming which involves children to ensure that during filming the children are not exposed to harm in any way.

So, for example, the domestic violence scene was put together by filming the child separately to the adults and putting the total scene together in post production. When we saw the first rough of the film the girl with the cigarette was not holding anything – the cigarette and smoke was added digitally during the post production process.

Source: MrSikhNet.com

What In the World - Hairy Bread?

2007-01-23T13:44:00.000Z

Click This Link

Dealing with loss - Tejinderpal Singh 'Dhulla'

2007-01-18T11:05:00.000Z

(Image from: Kaurflicks Flickr)

Re: Dulla Ji's wife passed away recently in a motor vehicle accident.....this is how her family is dealing with their loss......... it is WORTH reading...please make sure you read it!

This is very inspiring....it is how we should ALL accept our Guru's will.

Vaheguru Vaheguru Vaheguru Vaheguru Vaheguru!!!

Gurmukh Pyaare jio,

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa|| Vaheguru ji ki Fateh||

I visited Guru pyaare Tejinderpal Singh ji, Dulla ji on Sunday. Singh’s had told me that Veerji is in Chardhi Kala and I wanted to see first hand how Gurmukh pyare Gursikhs not only accept Guru ji’s Will but accept it as sweet.

Here is the scene at Dulla ji’s home when I arrived. Read on and be inspired!

The house is full of Sangat. Local Toronto gursikhs and gursikhs from all over Canada, USA and India are here. Gursikh Singhs and bibian are doing seva and helping out in various ways. Singhs are setting sheets in the room for the evening keertan. There is no crying or sorrow, but rather a sense of peace and calm on everyone’s face showing the acceptance of guru jis bhaanaa. Bhai Amarjit Singh Rekhi from NJ meets me with a loving embrace and show me the way to the room Dulla ji resting in.

I see Dulla ji with other gursikhs. He is smiling and talking to the gursikhs. There is a wheel chair beside his bed. He sees me and with a radiating smile says fateh. Placing the flowers I had brought in the room I approach him and he hugs and kisses me and in a chardhi kala voice says, “Kee haal hai?” (How're you?) I tell him I am now in full chardhi kala seeing his high spirits. I ask how he is doing and he says with a radiating smile, “Bahut bakhsish hai!”(Lots of blessings) He is being his good old self and is smiling and laughing as he quotes Gurbani. My first expression within my heart was Wow! Vaah! This Gusikh is living Guru ji’s message in reality!

Jo nar dukh mai dukh nahi maanai||
Sukh saneh ar bhai nahi ja kai kanchan maatee maanai||

Sukh dukh dono sam kar janai…

I hold his hands as I say: “Veerjio, I had heard that spiritually you are in chardhi kala, so I wanted to see first hand how my Gurmukh Pyaare Veerji is doing and what a living example of gusikhs accepting Guru ji’s Will looks like. I can’t explain the joy of seeing you in such chardhi kala. Guru ji’s words

‘Jo nar dukh mai dukh nahi maanai’
That man, who in the midst of pain, does not feel pain,

are being lived in reality! Vaah! Vaah!

Kehbe ko soobhaa nahi dekhaa hee parvaan!”
I cannot describe its sublime glory; it has to be seen to be appreciated. ||121||

Truly my words cannot describe what I saw. The chardhi kala Veerji radiates has to be experienced in person. I told veerji that I had not come to give anything but to get something from him. And seeing him in this great avasthaa had given me what I was looking for. I felt like he was given me the support at this tough time through is radiance and chardhi kala!

Dulla ji and I spoke for a few minutes and then he said to a sevadar Singh “Ehna noo jal paani chakkaao.” (Give some refres

I come out of the room and meet Guru pyaare Bhain ji Jasbir Kaur ji’s brothers Jagmohan Singh Veerji and Upkar Singh Veerji, and they are in chardhi Kala also. I meet Jasbir Bhainji’s mother in the kitchen and see is in chardhi Kala too. I asked where Uncle ji is (Jabir Bhainji’s father, Sardar Satnam Singh ji). I am led to the master bedroom. Guru Pyaare Satnam Singh ji is sitting on the bed speaking with Gursikhs. I approach him and he lovingly embraces me and says fateh. He has no sorrow on his face either. Just a smile as he speaks. I tell him how pleased I am to see everyone in the family in Chardhi Kala accepting Guru ji’s will. He say’s it is the blessings of the Guru and the sangat of all gursikhs that is supporting them in this time. I tell him what another gursikh had told me the other day that Guru ji calls the ones that are beloved to him earlier than expected. Guru Pyaare Satnam Singh ji smiled. He say’s the time had come and so Guru ji called Jasbir Kaur ji back.

The evening keertan had started. I bow before Satguru ji and thank Him for a glimpse of gursikhs living His message. It was really awe-inspiring to see all these gursikhs seeing the will of God as sweet. This was such a contrast to other homes I have been at to give condolences after someone’s death where people are crying and the process of grieving seems so dry. At Dulla Veerji’s home the sangat was very positive and the aura of chardhi kala and sehaj prevailed. Even Jasbir Kaur Bhainji’s children are in high spirits. This is the greatness of Satguru ji’s message that has touched these hearts.

My visit to Dulla Veerji’s home has given me the feeling of Chardhi kala. The other gursikhs I have heard being in such chardhi kala during death is Bhai Sahib Pritam Singh Chani ji. Chani ji had told me that when his mother was on her death bed at the hospital he stayed immersed in Gurbani all that time. He was sitting in keertan in the morning when a Singh came running and told him that his mother had passed away. He was asked to come right away. Chani ji told the Singh that now that his mother had passed away why leave Guru ji’s sangat. He told the Singh to wait as well and that they would leave after the samapti and Langar. We all know Chani ji is a great gursikh who lives in the anand of gurbani. The same seems so true of Dulla ji and his family.

I felt like I had seen another episode of Bhai Bekhaari ji story from guru ji’s period. Vaah! Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru ke Sikh Pyaare!

I mentioned my experience at Dulla Veerji’s home to colleagues at work and they all got it. Most of my colleagues are practicing Catholics and they said that they too have the same message to accept the Will of the Lord as sweet at such times, but it is very rare to see someone stay in such high spirits at such a time. They were inspired and have reflected that it takes a lot of Faith to live in such Light and high spirits.

I urge those of you who can make it out this weekend for the funeral and Keertan to please come. As much as you would like to see Dulla ji, his family, and all gursikhs I must say that Dulla ji and his family will love seeing you there as well!

Daas,
Gursev Singh

******

If anyone would like this image, or article removed please post in the comments.

Ardas for Dhulla Ji

2007-01-10T00:33:00.000Z

Bhai Tejinderpal Singh 'Dhulla' from Toronto has had a serious car accident and is in hospital, please do ardaas for their Chardikala.

Dhulla ji's wife has passed away, so please also do ardaas for their Aatmik Shanti.

Please forward to all Gursikhs.

Sikhi Camp 2006 Audio

2007-01-04T23:05:00.000Z

Although a few months late, audio has been released from one, if not the best camp in the UK.

Gurbani Uchaaran, Simran, Raag, Life Changing Speeches, Keertan, Kavishiree, Jaikaray

you name it, they have it.

To get the audio go here:

Click Me

Take 5 Minutes to Help Free 3 Sikhs

2007-01-03T23:17:00.000Z

Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa
Vaheguru ji ki Fateh

You may have heard of the case of the 3 Sikhs who have been recently arrested in Punjab, India under suspicious circumstances, all the evidence points to the fact that the charges are fabricated and it is another abuse of power by the Punjab Police on innocent Sikhs. Below you will find an article that was published in the Indian Express which reveals some of the truths on the case.

We urge all Sikhs in the UK to write to their MP’s & MEP’s for this purpose a standard letter has been drafted and is attached. To get the contact details of your MP please visit www.parliament.uk and if you don’t know who your MP/MEP’s are then please go to www.writetothem.com where you simply enter your postcode and you will be told who your MP/MEP’s are. We urge all Sikh organisations and Gurdwaras to write directly to the Foreign Secretary and Indian High Commission – for this purpose a standard letter is also attached. It would be appreciated if individuals and organisations who do write to their MP’s/Foreign Secretary/Indian High Commission etc – to please keep us informed of who approaches have been made to, this is to allow the campaign to keep a pace with developments.

NB – The next court hearing on the case is on 12th January 2007, so there is an urgency to make approaches and delegations as soon as possible which will assist in resolving this matter. Could you all please forward this message to your contacts and any egroups you may be a member of.

Finally we would like to thank all Sikhs and the media throughout the world who have already shown tremendous support in the campaign to free the 3 Sikhs. For further information about the campaign and to forward any correspondence please contact:

Campaign to Free 3 Sikhs
ravigakhal@hotmail.com

Tel:
Kulwant Singh – 07765 859190

Download Template letters:

Member of Parliament Letter for Individuals
Foreign Secretary/High Commission Letter (For Organizations)

Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa
Vaheguru ji ki Fateh

Happy New Years

2007-01-01T22:58:00.000Z

My friends will be waiting

For my new year greetings wishing them happiness
Oh my friend!
How can I wish happy new Year to you
As yet I still have to guard my heritage under constant threat of humiliation.

The turban of my Father is rolling somewhere in the dust
It might be waste in the dark corner of some police station.
After the murders of our mothers and sisters, tears have been unceasing.
Our innocent boys who are soft as flowers lie beneath the bridges, below the trees murdered in false encounters.

Our sister's honour remains unavenged since the Delhi massacre
I am in great and constant grief like the tender butterfly that flutters and
turns white with fear, Whose wings have turned grey with the passing of time.

In this struggle I may not be recognised and may get lost
And in this dreadful situation in what way can I then convey my New year greetings to you.

We will wait for better times.

Then shall I send such greetings
When Spring visits our garden.

Shaheed Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Manochahal
Jathedar Akaal Takht 1986

Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa Tribute (FULL)

2006-12-29T01:10:00.000Z


The full tribute video for the Great Saint, The Knower of God, The complete being - Acting Jathedar of Damdami Taksal in the absence of Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale - Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa...1915-2004 Barsi photos/videos/recordings to be posted soon.

Paramjit Singh Exposes Dirty Politics and Police Torture

2006-12-28T09:04:00.000Z

Paramjit Singh Exposes Dirty Politics and Police Torture
Dec 27, 2006

In the last few days we have witnessed Indian politics and police corruption at its worst. With the Panjab Assembly elections fast approaching dirty politics and dishonest police officers have once again been exposed.

Parmjit Singh a UK citizen was arrested on the 23 December 2006 and is one of three innocent victims who has revealed through his treatment the level of police corruption and brutality. He is the latest innocent victim of abuse of political power and police torture carried out at the behest of political pay masters worried about their future.

