Baisakhi Celebration and Gatka demonstration in Hoepertingen ,Belgium

    
























Photo's Courtsy of Louke Manpreet Kaur Bamps

Biggest Sikh temple in Nottinghamshire opens its doors

with thanks : nottinghampost : LINK : for detailed news.

Happy Baisakhi to all of you from SikhsIndia !

“Conducting Elections in a Plural Democracy” Talk by Dr S.Y. Quraishi in Uppsala University, Uppsala,Sweden

It will be the biggest election in the world when 814.5 million people will cast their vote in India general election between 7 April and 12 May. To mark the occasion, On Friday , 11 April 2014  the Forum for South Asia Studies at Uppsala University hosted a talk by Dr S.Y. Quraishi, the former election commissioner of India ( A Member of the Board of Advisors of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA),at Uppsala University, at Blåsenhus. 

Dr Qureishi spoke about“Conducting Elections in a Plural Democracy”, and was joined by Ambassador Maria Leissner,Secretary General at Community of Democracies since 2012, H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Banashri Bose Harrison Embassy of India Stockholm. THE other prominent delegates  were Ingrid WETTERQVIST,Policy offficer,European External Action Service, Professor Torsten Svensson, Vice Rektor,Uppsala University, Professor Ranj Bali ( President FSAS ),Professor Heinz Werner Wessler , Associate Prof.Dr. Gurdeep Kaur ,Eva Kllander and Florian Krampe.

Professor Ashok Swain,Department of Peace and Conflict Research chaired the discussion.

The Forum for South Asia Studies at Uppsala University organised this event in cooperation with the Indian Embassy,Stockholm.

US lawmakers wish Sikh Americans joyous Vaisakhi

Washington, April 11 (IANS) Thirteen members of the US House of Representatives have co-sponsored a House resolution wishing the Sikh American community a joyous Vaisakhi, the Indian harvest festival that also marks the creation of the Khalsa in 1699.

"I proudly represent one of the largest Sikh communities in the nation. For decades, we have confronted the challenges of California together, including education and our current drought," said House member John Garamendi, lead sponsor of the resolution.

Other co-sponsors included the lone Indian-American House member Ami Bera, Judy Chu, David Valadao Joseph Crowley, Doug LaMalfa, Eric Swalwell, Raul Grijalva (AZ), Sheila Jackson Lee, Dina Titus, Barbara Lee, Jackie Speier and Rush Holt.

The resolution noted that "Sikhs in the United States pursue diverse professions and walks of life, making rich contributions to the economic vibrancy of the United States as farmers, engineers, doctors, scientists, and business owners."

It also noted that "Sikh Americans continue to make strides toward securing religious liberty as patriotic members of the United States Armed Forces.

"We are grateful to the resolution sponsors for highlighting the important contributions of Sikh Americans to their communities in all walks of life," said Simran Kaur, Advocacy Manager for the Sikh Coalition.

"Sikhs are an integral part of the American fabric, and we look forward to celebrating Vaisakhi with our fellow Americans," she said.

with thanks : IANS : LINK

Thousands take part in Glasgow Sikh community's Vaisakhi festival

Thousands took part in the Sikh community's Vaisakhi festival, with celebrations in Glasgow including a procession through the community.

This year is the first time the procession, which marks the Sikh new year, will make its way to the new Gurdwara on the city's Albert Drive.

The Guru Granth Sahib Gurdwara, Scotland's first purpose-built Sikh temple, was completed last year at a cost of £3.8million.

Organisers said around 3,000 people took part in the procession, which began at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in the West End before weaving through the city centre to the new temple.

Celebrations will be held at the Gurdwara including Indian Dhol players, an outdoor choir, speeches and performances.

Charandeep Singh, of the Glasgow Gurdwara, said: "This is the first year the procession reaches the Gurdwara, the procession has been happening since 1991.

"It's a very memorable and important occasion for the whole community."

with thanks : news.stv.tv : LINK : for detailed news story.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s sword acquired by Indo-Canadian businessman

Toronto: Calgary-based real estate developer Bob Dhillon, reportedly the first Sikh billionaire in Canada, is elated as he has acquired a piece of Sikh history for the first time in Canada — which is a 33.5-inch long curved sword of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799-1849).

It was sold by London-based auction house Mullock April 3. Though on the official receipt the price is not indicated, the auctioneers have authenticated it.

“Initially there were over 700 bidders from all over the world,” explains Dhillon in an interview.

