Friday, November 30, 2012

Unique compaign to confront officials : Hindustan Times


Hindustan Times (Delhi)
30 Nov 2012

At stake, much more than the Sikh panth's cause

It's not only about the control of at least 11 historical gurdwaras in and around Delhi, Akali factions looking to helm the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) are aiming for much more. The Paramjit Singh Sarna-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Delhi, which currently controls the national capital's gurdwara committee, and the SAD-Badal, which is in power in Punjab and controls the Amritsar-headquartered Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), both make noises about fighting for the cause and sewa (service) of the Sikh panth (religion). Behind the din, is the ambition to control a large number of educational institutes, huge donations at the gurdwaras, the Singh Sabhas representing 15 lakh Sikhs living in Delhi, and a strong presence in the politics of the capital. 

POLL POINT 
As SAD-Delhi gets the blame of siding with the Congress-led government of Delhi for delaying the DSGMC elections, which were scheduled in January 2011, the SAD-Badal is making all-out efforts to have the elections conducted before December 31, the date mandated by the Supreme Court. The alleged delay tactic is a proposed amendment to the Delhi Gurdwara Act of 1971 that would mean direct election of the DSGMC president, dumping the current practice of members choosing the head. SAD-Badal patron and Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to "stop the Delhi government from meddling in Sikh issues" and make efforts to conduct the DSGMC elections in time. But DSGMC president Sarna says the amendment (which may take at least a year to become law) is "a step towards reforms". 

For more details, read Hindustan Times

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

HAPPY GURPURAB

Greetings to all on this auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday ! May Guru ji's Divine love & blessings be with you Always !
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak_Jayanti

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Happy Gurupurab ji. Aap sab nu lakh lakh vadhaiyaan hovan ji.





Ki asi una kurbaniyaan da rin la sakde haan ?????

Asi Brahman samaj da dillon sammaan karde haan. Guru Sahibaan diyan kurbaniyan age, asi sirf natmastak ho sakde haan ya phir shukrana pesh kar sakde haan. Par ki asi una kurbaniyaan da rin la sakde haan ? It seems its just politics n nothing else. Bhul chuk di maafi ji. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Satgur Nanak Pargateya Mitti Dhund Jag Chanan Hova…



























   
Guru Nanak Dev Ji De Prakash Utsav Di 
Sab Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhayee Hove Ji !!

From:
S. Balbir Singh (Vivek Vihar)           S. Tarjeet Singh Nagi           Mrs. Jasmeet Kaur
Chairman                                             Manager                                  Principal           
Guru Harkrishan Public School, 
Hargobind Enclave, Delhi-92

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Curfew imposed in Sirsa after 12 injured in Dera-Sikh clash

Curfew was imposed in the town on Saturday after arson during a communal clash between Sikhs and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda. 

The 12 people injured in the violence here in the evening include Sant Gurmeet Singh Trilokiwala, head of another local dera and member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), whose condition is reported to be critical.
 
The district administration has called 15 units of paramilitary force to maintain law and order. All the injured are under treatment in a government hospital.

The town was on the edge since November 19, when a man named Jasvir Singh was injured in a Sikh-dera clash at Jiwan Nagar locality here. Sukhwinder Singh Khalsa, president of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha, had called for shutdown over the matter here on Saturday but deferred the plan for a fortnight after speaking with the district administration.

Khalsa had asked the government to withdraw the Z-plus security of Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and restrict his followers from guarding his every route. On Saturday, the violence broke out when suspected dera men attacked Sikhs returning from a gurdwara and torched seven vehicles.

A heavy police force was deployed and curfew imposed but both group remained on the streets to confront each other.


with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Prominent Sikhs form peace committee following clash at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj

JALANDHAR: Following the ugly clash at gurudwara Rakab Ganj on November 15 some prominent Sikh personalities and organizations have formed a Peace Committee as there are apprehensions that violent scuffles can take place in the coming days especially on Gurpurabs and Nagar Kirtan days.

Representatives of Shirmani Akali Dal (Badal) and Paramjit Singh Sarna led SAD (Delhi) have also been included in the peace committee. Senior Supreme Court advocate H S Phollka said that a number of meetings were held by various Sikh Organizations initiated by the Sikh Forum to discuss the unfortunate incident of violence at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj. This incident had not only amount to desecration of Gurudwara Sahib, it has also lowered the image of the Sikh Community in the whole World.

