Delhi ACP’s husband dies of Covid: My husband didn’t step out of the house when the lockdown started, but I went out daily because of my job… I will never be able to forgive myself.

ACP Surender Jeet Kaur with  husband Charan Jeet Singh

“My husband didn’t step out of the house when the lockdown started, but I went out daily because of my job… I will never be able to forgive myself,” said Assistant Commissioner of Delhi 

Police Surender Jeet Kaur on Tuesday, a day after her husband Charan Jeet Singh, 54, succumbed to Covid at a hospital in Delhi.

Singh, a resident of Lajpat Nagar and a businessman, is survived by his wife and their 26-year-old son who lives in Canada.

Kaur, 57, ACP (Crimes Against Women) in the South-East district of the Delhi Police, is also ACP (Covid Cell) of the district. On May 20, five days after Kaur tested positive for the virus, her husband Singh tested positive, followed by the ACP’s 80-year-old father on May 24. All of them had symptoms and while Kaur and Singh were admitted to Indraprastha Apollo hospital, her father was admitted to Max hospital in Saket. On May 26, Kaur returned home after recovering from the virus.

Kaur told The Indian Express  “I last spoke to my husband on May 22 night, when we were both admitted in the hospital in different wards. The doctor called me and said that my husband needs to be put on ventilator support. I had a video call with my husband. He was breathless and told me that his oxygen level was dropping. He showed me the monitor, the doctors in the room, and then said he was having trouble speaking and that he would send me WhatsApp messages.”

A day after he passed away, Kaur recalled the messages that Singh sent her just before being put on ventilator support. “He started sending me details of our finances, accounts… I told him to stop and asked him why he was telling me all this. He said I needed to know… Maybe he feared he wouldn’t come back. I prayed every day, at temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras for him. I am devastated that he’s gone. We were to move to Canada to live with our son in 2023 after my retirement. We had so many plans.”

Kaur’s brother Maninder Ahluwalia said the hospital tried plasma therapy but Singh didn’t respond to the treatment.“He had diabetes and high BP, but those were always under control. We were hopeful,” he said.

The couple’s son joined on video call from Canada to watch his father’s last journey from the ambulance to the entrance of the crematorium. “My son couldn’t attend his father’s last rites because there are no flights… It’s so unfortunate,” said Kaur.

Friends and family remember Singh as a “jolly, disciplined and brave man”, while Kaur said he was the “perfect partner”. She said, “When I was an SHO-rank officer, I would work for 36 hours straight some days, and he would handle the house and our son who was growing up. I would miss family functions and important occasions but he would always go and make up for my absence. I was able to do this job for decades because of his support.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Singh was cremated in the presence of close family and members of the police fraternity. “The DCP and the Joint CP called me daily to enquire about my husband, other police officers too. I am grateful for their support. They didn’t let me feel alone for a single day,” said Kaur.

      ACP Surender Jeet Kaur with  husband Charan Jeet Singh


Link:https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-acp-husband-dies-of-covid-6462491/

UP villagers launch attack on Sikh youth; Throw his turban in sewerage

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—A painful video has emerged over social media in which a mob of Hindu residents could be seen attacking an innocent Sikh youth while disrespectfully pulling his hairs. The incident occurred in village Sherpur of Uttar Pradesh on June 14.

Sources have informed that two Sikh youths were passing through village Sherpur on June 14 when their car suddenly touched the car of another youth who is learned to be a resident of the same village.

Following this, heated exchange of arguments occurred between the duo sides after which the local village youth called his clan members to dominate over Sikh youths.

At this, one of these Sikh youths took out his Kirpan to defend himself, but the locals called up police cops.

When police cops reached there, another Sikh youth went for verbal talk to settle down the quarrel, but the villagers launched attack on him in the presence of cops. The attackers removed his turban and threw it in nearby open sewerage. They also pulled hairs of Sikh youth during this attack.

After this incident, a wave of outrage spread across the Sikh community living in nearby areas. On June 15, local Sikhs of Gajraula and Dhanaura staged a protest outside the local police station seeking indictment of attackers.

Till date, there is no information about any action against these attackers.

Link:https://www.sikh24.com/2020/06/17/up-villagers-launch-attack-on-sikh-youth-throw-his-turban-in-sewerage/#.XunhIZozbIV

Haryana: Amid corona restrictions, gatka contest goes online :Dedicated to Miri-Piri Diwas to be celebrated on June 30.

