About 450 Pakistani Hindus, Sikhs Await Nod to Return to India, Apply For citizenship

About 450 Pakistani Hindus and Sikhs stranded across the border are awaiting clearances to return to India and apply for citizenship under the newly amended Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Before the imposition of Covid-related lockdown, the immigrants had gone to meet their relatives or renew identity cards, passports on a ‘No Obligation to Return to India’ visa, valid for 60 days, said officials.

In May, New Delhi and Islamabad had introduced a special service for people stuck on both sides of the border due to the pandemic. More than 190 Pakistani nationals, including Hindus, will travel across the Attari-Wagah border under the service.These stranded Pakistani nationals travelled by road from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, according to officials in the Ministry of External Affairs. 

While Indian citizens were allowed to come back, those on longterm visas were denied permission.

 Last December, the Centre passed CAA to provide citizenship to six persecuted minorities - Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian - from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. People from these communities, who had come to India till December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution in these countries, will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship, as per the Act. 

However, the Centre is yet to notify the CAA rules. The legislation had led to protests in different parts of the country. Since these refugees still hold passports or other identity documents issued by the Pakistan government, their re-entry into India is going to be a complex process, said officials. 

“As many as 28 members of my family came to Peshawar in Pakistan on a NORI visa in February this year,” said Jugjeet Singh who lived in New Delhi’s Tilak Nagar. “We have been asking the embassy authorities for our return to India but we have not received any communication,” 

19-year-old Vikram Thakur told ET over phone from Pakistan. His family wants to apply for Indian citizenship on their return. Officials said visas of all those stranded due to lockdown have been extended while movement of foreign nationals are being facilitated in coordination with the embassies. 

“For Pak nationals, we have facilitated their movement by road. All returning Pak nationals will be screened as per the international norms and health protocols,” said another official.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/about-450-pakistani-hindus-sikhs-await-nod-to-return-to-india-apply-for-citizenship/articleshow/77902768.cms

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

Tejinderpal Singh Timma: Prominent Sikh Activist Wins Battle Against COVID-19

Rajasthan based Sikh activist Tejinderpal Singh Timma, who was found coronavirus positive on August 17, has won the battle against the deadly virus. After three consecutive positive reports during the last two weeks, his fourth report has come out to be negative after which he has been discharged.

Tejinderpal Singh Timma informed that his symptoms remained very mild during the last two weeks. “With the grace of the Almighty Waheguru, I have won this battle,”,“After two weeks, the Almighty Lord has allowed me to do seva of saving the lives of Corona Virus patients by donating my blood plasma,” he maintained.

He has hailed the efforts of his team members who continued serving the needy people in his absence. It is pertinent to note here that Tejinderpal Singh Timma has spent his whole life battling for the well being of mankind.

https://www.sikh24.com/2020/09/01/prominent-sikh-activist-tejinderpal-singh-timma-wins-battle-against-covid-19/#.X08bxtwzbIU

SGPC Condemns Encroachment Over Gurdwaras in Pakistan

                        Gurdwara Singh Sabha At Rawalpindi

SGPC appealed to the Centre to take up the issue with the Pakistan government

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Tuesday condemned the alleged encroachment attempts on gurdwaras in Pakistan and appealed to the Centre to take up the issue with the Pakistan government.

SGPC President Gobind Singh Longowal, in a statement, said, “We have come to know that Gurdwara Singh Sabha has been converted into a police station and the land of Gurdwara Killa Sahib has been usurped for tombs.

Another Gurdwara related to Bhai Lalo Jee is being used for keeping livestock by a family. This is a clear attempt to destroy the gurdwaras in Pakistan.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/sgpc-condemns-encroachment-over-gurdwaras-in-pakistan/story-rCI3CCnWjNN857jgtZYChK.html

Sukhdeep Singh: The Pride Turban And The Importance Of Visibility Of Queer Sikhs

         
                                      Sukhdeep Singh

It is not often that you come across openly queer Sikhs in the media. Growing up as a gay Sikh man, the lack of visibility of queer Sikhs cast doubts in my mind about the various identities that I held – of being gay and Sikh. Was it possible to be both? Would I be accepted in the queer community with my Sikh identity, or would I have to give up on one for the other? As I was trying to understand and accept my sexuality, these questions kept disturbing me.

The Rainbow Turban Attracted Quite An Attention In the Bengaluru Pride And I got Clicked By a Few Photographers.

This struggle of mine with my Sikh and gay identities could have been easier, had I found openly queer Sikhs around, who could have reassured me and helped me overcome my insecurities. Thus, I decided to be more visible and made it a point to attend the pride marches.

After attending the pride march for 4 years in Bengaluru (where I had moved after completing my education),in the year 2014, I decided to do something unique that would merge my two identities into one.

