Sikh recruit wins payout for humiliation by police trainer

Sikh recruit wins payout for humiliation by police trainer
Tim Stewart
27.07.09

A Sikh police officer is to receive a five-figure compensation payment after she suffered racist and religious humiliation while in training.

Amandeep Kaur Grewal, who is of Indian origin, was singled out for unfair criticism and treatment by trainer Pc Lucinda Rigby because of her race at the Metropolitan Police's training school in Hendon.

When Mrs Grewal complained, Pc Rigby told her other students were laughing at her behind her back.

Mrs Grewal, 38, told how some of her fellow recruits treated her in a "less than friendly fashion".

Reading employment tribunal heard how another trainer had to hold a diversity class to deal with animosity towards Mrs Grewal.

The panel rejected the Met's claim that trainers had considered her skills poor. It found she had been unfairly targeted and said Pc Rigby's remark about colleagues making fun of her "inappropriate" and "hurtful".

It found the Met guilty of race and religious discrimination. Mrs Grewal, of Teddington, now a serving Pc at Kingston police station, is set to be awarded a payout for hurt feelings.

She is married to a police officer and attended the Hendon training college in November 2007. She also told how Pc Rigby singled her out for "excessive supervision" during her officer safety training. She said her application of handcuffs was checked more often than for other students.

The Met claimed this was "mere chance" and that trainers did not think Mrs Grewal was up to scratch. But in its judgment, the tribunal ruled: "If this were truly the case, we would have expected to have seen particular remedial steps put in place. They were not." After Mrs Grewal complained to Met chiefs, she had a meeting with Pc Rigby in March last year. The panel ruled: "Pc Rigby told Mrs Grewal that other students had been laughing at her. This was an inappropriate and potentially undermining comment.

"Pc Rigby acted in this way because she felt defensive about allegations of race and religious discrimination."

Mrs Grewal failed in her claims of racial and religious harassment. Pc Rigby's mistreatment was distressing but not sufficiently serious to amount to harassment, the panel ruled.

Mrs Grewal's solicitor Jag Brar, of law firm Richmond and Barnes, said: "This case was particularly disturbing because it related to allegations of discrimination during police training. No recruit should have to go through the anguish Mrs Grewal suffered."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The Metropolitan Police Service will give full and careful consideration to the decision. Pc Grewal remains a valued member of the force."

with thanks : source : http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23724286-details/Sikh+recruit+wins+payout+for+humiliation+by+police+trainer/article.do

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Armed and ready to protect One: Meet the first Sikh soldiers to guard the Queen

Armed and ready to protect One: Meet the first Sikh soldiers to guard the Queen
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:02 AM on 28th July 2009


These are the first two Sikh soldiers to have the honour of guarding the Queen.

Signaler Simranjit Singh, 26, and Lance Corporal Sarvjit Singh, 28, proudly pose with their guns while on duty in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
Signaler Singh made history as the very first Sikh soldier to wear his turban on Public Duties guarding the monarch and protecting the Crown Jewels. He was soon joined by Lance Corporal Singh.

The proud soldier from Coventry enthusiastically took on the duty for the first time in May this year.
He serves with 21st Signal Regiment based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, while Lance Corporal serves with 3rd Regiment Army Air Corps based at Wattisham, Suffolk.

Turbans, long hair and beards are considered a mandatory religious uniform for all Sikhs.
Keeping uncut hair is required according to the Rehat Maryada, the Sikh instruction for living.

with thanks : Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1202639/Meet-Sikh-soldiers-guard-Queen.html

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Enrol Now for UNITED SIKHS Miri Piri Camps in Michigan and London

Enrol Now for UNITED SIKHS Miri Piri Camps in Michigan and London

London, UK and Michigan USA – UNITED SIKHS Miri Piri camps in London and Michigan will be held this month and it is still not too late to enrol. The London camp, which is a day camp this weekend, will be held on 1st and 2nd Aug hosted by the Central London Gurdwara and the Michigan camp will be a week long camp from Aug 16th to 22nd.

