George Jacob named as director of the Anandpur Sahib Sikh Museum

A Kaur

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab: A former Project Director at The Smithsonian’s prestigious National Museum of American History, George Jacob, has been named director of the Khalsa Heritage Complex in Anandpur Sahib reports the Midland Daily News. The Khalsa Heritage Complex is one of the largest museum complex in India currently in advanced stages of construction.

Smithsonian trained Jacob, an internationally sought veteran museologist, has been the founding director of two museums in his career.

The 650,000-square-foot museum and heritage center rises above a seven acre web of reflecting pools connected by a 165-meter pedestrian bridge connecting different zones of the museum galleries, library, cafe and performing arts theater, with exhibits celebrating 500 years of heritage, aspirations and living traditions of the Sikh diaspora.Phase 1 of the $224 million project opens in the fall of 2010.

with thanks : source : http://sikhsangat.org/2010/01/george-jacob-named-as-director-of-the-anandpur-sahib-sikh-museum/

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Sikhs call for security after Melbourne temple attack

THE president of Melbourne's largest Sikh temple has requested additional night-time security from Victoria Police in the wake of an arson attack on another Sikh temple earlier this week.

The request, made to Victoria Police in a letter yesterday, asks for "increased vigilance" from local authorities around the high-profile Sikh temple in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Blackburn, which has previously been visited by the Premier and the state Opposition Leader.

The letter, written by the secretary of the Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha temple at the behest of its president, Dashran Singh, says: "As you are no doubt aware, there have been an increased number of violent incidents involving (the) Indian community in Melbourne.

"This is a matter of concern for all Australians.

"We will appreciate if you can assist by having increased vigilance in the area, especially during night-time, to build confidence amongst the community," says the letter, seen by The Australian yesterday.

Early on Wednesday a Sikh temple in Lynbrook, on Melbourne's southeastern fringe, was set on fire. Mr Singh yesterday said another Sikh temple in Cragieburn in Melbourne's north was also vandalised last week with eggs and stones.

"We take the trouble to collect money to build our buildings for worship. This is very worrying," he said.

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu, who visited the Blackburn temple, or gurdwara, before travelling to India last year, said he was "greatly concerned" about the recent attacks on Indians and their places of worship.

"In light of recent events, the police need to work very closely with the Indian community right across Victoria to make sure there is no repeat of any violence or vandalism," he said.

Temple worshipper Vikramjit Kaur, who attended the Blackburn gurdwara yesterday with her four-year-old daughter Supreet and her mother, Surinder Kaur, said "there should be more security - when you hear about these (cases of vandalism), you are worried."

Mr Singh said to date he had received "great support" from local authorities, but said he would be comforted by more security.

A spokeswoman for Victoria Police yesterday said authorities were "taking every incident very seriously."

But she said, "no matter how many police we have, we simply can't be present for every crime that takes place".

with thanks : source : http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/sikhs-call-for-security-after-melbourne-temple-attack/story-e6frg6nf-1225819478091

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Sikhs fear more attacks after Lynbrook temple blaze

CRANBOURNE’S Sikh community says it is under attack after yesterday’s deliberately lit fire in a partially-built Lynbrook temple.

Police are still investigating the blaze, which started at about 12.30am inside the Nanaksar Sikh Temple.

It is the latest in a string of incidents at the Evans Rd site during the past 12 months, including graffiti, theft, break-ins and petty vandalism.

Speaking to the Leader, Raj Singh said the community was “angry and very upset.’’

“Racist sentiment seems to be boiling over at the moment and it looks to us as if we are being targeted,” Mr Singh said.

“We’re a peace-loving people. We believe all religions are good and we all worship the same one God. We just want to be abel to live in peace.”

Mr Singh said the damage was negligible.

“It is the psychological damage that is the real concern,’’ he said.

“To think that the surrounding community is targeting us like this is extremely upsetting to us.’’

Mr Singh said the 900-strong congregation ultimately hoped to build a school and retirement village on the 13ha site, making it a self-contained community.

“We want to be a part of the Cranbourne community. This is our home now. We’ve been here since 1988,’’ he said.

Builder Paul Birch said he was disgusted and angered by the “mindless destruction.’’

“There’s just no logic to it. They are harmless people,’’ Mr Birch said.

“We will be looking into security guards or dogs to put an end to this once and for all.’’

Police are urging anyone with information to call Casey CIU Det-Sen-Constable Paul Stowe on 9705 3111

with thanks : source : http://cranbourne-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/sikhs-fear-more-attacks-after-lynbrook-temple-blaze/


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Gurdwara Lakhpat Sahib Ji

Gurpreet Singh Anand

Intrepid traveller, who braved the cold of the North Pole, South Pole and Mount Everest, takes us on a journey in the footsteps of the travels of the first Master, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji in Gujarat. During the course of an earlier interview, the author told us, “Life is a journey, from one path to another, from one pilgrimage to another and I am destined to do that.” Exclusive to World Sikh News, this first person account candidly brings to life, the aura and pristine glory of the place with awe and respect. Like his words, the pictures taken by the author bring forth the beauty and expanse of the place.


Some weeks back, my passion for travel took me to Gujarat. I was amazed to come across a lesser known facet of Sikh history. I saw evidence of the visit of Guru Nanak Sahib to Gujarat and also learnt that except for some scholars, Sikhs had forgotten about this place and other places visited by Guru Nanak. Better late than never. It is time to connect the dots of history and discover our rich heritage linked to our founder Guru Ji.

During his second Udasi (travels) from 1506-13 and fourth Udasi from 1519-21, Guru Nanak Sahib travelled to Mecca through the then to the Port of Basta Bandher, in the then province of Sind. Today, this place is called Lakhpat and is about 135 kilometers from the town of Bhuj on the edges of the Cori Creek on the tip of the border between India and Pakistan.



Lakhpat fort is about 20 kilometers from Korini village where there is also a big Sarovar to the memory of Guru Nanak Dev ji Sahib's visit. Lakpat was so named, it is said, as the daily income from sailings of inbound and outbound ships to shore exceeded one lakh cories (the then local currency). Today the Sindhu River no longer flows on its banks as it was diverted during the great earthquake of Bhuj in 1819 to the west to an area what is now in Pakistan's Sind province. Even today in the soil you can find millions of shells from the dried bed of the Sindhu River.

