SGPC Will Bear Cost of Bringing Afghan Sikhs to India

The Shiromani Gurwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has decided to bear the cost of bringing the Sikhs facing threat to their lives in Afghanistan to India. The decision was taken during the SGPC meeting, chaired by its president Gobind Singh Longowal, at Chandigarh on Thursday 6^th August.

It was observed that Sikhs living in Afghanistan were under constant attack and their lives and dignity were not safe. The SGPC will provide the Afghan Sikhs support to meet their needs once they arrive in India and help them settle here.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/will-bear-cost-of-bringing-afghan-sikhs-to-india-sgpc/articleshow/77402364.cms

Reuben Singh : The Sikh Billionaire Who Bought 20 New Rolls-Royces To Match His Turban Collection!

London-based entrepreneur is busy matching away his turbans with his enviable collection of Rolls Royce cars.

Entrepreneur Reuben Singh – otherwise called the Bill Gates of Britain – The British business visionary turned into a web sensation in December 2017 for the “multi day Rolls-Royce Turban Challenge,” in which he coordinated the shade of his turban with his 7 Rolls Royce for seven days, after an Englishman ridiculed his turban. It cost him just Rs 50 crore.

This time, the Sikh entrepreneur is trending for buying six more Rolls Royce cars in ruby, sapphire and emerald colours. He is calling his new additions his very own ‘Jewel Collection’ which includes the most expensive Rolls Royce sedan-Phantom and the only SUV produced by British luxury car marker - Cullinan.

Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos himself delivered Six cars at Mr Singh's doorstep

With the most recent expansion to his carport, the absolute number of Rolls-Royce models in Singh’s ownership has arrived at 20. And they were personally delivered at Mr Singh's doorstep by the Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos himself.

The vehicle fan is a glad proprietor of other super-costly and alluring extravagance autos like the Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 918 Spyder, Pagani Huayara, Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (the just one of its sort on the planet).

Naturally introduced to a business family, the business person is CEO of Isher Capital and has served on an administration advisory board for small businesses under previous UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

http://dailysikhupdates.com/meet-the-sikh-billionaire-who-bought-20-new-rolls-royces-to-match-his-turban-collection/

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Declared Tankhayia, Gurinderpal Singh Gora and Rattan Singh Jaffarwal Approached Akal Takht to Seek Pardon.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh pronounces ‘tankhayia’ on the associates of former SAD Minister Sucha Singh Langah in Amritsar on Tuesday 4th August 2020.

Amritsar: A day after being declared tankhayia (guilty of religious misconduct), Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member Gurinderpal Singh Gora and SGPC dharam parchar committee (DPC) former member Rattan Singh Jaffarwal approached Akal Takht to seek pardon.

Former Sad Minister Sucha Singh Langah
Gurinderpal Singh Gora denied that he had any role in rebaptisation of former Akali minister Sucha Singh Langah. He also denied that he was seen in the photographs going viral on social media in which he and Rattan Singh Jaffarwal were seen with Langah. “These could be old photographs. I don’t know about them. All I know is I have always been dedicated to Akal Takht and will abide by its directions. I have come here to seek pardon for any mistake that may have been committed inadvertently by me,” he said.

Rattan Singh Jaffarwal also denied having any role in the attempts to bring back excommunicated Lanagh in Sikhism. “Akal Takht is supreme for me and my family. I will abide by its directions,” he said.

On Tuesday 4th July, Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh had declared both Gora and Jaffarwal tankhaiya for their alleged role in rebaptisation of Langah.

A day earlier, the panj pyaras (five beloved ones) who had performed the initiation ceremony and had pronounced religious atonement upon Langah had also approached the Akal Takht to seek pardon .

On Monday 3rd August,Langah and his family members had appeared before panj pyaras (five beloved ones) at Gurdwara Garhi Baba Banda Singh Bahadur situated in Gurdas Nanagal village in Gurdaspur district to seek pardon for the “mistake:committed by him in the past. The SGPC had also suspended three employees of the Gurdwara for not informing about Langah’s rebaptisation to the SGPC.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/declared-tankhayia-duo-says-did-no-wrong-seeks-pardom-from-akal-takht/articleshow/77382749.cms

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/takht-awards-tankhah-to-langahs-associates-122206

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/ex-communicated-langah-pardoned-by-panj-pyaras-re-takes-amrit-sanchar-ceremony-121644

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Punjabi University Webinar Triggers Debate As Sikh Scholars Object to Limiting Guru to Boundaries

Patiala: A webinar on the "contribution of Guru Tegh Bahadur to Indian nation", organized by Punjabi University on Wednesday, became a hot topic of discussion as some Sikh scholars objected to drawing boundaries while studying the life of the ninth Sikh guru.

