Minorities in Pakistan playing key role in nation building; PM
ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said minorities in Pakistan were playing a vital role in nation building and reiterated his government’s resolve to provide them better facilities. Addressing a delegation of Sikh yatrees, currently in Pakistan to celebrate Besakhi, the Prime Minister said the government was proceeding on the path to implement the Charter of Democracy that seeks representation for the minorities in the Upper House.
The Prime Minister said two members from the minorities were already part of the Senate and the government was benefitting from their advise on national matters and issues related to the minorities.
The Prime Minister said the government was providing multiple entry visas to the members of non‑Indian Sikh community and said he wished to facilitate more Sikhs from India to visit Pakistan. However he regretted that the relations with India have soured following the Mumbai attacks.
He said he believed in inter‑faith harmony and to bring people from all faiths together for the betterment of the country and the nation.
Gilani said his government was endeavoring to provide best possible facilities to the Sikh yatrees and understands their religious needs and obligations. In this regard he cited the setting up of the Prabandhak Committee to deal with the problems of the Sikh community.
The members of the Sikh delegation lauded the role of the government in facilitating them. They particularly regretted the negative propaganda being unleashed against Pakistan and of threats of terrorism in the international media.
They noted that this propaganda was aimed at tarnishing the image of Pakistan and prayed for safety, security and solidarity of the country. They were also appreciative of the warm hospitatlity shown by the people of Pakistan and said they did not see any threats or fear as was being propagated.
The delegation members pointed at the facilities provided at the railway station, transportation to Nankana sahib and excellent boarding and lodging.
They were also appreciative of the good upkeep of the various gurdawars in the country. They urged the Prime Minister for multiple entry five to ten year visas for the community.
Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti invited the Prime Minister for the ground breaking ceremony of the Nankana university to be established on 250 acres.
with thanks : http://www.app.com.pk
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sikhs pay Rs 20 million in 'tax' to Taliban in Pak's Aurakzai
Islamabad, Apr 16 (PTI) Members of Pakistan's minority Sikh community living in the restive Aurakzai tribal region have paid Rs 20 million as "tax" to the Taliban after militants forcibly occupied some of their homes and kidnapped a Sikh leader.
The Taliban had demanded Rs 50 million as 'jizia' a tax levied on non-Muslims living under Islamic rule but the militants finally settled for Rs 20 million.
After the amount was paid yesterday, the militants vacated the homes they had taken over and released Sikh leader Saiwang Singh, officials in the tribal region near the northwestern city of Peshawar were quoted as saying by the Daily Times newspaper.
The officials said the Taliban had announced that the Sikhs were now free to live anywhere in Aurzakzai Agency. The militants also announced they would protect the community, saying that no one would harm them after they had paid jizia.
Sikhs who had left the area would now return to their homes and resume their business, the officials said.
The militants had occupied at least 10 homes of Sikhs in Qasimkhel village on Tuesday. About 35 Sikh families have been living in Qasimkhel for many years.
The Taliban demand for jizia was resolved at a jirga or council held yesterday through the efforts of local tribal elders. The militants had said the Sikhs should pay jizia in accordance with Shariah or Islamic law. PTI
with thanks : ptinews.com
The Taliban had demanded Rs 50 million as 'jizia' a tax levied on non-Muslims living under Islamic rule but the militants finally settled for Rs 20 million.
After the amount was paid yesterday, the militants vacated the homes they had taken over and released Sikh leader Saiwang Singh, officials in the tribal region near the northwestern city of Peshawar were quoted as saying by the Daily Times newspaper.
The officials said the Taliban had announced that the Sikhs were now free to live anywhere in Aurzakzai Agency. The militants also announced they would protect the community, saying that no one would harm them after they had paid jizia.
Sikhs who had left the area would now return to their homes and resume their business, the officials said.
The militants had occupied at least 10 homes of Sikhs in Qasimkhel village on Tuesday. About 35 Sikh families have been living in Qasimkhel for many years.