It will come as a surprise to Sikhs, that the Gurdawara was restored to its present immaculate state by the strenuous efforts of United Nations volunteer programme during a seven month period between February and September 2003.

Since 1947, the Lakhpat Fort is housing the lat outpost of the Border Security Force and is hope to some 400-500 people within its walls and several Temples and Sufi Darghas. It also has Gurdawara Pehili Padshai "Lakhpat Gurdawara". There is Hatkeshwar Temple that houses fossilized shells, The Gosh Mohmmad Kuba, Darghah of Syed Pir Shah and Nanai Mai Darghah –all stand witness to the glorious past.

Legend has it that the place visited by Guru Nanak was the house of a Brahman and is located within the fort of Lakhpat. According to the local people, that house was converted into a Gurdwara some two hundred years ago and vast tracts of land were bestowed on the Gurdwara for upkeep, maintenance and regular expenses of the shrine.



The Gurdwara complex comprises of a main building that has a courtyard and a separate structure which is a two storied gateway on the western side with massive wooden doors. The internal and external walls have paintings in line patterned with floral motifs of the period -ships, flowers, royal personage, etc. The walls have graffiti by religious travellers in old Gurmukhi script. Constructed in limestone, the Gurdwara has on its walls statues of elephants, flowers, Chabutras and statues in human and animal form embedded to its walls. The verandah has exquisitely carved wooden columns. The whole arena has a touch of the old and a beautiful nostalgic charm to it.

The walls have graffiti by religious travellers in old Gurmukhi script. Constructed in limestone, the Gurdwara has on its walls statues of elephants, flowers, Chabutras and statues in human and animal form embedded to its walls. The verandah has exquisitely carved wooden columns. The whole arena has a touch of the old and a beautiful nostalgic charm to it.

The main room has relics associated with Guru Nanak Sahib, which relics, it is said, were bestowed by Guru Sahib to the Brahmin in whose house Guru Sahib stayed. These include Charan paduka -khdawans or wooden footwear and a Palki of the great Guru, both of which are housed in asealed glass enclosure, where there is Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib. As much as I know, these are perhaps the holiest relics of Guru Nanak Sahib on Indian soil. In the adjacent room within a wooden and glass panel are kept old handwritten Gurmukhi religious books and old religious scriptures



It will come as a surprise to Sikhs, that the Gurdawara was restored to its present immaculate state by the strenuous efforts of United Nations volunteer programme for a seven month period between February and September 2003. Thanks to their efforts, the assistance of the local community and the Sikh Sangat from Gandhidham, the Gurdwara has the unique distinction of being awarded the Asia Pacific Heritage Conservation award for the year 2004 by UNESCO. Carried out under the aegis of CRCI (Cultural Resources Conservation Initiative), it was a major conservation project.

Conferring the award UNESCO stated "the restoration of this Sikh house of worship demonstrates a sophisticated holistic understanding of both the technical and social aspects of conservation; careful attention to detail and sensitive repair work have ensured the retention of the building's historic character. The emphasis on involving and empowering the community ensures the long term survival of the historic building and its associated cultural traditions.” From what I learnt, more than $ 43,000 grant was made by UNESCO to bring restore the holy place to its pristine glory, with conservation architects and masons brought in from Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to assist in restoration work .



Those desiring to feel the ambience of the visit of Guru Nanak Sahib can visit the can visit the Gurdwara Sahib, to which a Yatri Niwas, Langar Hall, Diwan Hall, modern amenities are being added.

The care taker of the Gurdwara Sahib who is overseeing the work is S. Lakha Singh from Baruch and the Granthi Sahib Bhai Sukhchain Singh can be contacted at 9909606367 for arrangements to travel and stay.

Gurpreet Singh Anand lives in Delhi. He may be contacted at pilgrim_gsa@yahoo.co.in

with thanks : source : WSN

Melbourne Sikh temple arson 'an attack on religion'

AN elder at a Melbourne Sikh temple suspected to have been torched by arsonists has described the early-morning vandalism as an "attack on religion", placing further strain on diplomatic relations already damaged by a spate of serious assaults on Indian students.

The partially built Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar temple in Melbourne's outer southeastern suburbs, home to a congregation of Sikhs, many of whom come from the Punjab in northern India, is believed to have been set on fire with the use of molotov cocktails early yesterday.

Distraught temple elder Satnam Singh said the wilful destruction of a "God house" was an attack on Indians.

Detective Senior Constable Paul Stow, in charge of the investigation, said the fire was being treated as suspicious, but detectives were yet to establish whether race or religion had motivated the arsonists.

"At this stage there is nothing to suggest it is (race-related) other than the fact that it happened to a temple," Detective Constable Stow told The Australian yesterday.

The Sikh temple, known as a gurdwara, is in the middle of a large empty paddock in front of a sprawling housing estate at Lynbrook, on Melbourne's suburban fringe. The fire could put further pressure on bilateral relations between India and Australia, which have come under renewed strain since the stabbing of a 21-year-old Punjab-born accounting graduate, Nitin Garg, in a park in Melbourne's west earlier this month.

Among the members of the Indian community who visited the temple yesterday to survey the damage was the consul-general of India in Melbourne, Anil Kumar Gupta, who walked around the site taking notes and talking with elders. One worshipper, who asked not to be named, said he was informed by police that three molotov cocktails and a jerry can containing petrol were found inside the temple. Constable Stow confirmed that "a number of items were located to suggest accelerant was used".

Despite initial police reports indicating that a group of teens had lit "a couple of small fires" in piles of rubbish in the temple, Constable Stow said police believed the arson to be a "deliberately lit fire" rather than a bonfire that had burned out of control.

A police spokeswoman last night said investigators were keeping an open mind about the investigation.

"We can't discount anything," she said.

Victorian police have been criticised and caricatured in India for being too quick to rule out racism as a motive for attacks on Indian students.

Walking through the blackened interior yesterday, Mr Singh said the fire was "very, very personal".

"This is an attack on religion, this is very bad," he said. "This should not have been done, this is a God house, everybody who comes here prays to God."

When asked whether he believed the attack to be race-related, Mr Singh said: "Yes, attack on Indians."

The deputy high commissioner of India, V.K. Sharma, yesterday said: "We have no comment to make."