The event was addressed by the Punjab information commissioner, some scholars from different religions and university vice-chancellor.

However, some Sikh scholars said the ninth Sikh Guru should not be looked from the prism of national boundaries as he attained martyrdom while protecting human rights.

Former IAS Gurtej Singh said, “It was guru’s martyrdom and not sacrifice. The guru is not just about one country, rather for humanity and universal goodness. The university has set low standards by limiting Guru Tegh Bahadur to the Indian nation. It should not confuse people.”

Another Sikh Scholar Bhai Ashok Singh Baghdia said Guru Tegh Bahadur protected human rights and had given a message to the entire world. He said the guru cannot be limited to any boundary of a country.

Head of Shri Guru Granth Sahib studies department Prof Sarbjinder Singh, who was part of the webinar, said Sikh religion do not accept monochromatic colour state. “Our gurus had always a firm belief in multicolour shades of our country where flowers of all kinds symbolising all religions flourish.”

University VC Prof B S Ghuman said, “The sacrifice and teachings of our great guru forms the basis of national integration of our country. Guru Tegh Bahadur set an example by fighting for religious freedom and respecting all religions.”

Pawan Kumar Singla, information commissioner, Punjab said, “The guru sahib worked for the downtrodden sections of the society. By sacrificing himself for getting religious freedom for the Hindus, the guru has set an example in the field of human rights.”

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/webinar-triggers-debate-as-sikh-scholars-object-to-limiting-guru-to-boundaries/articleshow/77382083.cms

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Let Lord Ram's Message of Universal Love & Brotherhood and Respect for All Faiths Inspire Us

Sukhbir Singh Badal 

“Great day for our Hindu brethren on this historic day of the groundbreaking ceremony of the #RamMandir in Ayodhya. Special congratulations to PM Narendra Modi ji who made the #BhoomiPujan possible through persistent commitment to a sacred cause. Let Sri Ram Chandra ji’s message of universal love & brotherhood and respect for all faiths inspire us,” Sukhbir Badal wrote from his Facebook wall.

His wife, Harsimrat Badal, also congratulated the Hindus while terming this day as historical.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa,President,DSGMC

"I congratulate every Indian on this historic day. Ram Mandir at #Ayodhya has been a long pending demand of people and Supreme Court’s verdict honoured the people’s sentiments. The day of Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir and presence of @NarendraModi Ji is cherished by every Indian".

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa Collge
University of Delhi

8 Years After Massacre :Sikh Community Welcomed Former US Vice President Joe Biden's Solidarity Message On 2012 Wisconsin Gurdwara Attack

The Sikh community welcomed former US Vice President Joe Biden's solidarity message on 2012 Wisconsin gurdwara attack.

Wisconsin Gurdwara,USAThe Sikh community has welcomed Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden's message on the eighth anniversary of the attack on the Gurdwara in Oak Creek.

Wisconsin. Biden said, "Eight years ago, a white supremacist targeted a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, ultimately taking seven lives in an unspeakable act of terror." He added, "To truly honour those we lost, it is up to all of us to stand up to bigotry in our lives, give hate no safe harbour and reduce gun violence."

Dr Rajwant Singh, co-founder and Senior Advisor of the National Sikh Campaign (NSC), said, "We are grateful that Joe Biden took time from his busy campaign schedule to remind all Americans about the tragedy, which gripped the Sikh community and the nation eight years ago."

He added, "Sikh community will remain indebted to the Oak Creek Police Department, Mayor of Oak Creek, Governor Scott Walker, US Department of Justice and former President Barack Obama for their support to the community during this very difficult time. America lowered its flags in honour of these victims. Millions of Americans poured love and support to the Sikhs, for which the community will always remain grateful."