 In the times of Covid, when sports activities have taken a hit, the Haryana Sikh Mission of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is organising an online gatka (Sikh martial arts) competition from June 18 to 24, dedicated to Miri-Piri Diwas to be celebrated on June 30.

The participants would be teenagers in two categories of Class V to VII and Class VIII to X, and the entry and registration can be done up to June 18, said Haryana Sikh Mission in-charge Mangpreet Singh

The competition is being organised with the efforts of SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal, SGPC dharam prachar (religion propagation) committee secretary Manjit Singh, Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib manager Sukhdev Singh and Mangpreet Singh.

“Participants would have to register themselves on the mobile numbers8059121580 and 9416361984 via WhatsApp and send their videos of 2-3 minutes tenure of gatka performance up to June 24. The results will be declared at 6pm on June 30 and judges will be gatka experts and coaches,” said Mangpreet.

“The concept of Miri-Piri was introduced by Guru Hargobind Sahib, who wore two swords — one symbolising worldly (political) authority and the other spiritual authority,” said Mangpreet.

“The online competition has been conceived to indulge youth in traditional martial arts for physical fitness. Participants may send videos of performance from their respective places and no one will have to visit anywhere and the same will be judged,” added Mangpreet.

Registration in-charge Satnam Singh said they had gotten 72 entries and more were expected in remaining two days. “In both categories, top five participants will be selected. They will be awarded with mementos and certificates. In the final stage, the general knowledge of participants regarding Sikh history will be checked and winners will be selected on the basis of answers,” he said.

 Link:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/amid-corona-restrictions-gatka-contest-goes-online/articleshow/76414598.cms

Yorkshire Sikh Alliance and other faith groups pledge to stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters

Jatinder Singh Mehmi, the co-chair of The Sikh Alliance Yorkshire

Representatives of the city's Sikh and Muslim community have put their voice behind the Black Lives Matter movement and say it is time to stand up and say enough is enough.

The Sikh Alliance Yorkshire has stood with the Black Lives Matter Movement and co-chair Jatinder Singh Mehmi said enough is enough.

In a statement, The Alliance said: “As Sikhs it is our duty to challenge oppression and injustice wherever it exists and to stand beside those who are discriminated against because of their race.

The Sikh Community across Yorkshire is Backing the Black Lives Matter Movement 

“When the colour of your skin still determines how you are treated and viewed, it is time to stand up and say enough is enough. Change will only come with unity, when we all stand together and say we will not tolerate this behavior, prejudice and injustice.

“It is disheartening that we have not yet achieved the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King that one should not be judged by the colour of one's skin, but the content of their character.

“We have to build a momentum that will see justice, equality and compassion for all.

“We stand with all that have been subject to racial abuse and discrimination. We all need to raise our voices and be heard for change to happen. We all have a role to play in fighting prejudice and racism.

Link:https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/yorkshire-sikh-alliance-and-other-faith-groups-pledge-stand-solidarity-black-lives-matter-protesters-2885614

COVID-19: Calgary Sikh temple ready to welcome back weddings as Stage 2 allows for more guests

Calgary Sikh Temple,Canada

Places of worship in Calgary are welcoming more guests now that Stage 2 rules are in place.

Stage 2 of Alberta’s relaunch strategy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic took effect on June 12.

There is no cap on the number of people attending worship gatherings if physical distancing measures are in place. For outdoor events and indoor seated and audience events that are not worship gatherings, including wedding and funeral ceremonies, a maximum of 100 people are allowed.

Dashmesh Culture Centre in northeast Calgary,Canada

At the Dashmesh Culture Centre in northeast Calgary, there are taped markers on the floor to remind people to keep their distance. The huge prayer hall that used to allow for 500 Sikh faithful can now fit a maximum of 110.

“It brings everyone together and through all this, it’s been hard to be sitting at home and it just gives you a chance to reconnect and be able to clear your mind and enjoy getting out,” said Dashmesh Culture Centre volunteer Raj Sidhu. He said he has no safety concerns about attending services again since COVID-19 regulations shut down the gurdwara in March.

The gurdwara was quick to reopen at the start of June at when Stage 1 of Alberta’s relaunch went into effect.