It is believed two people were seen leaving the temple near midnight.

with thanks : source : http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/melbourne-sikh-temple-arson-an-attack-on-religion/story-e6frg6nf-1225819009767

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UNITED SIKHS Congratulates Our Former Legal Director on His New Position at the United States Department of Justice

New York, NY: Harpreet Singh, Esq., former Legal Director of UNITED SIKHS recently joined the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service as the Regional Director of Region III. The Staff and Volunteers at UNITED SIKHS wish him all the best in his new position where he will work to prevent and reduce community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, and national origin.

Harpreet Singh joined UNITED SIKHS as Legal Director in 2003 and has been an invaluable member of the legal team in a majority of the advocacy endeavors undertaken by the organization. One of his most important cases at UNITED SIKHS consisted of winning a groundbreaking kirpan (a religious sword worn as one of five articles of faith) case in 2005 in Detroit, where a Sikh student was arrested for wearing a 10-inch kirpan. The judge in that case ruled that the kirpan should not be considered a knife or a weapon, and the ruling has been used by many advocates to defend the right to wear the kirpan. He also worked on many other important cases, such as the recent US Airways settlement with the Sikh religious musicians, and a variety of profiling, hate crime, and employment discrimination cases.

As part of UNITED SIKHS’ legal team, Harpreet Singh consistently provided his expertise and service to the Sikh community not only in United States, but also in landmark Sikh civil rights cases around the world, including the UNITED SIKHS Right to Turban campaign in France, students’ right to turban in Belgium, and advocating for humanitarian aid and rights of Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan.

In addition to his legal role, Harpreet represented the Sikh community’s interest in pending legislative matters in Congress and partnered with various coalitions of civil rights organizations to influence legislation. His advocacy duties included representation of the Sikh community’s concerns regarding employment discrimination, hate and bias crimes, school bullying, racial and religious profiling and immigration reform during meetings with White House officials, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the State Department.

Additionally, he played a pivotal role in building a strong relationship with the United States Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC), and has spearheaded several collaborative projects with them, which have increased the reporting of the Sikh community of incidents of religious discrimination in the workplace.

Harpreet Singh, Former Legal Director, UNITED SIKHS, congratulating the community on Guru Nanak Sahib Ji's Gurpurab, and reminding them of their duty to advocate for justice at a 2009 celebration organized by The White House Office of Public Engagement.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service (CRS) is a federal agency responsible for working with governments, public/private organizations and community groups to resolve and prevent conflict situations stemming from differences in ethnic origin, race, and color. CRS mediators are often called upon to diffuse situations which may otherwise end up in violence and racial tensions.

“While we are sad to see Harpreet leave, we are thrilled at the opportunities that await him in this new position,” says Kuldip Singh, Director, UNITED SIKHS. He adds, “We wish him all the best for a bright career, and look forward to working with him in the future on relevant issues concerning civil rights and community relations.”

To send Harpreet Singh a congratulatory message, please email law-usa@unitedsikhs.org with a subject line: Congratulations Harpreet Singh, Esq, and the message will be passed on. All duties that were previously handled by Harpreet Singh will be looked over by Jaspreet Singh, UNITED SIKHS Staff Attorney.

For a previous press release on policy level representation of Sikh civil and human rights, visit: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-10-11-2009-00.html

Issued by:
Jaspreet Singh
Staff Attorney
UNITED SIKHS
646-315-3909
Email: law-usa@unitedsikhs.org

Sikhs target of 'Allah' attack

Vandals threw stones at a Sikh temple, adding to religious tensions over a string of attacks on churches in Muslim-dominated Malaysia.

The church attacks - since Friday eight have been hit with firebombs and one with paint - came after a court overturned a Government ban and allowed a Catholic newspaper to use the word "Allah" to refer to God. Some of the Sikh scriptures also use "Allah".

Twenty small stones were thrown into the compound of a gurdwara in Kuala Lumpur's Sentul neighbourhood, district police chief Zakaria Pagan said.

Only a 100-year-old mirror was damaged and no one was hurt.

Stones were also thrown at a telecom building next door. A temple volunteer and office building security guard heard the attack, but did not see any suspects. Pagan said police believed the incident was "mischief", and unrelated to attacks on the churches.

Temple chief Gurdial Singh said he was surprised by the attack but not concerned. He said it was an isolated incident by "someone taking advantage of the situation".

"We have already done our prayers. To us, it's a small issue."

However, the 120,000 Sikhs in Malaysia were not going to stop using "Allah", he said.

"We cannot change our scriptures ... I think the Government has not handled it properly. We need dialogue ... As far as we are concerned we are doing our prayers [using Allah].

There is no way any law is stopping us."

The Muslim-dominated Government argues "Allah" is exclusive to Islam and forbids non-Muslims from using it. The Arabic word, which predates Islam, is routinely used by Christians in other Muslim countries.

The Malaysian Government has banned "Allah" in published material and not in everyday speech.

With thanks : source : http://www.nzherald.co.nz/religion-and-beliefs/news/article.cfm?c_id=301&objectid=10620032

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Now a Sikh temple targeted by arsonist in Melbourne

Sikh temple targeted by arsonist
ANDRA JACKSON
January 14, 2010 - 1:42PM

Police are investigating an overnight fire that damaged a partially constructed Sikh temple in Melbourne's south-east.

Firefighters were called to the temple on Evans Road in Lynbrook early yesterday morning by a neighbour who noticed an intruder inside the building.

Firefighters arrived at about 12.30am to find three bonfires had been lit. They were extinguished in a short time, a CFA spokeswoman said.

A fireman said that three seats had been set alight and some damage had been caused but it would have been far worse had the building been completed

A police spokeswoman said investigators believed a teenager seen in the area might be responsible.

"They said it does not appear to be of a racial nature," the spokeswoman said.

Master Darshan Singh, the president of the Sri Guru Nanak Satsang temple in Blackburn, said it was the second incident at a Sikh temple in recent weeks and the community was "very concerned and very worried. The situation is not improving."

"These are race related. I do not believe the recent murders are. That can happened to anyone but this was definitely an effort that is race related," he said.

Mr Singh said that following yesterday's fire he had contacted Nunawading police and requested security measures to protect the Blackburn temple.

With thanks : Source : http://www.theage.com.au/national/sikh-temple-targeted-by-arsonist-20100114-m8rf.html

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CBI files closure report in Mangolpuri anti-Sikh riots case

PTI

New Delhi: After filing charge sheets in two cases of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, CBI today submitted a closure report in a case pertaining to the death of a medical practitioner here during the 25-year-old incident.

