Monday, January 4, 2010

MBE for Sikh police officer


A Sikh woman who has served as a Police Constable for South Yorkshire Police for over 14 years, has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honors list.

PC Surinder Kaur Dev is predominantly leading the way in working with minority communities in her current role as a Diversity Recruitment Officer.

Deputy Chief Constable Bob Dyson said: “Sarinder is innovative in her commitment to improving the diversity of the policing family and community relations. Her work has attracted national recognition and has improved community relations and cultural understanding.

“Sarinder has designed images that are successful in attracting women and minorities into the police service and these have been adopted by the Home Office.

“She is very modest and never seeking attention for herself. Sarinder is a very valuable member of the local community, and an excellent ambassador for SYP.”

One of her projects involved taking local young people and officers to India to celebrate diversity and at the same time, raising funds for an abandoned child charity project – the Unique Home – in Jalundhar, Punjab.

Over the last few years Sarinder has organised Bollywood events to raise money for a children’s charity in India, with famous dignitaries including Shatrughan Sinha, and this year, representatives from the Indian High Commission, Mr Jitendra Kumar. Guests were from different backgrounds and the event enhanced cultural awareness across communities in South Yorkshire.

PC Dev initiated an Inspiring Youth Award to encourage young people from minority ethnic communities to achieve their potential. She secured local sponsorship and the support of successful minority ethnic personalities, including former World Boxing Champion, Jonny Nelson, as inspirational role models.

Sarinder received a special commendation from the National Graduate Recruitment Awards for her outstanding contribution to diversity in recruitment. Sarinder organised the Black Minority Ethnic Women Recruitment Conference in Sheffield, which led to Sarinder doing a presentation in London at a national event to representatives from 43 forces.

PC Sarinder Kaur Dev said: “I am absolutely delighted to be honoured with an MBE. It is by far my biggest achievement and I am very proud, and I hope this can offer some inspiration to other Sikh women in their own professions.” Sarinder was the only officer in South Yorkshire Police to be recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours list, and will recieve the award for services to the police.

http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=8422

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Punjab govt released holiday calendar for 2010-11

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government Friday released a list of 33 holidays for 2010. The government will also observe 18 restricted holidays from which each employee can choose two days to observe as holidays.

Public Offices will remain closed for Sri Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday (January 5); Basant Panchmi and Satguru Ram Singh’s birthday (January 20); Republic Day (January 26); Sri Guru Ravidas’s birthday (January 30); Maha Shivaratri (February 12); Holi (February 28); Shahidi Divas of Bhagat Singh (March 23); Ram Navami (March 24); Mahavir Jayanti (March 28); Good Friday (April 02); Baisakhi and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar’s Birthday (April 14) ;May Day (May 1); Parshuram Jayanti (May 16); Guru Arjun Dev’s Martyrdom day (June 16); Kabir Jayanti (June 26); Shahid Udham Singh’s martyrdom day (July 31); Independence Day (August 15); Janamashtami (Sptember 2); Id-ul-Fitr (September 11); Baba Sri Chand’s birthday (September 16); Birthday of S. Bhagat Singh Ji (September 28); Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday (October 2); Agarsain Jayanti ( October 8); Birthday of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (October 9);Dussehra (October 17); Maharish Valmiki’s birthday (October 22); Diwali (November 5); Vishwakarma day (November 6); Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) (November 17); Guru Nanak Dev’s birthday (November 21); Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom day (November 24); and Christmas (December 25).

New Year Day (January 1); Lohri (January 13); Nirwan Diwas of Bhagwan Adinath Ji (January 14); Id-e-Milad (February 27); Hola Mohalla (March 1); International Women Day (March 8); Buddh Purnima (May 27); Nirjala Ekadashi (June 22); Death Anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji (June 29); Birthday of Baba Jiwan Singh Ji (September 5); Anant Chaturdashi (September 22); Birthday of Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur (October 16); Karva Chauth (October 26); Birthday of Sant Nam Dev Ji (October 26); New Punjab Day (November 1); Goverdhan Pooja (November 6) Muharram (December 17) and Jor Mela Fatehgarh Sahib (December 24,25 and 26) are restricted holidays in the Calendary, 2010.

