IANS 31 October 2009, 10:00am IST
NEW DELHI: Indians on Saturday flocked to Shakti Sthal to pay homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 25th death anniversary.
Known as 'Iron Lady', she ruled the country for 15 years in two stints before being assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the slain leader's daughter-in-law, were amongst the first to pay tribute at her memorial on the banks of the Yamuna river.
An all-religion prayer was also organised on the occasion.
The assassination on October 31, 1984 triggered massive anti-Sikh riots in which 3,000 people were killed in three days in the national capital.
It was a moment in time; it shook India and stunned the world. As Prime Minister Indira Gandhi walked briskly up to the picket gate dividing her home from her office that fateful on Wednesday morning 25 years ago, a hail of gunfire from two of her Sikh bodyguards sent her crumpling to the ground in a blood-soaked heap.
Her daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi, still in her nightdress, ran out to the garden as R.K. Dhawan, Gandhi's additional private secretary and shadow of many years, scrambled to help the 66-year-old leader.
But 31 bullets fired into a frail body gave her little chance. Although she was packed off in an Ambassador car in Sonia Gandhi's lap to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), doctors at the operating theatre knew it was a battle they could not win.
Although a police officer who wheeled her in said she was already dead, officially her death was announced several hours later as the Indian establishment tried to come to terms with losing the woman who had ruled for 15 years in two stints, two years less than her father and first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's unbroken 17 years.
Gandhi had been on her way to give an interview to British playwright and actor Peter Ustinov, who was waiting with his crew in the garden of neighbouring 1, Akbar Road, for the appointed time of 9.30 a.m. The silence of the morning was broken by the death rattle of bullets that sent flocks of birds scurrying into the sky, its echoes reverberating in Delhi's leafy and tranquil Lutyens' Zone and elsewhere in the days following that Oct 31, 1984.
Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, the two bodyguards, surrendered after emptying their magazines into her. The two were taken away to the guardhouse, where Beant was shot dead by other guards when he tried to escape. Satwant Singh was hanged to death five years later in 1989.
Her death - in apparent reprisal for the Indian Army's assault on the Golden Temple in Amritsar in June 1984 to confront heavily armed Sikh extremists - left a political vacuum in the capital. Elder son Rajiv Gandhi, her presumptive successor, was away in Kolkata. So was Pranab Mukherjee, No. 2 man in the cabinet even then. President Zail Singh was away on a visit to Yemen. They all tried to rush back to the capital to deal with a situation for which no one was prepared.
Rajiv Gandhi was persuaded, first by cousin and political aide Arun Nehru and then by Zail Singh, to step into the void and was sworn in as India's prime minister that evening. But by that time violence had already broken around AIIMS and there were reports of Sikhs being targeted in retaliation as extremist Sikh groups abroad hailed her killing.
Gandhi's body was brought in a gun carriage through deserted roads on the morning of Nov 1 to her father's sprawling Teen Murti Road residence and site of the Nehru Museum. Long queues of supporters and opponents filed past her body, while the world mourned the passing of a leader who was equally revered as she was despised.
Riots had erupted in several parts of the city overnight as organised mobs, alleged to be led by Congress party leaders, picked out Sikhs, assaulted them, snipped their locks, vandalised their property, torched their homes and began an orgy of lynching the like of which had not been witnessed since the division of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan in 1947.
For the next three days, as the country mourned, Delhi burned with the anti-Sikh violence spreading to Kanpur, Meerut and Ramgarh, where the Sikh Regimental Centre was based.
Working class neighbourhoods like Trilokpuri, Tilak Nagar, Seemapuri, that were exemplars of close-knit community living, overnight became monuments to hatred. Entire Sikh neighbourhoods went up in flames, their male members dragged out and burnt alive as vendetta-hungry mobs cheered. Even Sikh homes in affluent south Delhi were targeted and their homes razed. Some were even dragged out of buses and trains as they tried to flee the city.
The madness went unchecked for three days before a shell-shocked and paralysed administration called in the army on the evening of Nov 3. By that time, at least 3,000 Sikhs had been killed, thousands injured and brutalised and a community's collective psyche left so badly scarred that it has not healed even after a generation.
A few days later Rajiv Gandhi, at a massive memorial rally for his slain mother at India Gate, sought to extenuate the violence by saying: "When a big tree falls, the earth shakes."
A quarter century later, Mrs Gandhi's legacy endures.
Her Italian-born daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi, who now leads the ruling Congress, is often compared to her for her style and tight control over the party.
Indira Gandhi's policy of bank nationalisation, which heralded a state control over the country's fiscal policies and public enterprise, has been hailed as far-sighted and instrumental in preventing Indian banks from going the way of Western banks that collapsed in the wake of last year's economic meltdown.
Her muscular foreign policy, which led to the division of Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh, is still held out as an example of Indian hard power that critics say has been a tough act to follow by successive governments.
But, as her critics say, the imposition of emergency in June 1975 blotted her democratic credentials. Though she lifted emergency 19 months later and called for elections, which she lost, her image took a heavy beating and she never really recovered.
She returned to power in 1980. And, after younger son Sanjay Gandhi's death in an aircrash in June that year, she became a pale shadow of her former self.
She briefly basked in her reputation as a global statesperson when her government hosted both the Non- Aligned Movement Summit and the Commonwealth Summit in 1983. The following years, she bungled badly when she ordered the army into the Vatican of the Sikhs -- and paid with her life four months later.
with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/25-years-after-Indira-Gandhis-assassination/articleshow/5176355.cms
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Prof. Darshan singh ji ragi - 3
We have a message from A Gursikh Virji that he has seen the full katha on Dasam Granth by Prof. Darshan singh ji ragi. We hope to get a copy of it very soon. We will try to upload it on this blog. Please keep watching. with best regards. WJKK - WJKF
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Prof. Darshan Singh ji Ragi
We are shocked on finding various vids on net against Prof. Darshan singh ji ragi. Some of the comments received by us are as below :
Bhagat Singh Bedi said...
This is unfair. The edited video shows that he is insulting Guru Gobind Singh. But Prof Darshan Singh is speaking against Dasam Granth. He says, it has this story about Guru Gobind Singh ji in it, and therefore, Dasam Granth cannot be written by Guru Sahib.He is defending Guru Sahib not putting him down. Please stop spreading this shit about the Prof by posting edited videos of him!
Prince George Sikh Youth said...
You know what, I am not going to watch a minute and a half clip, that has obviously been edited, and make judgements on anyone. In order for it to be fair the whole lecture should be posted, so I could at least understand the context of the lecture and do some background research, before I get out my hatchet.
AMARJIT SINGH said...
Please stop by displaying edit video of Singh Sahib Prof. Darshan Singh Ji Khalsa. Prof. Sahib is doing the job of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, SGPC etc. to implement the Rehat Maryada approved by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to all Gurdwaras. The Committee of Hazoor Sahib & Patna Sahib has already rejected the Maryada by doing Aarti, parkash of Dasam Granth alongwith Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh Community should come forward to support Prof. Sahib for these act. Do not forget Prof. Darshan Singh ji is the only person who protest strongly against Govt. in 1984 & the community stand with the kirpa of Waheguru. Prof. Sahib always do kirtan & katha according to maryada never use kachi bani, sakhi. Today large number of self called Sant doing and bholi bhali sangat listen it. In my opinion Prof. Sahib is the Hira of the community. He should continue to do his job. We support him and continue to support him to implement maryada to all gurdwaras. Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, SGPC , DSGPC etc. are reqeusted to come forward for this job.
Sikhs India said...
We were shocked on viewing this clip & therefore while uploading it, we asked for your comments with a hope that we may get a clarification from our most valued visitors. We also request Respected Bedi Sahib to mail us a copy of the complete vid / text for uploading on this blog. We are not against Prof. Darshan Singh ji. But in case some one is trying to malign him, we must find it out.Any more details on this issue are most welcome. With best regards to one & all.
Bhagat Singh Bedi said...
This is unfair. The edited video shows that he is insulting Guru Gobind Singh. But Prof Darshan Singh is speaking against Dasam Granth. He says, it has this story about Guru Gobind Singh ji in it, and therefore, Dasam Granth cannot be written by Guru Sahib.He is defending Guru Sahib not putting him down. Please stop spreading this shit about the Prof by posting edited videos of him!
Prince George Sikh Youth said...
You know what, I am not going to watch a minute and a half clip, that has obviously been edited, and make judgements on anyone. In order for it to be fair the whole lecture should be posted, so I could at least understand the context of the lecture and do some background research, before I get out my hatchet.
AMARJIT SINGH said...
Please stop by displaying edit video of Singh Sahib Prof. Darshan Singh Ji Khalsa. Prof. Sahib is doing the job of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, SGPC etc. to implement the Rehat Maryada approved by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to all Gurdwaras. The Committee of Hazoor Sahib & Patna Sahib has already rejected the Maryada by doing Aarti, parkash of Dasam Granth alongwith Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh Community should come forward to support Prof. Sahib for these act. Do not forget Prof. Darshan Singh ji is the only person who protest strongly against Govt. in 1984 & the community stand with the kirpa of Waheguru. Prof. Sahib always do kirtan & katha according to maryada never use kachi bani, sakhi. Today large number of self called Sant doing and bholi bhali sangat listen it. In my opinion Prof. Sahib is the Hira of the community. He should continue to do his job. We support him and continue to support him to implement maryada to all gurdwaras. Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, SGPC , DSGPC etc. are reqeusted to come forward for this job.
Sikhs India said...
We were shocked on viewing this clip & therefore while uploading it, we asked for your comments with a hope that we may get a clarification from our most valued visitors. We also request Respected Bedi Sahib to mail us a copy of the complete vid / text for uploading on this blog. We are not against Prof. Darshan Singh ji. But in case some one is trying to malign him, we must find it out.Any more details on this issue are most welcome. With best regards to one & all.
Amrit pal said...
I was shocked to see the video, since I have seen the full Katha on Dasam Granth by Prof Darshan Singh. Luckily, somebody made a video. I have a video copy of the full program. If you send me your mailing address, I will mail you a copy of the DVD.
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Monday, October 26, 2009
SHABAD VICHAR SMS Posts by Sd. Jagjot Singh ji
· Kadi ik din layi hi sahi, apne naal ik pran kar lo, ki aaj da din, Waheguru mere naal jo vi karega, mein usnu apna bhala man ke shukrana karanga. Phir dekho din de ant te tusi kine sehaj vich hovoge.
· Bandagi, in a way can be seen as SPIRITUAL ROMANCE. Many Bhagats have depicted themself as Suhagans and Waheguru as their Spiritual Husband. Sikhs must be aware of both their Physical and Spiritual lives and distinguish between the two.
· You must have realized that, some wishes take long time to fulfill. Probably,Guru Sahib wants to end the excitement attached to the fulfilment of such wish, so that we can remain in sehaj awastha always.
· Je Naam Atma da bhojan hai, te es de bina te Atma bhuki hi mar jayegi.Te mari hui atma vala jeev sada hi chinta vich jeenda hai. Apne bhale layi, nit apni Atma nu feed karo ji.
· Kadi suniya hai, koi kisan ik beej boye, te sakde guna phal paye. Gurmukh jan eho jeha vyapaar karde ne. Jad japya hoya Naam Ajapa ho jaye, ta rasna ik vaar japdi hai, naal sakde rom japde ne.
· “COMPLETE EMOTIONAL DETACHMENT FROM THE VISIBLE & COMPLETE ATTACHMENT TO THE INVISIBLE” Try to adopt this principle in your life and you will see your life change for the good.
· We would like to know your feedback on our SMSs. Pls. send MSG SHABADVICHARSMS followed by your opinion as an SMS to 567678.
· If you feel our SMSs are any help to you, pls. ask your friends/relatives to join in by sending JOIN SHABADVICHARSMS as an sms to 567678.
SikhsIndia
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· Bandagi, in a way can be seen as SPIRITUAL ROMANCE. Many Bhagats have depicted themself as Suhagans and Waheguru as their Spiritual Husband. Sikhs must be aware of both their Physical and Spiritual lives and distinguish between the two.
· You must have realized that, some wishes take long time to fulfill. Probably,Guru Sahib wants to end the excitement attached to the fulfilment of such wish, so that we can remain in sehaj awastha always.
· Je Naam Atma da bhojan hai, te es de bina te Atma bhuki hi mar jayegi.Te mari hui atma vala jeev sada hi chinta vich jeenda hai. Apne bhale layi, nit apni Atma nu feed karo ji.
· Kadi suniya hai, koi kisan ik beej boye, te sakde guna phal paye. Gurmukh jan eho jeha vyapaar karde ne. Jad japya hoya Naam Ajapa ho jaye, ta rasna ik vaar japdi hai, naal sakde rom japde ne.
· “COMPLETE EMOTIONAL DETACHMENT FROM THE VISIBLE & COMPLETE ATTACHMENT TO THE INVISIBLE” Try to adopt this principle in your life and you will see your life change for the good.
· We would like to know your feedback on our SMSs. Pls. send MSG SHABADVICHARSMS followed by your opinion as an SMS to 567678.
