SGPC directs teachers to conduct online classes for religious studies

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—On June 12, the religious preachment wing of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee held a meeting of teachers teaching religious studies in SGPC run colleges and schools. All the teachers were directed to complete the syllabus via online classes.

It is noteworthy here that the SGPC is already organizing online religious camps across the state due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation.

In a press note shared with Sikh24, Manjit Singh Bath informed that all the teachers have been directed to conduct online classes via video conferencing so that the syllabus could be completed by time. “We have also directed teachers to apprise students with the history of upcoming centenaries,” he added.

All the teachers presented their views and recommendations for the continuing classes for religious studies in this tough time.

Vice-secretary Tejinder Singh Padda, Gurmeet Singh Buttar, Prof. Sukhdev Singh, Palwinder Singh Chitta, Supervisor Gurpreet Singh, Bhai Jagdev Singh, Bhai Jagtar Singh Khodebet etc. were also present on this occasion.

After 73 years of Indo-Pak partition, Muslim owners still await Hindu tenant to come back and open lock of his shop

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—At the time of India-Pakistan partition in 1947, a Hindu shopkeeper doing business on a rented shop was forced to leave his shop in Loralai, Balochistan (Pakistan) as he had to move to India. He locked his shop while asking the owner of the shop not to open the lock and wait for him to return.

The owner assured him that nobody will open the lock of his shop and he will wait for him to return back.

Even after 73 years of India-Pakistan partition, the tenant shopkeeper didn’t return and the owners of this shop have not opened the lock of his shop.

It is learned that the main owner of this shop died a few years back but he had told his children not to open the lock and wait for the return of the Hindu tenant, whose surname was ‘Kakkar’.

Almost 73 years have passed, the shop is still locked. The shop still awaits the occupant who may never return, but the promise has been kept which was made 73 years ago.

Link:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1847374878286140975#editor/target=post;postID=2474441276520520603

Hate Crimes in US: Incident of Attack on Elder Sikh man comes to fore

NEW YORK, USA—While the United States of America is facing ire over racial murder of George Floyd, another incident of racial attack on an elder Sikh in Jefferson county has come to fore. A 61 year old Sikh named Lakhwant Singh was reportedly hit by a 36 year old man Eric Breeman with his car on April 29 this year due to which he suffered serious injuries.

After attacking Lakhwant Singh, Eric Breeman shouted at him while saying “go back to your country”.

Media reports reveal that Lakhwant Singh’s arm got broken in this attack besides damage to ribs, internal bleeding, multiple bone fractures, a fracture in the spinal cord and head injuries.

Sources have revealed that the Jefferson County’s District Attorney is not accepting this attack as racist or hate crime. The district attorney doesn’t consider shouting “go back to your country” enough for hate crime charges.

The Sikh Coalition has said that the attacker shouted profanity at Singh and his wife, Manjit Kaur, and repeatedly told the couple to “go back to your country”.

Asked if “go back to your country” was not racial, DA spokesperson Russell said: “Unfortunately, that kind of talk happens all too often, but that in itself is enough for us to be able to prove he was targeted/attacked for his race.”

Link:https://www.sikh24.com/2020/06/15/hate-crimes-in-us-incident-of-attack-on-elder-sikh-man-comes-to-fore/#.XuhTe5ozbIU

SAD to take up issue of displaced Sikh farmers with UP CM

It is learnt that the Uttar Pradesh government sent police to displace these Sikh farmers from about 17 villages of districts Rampur, Bijnaur and Lakhimpur.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday announced to take up the issue of displacement of around 1,000 Sikh farmer families from four different places in Uttar Pradesh with chief minister Yogi Adityanand. It would also approach home minister Amit Shah to ensure they were not subjected to any injustice.

Senior party leader and former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra said SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had formed a three-member committee, including him and Rajya Sabha MPs Balwinder Singh Bhundur and Naresh Gujral, to discuss the issue at the appropriate levels. He said the party core committee had also resolved to ensure justice to the affected Sikh families of UP.

SAD’s UP kisan wing president Jasbir Singh Virk had brought it to the notice of the party that Sikh families were being displaced in Bijnore, Lakhimpur Kheri, Rampur and Nanakmata through coercive action. “SAD expresses solidarity with the affected farmers most of whom have settled in Uttar Pradesh after being displaced during partition in 1947 and will ensure they are not uprooted from their lands again,” said Chandumajra.