"The most disturbing part is the likelihood of this kind of violence continuing in future. According to intelligence reports there is every likelihood of violent incidents during the Nagar Kirtan on November 24 and 27 and also during the congregation on both the Gurpurabs of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Nanak Dev on November 25 and 28 respectively.

"There was general refrain among the devotees that something should be done by the Sangat to stop the violence and deteriorating the image of the community any further," Phoolka disclosed. The peace committee would speak to both the sides urging them to pursue their political fights without resorting to violence.

The five member peace committee includes former PGI Chandigarh director and noted Sikh author Dr J S Neki, prominent Punjabi writerb Ajeet Caur, former CBI director Joginder Singh, Political science professor at IGNOU, Dr. Amarjit Singh Narang and advocate Phoolka. Latter would be the coordinator of the Committee. The two nominees of the Sarna group include Bhajan Singh Walia and Tarsem Singh while the nominees of the Badal group are Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Harmeet Singh Kalkaji.

Phoolka said that a 'Candle Light Vigil' would also be held at the spot of the violence that is Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib on Friday at 5 PM. The Peace Committee has started working and interacting with both the groups, said Phoolka. 


with thanks : Times of India : LINK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Education beyond the classroom & beyond books at GHPS, Hargobind






















Value Education : The school (Guru Harkrishan Public School, Hargobind Enclave, Delhi-92) is committed to the concept of "Education Beyond the Classroom" and "Education Beyond Books". What the teacher tells carries more weight than what Mom and Dad say.

So, to carry the message forward, the school organizes regular sessions (depending on the age group), highlighting maintenance of hygiene, correct eating habits, avoiding the intake of junk food.

 





















Mrs. Jasmeet Kaur
Principal
Guru Harkrishan Public School,
Hargobind Enclave, Delhi-92
Phone:- 011-43714444
http://ghpshargobind.org



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Guru Nanak’s birthday: 21 special trains for Sikh pilgrims

LAHORE, Nov 19: A total of 21 special trains will be operated to facilitate participation of Sikh pilgrims coming from India and various cities of Pakistan in the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Devji to be held on Nov 28 at Nankana Sahib.

On Nov 24, the first special train will be operated from Karchi at 8am, second from Larkana at 12noon, third from Jacobabad at12.30pm and the fourth from Rohri at 2pm for Nankana Sahib, says a Pakistan Railways announcement.

On Nov 25, the first special train will be operated from Wagha at 10am, second at 12noon and third at 1pm for Nankana Sahib.

On Nov 26, a special train will be operated from Nankana Sahib for Lahore through Sheikhupura at 9am while from Lahore to Nankana Sahib at 9pm.

On Nov 29, the first special train will be operated from Nankana Sahib for Larkana at 12.30pm, second for Jacobabad at 1.30pm, third for Karachi at 2.30pm and the fourth for Rohri at 3.30pm. The fifth special train will leave Nankana Sahib for Hassanabdal at 1pm, the second 2pm and the third at 3pm.

On Dec 1, the first special train will leave Hassanabdal for Lahore at 4.30pm, the second at 5.30pm while the third at 6.30pm. On Dec 4, the first special train will leave Lahore for Wagha at 4.30pm, the second at 5.30pm while the third at 6.30pm. — Staff Reporter


with thanks : DAWN : LINK

Exhibition on rare Sikh articles targets youth

Nanakshahi coins, Sikh manuscripts, rare weapons and much more were put on display in the Sikh Virasat Sambhal exhibition organised by Narinderpal Singh at Gurdwara Guru Gyan Parkash at Jawaddi village which concluded on Sunday. 

Narinderpal has a hobby to collect such rare things and plans to take his exhibition to other parts of the city as well. “Over the years, I have collected these rare things and I have spent lakhs of rupees on this collection. I want to make the young generation aware of our rich cultural heritage. So I keep on organising such exhibitions,” he says. 

On display were 184-year-old handwritten Guru Granth Sahib, which Narinder got from a UP-based family, Adhyatam Parkash Granth of 1669 AD, Bhagat Vani, Bhai Gurdas di Vaaran and 18 other handwritten manuscripts. 

Nanakshahi coins during the reign of all the Sikh Maharajas were also displayed. These included Nanakshahi coins of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, coins during the reign of Maharajas of Nabha, Patiala, Kaithal and Jind. 

