singhbj singh

First TV Commercial in USA Featuring Sikhs http://dailysikhupdates.com/2014/06/30/first-tv-commercial-in-usa-featuring-sikhs/

Read explanation at page 12 http://www.gurugranthdarpan.com/pdf/0951-0975.pdf

You should connect with Sikhs based in California, some links http://www.meetup.com/Gurbani/ http://www.meetup.com/BayAreaSikhs/ http://www.meetup.com/SF-Sikhs-Punjabis/

VaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa, VaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh! Parkash 2014 is going to be celebrated on the grounds of Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Springfield Road, Hayes, UB4 0LT. The 3-day annual festival demonstrates a range of activities for children such as bouncy castles, football tournament, face painting, Sikhi camp, Gatka displays. Also there is a medical camp where you can get your blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol checked as well as eyes specialist giving advice. Other stalls include food court, sweet shop, solicitors giving advice, Sikhi Heritage and much, much more. Free advice and reflexology treatment is given by professionals to some of the elderly visitors. Last year the event was attended by more than 60'000 people from around the Country over the three days bringing the traffic to a standstill in Springfield Road. We are grateful to Sikh Channel, Sangat TV and Star Plus for live coverage and their continued support at all our functions. The event is organised every year by the teachers and parents of the academy in order to help the young generation to understand the importance of selfless service and social harmony in Sikhism. We would like to thank all the sangat who attends every year and also people at home watching on the TV. A BIG thank you to all our sevadars, parents, students, community members for making Parkash a huge success; as without them this event would not be possible. We look forward to seeing you all at Parkash 2014 from Friday 11 July 2014 to Sunday 13 July 2014. VaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa, VaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh! Source - http://parkash.org/Parkash_2014

Respected UK Gursikh Appointed As Head of Religion Department at Khalsa School (Surrey, Canada) Giani Kulwinder Singh, Sikh Parcharik and presenter of Sangat TVs Gurmat Q & A show has now relocated to British Columbia, Canada SURREY, BC, Canada (June 29, 2014)Giani Kulwinder Singh, former Head Granthi at Gurdwara Sahib Singh Sabha in Derby, UK, has been appointed as the head of the Religion Department at Khalsa School in Surrey, BC, Canada. Khalsa School Surrey is the largest private school in the Province of British Columbia in Canada with around 3000 students. Khalsa School places a strong emphasis on religious learning, offering instruction in Punjabi, Kirtan, Gurmat, Gatka and Gurbani Santhiya. The following year will also see the opening of the Khalsa Secondary School, the only Sikh secondary school in Canada, offering further opportunities for Sikhi Parchaar. Giani Kulwinder Singh comes to Khalsa School Surrey after a very successful stint in Derby. ‎Renowned as a guest speaker at youth camps throughout England, Giani Kulwinder Singh also presented on the Sikh way of life on television in addition to interfaith work and other work with Sikh Youth. Source - http://www.sikh24.com/2014/06/prominent-uk-gursikh-appointed-as-head-of-religion-department-at-khalsa-school-surrey-canada/#.U7FLC8sayK0

I think Nishkam Trust will do a better job then Sangat Trust. Wonder why Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar or Guru Nanak Sikh Academy UK showed no interest. They are pioneers of Sikh schools in Britain.

Forget about Desis & their offsprings. It's better to marry a Black, White, Brown female who accepts you the way you are. Check out http://www.newtosikhi.com/forum/topics/sikh-men-and-their-role-in-the-delivery-of-their-child http://mychardikalalife.wordpress.com/category/the-love-story-and-intercultural-journey/ Read articles & browse through archives at http://www.sikhnet.com/discussion/viewforum.php?f=4 It might give you a new perspective on Sikhi & Marriage.

