GurSa Singh

Article for distribution. Please pass to all Sikh/Punjabi Media. 30 May 2010 – Grays Gurdwara (Sikh Temple), Grays, Essex.UK. On 30 May 2010, the 12 man Committee of Grays Gurdwara were overruled by the local sangat who ignorantly voted to serve meat and alcohol at parties on the premises of the Gurdwara complex. Within the Gurdwara committee of 12, 8 members were against the proposal to allow meat, alcohol and parties at the annexed hall within the Gurdwara complex, however 4 members were in favour. The 4 members managed to influence the remaining committee to have an AGM (local sangat meeting), in which they stragically placed a large number of their family members within the voting sangat who were then able to swing the vote in their favour. The Akal Takht Sandesh of 2006, strictly forbidding these activities in Sikh Gurdwara complexes, was articulately presented to the local Grays sangat. However, the contents of the Sandesh was completely ignored by the voting sangat and subsequently disregarded. Around 9 further independent individuals from the wider UK sangat (not from Grays) attended the AGM but were not allowed to participate in the vote and were later verbally and physically abused as they questioned the sacrilegious decision made by the local sangat. One of the individuals had his turban pulled and was then attacked by members of the local Grays sangat as he left the Gurdwara hall after voicing his concerns. Subsequently, at the end of this AGM a sub committee was formalised to manage the bookings of this Gurdwara annexed hall. The sub committee is to be headed by a committee member Kewal Singh Grewal. Grays Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) Details President Gurdip Singh Registered Charity Number: 1123363 Category Religious activities Address: 6 Maidstone Road Grays Essex RM17 6NF Tel: 01375 376086 Aims & Objectives: 3. THE OBJECTS . THE CHARITY'S OBJECTS (THE OBJECTS) ARE 1. THE ADVANCEMENT AND PRACTICE OF THE SIKH RELIGION; 2. ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION IN THE SUBJECT OF SIKHISM AND THE PUNJABI LANGUAGE; AND 3. PROVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF A HALL FOR RECREATION OR OTHER LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN THE INTERESTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE FOR THE INHABITANTS OF THE AREA OF BENEFIT. FOR ALL THE ABOVE THE AREA OF BENEFIT IS THE PUBLIC IN THE BOROUGH OF THURROCK AND SURROUNDING AREAS. --------------------------- Sandesh issued my Sri Akal Takht Sahib - April 2006. As the Sikhs’ supreme authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has voiced its concerns by issuing a new 'Sandesh' strongly reinforcing Sikh Rehit Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) and Gurmat (Sikh principles) on the following issues: • Any form of intoxicants (alcohol, drugs etc) and preparation or consumption of foods such as meat, fish and eggs are not permitted on Gurdwara property. • Guru-ka-Langar should be prepared and observed in accordance to Gurus' maryada (tradition). • No person under the influence of intoxicants is allowed inside Gurdwara property. • Inside the property of the Guru Sahibs, only the recital of Gurbani, katha, kirtan and reccounting of the Gurus' history are permitted. • Buildings bought or constructed using the Daswand (one tenth of earnings) of the Sikh Sangat or Gurdwara donations are solely to be used to be used for Gurmat purposes and the betterment of society. • Anand Karajs (Sikh wedding ceremonies) etc must be performed in Gurdwaras in accordance to Gurmat and the Panthic accepted Sikh Rehit Maryada. • There is no permission granted for dancing and singing or any acts which go against the principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sandesh can be viewed in GurMukhi as issued by Sri Akal Takht on the following link

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Please feel free to call Bhai Jasvinder Singh Ubhi on 07956 456133 should anyone wish to discuss the statement. The statement is also being released in the Punjabi press for next week's editions. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! The purpose of the statement released by Bhai Jasvinder Singh Ubhi is to clear up accusations from some Gurdwara Prabhandak committees and Jathebhandis regarding these recent disruptions and incidents being directly linked to Bhai Sahib and other Sikhs who are involved in the Respect For Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign. A clear disassociation is needed as the actions are against his personal beliefs and he does not stand for issues of intimidation Despite rumours and media reports of the past the Respect For Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign were never involved in any intimidation of families and individuals. We hold our hands up to physically stopping Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj from being allowed to enter establishments where alcohol, meat, tobacco were served. In all cases the Campaign always ensured an option to the family that the Anand Karaj ceremony could be re-arranged at a local Guru Ghar making certain we could provide Granthi and Keertan Jatha to perform the Anand Karaj of the couple. In a number of cases