Link:https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/sad-to-take-up-issue-of-displaced-sikh-farmers-with-up-cm/story-xctSnyXOO9yqrBTkRsZbeO.html

Anand Marriage Act likely to get imposed in Pakistan’s Punjab province after lockdown

LAHORE, Punjab—The work to frame rules for registering Sikh marriages under Sikh Anand Karaj Marriages Act in Pakistani Punjab has begun. It has come to fore that a draft of rules has been prepared which might come in effect soon after lifting of lockdown.

Notably, the ‘Punjab Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages Act 2017’ was unanimously passed in the Pakistani Punjab’s assembly in March-2018 to legally recognize Sikh marriages in Punjab province of Pakistan.

Speaking to media, Parliamentary Secretary Mohinderpal Singh informed that this Bill will require the approval of governor after the rules are framed. “In this concern, we have already held a meeting with the Federal Home Ministry of Pakistan,” he added.  

Sources have revealed that if this Bill comes in effect then the newly wedded Sikh couples can register their marriages by filling a form within 30 days of their marriages.

To get divorced, the husband or wife will have to lodge a complaint with the Chairman of Sikh Anand Marriage Committee. The chairman will then issue a notice to the second party and it will be mandatory for the second party to meet the Arbitration Council within 30 days of receiving notice.

The Arbitration Council will give a chance to the duo parties to sort out their differences and will approve divorce, if the differences are not sorted out.

Meanwhile, it is learned that the Sikhs residing in other states of Pakistan have also become active to get this bill imposed in their states.

It is pertinent to note here that the marriages of Sikhs in Pakistan are currently registered by the authorities of Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh (Peshawar) but this registration doesn’t hold any legal value.  

According to this bill, a marriage ceremony, or Anand Karaj — which is defined as “the lawful union of a Sikh male and Sikh female” — will be performed in accordance with the religious practices as per Sikh tenets. A “marriage deed”, a legal document authorizing the matrimonial union, will then be issued by a registrar who will be appointed by the Punjab government.

Link:https://www.sikh24.com/2020/06/14/anand-marriage-act-likely-to-get-imposed-in-pakistans-punjab-province-after-lockdown/#.XuhQi5ozbIU

People in Amritsar spotted flouting norms during pandemic

Amritsar (Punjab) [India], June 16 : 

Flouting health guidelines to combat COVID-19, not wearing masks while going for a walk in public places will attract a fine of Rs 500 in Amritsar from Tuesday, a police official said.

In the morning today, several people were seen not abiding by the social distancing norms and children were also seen playing without masks.

"It is a violation of the law and there is a fine of Rs 500 for openly walking without a mask. Earlier we were not aware that locals are not following rules," said Amarjeet Singh, a police officer while speaking to ANI.

"On a daily bases, the government is creating awareness amongst the masses that wearing a mask is essential during the pandemic. If some of them will not wear it, then others will also break the rules, said Kajal Sharma, a resident.

In national capital also, a similar rule has been imposed. People found chewing and spitting tobacco in public or not wearing masks will now attract a legal penalty of Rs 500. A repeat offence will amount to doubling the cost of the penalty to Rs 1,000. (ANI)

Link:https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/not-wearing-masks-to-attract-rs-500-fine-in-amritsar20200616093804/

Sikh Warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh Named Greatest World Leader in BBC Poll

The founder and ruler of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been voted as the greatest leader in world history by 38 per cent readers of BBC World Histories Magazine. The leader who had defeated Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln during the early 19th century, Singh was nominated by historian Matthew Lockwood, an assistant professor of history at the University of Alabama for establishing “modern empire of toleration”. 

The magazine had asked its readers to vote for the greatest leader from the names that had been nominated by several renowned historians. They had to choose a leader who had “exercised power and had a positive impact on humanity and to explore their achievements and legacy”. It was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who topped the poll and was described by Lockwood as a uniting force whose reign “marked a golden age for Punjab and northwest India”.

Ranjit Singh was praised for creating a new tolerant empire."And, at a time of global political tensions, it's telling that Singh's rule is interpreted as representing ideals of tolerance, freedom and cooperation, said Matt Elton, Editor of BBC World History Magazine' of leading historians.