“Then April 2 there was a private auction with a sealed bid process. The reason for the sealed bid was that a lot of the bidders wanted to remain anonymous; also the final bid amount was to remain private. Close to 175 bidders were international, from Punjab to New York to Mongolia to Hong Kong,” he said.

“We were told on April 3rd that I was the successful bidder on this amazing piece of history.”

Dhillon, president of Mainstreet Equity Corporation with real estate holdings of over a billion dollars, wouldn’t reveal the price he paid in acquiring the sword “but it is a substantial amount I paid”.

He repeatedly said was “absolutely elated” as Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the greatest ruler that Punjab ever had.

“He was the founder of the Sikh empire (1799-1849). After the empire was conquered by the British, most Sikh artefacts remained in the hands of private collectors or museums in Britain. I am humbled that after 165 years, my family can help our community once again become the custodian of our own history,” Dhillon said.

Besides this sword, Dhillon has also acquired a number of manuscripts and miniature paintings.

with thanks : mizonews : LINK

This Rapper's Racist Instagram Photo Has an Important Lesson for America

with thanks : policymix : Link : for detailed news.

Sikh-Americans to honour saviour of Oak Creek shooting

Washington, April 9 (IANS) US police officer Brian Murphy, who was struck with 12 bullets during the Aug 5, 2012 shooting at the Sikh gurudwara in Wisconsin, will be honoured by Sikhs in Washington on Vaisakhi Day (April 13).

Murphy, the first Oak Creek (Milwaukee) police officer on the scene of shooting that left six worshippers dead and three others wounded, will be presented with a Sewa (service) Award by Washington-based community organisation Guru Gobind Singh Foundation.

The white supremacist gunman, Wade Michael Page, killed himself after he was wounded by a rifle shot from Murphy.

Murphy, 52, has recovered from his wounds but has no feeling in his right forearm and leg and has limited use of his left thumb because of the injuries he suffered.

Murphy is travelling with his family from Wisconsin to attend the honouring ceremony at a Gurdwara in Rockville, Maryland, a Washington suburb, on Vaisakhi Day, an important day for all Sikhs, the foundation announced.

The foundation gives the Sewa award annually to someone to recognising their spirit of sewa (service) and contributions towards the Sikh community.

with thanks : YAHOO NEWS : LINK : for detailed news.

Brit-Sikh charged with possessing stash of weapons including 100,000-volt stun gun

A 21-year-old Sikh has admitted charges of possessing 92 weapons following a raid on his home in the UK. Parwinder Baning admitted importing and possessing dozens of prohibited weapons, including a 100,000-volt stun gun, twice as powerful as police Tasers, during a hearing at Leicester Crown court.

Baning appeared in the court on Wednesday following a raid at his home in Leicester in December during which a large number of weapons were seized.

According to Sky News, officers also found knuckle dusters, pepper spray, push daggers and an extendable baton.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK

Tension grips west Delhi as Sikhs stage protest : Hindustan Times

Birmingham Vaisakhi celebration dates announced

The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham and Birmingham City Council have announced that this years' celebrations will take place on April 27.

The first processions (Nagar Kirtan) will start at 11am from Gurdwara Baba Sang in St Paul's Road, Smethwick with the second starting at Gurdwara Ramgarhia Sikh Temple in the Jewellery Quarter at 11.30am.

A community celebration will take place at Handsworth Park between 11am and 6.30pm.

with thanks : itv : LINK : for pics of last years celebrations.

Mahesh Bhatt on his way to make film on Sikh riots

Filmmaker-producer Mahesh Bhatt is planning to create a film on Sikh riots that took place in 1984 and would also concentrate on the killings of Sikhs inside the Wisconsin (USA) Gurudwara, last year. The maker is a master of keeping controversial things on screen in an artistic way; Zakhm is the perfect example of his intelligence.


with thanks : desimartini : LINK : for detailed news.

A Dream to Prove Myself : Pritty Kaur in the Flemish Parliament

"A dream to be able to stand up and speak in the Flemish Parliament.
I saw that only in my mind.
A dream to prove myself. 

You should not choose me for my face but for the values and standards which I :what I am doing now.
A dream to show: I can.
How to feel like a piece of that dream come true.
Thanks to my colleagues from International Committee NPO & Changemakers Minorities Forum

Thanks to all the people who believed in me for a piece of my dream.

Thank you..Thank you... Thank you "

 

Hola Mohalla adds splash of color to Livingston

with thanks : modbee : LINK : for detailed report & more pics.