The three Sikhs being held are Parmjit Singh, Amolak Singh and Jasvinder Singh. The three victims have committed no crime and are being held on fabricated charges of processing explosives. All three Sikhs had their articles of faith removed, were stripped naked and tortured. It is clear the police have been using torture to coerce the three Sikhs to sign confessional statements under duress.

On the 24 December 2006 all three Sikhs were presented in court by the police, the police failed in presenting the Sikhs within the allocated 24 hour limit to get police remand and the judge questioned why due process had not been followed. The police applied for a 14 day police remand, but the judge only granted remand for four days until the 28 December 2006. Eye witnesses who were present in court said it was clear to see the deterioration in health of the Sikhs and that they had undoubtedly been tortured.

Initially the Punjab Police denied that they had detained Paramjit Singh but later admitted that they had. The British Embassy wished to speak to Paramjit Singh, but have to date been denied access to him. On the 25 December 2006 a representative from the British Consulate was refused a visit to meet and see Parmjit Singh. The Sikhs have been denied basic rights. Amolak Singh suffers from blood pressure and has been refused his medicine, Parmjit Singh is an allergy sufferer who has also been refused his medication.

For Parmjit Singh this is the repeat of a nightmare. He was a victim before, when he was imprisoned in India for 3 months, but was subsequently cleared of all charges that were shown to be false.

The media has already highlighted glaring deficiencies in the police claims. For example, the Indian Express reported that that the police stated they found explosives from a mound of hay near Parmjit Singh's native village of Gakhal near Jalandhar. But a visit to Gakhal revealed a different reality. None of the villagers, including Sarpanch Surinder Singh, were aware of any police operation in the area. Various other villagers who work opposite where the police claim to have found explosives corroborated that no police had come to dig up arms and explosives.

A spokesman for Khalsa Human Rights said: 'It is clear the charges have been fabricated due to political reasons and given the lack of evidence are trying to obtain confessional statements through torture. All three Sikhs are innocent and should be released without further delay.

Harjinder Singh
Khalsa Human Rights

Baba Thakur Singh Ji's Barsi (UK)

2006-12-22T14:33:00.000Z

Baba Ji visiting Guru Sahib's Darbar.

Barsi Information:

2006-12-22T14:29:00.000Z

In Loving Memory of Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji

Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa

2006-12-21T21:05:00.000Z


A tribute to a Pooran Brahmgyani - Mahapurakh Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa, Karajkari Mukhi Damdami Taksal (1984-2004)

Peaceful Demo's Across UK

2006-12-12T14:41:00.001Z

Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Peaceful Protests at Ek Niwaas and Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust Greenford

Over the past weekend once again Sikhs had to take direct action through peaceful protest to prevent further disrespect to their 11th Guru, Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. On 10th December 2006 Sikhs from across the country, with Guru Ji’s grace, managed to restore Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the living Word and Guru incarnate to their rightful throne of the Gurdwara at two locations in England.

Ek Niwas Wolverhampton
As some readers may already be aware, there has been a history of disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Ek Niwas, Wolverhampton. Discussions had continued over several months with negotiators including Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh from Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and representatives of Gurdwara Councils of Sandwell and Wolverhampton. These discussions had culminated in a signed agreement between the Sikh community and Ek Niwas, witnessed by representatives of West Midlands Police. The agreement concluded that the two saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Ek Niwas would be respectfully accompanied to Akal Takhat Sahib unless the Akal Takhat gave permission for Ek Niwas to continue to have the company of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Akal Takhat Sahib refused the request from Ek Niwas due to the presence of idols and other activities, such as dancing, inconsistent with Sikh practice.

It recently transpired however, that Ek Niwas had taken a contentious and devious route instead, of obtaining two senchiyaa (volumes) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and carried out parkash (revelation of scriptures for public Court) together on a manji sahib (dais). Such parkash symbolises the embodiment and presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and went against the original agreement.

On the morning of Sunday 10 December Sikhs gathered outside Ek Niwas to firstly confirm in police presence the attendance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Ek Niwas and upon confirmation to accompany Guru Ji to a Gurdwara. Upon substantiation of the containment of Guru Ji’s saroop at Ek Niwas the protestors grew in number. Early in the afternoon members of Ek Niwas became abusive and violent as they spouted inflammatory language, made indecent gestures and hurled missiles at the Sikh sangat who were peacefully stood outside the centre, many of them praying.

One Sikh youngster received extensive cuts to his forehead and a further two were injured as a result of violence by Ek Niwas followers. In response to the abuse and attack on the protestors some Sikhs entered Ek Niwas, however upon police intervention quickly departed. Police responded by cordoning off the main Dudley Road, barricaded the protestors off and repulsed any further protestors from arriving or leaving. Due to the violence by Ek Niwas followers, sangat from across Wolverhampton and neighbouring towns began to arrive as word spread of this incident. By late afternoon Sikhs from cities across the country had started to arrive to share the duty of restoring respect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They were in preparation to camp there all night if this was the seva Guru Ji had set them. With the growing numbers, which by early evening were amassing several hundred, a resolution was reached and by 9pm senchiyaa of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji returned to Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sedgley St in Wolverhampton and their righteous resting place at the House of the Guru (Gurdwara).

Thereupon Guru Ji blessed the Sikh Sangat with the following Hukamnama: http://www.sikhitothemax.com/page.asp?ShabadID=2074

Sikhs are a community who are not only tolerant to other faiths but also respect other peoples beliefs. In so doing Sikhs do not have anything against Ek Niwas; nonetheless when the question of respect to our eternal Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji arises, Sikhs will not sit aside whilst their Guru is confined to an inappropriate location. Sikhs contend that the Ek Niwas Centre is clearly not a multi-faith centre but a Hindu mandir. Ek Niwas is affiliated to the National Hindu Council which works closely with the World Hindu Council, which does not recognize the existence of Sikhism as a separate religion. Contrary to a truly multi-faith centre, Muslim scriptures are not kept at the centre, the Muslim insignia has been removed from the centre’s gates and the centre lacks both a functional Muslim prayer room and a chapel for Christians to pray in. The centre is seen therefore as deliberately setting out to provoke the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust Greenford
On the same day as the campaign at Ek Niwas in Wolverhampton a simultaneous peaceful protest was held at a centre known as Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust on Greenford Road in Southall. Even though the building is fronted as a Gurdwara contra-Sikh activities were being carried out at this centre. There is a code of conduct which regulates the procedures and practices for the care of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Any environment and practice which violates this code causes disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

After two hours of discussions some of the congregation of Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust agreed that they were in gross violation of Sikh maryada, and came to agreement that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji would not remain in the premises and would be restored to their rightful place at a Gurdwara. Despite this agreement, one of the occupants pressed the panic alarm as the Sikhs were leaving. The police arrived within minutes and unaware of the agreement stopped the Sikhs from progressing. The lady in charge at the Wadbhag Singh Trust incorrectly told the police that the Sikhs were forcibly taking Guru Ji; the police proceeded to remove the Sikhs from the building who consequently resumed the peaceful protest outside.

At Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were kept in an undignified manner in a room where bras and make-up were found in sachkhand or resting place of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the inner sanctum of any Gurdwara. The sachkand should be mandatorily confined to no other use other than Guru Ji’s resting place. Furthermore, practices being carried out at Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust, including Hindu idols and black magic, as at Ek Niwas are proscribed in the Sikh religion. The environment and circumstances at Wadbhag Singh Trust like Ek Niwas were in contrast to the principles and values of Guru Ji. The violation of code of conduct, disregard and disrespect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust so distressed the Sikh community that the protestors included many elderly, young, and women picketers, illustrating the impact this disrespect had on the entire Sikh community. The peaceful protest lasted a further 6 hours and negotiations between the police, protestors and the Trust eventually resolved that the 3 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were to be restored to their rightful abode at the Gurdwara.

An Unacceptable Widespread Problem
Sikhs are proud to be British and don’t only talk about values such as tolerance, their history is one of interfaith practice and respect to other religions which is inseparable from their philosophy. They live side by side in harmony with all races and communities. The 9th Sikh Guru became a martyr by giving up his life for the freedom of others to practice a faith he did not aspire to and his predecessors had rebelled against. In spite of the respect Sikhs have for other religions, the fifth Guru the first Sikh martyr gave up his life to uphold the sovereignty of the Sikh faith from external influence and coercion by refusing to alter a passage within the text of Aad Granth Sahib Ji. Therefore disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is intolerable, and misappropriation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji deeply hurts the sentiments of the community. Imagine the hurt Christians would feel if the bible was mistreated or the Koran disrespected even though they are commonly referred to as books and adherents as people of the book. The hurt may be similar to the sacred offering by non-Christians of holy sacrament bread and wine as representation of the body of Christ or Eucharist. However, for a Sikh the hurt is incomparable as not only are Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji the literal Word of Sikh Gurus and the eternal textual embodiment of the previous Gurus, they have been bequeathed as the living 11th Guru and therefore are not remotely comparable to the description of book or scripture.

The incidents of the past weekend illustrate that disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is both an unacceptable and widespread problem. If the issue of respect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not adhered to, then Sikhs will have no option but to continue to raise their voice and deal with the problem in a positive manner. The responsibility to ensure respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must lie therefore foremost with the Sikh community. As in all faiths, the Sikh community needs regulations and safeguards to ensure that Sikh sentiments are not willfully offended by the continuous encroachment of their good nature. In a similar manner to other organized religions, Sikhs need to establish a centrally administered system to ensure compliance and monitoring of Sikh practices and regulation of Sikh centers. This is imperative to both scrutinize standards and to keep in check the ability of individuals to exploit some of the most vulnerable members of society by using Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to gain credibility for their unSikh practices.

Links:
Sikh Sangat Article
BBC News Article
SS Part 2 with pictures

Sunderland Worse Than We Thought...

2006-12-10T00:54:00.000Z

No Remorse for UK Violation of Maryada
Wednesday 29th of November 2006
Panthic Weekly News Bureau

Sunderland (KP) – Last month the Sikh Sangat in UK became aware of gross violation in Maryada in Sunderland after an Anand Karaj video was aired on Sky Digital Chanell RAJ TV on 14th October 2006. It was discovered that the Sunderland Sikh Association were responsible for allowing the Anand Karaj in the Hotel where not only was the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji taken violating the Hukamnama of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but also guest where given seats to sit on in the presence of Guru Sahib.

Scenes of Anand Karaj Beadbi aired on television on 14th Oct 2006

Manjeet S Cheema, General Secretary of the Sunderland Sikh Association, admitted that the Sunderland Sikh Association were responsible for organising the Anand Karaj that clearly violated Gur Maryada and that Granthi Narayan Singh was sent by the Gurdwara Management Committee to conduct the marriage ceremony. However, despite the admittance, the Sunderland Sikh Association has shown no remorse for violating the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and infringing of the Panthic Hukamnama.