· If you feel our SMSs are any help to you, pls. ask your friends/relatives to join in by sending JOIN SHABADVICHARSMS as an sms to 567678.
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/sikhsindia
Sunday, October 25, 2009
श्रद्धा के आगे नतमस्तक है सीमा
Oct 25, 11:33 am
अमृतसर [जागरण संवाददाता]। पाकिस्तान में स्थित ऐतिहासिक गुरुद्वारा करतारपुर साहिब के दर्शन करने की भारतीय श्रद्धालुओं की मंशा पूरी होती नजर नहीं आ रही है। अभी ये लोग गुरुद्वारे से तीन किमी की दूरी पर भारतीय सीमा में धुस्सी बाध पर बने एक प्लेटफार्म से दर्शन करते हैं। यहा से गुरुद्वारे का सिर्फ गुंबद दिखाई देता है। डेरा बाबा नानक और गुरुद्वारा करतारपुर साहिब के बीच कई दशकों से एक कारीडोर की माग की जा रही है। पाकिस्तान सरकार ने अपनी ओर इस कारीडोर को बनाने की घोषणा भी कर दी है लेकिन भारत सरकार की ओर से अभी कोई मंजूरी नहीं दी है।
इस संदर्भ में शिरोमणि गुरुद्वारा प्रबंधक कमेटी [एसजीपीसी] प्रधानमंत्री को कई पत्र लिख चुकी है। एसजीपीसी की साधारण सभा ने भी कई बार इस संदर्भ में प्रस्ताव पारित किए हैं। पिछले साल केंद्रीय मंत्री प्रणब मुखर्जी ने डेरा बाबा नानक का दौरा किया था। उस समय उन्हें करतारपुर साहिब के इतिहास के बारे में जानकारी दी गई थी। सिख नेताओं ने कारीडोर के निर्माण की माग की थी। तब मुखर्जी ने कारीडोर के निर्माण का आश्वासन दिया था। लेकिन अब तक यह माग पूरी नहीं हुई है।
पाकिस्तान की ओर बहती रावी नदी किनारे स्थित गुरुद्वारा करतारपुर साहिब के दर्शन अभी भारतीय सीमा में बने धुस्सी बाध के ऊपर बने एक बड़े प्लेटफार्म से किए जाते हैं। हालाकि श्रद्धा से सराबोर श्रद्धालु दर्शन के लिए रोज डेरा बाबा नानक की अंतरराष्ट्रीय सीमा के निकट पहुंच जाते हैं। भारत-पाक निगरानी चौकी से आधा किमी दूर स्थित इस प्लेटफार्म में पहुंचने के लिए श्रद्धालुओं को सीमा सुरक्षा बल के जवानों की जाच से गुजरना पड़ता है। 6 मई 2008 से पहले श्रद्धालु धुस्सी बाध पर खड़े होकर करतारपुर साहिब के दर्शन करते थे। बाबा गुरचरण सिंह बेदी, बाबा जगदीप सिंह बेदी मेमोरियल चैरिटेबल अस्पताल व बाबा सुखदीप सिंह बेदी [श्री गुरु नानक देव जी की 17वीं पीढ़ी के वंशज] ने इस प्लेटफार्म का निर्माण किया। इसको दर्शन स्थल का नाम दिया। तब से श्रद्धालु इस स्थल पर खड़े होकर दर्शन करते हैं।
with thanks : source : http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/general/5_1_5887309/
अमृतसर [जागरण संवाददाता]। पाकिस्तान में स्थित ऐतिहासिक गुरुद्वारा करतारपुर साहिब के दर्शन करने की भारतीय श्रद्धालुओं की मंशा पूरी होती नजर नहीं आ रही है। अभी ये लोग गुरुद्वारे से तीन किमी की दूरी पर भारतीय सीमा में धुस्सी बाध पर बने एक प्लेटफार्म से दर्शन करते हैं। यहा से गुरुद्वारे का सिर्फ गुंबद दिखाई देता है। डेरा बाबा नानक और गुरुद्वारा करतारपुर साहिब के बीच कई दशकों से एक कारीडोर की माग की जा रही है। पाकिस्तान सरकार ने अपनी ओर इस कारीडोर को बनाने की घोषणा भी कर दी है लेकिन भारत सरकार की ओर से अभी कोई मंजूरी नहीं दी है।
इस संदर्भ में शिरोमणि गुरुद्वारा प्रबंधक कमेटी [एसजीपीसी] प्रधानमंत्री को कई पत्र लिख चुकी है। एसजीपीसी की साधारण सभा ने भी कई बार इस संदर्भ में प्रस्ताव पारित किए हैं। पिछले साल केंद्रीय मंत्री प्रणब मुखर्जी ने डेरा बाबा नानक का दौरा किया था। उस समय उन्हें करतारपुर साहिब के इतिहास के बारे में जानकारी दी गई थी। सिख नेताओं ने कारीडोर के निर्माण की माग की थी। तब मुखर्जी ने कारीडोर के निर्माण का आश्वासन दिया था। लेकिन अब तक यह माग पूरी नहीं हुई है।
पाकिस्तान की ओर बहती रावी नदी किनारे स्थित गुरुद्वारा करतारपुर साहिब के दर्शन अभी भारतीय सीमा में बने धुस्सी बाध के ऊपर बने एक बड़े प्लेटफार्म से किए जाते हैं। हालाकि श्रद्धा से सराबोर श्रद्धालु दर्शन के लिए रोज डेरा बाबा नानक की अंतरराष्ट्रीय सीमा के निकट पहुंच जाते हैं। भारत-पाक निगरानी चौकी से आधा किमी दूर स्थित इस प्लेटफार्म में पहुंचने के लिए श्रद्धालुओं को सीमा सुरक्षा बल के जवानों की जाच से गुजरना पड़ता है। 6 मई 2008 से पहले श्रद्धालु धुस्सी बाध पर खड़े होकर करतारपुर साहिब के दर्शन करते थे। बाबा गुरचरण सिंह बेदी, बाबा जगदीप सिंह बेदी मेमोरियल चैरिटेबल अस्पताल व बाबा सुखदीप सिंह बेदी [श्री गुरु नानक देव जी की 17वीं पीढ़ी के वंशज] ने इस प्लेटफार्म का निर्माण किया। इसको दर्शन स्थल का नाम दिया। तब से श्रद्धालु इस स्थल पर खड़े होकर दर्शन करते हैं।
with thanks : source : http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/general/5_1_5887309/
Badal directs GMADA to demarcate land for memorial
Published by: Noor Khan
Published: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 at 16:19 IST
Chandigarh, Oct 25 Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to identify 25-35 acres of land in the historic village Chhapar Chiri in S A S Nagar (Mohali) to raise a memorial to commemorate the victory of Great Martyr Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his brave soldiers, where they fought a battle against Mugals forces on the personal directions of the 10th Sikh Master Guru Gobind Singh.
An assurance to this effect was given by the Chief Minister to a delegation of Coordination Committee for the Memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur led by its Chairperson Baljit Kaur in a meeting here, an official spokesman said.
The Chief Minister asked the delegation to constitute an expert committee involving the Sarpanch ( village head) and the Ex-Sarpanch besides prominent residents of the village to finalize the site plan and design of the proposed memorial to be constructed on the demarcated land.
He assured the delegation that the state government would extend full support and cooperation to complete the entire project with in a time frame in view of its greater significance since the Tercentenary Anniversary of the Battle falls on May 2010.
with thanks : source : http://www.samaylive.com/news/badal-directs-gmada-to-demarcate-land-for-memorial/664259.html
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Published: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 at 16:19 IST
Chandigarh, Oct 25 Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to identify 25-35 acres of land in the historic village Chhapar Chiri in S A S Nagar (Mohali) to raise a memorial to commemorate the victory of Great Martyr Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his brave soldiers, where they fought a battle against Mugals forces on the personal directions of the 10th Sikh Master Guru Gobind Singh.
An assurance to this effect was given by the Chief Minister to a delegation of Coordination Committee for the Memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur led by its Chairperson Baljit Kaur in a meeting here, an official spokesman said.
The Chief Minister asked the delegation to constitute an expert committee involving the Sarpanch ( village head) and the Ex-Sarpanch besides prominent residents of the village to finalize the site plan and design of the proposed memorial to be constructed on the demarcated land.
He assured the delegation that the state government would extend full support and cooperation to complete the entire project with in a time frame in view of its greater significance since the Tercentenary Anniversary of the Battle falls on May 2010.
with thanks : source : http://www.samaylive.com/news/badal-directs-gmada-to-demarcate-land-for-memorial/664259.html
SikhsIndia
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Why it's being shown on net that Prof. Darshan Singh ji Ragi is doing Guru Ninda.
Why it's being shown on net that Prof. Darshan Singh ji Ragi is doing Guru Ninda. Who are the persons behind this controversy.Please post your most valued comments on this issue. We firmly believe, that Prof. Darshan Singh ji, can never do any Guru Ninda. May we request you, to let us know the source, where from we can get a copy of this complete vid. With due respect & regards to Prof. Darshan singh ji Ragi.
SikhsIndia http://www.sohnijodi.com/ http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Leamington's £11m Sikh Temple ready to open its doors
22 October 2009
By Sundari Sankar
It has taken nine years, cost £11 million and now covers 4,280 sq m, but Leamington and Warwick's new Sikh temple is finally complete.
Members of the area's Sikh community are preparing for an nine-day celebration to mark the official opening of the Gurdwara Sahib on the Queensway trading estate, starting on Sunday.
Thanking everyone who has contributed to the project, the general secretary Jagtar Singh Gill said: "After many years of waiting, the congregation have what they wanted."
Communications officer Rajvinder Singh Mann said: "Sunday will be a true milestone both for the Sikh community and the region as a whole.
"A project of this size can only have been possible with the unstinting support of the entire congregation both in terms of finances and the many hours that people have devoted to make this dream a reality."
Plans to build the four-storey building began in 2000 with a pledge from 240 families to raise £1 million.
The overall scheme has cost £11 million - completely funded by the area's Sikh community.
Lead architect Phillida Turrell from MPC, the building's designers, said: "Every part of this project has been a real challenge - on the plans I had to draw in every single block.
"But when you stand in front of the Gurdwara Sahib and see it in all its glory, then it all becomes worth it.
"It's been a great project to work on."
But not everyone has reacted positively to the new building.
An ongoing debate on the Courier's blog recently received the following post from an anonymous reader: "It's totally unnecessary for it to be so big and its completely out of place in its surroundings. Walking in the car park of Sainsbury's makes me feel like I'm in a scene from Aladdin."
Another reader wrote: "I think is a blooming eyesore. Why do we have to have such a building in Royal Leamington Spa?
"Have one by all means, but this size is ridiculous, whoever paid for it.
"It should never have been passed and I feel like I am in the middle of India, not England. It is a disgrace!"
But others have defended the temple. One blog contributor pointed out that the structure was entirely funded by the Sikh community, adding: "If it was a Christian church people would not be kicking up such a fuss."
Another wrote: "Most people from Leamington and Warwick would have grown up with Sikh friends or colleagues and know they have the same ideals as the rest of us.
"Perhaps its detractors should look in the mirror and do some soul-searching on how they stain the beauty of this planet, let alone Royal Leamington Spa."
What do you think about the new Sikh temple? Post a comment on the Courier blog at www.theleamingtoncourier.blogspot.com Alternatively, email editorial@leamingtoncourier.co.uk
or call 457737.
The temple's official opening ceremony will begin with prayers on Sunday at 9am, followed by events all day until 6.30pm.
People can join in a procession through south Leamington and Whitnash between 11am and 3pm and there will be tours of the temple and food and drink.
Celebrations will continue every day until Monday November 2, including Khalsa kids' club, film screenings, talks and a fireworks display.
A crew from the Sikh Channel will be paying a visit to broadcast live on television.
For a full programme of events, visit www.gurdwara-leamingtonandwarwick.co.uk or call 424297.
Anyone who cannot make it on Sunday can still take part in a free tour on Saturdays between 10am and 3pm between November 7 and December 5.
Email tours@gurdwara-leamingtonandwarwick.co.uk
with thanks : source : http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/newsl/Leamingtons-11m-Sikh-Temple-ready.5758953.jp
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
By Sundari Sankar
It has taken nine years, cost £11 million and now covers 4,280 sq m, but Leamington and Warwick's new Sikh temple is finally complete.
Members of the area's Sikh community are preparing for an nine-day celebration to mark the official opening of the Gurdwara Sahib on the Queensway trading estate, starting on Sunday.
Thanking everyone who has contributed to the project, the general secretary Jagtar Singh Gill said: "After many years of waiting, the congregation have what they wanted."
Communications officer Rajvinder Singh Mann said: "Sunday will be a true milestone both for the Sikh community and the region as a whole.
"A project of this size can only have been possible with the unstinting support of the entire congregation both in terms of finances and the many hours that people have devoted to make this dream a reality."
Plans to build the four-storey building began in 2000 with a pledge from 240 families to raise £1 million.
The overall scheme has cost £11 million - completely funded by the area's Sikh community.