Sikhs Recognize Former Lieutenant Brian Murphy Of Oak Creek, Wisconsin Who Was Struck With 12 Bullets During Shooting At Gurudwara.

Sikhs will always remember the sacrifice of Police Officer Brian Murphy who was the first to respond to the fatal shooting rampage at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on August 5, 2012. He took 15 bullets and saved many more lives.

Gurwin Singh Ahuja, Executive Director of NSC, said, "We agree with Joe Biden that we as a community and the nation as a whole must stand against bigotry and racism." Dr Singh, who worked closely with the Obama administration during the crisis in 2012, said, "Combating racism and reducing gun violence certainly are the two critical issues facing America."

The six victims killed included one woman -- Paramjit Kaur (41); and five men -- Satwant Singh Kaleka (65), the founder of the gurdwara; Prakash Singh (39), a Granthi; Sita Singh (41); Ranjit Singh (49) and Suveg Singh Khattra (84). 

A memorial near the entrance of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/us/sikhs-welcome-joe-bidens-solidarity-message-on-wisconsin-gurdwara-attack20200806114010/

https://darpanmagazine.com/news/national/sikhs-recognize-former-lieutenant-brian-murphy-of-oak-creek-wisconsin-who-was-struck-with-12-bullets-during-shooting-at-gurudwara/

Dr.Gurdeep kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mentioned Places Pivotal to Sikh Religion on the Occasion of Ram Temple "Bhoomi Pujan"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned two places pivotal to Sikh religion, Amritsar and Patna Sahib, as well as about Gobind Ramayan written by Sikh’s 10th master Guru Gobind Singh in his speech.

In his speech, Modi said, “From Somnath to Kashi Vishwanath, from BodhGaya to Sarnath, from Amritsar to Patna Sahib, from Lakshadweep to Leh, the entire of India is Ram Maya.” Remembering Guru Gobind Singh, the PM said, “There is Kamban Ramayana in Tamil, Kumudendu Ramayana in Tamil, Oriya, Kannada. If we go to Kashmir, there is Ramavatarcharit, Ramcharitam in Malayalam, Krittivasi Ramayana in Bengali, Guru Gobind Singh himself wrote Gobind Ramayana.”

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Ex-Jathedar Iqbal Singh,Takhat Patna Sahib Under Fire For His Objectionable Remark at Ram Temple "Bhoomi Pujan",Ayodhya

Giani Iqbal Singh states that Sikhs are descendants of Lord Raam

Takht Sri Patna Sahib former jathedar Iqbal Singh is under fire for his objectionable remarks at ‘bhoomi pujan’ (groundbreaking ceremony) for Ram Temple to be constructed on the site of Babri mosque in Ayodhya, that was demolished by Hindu right-wing mobs in 1992.

Pertinently, he made an objectionable remark on Sikh Gurus  stating that Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh were Descendants of Lord Rama and thus, Rama is the ancestor of Sikhs. For his remark and presence on the occasion, he is facing backlash from the Sikhs across the world.

Notably, Akal Takht Sahib’s edict asking the Sikhs to sever ties with the RSS and its so-called Sikh wing is still remaining intact. In spite of this, Iqbal Singh has been keeping the ties with RSS up. Besides, he remained in many other controversies. He was removed as Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib by Takht Patna Sahib Management Board on March 5, 2019, considering serious complaints against him. 

Meanwhile, the RSS’s wing appealed to the Sikh community to light oil lamps to celebrate this event as a historic moment.

While Giani Harpreet Singh who is SGPC-appointed Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib and the jathedars of other Sikh temporal seats shrugged off the invitation to the ceremony, Giani Iqbal Singh alone made a presence on the occasion claiming to be incumbent Jathedar of the Takht Sahib, situated in Bihar.

At Ayodhya, he first attended bhog of Akhand Path organized by Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, the so-called Sikh wing of Hindu extremist organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He did ‘Ardas’ on the occasion in favour of Ram Temple in presence of other leaders of the wing. However, no prominent face from the Sikhs turned up on there.