Both camps are for the whole family, and are aimed at promoting Gatka (Sikh martial art) and Gurmat (Sikh principles).

“We aim to motivate people of all ages to take up Gatka and we will do follow up weekly training sessions at the Central London Gurdwara to ensure a Gatka akhara could be set up at the Gurdwara, “ said Lakhvinder Singh, one of the London Miri Piri camp organizers.

There is no strict age limit except that any child under seven will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage parents to attend the camp too where they could learn something within their own group in the camp, whilst their children attend separate sessions with their peers.

You may view a poster of both camps at and also fill the enrolment forms at unitedsikhs.org/camps and scan them to contact@unitedsikhs.org asap.

Jagpreet Singh, a recent graduate in Transportation Designing, from Italy, who will be attending the Michigan camp, said, “UNITED SIKHS is creating a class of the next generation, where people would help-respect-befriend every one they meet. At the camp, we will be brought out of our TV rooms and into the real world enjoying the company of our peers in the surrounds of a retreat.”

Issued by:
Gurjeet Singh
Director
Empowerment and Education
UNITED SIKHS
07709830442
camp@unitedsikhs.org

Har Prabh Ratay Loeina - Shabad keertan

Har Prabh Ratay Loeina - Please view video of Shabad keertan by Gurmat gian missionary college, Ludhiana.

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Eternal University at Baru Sahib begins in Himachal

Jul 16th, 2009 | By Sanjeev Awasthi | Category: Himachal, News

Nahan: Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister Himachal today performed foundation stone ceremony of the Eternal University in private sector at Baru Saheb in Rajgarh Sub Division of district Sirmaur today.
Chief Minister said that H.P. was poised to emerge an ‘Education Hub’ with private participation and added that best use would be made of the congenial atmosphere available in the State. He said that renowned educational houses were coming forward to open their institutions of par-excellence in the State. He said that the State Government was extending best of the cooperation to make H.P. a centre of par-excellence learning.
Prof. Dhumal said that that road, education, health, self-employment, self-reliance and self-respect were the objectives with which State Government was functioning. He said that these were the basic essentials for meeting the requirements of the society. He said that State Government was pursuing the goals to achieve the targets in a time-bound manner. He said that 1st University in IT was also set up in private sector in district Solan at Waknaghat which had emerged an important milestone in education. He said that the State had the best educational infrastructure, which was being strengthened to deliver people best of the facilities at their door steps. He added that State was endeavouring to generate employment and self-employment avenues to the educated unemployed youth in the State.
Prof. Dhumal said that ‘No Profit, No Loss’ motive of the University deserves all appreciation and hoped that the upcoming university would be producing good and responsible citizens. He said that revival of the traditional art and culture of the country, especially of the State also deserves appreciation. He said that it may emerge an important milestone in revival of the old art and culture of the State. He hoped that the university would carry on with its value-based education.
Chief Minister lauded contributions of Kalgidhar Trust for development of an impressive educational campus in the interiors of Sirmaur district. He said that it was unique feature of the Trust that students were availing educational facilities from 1st standard to Ph.D level. He said that it would inspire students to work hard and attain greater heights in their career.
Prof. Dhumal said that Rs. 353 crore Pandit Deen Dayal Kisaan Baagwan Samridhi Yojna was aimed at making people self-reliant by helping them diversify their farming and generate income for themselves at their door-steps. He said that 80 percent subsidy was available to the beneficiaries under the scheme while they would be contributing only 20 per cent only. He said that people needed to be educated and made aware of the scheme so that more people were benefitted under the scheme.
Chief Minister said that State had been adjudged leader in implementation of 20-Point Programme in the country which was no less an achievement for the people of the State.
He announced for upgradation of Primary School Tikkari to Middle School, Middle School Bongali to High School respectively. He announced for lift irrigation supply scheme for Lana-Machher, Baru, Sharera and Khakhali. He said that Baru Saheb bypass road would be constructed on priority, besides Lana-Machher road and Rajgarh-Bagthan-Banethi road would also be metalled. He said that Bongali-Lana- Kue road would also be constructed soon. He said that detailed project report of Baru Saheb Mangarh road has been sent to Government of India for approval. He sanctioned one 33 KV Sub-Station at Baru Saheb, by-pass to be constructed to connect Baru Saheb and road metalled besides Rajgarh-Banethi road.
Dr. M.S. Atwal, Vice Chancellor, Eternal University read out the report of the Kalgidhar Trust with special reference to educational activities. He assured Chief Minister of world class educational facilities to the students in the campus.
Ravinder Pal Singh, Trustee of Kalgidhar Trust welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed various activities of the Trust.
Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Vice-President Kalgidhar Trust proposed vote of thanks.