Further investigations from the Sikh Sangat showed that the Sunderland Gurdwara Sahib has an adjoining Community Centre in the Gurdwara Complex, similar to other Gurdwara Sahibs like Leeds Chapel Town and Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sahibs, where parties and receptions are held allowing the consumption and serving of liquor, meat, and tobacco. The Sunderland Gurdwara Management Committee have brought shame to themselves and have committed great sin by treating Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a commodity and using their position as Sevadars of the House of Guru Nanak to make extra money through corrupt means and spitting over Sikh principles.

All the Sikh community are asked to respond to the call of the Guru Khalsa Panth and maintain the dignity and respect of our Gurdwara Sahibs and the Pavitar Saroop of Guru Sahib. Everyday we mention this in our Ardaas. Now is the time to act. The Sarbat Sikh Sangat is urged to contact the Committee of Sunderland Sikh Association to highlight concerns about taking the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to reception halls and allowing liquor, meat, and tobacco into the Gurdwara Complex and Gurdwara owned properties or facilities. The Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Ji campaign said, “Please remember that you are representing the Khalsa Panth when discussing these issues with Sunderland Sikh Association committee, refrain from confrontational or bad language”. The contact details of the Gurdwara Sahib in concern is:

Sunderland Sikh Association
The Cloisters
Sunderland
County Durham
SR2 7ED
Tel: 0191 5672939

Together responsible Sikhs can reclaim our Gurdwara Sahibs back to the Khalsa and upkeep the Sikh Rehat Maryada, which at the moment is being undermined by various Gurdwara Sahibs up and down the country. The UK Sikh Sangat will only be satisfied fully when the perpetrators of the beadbi fulfil their obligations and produce their written agreement that any disrespect towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and offence to the Sikh Sangat will not happen again.

Source

Sunderland Sikh Association Disrespect Guru Ji

2006-11-30T11:38:00.000Z

The UK Sikh Community has made contact with Sunderland Sikh Association in regards to them organising an Anand Karaj where the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was taken to a Reception Hall. This was broadcasted on 14th October 2006 on Sky Digital Channel RAJ TV.

The General Secretary Manjeet S Cheema admitted that Sunderland Sikh Association organised the Anand Karaj and Granthi Narayan Singh was a representative from the Gurdwara. The committee has no remorse for its actions or the hurt they have cause to the Sikh Community.

Furthermore this Gurdwara has an adjoining Community Centre where parties and receptions are held allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco into the Gurdwara complex.

This is a prime example of the State of our Gurdwaras, where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gurdwara properties are seen as mere objects that can generate money and allow egoistical and corrupt members of the Sikh Community to assign upon them selves titles like Pardhan (head of a Sikh Gurdwara).

The UK Sikh Community is urged to contact the committee of Sunderland Sikh Association to highlight concerns about taking the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to reception halls and allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco into the Gurdwara Complex. Please remember that you are representing the Khalsa Panth when discussing these issues with Sunderland Sikh Association committee, refrain from confrontational or bad language:

Sunderland Sikh Association
The Cloisters
Sunderland
County Durham
SR2 7ED
Tel: 0191 5672939

Working together the UK Sikh Community will uphold Sikh Rehit Maryada and respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

By SSNews, Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Nov 28, 2006, 18:15

Morals

2006-11-27T22:53:00.000Z

Five (5) lessons to make you think about the way we treat people.

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, a 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached..

It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."

Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.

"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.

"Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

**********

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.

Ann Landers

Sikh air travellers permitted to carry kirpans

2006-11-24T12:15:00.000Z

Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, November 23, 2006

Sikh passengers travelling by air are allowed to carry a kirpan provided the blade does not exceed six inches and the total length of it is no more than nine inches, the union cabinet decided on Thursday.

The decision was based on a recommendation from the National Commission of Minorities (NCM), Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Kirpan is a ceremonial weapon every Sikh is mandated to carry according to the religion's tenets.

The cabinet also decided to ask the state and central police forces to ensure adequate representation of minorities. The decision was also in line with an NCM recommendation.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which also met, approved initial public offerings (IPOs) of three state-run energy corporations—Powergrid Corporation of India, Power Finance Corporation of India and Rural Electrification Corporation of India.

The three organisations will increase their equity by 24 per cent, 10 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.

The CCEA also approved a Rs 5.52 billion (Rs 552 crore) revival package for Nagaland Pulp and Paper Company, the only public sector unit in the northeastern state.

It approved a proposal of the road transport ministry to build 603 kilometres of national highways in the northeast under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme.

These roads will be built in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagalan and Sikkim. The proposal was earlier approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The CCEA also approved a proposal of the US hotel major Hilton to invest in a joint venture with DLF Infrastructure. Hilton will be bringing foreign equity of 26 per cent amounting to Rs 6.43 billion (Rs 643 crores).

Source

************

Sounds too good to be true!

Scottish Sikh Vigil Feedback

2006-11-22T22:09:00.000Z

RELIGIOUS leaders last night called for calm as hundreds of people gathered for a prayer vigil at the site of a racist attack on an Asian teenager.

Sikhs from across Britain were joined by members of other religious communities at the spot in Edinburgh where the 15-year-old was assaulted.

The teenager was attacked in Pilrig Park last Tuesday by four white youths, who subjected him to a tirade of abuse before kicking and punching him to the ground.

His bandana-style head covering, worn in accordance with his faith, was torn off and his hair, which Sikh men pledge never to cut, was shorn.

Rab Singh, the vice-president of Leith's Sikh temple, said yesterday's vigil was intended to send out a strong message of peace and religious unity.

The gathered throng marched from the Mill Lane temple to Pilrig Park waving banners and chanting in Punjabi "the lord is wonderful, his name is true".

During the two-hour event, candles were lit as a host of religious leaders and organisation representatives offered prayers and sympathy to the teenager's family, and called for interfaith unity and dialogue to counter the violence of the attack.

Mr Singh added: "The community in Leith is a well-integrated one, and hopefully this is a one-off case."

Though some community members claim the victim is still extremely shaken and may need counselling, Mr Singh said the boy was recovering well.

"I've spent time with the boy's family, and he is very shocked," he said. "But he was at the temple this morning and he will be all right." The community has been working closely with police over the incident, he added.

It is understood that police, who last week launched a dedicated text and email appeal for witnesses, as well as working with schools in the area, have identified a number of suspects and are currently gathering evidence.

Chief Inspector Keith Chamberlain said: "This was an exceptionally serious incident and will not be tolerated. We are very confident of getting a positive outcome on this case."

The Rev Professor Frank Whaling, president of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, said: "We are glad to be giving support to the Sikh community today.

"We want to pass on our thoughts, prayers and sympathies to the boy and his family."

Malcolm Chisholm, communities minister and Leith MSP, and the Edinburgh City Council leader, Ewan Aitken, also attended the event.

SYMBOL OF SIKH FAITH

SIKHS regard their hair - known as Kes - as one of the five Kakaars, which shield and protect their spirituality. In 1699, religious followers were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten gurus of Sikhism, to wear their hair long and uncut, as a visible symbol of their faith.

Sikh men tie their hair in a Rishi knot. The turban, or head covering, is worn to keep the hair clean, as cleanliness is considered next to godliness.

Selected comments from newspaper website:

*The Sikh community have shown all of us an example of how. peaceful and united protest can draw attention to the serious problems we have within the various communities.
Well done

*This is a great show of unity and support, but its not just for the Sikh community, its for all of us.

*Many congrats to the Sikh community in pulling of a peaceful demo. Let's hope the cops can repay them by getting the thugs who assaulted the boy.
I'm still not a fan of ANY religion. I despise them all equally ... but you have to tip your hat (or dastaar) to the Sikhs for how cquickly they pulled it together, without and problems.

*Great to see such a well organised demo. All involved should be congratulated. Pity such a show was to demonstrate against some very sick idiots, who sure do not represent the views of the Edinburgh people. I have watched the Sikhs parade in Great Junction Street and find it an inspiring site. Indeed I know a good few Sikhs and am very happy to be able to say they are friends. I wish the young lad all the best and hope he can put this behind him. With the help of his community, I am sure he will back on top soon. All the best to the Edinburgh Sikhs!

*This is about Ned Culture rather than "Racism".

Sikhs and Hindus have been nothing but an asset to this country. Anyone with an issue with their warm, peaceful, friendly culture has to be a moron.

I truly hope this does not tarnish the fantastic rapport and understanding that exists in this country between both "cultures".

To the sikhs out there, please see this for what it is; a terrible isolated incident exacted by our underclass scum. Anyone who deals with Sikhs and Hindus develops strong long lasting friendships. These filth have simply spotted something they do not understand and have lashed out. Let's see these filth banged up for a very long time.

*Thankfully, it all passed off quietly and the Sikh religion showed themselves to be peaceful and well organised when I'm sure many of us feared trouble at Pilrig.

*Good news for all involved that this march and prayer vigil went off peacefully. All credit to the Sikh community, the local people and the police.

It is hoped that other groups will learn from this example.

BNP Humour...

2006-11-21T02:07:00.000Z

The Truth...

BNP and Islamaphobia

Muslims are now the main victims of BNP racism. Since September 11th was revealed to be the work of Islamic terrorists, Muslims in this country have taken the brunt of abuse by those wanting to exploit tragedy.

All ethnic groups exist as a target for the BNP, but their choice of victim is cynical: “We reject both pro-Zionist internationalism… and the Islamification of our homelands. Which enemy is it in our political interest to be seen to be opposing more vigorously at the moment? To a party aiming to win seats in London, the West Midlands and the former mill-towns of Northern England, the answer should be pretty obvious”.

It is clear then, that the BNP see racism against Muslims as a vote winner. Muslims are an easy target for fascists. This is why the BNP cowardly singles them out for abuse. Under British law, Muslims do not exist as an ethnic group, and so technically cannot be the victims of discrimination. In other words, the BNP can goad Muslims and get away with it. This is why the BNP was campaigning against Muslims long before the New York attacks.

The BNP claim that it is not Asians but only Muslims they have a problem with. This is not true. ‘Muslim’ is often used as a codeword for ‘Asian’ precisely because of gaps in the law.

Nick Griffin pretended that he was not blaming ordinary Muslims, but expressed horror when Tony Blair pushed the same message. “Blair and Bush lie about Islam”, Griffin declared, claiming that is was an attempt by Blair to “Curry favour with Britain’s three million angry Muslims”.

Ordinary Asians in Bradford and Oldham are placed in the same category as those terrorists who flew planes into the World Trade Centre. “The question of whether or not our land will remain ours will be decided not in the mountains of Afghanistan, but in towns like Oldham and Burnley. Anyone who finds that hard to believe needs only to read the Koran to understand why”.

