'Mad' cop gets life for killing 6 during anti-Sikh riots

Rakesh Bhatnagar / DNA

New Delh: An “insane” cop, who turned Ram to Ravan within minutes and shot dead six members of the Sikh community at a police station during the 1984 riots, was given life by the Allahabad high court recently.

The court upheld a trial court judgment delivered two years ago on July 30, saying Tilak Ram acted out of rage, not insanity, as claimed.

A group of Sikhs running from a blood-thirsty mob near Meerut had sought refuge at a police station where Ram was posted 25 years ago, at about 3.50 am on November 5, 1984. His job was to protect the community under fire after the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. But in the heat of the moment, Ram snatched a rifle from one of his colleagues, loaded it and fire at the group, killing six and injuring three.

After emptying the rifle, his defence was that he was overpowered by a deity. He said he was mentally unstable and had suffered a schizophrenic attack. Justices Rakesh Tiwari and AK Roopanwal said the unrepentant Ram indeed acted in an insane manner just as thousands of others across the country did during the anti-Sikh riots and scrapped his appeal against the trial court judgment delivered after almost a 22-year-long trial.

Ram acted out of anger, not insanity, the judges said, adding that it was cold-blooded execution of Sikhs who had taken shelter in police station.

It was an ugly expression of communal hatred against Sikhs who were being held responsible for the “treacherous” murder of the then PM of India, “undoubtedly, a tall and widely-popular political personality adorned by millions”.

Cop Ram’s act was not a “sequestered, isolated or unconnected incident having no nexus with the social and political atmosphere around”.

“Instead, it was a just another instance of Sikh killing, the like of which had happened and were happening at that time all over the country. It was not a schizophrenic act. It was, in fact, an act which had direct bearing with assassination of the late Mrs Indira Gandhi and its aftermath communal outrage [sic],” the court said.

Thousands of people who indulged in large-scale arson, loot and murder of Sikhs at that time did not suffer from schizophrenia or any other mental ailment, which may be termed legal insanity, HC said, adding that their insanity was only in the figurative sense of the term and denoted a highly-irrational behaviour.

with thanks : source : http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_mad-cop-gets-life-for-killing-6-during-anti-sikh-riots_1329254

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Nanakshahi calendar: Jathedars adopt changes, final call by SGPC

Apparently buying more time on the controversy, the Sikh clergy on Wednesday adopted changes in the Nanakshahi calendar but shied away from announcing these. The five high priests referred the draft containing the amendments to the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for a final decision.

The move is unprecedented as the Akal Takht is considered supreme in taking decisions relating to religious issues.

After a marathon meeting, the five Sikh high priests said they has adopted "certain changes". "We are not making any announcements on what are the changes introduced. The same are being sent to the SGPC executive body, which would consider and take a final decision. The announcement would then be made from the Takht," said Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.

Panthic leaders said that the move was aimed at buying more time to allow the dust to settle on the issue. Giani Gurbachan Singh admitted that it was difficult for the clergy too to reach a consensus.

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with thanks : source : www.indianexpress.com

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Neither i will appear before Singh Sahiban, nor obey “Tankhaaiya” punishment: Darshan Singh

SAMEER KAURA

Wednesday, 30 December 2009

PHAGWARA: Former Jathedar of Shri Akal Takhat Sahib Prof Darshan Singh reiterated his stand that neither he will appear before Singh Sahiban on January 7,nor will obey any “Tankhaa” religious punishment in the ongoing controversy on “Dasham Granth”.

Talking to newsmen after participating in a reigeous congregation organized by Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sports & Welfare Society at nearby village Palahai on Tuesday evening, he alleged that SAD was playing in the hands of RSS and went on dividing the panth due to their hatred politics.

Former Jathedar alleged that Jathedars of some Takhats including Shri Akal Takhat Sahib, and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee were playing in the hands of the Shiromani Akali Dal headed by Badal Family, and Singh Sahibans were holding their meetings and decisions in closed doors rooms while according to sikh religious traditions, all religious issues brought before Shri Akal Takhat should be heard and decide in the presence of Sikh Sangats openly.

Replying a question, Prof Darshan Singh again alleged that some Anti-Panth elements were actively working to divide the Sikh Panth under the cover of reviving the controversy on Dasham Granth, which was untolerable.He said that “Dasham Granth” was not exclusively written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj,while several objectionable literature was added in the Granth.

Prof Darshan Singh said a panel of Intellectuals should be formed to analyse and examine the Dasham Granth. He dared to challenge Akal Takhat Sahib present Jathedar to openly participate a “Debate on the Issue” before electronic media to bring the truth as healthy debate could be useful to reach upto the real situation.

He alleged that politicalisation of Religeon was being done by Badal family which would be most harmful for the Sikh Quam. He strongly advocated present Nanak Shahi Calender and opposed the move of any amendment in it, but alleged that Badal& Co were becoming tool in the hands of RSS and other Hindu Fundamentalists which were unnecessarily intervening in the internal matters of Sikhs.

He alleged that Badal family promoted “Dera Culture” only to strengthen their vote banks without bothering the interests of Sikhs.

When asked about elections of SGPC, Prof Darshan Singh said every Sikh obeying complete Maryada of the Panth should be allowed to participate in SGPC elections.

He however also alleged that Badals had remained fail to bring Anand Karaj act to make the Sikhs able to solemnize their marriages according to Sikh traditions.Former Head Granthi of Takhat Shri Keshgarh Sahib Bhai Ranjodh Singh, Organiser Sat Parkash were also present on the occasion.

with thanks : source : http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/22214/38/

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Hardeep Singh, an artist in Amritsar, has drafted Gurbani in calligraphy.

He said he undertook the work because he had not seen anybody doing it before.

"It has been almost a year. The response has been great. Calligraphy means beautiful writing. The art originated in England. I have not seen anybody drafting Gurbani in calligraphy that is why I decided to undertake it," said Hardeep Singh.

His father, Surindra Singh, himself a collector of art antiques, is helping him with his new venture.

"We have preserved invaluable pieces of art. Though it is the duty of the government to preserve it. We also have some illustrated materials. If government wants I can give it to them," said Surindra Singh.

Hardeep Singh is a computer teacher by profession, but an artist by heart. He prints the borderline of the page on computer and writes the verses of Gurbani with his hands.

Infatuated by colours since childhood, this young artist has graduated to rewriting the Gurbani of Guru Granth Sahib in calligraphy style, following the century-old fashion of drafting. Meet Hardeep Singh – MCA degree holder and computer teacher by profession but an artist by heart, who creating superbly illustrated Gurbani. Since, he easily relates with colours, thanks to his interest in painting, his work is a class apart when it comes to choosing colour combination for the sheets.

The great grandson of Bhai Gian Singh Naqqash, who has worked on a portion in the sanctum sanctorum just above Har ki Pauri in the Golden Temple, Hardeep is busy preserving the invaluable artwork of his father, grandfather and great grandfather in digital format. He has also set up a website of the family listing its contribution to the field of art.

Colours at work

Detailing his style of work, Hardeep says, “I have been using handmade paper for writing scripts. We design borders on computers and print them on sheets. Later, colours are filled in the borders.” After filling the colours, he writes the text with pencil over which he calligraphs the letters using a special pen.

Hardeep uses acrylic colours.“Of these, for the golden colour, we grind 24-karat gold sheets and make them into powder. The powder is then mixed with gum so that it adheres to the paper,” he says. For writing the text, Hardeep uses indelible ink, which does not fade.