Lead architect Phillida Turrell from MPC, the building's designers, said: "Every part of this project has been a real challenge - on the plans I had to draw in every single block.
"But when you stand in front of the Gurdwara Sahib and see it in all its glory, then it all becomes worth it.
"It's been a great project to work on."
But not everyone has reacted positively to the new building.
An ongoing debate on the Courier's blog recently received the following post from an anonymous reader: "It's totally unnecessary for it to be so big and its completely out of place in its surroundings. Walking in the car park of Sainsbury's makes me feel like I'm in a scene from Aladdin."
Another reader wrote: "I think is a blooming eyesore. Why do we have to have such a building in Royal Leamington Spa?
"Have one by all means, but this size is ridiculous, whoever paid for it.
"It should never have been passed and I feel like I am in the middle of India, not England. It is a disgrace!"
But others have defended the temple. One blog contributor pointed out that the structure was entirely funded by the Sikh community, adding: "If it was a Christian church people would not be kicking up such a fuss."
Another wrote: "Most people from Leamington and Warwick would have grown up with Sikh friends or colleagues and know they have the same ideals as the rest of us.
"Perhaps its detractors should look in the mirror and do some soul-searching on how they stain the beauty of this planet, let alone Royal Leamington Spa."
What do you think about the new Sikh temple? Post a comment on the Courier blog at www.theleamingtoncourier.blogspot.com Alternatively, email editorial@leamingtoncourier.co.uk
or call 457737.
The temple's official opening ceremony will begin with prayers on Sunday at 9am, followed by events all day until 6.30pm.
People can join in a procession through south Leamington and Whitnash between 11am and 3pm and there will be tours of the temple and food and drink.
Celebrations will continue every day until Monday November 2, including Khalsa kids' club, film screenings, talks and a fireworks display.
A crew from the Sikh Channel will be paying a visit to broadcast live on television.
For a full programme of events, visit www.gurdwara-leamingtonandwarwick.co.uk or call 424297.
Anyone who cannot make it on Sunday can still take part in a free tour on Saturdays between 10am and 3pm between November 7 and December 5.
Email tours@gurdwara-leamingtonandwarwick.co.uk
with thanks : source : http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/newsl/Leamingtons-11m-Sikh-Temple-ready.5758953.jp
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Dal Khalsa gives Punjab shutdown call on Nov 3
Amritsar, Oct 23 (PTI) Radical Sikh organisation Dal Khalsa today gave a call for a complete shutdown in Punjab on November three to mark the 25th anniversary of 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and elsewhere.
"The objective of the shutdown call is to express anguish against" the riots and "expose" the "denial of justice" to the victims besides paying homage to those killed, its spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh told reporters here.
The Khalsa Action Committee (KAC), a conglomerate of various Sikh outfits, endorsed the call and said "only essential and emergency services including medical services will be allowed during the total shutdown".
with thanks : source : http://www.ptinews.com/news/345170_Dal-Khalsa-gives-Punjab-shutdown-call-on-Nov-3#
SikhsIndia
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www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
"The objective of the shutdown call is to express anguish against" the riots and "expose" the "denial of justice" to the victims besides paying homage to those killed, its spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh told reporters here.
The Khalsa Action Committee (KAC), a conglomerate of various Sikh outfits, endorsed the call and said "only essential and emergency services including medical services will be allowed during the total shutdown".
with thanks : source : http://www.ptinews.com/news/345170_Dal-Khalsa-gives-Punjab-shutdown-call-on-Nov-3#
SikhsIndia
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www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Army welcomes Sikh recruit
By Julia Duin on Oct. 23, 2009 into Belief Blog
Sikhs, which are one of the world's least-understood religious groups because of their signature turbans, have long been barred from U.S. military service because they insist on wearing these turbans over a long unshorn braid of hair plus a beard. This does not square easily with the Army's insistence on crewcuts for clean-shaven men.
Several Sikh media organizations sent out a press release Friday about a Sikh officer, Captain Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, whom the Army just agreed can keep his religious regalia. He is a New Jersey doctor who was recruited to join the Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program several years ago. He maintained his turban throughout his 8 years of medical education, which included specialized Army training, attendance at Army ceremonies and work in military medical facilities.
In June, he was told that he must remove his turban and cut his hair to begin active duty. He appealed that decision and Friday, the Army agreed he was right. Read the press release here from the Sikh Coalition, which adds some interesting details on how 49 members of Congress petitioned the Army to relent. There is also a Sikh dentist involved who is also asking the Army to change its policy.
Sikhs have been ultra-rare in America's armed forces since the 1980s when the Army revised its dress code concerning the wearing of religious articles. It's a mystery why it's taken the Army so long to change on this, as the Canadians - including the Mounties - and the British allow turbaned Sikhs to serve as active duty military.
- Julia Duin, religion editor
with thanks : source : http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/belief-blog/2009/oct/23/army-welcomes-sikh-recruit/#
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Sikhs, which are one of the world's least-understood religious groups because of their signature turbans, have long been barred from U.S. military service because they insist on wearing these turbans over a long unshorn braid of hair plus a beard. This does not square easily with the Army's insistence on crewcuts for clean-shaven men.
Several Sikh media organizations sent out a press release Friday about a Sikh officer, Captain Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, whom the Army just agreed can keep his religious regalia. He is a New Jersey doctor who was recruited to join the Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program several years ago. He maintained his turban throughout his 8 years of medical education, which included specialized Army training, attendance at Army ceremonies and work in military medical facilities.
In June, he was told that he must remove his turban and cut his hair to begin active duty. He appealed that decision and Friday, the Army agreed he was right. Read the press release here from the Sikh Coalition, which adds some interesting details on how 49 members of Congress petitioned the Army to relent. There is also a Sikh dentist involved who is also asking the Army to change its policy.
Sikhs have been ultra-rare in America's armed forces since the 1980s when the Army revised its dress code concerning the wearing of religious articles. It's a mystery why it's taken the Army so long to change on this, as the Canadians - including the Mounties - and the British allow turbaned Sikhs to serve as active duty military.
- Julia Duin, religion editor
with thanks : source : http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/belief-blog/2009/oct/23/army-welcomes-sikh-recruit/#
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sikh Matrimonial : Sikh Boys & Girls
Please view the Matrimonial profiles of Sikh boys & Sikh Girls on our
Sikh web portal http://www.sohnijodi.com/
Some of the recent postings are being mentioned below :
S S Malhotra, Chartered accountant, born 1983;
Balkar singh, Software engineer in MNC, persuing MBA IT;
Dr. J S Kapur, MBBS, born 1982;
S S Ahluwalia, Businessman, born 1983;
P S Ahuja, BCA, DNIIT, born 1982;
Karandeep Malik, Software engineer, born 1983;
M S Pannu, M Phil topper, Lecturer;
Gurmeet singh, BE, MBA;
Lakhvinder singh, B. Tech;
Please log on to http://www.sohnijodi.com/ to view these and many more
sikh matrimonial profiles. Please feel free to add your profile with / without a pic.
Punjabi village in USA all set for annual Sikh parade
Yuba City (California): Yuba City, known as the first Punjabi village in the US, is all set for the annual Sikh Parade next week.
Home to the descendants of the earliest Indian immigrants to the US, Yuba City, near the California capital of Sacramento, is famous for its annual Sikh Parade. Over 75,000 Sikhs from around the world are expected to attend the 30th anniversary of the parade next week.
The parade is organized to mark the day of the installation of the Sikh scripture of the Guru Granth. The festivities will begin Friday (Oct 30) with the start of the non-stop recitation of the Granth at the city's main Sikh Temple in the morning. The evening will end with a spectacular display of fireworks to be attended by main leaders of the city.
"It is the Sikh way of saying thank-you to the local community,'' said Balraj Singh Dhillon, president of the Sikh Temple.
The next day, the Sikh community will hold an 'Open House' with elected officials, dignitaries and ordinary citizens.
"We will present Cultural Safari, is a 17-minute video, to educate leaders, school children, teachers and administrators about what it means to be a Sikh American,'' said city surgeon Jasbir Singh Kang.
Sikh scholar I.J. Singh, who has written many books on Sikhism from a western perspective, will also enlighten the audience about the Sikh religion.
Upon the completion of its non-stop reading (or akhand path), the holy Granth will be installed on a lavishly decorated float and take through the streets of Yuba City.
Thousands are expected to follow the Guru Granth Sahib in a procession.
The organizers said 50 floats depicting Sikh history and culture will be part of the parade, expected to extend up to four and a half miles.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the parade, the Sikh community has decided to launch a "massive'' food drive to collect food items for the poor and needy.
"As part of our food drive, 250,000 meals will be prepared and distributed to the needy to show our tradition of caring and sharing,'' said Kang.
with thanks : source : http://www.samaylive.com/
Home to the descendants of the earliest Indian immigrants to the US, Yuba City, near the California capital of Sacramento, is famous for its annual Sikh Parade. Over 75,000 Sikhs from around the world are expected to attend the 30th anniversary of the parade next week.
The parade is organized to mark the day of the installation of the Sikh scripture of the Guru Granth. The festivities will begin Friday (Oct 30) with the start of the non-stop recitation of the Granth at the city's main Sikh Temple in the morning. The evening will end with a spectacular display of fireworks to be attended by main leaders of the city.
"It is the Sikh way of saying thank-you to the local community,'' said Balraj Singh Dhillon, president of the Sikh Temple.
The next day, the Sikh community will hold an 'Open House' with elected officials, dignitaries and ordinary citizens.
"We will present Cultural Safari, is a 17-minute video, to educate leaders, school children, teachers and administrators about what it means to be a Sikh American,'' said city surgeon Jasbir Singh Kang.
Sikh scholar I.J. Singh, who has written many books on Sikhism from a western perspective, will also enlighten the audience about the Sikh religion.
Upon the completion of its non-stop reading (or akhand path), the holy Granth will be installed on a lavishly decorated float and take through the streets of Yuba City.
Thousands are expected to follow the Guru Granth Sahib in a procession.
The organizers said 50 floats depicting Sikh history and culture will be part of the parade, expected to extend up to four and a half miles.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the parade, the Sikh community has decided to launch a "massive'' food drive to collect food items for the poor and needy.
"As part of our food drive, 250,000 meals will be prepared and distributed to the needy to show our tradition of caring and sharing,'' said Kang.
with thanks : source : http://www.samaylive.com/
Little India in Kent, Washington
There was a time when I participated in the office potlucks, and while my coworkers enjoyed their favorite Indian dish they would always ask me for recipe. Most of the stores where we bought our ingredients were in Canada at that time. And aside from the drive there was the hassle we would face at the customs.
Times have changed since then. We now have a lot of Indian grocery stores here in 'Little India,' and new ones are opening up every few months. It really reminds me of India. Then, whenever a special guest would visit us; we had to run out to the store and pick up some sweets or Indian samosas from the sweet shop. Things are similar here nowadays. Some evenings I walk to the Indian market. While we stroll along the shops we often sit at 'Pabla Indian Cuisine' to enjoy a snack. My son loves Samosa burger more than the regular burger!
So much has changed, really. The recent report in the Seattle Times: "Kent School District joins trend of minority students outnumbering whites" reflects this trend. The Kent School District this year became the seventh Seattle-area district in which minority students outnumber white students. It's part of a demographic shift that's happening in districts across Washington and the nation.
While the Indian community evolves into a major community, so are the Indian businesses growing in great numbers.
A fairly decent shop is within the walls of Sikh Gurudwara Sahib in Renton. It is run by Kundan Singh. He sells all the needs of the Sikh community including the Kanga (the wooden comb used to massage the scalp as it combs the hair), Kara (the Sikh iron bangle), Kirpan (the Sikh sword), Kachera (the military undergarment). These are part of the 5 K's mandated by Guru Gobind Singh for every Sikh. He also sells, various books, music tapes and disks, turbans, etc. Kundan Singh said that although it is within the Gurudwara Sahib it is not supported by the Gurudwara Management.
"Although we have accepted the fast American way of life, we can't adapt to the American food" said one gentleman. "And above all Indian food is healthy and nutritious. It is the American way to eat a fast breakfast which may include bread or cereal. Indians prefer good Indian food for dinner which has to be soothing and healthy. We want our kitchen to smell spicy in the evening."
Turmeric Powder has been known to be a miracle golden powder. It has been used in Indian food for centuries. Yet recently, science has accepted its benefits as an anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory agent. Although it sells expensively in health stores it is one of the ubiquitous spices found in Indian stores. And the price is fairly cheap!
Contributed by:
Aasra Magazine:
“Connecting Communities”
Email: Aasra@q.com
Phone: 206-550-3154
SikhsIndia
Spreading awareness
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Times have changed since then. We now have a lot of Indian grocery stores here in 'Little India,' and new ones are opening up every few months. It really reminds me of India. Then, whenever a special guest would visit us; we had to run out to the store and pick up some sweets or Indian samosas from the sweet shop. Things are similar here nowadays. Some evenings I walk to the Indian market. While we stroll along the shops we often sit at 'Pabla Indian Cuisine' to enjoy a snack. My son loves Samosa burger more than the regular burger!
