Balait_da_Sher

Indian media is bent on destroying the image of Sikhs in India and abroad. Few months ago, Indian government ordered (not requested) Canadian PM to keep tab on Sikh community in Canada. If American or Canadian government requests India to respect basic human rights whether in Punjab or in Kashmir, India's typical response is "do not interfere in our internal matters". Recent news of sikh groups targeting Asian games in New Delhi reminds me of 1980's era when the government controlled the media to spread similar fake news which resulted in senseless killings of sikhs in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. From books, interviews with human right organizations and many other non-biased outlets we come to know that in Sikhs' short history, no Sikh group ever targeted any innocent civilians in their movement. The killings of 1980's were government sponsored. It was the government which controlled everything; media, airwaves, state government(president rule), city government. It was the government who let the killings go on for 3 days in broad day light and it happened right in the heart of India's capital; New Delhi. Are we going to trust the corrupt government (Only India is the country where lawmakers are ex-robbers, murderers, rapist) or we going to trust ordinary hard-working justice seeking people from Assam, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kashmir. It is certainly not a fault of any normal citizen of India as they are being blindly led by the media outlets propagated by government of India. Such recent news of Sikhs making threat to Commonwealth Games is pure hoax and a step by government to take media light away from real issues; corruption in government, indiction of cabient/federal ministers in killings of Sikhs 25 years ago resulting in death of more than 10,000 sikhs in Delhi. To those who don't know much about sikhs, it is against our Sikh Dharam to kill the innocent no matter what the conditions are, and all sikhs; whether Amritdhari or patit; follow this rule strictly in their daily practical lives. Sikhs are loyal and they do no hide from what they do or have done in the past, nor do they take any interest in blowing up public places in India. They could bring a lot more damage to the society but it is not in our religion to perform such horrible terror acts. Once in front of 1,000-strong audience in Latin America, celebrated Indian writer Arundhati Roy told the audience that ‘‘India is not a democratic country’’. ‘The biggest PR myth of all times is that India is a democracy. In reality, it is not. Vicky Singh

Here's some information relating to Pal Singh's arrest. Pal Singh was first picked up from his fields at around 7Pm on 18-July-2010. No one informed his house that he was being taken by police. He was dropped back at his house at 2:30PM the next day (19-July-2010). They asked him about a certain Narayan Singh (a magazine editor?). Asking when was the last time he has met him, he replied that it was on December 31 st (at family member's funeral). He told them that they were friends but did not agree with his political views. On 22-july-2010, they came again at around 1:00PM and took his car, his laptop and other belongings. The next day on 23-july-2010, they raided his house and bother the young children and the handicapped young man living with Pal Singh and asking them to give his 'samaan'... they said that go ahead and take whatever you want. They took his breifcase with all his paperwork, all bill, passport, documents, etc. they were apparently looking for explosives but did not find anything. He is not the only one being held. Apparently there's a singh from pind Bagga (who was a friend of Pal Singh and used to come to his house) who was also picked up and questioned about Pal Singh and Narayan Singh. He was at the Amritsar Interogation centre after his village people tried to locate him and he was also being questioned about these things/people. Apparently there was a a certain Seva Singh (could have been a fake name he had given to Pal Singh, he came to help at a camp that Pal Singh had organized to teach kids about sikhism). This Seva Singh was arrested by the police and he said that Pal Singh had given him some explisive. And knowing my father and his views he would do no such things. He can SPEAK against corruption, lies but he would never even think of such things as violence and explosive matarial. Being senior in age, Pal Singh has some health issues that needs to be taken care of which usually strike when he's in stress - heart problems (delayed ventricular snap which could cause a heart attack if he's under too much stress and if he can't control stress), pile, vision problems (he can't see properly from 1 eye). Pal Singh's family is asking help in releasing him ASAP... before he's inflicted violence by those officers.

The Sikh and Punjabi culture amongst the Indonesian Sikh is on the brinks of extinction. It is the hope, desire and vision of the Sikh community leaders living in Jakarta to revive the basic fundamentals of our Sikh religion in our country that has almost lost about 70% of its youth who have lost touch with the spoken language as well as the Sikh /Punjabi culture. As s result of this precarious situation where our next generation may wither away in Indonesia, the founding fathers of the gurudwara Yayasan Social Guru Nanak has taken up the initiative to attract our younger generation of Sikh to be brought back to our fold to take part in the study and culture of the Sikhs. In order to achieve our aim restoring the language and culture of our rich and prosperous Punjab, we have embarked on a crusade to seek funds from every corner where our members of the Sikh in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and other neighboring countries could merge/mix and share our common thoughts and to get to learn, speak and practice our culture on a common platform. To this end the founding fathers have spared no effort to enlist the support of eminent professors and artist as well as learned ‘parcarks’ to help us to run this proposed school. We are very small community of Sikhs in Jakarta but its our ambitions and desire that we all shall make every efforts to make this dream of ours come true that is set up the Sikh Academy in Gurmat studies in Jakarta that shall become the focus and center point of the Sikh studies in South East Asia/Asean... To this end, we are in dire need of funds and appeal to every individual of the Sikh Community to come forward and donate whatever small sum it may be, so that our vision and dream of saving our language, religion and culture will not be vain, donate genoursly to this cause so that our next generations will not point a finger at us that we did not do enough when we could have done. Your donations will help us to not only save our Community from extinction but to stand proud amongst all other races to be accounted for. Every cent donated for this worth cause will not only bring the cherished dreams of thousand who are trying to bring back the lost treasures of our community but a new world in a new world in a new beginning. In this fast moving world of ours. Kindly forward your donations to for the first Gurmat School in Sikhism in Jakarta and with your help and assistance we are positive the slogan ‘RAAJ KARE GA KHALSA’ shall prevail and once again our youths who have now led astray will be brought back to our SIKH CAUSE/FOLD. Kindly donate to help us meet the RM 2 Million expected cost, when completed. Donation could be collected from the sanggat and handed to Sardar Balwant Singh,one of the founding fathers, who shall be present on most occasions when this announcement is made at your gurudwara or make out cheques/drafts/money orders made in favor of Yayasan Sosial Guru Nanak c/o Bank Permata cabang ITC Fatmawati,Jakarta Selatan Indonesia. Account number 0701351959, Swift code BBBAIDJA

