Sikh clergy to meet on July 12 to discuss caste-based gurdwaras

The Sikh clergy is slated to meet in Amritsar on Thursday to take stock of mushrooming caste-based gurdwaras across Punjab despite an Akal Takht edict banning holy places of the community on caste lines. Last Sunday, Bolywood star Aamir Khan's focus on Satyamev Jayate programme was on untouchability and the caste system prevalent in Indian society. 

In the episode, Aamir showed existence of caste-based gurdwaras in rural areas, with members of so-called lower castes claiming that they were often prohibited from entering holy places managed by the upper castes despite clearcut message of the Sikh Gurus that all human beings are equal. 

It is not for the first time that the Sikh clergy would discuss this issue since the issue has figured in their meetings in the past. In fact, a couple of years back, an edict was issued from the Akal Takht to ban Sikh holy places on caste lines. 

The edict however did not have the desired effect as gurdwaras on caste lines continue to be built, particularly in rural Punjab. In fact, often politicians dole out funds for such places in a bid to woo voters. 

with thanks : Hindustan times : LINK for detailed news.

Sikhs to serve langar to commemorate Olympics in London

 

While Fauja Singh, the 101-year-old marathon runner, carries the Olympic relay torch in London on July 21, the Sikhs would celebrate the occasion by organising a langar (community kitchen) along the road for public. They would serve free Roti Rolls at several key points along the Olympic torch route from Greenwich to Waltham Forest between 7 am to 8 pm.

Fauja, the oldest torch bearer at London 2012, would carry the Torch on the 64th day of the Olympic Torch Relay when it reaches Newham. The Olympic Stadium is also located at Newham.

The langar would be organized by United Sikhs, an organization dedicated to promoting the Sikh identity and tenets. "We are proud to share with the public the 500 year old Sikh tradition of serving free meals," said Parvinder Kaur, who would manage the langar project.

She said the Sikhs from the UK and around the world would be participating in celebrations. They would show the world how the community embraced diversity.

"We hope to demonstrate through Langar how the community involves in selfless service. We will be serving thousands of free vegetarian meals along the route," she said, adding "It would also showcase how community food can bring people from all walks of life together."

 with thanks : INDIA TODAY : LINK for detailed news.

Brampton Sikh School Vandalized with Hate Graffiti

Brampton, Canada: UNITED SIKHS is concerned about the vandalism of the Khalsa Community School at Maitland Street in Brampton, Ontario. The school wall was sprayed with "KKK" letters and the swastika signs.

Brampton has the largest population of South  Asians, consisting of approximately 35% of the total population of the city. UNITED SIKHS condemns this act of hatred and mischief and will resist any such attempt by way of education and bringing awareness into the communities through multifaith activties.

Khalsa School Brampton Canada	Wall Vandalized by Miscreants on 9th July	Swastika  & Symbols of "KKK"

UNITED SIKHS community legal advocate, Deepinder Singh, said, "We appeal to the community to remain peaceful and not to react and let the police do their work to assess the incident. Brampton is known to be a very peaceful city and for its friendly multicultural population"

Sukhwinder Singh, Director of UNITED SIKHS, said, "I am in pain to see such growing incidents in Canada. Hatred doesn't cease by hatred. Sikhs have lived in Canada for years and are one of the major contributors to its economy. Sikhs with other communities celebrated Canada Day on 1st July in a grand style. This incident indicates that there is still a strong need for Multifaith interaction between communities and there is a lot of work to do."

UNITED SIKHS extends their support to the staff and students of Khalsa Community School who have handled this situation in a very supportive and calm manner.

We also urge the community to maintain their calm and let the police continue with their investigation.

To speak to a UNITED SIKHS representative directly, please visit http://unitedsikhs.org/contact.php  to find an office near you.

Please continue to support our work by clicking on the link  at http://unitedsikhs.org/join.

Contact:
Ranbir Singh,
Director, UNITED SIKHS
ranbir.singh@unitedsikhs.org | law-canada@unitedsikhs.org
P: 1-905-672-2245
F: 1-810-885-4264

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On the occasion of Akal Takht’s anniversary

 

By Sukhpal Kaur

 

Akal Takht is the highest temporal seat of Sikh community means the throne of the immortal. The Jathedar of Akal Takht is the highest spokesperson of Sikh panth and is meant to be spiritual leader without any control or influence from outside or politically motivated sources. The present Jathedar of Akal Takht is Gyani Gurbachan Singh.

 

Akal Takht was established as a place where both the temporal and spiritual concerns of Sikhs could be acted upon.

 

History of Akal Takht: 

 

It was founded by sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Rai on June 15, 1606 (now celebrated on July 2) and was established on the principle of Miri and Piri, where Miri signifies temporal authority and Piri, spiritual authority. Guru Hargobind himself wore two swords of Miri and Piri. 

 

Situated in the Darbar Sahib complex, opposite to Darshani Dheori, Akal Takht stood as a symbol of political bulwark against the Mughal rulers during the 17th and 18th century. There had been various attacks on Akal Takht and Harmandir Sahib in the 18th century led by Ahmed Shah Abdali and Massa Rangar. 

 

However, the day of June 4, 1984 is remembered as the most unfortunate days in the history of Sikhs when Indian Army attempting to take out Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his supporters in the cause of Khalistan not just destroyed the sanctity of Takht but also reduced it to rubble during Operation Bluestar. 

 

Two years after installation of Adi Ganth in Harmandir Sahib, fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev was brutally tortured to death by Mughal emperor Jahangir. His martyrdom transformed Sikh character from purely spiritual to the martial aspect as well for protection of the masses. Anticipating his death, Guru Arjan Dev had asked his son Hargobind to “sit fully armed on his throne and maintain an army.”

 

At the tender age of eleven, Guru Hargobind at the ceremony of ascension, wore a sword-belt with two swords of Miri and Piri and made it clear that Sikhs were going to be an armed community which will protect the interests of not only the Sikhs but underprivileged and down trodden as well.

 

On Monday, fifth day of Har, Samvat 1663, Guru Hargobind laid foundation of Akal Takht. The original structure of Akal Takht, built by Guru Hargobind and Baba Buddha, remarked that seat of guru will serve Sikh panth for eternity. 

 

The platform of Takht was raised to twelve feet, in defiance to the edict of Jahangir that no other person except emperor himself could sit on a raised platform of more than three feet. Guru would regularly sit on the platform, with all marks of royalty and dispensed justice for all Sikh disputes.

 

It is worth mentioning that Akal Takht was built a fraction lower than Harmandir Sahib, signifying that sptiuality was always prime in Sikhism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significance of Akal Takht

 

All the hukamnamas related to Sikh community regarding any guidance or clarification are issued from Akal Takht. Any person found violating religious discipline or with activity prejudicial to Sikh interests or solidarity is declared ‘tankhaiya’ by Akal Takht and has to complete penance charges as decided by the Sikh clergy. 

 

 

Source: 

Punjab Newsline Network : LINK