The sheets that have the Gurbani script, have intricately designed borders with serene colour combinations. “I have, so far, used golden, purple, green, brown for borders while black, brown, red and green colours have been used for the text,” Hardeep said.

The artist’s future plans

“I want to write the entire Guru Granth Sahib. Along with that, I also want to draft the Hindi version of Guru Granth Sahib and other slokas of Hindi manu scripts,” Hardeep said.The Guru Granth Sahib will require at least 1,400 sheets, he says.

Admirers all over

Examples of Hardeep’s calligraphed Gurbani are touring worldwide. “Sikh living abroad,who are aware of this practice, have taken some sheets with them,” Hardeep said adding that his sheets have gone to USA, Canada, UK, England and different parts of India.

“We had a professor from Japan visiting us some timeback who taught Punjabi at Japan University. He also took away two sheets for display purpose,”Hardeep said.

Regarding the cost of each sheet, Hardeep smiles, “It’s priceless. We don’t ask for money. It depends on the person who is taking it. What ever he gives, we accept.” For preparing each sheet, Hardeep takes 3-4 days. “It requires a lot of concentration for making borders, filling colours in them and calligraphing the verse. If there is even a single mistake, we have to throw away the entire sheet, ”the artist said. He covers the sheets in plastic or frames it on demand.

Call to SGPC

Hardeep’s family has requested pious Sikhs to keep nicely framed verses of Gurbani in their houses. “Instead of keeping pictures, Gurbani can be framed and displayed at homes. Moreover, bodies like Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committe (SGPC) should encourage calligraphy of Gurbani . They should allow calligraphed birs to be printed.

with thanks : source : dnaindia.com / sikhnet.com

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Sikh clergy defer decision till Wednesday

Sensing the divide over the issue of changes in the Nanakshahi calendar, the Sikh high priests today deferred the decision in the matter till Wednesday.

The Sikh clergy failed to reach any conclusion after the meeting as there was strong opposition from the Takht Damdamma Sahib Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, against any change in the calendar.

Other than this, frequent “secret visits” by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee officials Roop Singh and Ram Singh to the jathedars while the meeting was in progress also raised many eyebrows.

The jathedars later announced that they will meet again on Wednesday as there was no consensus on the issue in today’s meeting.

Jathedar Nandgarh also raised a point that the SGPC General House had passed the adoption of the calendar in 2003 and a decision regarding any change can be taken by the House only and not SGPC chief. He also sought detailed discussion between Damdami Taksal head and chief of Sant Samaj Harnam Singh Khalsa and US-based Sikh scholar Pal Singh Purewal, who prepared the calendar.

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with thanks : source : indianexpress.com

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The Sikhs of Labuan, Malaysia

by MUMIN MALAYSIA

One of the spots in Malaysia that has a significant population of Sikhs is Labuan. When I visited the island, I found a book titled "Sikhs in Saban and Labuan - A historical perspective", authored by Surjit Singh Gill.

The book begins with an introduction to Sikhism and Guru Nanak's teachings. And then it details the history of Sikhs in Sabah and Labuan. Sikhs form a minority in the population. The book says Sikhs have made contributions in areas such as defence, law and order and served in the public sector.

According to the book, the first Sikh to set fooot on the island was Bhagat Singh Sandhu who reached Labuan to join the coal company security service as early as 1868. He was only 20-years old. He was paid Rm 5, which was considered a handsome amount in those days.
In fact, Bhagat Singh is remembered by a monument along the old Macarther Road.

A significant contributor in the life history of Labuan was Gurbux Singh Sandhu (a Punjab-born man who arrived in Labuan in 1923). He was the founding president of the Indian Association of North Borneo, Labuan, formed in 1936. He served as a honorary Inspector on the Police Force.
The book laments the fact that the younger generation of Sikhs are losing touch with their religion and the mores of Sikhism.

Many young Sikhs cannot read or write Punjabi language in which the divine philosphy is written and spoken. The book urges the present generation to "remember their historical past ... and maintain identity in the volatile world order."

When I was in Labuan, I found a Gurdwara in a prestigious area in town. The book says that the gurdwara was built in the year 2000 at a cost of Rm 1.6 million.

I began talking to some Sikhs in Labuan and asked them about life on the island.

Manjit Kaur, working at Rent-a-Car, loves it here.

"It's a peaceful island," she says. "I have lived in Kuala Lumpur ("KL")... but I moved here to bring up my daughters. You get quality time to spend with your children. Half your life is not spent in driving - I can't say the same about KL," she says.

Manjit Kaur introduced me to the Secretary of the Gurdwara, Sital Singh.
He describes a typical day in Labuan: "Life begins early. At 7.30 a.m. all shops are open. Between 8 and 8.30 Government, Public Works and Immigration Offices open. The working day continues till 4.30 pm., after which people begin to wind up their day. I personally wind up my business at around 7.30 p.m."

"Labuan has religious institutions of all faiths: there are Masjids, Churches, Chinese Temples, a hindu temple and our very own Gurdwara," he says. But there is complete religious freedom, and each one is free to practice his or her own faith.

Sital Singh wouldn't move anywhere else in the world for anything. "I have visited the U.S. , Canada, India, Singapore and Australia. But nowhere in the world is life as stress-free, quiet and peaceful as it is here."

with thanks : source : sikhphilosophy.net

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Are your Travelling in bound to the United States. What does it mean to YOU?

Press Release by unitedsikhs.org

New York, NY, Your safety is our priority. Passengers flying from International locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. Since the recent airport high alert on all in-bound flights to the United States, you will find that you are being screened for turbans at the airports and maybe profiled. Additionally due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travelers should allot extra time for check-in.

Passengers travelling internationally could see:

1. Increased security screening at gates and when they check their bags, as well as additional measures on flights such as stowing carry-ons and personal items before the plane lands.
2. Expect delays on US-bound flights. Keep in mind this is a holiday season and the busiest time of the year.
3. US-bound flights have been restricted for one carry-on item.

Sikh passengers have been known to be targets for increased security checks and associated harassments worldwide. Recently, a Sikh passenger was harassed in Poland during a security procedure at the airport without any justified reason.

We are seeing an increased number of cases where Sikhs returning from Pakistan after a visit to the Sikh shrines have to undergo excessive screening, delays and harassment at the US airports on in bound flights. This screening then becomes a pattern under which they get screened/harassed and delayed following on every International flight in bound to the United States of America.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a statement Saturday that passengers flying to the U.S. from overseas may notice extra security. However, she said "the measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere."

UNITED SIKHS is closely monitoring complaints of harassment from Sikh passengers for International in-bound flights and will take the issues on a case by case basis with the TSA and Department of Homeland Security. For this we need your help and request you to report your experience at all International Airports by filling in the form available at: http://unitedsikhs.org/exp-at-americanairports

Report all Turban (dastaar) related harassment experiences at the USA airports or International airports at http://unitedsikhs.org/turban_screening

If you feel that you have been racially profiled, if in the USA, please call us at:
1-888-243-1690 or from outside the USA at 001-646-688-3525. You can write to us at law@unitedsikhs.org

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High Court stepped in to set things right

CHANDIGARH: With the system consistently failing to come to the common man?s rescue, it was the judiciary that offered a glimmer of hope. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, often anguished and angry over the sorry state of affairs, came out with some important orders to help improve things.