The report was filed in the court of CMM, Tis Hazari Court, in the case pertaining to the death of Iqbal Singh Chadda, a medical practitioner in Mangolpuri area here, during riots following assassination of Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India, a CBI spokesperson said.

During the investigation conducted by CBI, the complainant could not give any information as to where, when and who killed her husband Dr Chadda and burnt his body.

"Moreover, witnesses earlier examined by the local police were also questioned but they could not provide any information relating to the killing of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda," the official said.

During the extensive field investigation conducted at Mangolpuri, it was found that several persons or witnesses residing there in 1984 have since expired.

"Several others have shifted their residence and are not traceable
in spite of best efforts. During the process, two relevant witnesses were traced. In their examination, they stated that Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda had taken shelter in their home in the intervening night of November one and two, 1984.

"In the wee hours of November two, 1984, a mob entered their house, dragged out Dr Chadda and killed him near their house. They stated that they could not identify any of the assailants. Later on, they came to know that Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda was killed in the street near their house by a mob and his dead body was burnt by putting a 'khokha' on it," the official said.

An FIR was registered at Police Station Mangolpuri in connection with the riots that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India.

Further, the government had appointed the Nanavati Commission in May 2000 for enquiring into the 1984 anti Sikh riots incidents. The Nanavati Commission submitted its report to the government on February 9, 2005.

After considering the findings of the Nanavati Commission, the ministry of home affairs, directed CBI on October 24, 2005 to investigate or re-investigate the cases including this case.

Accordingly, this case was re-registered in CBI.During investigation, various affidavits, filed before different commissions and considered by the Nanavati Commission, were obtained from the ministry of home affairs, segregated police station wise and the relevant affidavits relating to police station Mangolpuri were scrutinised.

"The scrutiny of the affidavits revealed that the affidavits filed by only one affiant pertains to the death of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda. The said affiant had expired on June three, 2005, therefore could not be examined," he said.

Furthermore, the contents of the affidavits could not be corroborated or substantiated during the investigation.

During investigation, a list of 10 affiants, all residents of Mangolpuri during 1984, who had filed affidavits before Nanavati commission, was collected with the help of the November 1984 Carnage Justice Committee.

Examination of available witnesses could not yield any relevant information pertaining to this incident, the official said.

Later, a person, who had surfaced in media as a witness to Anti Sikh Riot incidents, was also examined. But he expressed his ignorance about the killing of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda.

Polygraph test of some suspects or accused persons were also conducted but no deception was reported. Therefore, despite hardest and sincere efforts put in during the investigation by CBI, no evidence could be gathered against the suspects or accused persons involved in the murder of Dr Iqbal Singh Chadda, the official added.

With thanks : source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_cbi-files-closure-report-in-mangolpuri-anti-sikh-riots-case_1334456

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Suit against new Nanakshahi calendar

CHANDIGARH: A civil suit seeking restraint on the implementation of new Nanakshahi calendar was filed in city’s district court by Harmohinder singh Punjab unit, Shiromani Akali Dal, Delhi, on Tuesday here.

The suit was filed seeking permanent injunction restraining Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and its members from implementing new Nanakshahi calendar as decided in January 3 meeting, until a calendar is decided by the Sikh community. The suit added that directions be issued to the SGPC and its members to prevent it from interfering in decisions of religious interpretations, practices and assuming the role of religious authority in contravention of the constitution.

According to suit, Pal Singh Purewal, a Canadian and renowned Sikh scholar, drafted calendar after consulting various scholars, jurists and members of various Sikh bodies. This calendar was accepted by Sikh community worldwide and was implemented in year 2003. However, recently SGPC constituted a body to determine calendar for Sikh religious holy days with a direction for all Sikhs to observe these and celebrate or commemorate them.

The committee set up by SGPC lacks competence in field of both calendars and religious dates. It lacks legal authority to deliberate on such matters, the plaint claimed.

PLEASE CLICK HEAD LINE ABOVE TO READ THE NEWS ON TIMES OF INDIA.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Suit-against-new-Nanakshahi-calendar/articleshow/5438882.cms

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Sikhs Face Increased Harassment at Borders Amidst New Screening Rules at Airports

Washington DC, USA: Sikhs are facing unwarranted attention at airports while traveling, with an increase of reports of harassment at border entry points and during airport screening. According to new screening procedures announced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards, all passengers traveling to the United States originating or passing through fourteen countries, including Pakistan, will be subject to heightened security screening, including full-body pat-downs and luggage searches. Additionally, UNITED SIKHS has received more reports of Sikhs, American citizens, who have been subjected to detainment and questioning, when traveling domestically or entering from Canada and European countries. We are filing complaints on behalf of these individuals with government agencies as they occur; please submit your complaint by clicking here.

While many Sikh travelers already face “discretionary” screening of their turbans, as “bulky clothing,” 100% of the time at certain airports, the new screening standards inclusion of Pakistan as a country that mandates additional screening puts all Sikhs who have visited Pakistan under special scrutiny. Certain Sikhs have complained of being unlawfully placed on watchlists, for no apparent reason, and also have complained that they are detained on multiple occasions for two to four hours upon entry into the USA, despite being American Citizens, and being cleared for entry every time. The new screening standards create an entirely new problem of profiling on the basis of country of origin, instead of using behavior or better intelligence sharing as a method to promote security, to the benefit of all Americans, such as those suggested here.

Pakistan was the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. With half of Sikh historical Gurdwaras (places of worship) located in Pakistan, many American Sikhs and Sikhs from throughout the world travel to Pakistan for religious purposes. Additionally, due to the current humanitarian crisis in Pakistan, many organizations are working in the South Asian country to provide humanitarian relief to the civilian families suffering due to the ongoing war on terrorism. The current practices of the Border Security and TSA officials have shown that Sikhs who have visited Pakistan are now being subjected to additional scrutiny. This creates a problem for Sikhs who want to visit Pakistan for religious reasons, and also discourages volunteers, Sikh and non-Sikh, from lending a helping hand to civilians in Pakistan who have lost their homes and means of livelihood due to the war.


Commenting on the situation, Jaspreet Singh , UNITED SIKHS Staff Attorney stated, “UNITED SIKHS is highly concerned about the safety of fellow Americans and supports the Government's efforts to make this country and the world a peaceful place to live. However, people are continuously singled out based on country of origin, race, and religion, rather than behavior or better intelligence sharing. Furthermore, we've seen little ability to effectively redress civil rights complaints resulting from these ineffective policies.”