By getting support from Muslim haters in other ethnic groups, the BNP are fostering more division and race hate. These Sikh and Hindu BNP supporters represent only a handful of fanatics. They speak for noone but themselves.

As far back as 1996, the BNP were attacking Muslims as being separate from other ethnic groups. Then members were active in campaigns against the opening of mosques in east and south London. They wrote at the time, “The BNP has no objection to Muslims having their own places of worship – providing they are in Muslim countries and not in Britain”.

The BNP has recently claimed that Al-Qia’da is the true form of Islam and that moderate Muslims who want to live peacefully with other religions are non-believers. This is clear incitement and distortion.

Most of all, Griffin’s anti-Muslim stance is hypocrisy. In the mid-1980s when he was a leading officer in the National Front he openly cavorted with Islamic extremists. He supported the Ayatollah Khomeini’s fundamentalist regime in Iran, and sought backing from Libya’s Colonel Gaddafi

*********

Sikhs should be alert to the rubbish these BNP politicians are pushing. There’s no way any Sikh in their right mind would support these right wing fascists.

Any "brotherhood" type mention should be seen as a handshake from Sonia Gandhi's Government.

Protest/Prayers In Scotland

2006-11-18T01:32:00.000Z

Protest/Chaupai Sahib will be taking place in Edinburgh this Sunday (19th November).

London Coaches:

5.00am Singh Sabha, Park Avenue, Southall.

5.30am Singh Sabha, Sheehy Way, Slough.

Midlands Coaches:

6.30am Edward St West Brom

6.30am High Street Smethwick

Sangat will meet at 1.30pm on Sunday 16th Nov at the Gurudwara Sahib, more details are on the poster.

From there Sangat will move onto Pilrig park where the incident took place.

**********************

Every Sikh should be there, if we don’t show our disgust at this now - it might happen again.

Also this is an opportunity to finally do some parchaar/explaining to people around us as to who Sikhs are.

Sikh boy's hair cut by attackers

2006-11-15T18:41:00.000Z

The police said that the attack was unprovoked

A 15-year-old Sikh boy had his hair cut during an unprovoked and racist assault in an Edinburgh park, police said.

The incident happened at about 1930 GMT in Pilrig Park on Tuesday.

Lothian and Borders Police said the victim was subjected to verbal racial abuse by four young white males and then punched and kicked to the ground.

The boy's headwear came off and the youths cut his hair, an act deeply offensive to Sikhs because of the religious importance of their hair.

The gang ran off across the park, exiting into Pilrig Street and heading in the direction of Leith Walk.

Rab Singh, vice-president of the Sikh Gurdwara in Edinburgh, said: "We are not allowed to get our hair cut.

"So for someone to cut a Sikh person's hair off is very serious.

"For what purpose it has been done, we won't be able to tell until we find the perpetrators."

He said the victim's family are "obviously upset" about the attack.

'Positive outcome'

"When the youths took the knife out, they could have done anything to him," he said.

"He just closed his eyes and hoped that his attackers wouldn't do anything."

Chief Inspector Keith Chamberlain said: "The manner of this crime, where and how it has happened and the legacy that will be left from it is exceptional.

"I want to reassure all members of the community, and the Sikh community in particular, that I'm confident we'll have a positive outcome."

Police have said those responsible for the attack were aged about 16 and descriptions of each of the four suspects have been released:

The first was 5ft 10in tall. He had brown eyes and was wearing dark Adidas tracksuit bottoms, a dark coloured thick hoodie and a dark coloured beanie hat, possibly Adidas

The second had a gold hoop ear piercing on his right ear. He was wearing a black Helly Hansen jacket and a dark coloured beanie hat

The third suspect was was wearing dark clothing

The fourth had blue eyes, a long sharp nose and facial hair. He was wearing a dark coloured Adidas tracksuit and a white beanie hat

Witnesses to the incident have been asked to call Gayfield Square Police Station on 0131 620 5125.

*****************

When it was happening all over

India

, it didn’t really matter as much.

Now it’s in our own backyard, people are worried - and it seems only because they realize it might happen to them...

Another reason to GET UP and educate people around you so they know the significance of kesh, who Sikhs are etc

This can be seen as another rude awakening as to why we need to prepare for anything/everything that’s out there.

Sikh Youth Essay Competition

2006-11-10T20:35:00.000Z

Tell your siblings, cousins, kids to have a go at this essay competition.

Lets get our youth thinking about Sikhi

For more information email:

essay@sukhsagar.ca

Are you ready?

2006-11-10T02:29:00.000Z

Are we physically, mentally, spiritually ready

for what's out there?

Download Page

2006-11-01T00:21:00.000Z

Note: Right click and 'Save Target As'

I Forgot My Jacket... (pul gai ma jacket pauni kavishiree)
Audio, click here
For the post, click here

Download 3 GurSikhs Tribute Video : Here
For the post, click here

Google Video regarding Sikh Identity shown on prime time tv: Here
For the post, click here

Dastaar Movie
For the post, click here

Mukhon Satinaam Bolda - Original, click here
For the post, click here

Shastar Naam Mala
Audio - click here
Translation - click here
For the post, click here

Giani Amolak Singh Ji Keertan, click here
For the post, click here

Chandi Di Vaar
Audio, click here
Translation, click here
For the post, click here

Salok Dumallay Da
Audio, click here
Translation, click here
Gurmukhi, click here
For the post, click here

Soee Bidhaathaa Khin Khin Jupeeai (Keertan)
Audio, click here
Translation, click here
For the post, click here

Please visit this link for more videos..

Dont Forget Your Jacket...

2006-10-31T23:49:00.000Z

Right Click on THIS (Save Target As)

Amar Shaheeds: Bhai Beant Singh and Bhai Satwant Singh

2006-10-31T23:09:00.000Z

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

22 years ago today two beloved sons of the panth, Bhai Beant Singh Ji and Bhai Satwant Singh Ji delivered justice to Dusht Indira Gandhi.

First Beant Singh and Satwant Singh wanted to see with their own eyes what Indira Gandhi had done in Punjab, and at Amritsar. The three Singhs shocked at the scene at Siri Akal Thakht Sahib, made their minds up and went to Siri Darbar Sahib and did ardas, “Oh Akaal Purkh, give us strength!”

After seeing the state of Siri Darbar Sahib, both Satwant Singh and Beant Singh returned to Delhi back to their duty. On 24th October 1984, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh took Amrit at a Gurdwara in Delhi. Neither were particularly knowledgeable on Gurbani, but Operation Blue Star and the legend of Sukha Singh and Mehtab Singh were foremost in their mind. This is what led them to take the blessing of Amrit.

Satwant Singh always had the late shift, and Beant Singh always had the early shift. They had to work out a way to both be on duty together. On 31st October, Satwant Singh faked a stomach bug, and swapped duties with another guard. Now they had to decide how to do the task. They decided the best time was when Indira Gandhi was doing her walkabout.

On the morning of 31st October 1984 at 9am as Indira Gandhi walked from her house to her office at Safardajung Road. Bhai Beant Singh shot her 5 times with his service revolver. Bhai Satwant Singh at the same time lifted his Thompson Staingun and shot 28 bullets. Seeing Indira Gandhi fall, all of her PA`s and ministers ran for their lives. The Indo-Tibetian Border Police commandos, who also guarded the grounds would not come close. Both Singhs shouted “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal!!”.

These two brave lions walked on this path without thinking twice. They both had families and they both knew that those relatives of theirs would have to suffer for their actions. But even knowing this they chose to walk on this beautiful path of truth and justice which was set by Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.

Today the Sikh Kaum has forgotten their sacrifice. Even remembering them on the day they sent Indira Gandhi to face dharma raj seems too much for many.

After Bhai Beant Singh Ji drank the nectar of martyrdom his three children, Bhai Sarabjeet Singh, Bhai Jasvinder Singh and Bibi Amrit Kaur were kicked out of the school they used to attend. These three children were turned down at all government schools they applied to. Even the SGPC denied them education in Khalsa college! As a consequence of this all three children had to get a private education.

Today Bhai Beant Singh Ji’s sons live in Phase 5 of Sahibzada Ajeet Singh Nagar, Mohali. Their source of income is nothing more than the rent they receive from a room.

Bhai Beant Singh Ji’s family live in a financially weak situation. But they have never and will never regret the actions that their father undertook to keep the Kesri Nishan Sahib flying.

Even Bhai Beant Singh Ji’s father, Sardar Sucha Singh Ji lived in a very poor financial situation. But this Gursikh never asked for anything. He lived in his shattered home in Maloa village in Ropar with very few belongings. Despite the hardships he faced he always kept the picture of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale on his wall and always remained very proud of his son Bhai Beant Singh Ji.

We remember these Shaheeds for one day and then forget until next year. We should die of shame that those brothers of ours who gave their lives for our Panth, and trusted us to take care of their families once they were gone, have been so completely betrayed. If there was any justice in this world, these families would be treated like the Princes and Princesses they really are. They would want for nothing. They would have more resources than regular families, not less.

This is just one example amongst many thousands.

At the moment the Sikh Kaum has adopted a very selfish attitude. All we think about is ‘our’ own family. What have we done to support the families of those who died for Sikhi? What message are we sending future generations? Die for the Sikh Panth and your parents, wives and children will live in filth and poverty? Who will have the courage and faith to give his sacrifice now?

Every court in the land, only gave the sentence that Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had wanted. In the Supreme Court, Bhai Satwant Singh made a statement. He said, “Let any part of my body, after my Shaheedi, be removed and used by anyone (Doner) who may need. However if you need my eyes, let the authorities tell my parents. I have no hatred for any Hindu, Muslim, Christian, neither hatred for any religion. After my Shaheedi, let no Sikh throw any rock at any Hindu. I am not in favour of any retaliation or bloodshed over my Shaheedi. If we do create bloodshed, then there is no difference between us and Rajiv Gandhi. I am Proud of the task that I did! I do ardas in front of Waheguru ! If I am blessed with a human life, then give me a death of the Brave when I am hanged. Forget one life, if I could I would give up a thousand lives to kill dushts like Indira Gandhi, and laugh as I become Shaheed by hanging…”

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
********
Act!!!

Next time you go to Delhi or Panjab, take some time out of your trip to visit areas where our Sikh heroes families are living (usually shanty towns) and donate whatever you can. Give it to these people directly. Help them improve the quality of their lives.

Their relatives gave their lives for us, so we could live as free Sikhs without being under the foot of the corrupt Indian government - the least we can do is give a little something back.

Source:
http://ikonkaar.blogspot.com/

This blog is updated often, really worth bookmarking.

Sikhs are not a joke..