Now, with Stage 2 rules allowing for 100 people maximum at indoor seated events, there has been a surge of interest in rebooking the dozens of cancelled weddings at the Sikh temple.

“It is a great impact because people have been waiting for years to get married, and with all this COVID-19 situation, everything is changed and weddings were cancelled so they are very excited and happy and lots of parents are excited,” said Dashmesh Culture Centre president Amanpreet Singh Gill.

Link:https://globalnews.ca/news/7072961/calgary-sikh-temple-weddings-covid-19-coronavirus/

Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa : DSGMCTO RUN 850 BEDDED COVID CARE CENTRES TO SERVE HUMANITY

Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa

DSGMC TO RUN  850 BEDDED COVID CARE CENTRES
TO SERVE HUMANITY : MANJINDER SINGH SIRSA
New Delhi June 16,2020: Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management
Committee today decided to create, run and operate 850  bedded
COVID care centres in premises of its Gurdwaras set up in
various locations in the national capital Delhi   to cater to those
with low-grade fever, sore throat, malaise and another such mild
symptom  to meet the growing demands of  hospital beds in
National Capital  said Manjinder Singh Sirsa President DSGMC
here today.

The decision was conveyed today in a letter sent to Delhi Chief
Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal signed by  Mr.Manjinder Singh
Sirsa President and Mr. Harmeet  Singh  Kalka General
Secretary DSGMC in which DSGMC requested the state govt to
accord necessary permissions and sanctions for immediate
operation of COVID care centres by DSGMC authorities  to
provide relief to patients at the earliest.

Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that these centres will provide 
  best medical care, oxygen and laboratory services  to COVID
patients  at these Covid Care Centres . He told that  DSGMC
took this initiative following the steep surge in COVID 19
patients in the national capital.

Mr. Sirsa said that DSGMC will take care of the breakfast, all
meals, drinking water, general medicines, oxygen,
haematological and biochemistry laboratory services for the
admitted patients.

He said that DSGMC  has offered  200 beds at  its  fully air
conditioned marriage hall at Gurdwara Nanak Piao Sahib, G.T.
Karnal Road, Near Rana Partap Bagh, Delhi-110033, 110 beds
(55 rooms)125 beds (4 halls) at  Guru Harkrishan Yatri Niwas,
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi-110001 with facilities of
Split AC and lift  ,60 beds,(30 rooms) at  Guru Arjan Dev Yatri
Niwas, Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi-110001 having
air conditioner facilities ,50 beds (Ground Floor),50 beds (First
Floor),15 beds (Basement) at Guru Hargobind Institute of
Management & Information Technology, Plot No.133, Road
No.72, Hargobind Enclave, New Delhi.110092 ,50 beds
(Ground Floor) 50 beds (First Floor) with air conditioned
facilities at Guru Harkrishan Public School, MS Block, Hari
Nagar. Delhi-110064 , 40 beds  Centrally Air-conditioned at
 Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, Near Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah,
New Delhi-110013.,25 beds (Ground Floor)  25 beds (First
Floor)  at  Guru Tegh Bahadur Polytechnic Institute, Poorvi
Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057, 50 beds with Lift
facilities at  Guru Nanak Sukhshala, Block 'R'. Old Rajinder
Nagar, New Delhi-110060.

Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa also  requested Chief Minister Mr.
Arvind Kejriwal to  kindly grant  necessary permission to
Gurdwara Authorities to  set up the Covid-19 Care Centres on
the  above said locations with the provision of required doctors,
nurses and paramedical staff by Delhi Govt  where people with
low-grade fever, sore throat, malaise and other such mild
symptoms can be  admitted  and added that  If patient  condition
becomes critical, the patients can  be referred to the Covid-19
hospitals under Delhi Govt he added.

Mr. Sirsa disclosed that he had taken up the matter with the
Delhi Chief Secretary Mr. Vijay Kumar Dev who has assured to
take up the matter with the government and get it examined so
that these centres can be used at the earliest.

He also informed that he has also discussed the matter with
Member Parliament Mr. Sanjay Singh who was very positive
about the issue and he also has assured to take up the matter
with the CM and use these facilities for the welfare of people.