There have been claims that an English translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji finds itself at home at NASA and that the NASA scientist turn to Guru Ji for inspiration. NASA has been quiet on this issue and there is no information available if any of the claims are true. Search of the internet did not yield much result about the connection between the two but did lead to an interesting discovery about Sikhs. Some Sikhs feel that somehow having confirmation that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji does have a place in NASA, would make Sikhism superior to other religions. This connection that has popped up between NASA and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not there to fill Sikhs with false pride. It is not for us to run around trying to confirm it, so we can brag about it. This connection is yet another reminder for all Sikhs what a priceless treasure Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is for anyone that is willing to listen. NASA wastes millions of dollars trying to answer questions Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji answers for frees for anybody that is willing to listen with an open mind and an open heart. Some of those questions are: "How vast is the universe?" "How was it created?" "How will it end?" In Jap Ji Sahib Ji we read every morning "There are planets, solar systems and galaxies. If one speaks of them, there is no limit, no end. There are worlds upon worlds of His Creation. As He commands, so they exist. He watches over all, and contemplating the creation, He rejoices. Nanak says, to describe this is as hard as steel!" While NASA is busy trying to find out the vastness of the universe, Guru Ji reminds us daily. Every time NASA finds a new planet or makes any new discoveries, Sikhs shouldn't be shocked because Guru Ji already told us that there is no limit. Sikhs should be shocked if NASA ever claims; they have discovered everything there is to discover. Even then just wait a few years and they'll run into something new. Why do we need NASA to confirm the importance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the message it sends to the Sikhs daily, when daily Guru Ji confirms the existence of NASA? Before NASA or anyone else could even begin to explain how the universe came into play, Guru Ji explained it to the Sikhs. "From this primal void, came the moon, the sun and the earth....From this primal void, the earth and the Akaashic Ethers were created....From this primal void, came the four sources of creation, and the power of speech....They were created from the void, and they will merge into the void....." Science to date struggles to figure out how and why universe was created but it does agree that everything was created out a void of some sorts (the big bang theory). But Every theory that is explored they run into the same questions; why and how? Guru Ji agrees with Science that for the longest time there was nothing and that the universe grew out of that nothingness. But unlike science Guru Ji does not create doubts on anything He tells the Sikhs with confidence this is how things are; "There was darkness for countless years. There was neither earth nor sky; there was only His Will. There was neither day nor night, neither sun nor moon. He (God) was in deep meditation. There was nothing except Himself.". How can NASA confirm the importance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, when NASA itself can't confirm how the universe was created? NASA does not know how it was created and it does not know how it will end but Guru Ji tells his Sikhs everything. "Night and day, and the stars in the sky shall vanish. The sun and the moon shall vanish. The mountains, the earth, the water and the air shall pass away. Only the Word of the Holy Saint shall endure." So long before science was there to warn us that we were going to run out of our natural resources, Guru Ji warned us. There have been theories in the past about the Sun cooling down and the brightness of it vanishing, science is still not so sure about it. At the rate we our polluting the earth, it won't be long till we run out of drinkable water and clean air to breath. Guru Ji told us everything science is telling us, only Guru Ji told us hundreds of years before anyone could even begin imagining it. When the world ends, will it matter if NASA had confirmed the importance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? No one can confirm the importance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by turning to it for inspiration. It is useless to even think about NASA turning to Guru Ji. Instead we should think about why, why if it doesn't matter, this came up? Waheguru Ji didn't bring this topic to light to raise the Sikhs above everyone else. He brought it to give us a slap in the face and wake us up. To open our eyes to the priceless treasure we have in the form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Ji answers many questions NASA can't and yet we listen more carefully to NASA then Guru Ji. This is a reminder to all Sikhs, turn to Guru Granth Sahib Ji and you'll never need to look elsewhere or need any confirmation.