2006-10-28T01:59:00.000+01:00

Chak Lao Hathiaar Khalsa, Hojavo Hun Tyaar Khalsa

2006-10-27T01:54:00.000+01:00

Distortion of Women.. Wake up

2006-10-22T15:50:00.000+01:00

The Truth...

Source

Godhra Riots - True Extent of Fundamentalism

2006-10-17T01:03:00.001+01:00

RSS/BJP - created to terrorize.

Subsequent reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch and political opponents have claimed that Modi and his ministers instructed Gujarat's police officers not to obstruct the attacking mobs."

Sounds like a page straight out of Panjab history...

"Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere."
MLK.

The most saddening thing for me was the little boy at the end who said he wants to grow up to be a Soldier, so he can kill Hindu's. Another cycle of senseless violence....

For more information, click here.

it's simple to be simple... yet so hard

2006-10-12T23:50:00.000+01:00

What is that word, what is that virtue, and what is that magic mantra?
What are those clothes, which I can wear to captivate my Husband Lord? ||126||
Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra.
Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Husband Lord. ||127||
If you are wise, be simple;
if you are powerful, be weak;
and when there is nothing to share, then share with others.
How rare is one who is known as such a devotee. ||128||
Do not utter even a single harsh word; your True Lord and Master abides in all.
Do not break anyone's heart; these are all priceless jewels. ||129||
The minds of all are like precious jewels; to harm them is not good at all.
If you desire your Beloved, then do not break anyone's heart. ||130||
- Shaik Fareed

Beasts in Khaki - Molesting Females in Punjab

2006-10-09T23:14:00.000+01:00

Females are prone to sexual exploitation in a place like India is a well known fact. Exploitation of vulnerable women by bureaucrats, politicians, policemen and whosoever is in a position to do so is also an open secret. But sexual harassment of women in broad day light by the same police which is supposed to protect their honor is indeed shocking. If all this is done in the presence of the Chief Minister of Punjab; such acts become a shame for Punjab and India.

What adds to the shock is that when the public protested and took the matter to the Chief Minister, he is quoted as saying that his police forces did the right thing and such kind of miscreants should be dealt in this manner only.

You may think what crime these young females committed which evoked such an inhuman action. Well, these young women (mostly Veterinary doctors) dared to exercise their democratic right of peaceful protest in Punjab during a public meeting in Ludhiana. They were raising slogans demanding jobs which were earlier promised by the government. The police immediately swung into action and while it packed all the male protesters in buses and took them to the police station; the female protesters were left to be dealt later. And the action which the police initiated later is visible in the pictures.

A policeman pulling the string of the "Salwar" and doing an act of sexually molestation (Indian Express)

The Punjab Government cared two hoots to the public outburst against the criminal action by the Punjab Police. The CM and Punjab Police ignored the concerns of Punjabis and civil society organisations who wrote to him and none of them have a yet received any reply.

A policeman with his hands on the breast of a female protestor. (TOI)

The National Commission for Women was no different. They still didn't evoked any response or action. The Punjab & Haryana High Court took suo motto action on the basis of the newspaper report and has issued notice of motion to the Punjab Government for October 10, 2006.

Subsequently "Punjab State Human Right Commission" also ordered an inquiry. The saddest part of the whole story is that the victims of the incident are too frightened to come out and speak up and this incident has further waned the faith of people in law and justice. The ordinary people have been successfully subdued by a corrupt, insensitive and unaccountable system. The victims and their families are too afraid of Punjab Police and the Punjab Government which is evident by the fact that not a single victim has lodged or initiated any form of complaint. They don’t want to talk to the press too lest the fury of the police may unfurl.

Source

Small Tribute Video

2006-09-29T01:08:00.000+01:00

To Download Click Here

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Ongoing Diwaans in Memory of Gursikhs

2006-09-25T13:46:00.000+01:00

Simran and Katha programme starts today, Tuesday 26th September. This programme will take place everyday for the foreseeable future.

Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton,
(Hall 3)

6:30pm-8pm Daily

It is essential everyone involved takes an active part in these programmes. Gurbani discourse is essential to make sense of that which happens around us.

Counseling/informal discussion sessions will be made available for all.

Humble benti to all Sangat to attend as many programmes as possible.
Lets realize the power of Sangat, within it we can overcome anything.

Transport will be made available from Walsall Pleck GuruGhar and Oldbury Gurudwara Sahib at 5:45pm sharp.

Satvir Singh

Harvinder Singh

Pictures of Gursikhs

2006-09-24T23:45:00.000+01:00

Some of the Singhs parents are still in India and the local sangat is in the process of setting up a fund to pay for funeral/travel expenses.

Instead of asking vaheguru why these people were taken from us at such a young age we should be thanking vaheguru for the time he gave us in their sangat.

Dhan Gursikhs

3 Sikh Youth Pass Away in Lake Accident

2006-09-24T13:01:00.000+01:00

** Updated - See Below **

Three bodies recovered from lake

A search of Ullswater was carried out by divers

The bodies of three youths have been recovered from Ullswater in the Lake District, police said.

The three, aged 15, 17 and 21 and from the West Midlands, were among a group enjoying a swim when one of them got out of their depth.

Another 15-year-old boy had to be pulled to safety during the incident at about 1600 BST on Saturday.

Police said conditions were reasonably calm, but there were deep areas and the water was very cold.

They said they were contacting the men's families before releasing any more information.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "Police have now recovered the three bodies of the males who went missing in Ullswater lake.

"We are in the process of contacting the deceased males' families and updating them regarding the circumstances of the drowning.

"No details will be released until all family members have been informed regarding this tragic incident."

'Extremely cold'

Members of the public and a lake warden went to help when the alarm was raised, and managed to rescue the 15-year-old boy.

He was taken to hospital, where his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Searches by the coastguard, a helicopter and police and civilian divers were carried out overnight.

Police said the boys were part of a group staying in Glenridding, a village overlooking Ullswater.

Insp Sean Murphy, from Cumbria Police, said: "I think the lake was reasonably calm.

"Unfortunately it does have deep areas and shelving and the water is extremely cold so it's all speculation at the moment but I am assuming that someone has gone too deep and they have got cold and been unable to swim."

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/news/crime/bodies-lake-victims-recovered-$452695.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cumbria/5375040.stm

***

Three boys from the Khalsa Panth Gatka Akhaara passed away yesterday.

Please pray for these peoples families so they have the strength to deal with this situation.

Vaheguru gave them the children, Vaheguru took them.

Updates:

Pictures of Gursikhs

Daily Keertan for these Gursikhs

Panjab Drug Madness

2006-08-25T02:58:00.000+01:00

In England to stop people smoking they put over 40% tax on cigarettes so people can’t afford them, creating incentive to quit.

In Panjab they REDUCE the price of alcohol and do nothing to prevent the drug epidemic.

link

the best way to sedate a people so they don’t question your authority?

Sikh Protests against Attack on Schoolboy Grow despite arrest

2006-08-25T02:51:00.000+01:00

Source

The humiliation of a Sikh schoolboy in Rajasthan whose hair was forcibly cut was the focus of protests in the Lok Sabha, leading to the house being adjourned abruptly for 15 minutes. The issue has been snowballing with demonstrations in Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab.

Sikhs have noted some members of the BJP and RSS including National President Gurcharan Gill who is also Deputy Advocate General of the Rajasthan Government have joined in protests in a vain attempt to minimise the political damage to the BJP over its poor reputation in protecting minorities. The RSS General Secretary Harnek "Singh" was alone in his praise of the BJP Chief Ministar that the entire Sikh Community worldwide has criticised for poor handling of the issue.

Arjun Meena, the main accused in the forcible cutting of the hair of a Sikh youth was arrested from the domestic airport in Delhi. Having been humiliated, the victim Inderpreet Singh took some solice in the one arrest.

"I have been very sad. Because by trimming my hair, he hurt my religious sentiments. I hope that I will get justice and the guilty will be punished soon," Inderpreet said.

Inderpreet's father Jarnail Singh said the case should be tried in a fast track court for speedy punishment of the guilty and stated:

"It was not only an inhuman act but against the Sikh religion."

Activists of the Sikh Students Federation, Akal Purkh Ki Fauj, and other organisations held a protest against the disrespecting of hair of the Sikh youth in Jaipur.

Akal Purkh Ki Fauj, SSF(Mehta) and other Sikh organisations are making their feelings known that they would not sit by and allow such disrespect to a Sikh's Hair - the most precious roop granted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Himself they also blocked traffic and held banners and placards demanding strict action against the culprits.

SAD (Amritsar) general secretary Gurjatinder Singh Bhikhiwind stated Amritsar and other areas observed complete bandh where shops and businesses were closed in protest against the humiliation to Sikh sentiments.

A number of organisations and leaders have condemned the attack on the Sikh youth, terming it as deliberate mischief aimed at hurting the sentiments of the Sikhs.

They emphatically demanded that the Rajasthan Government take necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.

********

This article is saddening, one of the few Singhs in India who actually keeps his hair was raped of his God given kesh.

However, how many people are voluntarily cutting their hair, waxing, trimming, plucking and no one cares. In the past if someone cut their hair in Panjab they'd become an outcast in their own village, people would look down on the village and say 'someone from so and so village cut their hair...'

but now its hard to find even one kes dhari Singh in the land of the Guru's let alone one who doesnt eat meat/drink until they're senseless.

Mann leads Protest against Female Foeticide

2006-08-22T15:30:00.000+01:00

Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, President, SAD (Amritsar), while giving a call to like-minded parties to launch a war against the evil of foeticide, held Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and former Chief Minister Mr Parkash Badal responsible for the same menace.

Mr Mann, who along with hundred of workers of the party staged a dharna in front of the court of District and Session Judge to lodge a protest against foeticide. While addressing the rally, he alleged that foeticides were taking place under the nose of the Chief Minister, it indicated the intelligence agencies and the Health Department of the state were sleeping over it.

Mr Mann, who submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through District and Session Judge, alleged that Mr Badal had promoted foeticide by making Bibi Jagir Kaur the president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) despite the fact that she was involved in the murder of her daughter and her unborn grand daughter.

He added that Mr Badal also participated in the cremation of daughter of Bibi Jagir Kaur. He said post mortem examination of Bibi Jagir Kaur's daughter was also disallowed.

He said by allowing a meeting to Bibi Jagir Kaur, the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who was aware of all happenings, had indicated that he had forgiven her for her misdeeds.

Mr Mohinder Pal Singh, national general secretary, Jathedar Harbhajan Singh Kashmiri, president, city unit of the party and Mr Satnam Singh Behru, president, Kisan wing of the party, also addressed the rally.

Source

Worse than we thought...