I thought of giving my turban a shade of the rainbow. And so, as I wrapped the 6-metre long cloth on my head, I put a small piece of cloth of different colours of the rainbow (which I had) on each layer of the turban. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I will be able to tie the turban properly with so much of extra cloth, and it did take a few tries and an hour and a half long effort. 

The rainbow Turban attracted quite an attention in the Bengaluru Pride that year, and I got clicked by a few photographers. One of the photos was even shared on Reddit and became a topic of discussion. 

That year, I visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar wearing the rainbow turban, where it got many a curious look (though I doubt anyone understood its significance).

Sukhdeep Singh is a Facebook addict who works as a software engineer by day and transforms into a writer at night. He is also the founder and editor of Gaylaxy magazine.

https://feminisminindia.com/2019/06/14/a-brief-history-of-the-pride-turban-and-the-importance-of-visibility-of-queer-sikhs/?fbclid=IwAR1_Cp2SSjgWRyxQq96v_yaCIXXw776Tj3vcoJHJ_qAipjaDJnRAGIifR5Y

https://www.facebook.com/sukhi88

https://www.facebook.com/sabrabdebande/?ref=page_internal

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

                                                     

Poster of "Sab Rab De Bande" Released : A Documentary Film on LGBTQ Sikhs By Sukhdeep Singh

Poster of Sab Rab De Bande, A Documentary on LGBTQ Sikhs, released.

                                           Sukhdeep Singh

                

Activist Sukhdeep Singh's film is the first attempt at recording the experiences and struggles of queer Sikhs.In a video about the film, he said, “We hope that the documentary will act as a resource for LGBTQ Sikhs across the world.”

The documentary 'Sab Rab De Bande' is the first attempt at recording the experiences of Sikhs from the LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) Community. The film, whose poster was shared on Twitter, was shot over a period of two years by activist and director Sukhdeep Singh.

Sukhdeep Singh,who is also the editor of Gaylaxy magazine, was motivated to make the film as there is barely any representation of the lived experiences of queer Sikhs.

The film interviews five Sikhs of different gender identities, who track their experience of belonging to the LGBTQ community and the responses of their family and society.

The film is also an exploration of religion and looks at the ways in which the community regards homosexuality, while examining how LGBTQ Sikhs reconcile their sexuality with their faith.

Singh had also reached out to people through a crowdfunding campaign on Ketto (Ketto is an Indian crowdfunding platform based in India that allows individuals and NGOs to raise money for social, creative and personal causes) to raise funds for the film while it was in post-production. 

https://www.facebook.com/sabrabdebande

https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2020/aug/24/26844/poster-of-sab-rab-de-bande-a-documentary-on-lgbtq-sikhs-released?fbclid=IwAR3Tv4-

XNgHqzsjM5sUdDRH4TT2w5DrSkzy4VhAvinXuGNHuglY5gWF5xlU

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

Alkaline Water Plant At Rajouri Garden Gurdwara

Rajouri Garden Gurdwara would be the first Gurudwara in the world where Alkaline water plant is planted

A plant of Alkaline Water has been set up at Rajouri Garden Gurudwara in West Delhi.

With the commissioning of this plant, the people are getting clean drinking water and at the same time it has many other clinical benefits.By drinking this water continuously, chronic stomach ailments, gas, constipation, joint pain are cured. Sugar level also can be controlled completely with use of this water. 

After every 200 liters, 3 to 4 liters of water comes out from this machine which if sprays on the face removes , pimples, dark spots and also adds glow to the face.

Pics Courtesy,
Mrs.Amarjeet Kaur 

 

 

Sukhwinder Singh Babbar: Bala Pritam Dawakhana Has Benefited Middle Class

                               Sukhwinder Singh Babbar

Sukhwinder Singh Babbar, young leader of Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi State, Advisor to Harmeet Singh Kalka, General secretary of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Chairman of Gurdwara Mata Sundari;congratulated DSGMC for opening Bala Pritam Dispensary at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

He said that all this has become possible due to the far-sighted thinking of Manjinder Singh Sirsa ,President,DSGMC and Harmeet Singh Kalka,General Secretary,DSGMC.

"People have started  coming here to take medicines, most of them  are middle class people," Babbar said. Those who are financially able are not much affected by inflation and those who are below the poverty line are given a lot of facilities by the governments but the middle class people are facing lots of difficulties due to the Corona epidemic. 

In the homes where the elderly or anyone else is suffering from any disease, they have to spend thousands of rupees on medicines. Opening of this dispensary will give them more benefits as  here medicines are available 20 to 25% cheaper price 

DSGMC Office Bearers have proved that nothing is difficult if the thinking is right and positive. The committee first offered "Langar on Wheels"during Pandemic, arranged medicines for the elderly, 24x7 hours ran an ambulance service and now by opening Bala Pritam dispensary, cheap medicines are being provided .

