Utah Sikhs bring warmth to homeless with blanket donation

SALT LAKE CITY — The Road Home has 200 new blankets for the homeless thanks to an interfaith gesture from members of the Sikh Temple.

On Sunday, the congregation collected enough money to buy 200 blankets for the homeless, and members took the donations to the Road Home Wednesday.

During a short service, Priest Gurmeet Singh read from the holy text that tells Sikhs if they remember God every day, he will take them as his children and their lives with be happier. During their Wednesday worship, they hoped to bring happiness to others.

"We always want to participate in our community, whatever little help we can do for food also and these blankets," said temple trustee Pushpinder Walia. "We thought we should contribute before Christmas."

The Sikhs simply wanted to be part of the community and to let everyone know they are here to help.

"It's too cold, and God has blessed us," Walia said, "and we want to share with other people."

"The winter season can be a dangerous time for a lot of our clients, and unfortunately we see a lot of people struggle through that," said Road Home employee Emily Petersen. "I know this will be a lifesaving support for them. Thank you."

Sikhism is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world with more than 30 million members, the majority of whom live in the Punjab region of India.

Founded in the 15th century as a monotheistic faith, members reject discrimination against race, religion or gender.

Baptized Sikhs do not cut their hair, and the men wear turbans. They do not consume alcohol, tobacco or drugs. They believe strongly in marriage and family life.

At the sanctuary inside the Sikh Temple, men, women and children are asked to remove their shoes and cover their heads. During this particularly sacred time of year for Christians who commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Sikhs say they also wish to mark the birth.

"We respect all religions, and Christ has been a great prophet, and Christmas is a blessing time," said temple trustee Jagdish Gill.

There are nearly 1,000 Sikhs in Utah. Services at the Sikh Temple of Utah on 4897 S. Redwood Road take place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, including both breakfast and lunch. All are welcome to attend.

with thanks : deseretnews : LINK

Nagar Kirtan in Gurdwara Sangat Sahib ( Sint-Truiden, Belgium )

On the occasion of 545th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak DevJi, Nagar Kirtan led by the Panj Pyaras (the five beloved ones) was taken out in Gurdwara Sangat Sahib (Sint-Truiden,Belgium) on 27th October 2013.The 'Gatka' teams also displayed their swordsmanship through different martial arts and at mock battles using traditional weapons.

Guests of honour were Prof. Bert Broeckaert ( KU Leuven,Belgium), Mrs.Veerle Heeren ( Mayor of Sint-Truiden,Belgium ), Mr. Ward Kennes (Mayor of Kasterlee ,Belgium) /Mrs W. Kennes and Mrs. Raymonde Spiritus (Alderwoman/ Schepen in Sint-Truiden,Belgium )

Another prominent personalities amongst sangat were Pritty Kaur ( who contested (sp.a Social Party) for a Mayor Post in Sint-Truiden, Belgium in 2012 elections ), Sd. Avtar Singh  (who also stood in the same election for CD &V ), Louke Manpreet Kaur Bamps and Theodorus Snellen.They all are engaged with community services;working as a link between authorities and Sikh Community.

  

In memory of Damini !

Nine Sikhs in the Hung Delhi Assembly !

Press cuttings

Press cuttings

Chinese soldiers stunned by Indian 'Gatka" : Hindustan Times

Vote Delhi Vote : It's 4th December :

British Army recognises Sikh's contribution

IANS

London, Nov 23: The historic contribution made by Sikh soldiers who fought for Britain has been honoured by the British Army at an event at the Royal Military Academy in Camberley, Surrey.

Thousands of Sikhs died fighting for the British Indian Army during the two World wars.

Academy curator Anthony Morton said during the days of the British empire, Sikh soldiers were highly regarded by British officers for their martial prowess.

"Today is really about commemorating the Sikh contribution to the armed forces both today and in the past," BBC quoted Lt.Col. John Kendall, who organised the event at the Indian War Memorial room at the academy, as saying.

Author Jay Singh Sohal believes contribution of Sikhs in the British Army is largely unrecognised, which is why events like this are important.

"British Sikhs, third generation, fourth generation can take inspiration from the fact that their forebears fought for Great Britain," he said

with thanks : IANS : LINK

President greets nation on Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day

IANS

President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday greeted the nation, especially the Sikh community, on the 332nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 24.

This year it marks the 332nd anniversary of the guru's sacrifice for religious freedom.

"Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is an occasion for every citizen of India to remember the guru's supreme sacrifice and strive to be worthy of his great legacy," Mukherjee said in a statement.

"On this day, let us re-dedicate ourselves to national unity, communal harmony and all-round progress of our motherland. Let hatred and violence find no place in our minds," he said.

"May the life and teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the humanism that he stood for guide us on our path at all times," he said.

with thanks : IANS : LINK

Sikh taxi driver awarded for honesty in Australia

IANS

Sydney, Nov 20: A Sikh taxi driver in Australia, who returned A$110,000 in cash he found on the rear seat of his cab to its owners, has received a Melbourne City Council award for his honesty.

Lakhwinder Singh Dhillon found the money after dropping off a group of people at Crown Casino in Melbourne last month.

The Lord Mayor Robert Doyle presented Singh with a certificate of commendation, the Herald Sun reported Wednesday.

Singh said the seven men and two women, whom he had picked up from Chinatown in his maxi cab, seemed very drunk.

"When I saw all that money, I thought, what is happening, it is something amazing, what should I do," Singh said.

After finding the cash, he drove to a police station but he soon received a call from the owners to return the money at the casino where he left them.

Singh believed they were visitors from China staying at the casino.

"They gave me a A$500 reward. One of them said: 'You're very honest, you're a very good man, you've helped us a lot'," Singh said.

"He is truly an inspirational Melbournian - it was the act of an honest man of integrity," mayor Doyle said.

Singh said he was greatly honoured by the award.

with thanks : IANS : LINK