This year's most important order was given by justice SD Anand of the HC, wherein he had directed the special CBI court, Chandigarh, to conclude Ruchika molestation trial within a month. The young, bright girl was molested by a high profile police officer of Haryana and later committed suicide because of the atrocities committed by the cop on her family members.

In an attempt to bring down cases of death due to road accidents, the high court directed the Punjab government to install speed governors in all transport vehicles running within the state.

Coming down heavily on the prosecution agency of the state, HC also asked Punjab government to pay Rs 1 crore compensation to five innocent persons who were sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment for the murder of a person who had later surfaced to mock the justice-dispensing system. HC also directed the lower court to initiate criminal proceedings against all those responsible for framing innocent persons in the murder case.

Deciding a vital issue related to the Sikh community, the court in its judgment passed in May held that unshorn hair were integral to the Sikh personality and Sikh educational institutions were within their right to specify conditions for
grant of admission to students.

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with thanks : source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Sikh priests to decide future course of action today

The Sikh priests will meet at the Akal Takht tomorrow to discuss the controversial issue of the Nanakshahi calendar. The Sikh groups deliberated a course of action today in case the calendar is tampered with and opposed any proposed amendments being sought by the Sant Samaj, headed by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa.

They threatened to take the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to the Gurdwara Commission for introducing arbitrary changes in the calendar.

The American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) headed by Dr Pritpal Singh, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) headed by Paramjit Singh Sarna, SAD (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, Khalsa Action Committee, Shiromani Panthic Council (SPC) have been opposing any change in the calendar that has been adopted by the majority of the Sikhs since 2003.

However, SGPC head Avatar Singh Makkar has been holding meetings with various Sikh bodies and jathedars, seeking the changes as per wishes of Khalsa.

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with thanks : source : indianexpress.com

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Nagar Keertan from Fateh garh sahib

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Sikh groups join hands ‘to oust Badal from SGPC’

Bringing up a joint front against the Badal government, Panthic organisations have decided to contest the upcoming SGPC polls urging Sikh groups across the world to prevent SAD members from addressing religious gatherings in their areas. The announcements came following a rally held by these radical groups which came together at the Jor Mela on Friday.

Taking a tough stance against the SAD president and Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, members of the Khalsa Action Committee (KAC), SAD (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, Panthic Council and Sikh Students’ Federation joined hands to “cleanse” the SGPC from the corrupt “gang of Badal and his coterie”.

Tempers ran high at the conference at Fatehgarh Sahib, where leaders of Sikh groups fired salvo against Parkash Singh Badal and his son Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal for patronising self-styled godmen and allowing Hindutva forces a free hand in Punjab. “They can do anything for politics,” said KAC Chairman Bhai Mokham Singh.

Blaming the Badal duo for the Ludhiana violence where a Sikh, Darshan Singh Lohara, was killed in police firing on December 5, he urged the Sikhs world over to boycott Akali ministers. The leaders also paid tributes to Lohara and passed a resolution declaring him a “martyr of the faith”.

Another resolution was also passed urging the gurdwara management committees not to allow Akali ministers to speak from gurdwara stages because of their proximity with so-called deras and cults mushrooming in Punjab and other areas.

Opposing the “Badalisation of the SGPC”, speakers lambasted the SAD leadership for ruining Sikh institutions including Akal Takht for political mileage. “Oust Badal from gurdwaras,” they said.

Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, the organiser of today’s conference, blamed SAD for “all the ills plaguing the Sikh institutions”. “We pledge to raise a joint platform with other like-minded groups to defeat Badals in the SGPC elections,” he added.

Dal Khalsa leader Kanwarpal Singh asked the Sikhs to reject those who have posed threat to the basic fundamentals of Sikh religion for their benefits.

The conference also condemned the state government for slapping false cases against Daljit Singh, chairman of SAD (Panch Pardhani), to malign his image. “The state is playing with fire and if the cases are not withdrawn against him, the state government should be ready to face the music,” said a speaker.

The gathering also asked the Sant Samaj to lodge a written complaint against CM Badal at Akal Takht before December 30 for allowing a function of anti-Sikh cult led by Ashutosh Maharaj in Ludhiana.

with thanks : source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Sikh-groups-join-hands--to-oust-Badal-from-SGPC-/559268

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Novelty: Spicy Sikh-run Indian eatery in Richmond Hill

Our favorite thing about living in Queens is the amazing bounty of cuisines available in the ethnic enclaves of our borough. A few years ago, Jackson Heights was considered the go-to nabe for Indian delights. Floral Park ran a distant second, probably because of its lesser access by public transportation.

There is a third contender, with a distinctly different character. Two different groups of Indian heritage have settled in Richmond Hill. One is Indo-Caribbean, from places like Guyana and Trinidad. When you see “roti” as the star attraction on the menu, the owners probably hail from our hemisphere.

The other dominant group of Indo-Richmond Hillians is the Sikhs. You can recognize devout Sikh men by their turbans. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century that embraces some of the practices and beliefs of both Hinduism and Islam. The state of Punjab, in India, is the heart of Sikh culture, so Punjabi-style Indian cuisine is what you are most likely to find at a Sikh dining establishment.

Novelty is a new Sikh-owned and -run Indian restaurant on 101st Street in Richmond Hill. Although strict Sikhs are often vegetarian, Novelty cooks up some awesome Indian grub, both vegetarian and non. It is no wonder, because we are told that their chef is the brother of the owner of Five Star Punjabi, that Long Island City institution much celebrated by both Indian food aficionados and South Asian cabbies.

Novelty offers most of the Indian dishes we’ve ever heard of, and a few we hadn’t. We started with a super rendition of chili shrimp, an Indian Chinese-style preparation that has caught on over here in a big way. The shrimp, sauteed with peppers and onions in a spicy sauce, were imposing in size and succulent, and the sauce piquant.

We also sampled their kaju roll, something new to us. It was as described, mashed potatoes in a thin crust. To our western palate, it was tasty, but would have worked better with other companion dishes. It comes as a plate of seven, so share an order around if you’re with a group. There are plenty of other tempting appetizers to complement it, like various pakoras (fritters) or chaat papri (crunchy shells, potato and chick peas topped with yogurt and tamarind sauce).

Lamb chops arrived at our table with major sizzle. Although not billed as one of their Tandoor Specials, they were served Tandoori-style on a scorching platter. This rack of lamb was heavily marinated in garlic and herbs in a yogurt-based marinade and then roasted on skewers. The chops, individually decorated with aluminum foil frills, were lean, tender and suffused with great flavors. This elegant entrée, while probably the most expensive item on the menu, is a real bargain at a mere $13.99.

Dairy products are very important to Punjabi cuisine. Ghee (clarified butter) is the fat of choice; yogurt and cream are essential to many sauces; and paneer, the versatile, non-melting homemade Indian cheese, pops up all over the place. Paneer bhurji was a new dish for us. Its central ingredient is paneer that has been grated into shreds and cooked with bell pepper, tomato, garlic and ginger. It is homey but delicious, especially when eaten in the traditional manner of scooping it up with a warm, elastic triangle of naan, the Tandoori bread.

Bits of paneer also made an appearance in vegetable jalfreji, a pleasingly spicy mixed vegetable dish in a tomato sauce. Sarson ka saag, a dish we sampled from the buffet table is a favorite, we are told, among Sikhs. We always thought “saag” meant spinach, but were wrong. In this case, the saag is made from mustard leaves. It has a different flavor (mostly in the aftertaste) than spinach, and is very tasty.