Boycott Punjab 1984 movie: SAD (Mann) UK unit By SIKH SIYASAT BUREAU+ Published: June 28, 2014 Moga, Punjab (June 28, 2014): Terming the movie Punjab 1984 as government sponsored to confuse Sikhs about armed Sikh struggle, UK branch of Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (SAD-A) has called for boycott of the movie. Armed Sikhs are shown killing Hindus by pulling out of buses and they are also shown drinking alcohol, the UK branch of Simranjit Singh Mann led Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Mann) posted on its Facebook wall. Boycott of Diljit Dosanjhs latest movie titled Punjab 1984 has started debate on social media again as this message was relayed via social media. Punjab 1984 movie is anti Sikh armed struggle movie. Just watched the Premiere of Diljit Dosanjhs Punjab 1984, the role of Shivraj Singh Mann, played by Diljit Dosanjh, was well played. However the portrayal of the Sikh armed groups and Sikh armed struggle movement was very bad. Overall, the film showed the Sikh freedom movement in a negative way, it further posted. As per movie reviews by various Sikh thinkers, the movie is well done presentation of a story of a mother and her son, who is picked up by the police and he then chooses to join armed Sikh struggle but the presentation part of Sikhs involved in armed struggle are shown as per propagated by Indian state. Source - http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2014/06/28/boycott-punjab-1984-movie-sad-mann-uk-unit/

Sikh university fails to get UGC recognition Gurpreet Singh Chhina, Hindustan Times Fatehgarh Sahib, June 29, 2014 Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, an SGPC institution here, has failed to get recognition from the UGC, which will also jeopardise approval from the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The university website claims it is UGC-approved but vice chancellor Gurmohan Singh Walia accepted that the status was still to be earned. The tussle between the UGC and the AICTE is the hurdle, he said, adding that it would have an impact on admissions indeed, as itd be difficult to explain the technical nuances of approval to people. SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said he was aware of the matter and sorting it out. TECHNICAL HITCH The UGC refused to approve the university because the required four members of the AICTE had not inspected it. Its their tussle and we pay the price, said the V-C. Rules require the university to coordinate with the AICTE to ensure that its members go with the UGC team for inspection. The AICTE had to nominate the four members and the university had to invite them, whereas the latter contacted only one member and showed the remaining three as absent. When the UGC authorities were informed about this formally, the three absent members objected, saying that the university had not kept them in the loop. Vice-chancellor Walia said the university had only acted on written directions from the UGC in inviting six inspectors, including a member each from the AICTE and the National Council for Teacher Education. The university remains competent to award degrees and has written to the UGC for re-inspection. Were in this situation because of the AICTE report, he said. Source - http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/patiala/sikh-university-fails-to-get-ugc-recognition-blames-technicalities/article1-1234860.aspx

"Dhandh" not "Gandh" ਏਕਸ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਭ ਧੰਧੁ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਮਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Eaekas Bin Sabh Dhhandhh Hai Sabh Mithhiaa Mohu Maae ||1|| Rehaao || एकस बिनु सभ धंधु है सभ मिथिआ मोहु माइ ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥ Without the One, all entanglements are worthless; emotional attachment to Maya is totally false. ||1||Pause|| Source - http://searchgurbani.com/scriptures/ggs_shabad/129/line/6

DSGMC to open educational institutes for Sikligar, Wanjara Sikhs Friday, June 27, 2014 Published On: 10:38:27 AM New Delhi: The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) today began a scheme for the welfare of the new generations of Sikh families. The scheme was started for the children of families who are economically weak and socially backward, and were unable to attain education. The scheme was started by DSGMC president Mr. Manjit Singh G.K. who announced for opening of industrial training institute cum professional training institute and a middle school for in Mangolpuri and Budh vihar areas. The school and ITI would serve young generations Sikligar, Wanjarey and Lobana Sikhs of Mangolpuri and Sultanpuri localities who suffered the most during 1984 anti Sikh genocide. Mr. G.K. said that the schools and professional training institute was being opened as per a promised made by the Shiromani Dal- Badal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, in poll manifesto before DSGMC polls. The president of DSGMC adds that the Gurdwara committee would make all efforts to help Sikh children get education at a very competitive and affordable cost. DSGMC member Mr. Jasbir Singh Jassi and local leader Mr. Mohan Singh and Mr. Roop Singh were also present Source - http://www.starlive24.in/cities/delhi---ncr/dsgmc-to-open-educational-institutes-for-sikligar-wanjara-sikhs/99734.html