With Thanks :Mr. Sudeep Singh
 Honorary Media Advisor
DSGMC

DSGMC is creating 850-beds Covid-19 Care facility at various locations in Delhi

DSGMC is creating 850-beds Covid-19 Care facility at various locations in Delhi as per the list attached where patients will be given best medical care, oxygen and laboratory services as well

Urging Arvind Kejriwal Ji to grant necessary permissions

With Thanks: Sd. Vikram Singh ji,DSGMC 

 

First Postal Stamp on Golden Temple,Amritsar

Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick (UK):Sikh Temple Features in England’s Most Important Faith Buildings

Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick (UK)

A new listing of England’s most important faith building features Europe’s largest Gurdwara features alongside iconic locations such as Stonehenge and Canterbury Cathedral.

Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick, has been chosen alongside nine other places of faith to feature in A History of England in 100 Places which is being run by campaign body Historic England.

A citation by Historic England said the Gurdwara, which was built in the 1990s, housed one of the largest congregations in the UK and was the biggest in Europe.

“It continues to expand with Smethwick’s growing Sikh population,” it added.

“Community is at the heart of the Sikh faith and Gurdwaras are a focal point for communities to come together and get closer to God.”

The faith and belief category was judged by Reverend David Ison, dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, and narrowed down dozens of nominations from members of the public into a final ten.

Rev Ison said: “Sikh communities are an important and valued part of our social fabric.

“This particular Gurdwara shows the geographical spread of different faiths in our country and represents how different communities and cultures come together to enrich British society.”

Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson said: “The history of faith and belief in England is rich and complex.“They tell us about dissent, conflict, tolerance and kinship between believers, as well as how the practice of faith has influenced and been influenced by the landscape.

“They show how England has a long history of people from different faiths leaving their mark in a legacy of special buildings and places which still make a strong spiritual connection today.”

Link:https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2018/04/05/sikh-temple-features-in-englands-most-important-faith-buildings/

Max Healthcare faces flak for high COVID-19 treatment cost, says picture on social media 'does not have all facts'

Cllr Bira Sehmi elected first Sikh mayor of St Davids and possibly all of Wales

ST DAVIDS has welcomed its new mayor, Cllr Bira Sehmi, the first Sikh to be elected as Mayor not only in St Davids probably in Wales.

Cllr Sehmi was born in Nairobi, Kenya and was educated in Nairobi and London. He worked in various well-known international architects' practices in London, Surrey, and Hampshire

He has been visiting St Davids since the mid 1960s and married a local farmer's daughter, the Mayoress, Sylvia Sehmi.

The couple moved back to the city in 2010 and Cllr Sehmi was elected to the city council in 2017.

A keen cricketer, Cllr Sehmi is also a committee member of St Davids Community Forum, the city's Memory Cafe, Friends of Oriel y Parc and St Davids Historical Society

"It is a great honour to have been elected as mayor and my wife Sylvia as mayoress of St Davids City Council, the smallest city in Great Britain," said Cllr Sehmi.

"This has come at an exceedingly difficult period during the Covid-19 epidemic. I will endeavour to do my best to serve the local community during this challenging time.

"During this epidemic, the local community has shown its strength and agility in helping those who needed the most help in whatever way they could."

Cllr Sehmi thanked all the volunteers of St Davids Befrienders, the councillors and volunteers in helping with the St Davids Food Pod in the City Hall for the local needy families and to key workers.

"I extend my warmest thanks to all the NHS and all the related medical staff, supporting people from various walks of profession and life who have been working extremely hard to keep us going during this epidemic," he said.

"My condolences go to all those people who lost their loved ones to this awful Covid-19."

Cllr Sehmi said he looked forward to getting back to some sort of normality soon to kick start the local tourist industry and other businesses who have faced an uncertain and difficult time.

Link:https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/18495940.cllr-bira-sehmi-elected-first-sikh-mayor-st-davids-possibly-wales/

Racism: Punjabi poem asking mother, 'Why do we have colours? Why is whit...

SGPC directs teachers to conduct online classes for religious studies

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—On June 12, the religious preachment wing of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee held a meeting of teachers teaching religious studies in SGPC run colleges and schools. All the teachers were directed to complete the syllabus via online classes.

It is noteworthy here that the SGPC is already organizing online religious camps across the state due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation.

In a press note shared with Sikh24, Manjit Singh Bath informed that all the teachers have been directed to conduct online classes via video conferencing so that the syllabus could be completed by time. “We have also directed teachers to apprise students with the history of upcoming centenaries,” he added.