We couldn’t resist trying a beverage that was new to us — jaljeera pani. It was billed on the menu as being spicy. We didn’t find it so — only weirdly refreshing. The main flavoring is cumin (“jeera” in Hindi). This herb is added to Sprite (yes, the American soft drink) along with mango powder and possibly Kala namak (black salt, which adds a hint of sulphurousness). The result is a little sweet, a little herbal and faintly funky.

Desserts here are classically Indian. Choose from sweet Indian puddings like ras malai (milk pudding), kheer (rice pudding) or gajrella (carrot pudding). Or better yet, sidle up to the counter and pick some dense, fudgy homemade Indian sweets like barfi (don’t worry, it’s not what it sounds like) or gulub jamin.

with thanks : source : http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2009/12/24/queens_village_times/restaurants/queens_village_times_restaurantswuhqrxp12242009.txt

Maritime Sikh Society, Canada Elects All Women Office Bearers

The Maritime Sikh Society 10 Parkhill Road Halifax, N S B3P 1R3 902-477-0008

At its annual General Body meeting held on December 20, 2009 Maritime Sikh Society, Halifax, Canada elected all women office bearers to run the Gurdwara for the year 2010.

This is not the first time that a woman- Kanwal Kaur Sidhu,- has been elected President of this Gurdwara. In 1993, when Mrs. Gurdip Kaur Toor was elected President for the first time, all other office bearers were women. In 1994 Mrs. Surjit Kaur Sidhu and in 1998, Mrs. Gurinder Kaur Dhillon were the Presidents.

In fact the year 2009 was all devoted to recognize and promote women's seva to Guru Ghar. When the 2009 executive was elected, we made it a point to take oath of office from a woman..

Only women were honored at the end of this year. Mrs. Kuldip Kaur Chehil, Mrs. Satpal Kaur Sodhi and late Mrs. Gurdip Kaur Toor (represented by her husband) were presented Siropas- robes of honor by a senior and well respected lady, Mrs. Pritam Kaur. It was in recognition of their meritorious service to the Maritime Sikh Society since the society was founded forty years back.

We also gave two awards to young girls for rendering valuable service to the society. Miss Sonia Singh got the 'Bhai Ghanayya', ie, ‘Sevadar of the year’ award while the 'Best Speech in Punjabi' award went to miss Sargam Paul.

We associate women in all activities of the society. Besides preparing Guru Ka Langar, they mostly women, especially Satpal Kayr Sodhi, lead the Sangat in reciting Ardas. Mini ardas before putting Babaji to rest is always done by a woman, Swinder Kaur Clair or Shivinder Kaur Sekhon. On Akhand paths, mostly women take turns in reading the whole of Guru Granth Sahib, especially Nauven Mohulle de Silok. Majority of the devotees who sing shabad are women and young girls. This year on Baisakhi day in April, Amandeep Kaur was the only guest speaker and she did an excellent job in covering the significance of the birth of Khasla in 1699. She read her scholarly paper in chaste Punjabi. Only girls are taking music lessons from renowned musician Pandit Vijay.

Maritime Sikh Society is a progressive society where turbaned and non-turbaned Sikhs work in harmony. Though according to the constitution only Sikhs can become its members, we encourage Hindus who are devotees of Guru Ghar to become members and even invite them to serve on the executive. Guru’s message was universal, let every body get the benefit. From its very beginning there has never been a contest in the election to the new executive; it is always chosen unanimously. The Gurdwara library is pretty up-to-date containing works of both the Sikh and Western authors. We don't have a paid Granthi; all work is done by volunteers.

with thanks : source : www.sikhphilosophy.net

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For Bollywood heroes, it's cool to be a Sikh

NEW DELHI: What's common to actors Ranbir Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar? All have recently played a Sikh hero in a Bollywood film.

Indeed, there's a profusion of Sikh characters in leading roles: the honest salesman in Rocket Singh, the love-smitten student Veer Singh in Love Aaj Kal (2009), the formidable army officer Balkar Singh in Heroes (2008) and the bumbling villager Happy Singh in Singh is Kinng (2008). Even Jackie Shroff played a gentle farmer Dayal Singh in Sohail Khan's Kisaan (2009).

Over the decade many films have depicted Sikh characters in leading roles. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) and Jo Bole So Nihaal (2005) are some such films. What's new is that today's Sikh hero has acquired a mellow, romantic shade as evident in films like Love Aaj Kal and Rocket Singh. Social scientist Shiv Vishwanathan points out that young Sikhs in recent films are shown as playing "non-military characters" unlike what was frequently projected in earlier ones. "Today's Sikh protagonist in Hindi film has broken the stereotype," he says.

Director Imtiaz Ali's films, Jab We Met (2007) and Love Aaj Kal, had plenty of Sikh characters. He narrates an interesting story behind his decision to do so. "I come from Jamshedpur and there is a sardar in my close group of friends. Whenever we would think of going to a movie, he would say, "What's the point? It's not as if by watching films I can get into the industry. Sardars don't make it in films." That got me wondering why a sardar can't be a hero?" says Ali on phone from Jamshedpur.

His desire to have Sikhs in leading roles grew stronger after watching Sunny Deol as Major Kuldeep Singh in J P Dutta's Border (1997), and a patriotic Tara Singh in Anil Sharma's Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001). "While Border established that a lead actor can be a Sikh, Gadar went on to shatter any other bias," says Ali. He adds, "I think Sikh heroes is a great trend. Why can't a handsome sardar be a hero? We should move beyond the clichi of chocolate heroes and look around our neighbourhood for real characters."

Agrees writer Jaideep Sahni, who fleshed out Rocket Singh's character and claims to be naturally disinclined towards the 6'2" kind of hunk imagery. "If one has a choice that doesn't go against the story's concept, then as film-makers we owe it to the audience to give them variety," says Sahni.

Sahni also feels the Hindi film industry restricts a filmmaker into a 'language jail'. "We normally can't cast a lead character from a Telugu, Tamil or North-East zone. My desire to break out of this 'jail' inspired Rocket Singh's character," says Sahni.

Film historian Firoze Rangoonwalla has a theory behind the recent rise of the Sikh protagonist. He says that the urban, multiplex films had hitherto alienated the cinema-going middle-class audience of north Indian heartland. "To target them producers have turned their focus on characters who look and speak like them. So we have Yash Chopra and Karan Johar often introducing Punjabi characters. This is a business-oriented action taken to cater to the ethos of that territory," he says.

Nonetheless, the profusion of Sikh heroes is in stark contrast to the Bollywood of 1960s and 1970s when a hero had to be clean-shaven and fair. The Sikh was consigned and confined to character roles. "It was assumed that a turbaned Sikh with a beard didn't have pan-India mass appeal. Also, they were viewed as representatives of a particular community with a distinct style of speaking," says Rangoonwalla citing examples of Dharmendra in Tarachand Barjatya's Jeevan Mrityu (1970) and Prem Nath in Manmohan Desai's Desh Premee (1982). "At best, a sardar played a good friend to the hero or was relegated to being a side character/comedian," he says.