So much has changed, really. The recent report in the Seattle Times: "Kent School District joins trend of minority students outnumbering whites" reflects this trend. The Kent School District this year became the seventh Seattle-area district in which minority students outnumber white students. It's part of a demographic shift that's happening in districts across Washington and the nation.
While the Indian community evolves into a major community, so are the Indian businesses growing in great numbers.
A fairly decent shop is within the walls of Sikh Gurudwara Sahib in Renton. It is run by Kundan Singh. He sells all the needs of the Sikh community including the Kanga (the wooden comb used to massage the scalp as it combs the hair), Kara (the Sikh iron bangle), Kirpan (the Sikh sword), Kachera (the military undergarment). These are part of the 5 K's mandated by Guru Gobind Singh for every Sikh. He also sells, various books, music tapes and disks, turbans, etc. Kundan Singh said that although it is within the Gurudwara Sahib it is not supported by the Gurudwara Management.
"Although we have accepted the fast American way of life, we can't adapt to the American food" said one gentleman. "And above all Indian food is healthy and nutritious. It is the American way to eat a fast breakfast which may include bread or cereal. Indians prefer good Indian food for dinner which has to be soothing and healthy. We want our kitchen to smell spicy in the evening."
Turmeric Powder has been known to be a miracle golden powder. It has been used in Indian food for centuries. Yet recently, science has accepted its benefits as an anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory agent. Although it sells expensively in health stores it is one of the ubiquitous spices found in Indian stores. And the price is fairly cheap!
Contributed by:
Aasra Magazine:
“Connecting Communities”
Email: Aasra@q.com
Phone: 206-550-3154
SikhsIndia
Spreading awareness
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Real Life Super Hero: Harbhajan Singh Aulakh
Sports lovers around the world may associate the name ‘Harbhajan Singh' with cricket, but a grand old athlete from Melbourne, Australia, may soon become the more recognizable sports personality with that name!
77-year old Harbhajan Singh Aulakh is competing at the World Masters Games being held in Sydney and is tipped to be one of the more successful veteran athletes in the world.
He has competed in seven events so far and has already won three gold, three silver and one bronze medal. With another six events still to come, who know what the final tally might be!!
Earlier this year in February-March, Harbhajan Singh won six gold medals at the 12th Australian Masters Games held in Geelong (Victoria) and since then, he had his sights set at the upcoming World Masters in Sydney.
At the Australian Masters, he was to compete in 11 events, but unfortunately a muscle pull forced him to withdraw after six events. He says ruefully,"I had to forfeit my pet events because of the muscle pull, otherwise I would have won many more gold medals at the Australian Masters. But as a result of that, I've practiced and trained really hard during the last few months. I know exactly what my competition is and I know how to beat them. So I'm taking part in 13 events at the World Masters in Sydney".
Amazingly, he had won a gold medal in every event that he participated in at the Australian Masters, and even in Sydney, he has kept up the winning streak by winning a medal at every event so far.
He is participating in 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 5000m Walk, 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Steeple Chase, Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump.
Migrating to Australia just over two years ago and proudly displaying the Australian flag at the World Masters tournament, Harbhajan Singh says, "I've made Punjabis and Indians happy all my life; this time round, I want to make the Australians happy by winning medals for them."
Sardar Harbhajan Singh is a simple soul who describes himself as an "illiterate village bumpkin"; but the great spirit and determination that he embodies could as easily be described as essentially Punjabi or quintessentially Australian!
"Nobody has ever paid or sponsored me to compete at any event, whether nationally or internationally. I've done it all at my own expense, because I love competing and I don't want to rely on any one's generosity," he says.
Prior to the Sydney tournament, he had won 68 medals (of which a whopping 43 are gold) in national and international events, including the Asian Games and previous World Masters Games.
An accomplished hockey player in his heyday and a school teacher in the prime of his life, he began participating at veterans events since 1981 and has never looked back since. He has won medals in Malaysia, UK, Australia and many other countries apart from India, always paying his own way to the tournaments.
Born on June 16, 1932 in district Gurdaspur of Punjab, he was involved in sports right from his early childhood years. He recalls that back in the old days when he was a youngster competing at various sporting events around Punjab, the winners weren't presented with medals - instead, they won utensils (pots or pans) made of copper or brass!
With a laugh he told me that his mother was most pleased when he won a competition because he would bring home shiny new pots and pans! As an incentive, she would make special "sweet water" for him - just jaggery mixed in water - and goad him on to win more competitions, so her kitchen would be the envy of every other woman in Punjab!
"I collected many utensils in my younger days, thanks to that ‘sweet water'", laughed Harbhajan Singh.
That's the simplicity of this man, who credits his remarkable success in the track field to two women - his mother and his wife. Deeply grateful to the Almighty for his spectacular success, he is also proud of his Melbourne-based son, who provides him with complete financial support, giving him the ability to compete world wide.
"Its not easy to continue doing this, both personally and financially. But I know that if I want to continue, my son wouldn't hesitate in supporting me", he says.
Young at heart, and youthful in his outlook, Harbhajan Singh prefers the company of youngsters. "I may be 77 years old, but my mind tells me, I'm still very young. When I go to tournaments, I prefer to stay with young athletes rather than with the older coaches. I find that I learn a lot from youngsters, from their technique, as well as from their outlook".
Whether or not he becomes the better known Harbhajan Singh in the world of sport, he may soon be rightfully called Australia's own Fauja Singh. And as his medal tally continues to grow in Sydney, Harbhajan is an inspiration to all - that any one can achieve anything, at any age, at any world stage, as long as they put in the required hard work and have the right attitude in life.
Editor's Note: S. Harbhajan Singh's final tally is 10 medals: 4 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze. He picked up a gold yesterday and a silver and bronze today, even though he had pulled a muscle during his second-last event. He will not be competing in the final two events that were slated for today. But its a rich harvest of 10 medals, and we congatulate him for it. (Oct 18, 2009)
with thanks : source : By : Manpreet kaur singh www.sikhchic.com
SikhsIndia
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http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
77-year old Harbhajan Singh Aulakh is competing at the World Masters Games being held in Sydney and is tipped to be one of the more successful veteran athletes in the world.
He has competed in seven events so far and has already won three gold, three silver and one bronze medal. With another six events still to come, who know what the final tally might be!!
Earlier this year in February-March, Harbhajan Singh won six gold medals at the 12th Australian Masters Games held in Geelong (Victoria) and since then, he had his sights set at the upcoming World Masters in Sydney.
At the Australian Masters, he was to compete in 11 events, but unfortunately a muscle pull forced him to withdraw after six events. He says ruefully,"I had to forfeit my pet events because of the muscle pull, otherwise I would have won many more gold medals at the Australian Masters. But as a result of that, I've practiced and trained really hard during the last few months. I know exactly what my competition is and I know how to beat them. So I'm taking part in 13 events at the World Masters in Sydney".
Amazingly, he had won a gold medal in every event that he participated in at the Australian Masters, and even in Sydney, he has kept up the winning streak by winning a medal at every event so far.
He is participating in 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 5000m Walk, 100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, Steeple Chase, Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump.
Migrating to Australia just over two years ago and proudly displaying the Australian flag at the World Masters tournament, Harbhajan Singh says, "I've made Punjabis and Indians happy all my life; this time round, I want to make the Australians happy by winning medals for them."
Sardar Harbhajan Singh is a simple soul who describes himself as an "illiterate village bumpkin"; but the great spirit and determination that he embodies could as easily be described as essentially Punjabi or quintessentially Australian!
"Nobody has ever paid or sponsored me to compete at any event, whether nationally or internationally. I've done it all at my own expense, because I love competing and I don't want to rely on any one's generosity," he says.
Prior to the Sydney tournament, he had won 68 medals (of which a whopping 43 are gold) in national and international events, including the Asian Games and previous World Masters Games.
An accomplished hockey player in his heyday and a school teacher in the prime of his life, he began participating at veterans events since 1981 and has never looked back since. He has won medals in Malaysia, UK, Australia and many other countries apart from India, always paying his own way to the tournaments.
Born on June 16, 1932 in district Gurdaspur of Punjab, he was involved in sports right from his early childhood years. He recalls that back in the old days when he was a youngster competing at various sporting events around Punjab, the winners weren't presented with medals - instead, they won utensils (pots or pans) made of copper or brass!
With a laugh he told me that his mother was most pleased when he won a competition because he would bring home shiny new pots and pans! As an incentive, she would make special "sweet water" for him - just jaggery mixed in water - and goad him on to win more competitions, so her kitchen would be the envy of every other woman in Punjab!
"I collected many utensils in my younger days, thanks to that ‘sweet water'", laughed Harbhajan Singh.
That's the simplicity of this man, who credits his remarkable success in the track field to two women - his mother and his wife. Deeply grateful to the Almighty for his spectacular success, he is also proud of his Melbourne-based son, who provides him with complete financial support, giving him the ability to compete world wide.
"Its not easy to continue doing this, both personally and financially. But I know that if I want to continue, my son wouldn't hesitate in supporting me", he says.
Young at heart, and youthful in his outlook, Harbhajan Singh prefers the company of youngsters. "I may be 77 years old, but my mind tells me, I'm still very young. When I go to tournaments, I prefer to stay with young athletes rather than with the older coaches. I find that I learn a lot from youngsters, from their technique, as well as from their outlook".
Whether or not he becomes the better known Harbhajan Singh in the world of sport, he may soon be rightfully called Australia's own Fauja Singh. And as his medal tally continues to grow in Sydney, Harbhajan is an inspiration to all - that any one can achieve anything, at any age, at any world stage, as long as they put in the required hard work and have the right attitude in life.
Editor's Note: S. Harbhajan Singh's final tally is 10 medals: 4 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze. He picked up a gold yesterday and a silver and bronze today, even though he had pulled a muscle during his second-last event. He will not be competing in the final two events that were slated for today. But its a rich harvest of 10 medals, and we congatulate him for it. (Oct 18, 2009)
with thanks : source : By : Manpreet kaur singh www.sikhchic.com
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
SIKHS Complain to BBC Trust for Misuse of Sikh Insignia
Press Release: 22nd October 2009 8th Katik (Samvat 541 Nanakshahi)
Press Release
SIKHS Complain to BBC Trust for Misuse of Sikh Insignia
The Khanda, a Sikh Religious Insignia
Questions Put to the BBC in the UNITED SIKHS letter
What, if any, checks did the BBC news reporter and producer make to ascertain the nature and significance of the Khanda to the Sikh community, before it was used?
What was the reason for using the Khanda in the report? Have you have used the Cross or the Crescent and Star whenever you report on Christians and Muslims committing offences?
Why was it necessary to mention the Sikh religion in a crime report and why did the producer allow the link?
What training does the BBC provide its staff to familiarise them with religious insignia so that there is no abuse that could lead to community tensions?
Does the BBC accept that the irresponsible use of the Khanda in the said news report could increase community tensions and that it can lead to incitement of religious hatred?
What measures will be taken to appease the Sikh community so that the said report, is not misconstrued by the Sikh community as a deliberate attempt to insult them?
Will the BBC produce specific positive documentaries on the Sikh faith to mitigate the effect of the insulting use of the Khanda and the insulting link of the crimes to the Sikh religion?
How will the BBC ensure that this and such incidents do not recur?
Is the BBC prepared to publically apologise to the Sikh community, without parading the offending news item to ensure that the rape victim would not have to relive the memory of the report nor that the Sikh community would be insulted again?
London, UK - UNITED SIKHS complained today to the Chairman of the BBC Trust for the misuse of the Khanda, a Sikh religious insignia, in BBC’s news reports last week on the sentencing of three men for heinous rape crimes.
The Sikh community had been very shocked and saddened by a BBC news report, on Friday 16th Oct 2009, about a Sikh rape victim from Wales, who had suffered prolonged abuse at the hands of those she would expect to be protected by, especially from such a young age.
It was, therefore, a double blow for the Sikh community when they saw the irresponsible use, by the BBC in the same news report, of a Sikh religious insignia, the Khanda, and the suggestion that the Sikh religion was connected to the crimes.
The news report had ‘victimised’ the entire Sikh community when the BBC used the Khanda, which is no less significant than the Cross, when they showed the convicted men, whose faces were darkened to protect the identity of the rape victim.
Further, the report, by innuendo, maligned the Sikh community as it made references to the Sikh religion, which had no relevance to the rape incidents. The community felt as though the reporter was trying to link the Sikh religion to the incidents.
The Khanda is a sacred symbol that symbolizes eternity and righteousness and is commonly seen at Sikh Gurdwaras and on the Sikh flag- the Nishaan Sahib.
“What was the reason for using the Khanda in the report? Have you have used the Cross or the Crescent and Star whenever you report on Christians and Muslims committing offences?” Mejindarpal Kaur, UNITED SIKHS legal director, asked in the letter to the BBC Trust.
“Does the BBC accept that the irresponsible use of the Khanda in the said news report could increase community tension and that it can lead to incitement of religious hatred?” she said in the letter, which was also copied to the National Community Tension Team (NCTT), set up by the Association of Chief Police Officers, ACPO. We have requested an urgent meeting with the BBC to address the Sikh community’s concerns.