2006-08-16T16:18:00.000+01:00

Another grave of female foetuses
Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service

Patran, August 10
Even as the people of this town were still reeling
under shock after a mass grave of unborn daughters was
detected in a pit situated in the vicinity of local
Sahib Hospital yesterday, the district health
authorities today identified another pit, near the
earlier one, in which about 200 to 300 female foetuses
were suspected to be buried. The digging of the second

pit would start tomorrow morning.

Official sources said that the district health
authorities had also identified about 20 ultrasound
centres in Haryana, which had been carrying out
pre-natal sex determination tests and subsequently
sending a significant number of pregnant women to
Sahib Hospital for illegal abortions of female
foetuses.

Though the district administration and health
authorities were tight lipped about their plans on how
to deal with these ultrasound centres, sources
revealed that an effective operation would be launched
jointly by the Punjab and Haryana Police departments
shortly to nab the culprits, who had been supplying
customers to Sahib hospital for illegal abortions of
female fetuses. These centres were charging Rs 8,000
to Rs 10,000 from their customers for carrying out
pre-natal sex determination tests.

These ultrasound centres, which were supplying the
customers to Sahib hospital, run by a quack couple,
identified as Pritam Singh and his wife Amarjit Kaur,
had been running in Tohana, Kaithal, Jakhal, Ambala,
Raipur Rani and Nariangarh areas of the Haryana. Some
other ultrasound centres, located in various towns of
Patiala and Sangrur districts, were also identified,
which too had been sending pregnant women with female
fetuses to Sahib Hospital, located on Patran-Patiala
main road, for illegal abortions.

Dr V. S. Mohi, Civil surgeon, Patiala, said that three
different teams of the Health Department, along with
the officials of other departments, would start
digging of the second pit tomorrow.

He had also sought explanation from Dr I. C. Taneja,
Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, Patran, asking
him to explain the reasons that why he (Dr Taneja)
could not detect the illegal abortions taking place in
the Sahib hospital for the past one year or so. He
added that detection of one more grave of female
foetuses had also embarrassed the district health
authorities also.

Mr Munish Kumar, SDM, Patran, who had been
coordinating the operation and Dr Mohi said that the
health authorities had constituted three teams for
this operation. Ambulances would also be pressed into
service while digging up the pit. Before the start of
digging, the toxic gases from that pit, which was
sealed about one year back, would be removed. Mr Kumar
said that they might face some problems while digging
out the pit as some sewerage lines were passing over
that pit. He added that utmost care would be taken
during the digging operation so that no untoward
incident could take place.

Dr Mohi said that it also came into his notice that
the accused couple had also been using acid in the pit
after burying the foetuses and other related material
in the pit following illegal abortions to speed up
their decomposition.

Mass Multimedia Update

2006-08-15T00:29:00.000+01:00

Firstly BcSikhYouth.Com have updated their Multimedia part of their website.

Audio and pictures from many past events all over the West Coast have been added. We hope that it will be well maintained and kept up-to-date.

http://www.bcsikhyouth.com/gallery/

Secondly, neverforget84.com have added hundreds of new pictures of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale, Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Manochal and countless other Jujharoo's. Also audio and videos of Sant Ji have been added:

http://www.neverforget84.com/multimedia.php

All of the short videos have been added to You Tube:

http://youtube.com/profile?user=ConfusedKhalsa

Lets hope we can learn from the lives of these Gursikhs, past and present, and increase our love for Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj.

Apna Panjab - Mata Sahib Kaur di Dharthi

2006-08-12T08:03:00.000+01:00

Graveyard of unborn daughters
Over 100 female foetuses dug out of well near Patiala
Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service

Patran (Patiala), August 9
A mass grave of female foetus was detected today in a
vacant plot owned by quacks Pritam Singh, an
ex-serviceman and his wife Amarjit Kaur of this town,
by a high-level team of state health authorities after
it raided the premises of the local Sahib Hospital run
by these quacks. They had been allegedly involved in
illegal abortions for the past many years.

Residents of this town bordering Haryana, who were
quite shocked, took out a march in the city to lodge
protest against the anti-social activities of the
quack couple. They also demanded that the couple
should be given exemplary punishment. They also
alleged that though health authorities were aware
about illegal happenings that were taking place in the
Sahib Hospital for the past many years, but no action
was taken by them for the reasons best known to them.

Dr Varinder Singh Mohi, Civil Surgeon, Patiala, who
led the raiding team, said it was difficult to tell
the exact number of female foetus and placentas
recovered from a deep and narrow well, which had been
turned into a graveyard for female foetus by the
accused, as the remains of placentas and foetus were
extremely decomposed. Unconfirmed reports said that
their number could cross over hundred.

Information gathered by TNS revealed that district
health authorities had been trying to find out the
exact number of female foetus, which had been dumped
by the quack couple into the well, located in a vacant
plot adjacent to their clinic, in the past many years
after performing illegal abortions in their
triple-storey clinic on the Patiala-Patran main road.

Dr Mohi, while confirming the registration of a
criminal case under MTP Act against the quack couple
and their subsequent arrest, said that as per a
statement by two woman workers of that clinic made
before the raiding team, the husband-wife duo had
carried out about 35 illegal abortions and
subsequently dumped 35 female foetus in that deep well
in the past three months.

Not only this, acting swiftly on the situation, the
district health authorities, with the help of district
administration, also sealed an ultrasound centre
located in Samana town, which was carrying out the
pre-natal sex determination tests and subsequently
sending pregnant women carrying females to Sahib
clinic for illegal abortions.

Some instruments, used for carrying out abortions,
were also recovered from that centre. A case against
the owner of the centre had been registered. Another
team had been sent to another ultrasound centre of
Dirba town of Sangrur district, which was also
allegedly involved in the similar activities.

Mr Rakesh Kumar Verma, Deputy Commissioner, who gave
all help to the raiding team, said that the case
against the quack couple was being made fool-proof so
that it could be taken to logical end.

Information revealed that one of the female workers,
who was working in the hospital, spilled the beans
after she developed some differences with the quack
couple over payment of her salary. She disclosed
everything to some prominent citizens, who then
reported the matter to the district administration and
health authorities.

When a raid was conducted at the clinic, the raiding
team came to know that a well located in the vacant
plot situated adjacent to the clinic was being used as
a dumping ground for the female foetus.

Mr Munish Kumar, SDM, who coordinated the operation,
said at first some poisonous gases were removed from
the deep and narrow well. Then a trained man was sent
inside the well. After about four to five hours, the
man, who had gone inside the well, managed to bring
some remains of placentas and foetus. Some glass jars,
suspected to be containing some material connected
with abortions, were also recovered. He added that the
Civil Surgeon, Patiala, would be taking appropriate
action in this regard.

A woman worker of Sahib hospital identified as Pooja,
while talking to TNS said that illegal abortions were
being performed on married women only. She added that
quack couple had been charging Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000
per case from the persons concerned.

Meanwhile, the remains of placentas and foetus, which
had been dug from the well, had been sent to the
pathology laboratory at Rajindra Medical College for
histopathological examinations to know their exact
status.

Official figures revealed that so far the district
health authorities had sealed about 12 ultrasound
centres for their alleged involvement in conducting
the sex determination test of foetus and five clinics,
which were involved in carrying out illegal
termination of pregnancy in the current year.

R4G Sadh Sangat Meeting

2006-08-09T23:55:00.000+01:00

There will be a special presentation by

Bhai Dilbagh Singh on

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

at

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurdwara Derby.

Bhai Sahib has uncovered many abuse cases towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh Principles in Punjab & UK and will share his findings with the Sadh Sangat.

Please attend on Saturday 12th August 2006 at 3:00pm

Supported by:

Khalsa Mission, Punjab

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurdwara, Cromwell Road, Derby. DE3 6TS

***** This Saturday *****

Babbar Khalsa International NOT to blame for Cinema Blasts

2006-08-06T21:45:00.000+01:00

BASOPATTI (MADHUBANI): Kamal Ahmad Ansari, one of the two suspects arrested here for 7/11, has confessed to Mumbai ATS that he was involved in the May 22, 2005, blasts at Satyam and Liberty cinema halls in New Delhi in which one person was killed and 50 were hut, intelligence sources said.

The sources said Ansari, a Pak-trained explosives and arms expert, was in Delhi on that day. He reportedly masterminded the twin blasts and personally oversaw the entire operation, they added.

Ansari's disclosure will put a question mark on Delhi Police's claim that Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) was responsible for the blasts.

Source

For more information on the false arrests please visit

http://www.punjabilok.com/latest_news/news.php?newsid=6

Free the Gurudwaras Morcha - Fatehgarh Sahib, India

2006-08-06T21:28:00.000+01:00

Gurdwara Sudhar Lehar II launched at Fatehgarh Sahib

**It is worth noting that although there was a huge turnout of many huge panthic personalities, the Indian media gave no mention of it in any papers or broadcast channels.**

Source

Fathegarh Sahib- August 4- In a bid to drag the Panthic ground from beneath the feet of Parkash Singh Badal, the major political, social as well as religious bodies representing the voice of the Sikh Nation today launched another Gurdwara Reform Movement after the span of almost one century.

The announcement to this effect was made at a Convention held at the historic Gurdwara to mark the 24th anniversary of Dharam Yudh Morcha. The occasion was the bhog ceremony of Akand Path Sahib organized by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) in lieu of Sewa pronounced by the Five Singh Sahibans on party president Simranjit Singh Mann and five other activists on July 18.

Addressing the mammoth gathering Mr Mann announced the constitution of a Panthic Committee, comprising representatives of all groups representing the entire spectrum of Sikh polity, to streamline the working of the movement.

The upbeat mood of the organizers was evident as they announced a series of programmes to checkmate Badal on the religious domain. In order to embarrass Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the conglomerate of the Panthic bodies decided to assemble at Akal Takht on a daily basis to impress upon Jathedar Joginder Singh to pursue all pending cases of maryada violation against Badal, his coterie and Rashtriya Singh Sangat. The Jatha of 51 members would go to Akal Takht starting from August 16 and after reciting Gurbani for two hours they would hand over a memo to Jathedar reminding of his role and responsibility in bringing the violators of maryada and traditions to book, said Mr Mann amidst slogans of Bole So Nihal and Raj Karega Khalsa. The first Jatha will comprise of the entire senior leadership of the Panthic Committee and on the first day, the Panthic Committee will place a Black Report Card of all the acts of omission and commission of Badal and Co., said Mr. Mann.

To give sleepless nights to the present incumbent of the SGPC, Mr Avtar Singh the organizers declared the formation of a shadow SGPC. Though the SGPC was conceived as the Sikh parliament, it has not been functioning as such said Manjit Singh Calcutta, chairman of the Sikh Mission (International). To set an example of how the SGPC should function, what should be the qualities of an SGPC member and what should be the relationship between the Akal Takht and the SGPC members, a shadow SGPC comprising the present SGPC members of all Panthic groups and other leaders would be made public shortly, said Mr Calcutta. He further said that the body would also work to create a consolidated fund for the smooth, uninterrupted and non-coercive working of the Akal Takht Jathedar and his companion Jathedars.

