Canada Post unveils stamp to mark 100 years since ship full of Sikhs turned away

OTTAWA - Canada Post has unveiled a new stamp to mark 100 years since a ship full of mostly Sikh passengers was turned way from Canada and sent back to India, where they were jailed or killed.

The Komagata Maru arrived in Vancouver's Burrard Inlet on May 23, 1914, carrying 376 British subjects, primarily Sikhs from India's Punjab region, as well as a number of Hindus and Muslims.

The ship was denied permission to dock and only a handful of passengers were allowed to stay in Canada, with the rest remaining on the ship as it was escorted out of Canadian waters two months after its arrival.

When the ship arrived in India, 19 of the passengers were shot and the rest were imprisoned.

The international-rate stamp features an image of the Komagata Maru, with a group of men in Sikh turbans in the background.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered an apology for the Komagata Maru incident in 2008, and the B.C. legislature passed a motion apologizing on behalf of the province the same year.

with thanks : mysask : LINK

Celebrating Eight Sikh Americans We Admire : Huffington Post : Must Read

HuffPost Religion celebrates the Sikh American community and all of its diverse accomplishments. These eight people have made headlines for a wide variety of achievements, from athletic prowess to human rights leadership. Meet the future of America's Sikh community here:

Prabhjot Singh

Prabhjot Singh, a professor at Columbia University, sustained serious injuries after being subjected to a brutal hate crime attack. In a blog about the incident, his friend Simran Jeet Singh said that "Prabhjot has dedicated his life to serving the underserved," as Director of Systems Management at the Earth Institute as well as within his local Harlem community>>>>>>>>>>>>

Valarie Kaur

Valarie Kaur is a longtime advocate, writer, filmmaker, and activist for causes of justice that go far beyond the Sikh community>>>>>>>>>>>>

Waris Ahluwahlia

Waris Ahluwahlia is a talented jewelry designer known for his impeccable sense of style and beautiful creations>>>>>>>>>>>>

Amrit Singh

Amrit Singh is a civil rights lawyer known for being one of the fiercest U.S. critics of the torture and abuse of prisoners under the Bush administration>>>>>>>>>>>>

Vishavjit Singh

Vishavjit Singh drew smiles and laughs when he dressed up as Captain America and roamed the streets of New York. The cartoonist of Sikhtoons.com challenged expectations about superheroes and national entity with his awesome costume>>>>>>>>>>>>

Balpreet Kaur

Balpreet Kaur was named Huffington Post's 'Person Of The Year' In 2012 for her amazing and thoughtful response to a Redditor who posted a picture of her online in order to make fun of her appearance>>>>>>>>>>>>

In 2009, Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi became the first Sikh allowed to serve on active duty in the U.S. army with a turban, beard and unshorn hair in more than twenty years. >>>>>>>>>>>>

Darsh Singh

Darsh Singh is the NCAA's first turbaned Sikh American basketball player. He ended his senior year at Trinity University as co-captain of the team>>>>>>>>>>>>

with thanks : HUFFINGTON POST : LINK : for more details. Must read.

TURBAN CHIC !

Sikhs Host 'Turban Day' in New York City : Huffington Post

with thanks : Huffington Post : LINK : for more pics. Must view.

Turban tadka: Bollywood's top five on-screen 'Singhs'

By Divya Dwivedi 

New Delhi, May 4: Once again, Bollywood's 'Khiladi' actor Akshay Kumar is going in for a turbaned look in "Singh Is Bling". In recent years, 'Punjabization' has taken over Bollywood and it seems that playing a "Singh" has become trendy with quite a few actors donning the turban.

Here are the five top actors, who wore the turban with aplomb on big screen:

Akshay Kumar: He first played a Sikh in "Singh Is Kinng" (2008) and the audience loved his character so much so that the film turned into a blockbuster. It still rules the heart of the Singhs in the country. It even touched Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Coming out of parliament after winning a crucial trust vote in 2008, he flashed the V for victory sign and many a TV channel had "Singh is Kinng" playing in the background. The film was appreciated so much that the 46-year-old Akshay was nominated for the best actor award at the 3rd Asian Film Awards for his performance. He will now be seen playing a Sikh again in the film's second instalment, "Singh Is Bling", which is slated to release in July 2015.

Sunny Deol: In recent times, Sunny Deol is the one who has perhaps turned Sikh on the celluloid the maximum number of times - "Border" (1997) "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" (2001), "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" (2002), "Jo Bole So Nihaal" (2005), and "Yamla Pagla Deewana" (2011). The 57-year-old was appreciated for his work in all of his endeavours.

Saif Ali Khan: Known for his metrosexual image, Tiger Pataudi's son Saif Ali Khan too wrapped the turban to essay Veer Singh in "Love Aaj Kal"(2009), directed by Imtiaz Ali. The 43-year-old, who played a double role in the romantic comedy, impressed girls across the country with his style statement in the film.