Old weapons used in wars between Mughals and Sikhs were also on display. These included daggers, swords, bichua, katar and zambia. 

Narinderpal has converted the ground floor of his house into a museum where he will display all these rare things. He is working on digitisation of the entire collection.


with thanks : Indian Express : LINK

Monday, November 19, 2012

Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family : SikhsIndia

Sd. Hardeep Singh Chadha, Son in Law of Sd. Harvinder singh Sarna, died on Saturday, in a farm house in Delhi.  He was the younger brother of Ponty Chadha, who also died in the tragic incident. 

"There was no property dispute between them at all. Had there been, we would have meditated between them and resolved," said Hardeep singh Chadha's father-in-law Harvinder Singh Sarna. 

"They both had separate businesses and Hardeep had a distillery plant and paper mill in Hargobindpur in Punjab," Harvinder Singh Sarna said. 

Harvinder Singh Sarna is the younger brother of Paramjeet Singh Sarna, who is president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). 

Paramjeet Singh Sarna also supported the version of his younger brother. "There was no property dispute between them," he said. 

Antim Ardas will be performed at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib on 23rd November.

Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. 

SikhsIndia 
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.in

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Dikshit denies govt hand in violence

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit has promised action against people involved in a clash last week outside the Rakabganj gurdwara and rubbished suggestions that her government had a hand in the violence.
 
"It was a clash between two factions of Sikhs, which is being given political colour by some for their vested interests," she said about the clash on Thursday at the central Delhi gurdwara which left several people injured. 

Her comments on Saturday comes after her Punjab counterpart Parkash Singh Badal wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, alleging that a move by her government to amend the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee election procedure was "unjustified" and "provocative" and had led to the violence.

Dikshit was in Ludhiana, Punjab, to attend an event organised by the Nehru Sidhant Kendra Trust to celebrate the birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. 

The chief minister said it was not the first time that an amendment had been proposed in the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Act, adding that the matter would be taken up in the Assembly session. "The Badal government should not interfere in any elections taking place in Delhi," she added.      

She referred to Nehru as a great visionary and a committed soldier who participated in the freedom struggle.

She described Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi as a leader of the future, saying it was premature to comment whether he would be the prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 elections.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : Link

Gurdwara Act row: Sheila Dikshit dares Parkash Singh Badal to ‘leash her’

LUDHIANA: The face-off between Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit over the management of Delhi gurdwara affairs escalated on Saturday, with the latter daring Badal to "try leashing her" for her government's decision to amend the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Act 1971 to allow direct election to the post of president.

A furious Badal had on Friday called up and shot off missives to PM Manmohan Singh and Delhi LG Tejendra Khanna, seeking a "leash on Dikshit-led Delhi government" and action against those who had attacked the SAD(B) leaders and workers at Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib on Thursday.

Speaking exclusively to TOI on Saturday, Dikshit said, "Put me on leash if you want Mr Badal. The Cabinet has already cleared the amendment. It will be sent to the ministry of home affairs and I will personally make sure that the Act is ready by December. There shouldn't be any uncertainty and ambiguity on this".

Dikshit's visit to Ludhiana comes two days after clashes between two rival Sikh factions — Delhi unit of SAD (Badal) and Paramjit Sarna-led camp — at the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee meeting at the Rakabganj gurdwara.

The melee at the 229-year-old gurdwara near the Parliament, that ensued for 30 minutes, had left at least eight people critically injured as the groups used sticks, stones and kripans against each other. The clashes fuelled the tension simmering since October 9 when the Delhi cabinet proposed to raise the tenure of the governing council of Delhi's gurdwaras from two years to four years through the Gurdwara Act amendment (2012). The same amendment also provides for direct election to the post of DSGMC president.

In his letter, the Punjab CM had also urged the Centre "to stop Delhi government from going ahead with its dangerous move to interfere in the religious affairs of the Sikh community".

Dikshit said she had not been briefed on the contents of Badal's letter. " Mr Badal is free to write to whoever he wants. My suggestion to him is that he should not interfere in elections which are not taking place in his state," she added. She also hit out at the opposition, saying many amendments were made to the 1971 Act even by the BJP-led government. 

with thanks : Times of India : LINK

‘No role in Rakab Ganj violence’

Denying that the Delhi Government had any role to play in the violence pertaining to gurdwara politics at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib here on Thursday, Delhi Gurdwara Election & Gurdwara Administration Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said over the weekend that the main intention behind the proposed amendment to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara (Amendment) Bill, 2012, was to remove corruption and horse-trading and make the administration more accountable.

