InderjitS

http://sikhsiyasat.net/2014/12/12/world-sikh-council-america-region-expresses-solidarity-with-bhai-gurbaksh-singh/

It is encouraging to see support gathering for Bhai Sahib, the momentum needs to continue. It's unfortunate that some have shanka in their minds and due to this numbers backing Gurbaksh Singh are not as great as last year. SGPC masands not allowing the sangarsh in Punjab of course has not helped.

Bhein Ji, Koi pata ni kere lok vikey han te kere Panthi dhardhi, bus apna faraj bandaa hai bhai Sahib Ji dhe naal karna, Ardasaan vich rakhnaa, te lokaa noo sikha dhi hlaat dhi gal pohchauni

Benti hai smooh sangat noo naviaan khabraan sheti ton sheti post karo ji, rishtedaraa noon jaagroop karo ji.

Physical Condition of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa Deteriorating FurtherBY SIKH24 EDITORS / IN INDIA, WORLD / DECEMBER 7, 2014 AMBALA, India (December 7, 2014)—The physical condition of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who is struggling for the release of Sikh detainees by sitting on hunger strike, is deteriorating day by day. His body weight has declined by 13 kilogram and his heart beat has also became weak. If the government will not give attention towards Bhai Khalsa’s demands, his physical health will deteriorate further and doctors have said that he might go into a coma. Press Secretary of Bhai Khalsa informed that Bhai Khalsa’s struggle is being appreciated by the devotees of India and abroad. In Australia, Five Singh’s have started a hunger strike in support of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtK6LA8rtj8

Worth listening to the ex commander in the Indian Army from 19:35 onwards. He states 200 men from UK armed forces were flown into Darbar Sahib during the attack in '84

Hanji, it's great to see. Gurbir Singh is such a funny and down to earth guy, it's great to see Singh's involved in a sport usually reserved for toffs. fb page https://www.facebook.com/SikhPoloAssociationSpa

Gurbir Singh is 2nd from the left. He also used to teach Hung gar Kung Fu back in the day not sure now as lost touch with him. http://www.caminorealpolo.com/articles-2013-interview-to-gurbir-singh-sikh-team-polo.html

BY SIKH24 EDITORS / IN PUNJAB, WORLD / DECEMBER 3, 2014 Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, Bhai Baldev Singh Vadala, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (Hazoori Ragi) reach Ambala to meet Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa Bhai Jarnail Singh of Aam Aadmi Party Pledges Support AMBALA, Haryana (December 3, 2014)—Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa’s hunger strike completed the 18th day today. Hazoori Ragis Bhai Baldev Singh Vadala, along with Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (Nagoke), Dhadi Bhai Sukhpreet Singh, Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwala visited Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh and met doctors to know about the physical condition of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh. Bhai Vadala, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh, along with Baba Dhadrianwale, had played an eminent role in the hunger strike at Gurdwara Amb Sahib last year. All of them helped raise awareness, and kept close contact with Bhai Gurbaksh Singh throughout the hunger strike. Baba Dhadrianwala expressed deep concern over the weakening physical conditions of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh and appealed to the whole Sikh Community to come forward in support of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa. Bhai Jarnail Singh of Aam Aadmi Party also visited Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa. He collected information about imprisoned Singhs. He promised to assist him in this peaceful struggle. In a statement, Bhai Jarnail Singh stated, “Balwan Khokhar, killer of innocent Sikhs in 1984, got 2 months parole just in 1 year. Kishori Lal, butcher who killed 32 Sikhs was about to released [as well]. But, Sikhs who have completed their life terms are languishing in jails.” Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa is getting weaker day by day. His blood sugar level has decreased to a notable point and his heart is becoming weaker also. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Minakshi Sharma also met Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh and knows about his physical conditions. Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa informed the SDM that Police are visiting the Gurdwara Sahib in civil dress to mentally torment the President of the Gurdwara Sahib, S. Niranjan Singh. SDM Minakshi Sharma promised to take suitable action to limit police harassment.

Yogi Bhajan used to openly patronise the Sangat when he came to the UK in the old Park Avenue hall (Southall). Some of his daft comments centred around the pineal gland and how gorey Sikhs understood it's significance being the seat of the tenth consciousness whereas the Sangat could not comprehend this science and was behind/backward in thinking. I was sitting there giggling to myself as I had just finished my first year in Pharmacology and was thinking what clap trap. He used to also say if there is a queue waiting to do matha tek it was ok to jump it and get to the front by loudly repeating Vaheguru, would rudely tell bibian to stop talking (which is good in one way) but to single out one and say yes you the one with lipstick and bindi etc is downright asking for trouble. I think his Pineal Gland was under performing and the blood supply was not profuse as it should be! Moreover he was obviously not short of a bob or two. His brooch was a diamond encrusted khanda and he had rings bigger than BA Baracus.