Delhi, India: A wave of anger and remorse spread within the Sikh kaum when about 2500 Saroops and various other Gurbani Pothis and magazines were recovered from the controversial Chela Ram of Delhi. A large number of Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji printed in various languages were recovered from his godown, they had the publisher's name 'Lakshman Chela Ram' stamped on them. Because of water damage in the godown, these Saroops were being moved to another place. The basement in which these Saroops were kept was full of mud and sewage water due to rains. When the Sikhs of Delhi got to know about this, they reached the spot and saw the condition of these Saroops. Many Saroops were being eaten away by woodworms while other Saroops were in tatters and wet with sewage waste. It was extruciating to see the beadbi of the very Guru we bow our heads in front of everyday. A few members from Delhi Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee also reached the spot but there were busy in reconciliation efforts. The Singhs wanted to call the police and get case registered against the culprits but these members of DSGMC tried their best to stop this legal action from taking place. After taking possession of these holy Saroops, they were taken to Dera Baba Karam Singh where, despite bad weather and lack of Singhs, they were kept in a room. After the appropriate Sewa, arrangements to perform final rites are being made. Singhs are busy taking care of the appropriate Sewa. It is worth mentioning that dispute has been going on between Lakshman Chela Raam and Sikhs of Delhi regarding the parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in his hindu temples. Chela Ram has been doing parallel parkash of Sri Guru Sahib alongside idols and other anti-Gurmat granths in his temples. Sikhs have raised their protest from time to time but Paramjit Singh Sarna has always sided with and defended this Lakshman Chela Ram. When Saroops were removed from his temples not so long ago, Paramjit Singh Sarna established a inquiry committee and provided Saroops to him and got them parkash in those temples again. This clearly proves the extent to which Paramjit Singh Sarna is siding with Lakshman Chela Ram in this crime, and how he is helping these sinners to prove his loyalty to his agents and masters. Only SGPC has got the sole rights to publish the Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji so that no negligence while printing takes place, and printing of Saroops in other languages is also forbidden. Lakshman Chela Ram has ignored all these orders and has committed grave sin by publishing the Saroops of Guru Sahib and storing them in warehouses. Gurmeet 'Shanti', a tout of Paramjit Singh Sarna, tried his best to split up Singhs by his pathetic reconciliation efforts and to stop the sewadars of Proud Khalsa from taking any pictures. An emergency meeting of Singhs was held at Dera Baba Karam Singh where Parmjit Singh Sarna came to shed crocodile tears. Upon being asked by Sangat as to why the Saroops were handed back to Chela Ram , he fled back to his car. More information and details regarding Chela Ram will soon be presented before the Sangat. Source: Proud Khalsa Network (Translated by PJS)

In the home of Khalsa I marry my child and I by following in the steps of Mata Tripta Ji I become the proper mother-in-law. In this day and age mother-in-laws are famous for not getting along with daughter-in-laws. We are often questioned ‘why a woman is a woman’s biggest enemy?’ We can make people eat their words by becoming best friends with our daughter-in-laws; all we have to do is look up to Mata Tripta Ji. Mata Tripta Ji helped her daughter-in-law adjust into the new family, helped with the kids and never undermined her daughter-in-law. The kind of relationship that a mother-in-law will share with her daughter-in-law can be determined almost immediately. If the mother-in-law feels insecure about the new daughter-in-law joining the family, there will almost always be animosity between the two. If the mother-in-law is secure about the daughter-in-law, she will become like a mother and teach her little tricks to make the family happy to fit in quicker. That’s how Mata Ji was; she treated Mata Sulakhni Ji as a daughter, not a daughter-in-law. Growing up Guru Nanak Dev Ji was different from the other children, as a husband he was different then the norm. It was a huge adjustment for Mata Sulakhni Ji to quickly learn about Guru Ji and the whole family before things get off on the wrong foot. Mata Tripta Ji no doubt told Mata Sulakhni Ji details about every family member, so she would have a little help making everyone happy. Imagine, if Mata Tripta Ji was insecure and left Mata Sulakhni Ji to fend for herself in a new family, which is nothing like she had imagined? Mata Sulakhni Ji and Guru Nanak Dev Ji might not have had the great understanding they had. Mata Tripta Ji was the kindof mother-in-law we should all be, more of a mother and less worried about if our actions are within the law. Mata Tripta Ji not only was a mother to her daughter-in-law, she also helped her raise the children. As much as daughter-in-laws might act like super women, becoming a mother is always a new experience and they need help. And as much as mother-in-laws might know everything, it is useless unless her relationship with daughter-in-law is such that the help is welcomed. When a mother-in-law becomes a mother, she earns the right to become a grandmother. With Guru Nanak Dev Ji gone for long periods of time, Mata Tripta Ji was able to help Mata Sulakhni Ji raise the kids because of the great relationship they shared. Mata Tripta Ji was always there to lend a helping hand to Mata Sulakhni Ji. Mata Tripta Ji teaches all the mother-in-laws today that being a mother-in-law does not mean you retire because you just brought home a maid or that you become the maid for your daughter-in-law; it’s about finding a balance. Part of finding that balance, is not undermining your daughter-in-laws authority or her undermining yours. One would imagine life was a bit complicated in Mata Tripta Ji’s home with Guru Nanak Dev Ji gone on his travels, Saints stopping by the house and two children that need to be reared. A lot of decisions needed to be made by the ladies of the household. Mata Tripta Ji kept the peace in the family by not undermining any decisions made by Mata Sulakhni Ji and Mata Sulakhni Ji followed her lead. In today’s households we are so busy trying to prove ourselves right that we forget sometimes if best not to be right, if it keeps the peace in the family. I am sure there were instantance when Mata Tripta Ji and Mata Sulakhni Ji might not have agreed but they never made it a public affair and talked in private to sort things out, so they don’t happen again. Today we are so worried about making ourselves look good and right in front of others that we forget the effect this public display will have on our family life. We need to learn from Mata Tripta Ji on how to find a balance and be a good mother-in-law. Balance of powers is every important in Sikh household with a joint family, without balance, one can’t be a good mother-in-law. In a joint household there well almost always be two women in power and you’ll see a slow transaction of power from a mother-in-law to the daughter-in-law as the mother-in-law becomes more of a mother. This transaction comes during the initial adjustment of life with a daughter-in-law, becoming more involved with the grandkids instead of house work and then finally as you allow the daughter-in-law to make more and more of the decisions without your public input. It is the mother-in-law that raises us from a wife to a mother and then helps us prepare to become a mother-in-law ourselves. Let us become like Mata Tripta Ji and become more of a mother then a mother-in-law.

The Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare is a registered charity which was formed in 2008. Working to achieve justice for the thousands of Sikhs, who have been illegally imprisoned and tortured in India. SOPW provides monthly welfare for the prisoners including basic amenities such as clothing and food, as well as support for their families. All SOPW Members are volunteers.SOPW Denounces Illegal Detention of Sikh Civil Rights Campaigner Pal Singh02/08/2010 The Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare denounces the illegal abduction and detention of Sikh Civil Rights campaigner Pal Singh in Punjab, India. The 54 year old French National, who has championed Sikh Human Rights in Europe and North America, has in recent years committed himself fully to tackling social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse in Punjab.According to eyewitness accounts, Mr Singh was picked up by plain clothed officers on the 22nd July, the Daily Ajit published an article on the arrest the next day.The Punjab Police denied any knowledge of Mr Singh’s whereabouts, SOPW instructed legal counsel Rajwinder Singh Bains to challenge the legality of the arrest, filling for Habeas Corpus on the 26th July. The habeas corpus petition was taken up by Justice Arvind Kumar who appointed a warrant officer to trace Pal Singh, which then led to the Punjab Police finally declaring in a press conference later that day that 5 people (including Pal Singh) had been arrested. This is a common feature in most of the cases that SOPW is currently working on. Sikh men are illegally detained for days, sometimes weeks before the detention is made official. During this time the detainee does not exist, and is when the majority or severity of torture is inflicted.Disturbingly, the Times of India reported that the village Councillor who located Pal Singh in police custody, was concerned that Mr Singh bore signs of torture at the hands of the police.SOPW is launching a campaign to free Mr Pal Singh and get redress. This will include lobbying the French and Indian Governments to take action.Mr. Balbir Singh BainsChairman of the Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare (SOPW)Info@prisonerwelfare.com http://www.prisonerw...e.comRegistered Charity No. 1125370To support our work: www.justgiving.com/sopw

KENT, UK: Sikh men upset at having their turbans manhandled by airport security staff have won the backing of Tory MP Gareth Johnson. Regulations introduced by the European Union in April mean followers of the Asian religion can now be asked to unravel their headwear or have it ‘patted down’ if the metal detector bleeps when they walk through. Mr Johnson’s Dartford constituency has a thriving Sikh community with a temple near the centre of town, and the new MP is taking up the fight on their behalf. "The people I’ve spoken to have said that to search someone’s turban is like carrying out a strip search on a non-Sikh," he said. "It’s humiliating for people and should be stopped where possible. I don’t want to tie the security people’s hands so they can’t fight terror but we need a common sense approach to protect people’s right to follow their religion. "I don’t think we should have this situation of turbans being searched when we have the technology to scan them instead." Mr Johnson raised the issue with Transport Secretary Philip Hammond during a debate in the House of Commons. He was told that following a "furious reaction" from the Sikh community, the Government had instructed all UK airports to ignore the EU regulations and instead revert to using handheld wands to scan turbans. Only if the scanner bleeps again will security staff be permitted to request the headwear be unravelled. Mr Hammond said: "There is a large and well-integrated Sikh community in the UK, and special arrangements to take account of their headwear have existed at least since the introduction of compulsory motorcycle helmets (in 1973). "On June 25 I instructed UK airports that they should temporarily revert to the previous arrangements, despite the EU rules. "The Sikh community has recognised this positive step and we are now working with them and with the EU to identify a suitable way forward. "The ultimate solution probably lies in the introduction of scanners as a primary means of security screening at our airports, but at the moment this cannot be done under EU rules. "Part of my discussion with the EU is seeking to persuade it that we can resolve the particular problems of religious headwear by addressing the wider issue of adopting scanners as a primary screening method." Dabinderjit Singh of the Sikh Federation said it was disrespectful for anyone else to touch somebody’s turban. He added: "It is almost a humiliation. "It is very difficult to describe when someone touches your turban. Sikhs regard it as a crown."