Karnal SGPC member revolts against Akalis Vishal Joshi , Hindustan Times Karnal, June 27, 2014 Supporters of an independent panel to manage Sikh shrines of Haryana got shot in the arm on Friday when an elected member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) from Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Assandh, revolted against his party and demanded the formation of Haryana Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (HSGPC) to safeguard the interests of the Sikh sangat. Assandh, the senior vice president of Shiromani Akali Dal, Haryana, was elected SGPC from Karnal in 2011. Earlier, he had won the SGPC polls from Kaithal in 1996. At a press conference at Dera Kar Sewa gurdwara here, Assandh blamed SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar for playing in the hands of SAD president and Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and overlooking the interests of Haryana Sikhs. He showed his full support to the HSGPC faction led by Didar Singh Nalwi and Jagdish Singh Jhinda and claimed several of other 10 SGPC members from Haryana were in his touch on freeing Haryana gurdwaras from the clutches of SGPC and Akalis of Punjab. Assandh said that it was unfortunate that the religious money was spent in Punjab to suit the political interests of Akalis. He said that late SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra never allowed any undue political interference but the present SGPC head Makkar was a puppet in the hands of Akali leadership. Sikh sangat questions me on why the community from Haryana is not given employment in the gurdwaras and that only Punjabis are appointed as managers, sewadars, inspectors and other works even in Haryana. As I am not given even patient hearing by the SGPC and Badals, I find it fit that only formation of HSGPC may resolve such issues, he said. Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, his son and Makkar have cheated Sikhs of Haryana. They had promised several developmental projects, but are all ignored for unsaid reasons. I personally met Sukhbir Singh Badal recently thrice but he did not show any intention to implement the projects announced for Haryana, he said. Assandh said that the Badals and Makkar ignored the Sikh sangat of Haryana only to accommodate their cronies in various projects. He said that before the recent Lok Sabha elections, the SAD leadership had assured to form a sub-committee from leaders of Haryana and Punjab to run gurdwaras of Haryana, but now they have refused to discuss the matter. Also, aimed at empowering Haryana Sikhs, a sub-office of the SGPC was proposed at Kurukshetra but that too has been shelved. Makkar himself had laid the foundation stone of sub-office in October 2010, but its work had not been started. Similarly, an engineering college at Jind and a school at Dhamdhan Sahib are among the projects which have not moved beyond foundation stone laying ceremony, he said. Assandh said that the upcoming Miri Piri Medical College at Shahbad Markanda town of Kurukshetra was delayed by nearly a decade. I had requested the Akali leadership and Makkar to nominate few members from Haryana in the board of medical college management who could build a pressure on the state government to grant a no objection certificate for public welfare project. But the Badal family continue to control such projects which are being built purely by the donations collected from gurdwaras, he alleged. Source - http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/karnal-sgpc-member-revolts-against-akalis-favours-separate-sikh-panel-for-haryana/article1-1234272.aspx

Date: July 12, 2014 WHAT: First Sikh Mentorship Program WHEN: On July 12th MyChetnaa, will help the students realize their dreams and potential through some interactive sessions and by setting up system in which they have access to working professionals who understand the struggles of the student. WHERE: 4 West 43rd street, Manhattan, New York How to register: Visit http://mychetnaa.org/registration-2/ Registeration Fee : $ 30 Lunch will be provided Who are we ? MyChetnaa is a comprehensive mentorship program designed to connect young Sikh students and recent graduates with Sikh professionals who have excelled in their fields. With a number of mentors from a variety of fields, students in this program will have a guiding light to help them advance their careers. Many times students make decisions without proper guidance or knowledge of the field they are entering and this can lead to loss of confidence and ambition. By connecting young Sikhs with these professionals we are not only giving them the resources to excel in their chosen fields but also fostering a sense of community. Sign Up To register for the conference and to get a mentor - Visit: http://mychetnaa.org/registration-2/ Students College students, recent graduates, prosoective graduates, young professionals, anyone who is seeking guidance in life. Mentors Young Sikh Professionals who have excelled in their fileds and are commited to support and share the path they took. To know more about the role visit-Mychetnaa.org Want to connect to us- Email us at info@mychetnaa.org Or Visit us at http://myvhetnaa.org This message was sent from: | 3557 9th St | Long Island City, New York 11106