On seeing the Khanda used in the above-mentioned way, the Sikh community had immediately started a national ‘text’ campaign to contact the BBC for the removal of the Khanda from the news item.
“We were contacted by hurt and irate Sikh youths who said something should be done about this outrageous misuse of the Khanda by the BBC in a flagrant disregard to the religious sensitivities of Sikhs,” said Mejindarpal Kaur.
UNITED SIKHS has asked the BBC to investigate how this irresponsible act was allowed to happen when Sikhs have lived in the UK for many years and the Khanda is a well known Sikh insignia. You may read the letter here.
You may read a previous press release on our efforts to create awareness and understanding of Sikh religious rights at http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PR-15-10-2009.html
UNITED SIKHS encourages the Sikh community to exercise their freedom of religion fearlessly, and to contact us with any problems, concerns, or incidents of discrimination.
Issued by:
Rishipal Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
Phone: 07709830442
Press Release
SIKHS Complain to BBC Trust for Misuse of Sikh Insignia
The Khanda, a Sikh Religious Insignia
Questions Put to the BBC in the UNITED SIKHS letter
What, if any, checks did the BBC news reporter and producer make to ascertain the nature and significance of the Khanda to the Sikh community, before it was used?
What was the reason for using the Khanda in the report? Have you have used the Cross or the Crescent and Star whenever you report on Christians and Muslims committing offences?
Why was it necessary to mention the Sikh religion in a crime report and why did the producer allow the link?
What training does the BBC provide its staff to familiarise them with religious insignia so that there is no abuse that could lead to community tensions?
Does the BBC accept that the irresponsible use of the Khanda in the said news report could increase community tensions and that it can lead to incitement of religious hatred?
What measures will be taken to appease the Sikh community so that the said report, is not misconstrued by the Sikh community as a deliberate attempt to insult them?
Will the BBC produce specific positive documentaries on the Sikh faith to mitigate the effect of the insulting use of the Khanda and the insulting link of the crimes to the Sikh religion?
How will the BBC ensure that this and such incidents do not recur?
Is the BBC prepared to publically apologise to the Sikh community, without parading the offending news item to ensure that the rape victim would not have to relive the memory of the report nor that the Sikh community would be insulted again?
London, UK - UNITED SIKHS complained today to the Chairman of the BBC Trust for the misuse of the Khanda, a Sikh religious insignia, in BBC’s news reports last week on the sentencing of three men for heinous rape crimes.
The Sikh community had been very shocked and saddened by a BBC news report, on Friday 16th Oct 2009, about a Sikh rape victim from Wales, who had suffered prolonged abuse at the hands of those she would expect to be protected by, especially from such a young age.
It was, therefore, a double blow for the Sikh community when they saw the irresponsible use, by the BBC in the same news report, of a Sikh religious insignia, the Khanda, and the suggestion that the Sikh religion was connected to the crimes.
The news report had ‘victimised’ the entire Sikh community when the BBC used the Khanda, which is no less significant than the Cross, when they showed the convicted men, whose faces were darkened to protect the identity of the rape victim.
Further, the report, by innuendo, maligned the Sikh community as it made references to the Sikh religion, which had no relevance to the rape incidents. The community felt as though the reporter was trying to link the Sikh religion to the incidents.
The Khanda is a sacred symbol that symbolizes eternity and righteousness and is commonly seen at Sikh Gurdwaras and on the Sikh flag- the Nishaan Sahib.
“What was the reason for using the Khanda in the report? Have you have used the Cross or the Crescent and Star whenever you report on Christians and Muslims committing offences?” Mejindarpal Kaur, UNITED SIKHS legal director, asked in the letter to the BBC Trust.
“Does the BBC accept that the irresponsible use of the Khanda in the said news report could increase community tension and that it can lead to incitement of religious hatred?” she said in the letter, which was also copied to the National Community Tension Team (NCTT), set up by the Association of Chief Police Officers, ACPO. We have requested an urgent meeting with the BBC to address the Sikh community’s concerns.
On seeing the Khanda used in the above-mentioned way, the Sikh community had immediately started a national ‘text’ campaign to contact the BBC for the removal of the Khanda from the news item.
“We were contacted by hurt and irate Sikh youths who said something should be done about this outrageous misuse of the Khanda by the BBC in a flagrant disregard to the religious sensitivities of Sikhs,” said Mejindarpal Kaur.
UNITED SIKHS has asked the BBC to investigate how this irresponsible act was allowed to happen when Sikhs have lived in the UK for many years and the Khanda is a well known Sikh insignia. You may read the letter here.
You may read a previous press release on our efforts to create awareness and understanding of Sikh religious rights at http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PR-15-10-2009.html
UNITED SIKHS encourages the Sikh community to exercise their freedom of religion fearlessly, and to contact us with any problems, concerns, or incidents of discrimination.
Issued by:
Rishipal Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
Phone: 07709830442
Thursday, October 22, 2009
US prejudice : 9/11 fears put Sikhs on scare list with Muslims
Washington, DC - On 16th October, the civil rights concerns of the Sikh American community were featured on RT--an international English-language news channel broadcast to more than 200 million viewers in 100 countries on five continents throughout the world.
especially after 9/11 when the anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States was growing. According to a recent poll, 40% of Americans admitted to have a prejudice against Muslims. Oftentimes because of Sikhs' turbans, they get mistaken for Muslims and end up becoming targets for hate crimes, work place discrimination, and racial profiling at airports. Today, because of their turbans, Sikhs still can't enlist in the U.S. army and in some states they can't teach in public schools.
with thanks : youtube.com
contributed by : Dr. P S Puri, USA
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
especially after 9/11 when the anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States was growing. According to a recent poll, 40% of Americans admitted to have a prejudice against Muslims. Oftentimes because of Sikhs' turbans, they get mistaken for Muslims and end up becoming targets for hate crimes, work place discrimination, and racial profiling at airports. Today, because of their turbans, Sikhs still can't enlist in the U.S. army and in some states they can't teach in public schools.
with thanks : youtube.com
contributed by : Dr. P S Puri, USA
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
US allows Sikh security officers to wear turban and beard
PTI 21 October 2009, 11:41am IST
WASHINGTON: Sikhs in US will be allowed to serve in uniform with their beards and turbans under a legal settlement reached with the US Department of
Homeland Security, a Sikh advocacy group claimed on Wednesday.
In a statement, Sikh Coalition said the Department of Homeland Security has agreed to pay Raghbir Singh, a Sikh who wears a beard and turban in accordance with his religious beliefs, monetary damages for his wrongful termination in 2005.
"Holding the federal government accountable for discriminating against Sikhs sends a strong message to private employers. If the government includes Sikh-Americans in its workforce, it should encourage other employers to do the same," said Harsimran Kaur, legal director, Sikh Coalition.
"Beyond monetary recognition, we're pleased the government recognised the need to edit its policies to accommodate for religious differences," said Khari Tillery, who represented Singh along with the Sikh Coalition and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.
"Singh's turban and beard did not affect his ability to perform his job duties and he was an exemplary employee," he argued.
Singh is a former contracted federal security guard who was fired from his Fresno post in 2005 when his supervisors reported that his beard and religious turban failed to comply with homeland security uniform.
with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-allows-Sikh-security-officers-to-wear-turban-and-beard/articleshow/5144375.cms
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
WASHINGTON: Sikhs in US will be allowed to serve in uniform with their beards and turbans under a legal settlement reached with the US Department of
Homeland Security, a Sikh advocacy group claimed on Wednesday.
In a statement, Sikh Coalition said the Department of Homeland Security has agreed to pay Raghbir Singh, a Sikh who wears a beard and turban in accordance with his religious beliefs, monetary damages for his wrongful termination in 2005.
"Holding the federal government accountable for discriminating against Sikhs sends a strong message to private employers. If the government includes Sikh-Americans in its workforce, it should encourage other employers to do the same," said Harsimran Kaur, legal director, Sikh Coalition.
"Beyond monetary recognition, we're pleased the government recognised the need to edit its policies to accommodate for religious differences," said Khari Tillery, who represented Singh along with the Sikh Coalition and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.
"Singh's turban and beard did not affect his ability to perform his job duties and he was an exemplary employee," he argued.
Singh is a former contracted federal security guard who was fired from his Fresno post in 2005 when his supervisors reported that his beard and religious turban failed to comply with homeland security uniform.
with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-allows-Sikh-security-officers-to-wear-turban-and-beard/articleshow/5144375.cms
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
Sikh Brother To Meet Muslim Sister After 62 Years
Srinagar, Oct 21: Separated in early childhood from his sister in the violent upheaval in Muzaffarabad during Kashmir’s division 62 years ago, an elderly Sikh is keenly awaiting a reunion through the cross-LoC bus.
For Gurcharan Singh Ransi, who still carries fond memories of his native town in the other part of Kashmir, Thursday is a day ordained directly by providence, for he would be traveling to Muzaffarabad to meet his sister whom he has not seen for the last 62 years.
Ransi has lived most of his grown-up life in Jammu, and is presently in Srinagar for the highly anticipated trip that has materialized after years of trying. As a child in the Bandi Jamadaar area of Muzaffarabad, Ransi had witnessed the upheaval in that part of the state when India landed its troops in Kashmir on October 27, 1947 after the tribal invasion from Pakistan areas.
The events that followed tore families apart, with nearly 500 households leaving behind loved ones as they fled the chaos, turmoil and violence in a bid to save their lives. Young Ransi was among the droves of Sikhs and Hindus that fled Muzaffarabad during the bloody period, tragically severed from his beloved sister whom the family could not take along.
The long years of separation have only intensified his yearning to meet his lost sibling, who, according to Ransi, has since embraced Islam and adopted the name of Reshma Begum. Heartbreaking tales of this nature are legion in the partitioned subcontinent, and Ransi may be among the lucky ones getting finally to see a long separated family member. And the tears in his eyes at the mention of his sister bridge the gap of decades and the divides created by borders and faiths.
with thanks : Source : http://www.kashmirobserver.net
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
For Gurcharan Singh Ransi, who still carries fond memories of his native town in the other part of Kashmir, Thursday is a day ordained directly by providence, for he would be traveling to Muzaffarabad to meet his sister whom he has not seen for the last 62 years.
Ransi has lived most of his grown-up life in Jammu, and is presently in Srinagar for the highly anticipated trip that has materialized after years of trying. As a child in the Bandi Jamadaar area of Muzaffarabad, Ransi had witnessed the upheaval in that part of the state when India landed its troops in Kashmir on October 27, 1947 after the tribal invasion from Pakistan areas.
The events that followed tore families apart, with nearly 500 households leaving behind loved ones as they fled the chaos, turmoil and violence in a bid to save their lives. Young Ransi was among the droves of Sikhs and Hindus that fled Muzaffarabad during the bloody period, tragically severed from his beloved sister whom the family could not take along.
The long years of separation have only intensified his yearning to meet his lost sibling, who, according to Ransi, has since embraced Islam and adopted the name of Reshma Begum. Heartbreaking tales of this nature are legion in the partitioned subcontinent, and Ransi may be among the lucky ones getting finally to see a long separated family member. And the tears in his eyes at the mention of his sister bridge the gap of decades and the divides created by borders and faiths.
with thanks : Source : http://www.kashmirobserver.net
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
IAS officer used riot-victims’ funds to pay power bills
Shruti Setia Chhabra, TNN 20 October 2009, 03:56am IST
CHANDIGARH: Funds marked for 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims used to pay electricity bills of a Punjab cadre IAS officer!
Information procured under the RTI Act has revealed that Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, when posted as additional deputy commissioner (development) Ludhiana, in 2002, had abused her position to divert the riots victims’ funds on September 11, 19 and 24 that year for paying power bills of her official residence.
Documents procured by NGO Resurgence India, a copy of which is with TOI, reveal that the officer made payments worth Rs 23,714 by projecting the expenses as those of her camp office (at her residence) even though there is no provision for it. Even if it is presumed that the officer was entitled to set up an office at her official residence, electricity bill of the entire premises — Kothi No. 1, Rose Garden, Ludhiana — could not be attributed to the camp office — the bill for which could not have been more than 5-10% of the total amount.
The documents reveal that the officer categorically certified, while approving the contingent bill for Rs 3,317.50, that, “The charges on account of electricity consumption/kerosene oil/telephone calls included in these bills are for bonafide purposes of rural development agency and not for private use.”
with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/-IAS-officer-used-riot-victims-funds-to-pay-power-bills/articleshow/5140361.cms
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
CHANDIGARH: Funds marked for 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims used to pay electricity bills of a Punjab cadre IAS officer!
Information procured under the RTI Act has revealed that Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, when posted as additional deputy commissioner (development) Ludhiana, in 2002, had abused her position to divert the riots victims’ funds on September 11, 19 and 24 that year for paying power bills of her official residence.
Documents procured by NGO Resurgence India, a copy of which is with TOI, reveal that the officer made payments worth Rs 23,714 by projecting the expenses as those of her camp office (at her residence) even though there is no provision for it. Even if it is presumed that the officer was entitled to set up an office at her official residence, electricity bill of the entire premises — Kothi No. 1, Rose Garden, Ludhiana — could not be attributed to the camp office — the bill for which could not have been more than 5-10% of the total amount.