Similarly, Iqbal Singh along with some handpicked sikhs attended the main function addressed by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.

https://www.sikh24.com/2020/08/05/takht-patna-sahib-ex-jathedar-under-fire-for-attending-ayodhya-event-making-objectionable-remark/#.XyuD74gzbIU

Giani Iqbal Singh Performed Ardas During the Bhog of Akhand Path at Ayodhya’s Gurdwara Brahamkund Sahib On Occasion of Ram Temple "Bhoomi Pujan"

Giani Iqbal Singh performed ardas during the bhog of akhand path at Ayodhya’s Gurdwara Brahamkund Sahib.

Former jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib, Giani Iqbal Singh performed ardas during the bhog of akhand path at Ayodhya’s Gurdwara Brahamkund Sahib to express gratitude for the construction of the temple.

Giani Iqbal Singh alone made a presence on the occasion claiming to be incumbent Jathedar of the Takht Sahib, situated in Bihar.

At Ayodhya, he first attended bhog of Akhand Path organized by Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, the so-called Sikh wing of Hindu extremist organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He did ‘Ardas’ on the occasion in favour of Ram Temple at Gurudwara Brahmkund, Ayodhya in presence of other leaders of the wing. 

After offering thanksgiving ,heoffered a pot of holy water to the officials of the Trust

However, no prominent face from the Sikhs turned up on there.Similarly, Iqbal Singh along with some handpicked sikhs attended the main function addressed by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.

The acting jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh chose not to attend the bhoomi pujan ceremony at Ayodhya.

https://www.sikh24.com/2020/08/05/takht-patna-sahib-ex-jathedar-under-fire-for-attending-ayodhya-event-making-objectionable-remark/#.XyuD74gzbIU

http://updatepunjab.com/sri-ram-mandir/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sri-ram-mandir

 

Gyms in Amritsar Reopened After Three Months of The COVID-19 Induced Lockdown

Gyms reopen in Amritsar after 3-month COVID-19 lockdown  Gym owners and fitness trainers sighed a breath of relief as gym-goers walked into their establishments after Punjab Chief Minister announced Unlock 3.0 guidelines that gave gyms a thumbs up to reopen after the three-month COVID-19 lockdown.  

"I am very grateful to the Centre for allowing us to reopen our establishments. We are being extra careful now that gyms are allowed to open. We only call 10 people at a time to the gym and sanitise all the equipment after every use. We have requested members to bring their own bottles, hand sanitizers and towels, and have a strict social distancing policy," Madhav Khurana, owner and fitness coach of a gym in Amritsar told ANI, adding that they also recommend immunity boosting meal plans so that members can also learn how to eat healthily.

Gursimran Kaur, a gym goer said that coming to the gym after several weeks of the COVID-induced lockdown made her feel healthier and stronger. "I am very grateful to the Central and State governments for allowing gyms to open. Coming to the gym has made me feel healthy, strong and refreshed after sitting at home for over four months. Exercising builds immunity and can help us fight COVID-19,".

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/gyms-reopen-in-amritsar-after-3-month-covid-19-lockdown20200805152011/

DSGMC:Hundreds of People From Santgarh and Tilak Nagar Joined The Akali Dal

People from different parts of Delhi are continuing to join the Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi Unit. Today, hundreds of people from Sant Garh ward and Tilak Nagar ward reached the party's office at Rakab Ganj Sahib and joined the party. 

All the participating members were welcomed by Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa,President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and Mr.Harmeet Singh Kalka, President of the Delhi unit of the party and Deneral Secretary of DSGMC. BB Ranjit Kaur, Senior Vice President of Delhi Committee and members Daljit Singh Sarna, Vikram Singh Rohini, Paramjit Singh Chandok, Saravjit Singh Virak were also present on the occasion.

People are being associated with the party by Bibi Ranjit Kaur from Santgarh ward while Daljit Singh Sarna from Tilak Nagar was trying to get people involved in the party. 

On this occasion, Sirsa and Kalka, while addressing the gathering, informed everyone about the services being rendered by the Akali Dal in  DSGMC. He said that at present there are many people who are trying to mislead the Community but the people of Delhi are fully aware and they know who is doing better for the upliftment of society and the Sikh community. In future also community is going to choose them to serve the same.

News Courtsey,
Mr.Sudeep Singh
Honorary Media Advisor
DSGMC