2014 Scholarship Program This program is for students who have attended at least 3 years of Punjabi/Gurmat classes at Sikh Society of Michigan and are atleast in the 11th grade. Deadline for application is June 29th. 1st place award $1000, 2nd place award $500. More details and the application can be found in the attached file. http://michigangurudwara.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/documents/misc/Speech%20and%20Presentation%20Symposium%202014.pdf Source - http://www.michigangurudwara.com/announcement/2014-scholarship-program/

गुरूद्वारा कमेटी के शिष्टमण्डल ने आसाम में बसते सिखों की तकलीफो का लिया जायज़ा नई दिल्ली:- 24.6.14 आसाम के सिखो के विशेष आंमत्रण एवं दिल्ली सिख गुरूद्वारा प्रबंधक कमेटी के अध्यक्ष मनजीत सिंह जी.के. के आदेशों पर गया शिष्टमण्डल वहां के गुरूधामों के हालातो का जायज़़ा लेने के बाद वापिस दिल्ली आ गया है। दिल्ली कमेटी के बिल्डिंग विभाग के चेयरमैन कुलदीप सिंह भोगल के नेतृत्व में गए इस शिष्टमण्डल ने गुवाहटी से 125 किलोमीटर दूर नोगाओ जि़ले के छापरमुख गांव में स्थापित गुरूद्वारा माता जी की लगभग 200 वर्ष पुरानी बिल्डिंग का जायज़ा लिया। उक्त गुरूद्वारा साहिब सन् 1820 मे ंमहाराजा रणजीत सिंह द्वारा आसाम के राजा चंद्रकांता सिंह के विशेष आंमत्रण पर बर्मा के साथ जंग करने के लिए भेजे गए सिघों के जरनैल चैतन्या सिंह एवं अन्य सिघों की शहीदी के बाद एक माता जी द्वारा बनाया गया था। छापरमुख गांव एवं आस-पास के अन्य गांवों में रहते लगभग 3000 सिख परिवारों द्वारा इस गुरूद्वारा साहिब की बिल्डिंग की जर्जर हालात से दुखी होकर दिल्ली कमेटी को इस गुरूद्वारा साहिब की सेवा संभाल के लिए पेशकश की गई थी। दिल्ली फतैह दिवस को बड़े स्तर पर मनाने एवं कानपुर की विधवाओं को दिल्ली कमेटी द्वारा दी जा रही मासिक पैंशन आदि कार्यक्रमों से प्रभावित होकर आसाम की संगत द्वारा दिल्ली कमेटी से मदद लेने का फैसला किया गया था। इस बारे ओर जानकारी देते हुए भोगल ने बताया कि वह आसामी सिखो द्वारा की गई मांगो के बारे कमेटी अध्यक्ष मनजीत सिंह जी.के. को जल्दी की रिर्पोट सौंपगे और फिर इस 2000 गज के गुरूद्वारे मे दरबार हाल, लंगर हाल, लाइब्रेरी एंव यात्री निवास बनाने की आई मांग के बारे विचार किया जायेगा। आसाम के सिखों को मातृ भाषा पंजाबी के साथ जोड़ने के लिए वहां पंजाबी अध्यापक लगाने के बारे भी सोचा जायेगा। इस शिष्टमण्ल में दिल्ली कमेटी के अभियंता परमपाल सिंह एवं आरकीटैक्ट परमपाल सिंह मौजूद थे। यहां यह वर्णनयोग्य है कि उक्त गुरूद्वारो में पुर्व राष्ट्रपती ज्ञानी जैल सिंह, पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री प्रकाश सिंह बादल, उप मुख्यमंत्री सुखबीर सिंह बादल एवं शिरोमणी कमेटी अध्यक्ष जत्थेदार अवतार सिंह भी हाजरी भर चुके है। इस अवसर पर स्थानीय पुलिस कप्तान नंदा सिंह, स्थानीय निवासी रजिन्दर सिंह मारवाह, दविन्दर सिंह सैमी एवं सैंकडों गांव निवासी मौजूद थे। Source - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=666638086747539&set=a.140441796033840.34828.140049632739723&type=1&theater