The documents reveal that the officer categorically certified, while approving the contingent bill for Rs 3,317.50, that, “The charges on account of electricity consumption/kerosene oil/telephone calls included in these bills are for bonafide purposes of rural development agency and not for private use.”
with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/-IAS-officer-used-riot-victims-funds-to-pay-power-bills/articleshow/5140361.cms
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Disabled Sikh woman to skydive against fascism
London, Oct 19 (IANS) A feisty Indian-origin woman with cerebral palsy has announced plans to jump more than 14,000 feet from a plane to help raise funds for the fight against fascism in Britain.
Wheelchair-bound Rupy Kaur, 22, plans to carry out her skydiving feat Dec 6 in Lake District, a picturesque region in northwest England.
The psychology graduate of Manchester University said money raised from the act will go toward two of Britain’s best-known groups campaigning against fascism and racism – Searchlight and Hope Not Hate.
The move by Kaur, who is a disability activist, comes amid a recent surge in violent demonstrations by racist and anti-immigration groups in towns and cities with large non-white populations across Britain.
Kaur is particularly critical of the anti-immigration British National Party (BNP), which is the midst of a major controversy over a decision by BBC television to invite its leader to participate in a popular current affairs panel discussion show called Question Time this week.
“When I first heard of the BNP, I thought nobody would be that stupid as to vote for them. There have been many wars and nobody would want to incite hatred, would they?” Kaur says on the Hope Not Hate website.
“The sad fact is there are people who support them.”
The BNP has more than 50 elected representatives in local authorities all over Britain and two in the European Parliament.
Kaur, who takes her inspiration from Gandhi and declares pride in her Indian origin, said she comes from a family of fighters for justice: her grandfather had to fight prejudice and racism as a ragman in order to become a successful businessman.
Born with cerebral palsy, Kaur started her education in a special needs school but authorities were forced to admit her to a mainstream school following a campaign by her uncle.
Although she did not have a note-taker in lessons and was considered to be a ‘health and safety hazard’ – which meant she could not stay back in school without a support worker – she scored three A-grades in her 12th standard exams.
After finishing school, social services advised her to stay at home to do a ‘Learn Direct’ course but her cousin helped her “battle with them in order for me to study at Manchester” – one of Britain’s best universities.
“Gandhi once said, ‘We are the change we seek in the world.’ If you are proud to be British then I believe that you should stand against fascism,” said Kaur.
“This jump is a major thing for me.
“It would be awesome to know that people are supporting me and this cause so get your hands in your pockets … by doing so you’ll be making a positive difference in the world.”
Kaur can be sponsored on the website www.hopenothate.org.uk/skydive
(Dipankar De Sarkar can be contacted at dd.sarkar@ians.in)
with thanks : Source : IANS ; sindhtoday;
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
Wheelchair-bound Rupy Kaur, 22, plans to carry out her skydiving feat Dec 6 in Lake District, a picturesque region in northwest England.
The psychology graduate of Manchester University said money raised from the act will go toward two of Britain’s best-known groups campaigning against fascism and racism – Searchlight and Hope Not Hate.
The move by Kaur, who is a disability activist, comes amid a recent surge in violent demonstrations by racist and anti-immigration groups in towns and cities with large non-white populations across Britain.
Kaur is particularly critical of the anti-immigration British National Party (BNP), which is the midst of a major controversy over a decision by BBC television to invite its leader to participate in a popular current affairs panel discussion show called Question Time this week.
“When I first heard of the BNP, I thought nobody would be that stupid as to vote for them. There have been many wars and nobody would want to incite hatred, would they?” Kaur says on the Hope Not Hate website.
“The sad fact is there are people who support them.”
The BNP has more than 50 elected representatives in local authorities all over Britain and two in the European Parliament.
Kaur, who takes her inspiration from Gandhi and declares pride in her Indian origin, said she comes from a family of fighters for justice: her grandfather had to fight prejudice and racism as a ragman in order to become a successful businessman.
Born with cerebral palsy, Kaur started her education in a special needs school but authorities were forced to admit her to a mainstream school following a campaign by her uncle.
Although she did not have a note-taker in lessons and was considered to be a ‘health and safety hazard’ – which meant she could not stay back in school without a support worker – she scored three A-grades in her 12th standard exams.
After finishing school, social services advised her to stay at home to do a ‘Learn Direct’ course but her cousin helped her “battle with them in order for me to study at Manchester” – one of Britain’s best universities.
“Gandhi once said, ‘We are the change we seek in the world.’ If you are proud to be British then I believe that you should stand against fascism,” said Kaur.
“This jump is a major thing for me.
“It would be awesome to know that people are supporting me and this cause so get your hands in your pockets … by doing so you’ll be making a positive difference in the world.”
Kaur can be sponsored on the website www.hopenothate.org.uk/skydive
(Dipankar De Sarkar can be contacted at dd.sarkar@ians.in)
with thanks : Source : IANS ; sindhtoday;
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
51 Akhand paths Sukhasan vid by SikhsIndia
Plz view this VID of 51 Akhand paths Sukhasan. Though some prob in the vid. Plz bear with it.
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/ http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sikh clergy to scrap Nanakshahi calendar?
Varinder Singh
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 16In a move that could kick a storm in the entire Sikh world, the Sikh clergy is likely to give a re-thinking to the widely accepted Nanakshahi calendar even to the extent of its replacement with a new calendar in their bid to put an end to the long-standing dilemma over observance of important Sikh events.
The Nanakshahi calendar is a solar calendar which starts with the birth of the first Sikh Guru Nanak in 1469 and it has been in use in over 90 per cent gurdwaras across the world since 2003, when it was released at the Takht Damdama Sahib on the Baisakhi Day in presence of the then Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and the then SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar. Vedanti and Badungar, had got the first copies of calendar, which, however, was being opposed by a section of orthodox Sikh sects such as, the Sant Samaj and the Damdami Taksal.
The peculiar feature of the calendar was that since it was based on the length of the tropical solar year and not on the basis of the lunar cycle, the dates of important Sikh events did not fluctuate as was the case with the old lunar-based calendar. As of now, all important Sikh days, except for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, were being observed in accordance with the Nanakshahi calendar, which, was even recognised by the Punjab and the Central governments.
The fresh and controversial discussion, it was learnt, would be held in an emergency but, secret meeting of the Sikh clergy to be held at the Akal Takht tomorrow. The meeting would be presided over by the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and other Sikh high priests Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar of the Takht Damdama Sahib, Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar of the Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Iqbal Singh,Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, and Kulwant Singh, the Jathedar of the Takht Hazoor Sahib or one of his representatives were likely to participate in the meeting which, was likely to end up as a stormy affair as some of Jathedars could put up an opposition to the idea of revocation or change of calendar on the grounds that it was already duly recognised world over and by apex Sikh institutes like the Akal Takht and the SGPC.
“We are going to have a discussion on the calendar issue as we want to put an end to the dilemma prevailing in the Sikh world,” was all what was said by one of the Jathedars when contacted about the agenda of the meeting.
The issue assumed importance and could have certain political overtones in view of the forthcoming elections for the president of the SGPC and the elections to general house of the SGPC to be held during next year. A large section of the Sikh community was of the view that the calendar was important as it re-affirmed the Sikh faith’s separate identity from the Hinduism or the Islam.
It would be a big blunder to replace the calendar and the entire Sikh diaspora would be opposing it, said Dr Pritpal Singh, vice-president of the American Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
with thanks : source : http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091017/main5.htm
SikhsIndia
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www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 16In a move that could kick a storm in the entire Sikh world, the Sikh clergy is likely to give a re-thinking to the widely accepted Nanakshahi calendar even to the extent of its replacement with a new calendar in their bid to put an end to the long-standing dilemma over observance of important Sikh events.
The Nanakshahi calendar is a solar calendar which starts with the birth of the first Sikh Guru Nanak in 1469 and it has been in use in over 90 per cent gurdwaras across the world since 2003, when it was released at the Takht Damdama Sahib on the Baisakhi Day in presence of the then Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and the then SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar. Vedanti and Badungar, had got the first copies of calendar, which, however, was being opposed by a section of orthodox Sikh sects such as, the Sant Samaj and the Damdami Taksal.
The peculiar feature of the calendar was that since it was based on the length of the tropical solar year and not on the basis of the lunar cycle, the dates of important Sikh events did not fluctuate as was the case with the old lunar-based calendar. As of now, all important Sikh days, except for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, were being observed in accordance with the Nanakshahi calendar, which, was even recognised by the Punjab and the Central governments.
The fresh and controversial discussion, it was learnt, would be held in an emergency but, secret meeting of the Sikh clergy to be held at the Akal Takht tomorrow. The meeting would be presided over by the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and other Sikh high priests Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar of the Takht Damdama Sahib, Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar of the Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Iqbal Singh,Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, and Kulwant Singh, the Jathedar of the Takht Hazoor Sahib or one of his representatives were likely to participate in the meeting which, was likely to end up as a stormy affair as some of Jathedars could put up an opposition to the idea of revocation or change of calendar on the grounds that it was already duly recognised world over and by apex Sikh institutes like the Akal Takht and the SGPC.
“We are going to have a discussion on the calendar issue as we want to put an end to the dilemma prevailing in the Sikh world,” was all what was said by one of the Jathedars when contacted about the agenda of the meeting.
The issue assumed importance and could have certain political overtones in view of the forthcoming elections for the president of the SGPC and the elections to general house of the SGPC to be held during next year. A large section of the Sikh community was of the view that the calendar was important as it re-affirmed the Sikh faith’s separate identity from the Hinduism or the Islam.
It would be a big blunder to replace the calendar and the entire Sikh diaspora would be opposing it, said Dr Pritpal Singh, vice-president of the American Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
with thanks : source : http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091017/main5.htm
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Akhand Kirtani Jatha Samagam held in Delhi - view pics
contributed by : Sd. Amandeep singh ji with thanks to : Akhand Keertani Jatha Delhi
More pics in part 2 of this post
SikhsIndia www.sohnijodi.com www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Akhand Kirtani Jatha Samagam held in Delhi - more pics
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Contributed by : Sd. Amandeep singh ji
with thanks to : Akhand Kirtani Jatha Delhi
SikhsIndia
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gurudwara Data Bandi chor sahib, Gwalior
On the eve of Diwali, please view pics of Gurudwara Data Bandi Chor sahib, Gwalior. During October/November, the worldwide Sikh community celebrates the safe return of the sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind sahib ji from detention from Gwalior Fort in about October 1619. The day coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali. This concurrence has resulted in a similarity of celebrations amongst Sikhs and Hindus.
You can view 5 pics of this Gurudwara, the fort of Gwalior as well the 52 pillars in the link below : http://sohnijodi.com/picgallertdatabandichor.htm
SikhsIndia
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sikh Queens necklace fetches £55,200
The highlight of the sale was an important 19th Century emerald and seed-pearl Necklace from the Lahore Treasury, reputedly worn by the Sikh Maharani Jindan Kaur wife of Ranjit Singh, the Lion of the Punjab (1780–1839), which sold for twice its estimate at £55,200. The necklace has six polished emerald beads, one later converted to a pendant, each bead gold-mounted and fringed with seed-pearl drop tassels, fastened with a gold clasp. This exquisite piece comes with a fitted cloth covered case, the inside of which is inscribed: "From the Collection of the Court of Lahore formed by HH The Maharajah Runjeet Singh & lastly worn by Her Highness The Late Maharanee Jeddan Kower".
Bonhams raised a total of £1,150,000 at today’s Islamic and Indian Art New Bond Street sale, which featured an array of important historical pieces.
Another success from the sale was a fine selection of Islamic manuscripts, including a large Qur’an leaf from the ‘Five Suras’ (circa 1350-1420), which fetched an impressive £38,400 (estimated £15,000-20,000).
Elsewhere, an Ottoman silk and metal-thread embroidered calligraphic Band (hizam) from the Holy Ka'ba at Mecca Turkey or Egypt, period of Selim III (AH 1203-1222/ AD 1789-1807) sold for a staggering £84,000, against a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-70,000. Whilst a magnificent Syrian 12th Century Ayyubid curved marble capital set on a round base reached a very substantial £26,400 (estimated £15,000-20,000).
From the exquisite collection of Iznik pottery on offer, a fine large Iznik pottery dish from Turkey, circa 1560-70 sold for over twice its pre-sale estimate at £26,400.
Kristina Sanne, Head of Indian and Islamic Art at Bonhams comments, comments: "We are very pleased with the results achieved today. It clearly demonstrates that Bonhams has a very strong presence in this area of art and that the Indian and Islamic art market is buoyant despite all the talk of recession."
with thanks : source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=7671
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Bonhams raised a total of £1,150,000 at today’s Islamic and Indian Art New Bond Street sale, which featured an array of important historical pieces.
Another success from the sale was a fine selection of Islamic manuscripts, including a large Qur’an leaf from the ‘Five Suras’ (circa 1350-1420), which fetched an impressive £38,400 (estimated £15,000-20,000).