UNITED SIKHS has joined hands with other South Asian and Sikh organizations to to prevent profiling of any sort during screening measures. To read a copy of the letter, please click here.

To read a previous press release from UNITED SIKHS on this issue, please visit: http://unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-27-12-2009-00.html

Issued By:
Amardeep Singh
Legal Coordinator
law-usa@unitedsikhs.org
amardeep.singh@unitedsikhs.org
Phone: 888-243-1690

Sikhs begin karsewa to construct gurudwara

BAHRAICH: The Sikh devotees from all over the country reached Dadahi village here. Led by Damdami Taksal Akhara in Punjab, they began the 'Karsewa'(construction) of new building of Nanaksahi Gurdwara on Monday.

It may be recalled that some mischievous elements had desecrated the Guru Granth Saheb in the village recently. The devotees began the `karseva' by demolishing the old building. `Akhand Paath' and `Sabad Kirtan' was held. Some devotees then left for Uttarakhand with the ashes of the holy scripture for immersing it into the pious waters of Nanakmata.

Some anti-social elements burnt the holy scripture kept in the Gurudwara on December 19 last year. The Sikhs became angry and held demonstrations. The community then decided to reconstruct the building afresh after demolishing the old one. Sikhs from all corner of the country reached Dadahi village on Sunday.

Disciples of Dera Nanak Saheb led by Sant Baba Sulakhan Singh carried out `karseva' and demolished the old structure for the constructed of new building of Gurdwara. Parikarma marg will be constructed around the building to avoid inconvenience to the devotees.

A procession was also taken out. The paath of Guru Granth Saheb paath is being held for the last three days in which a group of 10 devotees of Ajmata Damdami Taksal of Punjab are participating. Addressing the devotees, Lakhwinder Singh of Damdama Akhara said that the honour of the Sikh community should be protected at all cost.

Those who stole and burnt the holy book should be severely dealt with. Gyani Jarnail Singh of Roop Huzoori Ragi Jatha led a kirtan. President, Bahraich Gurdwara Management Committee Sardar Bhupendra Singh also addressed the gathering.

Source : with thanks : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Sikhs-begin-karsewa-to-construct-gurudwara/articleshow/5434425.cms

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Indian set on fire in Melbourne

WATCH THE VIDEO timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videoshow/5426718.cms

MELBOURNE: In yet another attack targeting Indians in Australia, a 29-year-old man from the country was set on fire by a group of four here, drawing strong condemnation from a student body which called such assaults unacceptable and asked authorities not to "dodge" the issue.

Jaspreet Singh was attacked in Essendon area of northwest Melbourne shortly before 2.00 am local time (0730 HRS IST), a week after an Indian student was stabbed to death amid a slew of assaults on the community in Australia.

Singh, who suffered 20 per cent burns including on his arms, chest and face, was admitted to 'The Alfred' hospital.

Singh and his wife left a dinner party in Essendon, in the city's northwest, between 1.30 am and 2 am and drove to their nearby home in Grice Crescent. He dropped his wife at home and had gone to park his car when he was attacked, local media reported.

Police said that as he was getting out of the car, four men attacked him, pushing him back against the vehicle and pouring an unknown fluid on him. One of the men then ignited the fluid with a lighter before all the attackers fled.

The victim, who is now in a stable condition in the hospital, ran from the car while peeling off his clothes.

Denying any racial angle to the attack, detective acting senior sergeant Neil Smyth said it is not yet known who the four men could be or their relationship to the victim. He said investigations indicate the attack was random.

"It's unlikely to be a racially motivated incident as due to the timing and the nature, it's highly unlikely anyone could have targeted the victim in the circumstances," Smyth said.

The incident is being investigated by the arson and explosives squad of police.

Police appealed for public assistance to locate the victim's clothes, which he shed as he fled the scene.

Singh's friends said he has been living in the city on a spouse visa.

Meanwhile, Gautam Gupta, President of Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA), said such attacks are unacceptable and the federal Government must act against them.

"We are extremely disturbed, we have contacted the Prime Minister's office and have suggested that they intervene, it's high time they intervene," he said. "How many times are they going to just dodge this issue."

Australian Deputy Premier Julia Gillard condemned the attack on Singh, saying the "matter remains under investigation by Victorian police and government would not comment further until police provide more information".

"Government condemns such acts of violence in the strongest way," she said.

The attack comes a week after the stabbing death of 21-year-old Indian graduate Nitin Garg in a Yarraville park while he was on his way to his part-time job in a restaurant.

The body of another Indian youth, 25-year-old Ranjodh Singh, was found beside Wilga Road in Willbriggie in the neighbouring state of New South Wales on December 29.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/indians-abroad/Indian-set-on-fire-in-Melbourne/articleshow/5426643.cms

Sikhsindia
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Oz: Burnt body confirmed to be that of Indian

Wednesday, January 6, 2010,11:56 [IST]

Melbourne, Jan 6: Australian police has reportedly confirmed that the partially burnt body found last week is that of an Indian national, identified as Ranjodh Singh.

25-year-old Singh was living at Wagga and was visiting Griffith at the time of his death, say media reports.

The body was found on Tuesday, Dec 29, beside Wilga Road in southern New South Wales.

Griffith police Inspector Paul Smith, who announced the confirmation of the victim's identity on Wednesday, Jan 6, described Singh's death as 'horrific'.

Repeating an appeal for public information, the inspector said, "We are reaching out to all members of the Griffith community to come forward, including members of the local Indian community who might hold crucial information that could be the key to solving Mr Singh's death."

Reports that the burnt body found last week was suspected to be that of an Indian hit the media on Tuesday, Jan 5.

This came just two days after the murder of 21-year-old Nitin Garg surfaced.

In the wake of these fatal attacks, Indian government issued a travel advisory to its students urging them to practice additional security precautions.

With thanks : source : http://news.oneindia.in/2010/01/06/australia-burnt-body-found-confirmed-indian-singh.html

SikhsIndia
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In Kabul, stranded Indians take refuge in a gurdwara

KABUL: Dozens of Indian labourers have been forced to take refuge in Kabul’s Sikh temple after job agents who promised lucrative jobs in the unstable capital disappeared, leaving the men penniless and without passports.

