Sikhs vie for title of 'Mr Singh' in Amritsar

2009-11-29 16:40:00

Sikh youths from across the world competed for the coveted title of 'Mr Singh International' at a Sikh fashion show here on Saturday.

Organised by a voluntary organisation, named Akal Purakh Ki Fauj (APKF), the fashion show was organised with an aim to attract the youths towards modelling.

The participants were glad to participate in the competition.

"About 15,000 people have come to watch Sikhs walk the ramp that's their pride in Sikhism. These Sikhs are going to rock the show and prove that Sikhs are the best, will be the best and remain the best throughout the world," said Amanpreet, one of the participants.

The organisers believed that shows like this would give a platform to the youths to make their presence felt not only in modelling but also in Bollywood.

"Our aim is to showcase the talent of these Sikh youths and through this take them to Bollywood where they can show their talent. There is dearth of robust Sikh youths in the Bollywood and people from other community enact the roles of Sikhs which they cannot justify," Jaswinder Singh, President APKF.

Non-resident Indians from England, Australia, Hong Kong and Canada participated in the show. (ANI)

with thanks : source : http://sify.com/news/Sikhs-vie-for-title-of-39-Mr-Singh-39-in-Amritsar-news-jl3qEebajde.html

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Desperate foreign students seek charity

Hundreds of destitute Indian students have finished another free lunch at a Sikh temple in Southall, west London. It's not the dream of England they were sold.

"I can't afford to rent a room, I'm borrowing money from relatives at home just to buy my bus fare to college," says Nitin Walia, who has sought refuge at the temple since he arrived on a student visa last week.

Read detailed news at : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8376423.stm

Pak Sikh thrashed for not converting

AMRITSAR: A Sikh advocate in Pakistan was reportedly thrashed and threatened with dire consequences recently if he did not convert to Islam,forcing his family to run for safety to a gurdwara in Hassanabdal near Rawalpindi.

While the victim, Anup Singh, was yet to regain consciousness, the incident has left the Sikh community in Pakistan rattled and insecure. Talking to TOI from Islamabad, Anup’s brother, Ravinder Singh, recalled horror of November 21. ‘‘A group of at least eight men kidnapped my brother from his office and took him to Mohammad Amin’s residence, where he was stripped and photographed with Amin’s wife.’’

Undergoing treatment for fractures and severe head injuries in Holy Family Hospital, Ralwalpindi, where doctors said it might take a few months before Anup could start leading a normal life, the advocate was reportedly assaulted for fighting a separation case for Amin’s wife, Safina Kanwal. ‘‘The goons made my brother sign on a blank paper, after which they cut his hair, beard, moustaches and threatened him to convert to Islam if he wanted to live in Pakistan.’’

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/Pak-Sikh-thrashed-for-not-converting/articleshow/5280363.cms

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CIC slaps fine of Rs 57,500 on Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has slapped a fine of Rs 57,500 on the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for its failure to reply to 3 RTI applications.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandh Sudhar Committee member Kuldip Singh Bhogal in a press conference on Saturday informed that the CIC has imposed a penalty of Rs 57,500 for non-furnishing of information under RTI Act in three different complaints by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).

Bhogal said there were reports of illegal transfer of Guru Harkrishan Hospital, Bala Sahib, in Delhi to one Manipal Group by the office bearers of DSGMC. "An RTI application was filed by the Sudhar Committee seeking a copy of the agreement made with the said Manipal Group. But the information was not provided even after one year. In view of the delay, the CIC in its final hearing passed an order imposing a penalty of Rs 25,000,'' Bhogal said.

"Similarly, in another complaint, the CIC imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on DSGMC for not furnishing the details of the fee paid by it to lawyers to defend the case of illegal postponement of elections of the executive board due in February 2008. A fine of Rs 7,500 was also imposed for delay in providing information in another matter,'' Bhogal added.

When contacted, DSGMC chief PS Sarna rubbished the claims of Bhogal and on the RTI issue, he said, "Our lawyer has told us that we are not covered by the RTI Act as we are a religious body. Thus, we decided not to respond to the RTI applications.''