Such a portrayal continued down the decades until Govind Nihalini's Vijeta (1982), where hero Kunal Kapoor played Sikh Air Force pilot Angad. Now the abundance of Sikh characters as regular heroes underlines the growing maturity of Bollywood as well as its audience.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/For-Bollywood-heroes-its-cool-to-be-a-Sikh/articleshow/5376357.cms

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In Harimandir Sahib on April 30, 1877 at 4.30

In Harimandir Sahib on April 30, 1877 at 4.30 in the morning, a strange thing happened. There were about four hundred devotees enjoying spiritual peace of celestial music in Harimandir Sahib when suddenly a flash of lighting was seen which in the form of a big resplendence entered through the door on the mountain-side and exploded exactly like a ball in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and illuminating everything went out, becoming a streak of light through the southern door--though at the time of its exploding there was a dreadful and forceful sound, no harm of any kind occurred to any devotee sitting inside and no harm to the building or anything else in the precinct. All the people described this supernatural scene as the wonderful doing of Sri Guru Ram Das himself" (translation based on one in Strange but True in Sikhism by SS Kohli p.11)

Sikhnet / Maple Leaf

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Sikh matrimonial - latest profiles

Supreet singh, Toronto, Canada

Please view the latest matrimonial profiles on Sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com. Please add your matrimonial profiles for the wider coverage on www.sohnijodi.com.

Gurmat Samagam : Gurdwara sri guru singh sabha, Krishna nagar, Delhi - 51

Harbhajan Singh Matharu




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Young Boy Missing From Union City, CA Since Saturday

Union City, CA: Jagmeet Sidhu, a 25 Year old male, has been missing since December 19th, 2009 from his home town Union City, CA. Jagmeet is 6 feet tall, has medium built and black hair. When last seen, he was wearing a yellow sweat shirt, black pants, a white t-shirt and a black belt. He was last seen driving his blue 1997 Acura Integra in the San Mateo, CA region. The vehicle has been found abandoned on the 92 San Mateo Bridge at an emergency pit stop.

As per the information, Jagmeet was on his way home from a friend’s place and was talking on the phone with another friend when he said that his car did not sound right and he would pull over to check it out and call the friend back. However, no one heard from Jagmeet after that. His cell phone, keys and wallet were found in the car.

UNITED SIKHS, CA Director, Kashmir Singh, was contacted by the family to get the community involved in the matter. While commenting on the current situation, Kashmir Singh stated, “It is a very tough time for the family and we would like to call upon all our fellow community members to help and support in Jagmeet’s search. Nothing can be ruled out at this stage, we hope that the Police is considering all possibilities.

The Union City Police and the National Center for Missing Adults are already working to find Jagmeet. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has not been involved yet. The Department of Justice Community Relations Service and Congressman Stark have been apprised of the case. A joint letter from national South Asian Advocacy Organizations is going to be issued to the Union City Police Department offering complete community support along with a suggestion to involve FBI at the earliest in order to expedite the matters.

Issued by:
Jatinder Singh
Director
646 315 3909, 510 299 7982

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Prof. Darshan singh Khalsa on Chardikala Time TV - part 1

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Prof. Darshan singh Khalsa on Chardikala Time TV - part 2

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Prof. Darshan singh Khalsa on Chardikala Time TV - part 3

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Prof. Darshan singh Khalsa on Chardikala Time TV - part 4

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Royal Award bestowed on highest ranking Sikh policewoman in the West Midlands

The highest ranking West Midlands Sikh policewoman, Shindo Kaur Barquer, has received a prestigious Royal Award.

She has been honoured with the ‘The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal’ which was instituted under the Royal Warrant by King George VI in 1951 and is awarded as a mark of the Sovereign’s appreciation of long and meritorious service rendered by members of the Police Forces of the United Kingdom.

Chief Inspector Barquer has been Head of Resilience in the Operations Headquarters since April 2009; her responsibility includes ensuring West Midlands Police are able to respond effectively to the threats that face the organisation, along with those of the communities of West Midlands.

Under her supervision as Chief Inspector her leadership has enabled her team to establish close engagement with partner agencies

Joining the West Midlands Police Force at the age of 21, she progressively worked her way up the ranks, a journey that has been challenging but rewarding for this British Sikh born in West Bromwich

Chief Inspector Barquer and has remained in the West Midlands, settling with her husband, Vijith Randeniya Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service in
Birmingham.

Chief Inspector Barquer spoke to us about her award, she said:

“I feel really proud to receive such recognition for my contribution to policing’

“It was a fabulous awards ceremony; I had the chance to meet with some new recruits- it really took me back in time to 1987 when I joined’

“A career with the police service provides a real opportunity to service; to get involved in local community issues and I’m proud to have served all my service with West Midlands Police” said the proud and deserving award winner Chief Inspector Barquer

Chief Inspector Barquer is an active member of the West Midlands Local Resilience Forum; this includes partnership involvement at every phase ‘planning, preparing and responding’ to any major incidents.

This policewoman is passionate about her success and her future and says “the challenge is to keep making a positive contribution to local policing’.

‘I like to aim high but to remain focused and to believe in myself. My career aspiration is to take command of a local policing unit as the Chief Superintendent and to make a real difference to the local community that my family and I am part of’.

The attestation of new recruits and the presentation of Long Service & Good conduct medals took place at WMP Lord Knights Suite police Sports & Conference Centre on Thursday 10th December 2009

Award ceremony attended by Chief Constable Mr Chris Sims and Bishop Derek Webley Chairman of the Police Authority.

with thanks : source : www.emgonline.co.uk

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Tension in Uttar Pradesh town after desecration at Sikh shrine

Lucknow, Dec 21

Tension gripped Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district Monday as hundreds of Sikhs carried out violent protests over desecration of their holy scripture, police said.

Agitated over the burning of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhs went berserk in the Fakarpur area in Bahraich, some 270 km from Lucknow, damaging public property, targeting vehicles and clashing with police.

"Taking into account the violent protests, additional security has been deployed in Fakarpur and its adjoining areas," Police Inspector Brijendra Singh told reporters in Bahraich.

"The situation is tense but under control. We have already arrested three people, who have been charged with burning the holy book. Efforts are on to nab others, who were involved," he added.

According to police, a group of locals of the same village, who were having a land dispute with members of the Sikh community, burnt pages of the holy scripture outside a Sikh shrine Sunday night. The desecration was noticed by community members Monday morning.

As the news of desecration spread, hundred of Sikhs converged at Fakarpur, demanding arrest of those involved in the incident.

with thanks Source : http://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a101953.html

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Punjab govt disallows DSGMC probe panel to hold enquiry

Ludhiana, Dec 19 (PTI) The Punjab government today prevented a Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) panel from probing a police firing incident in the town in which a Sikh protester was killed.

The state government did not allow Justice T S Doabia, a retired Jammu and Kashmir High Court judge, appointed by DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna to conduct an enquiry into the December 5 firing incident in which a Sikh protester was killed and 12 others were injured, officials said.

The protesters were marching towards Samrala Chowk to stop the religious congregation of Dera head Ashutosh Mahraj which was in progress there.

SSP Sukhchain Singh Gill told Justice Doabia on his arrival at a Gurudwara in Model Town here that the state government had banned the enquiry proceedings in Ludhiana as tension still prevailed there.

Doabia said he would conduct his enquiry at Delhi itself.

with thanks : source : http://www.ptinews.com/news/431749_Punjab-govt-disallows-DSGMC-probe-panel-to-hold-enquiry

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Sikh youth brutally assaulted in US

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/Sikh-youth-brutally-assaulted-in-US/videoshow/5357890.cms

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Sikh youth attacked in Texas

WASHINGTON: A Sikh graduate student, working as a part-time pizza delivery person, was thrown into a swimming pool and brutally assaulted in West Texas, according to the Sikh Coalition, a community advocacy group.