He narrated the audience of the background and basis that led to the launching of First Gurdwara Reform Movement in early nineties and the Dharam Yudh Morcha in 1982. He said the positive outcome of the First Reform Movement was the formation of the SGPC and the creation of the Sikh code of conduct.

Launching a frontal attack against Badal, Parmjit Singh Sarna, president of the Akali Dal (Delhi) said the coward and corrupt Badal was sponsoring and furthering petty interests at the cost of the interests of the Sikh Nation. He said at the behest of Badal, Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions, run by the SGPC have become the stronghold of anti-Sikh forces threatening the fundamentals of the Sikh religion and foisting upon the Sikh people, an alien culture, language, thought, religion and political processes.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, president of the SAD (Longowal), said the pseudo-Akali leadership was denigrating the status of Akal Takht Sahib by systematically demeaning the institution and undermining the authority of the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib and other Jathedars. The Congress-BJP-RSS triumvirate by their constant interference in the Sikh religious affairs was vitiating the religious and political climate of Panjab.

Listing the religious, social, and cultural demands for the Sikhs, Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib, president of Dal Khalsa said the present Akali leadership led by Badal bitterly failed to get these demands and issues resolved. He said thousands have suffered ignominy at the hands of the Indian police and security forces which were executing the genocidal policy of the Indian state.

Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu, senior vice-president of the SAD (A) said we were the inheritors of the Panthic legacy. He said since last two decades, we have consistently upheld the interests of the Sikh nation and have resisted the onslaught of the Indian state including anti-Sikh forces –Congress, BJP and RSS. In continuance of our commitment, we have decided to start Gurdwara Sudhar Lehar II.

Those who addressed the gathering were Prof Jagmohan Singh, Rajinder Singh (Khalsa Panchayat), Kanwar Pal Singh, Dr Jagjit Singh Chauhan, Jaswant Singh Mann, Bhai Tarsem Singh, SGPC members Ravinder Pal Singh, Karnail Singh Panjoli and Harcharan Singh Burjhari, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Darshan Singh Issapur.

The names which figure on the high profile list of the Panthic Committee include Simranjit Singh Mann, Daljit Singh, Bhai Ram Singh, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, Hardeep Singh Mohali, Karnail Singh Panjoli, Paramjit Singh Sarna, Singh, Prof. Harminder Singh, Harvinder Singh Sarna, Bhai Tarsem Singh, Ravi Inder Singh, Ranjit Singh Chajjalwaddi, Darshan Singh Issapur, Manjit Singh Calcutta, Justice Ajit Singh Bains, Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib, Jaspal Singh Dhillon, Rajinder Singh, Jarnail Singh Nawan Shahr, Navkiran Singh Advocate, Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, Bhai Ram Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Rajinder Pal Singh, Dr. Jagjit Singh Chohan, Jaswant Singh Mann , Giani Harinder Singh, Mandhir Singh Narain Singh Amrik Singh Dharmi Fauji, Gurkirpal Singh, Baba Sarobjot Singh Bedi, Sant Baljit Singh Daduwal, Jaswinder Singh, Jagdish Singh (Haryana SGPC member), Dr. Gurcharan Singh Sirsa, J & K Gurdwara Management Committee representative --Sudarshan Singh Wazir, Karnail Singh Pir Mohammed, Nihang Baba Deep Singh and Balwinder Pal Singh Thekedar.

Fields of Flowers

2006-08-03T22:03:00.000+01:00

It had been 3 days, long hot summer days. Sukh Nidhaan Singh was close to dyeing, as he lay there in a wooden cage on a cart drawn by two horses.

He had been captured by the mughal forces near the jungles of afhgan. He hadn't slept or eaten properly for days so he was weak when he was pounced upon by the mughal soldiers. he had put up a good fight and even killed a few of them, but he was injured and he was overpowered and captured. The mughal soldiers had tied him upside down from a tree and beaten him severely. the mughal Soldiers thought that instead of killing him they would take him to their Nawaab, he would be pleased with the fine specimen of Sikh warrior they had caught. They thought it would be a good challenge to try and convert this Kafir.

It had been 5 months of travelling since Sukh nidhaan had seen another Sikh. the last time was 5 months ago he met a Sikh messenger travelling to take news to Baba Deep Singh ji. When he met the gursikh he fell to the floor and cried at the gursikhs feet. the gursikh embraced him and comforted him. the gursikh had to leave immediately as his message was of great urgency. Sukh Nidhaan Singh told him that he was travelling towards Amritsaar to meet his brothers once again. they both said there fateh! and departed. and that was five months ago... and how he longed to be with his family of Sikhs once again.

he remembered the times when he was together with his band of fellow Sikh Warriors. they were a band of Sikh warriors who had been given the duty to uproot certain mughal bases and strongholds to damage the great mughal force. they were given the task of also rescuing any kidnapped women taken as slaves by the mughals and returning them to their villages. He was now the last of his Jatha and now, even he had been caught and was being taken to the nawaab of this District.

He lay in the small cage barely big enough to sit in and he was dyeing slowly. the energy had been sucked from him by the beatings and the immense sun. Suddenly he was awoken as water splashed onto his face. A mughal Soldier on horseback trotting alongside the carriage laughed and drank some water form his pouch and spat at Sukh Nidhaan Singh once again.

"Not long to go now.... you DOG!" the mughal laughed again at Sukh Nidhaan Singh.

Another mughal ahead shouted "We're almost there I can see the tower from here"

two other mughal soldiers pulled up alongside the moving carriage on horseback from behind and they mocked Sukh nidhaan Singh;

"HaHa! you'd better be ready, soon, you will have the honour of becoming one of US! and not a dog like your kind"

Sukh Nidhaan Singh stared at the soldier fiercely, and as he struggled "Never...ever.. I will die... first" the mughals continued to mock him...

"yes we've caught many of your kind, and most of them chose the wealth and the riches. after a few beatings they always come round to OUR way of thinking"

"Yes! even last month there was that big one, one of your Sikhs, he was beaten in public and after he was begging to be accepted by us."

"Yes countless Sikh have changed, and they now live in luxury with good homes and women, a big reward awaits you if you make the right decision.

Sukh Nidhaan Singh was hurt at the thought of his Sikh brothers giving up and betraying their Guru and the Khalsa. It seriously damaged his esteem and he started to wonder.. if he had the strength to keep his love for Gurujee until death... if so many had given up.. then what would become of him.. Who was he? was he any different.... He pondered on his situation and the anxiety he felt deeply as he heard the mughals laughing and telling stories of how many Sikhs had been converted and now served the mughal empire.

As he looked into the distance along the long rough road, he saw fields and field of flowers in the distance, he wondered what place this was. his eyes were to weak and damaged to see properly. But he could make out the many fields stretching into the vast horizon. he lay back in the cage and wondered about his Sikh brothers and what would become of him and he made a plea to Satguru...

"Oh Guru! teacher of truth. great warrior from the heavens.. I know now that my end is near. Please Gurujee, PLEASE! bless me with the courage to uphold justice and dharam to the end. May I Die but never let go of your hand. You are my mighty guardian and now Satguru I ask of you, please bless me with the strength and valour to persevere to the end and die a noble death but never give up my beloved Sikhi and the hair on my head. And Satgurujee Dyaal! please bless me with the darshan of gursikhs once again, my eyes are thirsting for the vision of my beloved Khalsa warriors, my family the Khalsa" And at that he lay back lifeless in his cage. With Gods name on his Mind... he repeated again and again... Vaaahegrooohhh.... vaaaahegroohhh... Vaaahegroohh..... vaaahegroohhh...." ...A few minutes and he lost himself in meditation.

Suddenly!! the cart jolted and Sukh Nidhaan Singh ji was awoken from his lazy meditation. He looked out into the fields and saw the Flowers. He couldn't believe his eyes... he sat upright and he looked in amazement! He could not contain the emotion and the tears started to pour from his eyes.... every single pore on his body stood to attention... and he felt them shiver..... through his soul....

THE FLOWERS.. he had seen were not flowers... but they were fields and fields of Spears stuck into the ground... ..and on each spear he saw the Head of a Khalsa Warrior. Some scalped, some beaten, some without the eyes, some burnt, some boiled.. and some he recognised.... alas. he had the darshan of the khalsa once again.. and the sight was too beautiful.... there ware fields and fields of Gursikhs heads on Spears as far as he could see into the distance... the tears he could not contain....

The mughals thought that this site would break Sukh Nidhaan Singh down... but Sukh Nidhaan Singh Sat upright in the cage with a firm look of Strength and nobility on his face... he thought he should show a brave face to his Sikh brothers.... the Emotion powerful... he felt his spirits rise to the skies.. his strength came back.

He Was so proud of these great warriors, his brothers the, KHALSA, They had dies but not given up their Love for Sikhi, Truth and justice. They had not wavered in the face of torture... and had kept their faith till the end. this Gave him strength and Courage and he thought to himself. "I was a fool to even doubt for a second, that my true khalsa would give up and lose. they fought till the end and maintained there principles." he smiled and wiped away the tears and out of joy he let out the war cry of the Khalsa, to pay homage to the great martyrs.

"SAT SREEEE AKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!"

GUR BAR AKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!

DEGH TEGH FATEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sukh Nidhaan Singh over the few coming days was offered many pleasures and riches and he was also tortured and beaten terribly. but at every moment he remembered the flowers in the fields... IT gave him Strength.

He was tortured severely and on the third day when the mughals had given up , they left him to die a painful slow death as they tied him to a tree and left him to die in the sunlight overlooking the fields. bruised, battered and barely alive, Sukh Nidhaan Singh lifted his head and again he saw the fields. He smiled and welcomed Death. The pain was immense but he knew that it was worth it, as he had beaten the mughals. they could kill him but they could not take away his faith.

As hours went by Sukh Nidhaan Singh continued to meditate on the lords name. He looked out into the fields to his khalsa one last time... and he saw in the distance a figure walking through fields. He saw that it was a Khalsa Warrior in blue dress decked with weapons. as the figure slowly came closer he saw that the warrior was approaching each spear and kissing the forehead of each shaheed. As he came closer Sukh Nidhaan Singh ji saw from a distance that it was Guru Gobind Singh ji himself.

He remembered that the Sikhs were like flowers and when they reached their most beautiful form, Gurujee would come to pick the flowers as shaheeds - martyrs.

