Sat Guru Nanak Pargateya.......Miti Dhund Jag Chanan Hoya.

Guru Nanak dev ji de prakash purab di lakh lakh wadhai hove ji......

SikhsIndia
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President Obama honors Guru Nanak Dev Ji

On Sunday, many around the world will observe the anniversary of birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of sikhism. I send my best wishes to all those observing this extraordinary occasion.

This is also an opportunity to recognize the many contributions that Sikh Americans have made to our nation, and to reflect on the pluralism that is a hallmark of America.

with thanks : latimesblogs : link in headline above for detailed news.

SikhsIndia
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Sikh pilgrims' tents in Pakistan catches fire; no casualties

Islamabad, Nov 20 (IANS) At least 20 tents of Sikh pilgrims were burnt to ashes in Pakistan's Nankana Sahib city where they had gone to participate in the 542nd birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, a media report said Saturday. No casualties were reported.

'Rescue officials and fire brigade have reached the spot and the situation is under control,' Dunya TV reported adding that there was no loss of life or injury.

Regarding the cause of fire, there were conflicting reports. Some people on the spot said that the 'tents caught fire during the process of cooking food in one of them' while some others claimed that 'children playing with fire-crackers caused the fire'.

with thanks : SIFY : link in headline above for detailed news.

SikhsIndia
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Larger bench may take up Punjab Sikhs' minority status case

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Supreme Court Thursday indicated that it may refer to the constitution bench the question whether Sikhs in Punjab enjoy minority status in respect of setting up educational institutions and availing related benefits.

The apex court bench of Justice B. Sudershan Reddy and Justice S.S. Nijjar said this while hearing the petitions by the Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

The state government has challenged a Punjab and Haryana High Court order quashing its notification granting minority status to institutions run by the SGPC.

The high court's Dec 17, 2007 order talked about the definition of 'Sikh' under the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 and its relation with constitutional provisions that protect the rights of minorities to set up their own educational institutions.

The high court held that there was no material to substantiate that Sikhs were non-dominant group in Punjab apprehending deprivation of their rights at the hands of 'dominant' groups that may come to power.

with thanks : SIFY : link in headline above for detailed news.


SikhsIndia
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Gravesend Sikhs move to new Gurdwara

with thanks : BBC : 16 beautiful pics of this new gurudwara can be viewed from the link in headline above.

SikhsIndia
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First turban-wearing Sikh to be UK High Sheriff

London: Resham Singh Sandhu, a prominent Indian-origin multicultural leader selected as the new High Sheriff of Leicestershire.He will be the first turban-wearing Sikh in the UK to hold the office of High Sheriff.
Sandhu, who was awarded the MBE in 2002, migrated to Leicestershire from Punjab 38 years ago.He was a former chairman of Leicester's council of faiths;was commissioned in 2006 as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Leicestershire.
He told the media in Leicester."It's a great honour and privilege. This is going to set a good image of Great Britain. People can see that if you really work hard and deserve it, you can become a civic dignitary. It promotes multi-culturalism,"
He added: "My family in Punjab always worked with communities and to help other people. When I came over here I wanted to do the same. I didn't do it because I wanted to be recognised for it I never expected that".
Sandhu will succeed Colonel Robert Martin in either March or April next year and will be expected to attend royal visits and be entitled to act as a returning officer in parliamentary elections.He will wear the same ceremonial uniform for the role of High Sheriff.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/first-turban-wearing-sikh-to-be-uk-high-sheriff-66936?cp

Celebration of Gurupurub in Sint -Truiden,Belgium:

Sikhs in Sint Truiden celebrated birth of first Sikh Guru,Sri Guru Nanak Dev on 14th November 2010 .There was a Nagar Kirtan (Religious Procession)in which around 300 Sikhs took part, among them ,approximately,50 were Afghani Sikhs who specially came down from Brussels, where they live as asylum seekers .

Link europesamachar.com.

Courtesy to Lili Van Heers who herself is Belgian & Teacher but fighting for Sikh cause since last so many years. She is also an author of a Book on Sikhism.

Spell bound Bhangra Performance of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College,Dev Nagar's Bhangra Team for Chinese Delegation:

Honourable Mr.Amardeep Singh Cheema (Vice Chairman of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan ,Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports), conveys his heartiest thanks to Dr. Man Mohan Kaur,Principal,S.G.N.D.Khalsa college, University of Delhi,Dev Nagar for sending excellent Bhangra team of the college along with Dr.Gurdeep Kaur (Associate Prof.;Department of Political Science & National Service Scheme Programme Officer) for the cultural evening organised by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India to honour Chinese Youth Delegation comprising of 100 young Chinese Youth, research scholars, journalists, environmentalists etc.; visiting Delhi from 16 - 25 November 2010.,under the Youth Exchange Programme.