When the young man, whose identity has been withheld for his protection, brought pizzas for delivery into a home, four men took the pizzas and started eating without paying, while hurling racial epithets and threatening him.

"I'm going to **** you up in Iraq, I'm going to **** you up in Afghanistan, I'm going to **** you up over here," they were quoted as saying by the Coalition in a media release. But it did not say when the incident took place.

The four men then grabbed the Sikh student and threw him into a swimming pool. The four attackers surrounded the pool, kicking him in the head and body. Every time he tried to escape, they would stomp or hit at him.

For 20 minutes, he swam for his life trying to escape. He eventually seized an opportunity to flee and barely made it to his car with two men in pursuit, the community group said.

Though the local police were called shortly after the attack, they failed to respond adequately, the community group alleged. The police classified the incident as a misdemeanor, which means that the attackers may not have to serve any jail time, it said.

The local police also did not file the incident as a hate crime, the group said. "It is clear from the attackers' references to 'bin Laden' and 'Go back to Afghanistan' and the fact that they kicked off his turban that this assault targeted not only him as an individual, but his Sikh identity."

However the Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently investigating the matter as a possible federal hate crime after being contacted when the local police department refused to prosecute the attackers for hate crime, the Sikh Coalition said.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/indians-abroad/Sikh-youth-attacked-in-Texas/articleshow/5355014.cms

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Show details of compensation to 1984 Sikh riot victims: HC

LUCKNOW: The high court on Friday summoned the secretary concerned, dealing with the payment of compensation to victims of Sikh riots of 1984, on December 22 with records, inquiry reports and list of persons to whom compensation has been paid. The court also appointed a local government lawyer as amicus curiae to extend assistance to it in the matter.

The order was passed by a division bench of Justice D P Singh and Justice S C Chaurasia on a petition of victim, Amar Singh Virk. The petitioner was aggrieved by the meagre payment of compensation to the member of the family, who had died in riots that had occurred in 1984. It was pointed out before the court that some petitions were filed in supreme court, which had been remanded to the court. A bunch of writ petitions came up for hearing before the court on Friday.

On inquiry, the government counsel failed to submit any reply with regard to amount paid to bereaved family.

Hence, the bench summoned the concerned authority with entire records over the matter.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Show-details-of-compensation-to-1984-Sikh-riot-victims-HC-/articleshow/5353821.cms

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Pakistan’s Minority Minister orders inquiry into Gurdwara land deal

Ravinder Singh Robin

New Delhi, Dec. 18 (ANI): Taking note of the deal of a land belonging to the Sikh Gurdwara in Pakistan, the Pakistan federal minister of minority has ordered an inquiry and directed authorities to submit the report at the earliest.

Saying he has ordered an inquiry in this (Gurudwara land deal) case and whosoever be the guilty would brought to justice, the federal minister Shahbaz Bhatti told ANI over phone that the Government of Pakistan is committed to safeguard the life of all belonging to the monitories living in Pakistan.

Bhatti even said that after the investigation, action would be taken against the culprits and went on to add: “Even if it was found that any high official was involved and proved guilty, he would not be allowed to escape from law.

It is pertinent to mention that reports says that the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (PETPB) has reportedly sold around 850 canals worth multi-million rupees on a nominal price, which includes a piece of land of nearly 311 canals belonging to Mota Singh near the posh locality of Defense Colony in Lahore and second piece of land of nearly 500 canals belonging to Samadh Bhai Mann Singh and Gurdwar Deh in Lahore.

Sikhs Diaspora has strongly registered their protest against the sale of Sikh land by PETPB.

Sikh bodies like, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), American Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (AGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) already registered their protest to their respective governments and urged them to intervene in to the matter to make sure the safety of the life and belongings of the minority living in Pakistan.

Notably earlier also the PETPB had to withdraw the two deals related to the Sikh Gurdwara after the intervention of the Pakistan court and due to international pressure from Sikh diaspora.

According to the information, there is about 64,000 acres of land in Pakistan, which belongs to various Gurdwaras in Pakistan out of which 16,000 acres belongs to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

Sources informed that most of the lands of the Gurdwaras were leased out and still under the possession of miscreants.

Sources say that the deal is violation of the Nehru-Layqat pact that says that both the government would not be allowed to sale any religious land belongs to the Hindu, Sikh or Muslims in their respective countries. (ANI)

with thanks : source : http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/pakistans-minority-minister-orders-inquiry-into-gurdwara-land-deal_100291516.html

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Pak sells Gurudwara land to Army

with thanks to : http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/107302/pak-sells-gurudwara-land-to-army-at-throwaway-price.html

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Dodra Sangat Samagam Details

Details of Gurudwara Braham Bunga Trust, Dodra, Mansa, Punjab.
Submitted by : Sd. Surinder singh ji, Planning, Philips Electronics India Limited, Gurgaon.

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SGPC seeks to meet Pakistan High Commissioner over attack on Pakistani Sikh advocate

Karachi News.Net
Thursday 17th December, 2009 (ANI)

Amritsar Dec.17 : Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has sought an appointment from the Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi to take up the case of a Sikh advocate, who was brutally beaten and forced to convert to Islam in Pakistan recently.

A 17-member delegation led by SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar would meet the Pakistan High Commissioner in the national capital.

SGPC, in a letter to Pakistan High Commission, expressed deep concern over the issue stating that Sikh community around the world felt pained and resentful over the incident.

On November 21, Anoop Singh, an advocate, was attacked by a group of about eight to ten people in broad daylight and was brutally beaten up and left seriously injured. Fearing for his life, Anoop Singh and his family took shelter in Gurdwara Panja Sahib near Islamabad.

Dalmegh Singh, Secretary of the SGPC, said that the Pakistan police is trying to implicate Ravinder Singh, the brother of Anoop Singh in some false case. He said that according to media reports, Anoop Singh was threatened by attackers that if he did not convert to Islam, he would be killed by them.

SGPC has also requested Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to approach Pakistan Government to take a serious cognizance of the incident. By Ravinder Singh Robin

Source : www.http://www.karachinews.net/story/578708

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Indian sect members vow to marry sex workers

More than 1,000 followers of a multi-religious sect in northern India have pledged to marry female sex workers who want to escape exploitation.

Young Hindu, Muslim and Sikh men have been queuing up at the Dera Sacha Sauda (Abode of the Real Deal) in the town of Sirsa as "wedding volunteers".

They say they are doing so to stop the women from being exploited in brothels.

They also claim that their move is part of a campaign to stop the spread of the HIV/Aids virus.

The Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) is one of many religious sects operating in northern India.

Most take root by offering community services, social welfare and spiritual leadership but over time, as their followings grow, they often seek political influence.

Correspondents say that in religious terms, the DSS is hard to classify. Many experts argue that it is not, as some have said, an offshoot of Sikhism.

More than 1,200 DSS members have signed pledges to marry the sex workers following a call from DSS chief Ram Rahim Singh a little over a month ago.

Mr Singh commands a huge following of predominantly lower caste Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs across the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Two years ago his growing influence brought the DSS chief into confrontation with the mainstream Sikh clergy who claimed he had tried to imitate their beliefs.

The sectarian violence that ensued across Punjab - as well as subsequent rape and murder charges brought against Ram Rahim Singh - have cast a shadow on the affairs and functioning of the DSS ever since, observers say.

But the group's supporters believe the new campaign is to halt the spread of HIV by offering respectable options to sex workers and is part of a long list of related initiatives against drug abuse and female foeticide.