Billions of dollars in Western military contracts have turned Afghanistan — long a source of refugees fleeing chronic conflict — into an unlikely magnet for migrant workers willing to risk their lives for a more lucrative pay packet.

Around 200 stranded men were crowded into the Karte Parwan Gurdwara, the centre of Afghanistan’s small Sikh community, last month. Many flew home after their families scraped together funds for flights and travel documents, but over 30 are still stuck. Mumbai-native Subhedar Khandu is one of them. He said he paid Rs 1,50,000 ($3,300) to an agent who promised he would earn $800 a month doing construction in Afghanistan.

“I took out a loan to pay the agent, who I met in Mumbai. I thought I would get a one-year contact,” Khandu said. Instead, when he arrived in November, he was locked up in a house with other labourers, given only one meal per day and no work or salary. When his visa expired a month later, the agent vanished and the men turned to their embassy in desperation.

“We were locked in a kind of camp for one month. This is much better but we have nothing to do still, we just sleep a lot.” Contractors supplying foreign troops, who have been fighting in Afghanistan for over eight years, often rely on foreign migrant workers for menial but comparatively well-paid jobs in construction, food preparation and other fields.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-Kabul-stranded-Indians-take-refuge-in-a-gurdwara/articleshow/5431730.cms

SikhsIndia
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Sikh who died fighting muggers is UK's hero

LONDON: A Sikh man of Indian origin who was killed while confronting two muggers who were running away after snatching a woman’s handbag has been described as a hero by the British police.

Sukhwinder Singh, a builder and father of one, was attacked while pursuing the two muggers who had robbed a 28-year-old woman near Barking station. After chasing the two men along several streets, Singh caught up with them and a fight broke out, during which he was stabbed around 7pm on Friday, according to the Metropolitan Police. Singh, 31, was immediately taken to Royal London Hospital where he died of his injuries.

Describing Singh’s actions as ‘‘very brave’’, detective inspector of Metropolitan Police John Sandlin said, ‘‘This is a tragic death of a man who was killed for attempting to stop others committing crime. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Sukhwinder had been living in London for 10 years and was reportedly staying with his cousins in Barking.

The Metropolitan Police has issued descriptions of two suspects who were described as black, aged in their 20s to 30s, and of average height.

Local politician Nirmal Singh Gill said, ‘‘We are all very shocked. He didn’t deserve this — nobody deserves it — but he was a special young man.’’

With thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Sikh-who-died-fighting-muggers-is-UKs-hero/articleshow/5431810.cms

SikhsIndia
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GURUDWARA PRABANDHAK COMMITTEE of KGP GURUDWARA

I, Kulvinder Singh Dhami,on behalf of the Sikh Communityof Kharagpur(KGP) & being a member of the GURUDWARA PRABANDHAK COMMITTEE of KGP GURUDWARA, would like to bring to your kind notice that we are in the process to construct a school(GURU TEG BAHADUR KHALSA PUBLIC SCHOOL) for the benefit of the community residing here & for other pepole also. So through all your sites, we would like to request to all the sikhs residing in this world for contributions & donations to help us for this noble cause. So, i would request you to give us your valued suggestions on how to proceed further on this matter.

My E Mail ID is : ksd.mint_o@yahoo.co.in

CBI finalises chargesheet against Sajjan Kumar

New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) CBI has finalised its chargesheet against senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and is likely to submit it to the designated court here "soon".

Sources in the agency said the chargesheet was finalised after receiving a nod from Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna recently to prosecute the Congress leader, an accused in the riots that shook the country 25 years ago after the assasination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards.

"We have finalised the chargesheet and it will be filed soon," a senior CBI official said requesting anonymity.

The sanction was required in the case of Sajjan Kumar as he was also charged with section 153-A of IPC (spreading enmity between two communities).

Sources said the sanction was given by Khanna to allow the CBI to launch court proceedings against the Congress leader.

with thanks : source : http://www.ptinews.com/news/461740_CBI-finalises-chargesheet-against-Sajjan-Kumar

sikhsindia
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Freedom fighters at the mercy of God

S Rattan Singh s/o S Harnam Singh of bhogpur dist jallandhar participated in Quit India movement and was prisoned at lahore central jail.He is 85 years old and is a victom of RED TAPISM.Inspite of having proofs and documents that prooves that he was a freedomfighter he is denied his dues of Swatantarta Samman Pension. He is being harrased for the last 13 years by the officers of punjab and central govt.

And another case is of S Basant Singh s/o S Kishan Singh of Fatehgarh Korotana dist Moga. He was a companion of Neta Ji Subhash Chander Bose and acompanied him in all the activities and was captured by British Militry in Ipoh and was made Prisoner Of War. He was released after 8 months and wasnot taken back in Naval Base Police Singapore because of his participation in the activities of I.N.A.He was not issued any service certificate as he has joined I.N.A.He has joined I.N.A.from civil from singapore and donated all fo his earnings to I.N.A.fund and became a full time warior. and now at the age of 90 years he is penniless and is waiting endlessly for death as only death can bring end to his miseries. He was facilitated with many honors as Tamar Patra BY INDIRA GANDHI IN 1972 and with many medals which he had sold to meet his medical expenses. He is waiting for his pension so that he can live comfortably in the last days of his life.

If any body can help these soldiers....?

Satwinder Kaur united sikhs Delhi
satwinder_1961@yahoo.com

RWA - a new blog

If you are from Delhi, please log on to RWABhagidari blog www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com and add about any civic problems being faced by you, with pics & vids. You can add any ideas, suggestions as well comments on various issues raised in the blog.

The blog is very well covered by print media which includes Hindustan times, Jagran City plus, Amar Ujala, Rashtriy sahara as well Delhi Aajtak TV Channel etc. in the last few days.

Looking forward to meet Delhites on the new blog launched by our CEO Mr. B S Vohra, who is already having a Sikh blog www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com as well a Sikh portal www.sohnijodi.com.

Best regards

SikhsIndia

Manmohan Impressed By Malaysian Sikhs Success, Says Darshan

NEW DELHI, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was impressed with the Malaysian Sikh community's social and economic success, said Malaysia National Sikhs Movement president Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill.

He said the premier was happy over the contribution of Sikhs towards the development of Malaysia.

Earlier, Darshan presented a coffee-table book which he had authored, and titled 'Sikh Community in Malaysia', to Manmohan at his residence in Delhi where the former attended the eighth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conclave.