Very soon Such Dawakhana's will be introduced in other Gurdwaras of Delhi also; so that more and more people can take advantage of it.

News Courtesy,
Mr. Sudeep Singh
Honorary Media Advisor
DSGMC

The world's First Gurudwara to Have an Alkaline Water Plant in Rajouri Garden Gurdwara ,Delhi,India

New Delhi, September 1: A plant of Alkaline Water has been set up at Rajouri Garden Gurudwara in West Delhi. Harmanjit Singh, President of Gurudwara,claimed that it would be the first Gurudwara in the world where this plant is planted.

Harmanjit Singh informed that with the commissioning of this plant, the people are getting clean drinking water and at the same time it has many other clinical benefits.By drinking this water continuously, chronic stomach ailments, gas, constipation, joint pain are cured. The sugar level  also can be completely under control. He informed that the people are coming from far off places to fetch this  water.

Harmanjit Singh said that after every 200 liters, 3 to 4 liters of water comes out from this machine which if sprays on the face removes , pimples, dark spots and also adds glow to the face.

Harmanjit Singh himself uses this water. He informed that this water is being provided to the people/Commuinity without any price while a lot of price is charged for this water in the market.

News Courtesy,
Mr.Sudeep Singh
Honorary Media Advisor
DSGMC

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Balbir Singh Sidhu:Influx of Covid Patients From Delhi Led to Spike in Cases in Punjab

       Balbir Singh Sidhu :Punjab health and family welfare minister

The minister said that ever since the restrictions on inter-state travel have been lifted there is a sudden spurt in the number of cases

Punjab health and family welfare minister Balbir Singh Sidhu blamed the national capital for the rise in Covid- 19 cases in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar.

He said that the state is paying the price due to the influx of positive patients from Delhi after the lockdown was lifted.

“When there were restrictions on inter-state travel we had a limited number of commuters but ever since the restrictions have been lifted there is a sudden spurt in the number of cases,” said Sidhu.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/influx-of-covid-patients-from-delhi-led-to-spike-in-cases-in-punjab-balbir-singh-sidhu/story-atmj9xZepFBsChAm3ulr4J.html

Chamandeep Singh Sandhu: British Sikh Soldier’s Promotion Makes Waves On Social Media After His Wife Tweeted The News Of His Promotion

                           Corporal Chamandeep Singh

A British Sikh soldier’s promotion within the UK Army ranks has become a social media sensation after the news posted by his proud wife attracted thousands of messages and comments.

Corporal Chamandeep Singh, a Punjab-born soldier in the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) of the British Army, attended a military school in India for 12 years. During this period, he read about another Indian soldier, Havildar Major Rajinder Singh Dhatt, and his heroic involvement in the Burma campaign of World War II. The story of this Sikh war veteran, along with Singh’s own father having served in the Indian Army, inspired him to move to the UK and join the British Army.

“The person who has supported me throughout my journey is my wife,Sunita,” said Chamandeep Singh, who has been amazed by the worldwide response, including from India.

“I just couldn’t believe how many people from all around the world shared and commented on her tweet; it made me feel so proud to be a Sikh soldier and serve this country,” he said.

His wife herself works in a challenging role, as a Forensic Science Investigations Officer, and is also the National Lead for the National Sikh Police Association.

“We support each other by having a mutual understanding that is built on teamwork and trust. I am always incredibly proud of my husband’s achievements and getting promoted is a huge deal to any soldier, but as a Sikh, it’s so wonderful for our community to see soldiers going up the ranks and achieving so much,” said Sunita Kaur Seera.

“I wanted to share this incredible news with my friends through social media; I didn’t think for a second the tweet would do as well as it did – the number of messages we had was amazing,” she said.

Her soldier husband was posted to 22 Signals Regiment in October 2017 where he now works as part of the Unit Spares Account providing first-line equipment support to the Light Aid Detachment, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement marking his promotion. Singh is part of 150 Sikhs serving in Britain’s Regular Army, amid soldiers famed for their fierce fighting ability, bravery and loyalty, the MoD said.

“I have always been supported throughout my career in the Army, particularly by Staff Sergeant Rogers and Sergeant Adeboga from 22 Signals Regiment. These individuals, in particular, have shown me a huge amount of support, I cannot thank them enough; they are true examples of excellent Army leadership and mentoring,” he said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/british-sikh-soldier-s-promotion-makes-waves-on-social-media/story-EvA4DzauHQMGO9uhorjQ9J.html

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