“We were receiving a lot of complaints about corruption in the gurdwara management. It was said that the members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee [DSGMC] switched loyalties easily in the absence of any anti-defection law. Consequently, the positions of the chairman and other members of various institutions were being compromised. We wanted to clean up the system,” said Mr. Lovely.

He said the Delhi Cabinet had passed the proposed amendment on October 8 as it came under its purview. “The Act was brought by the Delhi Assembly and so it can also be amended only through its approval. So where is the question of interference?” he said.

He said just as chairmen of various bodies and banks are elected directly while members were elected separately, so too the Delhi Government had proposed the introduction of a two-vote system for separate elections for the post of president of DSGMC and its members.

“We want to give the power of election to the people of Delhi. They will be able to elect the DSGMC president as also its members. What is the harm in it? Why is the Shiromani Akali Dal [Badal] leadership so perturbed with this?” Mr. Lovely said.

He said it will be better if SAD leader and Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal focused on his State rather than projecting himself as the champion of the cause of Delhi’s Sikhs. “Punjab today is suffering from acute drug addiction. Mr. Badal should eradicate the problems of his State first,” Mr. Lovely said, echoing views expressed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at a rally in Punjab recently.

Mr. Lovely’s statements assume significance as the SAD (Badal) has been repeatedly accusing the Congress of interfering in Sikh politics in Delhi. It has also charged that the Delhi Cabinet’s decision to pass the proposal for amending the DSG Bill was motivated by politics.

with thanks : The Hindu : LINK

Saturday, November 17, 2012

SGND Khalsa College : Celebration of Founders Day


Ponty Chadha & his younger brother died in bullet injuries

 

Ponty Chadha & his younger brother died in bullet injuries during firing at their farm house few minutes ago. Details awaited. Both were taken to hospital & declared brought dead. Details awaited.

DSGMC PC after the Brawl at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib : SikhsIndia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHh1EBWtDXg&feature=youtu.be


Badal wades into gurdwara management feud


NEW DELHI: Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and the Sheila Dikshit-led Delhi government are set for a face-off over management of gurdwara affairs, seen as a route to control the Sikh vote bank in the capital. The Dikshit government's plans to amend the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Act 1971 to allow direct election to the post of president is emerging as a bone of contention between the two states.

Meanwhile, a furious Badal on Friday called up and shot off missives to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna, seeking a "leash on Dikshit-led Delhi government" and action against those who had attacked the SAD(B) leaders and workers at Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib on Thursday. He spoke to the PM and Khanna after he failed to get any response from his Delhi counterpart, his media advisors said in the evening

The Delhi government is now preparing to approach the Supreme Court early next week to seek approval for moving ahead with the amendment which was approved by the state cabinet in October. The Supreme Court in September directed the state to hold elections to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC, whose tenure ended in December 2011) before December 31. If the amendment is brought, it will have to be tabled in the Delhi assembly during the winter session for approval. Thus the elections would need to be scheduled for sometime early next year.

In a letter to Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Badal has blamed the Delhi government for interference in management of gurdwaras. The city government is also accused of delaying elections to DSGMC currently led by Akali Dal (Delhi), which enjoys the support of the ruling Congress in Delhi. He has sought the Centre's intervention to prevent the Delhi government from tabling before the assembly the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara (Amendment) Bill which proposes to make way for direct election of the DSGMC president. TOI has a copy of the letter sent by the home ministry to the state government last week. The ministry has sought a reply from the state of Delhi on Badal's concerns.

In his letter, Badal points out to Shinde that this amendment Bill violates the letter and spirit of the agreement reached between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Master Tara Singh, known as the Nehru-Tara Singh Pact, "which specifically stated the commitment of the government of India not to take any steps with regard to the affairs of the Sikh community without consultation with and consent of the representatives of the Sikh community through the apex body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at Amritsar... Also, there is no provision for a direct election of a president in any of the elected constitutional bodies in the country right from the office of the president of India, prime minister and municipalities," the letter states.

"It appears to be a calculated conspiracy of the government to delay the overdue gurdwara elections in the guise of this amendment," the letter adds, and alleges that the amendment is aimed at giving undue benefits to the ruling office-bearers of the "committee" to cling to their offices and to enjoy their extended term.