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/CIC-slaps-fine-of-Rs-57500-on-Delhi-Sikh-Gurdwara-Management-Committee/articleshow/5280346.cms

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Bhai Tejinder singh ji, Khannewale

Please view the detailed profile of Veer Bhai Tejinder singh ji, Khanne wale on our sikh web portal at http://www.sohnijodi.com/khannewale.htm

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The property of the last King of Sikh’s auctioned

Fri, Nov 27, 2009 8:33:32

The property of the last King of Sikh’s auctioned

Shoes Belonging to Maharajah Deleep

Auctioneers will on December 9 auction heritage items belonging to the Sikh Kings, Maharajah Ranjit Singh and Maharajah Duleep Singh First item under the hammer will be a velvet jacket that belonged to Maharajah Deleep Singh along with matching shoes described as ‘foliate decorated gold braid raised work on a crimson velvet ground’ Auctioneers are hoping to sell both items for Estimate £75,000-100,000 Velvet jacket that belonging to Maharajah Deleep These items remained the property of his Royal Highness the Maharajah Duleep Singh until 1893. In 1894 his executors sold Elvedon Hall and its contents to Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh. Originally Purchased by John Bly Antiques in 1952 from Elveden Hall, Suffolk, England (the former residence of Maharajah Duleep Singh). The Bly family have been dealers in Hertfordshire, since the beginning of the 19th century. John Bly was the former chairman of the British Antique Dealers Association. He is a resident expert on BBC Television's 'Antiques Roadshow' since it started in 1978. The jacket is now the Property of a Lady. The auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull, established in Edinburgh in 1826, have researched Maharajah Duleep Singh with the assistance of renowned historian Peter Bance and written a well articulated account of the last Sikh King Born on the 4th September 1838, during the zenith of the illustrious Sikh Kingdom, Duleep Singh, was the youngest son of the legendary Ranjit Singh the 'Lion-of-the-Punjab', who ruled the region by the power of his sword and with the fear of his name, a contemporary of Napoleon, who adopted a very European style for his army with an array of Europe's distinguished Generals. In 1843, the infant Duleep Singh was thrusted as the Sovereign of 'Land of the Five Rivers,' at the tender age of five years, and found himself at the head of the one of the most powerful independent Kingdoms in the Indian sub-continent and a thorn in the advancement of the British Empire. With misleading ministers and irresponsible guardians, two wars were fought against the British, resulting in the minor Duleep Singh being separated from his mother, surrendering the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond and removed from power by the underhand-means of the East India Company. He was effectively exiled to Britain, where he became an instant favourite of Queen Victoria and the ideal party accessory. He passed his time with the crème de la crème of Victorian high society; regularly shooting game with the Prince of Wales at his numerous Highland and English estates, and led a most extravagant and lavish lifestyle often above his means. Duleep Singh in the height of his days as a Suffolk Squire, was an untouchable shooter, and a fashionable gent with a taste for the finer things in life, be it canvases, sculptures, gems, or women. His appearance in dazzling jewels and semi-European dress were an essential part of him being the eye-turner at every event of its day. Invitations would flood from all over Britain and in some cases Europe too, to bring a touch of exoticness to the functions. This lot is a fine example of the richly embroidered velvets worn by the Maharajah for his formal court events, showing the high quality of workmanship fit only for an Indian Prince. A similar style jacket is pictured in a lithograph of the Maharajah from a photograph taken by Mayall in 1859. But after trying his hand at writing a West End play, standing for Parliament, playing the field, and remonstrating with the British Empire for the shortfall of his stipend, the deposed Sovereign became disillusioned by his surroundings and sought to make a stand against the tyrannical establishment under the watchful eye and encouragement of the disaffected Fenians, the French underworld, and Tsarist Russia. His plans for resurrecting himself failed and he was tragically struck down with a stroke, dying alone and penniless in a Paris hotel room on the 22nd October 1893 far from the riches of the Punjab. ‘We would like to thank Mr Peter Bance for his assistance in the catalogue description’ write the auctioneers Also on sale will be a portrait of Sikh King, Ranjit Singh, father of Duleep Singh. Portrait of Sikh King, Ranjit Singh, father of Duleep Singh The catalogue decribes this as ‘Gouache heightened with gold on paper, farsi inscription 'Shabah-i Maharajah Ranjit Singh Bahadur Rajah - i Lahaur o Panjab', translated as 'Maharajah Ranjit Singh the warrior of Lahore and Punjab. 28cm x 14cm Estimate £8,000-12,000 Further credit goes to them for writing ‘Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) was a Sikh ruler of the Punjab. Born in Gujranwala in 1780, into a Sikh family. Ranjit is remembered for uniting the Punjab as a strong state and his possession of the Koh-i-Noor diamond (later gifted to Queen Victoria by Maharajah Duleep Singh). His lasting legacy was the beautification of the Harmandir Sahib, holiest site of the Sikhs. This portrait is an accurate representation of Ranjit Singh; the French botanist Victor Jacquemont, a traveller in the Punjab from 1829 to 1832 wrote: 'He is a thin little man with an attractive face, though he has lost an eye from small-pox which has otherwise disfigured him little. His right eye, which remains very large, his nose is fine and slightly turned up, his mouth firm, his teeth excellent. His expression shows nobility of thought, shrewdness and penetration.' Early depictions of the Maharajah are very scarce, the earliest known painting was discovered by a research assistant at the British Museum. That painting is currently being exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 'The Splendour of India's Royal Courts Exhibition' (10 October 2009 - 17 January 2010). with thanks : source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=8072 SikhsIndia www.sohnijodi.com www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com

Preneet Kaur conferred 'the Sikh of the year' 2009 award

Agencies
Posted: Nov 27, 2009 at 1121 hrs IST

London Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur has been conferred with the prestigious Sikh of the year 2009 award for her outstanding contribution to the state of Punjab.