Elsewhere, an Ottoman silk and metal-thread embroidered calligraphic Band (hizam) from the Holy Ka'ba at Mecca Turkey or Egypt, period of Selim III (AH 1203-1222/ AD 1789-1807) sold for a staggering £84,000, against a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-70,000. Whilst a magnificent Syrian 12th Century Ayyubid curved marble capital set on a round base reached a very substantial £26,400 (estimated £15,000-20,000).
From the exquisite collection of Iznik pottery on offer, a fine large Iznik pottery dish from Turkey, circa 1560-70 sold for over twice its pre-sale estimate at £26,400.
Kristina Sanne, Head of Indian and Islamic Art at Bonhams comments, comments: "We are very pleased with the results achieved today. It clearly demonstrates that Bonhams has a very strong presence in this area of art and that the Indian and Islamic art market is buoyant despite all the talk of recession."
with thanks : source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=7671
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Boy's Sikh dagger in school ban
A Sikh boy has been withdrawn from a north London school after he said he wanted to wear his traditional dagger.
The boy, 14, was told not to carry the 5in (12.7cm) kirpan at the Compton School in Barnet after governors ruled it was a health and safety risk.
Under Sikhism the sheathed scimitar is one of five "articles of faith" that must be carried at all times.
The school governors have said they have tried to find a compromise and a place remains open for the boy.
They proposed he wore a 2in version of the dagger welded into a sheath.
But that was rejected as the family said the miniature dagger was a replica and not a genuine kirpan.
Privately educated
The boy first started carrying the religious artefact two years ago when he was baptised as a Sikh.
However, according to his older brother Ravjeet Singh, at the start of term last month, he was told it was no longer allowed.
"He was greeted by the head teacher at the school and was asked if he was wearing the kirpan" he told the BBC's Asian Network.
"He said yes and then they said, 'we're going to have to turn you away'."
"At the moment we are holding a place open for the student should he feel able to wear a kirpan suitable to bring into school" Statement by the school's governors
Mejindarpal Kaur, director of community group United Sikhs, said: "The Compton School's decision is a blow to religious freedom in Barnet - schools throughout the UK have accommodated Sikh students who wear a kirpan."
The boy's family said he is now being privately educated, having missed five weeks of school.
A statement by the school's governors said: "We have examined potential compromises after looking at how this issue has been dealt with in other schools and elsewhere within the Sikh community and taken legal advice.
"At the moment we are holding a place open for the student should he feel able to wear a kirpan suitable to bring into school."
The Department for Children, Schools and Families said it was up to schools to make their own policy on the carrying of the kirpan and that, if challenged, it would be up to the courts to decide.
In Sikhism the kirpan is an instrument of non-violence that should be used to prevent harm from being done to a defenceless person.
with thanks : source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8304088.stm
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
The boy, 14, was told not to carry the 5in (12.7cm) kirpan at the Compton School in Barnet after governors ruled it was a health and safety risk.
Under Sikhism the sheathed scimitar is one of five "articles of faith" that must be carried at all times.
The school governors have said they have tried to find a compromise and a place remains open for the boy.
They proposed he wore a 2in version of the dagger welded into a sheath.
But that was rejected as the family said the miniature dagger was a replica and not a genuine kirpan.
Privately educated
The boy first started carrying the religious artefact two years ago when he was baptised as a Sikh.
However, according to his older brother Ravjeet Singh, at the start of term last month, he was told it was no longer allowed.
"He was greeted by the head teacher at the school and was asked if he was wearing the kirpan" he told the BBC's Asian Network.
"He said yes and then they said, 'we're going to have to turn you away'."
"At the moment we are holding a place open for the student should he feel able to wear a kirpan suitable to bring into school" Statement by the school's governors
Mejindarpal Kaur, director of community group United Sikhs, said: "The Compton School's decision is a blow to religious freedom in Barnet - schools throughout the UK have accommodated Sikh students who wear a kirpan."
The boy's family said he is now being privately educated, having missed five weeks of school.
A statement by the school's governors said: "We have examined potential compromises after looking at how this issue has been dealt with in other schools and elsewhere within the Sikh community and taken legal advice.
"At the moment we are holding a place open for the student should he feel able to wear a kirpan suitable to bring into school."
The Department for Children, Schools and Families said it was up to schools to make their own policy on the carrying of the kirpan and that, if challenged, it would be up to the courts to decide.
In Sikhism the kirpan is an instrument of non-violence that should be used to prevent harm from being done to a defenceless person.
with thanks : source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8304088.stm
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Cyberspace wiz Ash Singh is nominated as Asia's Best Young Entrepreneur
There are those who wait for the world to change. and then there are those who put their strengths into action to revolutionise their lives and the environment around them. Their dreams become their driving force, as they take the world by storm and revise the way we think.
Meet Ashvinder Kundan Singh, better known as Ash Singh. a man with a vision. A relentless entrepreneur. Singh. has broken into cyberspace and firmly left his mark. At Just 27. he spearheads his own digital media company, Interactive SG, that develops and produces digital concepts for Asia's top brands including ESPN, Nickelodeon, Mattel, 7-11, Fitness First, Skype, McDonald's and TV shows like 'The Contender Asia' and 'Biggest Loser Asia'. Interactive SG’s team of 30 employees is anticipating a turnover of 5-7 million dollars this year – a growth rate of 100% from last year.
He was recently nominated as one of Asia's Best Young Entrepreneurs 2009 by Business Week magazine.
Also a proud Sikh by birth, he has changed the face of Sikhs online by creating award-winning websites for the Sikh community and rest of the world.
Born and raised in Toronto. the striving Sardar studied at the Richard Ivey School of Business in Toronto and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. While still a student there. he conceived and launched Social Network Business Systems. a social and business network development company that was acquired after 10 months of inception. Upon his exit, his next startup was At-Life Pte Ltd. which manages in-store plasma screens, kiosk network and Singapore's largest customer loyalty rewards program with almost 500,000 members, for McDonalds.
Currently based in Singapore. he is also a lecturer for several schools including the INSEAD business school and the Singapore Management University. He is managing director of Kundan Holdings (the holdings company of his businesses): the 2009 valuation of the company is $30 MM USD.
Never too big to be a Nani's boy, he Journeys back to India every year to meet his Nani Ji in GK in south Delhi.
His dad's side hails from Mumbai. A turban fanatic, Singh has a varied collection of over 150 turbans in all colours and designs from all over the world. Also an avid basketball fan, he is the co-owner and interactive director of the Singapore Slingers team
He currently has his hands full pursuing an amalgam of exciting projects including the reality TV show 'Biggest Loser' in Asia, 'Star Commentator,' an online search for the next cricket commentator, and is launching a clothing line.
SikhiWiiki.org which he created for SikhNet in 2004 is his leading online venture for the Sikh community. It is the first online 'living encyclopaedia' aiming to preserve Sikh history, culture and life online by allowing anyone in cyberspace to add to it. It is now the biggest web archive of Sikh related information.
He says, having visited or lived in Canada, Africa, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore: "I noticed most Sikhs living outside India have a pretty boring turban life (they wear one to two colours and usually tie the same style turban as their fathers.) I wanted to create this web site to showcase turbans as an art form and try to revive our majestic roots."
Also perturbed by the way today's Sikhs are commonly confused for Muslims, he set out to creatively showcase Sikhs and their turbans. 'I wanted to depict us in a positive way to the general public and also show Sikh youth that wearing a turban is cool and fashionable.' So his site, RateMyTurban.com was the result in 2005. This site allows people to upload their photos sporting their favourite turban looks and then have them rated by the public.
He also created Turbanizer.com. "I realised I had a lot of friends who aren't normal everyday turban wearers so I created Turbanizer.com in 2008 for anyone that has ever wondered what they look like in a turban." They have turbanized over 250,000 people since.
with thanks : source : worldsikhnews through http://www.sikhnet.com/
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
Meet Ashvinder Kundan Singh, better known as Ash Singh. a man with a vision. A relentless entrepreneur. Singh. has broken into cyberspace and firmly left his mark. At Just 27. he spearheads his own digital media company, Interactive SG, that develops and produces digital concepts for Asia's top brands including ESPN, Nickelodeon, Mattel, 7-11, Fitness First, Skype, McDonald's and TV shows like 'The Contender Asia' and 'Biggest Loser Asia'. Interactive SG’s team of 30 employees is anticipating a turnover of 5-7 million dollars this year – a growth rate of 100% from last year.
He was recently nominated as one of Asia's Best Young Entrepreneurs 2009 by Business Week magazine.
Also a proud Sikh by birth, he has changed the face of Sikhs online by creating award-winning websites for the Sikh community and rest of the world.
Born and raised in Toronto. the striving Sardar studied at the Richard Ivey School of Business in Toronto and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. While still a student there. he conceived and launched Social Network Business Systems. a social and business network development company that was acquired after 10 months of inception. Upon his exit, his next startup was At-Life Pte Ltd. which manages in-store plasma screens, kiosk network and Singapore's largest customer loyalty rewards program with almost 500,000 members, for McDonalds.
Currently based in Singapore. he is also a lecturer for several schools including the INSEAD business school and the Singapore Management University. He is managing director of Kundan Holdings (the holdings company of his businesses): the 2009 valuation of the company is $30 MM USD.
Never too big to be a Nani's boy, he Journeys back to India every year to meet his Nani Ji in GK in south Delhi.
His dad's side hails from Mumbai. A turban fanatic, Singh has a varied collection of over 150 turbans in all colours and designs from all over the world. Also an avid basketball fan, he is the co-owner and interactive director of the Singapore Slingers team
He currently has his hands full pursuing an amalgam of exciting projects including the reality TV show 'Biggest Loser' in Asia, 'Star Commentator,' an online search for the next cricket commentator, and is launching a clothing line.
SikhiWiiki.org which he created for SikhNet in 2004 is his leading online venture for the Sikh community. It is the first online 'living encyclopaedia' aiming to preserve Sikh history, culture and life online by allowing anyone in cyberspace to add to it. It is now the biggest web archive of Sikh related information.
He says, having visited or lived in Canada, Africa, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore: "I noticed most Sikhs living outside India have a pretty boring turban life (they wear one to two colours and usually tie the same style turban as their fathers.) I wanted to create this web site to showcase turbans as an art form and try to revive our majestic roots."
Also perturbed by the way today's Sikhs are commonly confused for Muslims, he set out to creatively showcase Sikhs and their turbans. 'I wanted to depict us in a positive way to the general public and also show Sikh youth that wearing a turban is cool and fashionable.' So his site, RateMyTurban.com was the result in 2005. This site allows people to upload their photos sporting their favourite turban looks and then have them rated by the public.
He also created Turbanizer.com. "I realised I had a lot of friends who aren't normal everyday turban wearers so I created Turbanizer.com in 2008 for anyone that has ever wondered what they look like in a turban." They have turbanized over 250,000 people since.
with thanks : source : worldsikhnews through http://www.sikhnet.com/
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
California Governor vetoes AB 504 'kirpan' bill
Washington: A bill to educate law enforcement officers about the religious significance of 'kirpans' has been vetoed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who found it "unnecessary," drawing angry reaction from the Sikh community in the US.
The decision came as a shock to the organisations, individuals and lawmakers who supported the bill.
The veto was particularly surprising given bipartisan votes in favour of the bill in both houses of legislature, advocacy group Sikh Coalition said in a statement.
The bill was passed unanimously in both Houses, by 77-0 in the Assembly and by 36-0 in the Senate.
"This loss for the Sikh community is a reminder of our serious lack of political clout in this state. After months of hard work and 100 per cent support from our lawmakers, the Sikh voice was still not strong enough to overcome the whim of one man," said Prabhjot Singh, Sikh Coalition Board chairman.
The Bill AB 504 was introduced in February 2009 by Assembly member Warren Furutani to use education to help stem the arrests of Sikhs for carrying kirpans in California.
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the arrests of Sikhs nationwide for carrying kirpans in the absence of an understanding among law enforcers.
Police mistakenly believe them to be in violation of concealed weapons laws, the Sikh Coalition said.
"AB 504 was our first attempt to change this," the statement said.
The decision came as a shock to the organisations, individuals and lawmakers who supported the bill.
The veto was particularly surprising given bipartisan votes in favour of the bill in both houses of legislature, advocacy group Sikh Coalition said in a statement.
The bill was passed unanimously in both Houses, by 77-0 in the Assembly and by 36-0 in the Senate.
"This loss for the Sikh community is a reminder of our serious lack of political clout in this state. After months of hard work and 100 per cent support from our lawmakers, the Sikh voice was still not strong enough to overcome the whim of one man," said Prabhjot Singh, Sikh Coalition Board chairman.
The Bill AB 504 was introduced in February 2009 by Assembly member Warren Furutani to use education to help stem the arrests of Sikhs for carrying kirpans in California.
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the arrests of Sikhs nationwide for carrying kirpans in the absence of an understanding among law enforcers.
Police mistakenly believe them to be in violation of concealed weapons laws, the Sikh Coalition said.