Lakhwinder Singh (hazoori ragi) or Balbir Singh. The latter performed at my wedding and was very good back in 2003 :biggrin2:

So serious that they have done nothing to release a single Sikh prisoner, some languishing in prisons since the 80's and 90's. SGPC are good for nothing scoundrels and have filled there jholiaan with rupees whilst the jamdoots cannot wait to get their hands on those who have been puppets of Badal Chand and have profited from hundreds of thousands of Shaheeds. Listen to the fool in action

Reports have emerged that five Punjab Police officers tried to manhandle Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa and his supporters at Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib in Haryana. Bhai Khalsa is currently on hunger strike at the Gurdwara Sahib to seek the release of Sikh political prisoners who have already completed their jail terms. This is his second hunger strike, after the first one ended on the 44th day at the command of Akal Takht Sahib. The Punjab police officers were in civil clothes when they entered the Gurdwara Sahib and tried to manhandle Bhai Gurbaksh Singh. All of the police officers were said to be drunk. The Singhs who were accompanying Bhai Gurbaksh Singh were able to detain four of the five policemen, while the fifth one was able to escape. The policemen arrived in a vehicle with the license number PB 06V 3606. Additional details will be shared as they become available. Editor’s Note: Sikh24 requests its readers to change their display pictures to show solidarity with the cause.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=885064898172719 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJEPIyRUJ7g

Despite what we make of Bollywood we respect and give credit to these stars (tbh I've only heard of Shilpa) for giving recognition to the film and viewing it in a positive light. Just by them giving the film a seal of approval will help spread the word more than any other means to the hundreds of millions globally that view them as role models. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucPJifluuBg

Ramandeep Singh Goldy CHANDIGARH, Punjab (November 7, 2014)—Punjab Police continues to violate the human rights of Sikhs by arresting Sikh youths illegitimately by using the blanket term ‘dangerous terrorists’. It frames innocent youths in false cases frequently which totally ruin their lives. As per the latest news, the notorious Police of Punjab have claimed to have arrested another Sikh youth named Ramandeep Singh Goldy terming him an alleged ‘terrorist’ of the Sikh freedom group, Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). The police have called this arrest a major success in its focused drive against Sikhs. The police claimed the arrest of Ramandeep Singh Goldy was made at Chennai airport on the night of 5-6 November 2014 in the murder case of Rulda “Singh,” a terrorist with the right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It said as part of the ongoing exercise of tracking so-called “wanted militants” who were abroad, Ramandeep Singh Goldy was traced to Thailand. Condemning the police actions, representatives of Sikh organizations wordlwide have said that such actions by police officials are nothing but to woo anti-panthik forces and Indian intelligence agencies and to ensure their promotions.

Thirty years have passed since the pogroms of Sikhs in India. During the first week of November 1984, police, politicians, and government leaders organized and implemented pogroms against Sikhs throughout the country. This news footage takes us to refugee camps where survivors display raw wounds, search for missing loved ones, and share accounts of the killings. The reporter discusses how Sikhs themselves had to arrange for food provisions, and were living in squalor, bathing in gutters, and lacking medical care at the camps. “We are homeless. We are family-less. And moreover, above all, no safety. We can’t imagine how we’ll survive ourselves in this India,” recounts one survivor to reporter Ken Rees. Ken Rees continues: “Mothers, whose children had been killed, wept as they spoke. This was the story of just one 6-year old boy we met in the camp.” A translator told Rees, “Petrol was sprinkled on him and set on fire.” “He was set on fire?” repeated Rees, “Why?” The translator answered: “Because he is the son of a Sardar Ji [a Sikh man].” The news host and news reporter both speak to the Indian government’s attempts to restrict news access, by shutting down satellite communications or prohibiting reporters from entering the refugee camps or Trilokpuri, one of the worst sites of the massacres. Thirty years later, none of the architects of these killings has been held accountable for these gross human rights violations. The Indian government continues to deny survivors their rights to truth, justice, and reparations. On this anniversary, inform yourself by watching this video and reading Ensaaf’s report from 2004, Twenty Years of Impunityhttp://www.ensaaf.org/publications/reports/20years/. This report analyzes thousands of pages of previously unavailable affidavits, government records ,and arguments submitted to the 1985 Misra Commission, established to examine the massacres. The report reveals the systematic and organized manner in which state institutions perpetrated mass murder in November 1984 and later justified the violence in inquiry proceedings. http://sikhsiyasat.net/2014/11/07/rare-footage-and-survivor-interviews-recorded-just-few-days-after-november-1984-sikh-genocide/

