Sikhs India - Online Sikh News Channel

Friday, July 13, 2012

Golden Temple, Amritsar

No gurdwara without clearance from Akal Takht: Sikh clergy

Mulling the issue of caste-based gurdwaras in Punjab, particularly in rural areas, the Sikh clergy on Thursday sent out a clear-cut message to the community that no gurdwara would be constructed anywhere in the country or even abroad in future without the permission of the Akal Takht.

"Anyone who wishes to construct a gurdwara must approach the Akal Takht for prior clearance. No one will be allowed to construct a gurdwara on his own," Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said while talking to media after presiding over a meeting of the five Sikh high priests held in Amritsar on Thursday.

The issue of caste-based gurdwaras was taken up in last Sunday's episode of Aamir Khan's 'Satyamev Jayate'.

Another pre-condition put forth by the Akal Takht was that the piece of land on which the gurdwara was proposed to be built must be in the name of Guru Granth Sahib. Only then would the Akal Takht consider any plea for the construction of the Sikh religious place.

"We will not allow construction of a gurdwara on 'shamlat' (government) land or on land that is in the name of the village panchayat or is the property of any trust or committee. The land must be transferred in the name of Guru Granth Sahib for building a shrine," Giani Gurbachan Singh made it clear after deliberating on the issue with his fellow priests.

"'Manas ki jaat, eko pehchanon' was the message of the Gurus and we all must abide by this," Giani Gurbachan Singh said.

To dissuade construction of Sikh religious places on caste lines, Giani Gurbachan Singh announced that the Akal Takht would honour panchayat of village that had just one gurdwara."A certificate of appreciation will be awarded to that particular panchayat," he added.

with thanks : Hindustan Tines : LINK : for detailed news.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Sikh clergy to meet on July 12 to discuss caste-based gurdwaras

The Sikh clergy is slated to meet in Amritsar on Thursday to take stock of mushrooming caste-based gurdwaras across Punjab despite an Akal Takht edict banning holy places of the community on caste lines. Last Sunday, Bolywood star Aamir Khan's focus on Satyamev Jayate programme was on untouchability and the caste system prevalent in Indian society.

In the episode, Aamir showed existence of caste-based gurdwaras in rural areas, with members of so-called lower castes claiming that they were often prohibited from entering holy places managed by the upper castes despite clearcut message of the Sikh Gurus that all human beings are equal.

It is not for the first time that the Sikh clergy would discuss this issue since the issue has figured in their meetings in the past. In fact, a couple of years back, an edict was issued from the Akal Takht to ban Sikh holy places on caste lines.

The edict however did not have the desired effect as gurdwaras on caste lines continue to be built, particularly in rural Punjab. In fact, often politicians dole out funds for such places in a bid to woo voters.

with thanks : Hindustan times : LINK for detailed news.

Sikhs to serve langar to commemorate Olympics in London

While Fauja Singh, the 101-year-old marathon runner, carries the Olympic relay torch in London on July 21, the Sikhs would celebrate the occasion by organising a langar (community kitchen) along the road for public. They would serve free Roti Rolls at several key points along the Olympic torch route from Greenwich to Waltham Forest between 7 am to 8 pm.

Fauja, the oldest torch bearer at London 2012, would carry the Torch on the 64th day of the Olympic Torch Relay when it reaches Newham. The Olympic Stadium is also located at Newham.

The langar would be organized by United Sikhs, an organization dedicated to promoting the Sikh identity and tenets. "We are proud to share with the public the 500 year old Sikh tradition of serving free meals," said Parvinder Kaur, who would manage the langar project.

She said the Sikhs from the UK and around the world would be participating in celebrations. They would show the world how the community embraced diversity.

"We hope to demonstrate through Langar how the community involves in selfless service. We will be serving thousands of free vegetarian meals along the route," she said, adding "It would also showcase how community food can bring people from all walks of life together."

with thanks : INDIA TODAY : LINK for detailed news.

Brampton Sikh School Vandalized with Hate Graffiti

Brampton, Canada: UNITED SIKHS is concerned about the vandalism of the Khalsa Community School at Maitland Street in Brampton, Ontario. The school wall was sprayed with "KKK" letters and the swastika signs.

Brampton has the largest population of South Asians, consisting of approximately 35% of the total population of the city. UNITED SIKHS condemns this act of hatred and mischief and will resist any such attempt by way of education and bringing awareness into the communities through multifaith activties.


Khalsa School Brampton Canada	Wall Vandalized by Miscreants on 9th July	Swastika & Symbols of "KKK"

UNITED SIKHS community legal advocate, Deepinder Singh, said, "We appeal to the community to remain peaceful and not to react and let the police do their work to assess the incident. Brampton is known to be a very peaceful city and for its friendly multicultural population"

Sukhwinder Singh, Director of UNITED SIKHS, said, "I am in pain to see such growing incidents in Canada. Hatred doesn't cease by hatred. Sikhs have lived in Canada for years and are one of the major contributors to its economy. Sikhs with other communities celebrated Canada Day on 1st July in a grand style. This incident indicates that there is still a strong need for Multifaith interaction between communities and there is a lot of work to do."

UNITED SIKHS extends their support to the staff and students of Khalsa Community School who have handled this situation in a very supportive and calm manner.

We also urge the community to maintain their calm and let the police continue with their investigation.

To speak to a UNITED SIKHS representative directly, please visit http://unitedsikhs.org/contact.php to find an office near you.

Please continue to support our work by clicking on the link at http://unitedsikhs.org/join.