with thanks : source : http://nvonews.com/2009/07/16/eternal-university-at-baru-sahib-begins-in-himachal/

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Baru Sahib Day boarding school building inaugurated

Jul 26th, 2009 | By Sanjeev Awasthi | Category: Himachal, News

Nahan: National chairman of minority commission and Member Rajya sabha Sardar Tarlohan Singh today inaugurated day boarding school building of Hindi medium at Baru sahib in Rajgarh sub division being constructed by the Kalgidhar trust. Chairman of minority commission also participated in the SAHAJ PAATH BHOG program at Darbar Sahib. Interacting with members of Kalgidhar trust and Akal academy he said that it was a very difficult task to arrange the international education standards at such place (Baru Sahib).As per as the information the GURUDWARA at baru sahib would have certain unique feature of world level as this would have the sitting capacity of ten thousand devotees. Chairman of the minority commission also met with Sant Baba Iqbal Singh. However Dr Devinder Singh and Khem Singh gill were also present in the inaugural function.

with thanks : source : http://nvonews.com/2009/07/26/baru-sahib-day-boarding-school-building-inaugurated/

SikhsIndia
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Akal Takht tells Sikhs to go green

Akal Takht tells Sikhs to go green
I P Singh, TNN 27 July 2009, 03:34am IST

Akal Takht Jathedar Gurbachan Singh gave a religious call to the community on Sunday saying Sikhs should now focus on cleaning the natural water resources rather than spending more money on building up new gurdwaras.

SULTANPUR LODHI: Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal body, has embraced the save-the-environment mantra telling Sikhs across the world it was their ‘‘moral and religious duty’’ to care for the nature.

‘‘Whereever in the world you (Sikhs) may be, your focus should now be on cleaning up of natural water resources rather than building gurdwaras,’’ he said at a function here on the ninth anniversary of cleaning of Kali Bein, a river in Kapurthala district.

Environmentalists said the Jathedar has set a precedent with his call for saving the environment from depletion. Many said the call would prompt devotees to do their bit for the environment.

Some said the appeal from the Jathedar could make other religious leaders to think about contributing to the environment. It could even help save the most important river in the country, the Ganges river, they added.

The Kali Bein, a much polluted river flowing through Sultanpur Lodhi, was cleaned in an initiative by the Akhat Takht Jathedar through community participation.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/Environment/The-Good-Earth/Akal-Takht-tells-Sikhs-to-go-green/articleshow/4823856.cms

SikhsIndia
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It’s cool to be Sikh, but cooler if you wear a turban

July 24th, 2009

There maybe an answer to the continuing dilemma for the Sikh community – a lack of men wanting to wear a turban.

Well the answer is simple, make it cool to have a turban, create some positive vibes around this important issue of identity.

Recently we have seen an increase in the amount of Bollywood artists such as Akshay Kumar (right) that have embraced off screen dress in this breath-taking attire.

The turban definitely makes a man look handsome, shows someone you can trust and if I am perfectly honest dare I say it ‘sexy and drop dread gorgeous’ (– I am just hoping my editor does not edit this line!!!)

Recently in Leicester, a project lead by Trolochan Singh Virk there was a turban tying competition – how cool is that

The Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) of Amritsar and humanitarian organisation Akaal Purkh Ki Fauj also organised not only a turban tying initiative but they took it a step further, they held an amazing ‘pageant’ and called it Mr Singh International.