At the annual dinner of Sikh Forum International held at the House of Lords here last night, NRI businessman Lord Iltaf Sheikh presented the award to Kaur in the presence of a distinguished gathering including Lord Navnit Dholakia, Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

Lord Sheikh told Kaur "you are worthy recipient of this award for your outstanding contribution to Punjab."

Accepting the award, Kaur said though she had the good fortune of receiving several honorary degrees and awards in the past, "there can be nothing more valuable or precious than receiving this award today in the House of Lords amongst the august gathering of achievers of our Diasporas in the UK."

"It is a wonderful feeling to be here in London at a time when the relationship between our countries is at its very best," she noted.

Others present at the function included Lord Viscount Slim, Justice Mota Singh, Ranjit Singh, OBE, President of the Forum, R S Baxi, founder of Europe's leading recycling firm and winner of Asian of the year 2008 award, Surinder Aujla, NRI entrepreneur and Rami Ranger, leading NRI entrepreneur.

"The Indian community in the UK has a unique place in our Diaspora. UK is the first country which has an Indian community truly representative of its diversity," Kaur said, adding "your involvement in the economic, social and political life of this country has been positively significant."

Referring to the growing bilateral trade, she said, "while UK is one of India's most important trade and investment partners, India has become one of the largest investors in the UK.

"There have been significant investments in IT, life sciences and advanced engineering. Over 600 Indian companies have opened their offices in UK and have secured the second highest number of jobs by a foreign employer in the UK."

Describing India as one of the fastest growing economies of the world, the minister said, "India's dynamic growth coupled with its large reservoir of skilled workforce, its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, all taken together make India a very attractive investment destination.

"India has achieved levels of European productivity at a meagre 20 per cent of the cost. Global corporations clearly understand the value of leveraging India's advantages."

Referring to a minute's silence observed at the function in memory of those killed in last year Mumbai terror attack, Kaur said, "the spectre of terrorism, extremist ideologies have become transnational in nature. No country is immune to them. Thus it requires global response."

Ranjit Singh presented a cheque for 10,000 pounds to a charity to help heroes families of those killed in action. The Forum had donated 32,000 pounds to the charity of Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, last year.

with thanks : source : http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Preneet-Kaur-conferred---the-Sikh-of-the-year---2009-award/546954/

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Great books on Sikh history

B.Jawahar Singh Kirpal Singh & Co have added a collection of some great books on Sikh History on their Online Webstore . The collection consists of some famous Books on Sikh History by some of the greatest writers such as Khushwant Singh , Patwant Singh , Joseph Davey Cunningham , W.L.M .Gregor , Ganda Singh , Mark Tully , K Natwar Singh , Kartar Singh Duggal , Sohan Singh Sheetal , Satbir Singh , Charan Singh Safri . The Collection consists of some famous Books such as The Sikhs by Patwant Singh , The Sikh History by Joseph Davey Cunningham , The Sikh History by WLM Gregor , Amritsar – Mrs Indira Gandhi’s Last battle by Mark Tully and Satish Jacob , The Butcher of Amritsar (A Book on General Dyer and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre) , The Punjab Story by K.P.S Gill and Khushwant Singh , The Magnificent Maharaja By K.Natwar Singh , Operation Blue Star – the True Story by Gen K.S. Brar , My Bleeding Punjab by Khushwant Singh , Sikh History By Khushwant Singh (in Punjabi), Sikh History By Satbir Singh (in Punjabi) .

The Collection has been launched with the sole aim to educate sikhs about their Glorious Past , acts of Bravery , sacrifices and their rich history . Books have been selected from both Punjabi and English Language so that maximum sikhs and other population could benefit from it .

The Company plans to organize other collections of Books on Sikh Gurbani , Books on Sikh Philosophy , Sikh Gutkas of Gurbani , Books on Sikh Gurus , Books on Sikh Gurdwaras etc online soon and make them available at their webstore for sikhs throughout the world .
Access the Collection Online at : http://www.jsks.co.in/sikhhistory.htm

with thanks : Jaspinder for contributing this.

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Keertan at Rochester, NY by Prof. Darshan Singh ji Khalsa

The complete controversial video of Keertan by Prof. Darshan singh ji ragi at Rochester, NY has been uploaded on this blog as well on Sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com

Please view

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