Madonna receives multi-million dollar gift from Sikh

Members of the Madonna University community had more than a million reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving, thanks to the generosity of area philanthropist Deepinder Uppal.

A professor of English and communication at Southwestern Michigan College with an upbringing in Sikhism and a childhood spanning the globe, Uppal was first enlisted to mentor Dean Adkins, director of major gifts and gift planning at Livonia's Madonna University, in order for Adkins to better understand the growing Sikh presence in Southeast Michigan philanthropy. A frequent visitor to campus, Uppal became strongly acquainted with Madonna values and the serendipitous possibilities in philanthropy at Madonna University.

“When I heard Dean talk about how there were specific planned giving instruments that could not only help me solve some financial issues in my life right now but also could simultaneously create an irrevocable planned gift to do good, to further Madonna's vision, I was all for it,” Uppal said. “These types of charitable solutions had never been presented to me before.” After discussing various options with Adkins, Uppal recently recorded a multi-million dollar intention with the University in the form of a deferred gift.

Uppal teaches and believes that religion should be a unifying concept, not a point of division. Founded in Punjab in the 15th century, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that, today, ranks as the fifth largest religion in the world, with some 20 million followers.

“This is an opportunity to promote a dialogue between two religions,” Uppal said. “I feel I am doing my part to live out the sentiments one may find in Wand Kay Shako,” the teaching of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev that one should share one's wealth with others in the community to profoundly inspire and support society.

with thanks : hometownlife : link in headline for detailed news.

SikhsIndia

PM may bring up ban on turbans with Sarkozy

NEW DELHI: As French President Nicolas Sarkozy landed in Delhi on Sunday, government sources indicated that the contentious issue of Sikh turbans in France would again be taken up with the French side. The government is expected to politely convey to Sarkozy how strongly India feels about the issue when he holds delegation-level talks with PM Manmohan Singh on Monday.

Sarkozy had an informal meeting over dinner with Singh after landing in Delhi from Agra on Sunday evening. In the past too, Singh has taken up the issue with Sarkozy and while the president has displayed understanding of the situation, Sikh groups continue to believe they are being discriminated against by the French government. Currently, it is difficult for a Sikh to acquire any identification-related document if he doesn't get himself photographed without removing his turban.

In his September 2008 summit talks in Paris, Singh had emphasized to Sarkozy that the turban was "a very essential part of the Sikh way of life". Sarkozy had then said that he had an "open mind" on the issue. Again in July 2009, after the French National Day celebrations, Singh had handed over a "non-official" document to Sarkozy on how to handle the problem. Sarkozy had then assured that there was no ban in France on Sikhs wearing turban.

With thanks : Times of India : link in headline for detailed news.

SikhsIndia

Dynamic Sikh Personality : Principal Dr.Man Mohan Kaur

Dr.Man Mohan Kaur,the dynamic principal of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College,University of Delhi,Dev Nagar,New Delhi,India;started her career as a school teacher.She then joined Mata Sundri College, University of Delhi as a Lecturer and soon became a Reader. She is Principal since 1st November 2005. She is constantly engaged in evolving and upgrading infrastructure and teaching methodologies in the college. Her emphasis is on the welfare and upliftment of her students by empowering them with contemporary knowledge systems and skills, thereby enabling them to take their place in the competitive, globalised world that is awaiting them.

Within short span of time, she has taken the college to remarkable heights. Under her excellent guidance the college has earned a reputation for excellence in academics and in extra-curricular activities. She is a supporting pillar and a nurturing head for her students and for her entire staff, both teaching and administrative.

She has completely dedicated her life for the social cause. Every year she arranges free medical check-ups, blood donation camps and career counseling workshops for her students .This year she motivated and enrolled many students as volunteers for the Commonwealth Games (hosted in Delhi from October 4-14, 2010)in collaboration with the Delhi Government. A fountainhead of optimism and determination herself, she advises all to spurn negativity for a positive and hopeful attitude. She actively encouraged students’ participation in Delhi city cleanliness drive and sent volunteers for the foreign delegation.

She has done her graduation and post-graduation in Mathematics from Indraprastha College, University of Delhi and training in Education from Central Institute of Education,DU.She earned her PhD Degree and Post Doctoral honours from Delhi University. Since last 34 years (approximately)she has written, presented and published several research papers in National & International journals in the subject of her expertise- Mathematics- and participated in various national and international seminars and workshops.

Her role model in life is her grandfather, late Sardar Hira Singhji, who is an inspirational figure for her as well as for her siblings. It was his vision and encouragement that strongly motivated her to achieve academic targets successfully and to lead a pious life. The central philosophy of Dr. Man Mohan Kaur's life is based on practising three primary pillars of Sikhism: Kirat Karo (earn an honest living );Wand Ke Chhako (to share) and Naam Jappo (receiting God’s Name).In all circumstances of life, she always remembers the existence of Akal purakh (Almighty).