The Taliban demand for jizia was resolved at a jirga or council held yesterday through the efforts of local tribal elders. The militants had said the Sikhs should pay jizia in accordance with Shariah or Islamic law. PTI
with thanks : ptinews.com
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
No Donations please
SikhsIndia requests to all of the visitors on our sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com as well our sikh blog www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com that, please do not send any donations to us. We do not accept any donations. If you wish, you can advertise on our Sikh web portal which is getting appx. 80,000 hits per month now. An advertisement in the Sikh directory or matrimonial section can be equally beneficial to you also.
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Camp Miri Piri Pre-Reg. 2 Weeks Away!
Camp Miri Piri Pre-Reg. 2 Weeks Away!
By : Gurumustuk Singh
Time is flying by and the summer is in sight! Camp Miri Piri pre-registration date is only two weeks away! Don’t let this awesome event/retreat pass you by. If you have been thinking about coming, stop thinking and just make it happen! Give yourself this time to feed your soul and recharge yourself. You deserve it!
Register for the camp online at: http://www.sikhnet.com/campmiripiri/
People from United Kingdom, USA, India and Canada have already registered for Camp Miri Piri. Come join us!
* Registration price goes up from $199 to $250 after May 1st. We need to make arrangements for all the participants so it is important to know how many people will attend. For this reason we need people to register as early as possible.
with thanks : http://www.mrsikhnet.com
By : Gurumustuk Singh
Time is flying by and the summer is in sight! Camp Miri Piri pre-registration date is only two weeks away! Don’t let this awesome event/retreat pass you by. If you have been thinking about coming, stop thinking and just make it happen! Give yourself this time to feed your soul and recharge yourself. You deserve it!
Register for the camp online at: http://www.sikhnet.com/campmiripiri/
People from United Kingdom, USA, India and Canada have already registered for Camp Miri Piri. Come join us!
* Registration price goes up from $199 to $250 after May 1st. We need to make arrangements for all the participants so it is important to know how many people will attend. For this reason we need people to register as early as possible.
with thanks : http://www.mrsikhnet.com
Sikh families leave Orakzai after Taliban demand jizia
Sikh families leave Orakzai after Taliban demand jizia
By Abdul Saboor Khan
HANGU: Sikh families living in Orakzai Agency have left the agency after the Taliban demanded Rs 50 million as jizia (tax) from them, official sources and locals said on Tuesday.
Residents of Ferozekhel area in Lower Orakzai Agency told Daily Times on Tuesday that around 10 Sikh families left the agency after the demand by the Taliban, who said they were a minority and liable to pay the tax for living in the area in accordance with sharia.
Locals said the Taliban had notified the Sikh families about the ‘tax’ around a week ago. They said of the 15 Sikh families in Ferozekhel, 10 had shifted while the remaining were preparing to do so.
The locals said the families were impoverished and had left the area to avoid any Taliban action.
with thanks : www.dailytimes.com.pk
By Abdul Saboor Khan
HANGU: Sikh families living in Orakzai Agency have left the agency after the Taliban demanded Rs 50 million as jizia (tax) from them, official sources and locals said on Tuesday.
Residents of Ferozekhel area in Lower Orakzai Agency told Daily Times on Tuesday that around 10 Sikh families left the agency after the demand by the Taliban, who said they were a minority and liable to pay the tax for living in the area in accordance with sharia.
Locals said the Taliban had notified the Sikh families about the ‘tax’ around a week ago. They said of the 15 Sikh families in Ferozekhel, 10 had shifted while the remaining were preparing to do so.
The locals said the families were impoverished and had left the area to avoid any Taliban action.
with thanks : www.dailytimes.com.pk
NY hospital cuts Sikh's beard, pays $20,000 in damages
NY hospital cuts Sikh's beard, pays $20,000 in damages
15 Apr 2009, 0515 hrs IST, PTI
NEW YORK: A New York hospital's staff negligently shaved an elderly Sikh patient's beard, eyebrows and moustache a month before his death, resulting in a lawsuit from his family which received $20,000 in compensation.
The Westchester County Healthcare paid the amount in an out-of-the-court settlement with the family of Pyara Singh Sahansra, who was suffering from Azheimer's disease, the US-based community organization United Sikhs said in a statement on Monday.