Calcutta: Leaders of the Sikh community have appealed to political parties not to make Gurjant Singh a pawn, prompting the Trinamul Congress to say it will have no objection if the truck driver is released on bail. Gurjant, who has been accused by Trinamul of trying to murder Mamata Banerjee, has been remanded in 12 days’ police custody since Thursday. A section of Sikh leaders supporting Trinamul had met Partha Chatterjee, the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, at the Sant Kutia Gurdwara in Bhowanipore to bring to his notice the ordeal of Gurjant. Some other community members who support the CPM met Gurjant at Bhawani Bhavan, the CID headquarters where he is being kept, today. “We assured him of financial help to fight the case,” said Soham Singh, a member of the West Bengal Minority Commission. “We always vote for the Trinamul Congress. But we are hurt at the way Gurjant is being subjected to harassment.... We had no complaints about his arrest for rash driving after he had intruded into Mamatadi’s convoy with his truck. But to re-arrest him on the charges of conspiracy and attempt to murder Mamatadi is not acceptable,” said Baljit Singh, a member of the Sriguru Singsabha of Rash Behari Avenue. Baljit Singh said they had lodged a protest with “Parthada” at the meeting. “We shall also call on Mamatadi in a day or two to apprise her of Gurjant’s ordeal. We are waiting for his family members to arrive,” he added. Chatterjee confirmed that the Sikh community members had pleaded with him to reconsider Gurjant’s case. “But we, too, feel that the driver was made a scapegoat by the CPM. In fact, those who had hatched a conspiracy to kill Mamata should be punished,” he said. Trinamul MP from Tamluk Subhendu Adhikari, on whose complaint the driver was re-arrested, today said: “We will have no objection if the truck driver is released on bail.” A Trinamul source said that the party leadership was now keen to wriggle out of the situation and nip in the bud suggestions that a member of a minority community was being targeted. A Trinamul vice-president said several Sikh leaders from Kalighat, Bhowanipore, Rashbehari and Mominpur wanted to seek Mamata’s intervention but she was unable to meet them because she was unwell. Virendra Singra, the Congress MP from Sangrur where Gurjant’s Mauran village is located, said from Delhi over phone that he would write to Mamata protesting against the “harassment of a poor person” from his constituency. “A gross injustice is being meted out to a poor driver from my area,” he said.

In the home of Khalsa I grow old and by following in the footsteps of Mata Gujar Kaur Ji (Mata Gujri Ji) I become the best grandmother in the world. Grandmothers around the world are famous for spoiling their grandchildren. Being a Grandmother is not all about spoiling the children. Mata Gujar Kaur Ji was with the two youngest sahibzada’s when they received martyrdom, which was only possible because Mata Ji was their strength. Mata Ji did not spoil them, she strengthened them. That was only possible because Mata Ji told them stories about Sikhism, stayed with the kids and encouraged them to do the right thing. Every child remembers the nightly fairy tales told by their grandmothers and the little lessons the stories taught. Mata Gujar Kaur Ji told her grandchildren stories too, the once that taught great lessons. The only difference was the ones Mata Ji told were true and the kids could relate to them. Stories that a child can relate too are the ones that most inspire to follow through to the dot on the message of the story. In Mata Gujar Kaur Ji’s time it was the stories of Gurus and the Singhs of the time. In our time today its stories of the Gurus, the Singhs of that time, and the stories about 1984 and how Singhs followed the teachings of Guru Ji’s to survive 1984. Our children need to know what happened in our history and how we always stand up for what is right. Be like Mata Gujar Kaur Ji and tell your grandkids the real stories of Khalsa Panth, the Sikhs, and not the made up fairy tales. Mata Ji told the children all the right stories and taught them all the right morals but she did not leave it at that. Mata Ji stayed with the children and made sure they lived life according to Sikh principal. Mata Ji taught them Sikh principals in her stories and then monitored their understanding and helped them use what they learned in everyday life. Today it seems not only do our Grandmothers not tell stories about the glorious past of Sikhi but is also unable to get involved in daily life of the children. There is such a big generation gap between the kids and the grandmothers that they just can’t connect. The gap can only be closed if the grandmothers tell the stories from the beginning creating a special bond with the child that will last a life time. A child that hears stories about Sikhi is going to be able to relate better, then a child that grew up on video games. Grandmothers need to become like Mata Gujar Kaur Ji and become more than just a babysitter. The children need to be watched more than just when the parents our busy, we need to stay an active part of their lives. When we are active in the life of the children, we can stand by their side when danger strikes. Mata Gujar Kaur Ji was always by the side of the younger Sahibzadas and that is why she was able to stay with them when they were separated from rest of the family. She helped them prepare for martyrdom, instead of accepting Islam. Not once carried away in love did she tell them to give up their Sikhi and save their lives. Mata Ji became their strength, not their weakness. As grandmothers today, we are barely involved in our grandchildren’s life and never around when it comes time to make important decisions. Many of us have become weak; we would rather see our grandchild happy, then be a good Sikh. Like Mata Gujar Kaur Ji, we need to get our priorities straight and encourage our grandchildren to make the best decisions based on Sikhi. Following in the footsteps of Mata Gujar Kaur Ji we can show the world, grandmothers are more than just babysitters. We can only do that by being actively involved in the life of our grandchildren by telling them true Sikh stories, staying active in their lives and encouraging them to make decisions best for Sikhi. If we can become more like Mata Ji, we can successful be whatever other roles (great grandmother, great great grandmother and etc) Waheguru Ji allows for us to take on. Let us all become like Mata Gujar Kaur Ji.