All the teachers presented their views and recommendations for the continuing classes for religious studies in this tough time.

Vice-secretary Tejinder Singh Padda, Gurmeet Singh Buttar, Prof. Sukhdev Singh, Palwinder Singh Chitta, Supervisor Gurpreet Singh, Bhai Jagdev Singh, Bhai Jagtar Singh Khodebet etc. were also present on this occasion.

After 73 years of Indo-Pak partition, Muslim owners still await Hindu tenant to come back and open lock of his shop

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—At the time of India-Pakistan partition in 1947, a Hindu shopkeeper doing business on a rented shop was forced to leave his shop in Loralai, Balochistan (Pakistan) as he had to move to India. He locked his shop while asking the owner of the shop not to open the lock and wait for him to return.

The owner assured him that nobody will open the lock of his shop and he will wait for him to return back.

Even after 73 years of India-Pakistan partition, the tenant shopkeeper didn’t return and the owners of this shop have not opened the lock of his shop.

It is learned that the main owner of this shop died a few years back but he had told his children not to open the lock and wait for the return of the Hindu tenant, whose surname was ‘Kakkar’.

Almost 73 years have passed, the shop is still locked. The shop still awaits the occupant who may never return, but the promise has been kept which was made 73 years ago.

Link:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1847374878286140975#editor/target=post;postID=2474441276520520603

Hate Crimes in US: Incident of Attack on Elder Sikh man comes to fore

NEW YORK, USA—While the United States of America is facing ire over racial murder of George Floyd, another incident of racial attack on an elder Sikh in Jefferson county has come to fore. A 61 year old Sikh named Lakhwant Singh was reportedly hit by a 36 year old man Eric Breeman with his car on April 29 this year due to which he suffered serious injuries.

After attacking Lakhwant Singh, Eric Breeman shouted at him while saying “go back to your country”.

Media reports reveal that Lakhwant Singh’s arm got broken in this attack besides damage to ribs, internal bleeding, multiple bone fractures, a fracture in the spinal cord and head injuries.

Sources have revealed that the Jefferson County’s District Attorney is not accepting this attack as racist or hate crime. The district attorney doesn’t consider shouting “go back to your country” enough for hate crime charges.

The Sikh Coalition has said that the attacker shouted profanity at Singh and his wife, Manjit Kaur, and repeatedly told the couple to “go back to your country”.

Asked if “go back to your country” was not racial, DA spokesperson Russell said: “Unfortunately, that kind of talk happens all too often, but that in itself is enough for us to be able to prove he was targeted/attacked for his race.”

Link:https://www.sikh24.com/2020/06/15/hate-crimes-in-us-incident-of-attack-on-elder-sikh-man-comes-to-fore/#.XuhTe5ozbIU

SAD to take up issue of displaced Sikh farmers with UP CM

It is learnt that the Uttar Pradesh government sent police to displace these Sikh farmers from about 17 villages of districts Rampur, Bijnaur and Lakhimpur.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday announced to take up the issue of displacement of around 1,000 Sikh farmer families from four different places in Uttar Pradesh with chief minister Yogi Adityanand. It would also approach home minister Amit Shah to ensure they were not subjected to any injustice.

Senior party leader and former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra said SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had formed a three-member committee, including him and Rajya Sabha MPs Balwinder Singh Bhundur and Naresh Gujral, to discuss the issue at the appropriate levels. He said the party core committee had also resolved to ensure justice to the affected Sikh families of UP.

SAD’s UP kisan wing president Jasbir Singh Virk had brought it to the notice of the party that Sikh families were being displaced in Bijnore, Lakhimpur Kheri, Rampur and Nanakmata through coercive action. “SAD expresses solidarity with the affected farmers most of whom have settled in Uttar Pradesh after being displaced during partition in 1947 and will ensure they are not uprooted from their lands again,” said Chandumajra.

Link:https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/sad-to-take-up-issue-of-displaced-sikh-farmers-with-up-cm/story-xctSnyXOO9yqrBTkRsZbeO.html

Anand Marriage Act likely to get imposed in Pakistan’s Punjab province after lockdown

LAHORE, Punjab—The work to frame rules for registering Sikh marriages under Sikh Anand Karaj Marriages Act in Pakistani Punjab has begun. It has come to fore that a draft of rules has been prepared which might come in effect soon after lifting of lockdown.