"AB 504 was our first attempt to change this," the statement said.
with thanks : source : http://www.samaylive.com/
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
Sunday, October 11, 2009
CBI catches up with Sajjan Kumar
Twenty-five years after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the UPA government is set to give permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute former Delhi Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in four cases registered after the G.T. Nanavati Commission report of February 2005.
Sources confirmed that CBI chief Ashwani Kumar had written to the Home Ministry earlier this month to seek sanction to prosecute Sajjan Kumar and others as the agency’s investigations into four cases of rioting in Sultanpuri and Mongolpuri on November 1, 1984 were complete.
The CBI will file a fresh charge-sheet before the trial court once the sanction is granted.”We have asked for sanction for prosecution in all four 1984 riots cases recommended by the Nanavati Commission,” said a senior official.
The Nanavati Commission report had found evidence against Kumar and recommended fresh examination of cases in which he was named and no charge-sheet had been filed.
The Home Ministry asked the CBI to investigate the role of Kumar and fellow Congressman Jagdish Tytler in the anti-Sikh pogrom that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984. The CBI filed a closure report in the cases against Tytler on April 2, 2009.
Sajjan Kumar was dropped in favour of his brother Ramesh for the South Delhi seat in the Lok Sabha elections this year.
with thanks : source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cbi-catches-up-with-sajjan-kumar/527690/
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Sources confirmed that CBI chief Ashwani Kumar had written to the Home Ministry earlier this month to seek sanction to prosecute Sajjan Kumar and others as the agency’s investigations into four cases of rioting in Sultanpuri and Mongolpuri on November 1, 1984 were complete.
The CBI will file a fresh charge-sheet before the trial court once the sanction is granted.”We have asked for sanction for prosecution in all four 1984 riots cases recommended by the Nanavati Commission,” said a senior official.
The Nanavati Commission report had found evidence against Kumar and recommended fresh examination of cases in which he was named and no charge-sheet had been filed.
The Home Ministry asked the CBI to investigate the role of Kumar and fellow Congressman Jagdish Tytler in the anti-Sikh pogrom that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984. The CBI filed a closure report in the cases against Tytler on April 2, 2009.
Sajjan Kumar was dropped in favour of his brother Ramesh for the South Delhi seat in the Lok Sabha elections this year.
with thanks : source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cbi-catches-up-with-sajjan-kumar/527690/
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Khalsa schools in Surrey, Vancouver, Phoenix, Tucson, Slough.....
KHALSA SCHOOLS IN SURREY :
http://www.khalsaschool.ca
Khalsa School, Newton Campus
6933-124th Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 3W6
Canada
Khalsa Primary School, Newton Campus
6962-124th Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 3W7
Canada
KHALSA SCHOOLS IN VANCOUVER :
http://www.khalsaschool.ca
Khalsa School, Vancouver Campus
5987 Prince Albert Street
Vancouver, BC
V5W 3E2
Canada
Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus
10677-124th Street
Surrey, BC
V5V 0B1
Canada
KHALSA SCHOOLS IN PHOENIX :
http://khalsamontessori.org
Khalsa Montessori School Administration
2536 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Elementary School
2536 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Primary School
346 E Coronado Road
Phoenix, AZ 85004
KHALSA SCHOOLS IN TUCSON ( AZ ) :
http://www.khalsamontessorischool.com
Khalsa Montessori School,
3701 River Rd.,
Tucson, AZ 85718,
KHALSA SCHOOL IN SLOUGH :
http://khalsaschoolpta.co.uk
Khalsa school PTA,
C/o. Khalsa primary school,
Wexham road, Slough,
Berks, SL2 5QR, UK
SikhsIndia
spreading awareness
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
http://www.khalsaschool.ca
Khalsa School, Newton Campus
6933-124th Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 3W6
Canada
Khalsa Primary School, Newton Campus
6962-124th Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 3W7
Canada
KHALSA SCHOOLS IN VANCOUVER :
http://www.khalsaschool.ca
Khalsa School, Vancouver Campus
5987 Prince Albert Street
Vancouver, BC
V5W 3E2
Canada
Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus
10677-124th Street
Surrey, BC
V5V 0B1
Canada
KHALSA SCHOOLS IN PHOENIX :
http://khalsamontessori.org
Khalsa Montessori School Administration
2536 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Elementary School
2536 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Primary School
346 E Coronado Road
Phoenix, AZ 85004
KHALSA SCHOOLS IN TUCSON ( AZ ) :
http://www.khalsamontessorischool.com
Khalsa Montessori School,
3701 River Rd.,
Tucson, AZ 85718,
KHALSA SCHOOL IN SLOUGH :
http://khalsaschoolpta.co.uk
Khalsa school PTA,
C/o. Khalsa primary school,
Wexham road, Slough,
Berks, SL2 5QR, UK
SikhsIndia
spreading awareness
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
Intra-Sikh fight in Manila over gurdwara control
Khalsa Diwan, Indian Sikh Temple1350 U.N. Avenue, Paco, Manila
WSN 10/10/09. Manila: Two Filipino-Indian groups are battling for control over the Khalsa Diwan Sikh gurdwara in Paco, Manila. It is the richest, oldest and largest institution of Punjabis here.
Incidentally, a senior management member was killed in the turf war for supremacy in the predominantly Sikh organization whose coffers are estimated to hold some P100 million.
The Khalsa’s duly-elected president, Bhagwant Rai Bansal, survived an ambush in 2006, allegedly staged by rivals whom he charged for misusing more than P30 million. Now, he claims to have received another death threat because he opposed another leader Gurmeet Singh Samalsar, whose faction managed to take over the gurdwara last May. Samalsar was earlier a vice president under Bansal, and is now the new leader of the Khalsa Diwan since a controversial election. Philippines has more than 200 Gurdwaras that draw thousands of worshippers during weekends.
with thanks : source : http://maninblue1947.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/world-sikh-news-intra-sikh-fight-in-manila-over-gurdwara-control/
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
WSN 10/10/09. Manila: Two Filipino-Indian groups are battling for control over the Khalsa Diwan Sikh gurdwara in Paco, Manila. It is the richest, oldest and largest institution of Punjabis here.
Incidentally, a senior management member was killed in the turf war for supremacy in the predominantly Sikh organization whose coffers are estimated to hold some P100 million.
The Khalsa’s duly-elected president, Bhagwant Rai Bansal, survived an ambush in 2006, allegedly staged by rivals whom he charged for misusing more than P30 million. Now, he claims to have received another death threat because he opposed another leader Gurmeet Singh Samalsar, whose faction managed to take over the gurdwara last May. Samalsar was earlier a vice president under Bansal, and is now the new leader of the Khalsa Diwan since a controversial election. Philippines has more than 200 Gurdwaras that draw thousands of worshippers during weekends.
with thanks : source : http://maninblue1947.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/world-sikh-news-intra-sikh-fight-in-manila-over-gurdwara-control/
SikhsIndia
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
Manjot Kaur wins iPHONE at GGSSC Canada Gurmat Crash Course Prize Ceremony
The prize ceremony of GGSSC Gurmat Crash Course on Sikh Bhagats was held at Dixie Gurdwara, Toronto on 4th October 2009. Over 200 students took this exam on 6th September and today was the day to announce the winners. Manreet Singh won an Aspire Netbook, Manjot Kaur who is studying engineering won an iPhone and Harkamal Kaur won a Sony PSP. Harjee Singh and Rabjee Singh won Toys r Us Gift Cards
The following students excelled in this exam and won trophies.
Grand Prizes
Under 8 Yrs Name
Grand Prize Mohit Singh
Grand Prize Gurnoor Singh
Grand Prize Harjee Singh
Grand Prize Rabjee Singh
Consolations Varinder Singh
Consolations Jasmine Kaur
Consolations Udaybir Singh
Consolations Gurjot Singh
Consolations Ajay Singh
Consolations Harpreet Singh
Consolations Gulwinder Singh
Consolations Malhar Singh
Consolations Tanvir Kaur
Consolations Jarnail Singh
Consolations Karan Singh
Consolations Tarleen Kaur
Consolations Varinder Singh
Consolations Taranpret Kaur
Consolations Ekum Singh
Consolations Amrinder Singh
8-12 Yrs
Grand Prize HARKAMAL KAUR
Runner ups PREET KAUR
Runner ups AGAM SINGH
Runner ups BIBEK SINGH
Runner ups ANISH KAUR
13-16Yrs
Grand Prize Manreet Singh
Runner ups Pavneet Kaur
Runner ups Jasmeet Kaur
Runner ups Sukhmeet Kaur
17-24Yrs
Grand Prize Manjot Kaur
Runner ups Harneeta Kaur
Runner ups Kunwarpal Singh
Runner ups Amitoj Singh
For more information please contact Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle Canada at 647 280 5940 or email us at amargold@yahoo.com
with thanks : source : http://www.sikhnet.com/news/manjot-kaur-wins-iphone-ggssc-canada-gurmat-crash-course-prize-ceremony?utm_source=SikhNet&utm_campaign=2292a236e3-Daily_News_Email&utm_medium=email
SikhsIndia
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Fauja Singh: “I Run While Talking to God”
Fauja in Adidas 'Nothing Is Impossible' advertising campaign
He replaced David Beckham as Adidas’s new poster boy. On the Adidas billboards, spread across London, he was sitting cross-legged; as if cooling his heals after a day’s work out, peeping over Londoners, tired and overworked, telling them the secrets of his unfailing energy.
Fauja Singh, Britain’s most popular Sikh is 98 now, the oldest runner in London Marathon.
He is threatening to break his own world record of 5.40 hours in the 90 plus age bracket that he set previously. While running Marathon races in London, New York and Toronto, he raised thousands of pounds for various charities promoting Sikh culture around the world. He has also raised money for B.L.I.S.S., a charity dedicated to the care for premature babies. He describes it as the ‘oldest running for the youngest.
Fauja’s jogging skills were developed on an Indian farm in Punjab, and then at the magical age of 81, when he moved to the UK, his love for the sport became more “serious”.
Fauja Singh (born April 1, 1911) is a Sikh marathon runner in his nineties from India who is a world-record holder in his age bracket. His current personal best time for the London marathon is 6 hours 2 minutes, and his marathon record, for age 90-plus, is 5 hours 40 minutes.
singh, run, running, running shoes, marathons, runnersFauja Singh shot to fame, when aged 89, he completed the gruelling 26.2 mile distance in 6 hours and 54 minutes. This knocked 58 minutes off the previous world best for anyone in the 90 plus age bracket. The career of this extraordinary Marathon runner is closely supervised by his personal trainer Harminder Singh. He says ‘he can still run for a few more years. And perhaps he might be the oldest man to run a Marathon.
Fauja Singh came to London in 1992 to live with his son after his wife’s death in his village in Jalandhar. He says ‘Sitting at home was really killing. Most elderly people in Britain eat a rich diet, don’t move about and only travel in cars, and that makes them sick’. He wasn’t prepared to go the same way. So he took up jogging initially to beat the boredom of sitting at home.
‘I never thought of running a Marathon then. But slowly it grew.’ What surprises many is that he supports singh, london Marathonhis eight stone and six feet tall body frame with a very simple vegetarian diet. ‘I am very careful about different foods. My diet is simple phulka, dal, green vegetables, yoghurt and milk. I do not touch parathas, pakoras, rice or any other fried food. I take lots of water and tea with ginger’.
And that smile is eternally fixed beneath his silver haired beard. Perhaps that’s the reason behind his strikingly inspiring and positive attitude. ‘I go to bed early taking the name of my Rabba [God] as I don’t want all those negative thoughts crossing my mind.’ Doesn’t he find it difficult to cover 26 miles at this age? ‘The first 20 miles are not difficult. As for last six miles, I run while talking to God.’
Adidas signed him up for its ‘Nothing Is Impossible’ advertising campaign. He won’t reveal how much money the deal involves, but says that a large part of his earnings goes to charity.
Fauja Singh has stated,”I won’t stop running until I die. The next target, God willing, is to be the oldest marathon runner ever.
Fauja Singh hopes to return in 2009 to break the record for the oldest marathon runner - presently held by a 98-year-old Greek athlete.
His profile as found in the face book
Born: 1st April 1911 in India
Former Occupation: Farmer
Running Career: Rediscovered at age of 81
Diet: Ginger Curry
Marathons: London (5), Toronto (1), New York (1)
Marathon Debut: London, 2000 aged 89
London Marathon Personal Best: 6h 2m
London Flora Marathon 2000 6 Hours 54 m
London Flora Marathon 2001 6 Hours 54 m
London Flora Marathon 2002 6 Hours 45 m
Bupa Great North Run (Half Marathon) 2002 2h 39m
London Flora Marathon 2003 6h 2m
Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2003 5h 40m
New York City Marathon 2003 7h 35m
London Flora Marathon 2004 6h 7m
Glasgow City Half Marathon 2004 2h 33m
Capital Radio Help a London Child 10,000m 2004 68m
Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon 2004 2h 29m 59s
This is his interview found in Youtube.
with thanks : source : http://gconnect.in/gc/lifestyle/get-ahead/fauja-singh-i-run-while-talking-to-god.html
SikhsIndia
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