Chinese Delegation found Bhangra performance very lively & were very enthusiastic about Bhangra Team's colourful & beautigul dress.

This cultural evening took place at National Institute of Agriculture & Science Centre( NASC),International Guest House,Pusa Road on 16th Nov.2010 .It was witnessed by the Secretary; Youth Affairs, Govt. of India, Ambassador of Chinese Embassy in India and many other high ranking officers who applauded Bhangra performance of SGND Khalsa College students. This event gave a good exposure to College students also.













Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor,
Department of Political Science,
&
National Service Scheme Programme Officer
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College,
University of Delhi,
Dev Nagar,
Delhi 110005

New TSA Screening Guidelines Angers not only Sikh Travelers

with thanks : youtube

SikhsIndia

First Sikh Police Officer with Turban in Newzealand

with thanks : youtube

SikhsIndia

Two jailed for life for killing Indian-origin Sikh shopkeeper in London

Two persons have been jailed for life for the "sickeningly violent" murder of an Indian-origin Sikh shopkeeper in Britain, who refused to meekly abandon his property during a robbery eight months ago.

The Bradford Crown court sentenced Muawaz Khalid, 20, and his accomplice Nabeel Shafi, 18, to life in prison for killing Gurmail Singh, 63, for a few pounds, some sweets, alcohol and cigarettes during a raid at his shop in West Yorkshire in February, the Daily Mail reported.

Singh came to England from India in 1963 and raised his family in Huddersfield. He bought the Cowcliffe shop about five years ago.

"This was a most violent and sickening attack by at least two of you on a lone shopkeeper late at night. It is to be regretted that no defendant at any time during the eight-week trial showed the slightest remorse," Justice Henriques was quoted as saying in the court.

The judge said the victim's skull had been shattered into little pieces' by the force of the blows. "One blow would have disabled him, seven blows took his life away. If Gurmail Singh had abandoned his property and money and said 'take what you want boys', he would not have lost his life.

with thanks : DNAINDIA : link in headline above for detailed news.

SikhsIndia

Avtar Singh Makkar re-elected SGPC chief

The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body of Sikh shrines across India on Tuesday re-elected Avtar Singh Makkar as its President.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the ruling party of Punjab had backed Makkar for this coveted post.

The elections were held at the Teja Singh Samundari Hall in SGPC Headquarter premises and under the presence of five head priests, who are non-voting members of the SGPC.

Total of 156 votes were cast in the SGPC election out of which Avtar Singh Makkar bagged 133 votes and was duly elected for the sixth time defeating Bhajan Singh who bagged 23 votes.

with thanks : ANI : SIFY : link in headline above for detailed news.

SikhsIndia

1984 riots: Witness alleges Delhi police helped rioters

NEW DELHI: A witness in the 1984 anti - sikh riots today alleged before a court, trying senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others, that the Delhi police virtually helped the rioters during the carnage.

"I was watching from the window that police vans came and on seeing them Sikhs rushed out of hoping they would help. Thereafter, the police vans went away and then after sometime, mobs came and burnt those very houses from where Sikhs came out," Joginder Singh told Additional Sessions Judge Sunita Gupta.

Deposing as seventh witness, Singh identified Kumar's co-accused ex-MLA Mahender Yadav, ex-councillor and Kumar's nephews Balwan Khokar and Kishan Khokar and Captain Bhagmal as those involved in the riots that had followed the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.

The 53-year-old witness, whose father-in-law was also killed in the riots, said the mob was led by Khokar brothers and Yadav.

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

SikhsIndia

SGPC members demand Makkar’s resignation

A day ahead of the general house meeting of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Hardeep Singh, a member of the committee on Monday demanded the resignation of the Avtar Singh Makkar. He slammed the SGPC for publication of a book allegedly containing defamatory comments about Sikh gurus.

Addressing press conference today, Hardeep Singh, a SGPC member from Mohali said, “Makkar should bring an apology resolution in tomorrow’s general house of the SGPC.”

He said “baseless and intentionally incorporated” defamatory comments about Sikh gurus in the SGPC publication must be rejected, condemned and termed as anti-Sikh”.

with thanks : IndianExpress : link in headline above for detailed news.