Notably, the ‘Punjab Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act 2017’ was unanimously passed in the Pakistani Punjab’s assembly in March-2018 to legally recognize Sikh marriages in Punjab province of Pakistan.

Speaking to media, Parliamentary Secretary Mohinderpal Singh informed that this Bill will require the approval of governor after the rules are framed. “In this concern, we have already held a meeting with the Federal Home Ministry of Pakistan,” he added.  

Sources have revealed that if this Bill comes in effect then the newly wedded Sikh couples can register their marriages by filling a form within 30 days of their marriages.

To get divorced, the husband or wife will have to lodge a complaint with the Chairman of Sikh Anand Marriage Committee. The chairman will then issue a notice to the second party and it will be mandatory for the second party to meet the Arbitration Council within 30 days of receiving notice.

The Arbitration Council will give a chance to the duo parties to sort out their differences and will approve divorce, if the differences are not sorted out.

Meanwhile, it is learned that the Sikhs residing in other states of Pakistan have also become active to get this bill imposed in their states.

It is pertinent to note here that the marriages of Sikhs in Pakistan are currently registered by the authorities of Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh (Peshawar) but this registration doesn’t hold any legal value.  

According to this bill, a marriage ceremony, or Anand Karaj — which is defined as “the lawful union of a Sikh male and Sikh female” — will be performed in accordance with the religious practices as per Sikh tenets. A “marriage deed”, a legal document authorizing the matrimonial union, will then be issued by a registrar who will be appointed by the Punjab government.

Link:https://www.sikh24.com/2020/06/14/anand-marriage-act-likely-to-get-imposed-in-pakistans-punjab-province-after-lockdown/#.XuhQi5ozbIU

People in Amritsar spotted flouting norms during pandemic

Amritsar (Punjab) [India], June 16 : 

Flouting health guidelines to combat COVID-19, not wearing masks while going for a walk in public places will attract a fine of Rs 500 in Amritsar from Tuesday, a police official said.

In the morning today, several people were seen not abiding by the social distancing norms and children were also seen playing without masks.

"It is a violation of the law and there is a fine of Rs 500 for openly walking without a mask. Earlier we were not aware that locals are not following rules," said Amarjeet Singh, a police officer while speaking to ANI.

"On a daily bases, the government is creating awareness amongst the masses that wearing a mask is essential during the pandemic. If some of them will not wear it, then others will also break the rules, said Kajal Sharma, a resident.

In national capital also, a similar rule has been imposed. People found chewing and spitting tobacco in public or not wearing masks will now attract a legal penalty of Rs 500. A repeat offence will amount to doubling the cost of the penalty to Rs 1,000. (ANI)

Link:https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/not-wearing-masks-to-attract-rs-500-fine-in-amritsar20200616093804/

Sikh Warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh Named Greatest World Leader in BBC Poll

The founder and ruler of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been voted as the greatest leader in world history by 38 per cent readers of BBC World Histories Magazine. The leader who had defeated Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln during the early 19th century, Singh was nominated by historian Matthew Lockwood, an assistant professor of history at the University of Alabama for establishing “modern empire of toleration”. 

The magazine had asked its readers to vote for the greatest leader from the names that had been nominated by several renowned historians. They had to choose a leader who had “exercised power and had a positive impact on humanity and to explore their achievements and legacy”. It was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who topped the poll and was described by Lockwood as a uniting force whose reign “marked a golden age for Punjab and northwest India”.

Ranjit Singh was praised for creating a new tolerant empire."And, at a time of global political tensions, it's telling that Singh's rule is interpreted as representing ideals of tolerance, freedom and cooperation, said Matt Elton, Editor of BBC World History Magazine' of leading historians.

Link:https://www.news18.com/news/world/sikh-warrior-maharaja-ranjit-singh-named-greatest-world-leader-in-bbc-poll-2527713.html

Akal Takht Felicitated Dr Harpal Singh Selhi for COVID Awareness

Akal Takht Felicitated Dr Harpal Singh Selhi for COVID Awareness

LUDHIANA: Dr Harpal Singh Selhi, head of orthopaedic department at the Dayanand Medical College, has been felicitated by the supreme Sikh body Akal Takht for raising awareness on Covid-19. In a Youtube video made last month, the doctor demonstrated how to wear a face mask without disturbing the beard and turban. “We are thankful to Dr Selhi for introducing the method to Sikh healthcare providers worldwide, so that they can serve humanity while maintaining their faith,” said jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, who felicitated him in Amritsar recently.