Rajasthan Sikhs demanding separate Gurdwara committee to support demand of establishing HSGPC in Haryana Published: June 26, 2014 SriGangaNagar, Rajasthan (June 26, 2014): Rajasthan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (RSGPC) (ad hoc) has put its weight behind the demand of Sikhs of Haryana for creation of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC). It has announced to participate in Sikh convention by HSGPC at Kaithal on July 6 which will be attended by Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. RSGPC (ad-hoc) president Hardeep Singh Dibdiba said, We fully endorse the demand of Sikhs of Haryana for creation of a separate gurdwara management body for shrines in the state. He said there were around 28 historical gurdwaras in Rajasthan and RSGPC wanted to manage them like Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which was established under a special Act of Parliament in 1925.We had taken up the issue with the previous government in Rajasthan and deliberations were at the advanced stages, but now I think Badal Dal would use its influence on BJP government at the Centre to not allow creation of another gurdwara body, he said. They have begun a campaign across Rajasthan to create awareness among Sikhs about their own gurdwara management body, he added. The SGPC should not resist creation of separate gurdwara bodies as there is already Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. In Rajasthan, Sikhs had significant population to influence the poll results in Sri Ganganagar, Alwar, Kota and Jaipur parliamentary constituencies, he said. Meanwhile, ahead of July 6 Sikh convention, Jagdish Singh Jhinda, leader of the breakaway faction of HSGPC, ad hoc, joined hands with Didar Singh Nalwi group to press upon the state government to pass the HSGPC Bill in assembly. There are around 72 historical gurdwaras. At present, these gurdwaras are being managed by SGPC. But after the creation of HSGPC, the management of these shrines will come under HSGPC, said Didar Singh Nalwi. He said once the state assembly passed the HSGPC Bill, the state government would have to implement it after getting approval from the governor. Under Section 72 of Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, it was directed to the state government to create a university, an agricultural varsity and separate gurdwara management body. The first two had already been created in Haryana and now HSGPC would take shape, he added. Source - http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2014/06/26/rajasthan-sikhs-demanding-separate-gurdwara-committee-to-support-demand-of-establishing-hsgpc-in-haryana/

The Learning Shop at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=648658335211559&set=a.147309488679782.37412.129509843793080&type=1&relevant_count=1

Job Advertisement Job Number: 7478355 Title: Granthi (SIKH PRIEST/PREACHER) (NOC: 4154) Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full Time, On Call, Shift, Overtime, Weekend, Day, Night, Evening Salary: $22.00 Hourly for 40 hours per week Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible Location: WINDSOR, Ontario (1 vacancy) Skill Requirements: Education: Some college/CEGEP/vocational or technical training Experience: 5 years or more Work Setting: Religious establishment, Religious organization Specific Skills: Conduct religious services, Administer rites of faith such as marriages and funerals, Provide spiritual and moral guidance to members of a religious faith, Supervise, plan and administer programs of religious education, Participate in humanitarian endeavours, social services and welfare activities Languages: English Other Languages: Punjabi Employer: Sikh Cultural Society of Metropolitan Windsor How to Apply: Please apply for this job only in the manner specified by the employer. Failure to do so may result in your application not being properly considered for the position. By E-mail: gkp2014@gmail.com Advertised until: 2014/12/09 This job advertisement has been provided by an external employer. Service Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, authenticity or reliability of the content. Source - http://archive.jobbank.gc.ca/detail-eng.aspx?OrderNum=7478355&Source=JobPosting