Sahansra's family had previously spoken with the hospital staff about Sikhs' religious practice of keeping long hair and had also placed signs on the patient's bed to remind them when he was in the long term care of the medical facility in 2007.
The hospital removed the signs stating that they were not allowed, but assured the family that Sahansra's hair would not be cut.
A new nurse, who was unaware of the situation, cut Sahansra's beard, eyebrows and moustache, "violating his deeply held religious principles," the statement said. The patient died over a month after the incident that occurred in June 2007.
In the final settlement with the patient's family, the hospital paid $20,000 in compensation, which also included a provision for training of the facility's employees on Sikh patients' care.
Pyara Singh Sahansra's son Upinderjit said, "My father was a devout Sikh and we all experienced a shock when his kesh were cut by the nurse."
with thanks : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indians-Abroad/Hospital-cuts-Sikhs-beard-pays-damages/articleshow/4402693.cms
15 Apr 2009, 0515 hrs IST, PTI
NEW YORK: A New York hospital's staff negligently shaved an elderly Sikh patient's beard, eyebrows and moustache a month before his death, resulting in a lawsuit from his family which received $20,000 in compensation.
The Westchester County Healthcare paid the amount in an out-of-the-court settlement with the family of Pyara Singh Sahansra, who was suffering from Azheimer's disease, the US-based community organization United Sikhs said in a statement on Monday.
Sahansra's family had previously spoken with the hospital staff about Sikhs' religious practice of keeping long hair and had also placed signs on the patient's bed to remind them when he was in the long term care of the medical facility in 2007.
The hospital removed the signs stating that they were not allowed, but assured the family that Sahansra's hair would not be cut.
A new nurse, who was unaware of the situation, cut Sahansra's beard, eyebrows and moustache, "violating his deeply held religious principles," the statement said. The patient died over a month after the incident that occurred in June 2007.
In the final settlement with the patient's family, the hospital paid $20,000 in compensation, which also included a provision for training of the facility's employees on Sikh patients' care.
Pyara Singh Sahansra's son Upinderjit said, "My father was a devout Sikh and we all experienced a shock when his kesh were cut by the nurse."
with thanks : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indians-Abroad/Hospital-cuts-Sikhs-beard-pays-damages/articleshow/4402693.cms
Armed men occupy Sikhs' homes in Pak's Aurakzai region
Islamabad , Apr 15 Armed militants have occupied four homes of members of the minority Sikh community in Pakistan&aposs restive Aurakzai tribal region near the northwestern city of Peshawar, a media report said today.
About 200 armed militants arrived at Qasimkhel village in Aurakzai Agency yesterday and demanded Rs 40 million from the Sikhs, said Galyan Singh, an elder of the minority community.
"We failed to pay the amount and they forced the 38-member Sikh community to vacate houses," Singh told The News daily.
The families that were evicted from their homes have taken refuge in Manikhel area, Singh said.
Local residents of Qasimkhel condemned the incident and said injustice had been done to the Sikhs.
with thanks : Source: PTI
with thanks : http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/549205/International/2/20/2
About 200 armed militants arrived at Qasimkhel village in Aurakzai Agency yesterday and demanded Rs 40 million from the Sikhs, said Galyan Singh, an elder of the minority community.
"We failed to pay the amount and they forced the 38-member Sikh community to vacate houses," Singh told The News daily.
The families that were evicted from their homes have taken refuge in Manikhel area, Singh said.
Local residents of Qasimkhel condemned the incident and said injustice had been done to the Sikhs.
with thanks : Source: PTI
with thanks : http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/549205/International/2/20/2
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sikh Community's Contribution Is Significant, Says Najib
Sikh Community's Contribution Is Significant, Says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Sikh community's contribution to the history and development of the country is very important and significant, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Najib said that although the Sikh community was relatively small, in the region of 100,000 people, they had served the country well.
He said they had served as members of the security forces such as in the police and armed forces, in professional fields as doctors and lawyers, and also entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens.
"So I wish to thank the Sikh community for all that they have done (for the country). You have indeed contributed much to the development of Malaysia and I hope you will be with us in future as we develop Malaysia," he said at the Sikh community's Vaisakhi (New Year) celebrations at the Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor at Jalan Raja Alang here today.
