FIBA to review headgear ban

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is ready to review its rule which prevents basketball players from wearing headgear for religious reasons. 

It's an impact of the strongest pressure made by the Sikh community worldwide. We must keep on maintaining this pressure till FIBA officially announces a change of rule.

SikhsIndia

FIBA to review headgear ban

Trying to douse hurt sentiments of Sikh and Muslim players, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is ready to review its rule which prevents basketball players from wearing headgear for religious reasons.

A controversy erupted at the FIBA-sanctioned Asia Cup in China this month after two Indian Sikh players were asked to remove their turbans ahead of the game and the world governing body said last week that its policy-making board will review the issue at an August 27 meet in Sevilla ahead of the World Cup.

“FIBA’s Central Board, which is ultimately responsible for changes to the Official Basketball Rules, will review these requests and decide how to proceed in the best interest of the sport,” the 214-nation governing body said in a statement.

Indian players, Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh, were told to remove their turbans by Chinese referees before playing Japan on July 12. The players argued that the rule had never been enforced on them before.

with thanks : The Hindu : LINK : for detailed news.

Taran Taran sahib 2 : SikhsIndia

Gurudwara Taran Taran sahib 1 : SikhsIndia

The 21 Sikhs of Saragarhi

A small body of Sikhs defended a vital North-West Frontier post against 10,000 Afridi and Orakzai attackers. Yesterday was the 117th anniversary of their heroic effort.

Britain’s Parliament interrupted proceedings and rose to give a standing ovation on September 12, 1897 to 21 valorous soldiers — all of them Indians, all of them Sikhs — for what was undoubtedly a tremendous act of collective bravery, and one of the greatest ‘last-stands’ in military history, the Battle of Saragarhi.

The North-West Frontier of undivided India, now a part of Pakistan known as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, is a harsh place. Embroiled even today in bloody conflict, it has been home to a multitude of battle-hardened tribes for centuries. In this tumultuous region, between the forts of Gulistan and Lockhart, which were built by one of India’s most proficient military commanders, Maharajah Ranjit Singh, is where Saragarhi is situated. As there was no visual contact between the two forts, Saragarhi was created as a heliographic communication post to signal between them.

with thanks : Business Standard : LINK : for detailed news.

Worshippers cleared of assault following brawl at Springwood's Sikh temple

Four worshippers have been cleared of assault following a brawl in a Huddersfield Sikh temple.

The fight broke out following prayers at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Prospect Street,Springwood, on February 2.

It is alleged that a worshipper objected to a speech being made by temple president Inderpal Randhawa and got up to interrupt him.

Other men supporting Mr Randhawa intervened and a fight broke out in which it was alleged that some elderly female members of the congregation were pushed to the floor.

with thanks : examiner : LINK : for detailed news.

British Army honours Sikh role in World War One

The British army has honoured the contribution made by Sikh soldiers during World War One.

Thousands of Sikhs from the Indian sub-continent fought and died for Britain during the conflict.

The commemoration at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst featured a re-enactment by 36 Sikh volunteers.

Kameldeep Singh Samra, from Birmingham explains why it is so important to remember the thousands of Sikhs who died fighting for the British Empire.

with thanks : BBC News : LINK

Sikh man's hair forcibly cut

Around six to seven unidentified men allegedly cut the hair of a 60-year-old sikh man and also threw acid on him in Bhogal area of south east Delhi, police said today. 

After the incident, tension prevails in the area, with hundreds of Sikhs staging protest demanding the arrest of the accused.

The incident took place around 7.30 PM yesterday when Ranjeet Singh Thapar, who runs autorickshaw, was returning home from his work. 

Thapar, who is said to be critical, has suffered burn injuries on his chest, stomach and private parts. 

"Police have arrested one Soman Nayak in the case and a case has been registered in this regard. They are scanning the footage of CCTVs installed nearby area to identify the accused," said a senior police officer. 

Officer also said that different teams have been formed to crack the case, adding that all accused would be arrested soon. 

"When papa was returning home, around six to seven unidentified persons stopped him near a private hospital here and suddenly started thrashing him. Some minutes later, they cut his hair and then threw acid on his body," Priya, daughter of Thapar, said. 

with thanks : Business Standard : LINK : for detailed news.

Khanda Baba Deep Singh ji : SikhsIndia

Harmony flourishes in Srinagar gurdwara : Hindustan Times

DSGMC send help to flood torn Srinagar

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on the fourth consecutive day continue to send cooked food, ration, medicines and all sorts of help to the people of flood torn Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

A team of doctors and paramedical staff sent by the Gurdwara committee is also working round the clock in flood torn Srignagar.

“We are regularly sending cooked food for 50,000 people every day along with dry ration which includes, rice and pulses,” said DSGMC president Mr. Manjit Singh G.K. who visited the flood torn areas of Srinagar yesterday along with DSGMC general secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa and other leader of Delhi unit of Shiromani Aali Dal. About 25 tonne of ration and other necessary items are being sent to the valley every day.

“Help from DSGMC would continue flow in the valley till it gets normal and we are helping every one irrespective of their religion, caste and place of native,” adds Mr. G.K. further according to him, the help flown to Srinagar includes biscuits, jackets, medicines, woolen clothes, water, water purifiers, tents and boats. Help is being sent in a special aircraft arranged by DSGMC.

Akali leaders Mr. Balwant Singh Rammowalia, Mr. Ravinder Singh Khurana, Mr. Onkar Singh Thapar, Mr. Kulwant Singh Bath, and Mr. Tanwat Singh also accompanied Mr. G.K to Srinagar. Meanwhile DSGMC member Mr. Samrdeep Singh Sunny, Mr. Jasbir Singh Jassi and Mr. Paramjit Singh Chandok are staying in Srinagar coordinating help to the flood affected population. Volunteers of Youth Akali Dal and staff members of DSGMC are also staying in Srinagar. Mr. Puneet Singh Chandok who is coordinating with cabinet committee on relief to Srinagar, said help is being sent in organized manner so that there is no overlapping and maximum number of people could be covered.

According to Mr. Sirsa as the things are going to get worse after water recedes and challenge then would be to fight out outbreak of epidemics and other ailments. “We are keeping close eye on the situation. I along with our president of DSGMC Mr. Manjit Singh G.K. would visit the affected areas of Srinagar and on the basis of assessment the help would be sent as per the requirement after water recedes,” informed Mr. Sirsa.

Meanwhile 30 families who were struck in the flood affected Srinagar were rescued and brought to Delhi in special aircraft arranged by DSGMC. The families belonging to Bihar and Gujarat were given financial help to go back to their native places, informed Mr. Sirsa. 

With Thanks :Media DSGMC