Public Holidays in the State of Punjab during the Calendar year 2010 within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 are Birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (January 5); Republic Day (January 26); Birthday of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji (January 30); Holi (February 28); Ram Naumi (March 24); Bank Holiday (April 1); Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji (June 16); Independence Day (August 15); Janmashtami (September 2); Idu'I Fitr (September 11); Bank Holiday (September 30); Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi Ji (October 2); Dussehra (October 17); Birthday of Maharishi Valmiki Ji (October 22); Diwali (November 5); Dirthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (November 21) and Christmas day (December 25).

thanks : punjabnewsline

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Sunday, January 3, 2010

SGPC executive approves amendment in Nanakshahi

Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) today gave approval to bring in amendments in the 'Nanak Shahi' Calendar, used by the Sikh community, at a meeting here amid chaos.

However, three out of 15 executive members -- Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Karnail Singh Panjoli and Bibi Ravinder Kaur from Haryana -- boycotted the meeting held at Teja Singh Samundri Hall here as they were opposed to the amendment.

Last week, the Akal Takht, highest Sikh temporal seat, had sent its proposals to SGPC, considered the mini-parliament of Sikhs, to discuss the necessary steps to make amendments in the calendar.

SGPC Chief Avtar Singh said after the amendments, from now onwards all religious occasions like birth and death anniversaries of Sikh Gurus (masters) would be followed as per 'general' calendars.

Earlier the dates of the religious occasions as per the 'Nanak Shahi' Calendar, followed by the community since 2003, were not matching with the general calenders.

"Now Nanak Shahi Calendar along with the amendments will be again sent to Jatehdar Akal Takht Gyani Gurbachan Singh for final approval," he said.

Sources at Akal Takht said that Jatehdar was empowered to issue final edict for Sikh community to follow the Nanak Shahi Calendar with new amendments.

PTI

with thanks : source : PTI & http://www.zeenews.com/news592421.html

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New president of Pakistan Gurdwara Committee elected

PTI


LAHORE:
Sardar Sham Singh has been elected as the new president of the Pakistan Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PGPC), when polls to the body were held after a gap of three years.

Sardar Taru Singh and Sardar Saab Singh were elected his deputies from the country's four provinces.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which looks after the shrines and properties of minority communities, held the elections for the first time in three years on the directives of the federal government.

Board chairman Syed Asif Hashmi told a news conference that the PGPC will be responsible for all matters related to gurdwaras across Pakistan.

The PGPC will be an independent body and the board will not intervene in its affairs, he said.

The revival of the PGPC will help strengthen relations between Sikhs and the majority Muslim community, Hashmi said.

Sardar Sham Singh and his deputies welcomed the government's decision to hold the elections, and vowed to work for the welfare of the Sikh minority and the upkeep of their shrines in Pakistan.

The last elected president of committee was Sardar Mastan Singh, who held the post till 2006. After his removal from office on charges of embezzling funds of the committee, the board had been reluctant to hold fresh elections to the body.

There are about 25,000 Sikhs living in different parts of Pakistan, including the militancy-hit northwest and tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

with thanks : source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_new-president-of-pakistan-gurdwara-committee-elected_1330081

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Knighthood for UK’s first Sikh judge

Mota Singh, who is the UK's first Sikh and Asian judge, has been knighted by the British Queen. London-based Singh, who is also a Queen's Counsel, has been knighted in the Queen's New Year Honors List for "services to the Administration of Justice, Community Relations and to the Voluntary Sector".

with thanks source : http://birlaa.com/news/knighthood-for-uks-first-sikh-judge/13036

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DSGMC release NanakShahi Calendar 2010 (300000 copies ordered)

In a positive step towards saving the major dilution of sikh identity the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee released the Nanakshahi Calendar for Nanakshahi Samvat 542.

Paramjit Singh (President DSGMC) distributed copies to sangat and informed that they have ordered 3 lac copies to their printer in Gurdwara RakabGanj Sahib and these will be out in a day or two.

It was reported that Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh of Takht Damdama Sahib took a bold stand, for which any changes discussed at Akat Takht Sahib meeting were not made public.

It now seems probable that what the Jathedars could not do, the SGPC will do – kill the letter and spirit of the Nanakshahi Calendar.

The sikh worldwide are unhappy of these supposed changes because:

1.) More than 95% sikhs are following this calendar.

2.) Many panthic scholars smell the Brahmanical fold and Punjab’s Badal Govt influence in this.