Central San Joaquin Valley Sikhs call for end to bullying

You are from an Arab country -- go back. Terrorist. You don't belong in this country.

And the hurtful actions: A shaving razor thrown at a Sikh boy who has a long beard, a rock thrown at a Sikh girl in her traditional dress.

These are all things that have been said and done to Sikh children in the central San Joaquin Valley, leaders of the Sikh Council of Central California said Saturday.

During one of their council meetings Saturday in Selma, about 20 Sikh leaders talked about the bullying of Sikh children at school.

The catalyst for the discussion was a report issued earlier this month titled "Go Home, Terrorist,"written by the Sikh Coalition. The coalition, created after 9/11 when Sikhs experienced violence and discrimination,works toward civil and human rights for all.

The report outlines the findings of surveys given to Sikh children in Fresno County and three U.S. cities in 2012 and 2013.

Of the four areas surveyed, the report shows Fresno County has the highest percentage -- 51% -- of Sikh students who said schools didn't take any action after they reported bullying, and the second-highest percentage -- 54.5% -- of Sikh students who said they had been bullied.

with thanks : fresnobee : LINK : for detailed report.

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/03/29/3850583/central-san-joaquin-valley-sikhs.html#storylink=cpy

अमेरिकी रैपर ने सिखों पर की नस्ली टिप्पणी

अमेरिका के एक रैपर ने एक वेबसाइट पर सिख व्यक्ति वाली तस्वीर पोस्ट करके नस्लभेदी टिप्पणी की, हालांकि विवाद बढ़ता देख उसने तस्वीर हटा ली.

हिप हॉप समूह ‘स्लॉटरहाउस’ के सदस्य जो बडेन ने पिछले सप्ताह फोटो एवं वीडियो शेयरिंग वेबसाइट इंस्टाग्राम पर तस्वीर पोस्ट की थी. इसमें एक सिख व्यक्ति को हवाई अड्डे की सुरक्षा जांच की कतार में खड़े दिखाया गया था.

पोस्‍ट करने वाले शख्‍स ने फोटो के नीचे टिप्पणी की जिसमें उस व्यक्ति के आतंकवादी होने का संकेत दिया गया था. इसको लेकर ऑनलाइन विवाद खड़ा हो गया. सिख कोएलिशन नामक संगठन ने इसको लेकर चिंता जताई. बाद में रैपर ने इस पोस्ट को इंस्टाग्राम के अपने पेज से हटा दिया.

With thanks : AAJTAK : LINK

और भी... http://aajtak.intoday.in/story/us-rapper-makes-racist-comments-about-sikh-man-1-759416.html

Pritty Kaur raised Turban issue in European Flemish Parliament in Belgium

     "WE COVER OUR HAIR NOT OUR BRAINS" PRITTY KAUR GO FOR IT !