It was a low-key affair but later versions, but there are already plans to roll this our across Punjab and Delhi, with a expectation of participation of Bollywood stars.

The SGPC has declared April 14, the day of harvest festival Vaisakhi, as "International Sikh Turban Day."

“We are dismayed that more and more youths are refusing to grow their beard or wear the turban, which are sacred symbols of the Sikh religion,” said H.S. Hanspal, Sikh representative in the National Commission for Minorities.

According to Hanspal, many young Sikhs say that tying a turban every day, which may take up to 10 minutes, is too awkward for today’s world

Other boys apparently fear becoming the “odd man out’’ and getting taunted by their peers. Many Sikh parents say they have stopped insisting their sons wear the traditional headgear.

Various Gurdwara Prabandhak committees, therefore, are planning to send volunteers to schools to teach boys how to tie the turban and counsel them on the importance of wearing a turban the project be lead by The Miinority Commission

Whilst many would be deeply hurt that the Holy Turban should not be used in such a manner, I feel it is time for action to allow young Sikh men to be towed back to line – they will thank us in the long run.

Dalbeer Singh of the Delhi Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee has called for a new fashion magazine.

“We need a Sikh fashion magazine to promote uncut hair, the beard and the turban as cool and clean. We should use persons like Manmohan Singh as role models,’’ he told The Telegraph, this I totally agree with.

One of the first people such a magazine may think of featuring is Paramdeep Singh, 23, first runner-up at Mr Singh International 2009. “I want to send a message that a complete Sikh is more handsome than those who trim or cut their hair,” Paramdeep said.

For Sikhs, the turban became a “robe of honour” which was endorsed in 1699, during the time of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, a scholar said.

Sikh turbans are different from other kinds but have their own variations. The commonest is the “peaked turban” Manmohan Singh wears. The length of the cloth varies from 6 to 8 metres, and the most popular colours are white, deep blue and saffron.

Sikh boys start wearing a keski (mini-turban) or patka at a very young age, often switching to the turban around the age of 12.

So remember boy and girls should you choose – its cool to be Sikh and even cooler if you remember Waheguru gave you long hair for a reason, so respect it.

And finally I cannot believe that every day some Sikh battle with nature as they shave their beards and everyday nature wins…………….is there not a lesson to be learned?

by Tinderjit Kaur Lallie,
with thanks : Source: www.emgonline.co.uk

SikhsIndia
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British Sikhs revive deadly art banned by the Raj

British Sikhs on the mission
Thu, Jul 23 05:07 PM

A short drive away from Windsor Castle, a group of ferocious-looking, blue-turbanned men are trying to preserve a martial art that frightened the life out of the British when they ruled India.

Grunting at each other like wild boars, they brandish swords and sticks according to the dictates of the Sikh fighting discipline of Shastar Vidya.

Their teacher, Nidar Singh, believes he is the only "gurdev" or master of the art seriously practising today.

The 42-year old British-Indian barks out orders in a thick regional English accent to an attentive class of mainly Sikh pupils ranging in age from 5 to 45.

Singh is on a mission to keep the martial art alive and he spends all his time teaching in schools and community halls across the country.

Razor-sharp swords flash through the air, wooden batons are brandished and hands grab the heads of opponents in threatening moves designed to kill in an instant.

With a long, dark beard and huge dark eyes peering out from his dark blue turban, Singh implored his students to "Watch, watch" as he mock-felled one pupil after another in a dizzying display of ferocity.

"It's a battlefield art, so the idea is if you can defeat the enemy by sheer intimidation then all the better ... the art is very aggressive," he said. "The idea is to traumatise the people watching."

The warrior art of Shastar Vidya (weapon science) once practised by Sikhs in the Punjab, was banned by the ruling British, who were intimidated by the success, bravery and sheer aggression of the martial art. The blue turbans were forbidden and only a ceremonial form of the art was allowed in the Raj. The closely guarded secrets of the true form went underground.