 Link: https://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-chandigarh/20200615/281685437088799

Sikh Community Gathers At Cesar Chavez Park To Honor Black Lives Matter

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Members of the Sikh community in Sacramento are standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Crowds gathered in Cesar Chavez Park on Sunday to uplift the voices of the black community and honor the movement.

Organizers of the event said they wanted to hear from community members and leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement to learn how they can best get involved.

They said it is the duty of all Sikhs to stand up to injustices.

“Oftentimes we tend to sit in silence and we don’t want to continue this kind of compliance,” one of the organizers said. “And we want to come out and listen to the black community and then take action based on the words that we hear today.”

Sunday’s event was open to anyone and everyone.

In the interest of public health, attendees were also encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Link:https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2020/06/14/sikh-community-gathers-at-cesar-chavez-park-to-honor-black-lives-matter/

40 booked for not allowing former Golden Temple hazuri ragi Padma Shree Awardee Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa's Cremation

Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa receiving the Padma Shri Award 2009 from Pratibha Patil, President of India, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 31, 2009.  

More than two months after the death of former Golden Temple hazuri ragi Padma Shri Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa due to Covid-19, Verka police revealed that a first information report (FIR) was registered against 40 people who did not allow his cremation at the village crematorium.

Verka station house officer (SHO) Nishan Singh confirmed that the FIR was registered on April 9 against 40 people on the basis of a complaint sent to Punjab DGP by a Nawanshahr-based social and RTI activist, Parwinder Singh Kitna. They were booked under sections 188, 269, 270 and 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections of the Disaster Management Act and Epidemic Disease Act.

INQUIRY TO PROBE CAUSE OF DEATH BEGINS

A special investigation team (SIT) was formed to probe the allegations of medical negligence made by the family of Khalsa. The SIT, led by Jalandhar divisional commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri, has started the probe, said Amritsar police commissioner Sukhchain Singh Gill on Sunday. Some doctors, cops and Verka residents were also summoned by the SIT. The probing team will also look into the role of managements of two main crematoriums of the city.

Link:https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/40-booked-for-not-allowing-former-golden-temple-hazuri-ragi-s-cremation/story-BaEnSp6jwUw40qzEgxaPCI.html

Watchalong to celebrate life of Sikh prince whose generosity benefitted Norfolk Town : UK

The statue of the last King of Punjab, Maharajah Duleep Singh, at Butten Island in Thetford. 

The life of a Sikh prince who left a lasting legacy in Norfolk and Suffolk is to be the focus of a unique online event.

The grave of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire, is at Elveden Church, near Thetford. 

Thetford’s Ancient House Museum and the Sikh Museum Initiative have joined forces to celebrate the life of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire.

After his kingdom was taken from him by the British in the 1840s, the Maharajah was brought to England where he was befriended by Queen Victoria and later lived at Elevden Hall, near Thetford.

His son, Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, was the founder of Ancient House Museum and, with Thetford having benefitted greatly from their generosity, Prince Charles unveiled a statue of the Maharajah at Butten Island in 1999.

At 2pm on Sunday (June 14), audiences around the world are invited to join a watchalong of the 2017 film ‘The Black Prince’, which explores the troubled life of the Maharajah.

Link: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/watchalong-maharajah-duleep-singh-thetford-1-6698777

UK gurdwaras set to reopen for individual prayer from Today 14th June 2020

 LONDON: Gurdwara in Britain will start to reopen on Sunday for individual prayer but some are unhappy with the Covid-19 measures that have been put in place. The shrines, however, remain closed for collective worship, study classes and tourism purposes and ‘kirtan’ is still not allowed. Collective worship is not expected to resume until July 4, at the earliest. Jatinder Singh, who sits on the management committee of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, said: “The reopening places of worship taskforce did not properly consult the Sikh community and has organised the reopening more through a Christian prism. The conduct of our programmes cannot be dictated. The conduct of our stage (darbar) cannot be interfered with. It has continued even during battles. It does not get changed. The government should not interfere with it.”

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/uk-gurdwaras-set-to-reopen-for-individual-prayer-from-today/articleshow/76364797.cms