-- BERNAMA

with thanks : source : http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=467228

SikhsIndia
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Sikh museum opens in Balongi

“A Comprehensive policy has been chalked out to promote tourism in the state and all-out efforts are being made in earnest to implement the scheme,” said Punjab Tourism Minister Hira Singh Gabria, while inaugurating a Sikh heritage museum at Balongi village on Thursday evening.

Parvinder Singh, president of the Sikh Heritage Cultural Society, who has sculpted the statues of various Sikh warriors took the minister around the museum.

Gabria announced a grant of Rs 1 lakh from his discretionary quota for the development of the museum. Gabria, who also holds the portfolio of Jails Ministry, said Rs 82 crore was being spent to renovate existing jails and construct new barracks in jails across the state and the work would be completed by March 31.

He said blocks of 48 houses each would come up at Faridkot and Kapurthala jails till August 15 for housing the family of jail inmates.

With thanks : source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Sikh-museum-opens-in-Balongi/565232

SikhsIndia
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1984: A Sikh Story airs this Sunday (10th January) on BBC One at 22:55.

Sonia Deol to present BBC One's
1984 : A 'Sikh Story'
this Sunday (10th January)
on BBC One at 22:55.

SikhsIndia

Subscribers - plz add your comments on various issues

Subscribers of the blog are requested again to ADD THEIR COMMENTS on various issues / news uploaded in the Sikh Blog, SikhsIndia. Many of those who have subscribed the blog, have not yet verified the confirmation mail. As a result, they are not getting our regular uploads in their mail box. Please check your mails & verify the verification mail. Please forward us to your friends & relatives all over the world so that we could widen the reach of this blog. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE THE BLOG IF YOU WANT TO HAVE THE LATEST SIKH NEWS IN YOUR MAIL BOX.

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Slumdog Sikhs : must watch

Plight of Sikhs ? Who cares ? If it is so bad in Delhi, what do you think of the other parts of India. Where are our leaders ? We are more than pleased on spending huge sums on various samagams every month. Do we really care for the slumdog & down trodden sikhs. If you are really concerned, please add your comments.

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Will Sikh clergy pronounce atonement for ex-jathedar?

AMRITSAR: Will the Sikh clergy pronounce atonement for former Akal Takht jathedar Darshan Singh if he fails to appear before them on Thursday — the January 7 deadline fixed by them after declaring him tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct)? On December 5, when the ex-jathedar had left without meeting the five priests, they had threatened a strict action against him if he failed to appear before them on January 7.

It is a delicate time for the clergy. After approving amendments in the Nanakshahi Calendar despite strong resistance from various Sikh organizations, it may find it an uphill task to settle amicably the issue of alleged sacrilege by one of their former colleagues, that too, by one who has remained Akal Takht jathedar two times.
Jaswinder Pal Singh, personal assistant to jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, told TOI on Wednesday that 87 different organizations based in USA, UK and Canada have sent representations for taking strict action against Darshan Singh. There have also been calls for an explanation over his alleged objectionable utterings against 10th Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh while delivering a sermon at a gurdwara in US.

On November 16, 2009, the Sikh clergy had directed Darshan Singh to appear before them at the Akal Takht secretariat on December 5 and give a clarification on his objectionable discourse. Instead of appearing before them, the former jathedar had gone to the Akal Takht along with a handful of supporters, prominent among them being Paramjit Singh Sarna, president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and placed a booklet containing his clarification in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He had left the premises without meeting the clergy.

Irked, the priests had denied receiving the clarification and declared Darshan Singh a tankhaiya. They had also resummoned him to the Akal Takht office for January 7, failing which they warned of strict action against him, including excommunication from the Sikh Panth.Speaking over the phone from Switzerland, Karan Singh, president of Sikh Foundation, said the Sikh Diaspora was watching the episode closely and have also submitted their suggestions to Akal Takht office. “I am of the view that it is a very sensitive issue. The Sikh clergy should go through his clarification and take sufficient time (over it) before taking any decision,” he said.

Denying that Darshan Singh had approached him for accompanying him to the Akal Takht, Sarna claimed, “I don’t think he will appear (before it).”

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Will-Sikh-clergy-pronounce-atonement-for-ex-jathedar/articleshow/5418514.cms

SikhsIndia
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Shocked to find a section of SARDAR JI JOKES on www.delhionline.in

While surfing i was shocked to find a section of Sardar ji jokes on the website www.delhionline.in
It has the following sub sections under the main heading "Jokes" :

• Laloo as the Prime Minister

• Excitement and Frustation

• I think my wife going deaf

• Childrens Prayers

• Ethnic Jokes

• Desi English

• Sardar ji

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Delhi HC to hear 35 Sikh riots cases on Wednesday

Abhinav Garg, TNN 6 January 2010, 02:00am IST

NEW DELHI: Thirty five cases from the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 are likely to be taken up by the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, when it re-opens after the winter vacations.

It will be a rare instance that two of the Delhi High Court benches will be dealing with such a huge number of cases relating to the riots on the same day. This also includes appeals directed against former Union minister and Congress Party MP Sajjan Kumar (the CBI recently received sanction to prosecute him in a riot case), since he was acquitted by the trial court.

The investigating agency had sought sanction from the home ministry to prosecute Kumar under Section 253 of the IPC for his involvement in a riot case. Additional Solicitor General Amarjit Singh Chandhioke is going to be fielded by the CBI to argue its case against Kumar.

Interestingly, many of the cases coming up for hearing Wednesday are also going to be appeals filed by those convicted for their role in the arson and pillage during the three-day frenzy. Still others are revisions filed by the victims or their kin, challenging the acquittal or lighter punishment imposed on the accused.

For instance, in one of the cases, 107 persons had been arrested in 1984 by cops after they reached the scene of the carnage where 95 dead bodies were recovered from amidst burnt houses.

After a long-winding trial, a Delhi court convicted 93 of the accused for violating curfew orders, unlawful assembly, loot and arson in 1996. Since then, most of them filed their appeals before the HC, which have now come up for hearing.