Sikhs must stand to save it.

with thanks : source : sikhiwallpapers.com

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Manmohan Singh is 'Chic Sikh' of 2009

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been named the 'Chic Sikh' of 2009 by popular online Sikh magazine sikhchic.com

Two others sharing the honour are Delhi lawyer Harvinder Singh Phoolka, who has crusaded for the rights of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, and former bureaucrat Saran Singh of 'The Sikh Review'.

'The three were selected after a two-month write-in by sikhchic's worldwide readership,' sikhchic.com editor T. Sher Singh, who is based in Toronto, told IANS.

The prime minister has been chosen not only for his international image but also for achieving the distinction of becoming prime minister for the second consecutive time.

with thanks : source : http://sify.com/news/Manmohan-Singh-is-Chic-Sikh-of-2009-news-National-kbcn4chcjgd.html

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Saturday, January 2, 2010

www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com

Mr B S Vohra, CEO of Sikh Blog www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com has launched another blog for the welfare of East Delhi Resident Welfare Associations, on this New Year's Day. Almost 200 Registered RWA's as well many more of the unregistered RWA's are being connected by him on a single platform. The details of the new blog have been published by prominent News Papers of Delhi such as Hindustan times, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala etc. Aaj Tak TV Channel team also spent 2 hours with Mr Vohra to know more about the blog. The News of this blog is being relayed on Delhi Aaj Tak today. Please log on to the new blog www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com and add your most valued comments, to make it a grand success.

With Best Regards

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Sajjan's prosecution gives hope to '84 riot victims

Chandigarh: For the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the new year has certainly brought new hope, beginning with permission for prosecution of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. A day after a go-ahead from Delhi Lt Governor, comes another heartening news that nearly 31 appeal cases involving 98 riot-accused, which were hanging fire in courts since 1996, will now come up in the Delhi High Court on January 6.

“These criminal appeal cases originated from one case, involving an incident of loot and arson in East Delhi area in November 1984, which was decided by the then sessions judge, SN Dhingra, in 1996. Now, the cases are slated to come up on January 6,” said Delhi-based noted lawyer HS Phoolka, who is helping the riot victims in legal cases.

Please read the complete news by clicking the Headline above

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Friday, January 1, 2010

Why is Tytler being 'spared' in 1984 riots, asks BJP

In the wake of Delhi Lieutenant Governor's Office granting sanction to CBI for prosecution of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, BJP on Thursday asked why Jagdish Tytler was being "spared" and demanded time-bound trial against the accused.

"What about Jagdish Tytler (another Congress leader accused in the riots)? Why is he not being prosecuted? And why was there so much delay?" BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said reacting to the Lt Governor's move.

Both Kumar and Tytler were earlier accused of encouraging mobs to attacks Sikhs after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her bodyguards.

CBI had filed a closure report in court in connection with Tytler's case, saying that no evidence was found against him.

"The people of India want justice in the heinous crimes committed against innocent Sikhs who were killed and had to face atrocities. The guilty should be prosecuted immediately and in a time-bound trial," Prasad said.

Tytler and Kumar were given tickets in the last general elections by the Congress but the party had to change its decision after a public outcry. Sajjan Kumar was replaced by his brother Ramesh Kumar as the candidate for South Delhi. J P Aggarwal got the ticket from North-East Delhi in place of Tytler.

With thanks : Source : http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/Why-is-Tytler-being-spared-in-1984-riots-asks-BJP/492487/H1-Article1-492503.aspx

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CBI gets nod to prosecute Sajjan Kumar in '84 anti-Sikh riots cases

Nudged by Home Minister P Chidambaram to expedite sanction of prosecution against the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna has set the ball rolling to begin judicial proceedings against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar.

Khanna is understood to have accorded sanction on Wednesday for prosecuting Kumar for spreading enmity between two communities.

The CBI had asked for prosecution sanction for four cases of rioting in Sultanpuri and Mongolpuri on November1, 1984.

The CBI had registered the case against Kumar after the G.T. Nanavati Commission report of February 2005, which called for fresh examination of complaints where he had been named but no chargesheet was filed.

Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said, “Law will take its own course. Congress does not interfere in legal matters.”

With thanks : source : http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/india/CBI-gets-nod-to-prosecute-Sajjan-Kumar-in-84-anti-Sikh-riots-cases/Article1-492487.aspx

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