Ranbir Kapoor: Current heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor was seen with turban in "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year" (2009). Rachel Saltz of New York Times called it "a smart, focussed Bollywood movie" and commended the 31-year-old for "turning in a skillfully understated performance".

Ajay Devgn: Ajay Devgan furnished an exquisite performance of his career as freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in "The Legend of Bhagat Singh". For the 2002 release, directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi, he received the National Film Award for best actor. Later, the 45-year-old did a humorous role in "Son of Sardaar" (2012) as Jaswinder Singh.

with thanks : IANS : LINK

Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs are targets of violence: Barack Obama

US President Barack Obama has acknowledged that even today a number of people from the South Asian origin — particularly those from Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities — are becoming victims of hate crimes in America.

US President Barack Obama has acknowledged that even today a number of people from the South Asian origin — particularly those from Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities — are becoming victims of hate crimes in America.

"Even today, South Asian Americans, especially those who are Muslim, Hindu and Sikh, are targets of suspicion and violence," Obama said in a presidential proclamation that recognised the contribution of Asian-Americans in the socio-political and economic milieu of the country.

"Like America itself, the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community draws strength from the diversity of its many distinct cultures - each with vibrant histories and unique perspectives to bring to our national life," Obama said.

"Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have helped build, defend and strengthen our Nation - as farm workers and railroad laborers; as entrepreneurs and scientists; as artists, activists, and leaders of government.

They have gone beyond, embodying the soaring aspirations of the American spirit," Obama said.

with thanks : DNA : LINK : for detailed news.

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Sd Devender Singh in Faridabad !

"The Indian Elections of April/May 2014" by H.E. Manjeev Singh Puri in KU Leuven,Belgium

The world’s largest democratic election ever is set to be very exciting ;taking place in India.From April 7 until May 12,India votes to determine the membership of a new parliament.This election is reflective of major shifts in Indian politics and society over the last couple of years.

His Excellency Manjeev Singh Puri,the Indian Ambassador to Belgium and the EU (since January 2014 ),gave a distinguished lecture titled 'The Indian Elections of April/May 2014'in Leuven(KU Leuven,,Belgium) on 25th April,2014.

Link :http://indiahouseleuven.be/

Thousands mark Sikh New Year at Khalsa Day parade Toronto

More than 85,000 Sikhs donned traditional saffron robes and marched through the streets of Toronto for the 29th annual Khalsa Day parade on Sunday.

The event marks the birth of Sikhism and Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, with traditional music, hymns, prayers, and food served from the langar, a communal kitchen.

“It is like a party. It’s also a religious day — culturally also it’s a very important day — so a lot of people come out,” said coordinator Manjit Parmar.

“There will be lots and lots of food and all the food is free.”

with thanks : 680news : LINK : for detailed news story.

SIKH COMMUNITY BRINGS COLOUR TO TORREVIEJA STREETS

The Sikh community brought colour to the streets of Torrevieja at the weekend as they joined to celebrate the community fiesta ' Nagar Kirtan ' with a party and parade attracting hundreds of participants from provinces all over the region.  

The festival is a Sikh custom involving the processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community bringing  the message of God to the doorstep of the community. It is very common for Nagar Kirtans to take place wherever Sikhs live. They take place all over the globe.

The festival once again demonstrated the multi ethnicity of the city, described by city officials as the best antidote to promote healthy living among the melting pot that it constitutes.

The Indian community who follow the Sikh religion celebrate ' Nagar Kirtan ' every year with a colorful parade which tours the town inviting residents to better understand their traditions and their customs.

Sunday’s initiative was organised by the Sikh community of Torrevieja in collaboration with the City and the Association of Immigrants.

It began at the Sikh temple of Torrevieja , located in the industrial estate Casagrande , where several hundred people attended the launch. The parade then moved through the streets of the town to the Paseo Vista Alegre. During the tour, the organizers offered food and drink to spectators and to anyone who wanted to find out more about the procession and the ceremony.


with thanks : theleader : LINK : for detailed news.

S Arshinder Singh Chawla IG Faridabad

with thanks : Sd.  Devender Singh

Latest pics from Hemkund Sahib : Thanks : Shenny Chhabra

With Thanks : Shenny Chhabra

Khushwant Singh comes home to rest :Zulqernain Tahir,Pakistan

               The plaque showing the spot where Khushwant Singh’s ashes were placed.

A fistful of ashes of legendary writer Khushwant Singh were placed at his school in Hadali, 12km from Khushab city.

Noted Pakistani writer Fakir Syed Aijazuddin had brought the ashes from India to honour the great man’s desire to be “reunited with his roots”.

He placed the ashes in a wall niche at the Government Boys High School, Hadali, where Singh was enrolled as a child. The niche was then covered by a marble plaque which read: “This is where my roots are. I have nourished them with tears of nostalgia.”

In the excited crowd gathered for the ceremony were the headmaster and teachers of the school who had met Mr Singh on his visit to Hadali in 1987.