Delhi's minister in charge of gurdwara management, Arvinder Singh Lovely, vehemently rejected the concerns raised by Badal, saying the government was right in bringing amendments as gurdwara management is a state subject and DSGMC is governed by the state Act and not the parliament Act, which governs SGPC.

"This is not the first time that an amendment is being proposed to the Gurdwara Act. Even BJP government in 1993-98 proposed amendments. The proposal for direct election will only bring in transparency in election process and end the mudslinging between various factions that keep alleging the big role of money power in election. We have no intention to delay the elections," the minister said. That the mudslinging is set to get worse came through in Lovely's remarks when, taking a dig at Badal, he told TOI, "He (Badal) must instead focus on more pressing issues like drug abuse among youth in Punjab."



with thanks : TIMES OF INDIA : LINK

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Special trains for Sikh Yatrees

LAHORE

MORE than 3000 Sikh Yatrees are expected to reach Pakistan through Wahga Border on November 25 to celebrate Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary.

Pakistan Railways arranged Special trains for this. These trains will be guarded by the PR police. For this, a high level meeting was held on Tuesday in Home Department Punjab.

PSP to IGP Railways, SSP Railways Lahore participated in the meeting where security of Sikh Yatrees was discussed. IGP Railways issued strict instructions to make security arrangements for the special trains by deploying ATS Commandos and that bomb disposal staff should check every train.


with thanks : The News : LINK

US Sikhs welcome Obama message on Diwali

Washington: The Sikh community in America has welcomed President Barack Obama's message of Diwali greetings praising their resilience in the wake of the August shooting at Oak Creek gurdwara in Wisconsin.

.
"This inspirational message reflects President Obama's compassionate heart and his commitment to create a harmonious society in America where all are respected and each faith is honoured," said Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Washington based Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE).

 "Recognizing Diwali, which is sacred to almost all faiths originating from Indian subcontinent, sends a message that America provides an opportunity for each faith to flourish and all faiths can truly enjoy the religious freedom," he said. 

 "We are confident America will continue towards 'perfect union' as envisaged by the US constitution under the able leadership of President Obama for another four years," Rajwant Singh said.

The community leader said the Sikh community prayed for Obama "and his family as he leads a difficult road of bringing political leadership together to face the challenge of financial solvency of this country". 


with thanks : Zee News : LINK : for detailed news.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A show of culture

MODEL TOWN: The cultural mA©lange, presented by organizers of Sarb Hind Sikh Educational Conference at Shri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Dugri Road, mesmerized the audience. This was the first such initiative by Chief Khalsa Diwan, the body which organized the programme after a couple of years. The participants showcased their talent by depicting the folkloric traditions of Punjab enthusiastically.

Convener of the cultural program Dharamveer Singh said such events provide a platform to the students to connect to the cultural roots of the state.


with thanks : Times of India : LINK : for detailed news. 

Can Hindu law cover Sikhs, Jains, asks SC

NEW DELHI: If Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism are separate and distinct religions, can followers of these faiths be bracketed as Hindus under the Constitution and be governed by Hindu personal law, the Supreme Court asked before issuing notice to the Centre and attorney general G E Vahanvati.

Sikh scholar Birendra Kaur in her petition questioned the constitutional and past legislative attempts to obliterate identities of separate faiths by recognizing them under the broad religious connotation of Hindus. She said this negated the constitutional guarantee to each individual to practise and propagate the religion of his/her choice.

'Kaur's petition an expression of frustration'

The Punjab and Haryana high court had dismissed with caustic observations a petition by Sikh scholar Birendra Kaur questioning the constitutional and past legislative attempts to obliterate identities of separate faiths by recognizing them under the broad religious connotation of Hindus, but an SC bench of Chief Justice Altamas Kabir and Justices S S Nijjar and J Chelameswar not only entertained her appeal but also framed the question for adjudication.