If you're UK based like me this link might save you dosh. Be prepared to sit in a smoke filled room in Ashgabat on the stop over for about an hour and if you're unlucky for as long as the Airline sees fit and all this without any updates. Still these planes are full to the brim. Sorry for not selling it hard, prior experience you will get there eventually I'm sure. :stupidme: http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/cheapest-ever-flights-amritsar-india-368-turkmenistan-airlines-2041868

Yes as long as the intentions are not to discriminate based on caste. Sikhs in the past have been identified based on villages or their got and when it comes to marriage it is preferable to have some degree of separation. Bear in mind this is a personal view and I can expand on the point if required.

These marriages are fast becoming the norm in the UK and money hungry committees welcome these weddings knowing full well they go completely against maryada. So although what the council proposes is no doubt a step in the right direction, it is unlikely the committees will pay heed to this advice when they blatantly and openly ignore the sandesh from Akal Takhat!! BIRMINGHAM, UK (October 25, 2014)—The Sikh Council (UK) have developed a consistent approach towards marriages in Gurdwaras where one partner is not of Sikh origin. The guidelines have been developed through a comprehensive consultation which took place over a 2 year period. In developing the guidelines Sikh Council UK consulted with Gurdwara Sahib Committees, Sikh Organisations and individuals. Consultation methods included: emails, mail-shots to Gurdwaras across UK, regional meetings, workshops, telephone conversations, and face to face discussions. The purpose of the document is to progress towards agreeing a consistent approach to Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage) ceremonies across Gurdwaras in adherence to the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct & conventions) for circumstances where one partner is not of Sikh origin. Below is the 5th and final version of the guidelines as approved by the General Assembly of Sikh Council UK on 11th October 2014: 1.Purpose 1.1. The purpose of this document is to progress towards agreeing a consistent approach to Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage) ceremonies across Gurdwaras in adherence to the Panth Parvaan Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct & conventions) for circumstances where one partner is not of Sikh origin. 1.2. There are many communities which have a historical tradition of following many tenets of the Sikh Faith and regularly engage in religious ceremonies and contribute to the Gurdwaras. This document does not address any issues relating to their practices as it is a subject of separate discussion as to how they can be supported to better understand and follow the Sikh Rehat Maryada. 2. Background 2.1 On several occasions considerable discussion has taken place in the Executive of the Sikh Council UK reiterating the need to set out a process to ensure that marriages take place in accordance with Sikh Rehat Maryada and the supporting Sandesh (edict) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The matter has also been discussed by the Board of Jathedars. 2.2 The Sikh Rehat Maryada Article XVIII clause k states that “ਅਨਮਤ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਲਵਆਹ ‘ਅਨੰ ਦ’ ਰੀਤੀ ਨਾਿ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ |” meaning persons professing faiths other than the Sikh faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony. Also at XVIII clause b, “ਲਸਿੱਖ ਦੀ ਪਿੱਤ ਰੀ ਦਾ ਲਵਆਹ ਲਸਿੱਖ ਨਾਿ ਹੀ ਹੋਵੇ |” meaning a Sikh’s daughter must be married to a Sikh. In the Sikh spirit of gender equality, it is implied that a Sikh’s son must also be married to a Sikh. 2.3 On 16 August 2007 Sri Akal Takht Sahib issued a Sandesh clarifying that the Anand Karaj ceremony can only be conducted for Sikhs and that any person of non-Sikh origin wishing to take part in an Anand Karaj must adopt the Sikh faith and have Singh or Kaur added to his or her name on relevant identity documents. 2.4 In spite of this clear guidance marriages have taken place in Gurdwara’s where one partner is not a Sikh. 2.5 There are examples where the partner claims to have accepted Sikhism and goes through a sham wedding in a Gurdwara to appease the parents of the Sikh partner. In other examples two religious ceremonies take place one in the Gurdwara and the other at the religious place of worship of the non-Sikh partner. 2.6 Some examples have emerged where the Anand Karaj has taken place without the non-Sikh partner accepting the Sikh faith. Then the Sikh partner is converted for the second religious ceremony. A particular example illustrates this issue whereby a Sikh girl had an Anand Karaj first and then had a church wedding where she was converted to Christianity. Sadly she died shortly afterwards and she was buried according to Christian rites. It was only at this point the distraught family realised what had actually happened. 