Link:https://www.news18.com/news/world/sikh-warrior-maharaja-ranjit-singh-named-greatest-world-leader-in-bbc-poll-2527713.html

Akal Takht Felicitated Dr Harpal Singh Selhi for COVID Awareness

Akal Takht Felicitated Dr Harpal Singh Selhi for COVID Awareness

LUDHIANA: Dr Harpal Singh Selhi, head of orthopaedic department at the Dayanand Medical College, has been felicitated by the supreme Sikh body Akal Takht for raising awareness on Covid-19. In a Youtube video made last month, the doctor demonstrated how to wear a face mask without disturbing the beard and turban. “We are thankful to Dr Selhi for introducing the method to Sikh healthcare providers worldwide, so that they can serve humanity while maintaining their faith,” said jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, who felicitated him in Amritsar recently.

 Link: https://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-chandigarh/20200615/281685437088799

Sikh Community Gathers At Cesar Chavez Park To Honor Black Lives Matter

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Members of the Sikh community in Sacramento are standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Crowds gathered in Cesar Chavez Park on Sunday to uplift the voices of the black community and honor the movement.

Organizers of the event said they wanted to hear from community members and leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement to learn how they can best get involved.

They said it is the duty of all Sikhs to stand up to injustices.

“Oftentimes we tend to sit in silence and we don’t want to continue this kind of compliance,” one of the organizers said. “And we want to come out and listen to the black community and then take action based on the words that we hear today.”

Sunday’s event was open to anyone and everyone.

In the interest of public health, attendees were also encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Link:https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2020/06/14/sikh-community-gathers-at-cesar-chavez-park-to-honor-black-lives-matter/

40 booked for not allowing former Golden Temple hazuri ragi Padma Shree Awardee Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa's Cremation

Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa receiving the Padma Shri Award 2009 from Pratibha Patil, President of India, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 31, 2009.  

More than two months after the death of former Golden Temple hazuri ragi Padma Shri Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa due to Covid-19, Verka police revealed that a first information report (FIR) was registered against 40 people who did not allow his cremation at the village crematorium.

Verka station house officer (SHO) Nishan Singh confirmed that the FIR was registered on April 9 against 40 people on the basis of a complaint sent to Punjab DGP by a Nawanshahr-based social and RTI activist, Parwinder Singh Kitna. They were booked under sections 188, 269, 270 and 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections of the Disaster Management Act and Epidemic Disease Act.

INQUIRY TO PROBE CAUSE OF DEATH BEGINS

A special investigation team (SIT) was formed to probe the allegations of medical negligence made by the family of Khalsa. The SIT, led by Jalandhar divisional commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri, has started the probe, said Amritsar police commissioner Sukhchain Singh Gill on Sunday. Some doctors, cops and Verka residents were also summoned by the SIT. The probing team will also look into the role of managements of two main crematoriums of the city.

Link:https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/40-booked-for-not-allowing-former-golden-temple-hazuri-ragi-s-cremation/story-BaEnSp6jwUw40qzEgxaPCI.html

Watchalong to celebrate life of Sikh prince whose generosity benefitted Norfolk Town : UK

The statue of the last King of Punjab, Maharajah Duleep Singh, at Butten Island in Thetford. 

The life of a Sikh prince who left a lasting legacy in Norfolk and Suffolk is to be the focus of a unique online event.

The grave of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire, is at Elveden Church, near Thetford. 

Thetford’s Ancient House Museum and the Sikh Museum Initiative have joined forces to celebrate the life of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire.

After his kingdom was taken from him by the British in the 1840s, the Maharajah was brought to England where he was befriended by Queen Victoria and later lived at Elevden Hall, near Thetford.

His son, Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, was the founder of Ancient House Museum and, with Thetford having benefitted greatly from their generosity, Prince Charles unveiled a statue of the Maharajah at Butten Island in 1999.

At 2pm on Sunday (June 14), audiences around the world are invited to join a watchalong of the 2017 film ‘The Black Prince’, which explores the troubled life of the Maharajah.

Link: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/watchalong-maharajah-duleep-singh-thetford-1-6698777