Nidar Singh fears that unless he passes on his knowledge, learnt from a now-deceased previous master in India, the art form could be extinct in a few decades. He says Shastar Vidya also has practical uses in the modern world.

"On the one hand we are preserving heritage and traditions, on the other hand we are getting physically fit and mentally alert and learning self-defence as well," he said.

Younger students are not given the wooden sticks. They only learn defensive moves to help protect themselves rather than encouraging violence.

Nine-year-old Georgina Kelly said she's already used her new-found skills to fend off a bully at school.

"I used one of the moves on her, I didn't hurt her and it helped me, so she doesn't bully me any more. It's really fun and I learn a lot."

Harkaram Sroa, also 11, practises fancy footwork and how to form his fists so they are fight-ready. He said the classes have given him confidence.

"It helped me with my self defence and things like that and so I just started coming more and more and now I really enjoy it," Sroa said.

For the older pupils, learning India's lost art of war gives them a link to their cultural heritage.

"It's given me the link back to my traditions and the way my ancestors thought and how they fought, but beyond that it gives me a perspective into the deeper philosophy behind Sikhi," said Harninder Sanher using the Punjabi word for Sikh tradition.

He said the fighting aspect of the art form is only a small part of what appeals to him.

"A deeper aspect for me is all the philosophy behind it and that gives me that depth and that rich history that I can't seem to get from anywhere else."

Ironically Nidar Singh was only able to research the art banned by the British in Britain.

The former colonial rulers obsessively kept safe all the books and manuscripts, which are now held in the British Museum in London. That has enabled the more dedicated pupils to study the philosophy behind Shastar Vidya.

"It's all contextualised with ancient mythologies of India -- even as a British-born Asian I wasn't very familiar with those, so that's something I actually had to go away and do," said Gurpreet Dhillow.

Shastar Vidya has existed in the subcontinent for thousands of years, long before Sikhism emerged in the mid-16th century. Singh regards it as an art form that has been looked after by many different creeds and cultures. He sees the Sikhs as the latest custodians of the art.

He is passionate about preserving it for future generations.

"The last thing I want to do, under my watch now, is for it to go extinct. The grand master who taught me had the same desire. As an ancient art it enshrines a lot of wisdom and knowledge of the past masters, things which we will get nowhere else and it would be sad for us to now lose it all," he said.

Singh has recently established classes in Berlin and in America and plans to expand further around the world to ensure Shastar Vidya lives proud once again.

Georgina Cooper

with thanks : source :
http://in.news.yahoo.com/137/20090723/740/tnl-british-sikhs-revive-deadly-art-bann.html

SikhsIndia
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Happy Gurupurab - Lakh Lakh vadhaiyaan ji

Guru Har Krishan Sahib ji

Guru Harkrishan Sahib was born on Sawan Vadi 10, (8 Sawan), Bikrami Samvat 1713, (July 7, 1656) at Kiratpur Sahib. He was the second son of Guru Har Rai Sahib and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji (Sulakhni Ji). Ram Rai, the elder brother of Guru Harkrishan Sahib was ex-communicated and disinherited due to his anti-Guru Ghar activities, as stated earlier and Sri Harkrishan Sahib Ji at the age of about five years, was declared as Eighth Nanak Guru by his father Guru Har Rai Sahib before his death in 1661. This act inflamed Ram Rai Ji with jealousy and he complained to the emperor Aurangzeb against his father's decision. The emperor replied in flavor issuing orders through Raja Jai Singh to the young Guru to appear before him. Raja Jai Singh sent his emissary to Kiratpur Sahib to bring the Guru to Delhi. At first the Guru was not willing, but at the repeated requests of his followers and Raja Jai Singh, he agreed to go to Delhi.