Headteacher quits citys first free school The headteacher of the Black Countrys first free school has quit her post - and the schools controlling body has disbanded less than a year into its existence. Anand Primary School opened its doors in Wolverhampton in September last year. But it can today be revealed the body set up to oversee the running of the school has agreed to relinquish its control amid fears about the low number of pupils - just 20 - on the school roll. The Wolverhampton Sangat Education Trust is to fold after its board agreed to allow the Birmingham-based Nishkam School Trust to take control of the school. Headteacher Kulbinder Kaur Pouni, who took up her post in September 2013, told the Express & Star she had resigned and would be leaving on September 1. The news comes just a week after the Government gave the go ahead for 38 new free schools to open by September 2015, including another one planned for Wolverhampton. They are created by groups of parents, teachers, charities, businesses, universities, trusts, religious or voluntary groups, but funded directly by central government. Anand Primary was set up at the former Orchard Centre in Great Brickkiln Street with the aid of a £220,000 grant from the Department for Education (DfE). It received a further £1.6 million from the Government last year to build an eight-classroom extension. It is run with Sikh principals but open to people of all faiths or none, aims to have 420 pupils on its books by 2019. But only 20 children started classes last September - 40 fewer than the initial target of 60 starts. And a letter from the Wolverhampton Local Education Authority sent out to governors in February stated only 14 pupils had put the school down as first choice for next year. Teja Sidhu, who was part of the schools pre-opening steering group, said: The low number of pupils on the school roll is clearly of great concern. But it is disappointing for Wolverhampton that a city with the second largest Sikh population in the UK cannot run its own school. Robert Cooper, spokesman for the Department for Education, today said Anand Free School was a small primary school set up in direct response to demand from parents. It has only been open for nine months and it is perfectly normal for any type of new school to take time to fully establish itself, he added. Source - http://www.expressandstar.com/education/2014/06/24/headteacher-quits-citys-first-free-school/

"My Inspiration" Kaur's Corner Talks Next in our series of Kaurs Corner Talks will be happening in Northampton, Bibi Jasnaam Kaur speaks about her inspirational experiences and how she has drawn strength from Women in Sikh History to help her along on her path in to Sikhi! One not to be missed! See poster for further details http://instagram.com/p/pnpsVaw4Hm/

Govt prepares 14-page draft for Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Act CHANDIGARH: To appease the 47 lakh Sikh voters of the state ahead of assembly elections, the Congress government has prepared a draft Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Act, 2014. Delaying the formation of a separate body for managing Sikh shrines in the state for many years after coming to power in 2005, chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda plans to announce the new entity next month. Sources said that the 14-page draft is lying with the chief minister's office (CMO), awaiting Hooda's approval. The issue could be part of the agenda for cabinet meeting to be held on Tuesday. Hooda might make the announcement on or before July 6 when he is scheduled to attend the Sikh Mahasamellan convened by the ah hoc Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (HSGPC) at Kaithal, they said. The government was keen on bringing an ordinance during the cabinet meeting to solve the contentious matter while Sikh bodies were insisting on a special assembly session to pass the bill. The move for a separate Sikh body will have a bearing on assembly segments in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Sirsa and Fatehabad districts, where Sikhs have a considerable population. Haryana cabinet ministers Randeep Singh Surjewala and Harmohinder Singh Chatha are in touch with members of HSGPC (ad hoc) headed by Jadish Singh Jhinda and Didar Singh Nalwi. HSGPC (ad hoc) president Jhinda confirmed being in touch with CMO officials and ministers Surjewala and Chatha. "This is the question of dignity of Sikhs in Haryana. What we have been asking for was allotted to us after reorganization of Punjab in 1996 and it was signed by Akali MPs then," Jhinda said. The issue of HSGPC has been hanging fire since 2005 when Congress included it as an issue in its election manifesto. In March 2007, the then Ambala City MLA Nirmal Singh had moved a private bill where 80 MLAs had given positive response to the matter. INLD legislators had refrained from commenting on the issue. After the proposal was mooted by the state government, the cabinet had constituted a three-member committee headed by senior minister Chatha to examine the demand of Sikhs from Haryana. Soon, around 2.75 lakh Sikhs submitted affidavits to Chatha committee seeking a separate Sikh body in Haryana. Currently, gurdwara affairs of Haryana are controlled by Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) based at Akal Takht, Amritsar. SGPC exercises control over 72 ancient gurdwaras, which have a total annual turnover of Rs 172 crore as donations from devotees and other means. Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Chandigarh/Govt-prepares-14-page-draft-for-Haryana-Sikh-Gurdwara-Act/articleshow/37110972.cms