SikhsIndia

Pics - Keertan Darbar : Sri Guru Nanak Sewak Jatha

Pics of the Keertan Darbar on 15th November, 2010, arranged by Sri Guru Nanak Sewak Jatha, Chand mohalla, Gandhi Nagar, Delhi - 110031.

Sikh students allowed to wear ceremonial dagger to school

Teachers have been advised that up to 2,000 Sikh students in schools across a county should be allowed to wear a ceremonial DAGGER – to SCHOOL.

New guidance issued to head teachers and governing bodies in Bedford states that baptised Sikhs can wear a dagger – or Kirpan – with a blade of up to SIX INCHES.

The dagger, usually worn discreetly beneath clothing, is one of the five ”articles” of faith worn by Sikhs who have gone through the Amrit baptism ceremony.

Members of Bedford’s Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) agreed the guidance developed by members of the Sikh community on Wednesday.

The advice was issued after parents asked for clarification on the issue and states that there should be no objection to the practice of wearing the five Ks.

These include the Kirpan, a steel bangle (Kara), unshorn hair (Kesh) a comb, (Kanga) and special underwear (Kacha).

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

sikhsindia

Give one percent of earnings for education: Badal to Sikhs

Chandigarh, Nov 14 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Sunday urged established Sikhs all across the world to contribute one per cent of their earnings to provide free quality education to poor children in the state.

'We have called upon the Sikh intellectuals, representatives of social and religious organisations to jointly chalk out an action plan to impart quality education based on Sikh values to our children, throughout the country, and to establish a fund for this purpose,' he said.

'I also appeal the Sikhs who have established themselves all over the world to contribute only one per cent of their earnings for the cause to provide free quality education to the children of the poor class in Punjab,' Badal added.

A huge number of NRIs from different parts of Punjab are based in the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, the Gulf countries and in various European countries.

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

SikhsIndia

Sikhs Hold Annual Parade In Queens

with thanks :
http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/128896/sikhs-hold-annual-parade-in-queens
Link also in headline above.

SikhsIndia

Commemoration of Sikh Soldiers in Tyne Cot (Iper,Belgium) on 11th November

In the Belgian town of Ieper (south-west of Belgium),where during four long years of world war, terrible trench wars were fought;there is an arch with the names of fallen soldiers and one can read many times over the name 'Singh'. Every evening the 'Last Post' is played by the bugles but on the 11th November, every year, hundreds of Sikhs from all over Europe; especially from the United Kingdom, come and gather to take part in a special remembrance ceremony on the Tyne Cot Memorial War Cemetery to honour and commemorate the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers who died in both the First and the Second World War.


Lili van Heers(a Belgian citizen & teacher) was very pleased to watch a programme on BBC1 about Sikh heroes during the First War. Since last ten years or so she herself has been trying to inform Belgians about the Sikh religion and the Sikh people. She is of the opinion that there is a lot of ignorance amongst Belgium people on Sikhism. It may be because Sikhism is not mentioned in schools and local people are not familiar with turbaned Sikhs and unknown of the fact that quite a number of Sikhs fought and died for them; in those wars for their freedom. Therefore, if Belgian pupils could learn about the Sikh contribution to the freedom of their country at school, they would have more respect for these strange Indians with turbans and maybe the current turban problem in European schools might not be an issue.Lili has beautifully said "After all, the Sikh soldiers fought valiantly with a turban, not a helmet, for a cause that was not even theirs, so why can they not get an education with a turban on their head?"

Sikh parade impresses

My husband and I were blessed to be able to attend, for the first time, the Sikh Parade in Tierra Buena. We had a great time and are already making plans to go next year.

We already thought East Indian folks were great, and this event solidified our feelings. At each of the food booths we visited (and we tried to visit all of them, but our stomachs could not hold any more goodies) we were made to feel welcome. The food was great, and I was thrilled when I found a booth that had saag (creamed spinach).

We did not understand the significance of the street sweepers in front of the first float, but judging by the very soothing chanting of the throng surrounding the float, we guessed it was for making the street holy. We were also impressed by how peaceful the entire event was. We have been spectators at many parades, and without fail, there is some jerk who ruins the fun for many. That was not the case at this event. It was, as one gentleman told me, "a different kind of fun." He made my day.

To the Sikh community, thank you from my family. I am proud we are neighbors. May God bless you.

Jonette Bumgarner

Colusa

with thanks : appeal-democrat : link in headline above.

SikhsIndia