2.7 Mainly as a result of some Gurdwara management committees not adhering to the Sikh Rehat Maryada, examples have emerged of local tensions and there continue to be risks of breach of the peace and litigation. The development of a consistent approach aims to prevent this predicament in the future. 2.8 The responsibility lies both with individuals and Gurdwaras to ensure that there has been a formal acceptance of the Sikh religion. The definition of a Sikh in the Rehat Maryada is: “Any human being [man or woman] who faithfully believes in: One Immortal Being; Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh; the Guru Granth Sahib; the utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion, is a Sikh.” 2.9 From a practical point of view it is important to ensure that there is a genuine acceptance of the Sikh faith, a commitment to live the life of a Sikh and to also raise any children as Sikhs. 2.10 It is noted that there is considerable variation in practices of Gurdwaras towards testing the genuine intention to accept the Sikh faith. Some Gurdwaras have developed good practice and the proposed approach builds upon it. 3. Proposed Approach to ensure adherence to the Sikh Rehat Maryada 3.1 Any person wishing to exercise the choice to marry in a Gurdwara Sahib through the Anand Karaj ceremony must sign a declaration (Appendix 1) that confirms:  He or she is a Sikh, believes in the tenets of the Sikh faith and owes no allegiance to another faith. He or she will adopt Singh (for males) or Kaur (for females) in his or her name as his or her middle name or surname.  The Anand Karaj ceremony will be the only religious ceremony that the person will take part in for the purposes of marriage.  He or she will endeavour to bring up any children from his or her marriage as Sikhs, to give them the middle name or surname Singh (for male) or Kaur (for female), to teach them Punjabi and the tenets of the Sikh faith . 4. Proposed procedure for Gurdwaras 4.1 To implement the above proposals, Gurdwaras are encouraged to adopt a procedure for meeting the couple prior to the Anand Karaj. The following procedure is recommended:  Upon receiving a request for a booking for an Anand Karaj to invite the couple to the Gurdwara (preferably together but individually where this is not possible). The Gurdwara will assign trained individuals who are fluent in English and Punjabi to meet the couple to discuss about the Anand Karaj and the declaration. The couple will be asked to reflect on the discussion and will be provided with literature on the Anand Karaj and the Sikh faith. The couple will be invited back to the Gurdwara after two or so weeks to discuss any issues or questions and satisfy themselves that they understand the meanings of what they are accepting and agreeing to. If the couple are in agreement and willing to sign the declaration and the Gurdwara is satisfied of this, the Gurdwara representative will ask the couple to sign the declaration and in the case of individuals of formerly non Sikh origin to present the relevant identity documents. A Gurdwara representative should witness the declaration signatures.  In the case of an individual of non-Sikh origin, the Gurdwara will arrange for an Ardas to be said and for him or her to be welcomed into the Sikh faith. An English/Gurmukhi Gutka should ideally be given with a Kara.  At the Anand Karaj the couple will be reminded of their commitment before the ceremony and after the ceremony be welcomed to the faith and community as a couple. 4.2 It is further recommended that Gurdwara managements should ensure the couple has awareness of the following basic Sikh tenets:  - Belief in only One God - The ten Gurus from Guru Nanak through to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and their teachings - That receiving the gift of Amrit (Khandey de Pahul) as the aspiration of every Sikh at some point in their life - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the embodiment of the Sikh doctrines and the eternal Guru - Not to pay homage to or worship any other deity or person - Renounce all superstitions and to go about daily life whilst connected to the one Akal Purakh (Timeless Lord) - Learn and understand the Mool Mantar - Understanding of the rehits and kurehits (cardinal sins) 4.3 Where a couple chooses to undertake a civil marriage in a Registry Office they should be offered the opportunity to hold an Ardas, Sukhmani Sahib Path, Akhand Path or other service to celebrate their union as husband and wife in the presence of their family, relatives and friends. 5. Documents 5.1 A standard declaration (Appendix 1) is provided to assist Gurdwara managements. 5.2 Where a Gurdwara is unable to conduct the Anand Karaj Ceremony in any case due to non-compliance with the requirements set out in this policy, the Gurdwara will inform the couple clearly and without delay. The Gurdwara may wish to confirm the same in writing to the couple for further clarity and to this end a standard letter (Appendix 2) is provided to assist Gurdwara managements.

LOL!

Question is should non-amrtidharis use Singh in their name..