Preparations for Sarbat Khalsa underway in Pakistan AMRITSAR SAHIB (June 23, 2014)The Pakistan Gurdwara Committee has reportedly started to prepare for the proposed Sarbat Khalsa (largest Sikh enclave) at Sri Nanakana Sahib on the occasion of birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the month of November to resolve the row of the Nanakshahi Calendar. For this purpose, the plan has been made to constitute an elected body of Pakistans Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) after a gap of nearly three years. It has been reported that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) , parent body of PSGPC , has decided to hold elections of PSGPC within three weeks time under a planned strategy. An elected body of Sikhs would have more authority to call Sarbat Khalsa in Pakistan. The PSGPC was dissolved about three years ago, and its acting body was working under the headship of Sardar Sham Singh. ETPB secretary, Azhar Sulehari, has confirmed the elections of PSGPC would be held in the near future. He mentioned that the elections should help Sikhs manage their local affairs in a better way. In Amritsar, appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh, has announced that only the SGPC has rights to call Sarbat Khalsa. Source - http://www.sikh24.com/2014/06/platform-begins-to-prepare-in-pakistan-to-pave-the-way-for-sarbat-khalsa/#.U6hzwMsayK0

PLANS for another city free school in Derby have been given the go-ahead by the Government. The Akaal Primary School is one of 38 new free schools to be announced and is set to open in September 2015. Originally, the school was going to be a Sikh academy set up by members of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Princes Street, Derby but it now being run by an independent group with the support of all gurdwaras in the city. After taking advice from the New Schools Network, it was decided to alter the plan to make the proposed school more inclusive, catering especially for migrant children from Eastern European countries, as well as Sikhs, and anyone else who wished to attend. Dr Daljit Singh Virk,chair of the Akaal Education Trust, said: The proposed school will aim to be outstanding academically and aim to develop pupils morally, socially, spiritually, physically and mentally." Work will now begin to identify suitable premises or a site for the new school in conjunction with Derby City Council. Derby has two other free schools - Al-Madinah School, which received a damning inspecton report within 12 months of opening and Derby Pride Academy, which recently was given an "outstanding" report by Ofsted. Read more: http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/free-school-given-ahead-Derby/story-21263440-detail/story.html#ixzz35Gd3ayCn

Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal to contest Talwandi Sabo by-election, media report By RACHHPAL SINGH+ Published: June 20, 2014 Bathinda (June 18, 2014): According to a media report, Sikh religious leader and a dera head Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal may contest the assembly byelection from Talwandi Sabo and he will take a decision in this regard in the coming few days. A report published by Hindustan Times claimed that Daduwal had claimed that his devotees, in large numbers, were requesting him to contest the byelection as an independent candidate and he would have to take a decision in this regard. Daduwal is reported saying that religious leaders from many panthic organisations had expressed their support to him for the election. The report claimed that they had ensured to work for him if he contested election as an independent candidate against the SAD-BJP and Congress candidates. As per the report Daduwal is quoted saying, In the Sikh religion, politics and religion go together but politics these days is hated by everyone due to widespread corruption, nepotism and dynastic element. Therefore, we need to clean the system for which my devotees are asking me to take the plunge and contest here, he said. He is further quoted that his devotees and panthic organisations had put forth the logic that the religious place of Talwandi Sabo, where Takh Shri Damdama Sahib was located, should be represented by a religious person in the state assembly so they have come in his support. Source - http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2014/06/20/baba-baljit-singh-daduwal-to-contest-talwandi-sabo-by-election-media-report/