ਬੈਲਜੀਅਮ 29 ਮਾਰਚ (ਹਰਚਰਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਢਿਲ੍ਹੋ) ਯੂਰਪ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ ਤੇ ਸਿ¤ਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਚਿੰਨਾ ਦਾ ਮਸਲਾ ਭਾਵੇ ਹਲ ਨਹੀ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ, ਪਰ ਸਿ¤ਖ ਜਦੋਜਹਿਦ ਕਰਦੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ,ਅਜ ਬੈਲਜੀਅਮ ਦੀ ਰਾਜਧਾਨੀ ਬਰੁਸਲ ਵਿਚ ਫਲਾਮਿਸ਼ ਪਾਰਲੀਮੈਟ ਵਿਚ ਸਭ ਧਰਮਾ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾ ਵਲੋ ਆਪੋ ਆਪਣਾ ਹ¤ਕ ਦਰਸਾਉਣ ਜਾ ਧਰਮ ਉਤੇ ਹੋ ਰਹੇ ਜੁਲਮ ਦੀ ਦਾਸਤਾ ਦ¤ਸਣ ਲਈ ਅਹਿਮ ਇਕਠ ਹੋਇਆ ਇਸ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਵਿਚ 55 ਕੁ ਦੇਸ਼ਾ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਹਿਸਾ ਲਿਆ ਟੋਟਲ ਲੋਕਾ ਦੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ 400 ਦੇ ਕਰੀਬ ਸੀ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿ¤ਖਾ ਵਲੋ ਦਾਸ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰੀਤੀ ਕੌਰ ਸਨ , ਪ੍ਰੀਤੀ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਕੁਝ ਮਿੰਟਾ ਦੇ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਵਿਚ ਸਿ¤ਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਚਿੰਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਕੂਲਾ ਵਿਚ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਤੇ ਆ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਦਰਪੇਸ਼ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਲਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬੜੈ ਜੋਸ਼ ਨਾਲ ਅਵਾਜ ਉਠਾਈ ਕਿ ਜਦ ਅਸੀ ਸਿਖ ਇਸ ਦੇਸ਼ ਲਈ ਕੁਰਬਾਨੀਆਂ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾ ਦਾ ਟੈਕਸ ਬਲਾਸਟਿੰਗ ਤਾਰਦੇ ਹਾ ਬੈਲਜ ਕਮਿਉਨਿਟੀ ਦੀ ਹਰ ਸੰਭਵ ਮਦਦ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾ ਤਾ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਚਿੰਨ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਤੇ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਕਿਉ ? ਤਾ ਸਾਰੇ ਲੋਕਾ ਨੇ ਭਰਵੇ ਹੰਗਾਰੇ ਵਿਚ ਤਾੜੀਆਂ ਮਾਰਕੇ ਸੁਆਗਤ ਕੀਤਾ, ਪ੍ਰੀਤੀ ਕੌਰ ਜੋ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਮੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਬੈਲਜੀਅਮ ਚੋਣਾ ਵਿਚ ਹਿਸਾ ਲੈ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ , ਸਾਨੂੰ ਮਾਣ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿਖ ਬਚੇ ਇਥੌ ਦੀ ਪੜਾਈ ਕਰਕੇ ਗੌਰਮਿੰਟ ਦੇ ਸਰਗਰਮ ਕੰਮਾ ਵਿਚ ਹਿਸਾ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਮੁਤਾਬਕ ਆਪਣੇ ਹਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਅਵਾਜ ਉਠਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ, ਭਾਵੇ ਇੰਡੀਆਂ ਵਿਚ ਸਾਡੀ ਅਵਾਜ ਦਬਾਈ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ, ਸਾਡਾ ਸਿ¤ਖ ਧਰਮ ਰਜਿਸਟਰ ਨਹੀ ਸਿ¤ਖ ਮੈਰਿਜ ਐਕਟ ਨਹੀ , ਇਥੋ ਤ¤ਕ ਕਿ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਵੀ ਸੁਰ¤ਖਿਅਤ ਨਹੀ ਹੈ, ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਹ¤ਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਮੰਗ ਲਈ ਮੁਜਾਹਰਾ ਜਾਂ ਇਕ¤ਠ ਕਰ ਵੀ ਲਈਏ ਤਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਦੀਆਂ ਡਾਂਗਾ ਨਾਲ ਪੂੜੈ ਸੇਕ ਦਿ¤ਤੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਨੰਨੀਆਂ ਛਾਵਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਗੁ¤ਤਾ ਤੋ ਫੜ ਕੇ ਭਵਾਟਲੀਆਂ ਦਿ¤ਤੀਆਂ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ,ਪਰ ਇਥੈ ਯੁਰਪ ਵਿਚ ਅਸੀ ਸ਼ਾਤ ਮਈ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਅਵਾਜ ਉਠਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਾ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਣਵਾਈ ਵੀ ਹੂੰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਕਾਂਸ਼ ਮਹਾਨ ਭਾਰਤ ਵੀ ਐਸਾ ਹੂੰਦਾ !

Link:http://www.europesamachar.com/?p=59231

Pritty Kaur (Female Sikh candidate) contesting Federal Election,2014(Belgium)

Pritty Kaur go for it!

The European Parliament Election of 2014 in Belgium scheduled to be held on 25 May 2014.

One of the candidates for the federal parliament in the province of Limburg is a Young Female Sikh candidate: Miss Pritty Kaur. She is a candidate for the Socialist Party (Sp.a ) and is of Sikh heritage. In the year 2000 she moved to Sint -Truiden  in Limburg ,Belgium  with her family at the age of eleven.

Pritty Kaur was also a candidate for the Socialist Party in Municipal Elections in Sint - Truiden held on October 14, 2012 and received 988 preference votes. During this legislative period (1st January 2013 - December 31, 2018),  Pritty has a seat in the municipal council of Sint-Truiden and will be the the first Sikh Counselor  in Belgium.With 39.726 inhabitants (on 1 January 2012),Sint-Truiden, in terms of the number of inhabitants, is the 4th largest city in the province of Limburg and in the terms of surface even the largest city.