Senior advocate H S Phoolka said he is hopeful that 25 years after the tragedy, justice for the victims will finally be fast tracked come Wednesday. "For the past 25 years, I haven't seen a more conducive atmosphere in the highest quarters of the government," he said.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-HC-to-hear-35-Sikh-riots-cases-on-Wednesday/articleshow/5414720.cms

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'The mob jeered, I begged but no heart melted'

Yudhvir Rana, TNN 6 January 2010, 05:59am IST

AMRITSAR: “The room was splattered with red blood after they killed my husband. When my son tried to run to safety, the assailants caught hold of him and burnt him alive near my house — right there, in front of my eyes,” Jagdish Kaur gesticulated vaguely, her voice shaking with pent up rage as hot tears rolling down her face.

Wife of Kehar Singh, a civil engineer in the Army, she recalled how she had cradled her dying 18-year-old son Gurpreet, who was a first year BSc student of Venkatashwera College, in her arms and begged the blood-thirsty mob to stop jeering and give her some water to put in his mouth. No heart had melted, she said.

“On November 2, a day after my son and my husband were killed and policemen refused to file even a complaint, a well-wisher informed me that ‘MP Sahib is holding a meeting in nearby Manglapuri’ and that I could take his help to get a police complaint filed. When I reached there, I heard Sajjan Kumar saying ‘Ek bhi Sikh bachna nahin chahiye. Jo Hindu bhi Sikh ko chupayega, uska ghar bhi jala do’. I rushed back without meeting him,” she said.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/The-mob-jeered-I-begged-but-no-heart-melted/articleshow/5415055.cms

SikhsIndia
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Guru Gobind Singh : An Apostle of Miri –Piri: Temporal & Spiritual Powers

During the end of sixteen century ,Guru Gobind Singh(tenth sikh Guru),became a unique embodiment of the principal of Miri & Piri.In his literary works, wherein,the Guru spoke of the need for spiritual elevation of his disciples ,he also exhorted them to become warriors always ready to die fighting for the just cause.The Guru was sure that temporal power was essential to protect the dharma & to put an end to the evil doers.Therefore,establishing the way of dharma,signifies Piri and the desire to destroy the evil, signifies the Miri aspect of his personality & mission.

In the founding of the khalsa Panth in 1699, with the clear objective of fighting against injustice & oppression of Muslim Tyranny,he invoked the spirit of Miri-Piri in Sikhs.He built four fortress ,Anandgarh,Lohgarh,Keshgarh and Holgarh at Anandpur.He organised the Khalsa army and himself assumed the command of it.

He laid down the Rahit- the code of conduct – of the five symbols for the khalsa .Each symbol is related either to Miri or Piri, Shakti or Bhakti. Kesh (unshorn hair) stand for Piri,it is an ancient symbol of Rishis(God men). Kangha (comb) is also a symbol of Piri as cleanliness is next to God. Kachh(underwear) is also a symbol of Piri,of self –restraint or moderation in sex, Kara(iron bangle) is a symbol of Miri,of the iron will ,the steel which will crush the enemies of the good.Kirpan(sword),an obvious symbol of Miri, stands for fearlessness and the enthusiasm for holy war—dharam yudh.

Guru Gobind singh ideal of Dharam-yudh was neither vitiated by any ambition or desire to create a theocratic state or kingdom for himself ,nor did he commit any aggression or begin a fight for personal glory.He denounced the tendencies of those who worshipped and treated him as an incarnation of God.In Bachitar Natak,he says:

Whoever calls me the supreme Being
Shall suffer in hell,
Recognise me as God’s servant only;
Have no doubt whatever about this.

He laid down the twin-ideal of Degh(free kitchen) & Tegh (sword) for the Khalsa which also represents the Sikh ideal of Miri & Piri.

The Guru preached that in order to safeguard their spiritual and temporal rights, the people should not be fatalist and should be self confident.In Krishan Avtar.he says:

No people can have self-rule as a gift from another.It is to be seized through their own strength.

The concept of Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier),which is a corollary of the ideal of Miri-Piri,is elaborated by Guru Gobind singh ,in Krishna Avtar, in the following words:

Blesssed are they in this world ,who repeat God’s name with their lips and think of a war in their heart’.

Another important characteristic of Miri is the sword which holds a place of honour in the tenth Guru’s life and philosophy.However,its use was restricted to times of emergency and to the purpose of defence and not of offence.

The process of institutionalisation of the temporal power reached its culmination when before his death he bestowed the spiritual sovereignty(Guruship) on the Adi Granth on the one hand & invested the Panth with the temporal sovereignty on the other,thus,transforming it into khalsa Panth.Contrary to Divine Rights theory,Guru Gobind Singh acknowledges the democratic springs of the temporal power,including the state authority.This is how he corresponds to the correlation of Miri & Piri.

Dr. Gurdeep Kaur

1984 riot victims to get compensation

Anti-Sikh riot victims have reason to cheer as their long pending demand of getting financial assistance was met during the public hearing session held on Monday.

General S F Rodrigues (Retd) directed officials of the UT Administration to disburse grants in all the 92 cases, which have been cleared in scrutiny.

The announcement was made in response to a complaint filed by a riot victim.

Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar was asked to expedite the disbursement.

with thanks : source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/1984-riot-victims-to-get-compensation/563453

SikhsIndia
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Akal Takht Jathedar ratifies SGPC decision on Sikh calendar

WSN Bureau

AMRITSAR: In a move that will open a Pandora’s box for the Sikh nation, Giani Gurbachan Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib has ratified the decision of the SGPC to dilute the Sikh almanac –the Nanakshahi Calendar. What will come as a shock to the Sikh world is that the provost of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs put his seal on the suggestions of the SGPC at 2.10 pm today, without calling a meet of the Jathedars of the five Takhts, as is the customary decision to do so, but arranged for a quorum by inviting four Granthis of Darbar Sahib to endorse the decision.

Though this was quiet expected from the turn of events in the last few weeks, that the Jathedar too would do it with such alacrity to ditto the decision flouting age-old norms has come in for a lot of criticism from Panthic organisations who are gearing up for the next round of confrontation with the SGPC on this issue.

SikhsIndia

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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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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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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

Ramaninder K Bhatia, TNN 2 January 2010, 05:42am IST

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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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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Mr. B S Vohra on Hindustan Times on New Year's Day.

Our CEO Mr. B S Vohra on the Hindustan Times on the New Year's Day 2010. Please click the head line above to read it on Hindustan Times.



On Amar Ujala on the New Years day 2010.

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Happy New Year 2010 : www.sohnijodi.com

Happy New Year 2010.

Best regards

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Happy New Year 2010 : SikhsIndia

Wishing you a very Happy & Prosperous new year.

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