"By helping drug users and sex workers we are trying to help remove people from the highest risk situations," said Dr Aditya Insan, a senior DSS functionary.

'Delicately handled'

He estimates that 40%-50% of women working in red light districts in cities like Mumbai (Bombay) and Delhi are HIV carriers.

Mr Singh (known as Guru-ji to his supporters) proclaimed at a congregation last month that "all women forced to live as prostitutes are my daughters".

His remarks brought forth a virtual flood of eager young volunteers from his flock.

Business graduate Ashish Sachdeva, 22, is in the garments trade in the town of Sirsa. He believes that marrying a sex worker could be his chance to repay his debt to humanity and society.

"I am very well settled and it will be the greatest honour for me to respond to Guru-ji's call."

Nearly 100 young sex workers have contacted the DSS - from Calcutta's Shonagachi red light district to brothels in Delhi and Mumbai.

"This will have to be a slow and delicately handled process," Dr Insan said.

"Many women are HIV-positive. Some have young children and are understandably concerned about their future. We need to ensure these women are protected legally once they are married."

with thanks : source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8416739.stm

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Govt To Consider Adding Vasakhi To Calendar Of Annual Festivals

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- The government is to consider including the Sikh new year of Vasakhi celebrated on April 14 in its calendar of annual festivals, the Dewan Negara was told on Wednesday.

Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister Senator Heng Seai Kie said the ministry could help promote the festival to enhance awareness among the people.

She was replying to a question from Senator Datuk Daljit Singh Dalliwal who had asked for Vasakhi to be included in the calendar.

Heng said a festival had to be dominant to be included in the calendar of festivals, and it was also dependent on the ministry's budget.

"It is the desire of the ministry to give recognition to the festivals of all ethnic groups in the country, but the country has 47 ethnic groups and if every festival is celebrated at the national level, it will involve a huge financial allocation," she said.

The ministry now focused on six festivals at the national level, which were Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak, she added.

woth thanks : source : BERNAMA -- http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=462615

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Granth Sahib University to commence session March 2011

Over a year after its creation was announced, the management of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University Wednesday said the institution would start functioning from the March 2011 session.

The Sikh religious university is being set up at Fatehgarh Sahib, 60 km from here.

The decision to start the academic session of the university was taken Wednesday at a meeting of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Memorial Trust, held here under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

University vice-chancellor Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia said the construction work of the buildings of the university, which was being funded by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), was in full swing and about 80 percent of the work has been completed. He added that the rest of the work would be completed by the end of March 2010.

The fee structure of the new university has been proposed to be nominal and lower than in the private sector institutions imparting education, Ahluwalia said.

The new university would focus on imparting education in most modern technologies such as nano-technology, bio-technology, information technology and business management besides comparative study of different religions.

The university would also house faculties of schools of emerging technologies, basic sciences, management, social sciences, arts, languages, engineering, architecture, law and social justice.

with thanks : source : http://sify.com/news/granth-sahib-university-to-commence-session-march-2011-news-education-jmqrucbjicf.html

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Sikhs removed from US Airways flight reach settlement

PTI 16 December 2009, 03:45pm IST

WASHINGTON: Three Sikh musicians, removed from a flight at the Sacramento airport in California about a year ago, have received an apology and an undisclosed amount from the US Airways under a settlement with the airlines.

Sikh organisations had termed the incident as a case of racial profiling and discrimination.

The three eminent Sikh musicians are, Davinder Singh, Gulbag Singh and Iqbal Singh - known as classical religious performers.

The incident is reported to have occurred on November 15, 2008 when they were ordered to leave the plane they had boarded at the Sacramento airport for Salt Lake City for a performance.

"However, airline employees did not provide any explanation as to why they were being removed, but they were told, through a Punjabi interpreter, that the pilot would not fly with them on board," a media release said.

"After suffering humiliation in front of other passengers, the musicians were each handed a USD 5 meal voucher and forced to delay their travel until the next day. They experienced no problems boarding the Delta flight on which they were rebooked," it said.

"To date, the airline has failed to provide any legitimate security concerns justifying the removal. The removal was apparently sparked by passengers' and crew- members' fears of the musicians' based on their ethnic and religious appearance," the United Sikh said in a statement.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sikhs-removed-from-US-Airways-flight-reach-settlement/articleshow/5343701.cms

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Golf Ball .............

When things in your life seem , almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –
Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented..

The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

with best wishes

SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com

At Bhog, Darshan’s Kin Given Rs 40 Lakh

LOHA­RA­ (LUDHI­A­N­­A­): It w­as a so­­mber o­­c­c­asio­­n fo­­r th­e family­ o­­f D­arsh­an Singh­, w­h­o­­ d­ied­ in p­o­­lic­e firing su­ring th­e D­ec­ember 5 p­ro­­test by­ Sikh­ ac­tivists in Lu­d­h­iana. Bu­t befo­­re th­e Bh­o­­g fu­nc­tio­­n h­eld­ h­ere o­­n Mo­­nd­ay­ end­ed­, th­ere w­as nearly­ Rs 40 lakh­ in c­o­­mp­ensatio­­n p­aid­ to­­ th­e family­ o­­f th­e p­o­­o­­r au­to­­-ric­ksh­aw­ d­river.

Th­e mo­­ney­ c­ame in fro­­m th­e go­­vernment as w­ell as rad­ic­al Sikh­ o­­rganizatio­­ns, bo­­th­ try­ing to­­ w­o­­o­­ th­e family­ c­au­gh­t in a sensitive situ­atio­­n ah­ead­ o­­f th­e u­p­c­o­­ming SGP­C­ elec­tio­­ns.

W­h­ile th­e Sikh­ o­­rganizatio­­ns w­ant th­e family­’s su­p­p­o­­rt to­­ c­arry­ o­­n th­eir tirad­e against th­e S­AD­ go­v­ern­men­t, th­e latter­ w­ould­ like to s­ilen­ce th­e w­h­ole is­s­ue as­ ear­ly­ as­ pos­s­ib­le.

A d­ay­ after­ D­ar­s­h­an­ S­in­gh­’s­ fun­er­al, h­is­ s­on­ Gur­m­eet S­in­gh­ j­oin­ed­ th­e Pun­j­ab­ Police as­ a con­s­tab­le on­ D­ecem­b­er­ 7. Even­ as­ h­e d­id­ n­ot m­eet th­e ph­y­s­ical r­equir­em­en­ts­, th­os­e w­er­e w­aived­ b­y­ th­e D­GP in­ accor­d­an­ce w­ith­ gover­n­m­en­t or­d­er­s­ to offer­s­ h­im­ a j­ob­. H­e is­ cur­r­en­tly­ h­om­e on­ leave.

Over­ th­e pas­t few­ d­ay­s­, th­er­e h­as­ b­een­ a s­tr­eam­ of gover­n­m­en­t officials­ as­ w­ell as­ h­igh­-pr­ofile r­ad­ical S­ikh­ lead­er­s­ vis­itin­g th­e fam­ily­ h­ous­e in­ th­is­ village.

Om­ M­on­d­ay­ m­or­n­in­g, a b­atter­y­ of gover­n­m­en­t officials­ an­d­ S­AD­ lead­er­s­ vis­ited­ th­e h­ous­e ah­ead­ of th­e B­h­og cer­em­on­y­ . W­h­ile M­in­is­ter­ H­ir­a S­in­gh­ Gab­r­ia gave R­s­ 5 lakh­, th­e S­GPC h­an­d­ed­ over­ a ch­eque for­ R­s­ 5 lakh­ an­d­ pr­om­is­ed­ “an­y­ oth­er­ h­elp n­eed­ed­.”