Till her last breath, her one and only wish is to pray, to practice the path of humanity and to spread the message of the Sikh Gurus in order to gain a meaningful life. Therefore she regularly conducts Kirtan Gurbani (Religious Music) competitions in the college to inculcate Sikh principles among the new generation of Sikh students. Her humble submission & motto is "Inhi Ki Kirpa Ke Saje Hum Hai".

She is fully convinced that whatever she has achieved in life;it is with the grace and blessings of the eternal Guru "Sri Guru Granth Sahib".

Prem Chopra in Chandigarh with Dr.Kitty Singh:

Prem Chopra;a legend villain of Bollywood was in Chandigarh today along with his other co-stars Rahul Dev & Rann Vijay( Famous TV Personality from MTV Roadies) for the shooting of his upcoming Punjabi Movie "Dharti"in which he is playing a role of King (Politician)maker.He also visited Panchkula & Mohali's community centre.

Dr.Kitty Singh(wife of famous Eye Surgeon Dr.Gurjit Singh in Chandigarh)had lunch with Prem Chopra in his Vanity Van;reported that Prem Chopra was overwhelmed with the hospitality of Sikhs in Chandigarh.Next week,he’ll again visit to Chandigarh to complete the shooting of the second schedule of the film.

A Beautiful Site But No One To Appreciate It

Please DOUBLE CLICK to view it. It is about Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial, spread over 11.5 acres of land and constructed on GT Road (NH-1) at Singhu border is built at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore. We must include this spot for a regular visit.

With thanks : Hindustan Times : Link in headline above.

SikhsIndia

Pakistan: The Taliban and the Endangered Sikhs of Peshawar

In Peshawar's noisy and manic Dabgari bazaar, bearded men weaving in and out of the curbside stores are a ubiquitous sight. (There are few women in the market). Most of them wear round, white Pashtun hats, a fixture in these parts. But there are a substantial number of merchants who, though also bearded and dressed in the traditional shalwar kameez, are adorned with the intricately wound and colorful turbans of those who profess the Sikh religion. Many of them live just a few streets away from the market, where the noise and rubbish-strewn streets fall away and are replaced by a warren of winding narrow alleyways, swept clean, and lined by brick homes, many of which despite being caked in decades of dust and disrepair still maintain a haughty grandeur. This is Jogan Shah, the Sikh neighborhood of Peshawar.

Sikhs and Hindus are tiny and embattled communities in Pakistan. As small, non-Muslim populations, especially in the volatile, religiously conservative northwest, they were easy prey for the Taliban. That's why the population of Jogan Shah has spiked in recent years. Sikhs like Darsha Singh, displaced from his village of Orakzai in the war-ravaged tribal territories further northwest, have sought refuge with their co-religionists in Peshawar, which now hosts some 500 families, the largest Sikh population in Pakistan.

With thanks : Time.com : link in headline above for DETAILED REPORT.

SikhsIndia
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Kavi Sammelan at Kolkatta by Sahitay Akademy

with regards
Jagmohan singh Gill
Gen secy
Punjabi Sahit Sabha
kolkata

Message - Sri Akal Takht Sahib - dated 1.4.06

Hukamnama - Sri Akal Takht Sahib - dated 16.3.98

Temples 'breaking the Sikh code' on meat and alcohol

By Aftab Gulzar
BBC Asian Network

Some gurdwaras in the UK are going against their religion by serving meat and alcohol on their premises, according to an association of Sikh followers.

The UK Sangat, an association of Sikh followers, has started a national campaign to stop what it says is the violation of the basic principles of Sikhism.

Some Sikhs have protested, stopping one gurdwara in Edinburgh and one in Essex from going against the teachings.

UK Sangat said there were at least another 15 temples in Britain flouting the rules, which they planned to approach.

The Sikh religion forbids the use of alcohol and other intoxicants.

Sikhs are also not allowed eat meat - the principle is to keep the body pure.

All gurdwaras are supposed to follow the Sikh code, known as the Akal Takht Sandesh, which comes from the highest Sikh authority in India.

SHOCKING :

The detailed news can be viewed with thanks to BBC News : link in headline above.

SikhsIndia - spreading awareness.

Sikh cab driver, mistaken for Muslim, attacked in California

A Sikh cab driver in Northern California was attacked after assailants mistook him for a Muslim.

Harbhajan Singh was attacked by two men, who shouted profanities and called him Osama Bin Laden. He escaped when a woman with the attackers intervened and put herself between them, reports Associated Press (AP).

Singh believes the men intended to kill him because he wears a turban.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been approached by The Council on American-Islamic Relations to investigate if the attack was racially motivated.

with thanks : tribune.com.pk