AN event to celebrate the 300th anniversary of a heroic battle involving a Sikh Braveheart takes place in Stirling next week. The second historic Scottish-Sikh gathering will remember the life of Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716), the Sikh equivalent of William Wallace. This year marks 300 years of a victory by the Sikh Braveheart in a major battle against the Mughal empire. The iconic Battle of Sirhand, which took place in 1710, marked the beginning of Sikh independence. It equates with the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The event in Stirling will comprise of talks, bagpipes, turban tying, historic Sikh and Scottish sword combat and traditional Sikh food. Scottish and Sikh speakers will contribute to this second historic celebration of the culture and history of the two nations. In September 2005, Sikhs joined the Clan Wallace in the historic 700-year anniversary gathering in Lanark to celebrate the William Wallace Homecoming. Jagdeesh Singh, of the Sikh Community Action Network, said: “This is a celebration of history, culture, bravery and struggle, epitomised in the history of two nations. “Sikhs and Scots have similar experiences of struggle against mighty powers. Our inspiring histories are decorated with courage, resistance and Bravehearts. “We want to share and exchange the captivating magic and excitement of our histories.” Jagdeesh continued: “Banda Singh Bahadur and William Wallace are two lead figures whose vigorous fight and personal sacrifice for the freedom of their nations, places them side by side. “Though at different stages of history, their actions, objectives and gruesome public executions, are identical.” Speakers at the event will include Elspeth King, director of the Stirling Smith; Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling; Seoras Wallace, chief of the Clan Wallace; and Bill Kidd, MSP for Glasgow. The event, which is open to the public, is at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday, September 4, between noon and 4pm. AN event to celebrate the 300th anniversary of a heroic battle involving a Sikh Braveheart takes place in Stirling next week.The second historic Scottish-Sikh gathering will remember the life of Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716), the Sikh equivalent of William Wallace. This year marks 300 years of a victory by the Sikh Braveheart in a major battle against the Mughal empire. The iconic Battle of Sirhand, which took place in 1710, marked the beginning of Sikh independence. It equates with the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The event in Stirling will comprise of talks, bagpipes, turban tying, historic Sikh and Scottish sword combat and traditional Sikh food. Scottish and Sikh speakers will contribute to this second historic celebration of the culture and history of the two nations.In September 2005, Sikhs joined the Clan Wallace in the historic 700-year anniversary gathering in Lanark to celebrate the William Wallace Homecoming. Jagdeesh Singh, of the Sikh Community Action Network, said: “This is a celebration of history, culture, bravery and struggle, epitomised in the history of two nations. “Sikhs and Scots have similar experiences of struggle against mighty powers. Our inspiring histories are decorated with courage, resistance and Bravehearts.“We want to share and exchange the captivating magic and excitement of our histories.” Jagdeesh continued: “Banda Singh Bahadur and William Wallace are two lead figures whose vigorous fight and personal sacrifice for the freedom of their nations, places them side by side.“Though at different stages of history, their actions, objectives and gruesome public executions, are identical.” Speakers at the event will include Elspeth King, director of the Stirling Smith; Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling; Seoras Wallace, chief of the Clan Wallace; and Bill Kidd, MSP for Glasgow. The event, which is open to the public, is at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday, September 4, between noon and 4pm.

New York, USA: Premier Gurudwara of New york, Richmond Hill society, wherein Ragi Darshan supporters were dominant for sometime a new committee has taken over the reins. They decided from the outset that maryada of Akal Takht will be implemented there. On initiative of president Bhupinder Singh Boparai, vice president Gurdev Singh Kang and election in-charge Harbans singh Dhillon, Akal Takhat Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, Patna sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh and secretary of Delhi Gurudwara committee Bhajan singh Walia were called to attend evening Diwan at Gurudwara sahib. Two dozen supporters of Ragi Darshan collected from four to five states converged on Gurudwara sahib. Reliable sources reveal that they were being led by a former secretary of this Gurudwara. Sangat had very low opinion about this secretary because of his earlier activities especially disrespect to Akal Takht and upgraded Nanakshahi calender. When Singh Sahib started addressing sangat these notorious elements started creating disruption of his speech. When stopped by management committee from such disruptive activities they started grappling with sangat. On this sangat started thrashing these mischief mongers and they fled the scene leaving behind their shoes. Police had arrived in Gurudwara Sahib, wrote names of some people and that report is yet to be received. After this, Jathedar sahib addressed sangat. He said our personal weaknesses are taking us away from religion. Sangat need to create sehaj in them by following Gurbani. We need to take teachings of our Gurus to others by inculcating humility in us. Giani Iqbal Singh said that to challenge Takhts created by our Guru sahib is an unfortunate activity. We need to understand vastness of teachings of our Gurus by remaining loyal to our religion. Bhajan singh Walia said that while living in these countries we need to learn discipline prevailing here. None of Darshan Ragi supporters were to be seen near the scene after they left.

If you goto your profile you can see all the topics and posts you made. pirate singh, i think you need to be logged in to edit posts.