those Anand Karajs were Inter-racial and in order to prevent what we saw as the beadbi of Maharaj’s Saroop within a Banqueting Hall or Hotel, their Anand Kararj’s were performed by us in local Guru Ghars. The high profile incident at Leamington Gurdwara in November 2005 was a result of a situation getting out of hand, and the 50 or so young Sikhs who were present will probably remember the high level of emotions that took place that day. I personally have admiration for Bhai Jasvinder Singh for putting his neck on the line on behalf of the youth who could have also been prosecuted for violent disorder. Instead Bhai Sahib solely accepted the sentences given by the British Judicial system. Not one of the 50 young Sikhs present at Leamington (including myself) put ourselves forward in order to alleviate the accusations against Bhai Sahib. Although issues effecting the Panth are vast and diverse, as an active group the original Campaign were primarily focused on eradicating the practice of performing Anand Karaj’s in Hotels and Banqueting Halls and the closure of community halls within the Gurdwara’s Estate allowing alcohol, meat, dancing and tobacco consumption. As tackling the issue of beadbi became more fashionable, we found more Jathebhandi’s being formed which resulted in a non-collective and competitive approach to issues which were being labelled as ‘beadbi’. The result today is dependent on whichever group shouts the loudest and whoever causes the most impact. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Statement from Jaswinder Singh Ubhi (Coventry) 30th August 2007 Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj! Over the last few months groups of individuals have been attempting to disrupt inter racial Anand Karajs in Gurdwaras. Direct blame is being passed on to myself and other individuals whom I am associated with, such as Sikhs linked with the Respect For Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign. I have no involvement in these recent disruptions and dissociate myself from this group of individuals who appear to be falsely using my name. I also wish to make this clear to the Sadh Sangat and especially some Jathebhandi’s who seem to have linked my name to some of the recent high profile hostile and violent incidents. I fully agree that our culture has reduced the Anand Karaj to a ritual and we must to reignite the Sikh sprit. This cannot happen by hatred and anger towards families and couples. It is hypocritical to disrupt an interracial Anand Karaj however ignore an Anand Karaj of a Punjabi family who have no respect for why they have come to the Gurdwara, and waiting to finish and leave for a wedding reception where there is alcohol, dancing and meat. Both scenarios reflect Manmukh actions. To disrupt an Anand Karaj in a Gurdwara due to the fact that it is inter racial is simply bigotry and reflects a prejudice attitude towards other communities and races. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji highlighted hypocrisy in corrupt Brahims and Qazis of the time. For Sikhs to become hypocrites aswell is a blatant reminder that we have our back towards Gurbani. Being born in a Sikh family does not give anyone the right to throw stones at others or allow you to feel superior to any other community or colour. Sikhism broke all boundaries of caste, creed and colour. Sikhism is a religion that prays for the betterment of Mankind. Sikhism is living the principles of Gurmat, from the physical attributes to the spiritual beliefs. Once again I wish to state that I have never being involved in these disruptions and disassociate myself from the bias actions of such groups and individuals. Please contact me directly should you wish to discuss this in depth. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!! Jaswinder Singh Ubhi (Coventry) Tel 07956 456133

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! As a family we do a sanskaar of kes which has fallen off whenever needed. We maybe wrong in our approach, so dont take this as being a right way. We have a special steel drum that we only use for sanskaar, we do one kirtan sohila, ardaas and then start the sanskaar whilst reciting gurmantar. We then usually scatter the ashes on our plants in our garden We have not done the sanskaar of a gutka sahib, but would imagine doing it in a similar way. If you live in Birmingham, I suggest you go to Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and ask them for guidance. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! jaa rahnaa naahee ait jag taa kaa-it gaarab handhee-ai. Since one is not destined to remain in this world anyway, why should he ruin himself in pride? mandaa kisai na aakhee-ai parh akhar ayho bujhee-ai. Do not call anyone bad; read these words, and understand. moorkhai naal na lujhee-ai. ||19|| Don't argue with fools. ||19|| (Asa Di //) Maharaj tells his Sikhs not waste time on arguing! We are all the moorakh, the fool. We are all full of pride. Someone once told me "When GurSikhs are talking about Gurmat it will always be a conversation (vichaar), only when Manmat creeps in will it become an argument." Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Gurpayari Sadh Sangat Ji, Can someone put the full details of the Edinburgh venue and time on the internet. Gives the sangat time to organise their own transport. Time is tight and most sangat won't be able to make it so maybe make a national request for all Sikhs to do 5 Chaupai Sahibs for the betterment of society in response to this kes katl issue. Make it a national protest. The problem is time, but a request can go out to all the main Gurdwaras to hold the Chaupai Sahib paaths if they can't organise coaches. At least the issue will be highlighted within the mainstream Sikh community too. Above all do Ardaas for the betterment of our Sikhi and relationship with Gurbani Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Banay Sarbat Da Bhalla! GurFateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Congratulations to the sangat. Some suggestions Gursa Ganeem Gyan Gagan Gurkirpa GurDyal Gurmastak

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! I didn't mean my comments to be taken the way it has been. I meant it in a sarcastic way, that with all the corrupt issues out there, the issue of a hindu swami entering Darbar Sahib is insignificant. Sorry for the confusion. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! In the corrupt presence of the Badals and Makkars, a hindu swami sitting in Darbar Sahib doesn't seem like a big deal anymore.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! kiv sachi-aaraa ho-ee-ai kiv koorhai tutai paal. So how can you become truthful? And how can the veil of illusion be torn away? hukam rajaa-ee chalnaa naanak likhi-aa naal. ||1|| O Nanak, it is written that you shall obey the Hukam of His Command, and walk in the Way of His Will. ||1|| The hardest thing for us to ever accept is Hukam. If we accept Hukam then we have become truthful and torn the veil of illusion. We can underestimate a childs budhi (intellect) and their acceptance to a situation. I suppose we are adults now or nearing to become adults and, depending on our bhakti, our Humai(ego) prevents us from accepting Hukam. Maybe a child does not have such a high level of Humai and will accept the TRUTH better then adults would. Then again, everyone is different and everyones budhi is different. I don't think there is any right approach to this situation.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! I found this old posting by Lakhvir Singh. It's an interesting analysis. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Who is professing to be perfect here or professing to have all the answers? We are nothing more than children and no one is anything special because the sewa goes beyond us. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Saroop is eternal, we’re only here for a few years and will only do what our budhi or intellect tells us to do. My posting just asked for Sangat to consider their responsibility in the issues, why does it need to move to a “tu tu mae mae” thread Jab lag Khalsa rahe niara. tab lag tej dio mai sara. jab eh gahe bipran ki reet. mai na karo in ki parteet. So long as Khalsa retains his distinct identity, I will give him my entire radiance and strength. But if he should take on a non-Sikh way of life, then I shall have no confidence in him and withdraw my support and protection. (Sri Guroo Gobind Singh Ji Mahraj) Do we really understand what Maharaj is telling us when he said that he wanted his Khalsa to be niara (distinct, unique)? This niarapan is not just the outer exterior of the Khalsa’s look, but the reaction of that Khalsa, the attitude of that Khalsa leading to the spirituality of the Khalsa. “Irka” or bickering will not give us the strength and radiance we desire to move forward. No one is professing to be a martyr or asking for recognition so lets not make premature assumptions that there is some hidden message here. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! There are no official fundraisers in this. If you feel that you want to contribute than please e-mail covkhalsa@gmail.com. Accountability of what ended up happening at Leamington on that day does not lie on 1 person, as community we all turned a blind eye to the blatant beadbi, as a prabhandak committee we abused Gurdwara Marayda and as youth and elders we both caused criminal damage. We should all feel accountable for the incident. I am close to Bhai Sahib and do feel personally involved, maybe the tone of my posting reflects that. But make no mistake, I am definitely attacking some of our leadership for not taking lead on fundamental core issues such as the beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Saroop and Gurdwara Maryada. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! We have full faith in Guru Ji that we will raise the £8,000 to pay the fine, even if Singhs raise the monies on their credit cards or loans etc. What is important is that the Sangat (especially Leamington Sangat) should feel the responsibility to contribute to this fine. I am not saying that Bhai Sahib deserves some kind of commendation or official recognition from the Panth for what he and his family have gone through. But in the midst of what has happened over the last year or so, if the Sangat are still carrying on with their day to day activities, living in ignorance, than we have to question whether it was worth it? All these issues of beadbi would not exist if the Sangat are strong, if they are not so easily manipulated. This is where we as a Kaum fall down; in truth the majority of us do not understand our relationship with our Guru. If we did then our community leaders and jathebhadia would show a big concern to the issues of beadbi. I think we need to put the ball back into the Sikh community’s court; they need to feel responsible for this issue. In a way the sangat are washing their hands of any issue by passing the buck on to others. So in reality we are failing to create a movement where the Sangat stand against beadbi themselves. Why don’t our community leaders or jathabhadia feel the responsibility to combat beadbi, why are certain big issues like Smethwick or Southall or Ek Niwas picked over issues like meat and sharab halls in Gurdwara complexes like Leamington, Swindon, Leeds, Huddersfield, Sunderland, Wednesfield and the various UK Ramgharia or Bhatra Gurdwaras? The Leamington incident only occurred because of the lack of response from Sikh community leaders and jathabhandia on addressing the degradation and erosion of our Gurdwara Maryada in the UK. The result was large group of Singhs and Singhia from around the country took it off their own back to confront the blatant sacrilege taking place within one of our Guru Ghars. Instead of our community leaders, our own elders, showing any association to this issue, many were quick in condemning the youth and washed their hands of anything to do with the incident. The people left to pick up the pieces were people like Bhai Jaswinder Singh Ubhi and his family. No one else was willing to come forward at the time. Bhai Jaswinder Singh served a 4 month custodial sentence and received a 2 year probationary period with a £7,500 fine and £500 court costs. He became the fall guy by default and happily accepted the accusations bestowed upon him. Why should we let one individual take all the blame or finger pointing for the failings of our community! No one wants a criminal record or to serve time in prison, but Bhai Sahib accepted this and took them as offerings from the Akal Purakh, so that tomorrow the Sangat would arise and confront the mortification of Sikh ideals within their own community. Bhai Jaswinder Singh and his family should not pay a penny towards this fine, the Sangat as a whole must realise that it is their responsibility to pay this fine off. Jab lag Khalsa rahe niara. tab lag tej dio mai sara. jab eh gahe bipran ki reet. mai na karo in ki parteet. So long as Khalsa retains his distinct identity, I will give him my entire radiance and strength. But if he should take on a non-Sikh way of life, then I shall have no confidence in him and withdraw my support and protection. (Sri Guroo Gobind Singh Ji Mahraj) Bhul Chuk Maaf! Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! BUMP. Please contact covkhalsa@gmail.com if you wish to contribute to the £7,500 fine Bhai Sahib is taking on behalf of the Sikh community. Jab lag Khalsa rahe niara. tab lag tej dio mai sara. jab eh gahe bipran ki reet. mai na karo in ki parteet. So long as Khalsa retains his distinct identity, I will give him my entire radiance and strength. But if he should take on a non-Sikh way of life, then I shall have no confidence in him and withdraw my support and protection. (Sri Guroo Gobind Singh Ji Mahraj) Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventr...ire/6128832.stm Temple disorder leader sentenced A man who led a disturbance at a Diwali celebration has been fined £7,500 and put on probation for two years. Jasvinder Singh Uhbi, 48, of Court House Green, Coventry, was charged with violent disorder after a fracas at the Sikh temple in Leamington Spa in 2005. Coventry Crown Court heard more than 50 people stormed the temple and attacked some of the elders believing alcohol was being drunk inside. Uhbi was also sentenced to do 200 hours community service. He has already spent two months in custody after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing. The court heard that a group stormed the temple on 12 November, 2005 and attacked people inside. They threw chairs and tables, and men had their beards pulled and their turbans removed before the turbans were doused in alcohol. ----------------------------------------------------------- Vaheguroo Jee Kaa Khalsa Vaheguroo Jee Kee Fateh The Gurdwara Committee of Leamington & Warwick were organising monthly alcohol drinking sessions within the Gurdwara. On 12th November 2005, the Gurdwara Committee were caught red handed. There was no mistake as to alcohol and meat behind inside the Gurdwara and pictures taken at the time show this: I accept the verdict of the courts that have passed sentences, however no one can dismiss the fact that the Committee abused its powers and Gurdwara Rehit Maryada. The Party Room, which was later labelled as a Elderly Day Centre, is part of the Gurdwara Complex. The room itself had a sign on the door prohibiting Meat and Alcohol. This shows the attitude of the Gurdwara Committee who thought it was hilarious to put this sign up and conduct drinking sessions within the same room. Leamington Sangat rebelled on the 20th November 2005 when they confronted the Gurdwara Committee to stop these drinking sessions in the Gurdwara