"This petition is seeking to express and make clear the frustration and disappointment of a large part of the Sikh community which feels its identity as Sikh is undermined by certain clauses and titles of certain statutes which club Sikhs under the definition of Hindu," senior advocate Colin Gonsalves argued. 


with thanks : Times of India : LINK : for detailed news.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous Deepawali


DSGMC wishes you Happy Diwali & Bandi Chor Diwas


SikhsIndia wishes you Happy Diwali & Bandi Chor Diwas


Tech Savvy Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee Schools

 




















We at Guru Harkrishan Public School, Hargobind Enclave, have created an environment wherein our teachers are keenly working towards keeping themselves abreast with the latest in technological advances. This knowledge is used by them in the classrooms which - in turn - inspires the students who see their teachers learning. Samples of the collages of pictures already uploaded are the work of our staff using the latest Microsoft software.

Mrs. Jasmeet Kaur
Principal
With regards,

Guru Harkrishan Public School,
Hargobind Enclave, Delhi-92
Phone:- 011-43714444
http://ghpshargobind.org

Thursday, November 8, 2012

No crackers appeal to CM due to existing high pollution : Delhi Aajtak : B S Vohra

Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?index=1&list=UUeYmG2G7RS6SlgNnLGVNSMQ&feature=plcp&v=zSlnZzYtWjs&gl=US



B S Vohra

No crackers on this Diwali please !



















with thanks : India Today.

Bollywood's Sons of Sardar while none of them is a Sardar !


Bollywood's Sons of Sardaar: Sikhs in cinema





pic with thanks : IBNLive : Link

US Sikhs celebrate Obama's victory

AMRITSAR: The sizeable Sikh community in US is overwhelmed over landslide victory of US President Barack Obama for second time in office.

While talking to TOI over phone from USA, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) coordinator Pritpal Singh said that AGPC had sent the congratulatory messages to US President.

"He is the one who understands concerns of the Sikhs and minorities in US," said Singh while adding that Sikhs in US were extremely happy over Obama's victory.

"He is friend of the Sikhs," said AGPC President JS Hothi Hothi said Barak Obama was always receptive to Sikhs' demands and understood their concerns. When two months back the unfortunate incident of shootout at Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin happened, Obama rose above politics and felt concerned, taking appreciable steps to garner sense of safety and security amongst community members," he said.


with thanks : Times of India : LINK : for detailed news.

Canadian PM offers prayers at Sikh shrine in Punjab

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Wednesday offered prayers at Takht Keshgarh Sahib here during his one-day visit to Punjab and Chandigarh. 

Accompanied by his wife Laureen and a delegation of around 50 people, Harper, dressed in a dark suit and wearing a head-scarf, remained inside the Sikh shrine for nearly 10 minutes.
 
The shrine, the second most important Sikh shrine after the Golden Temple (in Amritsar) and located 80 km from Chandigarh, is famous as the birthplace of the 'Khalsa Panth', the modern-day Sikh religion.

Harper visited the Golden Temple in 2009.

It was at Anandpur Sahib on April 13, 1699, that the tenth Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh, baptised the first five Sikhs (Panj Piaras) and founded the Khalsa.

Harper arrived here in an Indian Air Force helicopter from Chandigarh.

The Canadian prime minister later visited the 'Virasat-e-Khalsa' complex, the Sikh heritage museum, near the shrine.

Harper, who arrived in Chandigarh on Wednesday afternoon from New Delhi, was received at the Chandigarh airport by Punjab governor Shivraj Patil and Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Badal was present with Harper during the visit to the shrine here. Harper is set to leave for Bangalore  on Thursday. 


with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK : for detailed news.

Monday, November 5, 2012

जनपथ: दिल्‍ली में फैलता जा रहा है डेंगू का डंक : Delhi Aajtak : B S Vohra

Sikhs bless golden dome for new temple

The Sikh community in Newcastle has been celebrating the latest stage in the construction of a new Temple.The symbolic golden dome, known as a Gumut, was lifted into place on top of the new building, in Newcastle's west end. The new temple replaces the current building, which the community has occupied since the early 1970s. It will be the first purpose-built Sikh place of worship in the North East.The community hopes it will give them a visible presence in the city. The building is expected to be ready to use by February 2013, with an official opening ceremony planned for April.


The Sikh community in Newcastle blessed the new dome in a traditional ceremony. Credit: ITV





Music was played, hymns were sung and prayers were said to bless the dome. Credit: ITV


The golden dome was lifted by a crane following the ceremony. Credit: ITV


The community has raised £2.4 million for the new building. Credit: ITV


The dome was carefully lowered into place and secured by builders. Credit: ITV


The new dome can be seen from the Tyne Bridge. Credit: ITV
 
with thanks : ITV : Link