In­ th­e after­n­oon­, S­ikh­ lead­er­s­ w­alked­ in­. Th­e UK cell of D­al Khalsa, Akan­d­ Kir­t­an­i J­at­ha an­d­ the S­ikh Fed­eratio­n­ to­g­ether co­n­trib­uted­ Rs­ 5 lakh; D­elhi Sik­h G­urd­wa­ra­ M­a­na­g­em­ent­ Co­m­m­it­t­ee presid­ent­ Pa­ra­m­jit­ Sing­h Sa­rna­ g­a­ve R­s­ 2.5 l­a­kh; Dam­­dam­­i­ T­ak­sal Rs­ 50,000; Ra­n­ji­t S­i­n­gh Da­rdri­a­n­a­ Rs­ 1 l­a­kh; a­n­d a­ F­ra­n­ce-ba­s­ed S­i­kh bo­dy ga­ve Rs­1 l­a­kh. There were a­l­s­o­ ma­n­y o­ther o­rga­n­i­z­a­ti­o­n­s­ tha­t ga­ve va­ryi­n­g a­mo­un­ts­ o­f­ mo­n­ey to­ Da­rs­ha­n­ S­i­n­gh’s­ f­a­mi­l­y.

A­ka­n­d Ki­rtn­i­ Ja­tha­ l­ea­der R.P­ S­i­n­gh decl­a­red Da­rs­ha­n­ S­i­n­gh wa­s­ a­ ma­rtyr o­f­ the S­i­kh co­mmun­i­ty. “I­, o­n­ beha­l­f­ o­f­ UK-ba­s­ed S­i­khs­, a­n­n­o­un­ce tha­t i­f­ the f­a­mi­l­y do­es­ n­o­t a­ccep­t the go­vern­men­t jo­b, a­n­d rema­i­n­s­ wi­th us­, we wi­l­l­ s­ettl­e the who­l­e f­a­mi­l­y i­n­ a­n­y f­o­rei­gn­ co­un­try o­r a­n­ywhere i­n­ I­n­di­a­ they wa­n­t. We wi­l­l­ wei­gh the f­a­mi­l­y a­ga­i­n­s­t curren­cy, but they s­ho­ul­d f­o­l­l­o­w the p­a­th Da­rs­ha­n­ S­i­n­gh to­o­k,” he s­a­i­d.

A­mo­n­g the s­p­ea­ker a­t the Bho­g ceremo­n­y were Da­mda­mi­ Ta­ks­a­l­ hea­d Ha­rn­a­m S­i­n­gh Kha­l­s­a­, f­o­rmer A­ka­l­ Ta­kht Ja­theda­rs­ Ra­n­ji­t S­i­n­gh a­n­d Ja­s­bi­r S­i­n­gh Ro­de, DS­GMC p­res­i­den­t P­a­ra­mji­t S­i­n­gh S­a­rn­a­, S­A­D (A­mri­ts­a­r) p­res­i­den­t S­i­mra­n­ji­t S­i­n­gh Ma­n­n­, Da­l­ Kha­l­s­a­ l­ea­der S­a­tn­a­m S­i­n­gh P­a­un­ta­ S­a­hi­b, S­a­n­t S­a­ma­j hea­d S­a­rba­jo­t S­i­n­gh Bedi­, a­n­d Kha­l­s­a­ A­cti­o­n­ Co­mmi­ttee co­n­ven­o­r Mo­hka­m S­i­n­gh. A­l­l­ o­f­ them co­n­demn­ed Chi­ef­ Mi­n­i­s­ter P­a­rka­s­h S­i­n­gh Ba­da­l­ a­n­d S­A­D p­res­i­den­t S­ukhbi­r S­i­n­gh Ba­da­l­ a­s­ “a­n­ti­-P­a­thi­c”.

S­O­URCE-HT

taken from : punjabnews.org

SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com

Allahabad HC upholds life term to cop for killing 5 Sikhs in 1984

Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday upheld the life sentence awarded to a constable for killing five Sikhs at a police station in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination.

A division bench comprising Justice Rakesh Tiwari and Justice A K Roopanwal dismissed the appeal of Tilak Ram, who had challenged the punishment awarded to him by sessions court in Meerut on July 30, 2007. He had claimed that he was of unsound mind at the time of the incident.

Ram had opened fire on a group of Sikhs who had gathered at Badaut police station (now in Baghpat district) in the early hours of Nov 5, 1984 and had even threatened fellow police personnel when they tried to stop him from doing so.

In his appeal, Ram had pleaded that he was of unsound mind at the time of the incident and was incapable of knowing the nature of his act and hence incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong.

The court, however, dismissed his plea saying it was "not a schizophrenic act" but "an instance of Sikh killing, the like of which had happened and was happening at that time because of assassination of Indira Gandhi".

PTI

with thanks from : http://www.zeenews.com/news587706.html

SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com

Try to save the Sikhi

Those who paid gold coins, in Mughal rules, for a sikh head, could not finish the Sikhs. But today, our kids are paying, from our own pockets for trimming the beards, for cutting hairs, for buying caps, for eating tambaku and for consuming liquor. They can not speak Punjabi. They can not recite Gurbani. Ask any trimmer and he will give a dozen explanations to prove, that, he is more than a sikh.

It's a wake up call for all of us.We can atleast try our best to save the Sikhi. We are looking for persons who can join us in this endeavour. Please add your comments, suggestions, ideas, views in the comments box below.

best regards

SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/sikhsindia

Gurmat Samagam : Sri Guru Nanak Sewak Jatha

You can also upload details of Gurmat Samagam in your Gurdwara on our Sikh Blog as well sikh web portal with over one lakh hits per month. Please mail us the details, pics, posters, cards etc. for uploading without any obligation.

SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com

Sd. Arvinder singh Lovely

Arvinder Singh Lovely is the Minister for Education, Tourism, Languages, Gurudwara election & Gurudwara Administration in the current cabinet of the elected Indian National Congress (INC) Government being headed by Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister, Delhi.

Arvinder Singh Lovely was born on 11 December 1968 to Sd. Balvinder Singh. He pursued his graduation from SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi in Political Science. He was elected to the Students' Union of the college. He was also elected as the General Secretary of the National Student Union of India during 1992-1996. He was elected to the Delhi Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1998. He was made a Minister in the cabinet in 2003.

He has again been won in Delhi Legislative Assembly elections 2008 consecutively third time. He is now the education and transport minister in the cabinet.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arvinder_Singh_Lovely

SikhsIndia www.sohnijodi.com www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com

CBI for prosecuting Tytler, Sajjan Kumar for 1984 riots

Responding to a calling attention motion in the Rajya Sabha, on the progress of relief and steps taken to punish the guilty involved in the anti-Sikh riots, Chidanbaram said: "The CBI has completed investigation or re-investigation of seven cases against Tytler, Kumar and late Dharam Das Shastri."

"While in four cases, the CBI has sought permission under criminal procedure code (Cr PC) Section 196 from the Competent Authority to prosecute the accused persons, in one case the closure has been filed and accepted by the court," he added. (ANI)

with thanks : source :http://sify.com/news/CBI-for-prosecuting-Tytler-Sajjan-Kumar-for-1984-riots-news-jmopkdfgbab.html

SikhsIndia www.sohnijodi.com www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com