“A large number of Hadalians turned up in 1987 to welcome Khushwant Singh at his hometown. He addressed us and said ‘as you people go on pilgrimage to Makkah and Madina, coming back to Hadali at the time of Maghreb of my life is my Haj and my Umrah’,” Muhammad Farooq Rana, the headmaster of the school, recalled while talking to Dawn.

The headmaster told a group of students inquisitively looking at the plaque: “Mr Singh was a member of the alumni who rose to fame for his writings. He was also the promoter of peace between India and Pakistan.”

Born in 1915 in Hadali, Khushwant Singh, perhaps India’s most widely read and controversial writer, died on March 20.

Singh was witness to all major events in modern Indian history — from independence and partition to the emergency and Operation Blue Star — and had known many of the figures who shaped it.

It was reported after his death that “a fistful of his ashes had been saved by his family to be taken to Pakistan where an unnamed friend wanted to put them in the ground where he was born”.

After Singh’s death, his son was quoted as saying that condolence messages had kept coming from Pakistan. “I have got a lot of phone calls from people in Pakistan, many of whom I don’t know at all. They had come here and met my dad".

“So we kept some ashes. He will be coming to India and he will take those ashes back,” he said, without revealing the identity of Singh’s Pakistani friend.

That man has turned out to be Fakir Aijazuddin, well known for writings, mainly on history and culture.

“Mr Singh has as many admirers in Pakistan as he does in India. Perhaps this was another reason for his deep attachment to Pakistan and his origin,” Mr Aijazuddin told Dawn after the ceremony.

“When I met Khushwant Singh in Delhi on March 4 this year he expressed a wish to be buried in Hadali. His family agreed to make available a fistful of ashes which I then brought to Pakistan".

“While installing the marble plaque I felt Khushwant Singh’s invisible presence. It was almost as if he had crossed the border with me to be present at Hadali.”

Link :http://www.dawn.com/news/1101657/

Pritty Kaur : Appeal for Support in Election from Sikh community in Limburg,Belgium

A DAD’S SPEECH AT HIS DAUGHTER’S WEDDING

"I thought I would start my speech by addressing you as the “new” family of my daughter. But I think it would be inappropriate because now that she is married, you are “the family” for her. Believe me; I don’t have a problem with that. but just a request - please keep her happy!

I am more than sure that you will keep her very happy. She will perhaps be happier than what she used to be here. But like all fathers, I obsess over my daughter’s happiness which is making me say this over and over again- please keep her happy!

She never was and will never be a burden for me. She is in fact the reason why I breathe and smile. I am getting her married because this is what the law of nature demands. I am helpless in the face of our culture and therefore sending her to your home. She was the happiness of my home and will now light up your home. I am giving my world to you. Please make sure it remains beautiful. I am giving away my princess to you. Please make sure she stays as a queen. I have raised her with my sweat and blood and now she is wonderfully perfect. For all the care, love, beauty and warmth my daughter will bring into your lives, I just want her happiness in return—please keep her happy!

She is very fragile.handle her with love. If at times she feels low, be with her. She just needs a little bit of your attention. If at times she feels sick, show her some care. It’s the medicine that works best for her; empathize with her. She is still learning. Do understand her—please keep her happy!

I don’t mind if I don’t get to see her for months. I don’t mind if I am not able to talk to her on a daily basis. I would be more than happy if she doesn't remember me much. But, my only motive in life has been my daughter’s happiness -please keep her happy.

Dear son-in-law, these words may not mean much to you now but if you are LUCKY enough to father a daughter someday, you will appreciate them better when you will find every beat of your heart shouting – “PLEASE KEEP HER HAPPY” !

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Vaisakhi celebrations in Birmingham and Leicester

Birmingham's Vaisakhi celebrations will take place today in Handsworth Park. The festival celebrates the founding of the Sikh faith more than 500 hundred years ago.

Two processions will set off from Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in the Jewellery Quarter and Sandwell at 10:30, heading to the park for the afternoon's celebrations.

Five Sikhs in full ceremonial dress will lead the processions carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scriptures of Revelation.

In Leicester the parade will begin at 10:30 and end at 15:00, moving through the city to East Park Road.

Birmingham's Vaisakhi celebrations in Handsworth Park

Leicester Vaisakhi parade in pictures

with thanks : ITV : LINK : for detailed news & pics.
with thanks : ITV : LINK : for detailed news & pics.

Lansing's Sikh Day Parade celebrates generous culture

 with thanks :lansingstatejournal : LINK : for detailed news story.

Brampton residents outraged by anti-immigration flyers

Residents in Brampton are expressing anger over a flyer being distributed throughout the city targeting the Sikh community.

The flyer, distributed by the organization Immigration Watch Canada, is titled “The Changing Face of Brampton,” and features two images -- the top photo shows a group of mostly white people, while the bottom photo shows a group of Sikhs.

“Is this really what you want? Let’s make immigration work for the interests of Canadians again!” the flyer says below the second photo.

With thanks : Toronto CTV News : LINK : FOR detailed news