Inspiring Equality Women of Yesteryears, Today and Tomorrow The Sikh Gurus never saw any difference between people based on gender and went as far as addressing everyone as female and Waheguru Ji as male. Then why is gender equality such a big deal today? Shouldn’t we have gender equality without any questions asked? We should but we don’t and to understand why we don’t, we have to examine the women of yesteryear, today and tomorrow. The women of yesteryear were some of the bravest, independent women Khalsa Panth has ever seen. We had Mata Khivi Ji, who was known for starting Guru ka Langar in a time period where women had a hard time even leaving the house, let alone take independent decisions. There was Bibi Amro Ji, how was independent enough to inspire the Third Sikh Guru to seek out Sikhi, to become a preacher and reach out to more Sikhs. Mai Bhago best exemplifies traits of bravery and independence as she was the one to lead the forty martyrs back to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bibi Dalair Kaur and her group of 100 brave women were part of the group that decided to stay back and protect the fort, which they did with their lives. These women taught all Sikh women how to live a life with their head held up high. It was only due to their wonderful example, that Sikh women survived the trying time that followed Guru Gobind Singh Ji leaving for Sachkand. The time after Guru Gobind Singh Ji left was a tough one for all Sikhs, as the Islamic rulers put a price on their heads. Many a Sikhs went into hiding into the jungles, only coming out for guerrilla attacks on the oppressors and visits to Gurudwara Sahibs on special Sikhi related occasions. But not all Sikhs went into hiding; there were a group of Sikhs that were just coming into Sikhi that would follow Sikhi but not don the appearance of Sikhs. This group of people were called the sehejdhari Sikhs, meaning they are slowly coming into Sikhi from a non-Sikh background. This group of Sikhs did quite a bit to help their Sikh brothers by providing news, food, shelter and etc. The problem with that was there was suddenly a group of people that were neither fully Sikhs nor fully Hindus/Muslims. This allowed for Sikh practices and traditions to be diluted by other cultures and religions. Suddenly the women were starting to be treated differently, just like they were by culture and other religions. The excuse given was safety for women and the children and the tough times. Though there were brave Sikh women even during this time period that gave their lives rather than bring dishonor to Sikhi but as time passed more and more people were allowing for Sikhi to take a backside to save their lives. But we can’t really judge the Sikhs of that time period because we ourselves put much smaller things before Sikhi. The point is with Sikhi being diluted by people wanting to escape the tough times unharmed, the women weren’t treated as equals and where expected to just stay home and leave it to the men to protect Sikhi. Soon the practices adopted to get through the hard times became tradition and the gender inequality only grew. It grew to the point where today many Sikhs partake in abortion and ill-treating their daughters. But today the women are fighting back and demanding their equal rights back and when they aren’t getting them, they are lashing out. There are many reports of women marrying outside of Sikhism and converting, having affairs before marriage and many more deeds which are strictly against Sikhi. These women are going through an identity crisis because the follow a religion that calls for gender equality but live in a world where they are still treated differently. Sadly, instead of the leaders of the Sikhi understanding their frustration and why they are lashing out, they are condemned for their actions. This just drives the women further from Sikhi and creates resentment. That is why all Sikhs must reach out to the women that of Khalsa Panth and create a brighter future for the Sikhs of tomorrow. Blessings of Waheguru Ji and seva are the only way to create a brighter future for the next generation. We must do Ardass for Waheguru Ji to bless us and help us and begin to reach out to our sisters. Then we must encourage our sisters that are well versed in Sikhi practices and etiquette to do more seva in public view. That means anything from Kirtan to starting outreach projects to being allowed to do ardass and take Hukamnama from Guru Granth Sahib Ji for the sangat. We need to reaffirm the fact that not only do we preach equality but we live it, too. Request to all Sisters is to come forward and inspire more sisters to find and love Sikh by setting a great example. And a request to all Brothers is to support their Sisters and encourage them in this great effort. With all Sikhs working as a team to create a better tomorrow filled with equality of all, we cannot fail. Taking inspiration from the great women of yesteryear, we will inspire the women of today to create a brighter future for tomorrow. Let us create a world where we can inspire more women to follow the footsteps of the women from the past and become forever an inspiration for generations to come. Sikhs believed in gender equality and always will.

Sikh Missionary College (Girls) closed permanently after a series of internal conflicts arising from change of college incharg(Sikh Phulwari editor) in july 2009.As per evidence collected new and old incharge remained at loggerheads for the whole year.Even students of this college remained on strike in favour of new incharge.At last just after one year of three years course Head Office closed jalandhar girls college with an excuse of shifting college to village chanalon (mohali)pushing future of students in darkness for whom lakhs are collected from sikh sangat.All the students left the college without any certificate and refund from six thousand Rupees deposited as aid to college.Some times ago similarly Tangra college was similarly closed.It is wellknown now that all is not well inside an institution claiming to be one of good sikh institutions.With good resources and economic condition.