1978 Flashback

2006-08-02T23:03:00.000+01:00

From: ShindaSingh.Com

Last night, as was previously reported on the net, Ashotoush and his chelay held an event in Amritsar and the SGPC conveniently closed its eyes. Fortunately the Sikh Panth did not. Last night there was word from Singhs, that a group of 400 Singhs including Bhai Amrik Singh and Jatha, all marched on the event, sending Ashotoush’s chelay running. 15 Singhs ended up being arrested in all, but then again the above isn’t from any confirmed or official source, so numbers and actual happenings may very well vary.

Be that as it may, it’s hard not to compare these reported events to those that happened in 1978, after all you just replace the Narkdhari Gurudom of the past with the Noormehalias and fake Sadhs of the present. When first asked about the comparison I found that although the situation sounded a lot like 78, there existed in 78 a spirit that does not seem so obviously prevalent today. But then again I doubt that this spirit was just as obvious then, and may very well only be visible in hind sight.

End of the day knowing that there are still Singhs, 400 of them in fact, ready to storm on a convention of a Gurudom that exists only to mock Sikhi, then one needs to really wonder about all the negative things you always hear about Sikhi being dead in Punjab. After all maybe this was just that little spark everyone was looking for. That piece of flint to help light the flame underneath the sleeping Quam to help wake it up. Anyways, hopefully other sources can help substantiate the news as we optimistically wait for any confirmation.

********

For more information on the 1978 Amritsar Massacre Click Here

It's so good to know there are still people out there who are more than just talk, who do more than just hold meetings and seminars and actually act to prevent beadbi.

Dhan Bhindranwale Sant Sipahi, Jin Suuthi Quam Jigahi

Don't Complain

2006-07-30T18:07:00.000+01:00

Sikh Temple, Leeds funds Anti-Sikh Activities

2006-07-30T01:03:00.000+01:00

Over the recent years a trend of Gurdwara affiliated community centres have been springing up in the UK where alcohol and meat are openly provided. These community centres have been given names such as Sikh Centre or Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Centre.

However the primary use of these centres is to provide social function halls that can be hired for parties and receptions openly allowing the consumption of intoxicants and meat within Gurdwara boundaries.

Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji has voiced their concerns about this abuse towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh Principles in a "Sandesh" issued in April 2006. This Sandesh strongly reinforces Sikh Rehit Maryada where Gurdwaras are being exploited:

• Any form of intoxicants (alcohol, drugs etc) and preparation or consumption of foods such as meat, fish and eggs are not permitted on Gurdwara property

• Buildings bought or constructed using the Daswand (one tenth of earnings) of the Sikh Sangat or Gurdwara donations are solely to be used for Gurmat purposes and the betterment of society

This video highlights the blatant misuse of Gurdwara property. In order to provide services to the community, the Sikh Temple Chapeltown, Leeds Prabhandak Committee are allowing cardinal sins like smoking next to the diwan and alcohol and meat consumption on Gurdwara premises. This is just one example of many Gurdwaras who are exploiting Guruji's properties in order to make money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVuqH_dPA4

Sangat Ji, together we must stop this madness and these Massands (so-called Sikhs whose prime aim is destroying the Sikh Religion from within). Gurdwaras are not a business with a singular aim of making profit. Gurdwaras are where Sikh Principles are implemented and maintained rather than manipulated or exploited. It is the duty of all Gurdwara Committees to adhere to Sikh Rehit Maryada for the betterment of Sikhism in UK. The alternative would lead to increasing erosion of Sikh values, erosion of respect for Gurbani and erosion of Sikhi as a religion in the UK so we should act now to prevent further degradation of Gurmat and Sikh Principles.

It is the duty of every Sikh who respects the sanctuary of a Gurdwara to voice their concerns about these Party Halls. Sadh Sangat Ji, wake up and stop your home from being destroyed! We should literally treat Gurudwaras as the doorway to Waheguru Himself and actively get involved to ensure they are a beacon of Sikhi in practice. We cannot allow our own home to be degraded in this way and must take a stand on this issue first and foremost.

The BBC and media often interview members of the Gurdwara for information regarding Sikhi such as on:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/altogether/through_my_eyes/jaspal_temple.shtml

so it is especially sad to see the Leeds Prabhandak Committee setting such a poor example for the Sikh community and the next generation of young Sikhs. Please contact the Gurudwara and local sangat you know in leeds so that we can collectively work towards ending this Beadbi:

The Sikh Temple,
192 Chapeltown Road,
Leeds,
LS7 4HZ
Telephone:
0113 2374287
0113 2629073

Rather comically I found this online: "Detailed information about THE SIKH TEMPLE

This is the oldest running Gurdwara(now in the newly purpose built modern buildingin year2000)in Leeds since 1964,and is one of the earliest organisations.It is run by all 27 Amritdhari members."

link

More details to follow......

How Can We Forget?

2006-07-23T01:09:00.000+01:00

On 22nd Anniversary of your attack on my Nation

Pre - 1984

I was merely a little girl then,
I lived far away from Punjab
I read the biased news about my people in your papers
I grew up believing we were wrong.

In your text books O India
Sikhi was just another stream off your Noble Heritage
Gone astray by militant philosophy of the tenth Guru
And in present times it did not make sense.

We grew up being ridiculed
By teachers, playmates and street goers
fighting prejudice everyday
And being ashamed of our own selves.

My parents were busy making ends meet
They were the children of the 1947 displacement
They had no time for sharing Sikh life and pride
They lost it somewhere with all the socio-economic strife.

So I grew up confused without an identity
With you telling how you did a favor on us refugees
I did not know about Sikh history and heritage
And its contribution to your freedom, power and existence.

But, we had a Sufi [1] worker at our business
He was so spiritual and had a sense of wisdom
I always found him longing to touch the feet of Guru’s Sikhs
He always told me that Gur-Sikhi Jeevan[2] commanded utmost reverence.

His words ignited a spark in my soul somewhere
The truth had to be found
My parents had given me wings
It was time to dig the roots in the ground.

Then came 1984

The news about several innocents being killed
In busses and trains of Punjab
Why did I know were setups and propaganda,
To create a context for BlueStar[3].

When you stormed Harimander[4]
Hot month of June it was
Sangat[5] in tens of thousands had come to pay reverence
To the great Guru Arjan Shaheeda-de-Sirtaaj[6].

In pretext to disarm a few dozen men
You brought tanks, rocket launchers, heavy artillery and cannons
You entrapped thousands and cut off their supplies
And used poisonous gas to consume those innocents.

You killed uncountable mothers, fathers and children
After you parched them with thirst,
You filled the sarovar[7] with the blood of thousands
And tried to patch up your acts by mass cremations.

When Lion Bhindrawale[8] was declared found
With hundreds of GurSikhs around
Something had ached my heart
For you it was the beginning of the end; for me it was just a start.

Then came fake encounters[9]
I suspected things were not how they were shown
But just a teenager I was
With no access to the truth or cries
of bereaving mothers in Punjab.

But You know what O cruel Brahmanvaad[10]
The ties of Guru’s Kaum are very strong
Generations away from Guru’s land
But my blood and soul was always a Punjab.

Then 30th of October came
Satwant & Beant[11] had done their share.
You decided to teach 18 million of us another lesson
And issued the orders of Sikh massacre.

Our house was set afire and a few relatives blazed,
Rape, torture and death we had barely escaped.
With days of hiding, uncertainty and gloom ahead
The spirit was still Guru’s; it couldn’t be scared.

When the sad news poured in from all directions,
O India you had opened our eyes to the Sikhi connection.
We were connected, we were made one;
Punjab or outside any place in the world.
That awakening had finally taken place
That feeling was invaluable, that discovery priceless.

As you unveiled your centuries’ long hatred
And unleashed your long held wrath!
It was a blessing in disguise, I’ll tell you
And finally everything had made sense.

It was our identity you loathed
It was our sovereignty and strength that you despised
It was our magnanimity that you thrived on
It was our subjugated loyalty that you desired.

When those fearless souls revealed the truth
And masses pledged to stand up for their nation
You feared losing your strength and position
And planned this brutal retaliation.

The spark had turned into a flame
To be a Sikh was no longer a shame
I knew we were not one of you
And standing up for equality, liberty and justice would never please you.

You finally dug your own grave
Your cover-ups and false promises will bear no fruits
My parents had given me the wings
But Thank You India; You put me in touch with my roots.

June, 2006

I am a parent of a pre teen now
And the flame is a full grown fire
That fire; it also burns in his heart
And that to you is the start of my 1984’s answer.

The fire now burns with full vigor
It will consume me lest I take an action
Hence I will not sit quiet
I pledge to turn it into a revolution.

I brought him up telling stories about his heritage
About your betrayal, your intentions and your treacheries
I am not alone; thousands of Mothers there are
That dedicated their lives to this purpose.

I will not let him down; in grounding him to his roots.
Not one day has passed since he was born
That I didn’t tell him a story of Sikh pride
Of Khalsa Nation and its sacrifice.

This is my revenge O India
I will never forget and forgive you
I will raise many such more daughters and sons
They will never let your cruel intentions come true.

They will walk tall; They will be in your face
Proving we survived against all odds
They will not demolish themselves ashamed by your lies
But will stand eternally in Guru’s grace.

We will be a strong Nation, We will be sovereign
You cannot stop us, The game has just begin.
For you see,
We are the people of our own destiny, of spirit and of freedom
We have wings we roam everywhere,
But,
We also have roots in truth and perfection.
We have roots only in truth and perfection.

http://gurmeetkaur.blogspot.com/

[1] Follower of a mystic sect of Islam
[2] Living the life completely in tune with the Guru’s teachings
[3] Name of the 3 day long Army Operation conducted by Indian Govt. Harimander Sahib (AKA Golden Temple) and 37 other Sikh shrines were attacked by modern artillery; thousands of innocents were killed
[4] Temple of the Divine: Commonly known as Golden Temple the most revered Sikh Center of worship established in 16th Century where tens of thousands of devotees worship everyday
[5] Congregation / Worshippers
[6] The fifth Guru of Sikhs – Martyred by Mughal Emperor of India - Jahangir for exercising and propagating freedom of religion and beliefs
[7] The Pool surrounding Harimander Sahib
[8] Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa (Bhindrawale) – Revered Leaders of the Sikhs who instilled pride in Sikhs and called f or action towards injustice and oppression
[9] Sikh Youth was rounded up and killed all over in Punjab in well disguised and so called terrorist encounters for 10 years post BlueStar. Missing Sikh Youth Estimates exceed 250,000
[10] Philosophy of Supremacy of the ruling Brahman class
[11] Satwant Singh and Beant Singh – Avenged the attack on Harimander Sahib and killing of uncountable innocent Sikhs by killing Indira Gandhi the Prime Minister of India who masterminded the attack.