 

 

 

 

Ludwig Vandenhoven who is currently a representative of the province of Limburg and is honorary representative-of-the-people and was mayor of Sint-Truiden for 18 years (from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2012); says,"My faith in Pritty is enormous"

“She is the personification of someone who has integrated well in Belgium .Pritty has succeeded in maintaining her native culture and in embracing the culture of Belgium. She knows how to reconcile both cultures perfectly while maintaining a balance between her eastern and western values.. In short, she is an example to the current integration policy and it is entirely at her own merit".

"I motivated Pritty Kaur to come forward and contest in the local municipal elections of 2012 and now in the federal elections of May 25, 2014, because a list of candidates should reflect the population. Pritty is an ideal person to represent the migrant population in general and the Sikh community in particular in the Belgian Parliament (Chamber of Deputies). Pritty can convince voters because of her dynamic charismatic personality, input and her persistence”.

Pritty’s slogan which was used in the local elections, ‘No integration without communication’, will be even more relevant in the coming parliamentary elections.”

Those who want to help Pritty’s campaign can do so by word of mouth, by hanging posters, placing signs, distributing flyers and convincing family members,  friends, neighbours and acquaintances to vote for her and canvassing through their face book profile also. They can send an e-mail to her email address: palwinder.prittykaur@gmail.com

Help and support Pritty in her campaign to become a member of the Belgian Parliament!

Uganda releases stamps on Sikhism

The Uganda postal service Posta Uganda has commemorated 100 years of Sikh presence in the country by issuing four postage stamps releasing a book titled 'The Human Rights of Women in Sikhism', by Justice AS Choudry, in a function held at Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe, recently.

The four stamps depicted the gurdwara on Sikh Road, Kampala; the Khanda, the Nishan Sahib and the Golden Temple in Amritsar. 

This is the first time that a country has issued four triangular stamps in recognition of the contribution of the Sikh community.

The stamps were released jointly by Posta Uganda and invited members of the Sikh community, with high court judge Lady Justice Catherine Bagumeriere as the chief guest.

Chief of Posta Uganda Emmanuel Okurt said the triangular stamps would market Uganda to Asians.

Justice Choudry said, "I am thrilled and humbled to see these stamps, as they mark our existence in Uganda over the last 100 years, and recognise the contribution of our forefathers, who were the pillars of the economic and social development of Uganda, which we enjoy today." He has also edited the Sikh Centenary Magazine.

Pastor Bosco Odiro said the Sikh history and contribution should be reflected in the curriculum of school history books. 

In reply, Lady Justice Catherine described the Sikhs as a "meek, humble and peaceful" community, which has existed alongside Ugandans without any conflict, adding that their character should be emulated by all foreigners in Uganda. She assured the audience that she would present the concern raised by Pastor Bosco to the ministry of education.

The names of nearly 40 people were announced as winners of the Sikh Centenary Gold medals, which would be awarded at a function at the end of this year.

Participants included Gurmel Singh, secretary general of the UK Sikh Council, and Baldev Singh Bains, a member of the Sikh Council.

The Sikhs came to East Africa in the 1880s as soldiers who offered skilled and semi-skilled labour at a time when the region had no infrastructure, and curbed Kabaka's mutiny in 1899.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK

Jersey City Sikhs protest at City Hall against recent bias violence

Members of the Sikh community held a vigil and protest against an attack they believe was a hate crime.

JERSEY CITY - Members of the Sikh community held a vigil and protest against attacks they believe were hate crimes.

Sikhs are from South Asia, wear turbans and have beards, but they want others to know they are not Muslim. They are often prime targets for bias crimes.

     

The demonstration comes after two severe attacks in the past two months in Jersey City, where bias was an element.

In January, Sikhs were attacked near Liberty Avenue and Spruce Street. "It wasn't the attack on me that shook me," says Prabhujeet Singh, one of the victims. "It's the thinking that some elderly gentleman might be attacked."

Then, in February, a man named Inderjit Singh was allegedly beaten with a shovel in a dispute over snow that he says escalated into bias when he was called "Osama" and told to "go home." Parts of his beard were ripped from his face during the attack, he says.

Sikhs say they've lived in peace in Jersey City, and have seen their population grow, but they say residents still don't know enough about them. Thursday's rally was also an outreach.

"Whether it's against Sikhs or other religions, bias attacks or bullying are unacceptable," Inderjit Singh says.

Despite their efforts, Sikhs say they feel more hate crimes could come their way.

with thanks : newjerseynews : LINK for news story & Video