Thanking the Sikh community for the warm welcome, he said he was happy to be able to share the joyous occasion with them. "I have decided to visit you today because I want to show and indicate very clearly that this government stands for all communities...all races and all religions. I want to underscore that I am the leader and I am the Prime Minister for all communities. My presence here is also to recognise the contribution of the Sikh community in the development of Malaysia," he said to applause from the 2,000-odd crowd.
Najib said he introduced the "One Malaysia" concept as he believed that if all Malaysians stood and worked together and be one family and one team, "we can indeed make Malaysia a stronger and more prosperous nation, based on the principles of trust and mutual respect among all communities in Malaysia".
"That is the essence of what One Malaysia is all about," he said.
Najib said Malaysians must break down the barriers between them and must not look at each other on the prism of skin or colour.
"We must help one another. Whether a person comes from whatever community...if the person deserves help, then that person should and must be helped by all of us.
"If we have this attitude, Malaysia will be a much stronger and united nation as we move forward, facing the challenges of the 21st century," he said.
Najib said he only informed the hosts yesterday evening about his visit because he did not want all the pomp.
"Because I don't want all the pomp...I don't want bunga manggar. I just want to be one of you in a natural way to see you taking part in your daily activities, so that I can better understand your aspirations and the hopes of the Sikh community and of course all the other communities in Malaysia.
"That is the approach I have intended for this government and for this Cabinet and I hope you will be together with us in the journey of making Malaysia a more prosperous and successful nation," he said.
Najib said he enjoyed the breakfast of Sikh traditional food such as prata, pakoda and barfi (sweets) which he had with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and the Federal Territories Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and the local community.
Meanwhile, the acting president of the Tatt Khalsa, Rejinder Singh, said the Sikh community was honoured to have the prime minister at their Vaisakhi celebrations.
He said Najib told them to see him or Dr Koh directly if the community have any problems or matters which needed the attention of the government.
"We appreciate this because although we are only a small minority the prime minister has shown concern for us," he said.
Najib is the third prime minister to visit the Tatt Khalsa, after Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-haj and Tun Hussein Onn.
with thanks : Source : Bernama.com
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Sikh community's contribution to the history and development of the country is very important and significant, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Najib said that although the Sikh community was relatively small, in the region of 100,000 people, they had served the country well.
He said they had served as members of the security forces such as in the police and armed forces, in professional fields as doctors and lawyers, and also entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens.
"So I wish to thank the Sikh community for all that they have done (for the country). You have indeed contributed much to the development of Malaysia and I hope you will be with us in future as we develop Malaysia," he said at the Sikh community's Vaisakhi (New Year) celebrations at the Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor at Jalan Raja Alang here today.
Thanking the Sikh community for the warm welcome, he said he was happy to be able to share the joyous occasion with them. "I have decided to visit you today because I want to show and indicate very clearly that this government stands for all communities...all races and all religions. I want to underscore that I am the leader and I am the Prime Minister for all communities. My presence here is also to recognise the contribution of the Sikh community in the development of Malaysia," he said to applause from the 2,000-odd crowd.
Najib said he introduced the "One Malaysia" concept as he believed that if all Malaysians stood and worked together and be one family and one team, "we can indeed make Malaysia a stronger and more prosperous nation, based on the principles of trust and mutual respect among all communities in Malaysia".
"That is the essence of what One Malaysia is all about," he said.
Najib said Malaysians must break down the barriers between them and must not look at each other on the prism of skin or colour.
"We must help one another. Whether a person comes from whatever community...if the person deserves help, then that person should and must be helped by all of us.
"If we have this attitude, Malaysia will be a much stronger and united nation as we move forward, facing the challenges of the 21st century," he said.
Najib said he only informed the hosts yesterday evening about his visit because he did not want all the pomp.
"Because I don't want all the pomp...I don't want bunga manggar. I just want to be one of you in a natural way to see you taking part in your daily activities, so that I can better understand your aspirations and the hopes of the Sikh community and of course all the other communities in Malaysia.
"That is the approach I have intended for this government and for this Cabinet and I hope you will be together with us in the journey of making Malaysia a more prosperous and successful nation," he said.