after the incident. Many within the Sangat had complained time and time again to stop these drinking sessions however the Gurdwara Committee continued to ignore the problems. Things would never have got so out of hand if the Gurdwara Committee acted responsibly and put Gurdwara Maryada first. They chose to ignore the Sangat and disrespect the sanctuary of the Gurdwara. The Singhs and Singhnias who came to stop this beadbi know what the saw that evening. One thing is for sure, the Singhs and Singhnias who came to stop this beadbi had no political motive to take over the Gurdwara. Only a Sikh will understand the pain of beadbi to Guru Maharaj and a Gurughar. The aftermath has been dealt with by the Police and the Courts, but the real issue cannot be hidden under all these happenings.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! These 3 GurSikh seem to have had an effect on the whole UK GurSikh community. These 3 GurSikhs have made us realise what the brotherhood of the Khalsa should be. As a united Panth we should all make the effort to be present at the Antam Sanskaar on Wednesday 4 Oct 06. Please keep the Sangat updated on the Atam Sanskaar arangements. United we stand! GurFateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! I remember more and more clearly my one and only encounter with Hervinder Singh. A big group of us were in Sedgley Street Gurdwara at last years Sikh Federation Convention handing out leaflets in relation to the Respect For Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign. Hervinder Singh and another young Singh excitedly came up to us to say Gurfateh. I don’t know if it was our egos, the fact that we thought we were better/older Singhs or because the Gurdwara was crowded but we did not acknowledge their Gurfateh and just carried on. Despite this Hervinder Singh still hung around and asked me if he could have some leaflets to hand out to the sangat. It’s strange how this incident seems so clear in my head. Yesterday Singhs like me looked down on another Singh because we thought we were better, today Maharaj has shown us who the better Singh was. Us “older” Singhs’ think we are better and know it all. We go around holding protests at places where we say we are exposing beadbi; we put other Sikhs down because we profess to know better, we argue amongst ourselves. The 3 young GurSikhs showed us what the chardi kala sprit of Sikhi really is. They were young in age but what they did for each other on that Saturday made them maturer than any of us. I suppose everyone is finding a personal message sent by in Akal Purakh in the incidents of Saturday. I certainly have!!! GurFateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! I did not personally know the 3 GurSikhs and only know what I read in the newspapers this morning. From what I read this morning one of the GurSikhs got into difficulty in then lake as he fell into deeper water and the other chardi kala GurSikhs drowned as they helped him. The GurSikhs gave their lives for each other in true spirit of the chardi kala Khalsa. This is a true portrayal of the love GurSikhs should have for each other. Many of us, including myself, cannot even comprehend putting our life in danger for another. Sometimes we forget we are a brotherhood and turn our backs on each other because of our own egos. We are so fast to attack the other Sikh because we don’t agree with their background or jatha or even “caste”. These true GurSikhs have shown us how we should be with each other, how much love we should have with each other, so much so we should be willing to give our lives for each other. Looking at the pictures I remember meeting the young GurSikh Hervinder Singh from the Sikh Fed Convention last year. A group of us came as part of the Respect For Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign and he helped us hand out flyers to the sangat at Sedgley Street Gurdwara, it’s strange but I remember him clearly. GurFateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! There is an article on SS news. Please forward the link on via e-mails and texts. http://www.sikhsangat.org/publish/article_1343.shtml Contact the Prabhandak Committe at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall to express your outrage 2 - 8 Park Avenue Southall UB1 3AG Telephone Number : 020 8574 8901 Fax Number : 020 8574 8902

A real Khalsa Reporter, where have you been hiding? It's funny you mention this, I am thinking of going to the Samagam tonight. Splits and further splits, that's all we are really good for. Ekta is a long way away! Wouldn't it be nice to see a real Samagam with everyone together! Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

We are always ready to diss the other side, but don't look in our own houses to see what the problem really is. It's because it's the easy option! Who really wants to tackle the bigger problem?! Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Great posting. I have heard about Baba Maharaj Singh, but to see a picture is amazing. It's interesting to note how the look of the GurSikhs have changed over the years, you can see how the hoti mardaan or the rara sahib babay look today compared to the Sant-Siphai look of the mid 1800 even though they are part of the same lineage.