At this occasion, a large number of devotees from every walk of life came to bid him farewell. They followed the Guru Sahib up to village Panjokhara near Ambala. From this place the Guru advised his followers to return to their respective homes. Then Guru Sahib, along with a few of his family members proceeded towards Delhi. But before leaving this place Guru Harkrishan Sahib showed the great powers which were bestowed upon him by the Almighty God. Pandit Lal Chand, a learned scholar of Hindu literature questioned Guru Sahib about the meanings of Gita. Then Guru Sahib called a water-carrier named Chhaju Ram, and with the Guru's grace, this unlettered man was able to expound the philosophy of the Gita. When Pandit Lal Chand listened the scholarly answer from Chhaju, he bent his head in shame and besought the forgiveness of Guru Sahib. Pandit Lal Chand became the Sikh and escorted the Guru Sahib up to Kurukashatra.

When Guru Sahib reached Delhi, he was greeted with great fervor and full honors by Raja Jai Singh and the Sikhs of Delhi. Guru Sahib was lodged in the palace of Raja Jai Singh. The people from all walks of life flocked the palace to have a glimpse (Darshan) of Guru Harkrishan Sahib. Some chronicles mention that prince Muzzam also paid a visit.

In order to test the Guru's intelligence, of which everyone spoke very highly, Raja Jai Singh requested the Guru Sahib to identify the real queen out of the equally and well dressed ladies surrounding Guru Sahib. The Guru at once went to a lady dressed as a maidservant and sat in her lap. This lady was the real queen. There are also many different stories we find in some other Sikh accounts relating to Guru Sahib's mental ability.

Within a short span of time Guru Harkrishan Sahib through his fraternization with the common masses gained more and more adherents in the capital. At the time, a swear epidemic of cholera and smallpox broke out in Delhi. The young Guru began to attend the sufferers irrespective of cast and creed. Particularly, the local Muslim population was much impressed with the purely humanitarian deeds of the Guru Sahib and nicknamed him Bala Pir (child prophet). Even Aurangzeb did not tried to disturb Guru Harkrishan Sahib sensing the tone of the situation but on the other hand never dismissed the claim of Ram Rai also.

While serving the suffering people from the epidemic day and night, Guru Sahib himself was seized with high fever. The swear attack of smallpox confined him to bed for several days. When his condition became serious, he called his mother and told her that his end was drawing near. When asked to name his successor, he merely exclaimed 'Baba Bakala'. These words were only meant for the future (Guru) Teg Bahadur Sahib, who was residing at village Bakala near river Beas in Punjab province.

In the last moment Guru Harkrishan Sahib wished that nobody should mourn him after his death and instructed to sing the hyms of Gurbani. Thus the 'Bala Pir' passed away on Chet Sudi 14,(3rd Vaisakh), Bikrami Samvat 1721, (30th March, 1664) slowly reciting the word "Waheguru" till the end. Tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib paying tribute to Guru Harkrishan Sahib stated in "Var Sri Bhagoti Ji Ki"... "Let us think of the holy Harkrishan, Whose sight dispels all sorrows..."

with thanks : source : http://www.sgpc.net/gurus/guruharkrishan.asp

With best regards

SikhsIndia
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Sikh hip hop Queen approached by Pussycat dolls

Wed, Jul 22, 2009 8:23:15

The Sikh hip hop queen of India, Hard Kaur who is a pack of huge talent has proved it time and again!

The only female Sikh rapper has been approached by none other but the American pop girl group Pussycat Dolls to record a song with them.

The agent for Pussycat dolls wanted to get in touch with Hard Kaur as they liked her music and wanted to work with her.

Pussycat dolls wanted a break away in India and they wanted to do it through Hard Kaur as they felt she would do a great job and also she has huge fan following in the UK and India.

Says the talented hip hop queen “I have already sent Pussycat dolls the chorus I have written, which goes on like Move over, Hard Kaur is here”. She wants to add an Indian element in the song and hence intends to make them sing a line in Hindi. Because of Jhalak she could not shoot the video with them and regrets deeply for the delay.

Hard Kaur would go on a world tour starting from 23rd July and is planning to record the song at the same time in LA.Must say our Hip hop queen is in a lot of serious action and would make it really big in the industry.

with thanks : source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=6483

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