Najib said he enjoyed the breakfast of Sikh traditional food such as prata, pakoda and barfi (sweets) which he had with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and the Federal Territories Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and the local community.
Meanwhile, the acting president of the Tatt Khalsa, Rejinder Singh, said the Sikh community was honoured to have the prime minister at their Vaisakhi celebrations.
He said Najib told them to see him or Dr Koh directly if the community have any problems or matters which needed the attention of the government.
"We appreciate this because although we are only a small minority the prime minister has shown concern for us," he said.
Najib is the third prime minister to visit the Tatt Khalsa, after Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-haj and Tun Hussein Onn.
with thanks : Source : Bernama.com
Vaisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu - celebrating the harvest : PM Malaysia
by PM Malaysia.
Vaisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu - Celebrating the harvest
Monday, 13 April 2009
Today reminds me once again of the tremendous value of our diversity. The Sikh community worldwide celebrates the holy festival of Vaisakhi (or Bhaisakhi) today with prayers, singing and dancing, and it is no different in Malaysia. In the day commemorating the founding of this religion, I would like to wish the Sikh community in Malaysia a wonderful and prosperous Vaisakhi and hope that the well-being of Malaysia and its people are in your prayers.
UPDATE: I would be remiss not to acknowledge the various forms of this harvest and new year celebration observed by diverse ethnic groups within the Indian community. As I understand, this auspicious time of year is feted by different names, but the goal remains the same: to pray for a bountiful year and continued prosperity. At the same time, spiritual practices must be coupled with concerted efforts and actions to ensure valuable returns.
Therefore, whether you observe it as Vaisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu, Rongali Bihu, or Naba Barsha, I wish everyone a wonderful celebration and a rewarding year ahead.
Have a joyous festival!
with Thanks : http://www.1malaysia.com.my
Vaisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu - Celebrating the harvest
Monday, 13 April 2009
Today reminds me once again of the tremendous value of our diversity. The Sikh community worldwide celebrates the holy festival of Vaisakhi (or Bhaisakhi) today with prayers, singing and dancing, and it is no different in Malaysia. In the day commemorating the founding of this religion, I would like to wish the Sikh community in Malaysia a wonderful and prosperous Vaisakhi and hope that the well-being of Malaysia and its people are in your prayers.
UPDATE: I would be remiss not to acknowledge the various forms of this harvest and new year celebration observed by diverse ethnic groups within the Indian community. As I understand, this auspicious time of year is feted by different names, but the goal remains the same: to pray for a bountiful year and continued prosperity. At the same time, spiritual practices must be coupled with concerted efforts and actions to ensure valuable returns.
Therefore, whether you observe it as Vaisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu, Rongali Bihu, or Naba Barsha, I wish everyone a wonderful celebration and a rewarding year ahead.
Have a joyous festival!
with Thanks : http://www.1malaysia.com.my
Happy Baisakhi
Sikhs India wishes to all of you a very happy BAISAKHI.
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Congress drops Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar
NEW DELHI: In the face of mounting controversy over their alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a worried Congress on Thursday
withdrew its controversial leaders Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar from the electoral fray. ( Watch Video)
"Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar have expressed their sentiments that they do not wish to embarrass the party by contesting Lok Sabha elections when some political parties and individuals have tried to vitiate the atmosphere. They have opted out of Lok Sabha elections.
"The party has accepted their feelings and decided that they will not be Lok Sabha candidates of the Indian National Congress," party General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi told reporters shortly after Tytler announced his decision to opt out of the race, PTI reported.
Their replacements will be decided soon, said sources.
The Congress decision comes amid a raging controversy over fielding the two leaders, whose names figured as accused in the 1984 riots, accentuated by the incident of throwing of shoe by a Sikh journalist at home minister P Chidambaram at AICC press conference on Tuesday.
The journalist said he was protesting against the clean chit given by CBI to Tytler in the riots case, an issue on which the agency today told a local court here that it had no jurisdiction to go into. The case has been deferred till April 28.
65-year-old Tytler, who had won thrice from the capital, was announced as party's candidate from the newly-created North-East Delhi seat.
with thanks : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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