Popular community activist and television personality, Harpreet Singh Toor to declare candidacy for City Council District 28. Mr. Toor is going to announce candidacy for city council on Monday, October 4, at 10 AM, on steps of New York City Hall. Harpreet Singh Toor, a well-respected, trusted and popular activist in New York’s South Asian-American community for more than 25-years, will announce his candidacy for Queens City Council District 28, on Monday, October 4, at 10 AM, on the steps of New York City’s City Hall. Toor, who hosts an issue-oriented talk-show on the first American-Punjabi TV network, Jus Punjabi TV, is a candidate in the November 2nd non-partisan special election called by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Running under the Voice for Change party banner, Toor would be the first South Asian elected to New York City government. WHAT: HARPREET SINGH TOOR ANNOUNCES FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 28 WHEN: MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 10 AM WHERE: CITY HALL STEPS For more information contact Campaign Manager Donald Kaplan at 917 435-8730

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee Ki Fateh Just letting everyone know that we have now combined the Sikhsangat.org (Global Sikh News) website with our Sikhsangat.com forum. This integration not only offers a lot more features than the previous site, it also links the news articles to forum topics. So pretty soon forum members will be able to add articles and comment on the them as well. In addition to this articles posted here will be visible on the forum as well. Please bear with us while we restore old article data in this new article system. In the mean time if you find any issues, please let us know or PM me (balait_da_sher) on the forum. Amardeep Singh

I have added the breadcrumb trail so it should be easier to navigate around the forum. The View New Content is now in its original place.

The president of Punjab unit of of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi), Jaswinder Singh Baliawal, has written to the Akal Takht Jathedar, alleging that former SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur is a 'Patit Sikh' as she had removed her facial hair. He submitted her two photographs downloaded from the SGPC website to prove his allegations. Speaking to the media, Baliawal said Bibi was not eligible to contest the SGPC elections and should be barred from the process. On the other hand, Bibi refused to comment on the allegation. She said that she did not require to reply to such questions, saying she was only "answerable to the Guru". Baliawal also put forth his party's demand to make voter identity cards mandatory in SGPC elections.Source: Indian Express

A man, whose three brothers were killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, today told a court, trying senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, that he was not being used by the opponents of the former Outer Delhi MP.Jagsher Singh, during cross examination, claimed before additional sessions judge Sunita Gupta that he and his family members were instead supporters of the Congress party."It is incorrect to suggest that political opponents of Kumar and Akali Dal office bearers are using me as a weapon against him," he said, adding that he as well as his family members were supporters of the Congress.During his second day of cross examination, Singh said that he had stated before the CBI that Kumar had told the rioters that the houses of those Hindus who were giving shelter to Sikhs should also be burnt.The witness also denied that he was not here in Delhi during the riots between October 31 and November three, 1984.The cross-examination of Singh remained inconclusive and is likely to resume tomorrow.In his testimony on October 19, Singh had identified in the court Kumar as someone who had allegedly provoked the mob to kill his brothers during the carnage after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.43-year-old Singh is a cousin of complainant Jagdish Kaur whose husband Kehar Singh and a son were also killed during the riots.Kaur had on July 3 identified Kumar and his nephew Khokkar and other accused Girdhari Lal and Captain Bhagmal as accomplices who had allegedly instigated mobs during the 1984 carnage.Kaur's family members, including her husband, were killed in the riots.The CBI had filed two charge sheets against Kumar and others on January 13 in the riots cases registered in 2005 on the recommendation of the GT Nanavati Commission.

View New Posts is now back. I have changed the "View New Content" so it will show what it used to show previously. I dont think it ever said "View new posts", did it?

To the above posters, I dont think you guys really know anything. They had to make it as real as possible. Ofcourse they had to use an Amritdhari singh because everyone knows if you are an Amritdhari, you are terrorist. On the other hand if they had used a man in a turban with trimmed beard then everyone would have known he was a policeman.

Really guys grow up. what is it with the bickering. More than half of the posts are about how I am right and you are wrong. Can we discuss the topic please.

For me the following are the reason that i do not support the queue system: In a queue, sewadars are talking and the sangat in the queue are talking while waiting to be served. There is a mad rush in the queue system , everyone wants to get to the food quickly Sangat with all sorts of hygiene picks the plates, glasses, spoons up and take them to the sewadar, in the process touching other plates, glasses, spoon in the process. Elderly would find it difficult or pressured to stand in the queue to get langar. The interaction between the sewadars and sangat is not the same as you get when one is doing traditional sewa. Most importantly, You do not receive langar this way because langar is being put into the plate directly. Do people hold their trays in one hand and get their parshadas with the other? I dont think so. Sewadar, "Would you like kheer veer ji?" (spit). Man holding tray , "Nahi veer ji i am on a diet" (spit). FINALLY, I DONT THINK QUEUE SYSTEM IS RIGHT BECAUSE THE OTHER SYSTEM WORKS. Now lets look at the traditional system: Sewadars can move faster between the pangat and distribute langar efficiently. Sewadar's concentration is on feeding sangat and not talking to fellow sewadars. Sangat waits while sitting until langar is brought to them, this is a lot easier for elderly and it doesn't exclude them. No one but sewadars get to distribute plates, glass, water, spooons etc, this to me is more hygienic. Sewadars walk with food in their left arm and this is not only efficiently but also prevents spit going into langar.

Have to say Sajid Khan is a <banned word filter activated> and this was a publicity stunt. Why allow them to perform when you know there will be a kid there and the nature of the act will be fighting. Also, Millions of kids are playing computer games and using weapons of mass killing and yet a sikh kid practising gatka promotes violence. How much violence is bollywood promoting? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itkWd1JTUmw