Satkaar

Article published in Punjab Times (w/e 12/05/11):

UK Sangat will protest if GNSS Dudley Gurdwara allow meat and alcohol to be served at Sikh Cultural Centre

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR SIKH CONTACTS TO CONTINUE RAISING AWARENESS

Press Release and Sangat Update

5 May 2011

www.SatkaarCampaign.blogspot.com

Request for Worldwide Sangat to increase Bani/Simran for Chardikala of Khalsa Panth

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

With Guru Ji's blessings, as evidenced by the Hukumnaamas Guru Ji gave on the day, the Satkaar Campaign was initiated by the UK Sangat on 16 October 2011 at Grays Gurdwara. Whilst Guru Ji is forever benevolent to His Sikhs, it is up to us, each and every Sikh, to value His blessings and to uphold the principles of Gurmat that Guru Ji has given us.

Guru Ji has blessed the Khalsa Panth with Fateh (victory) in certain morchas relating to the Satkaar Campaign, though there is a long way to go so that we Sikhs promote and maintain Satkaar (respect) for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj, the living embodiment and soul of the Sikh Gurus, and to stop Beadbi (sacrilege) occurring.

In this regard, we are now seeing certain Gurdwara committees going to extreme lengths to justify their stance of permitting meat, alcohol, tobacco and parties on Gurdwara owned/funded premises. The UK Sangat knew that they would face certain stubborn committees, though even the Satkaar Campaign's Sevadaars are shocked and hurt at the lengths that these committees are going to. It is not appropriate to do so at this stage, though the Satkaar Campaign will provide further details to the UK Sangat of this in due course.

Given the nature of this issue and the need for the Panth to remain even more united to collectively resolve these issues, we have one humble Benti (appeal and request) to make to the worldwide Sangat: we request the Sangat to increase our Bani/Simran abhiyaas for the Chardikala of the Khalsa Panth, and more specifically, for the Panth's Fateh in respect of the Ardaas done by the UK Sangat at Grays Gurdwara for the implementation of the 2006 Sandesh in all UK Gurdwaras. There is no minimum or maximum, as every second of Ardaas, Abhiyaas and Bhagti will count with Guru Ji's blessings, but we humbly request each Sangat member to do 5 Chaupai Sahib Paaths a day.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR SIKH CONTACTS TO CONTINUE RAISING AWARENESS

Press Release and Sangat Update - Dudley, UK

30 April 2011

www.SatkaarCampaign.blogspot.com

GNSS Gurdwara Dudley committee misleads and now refuses to meet Sikh Community leaders

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Following our previous Sangat Updates on 5 and 6 April 2011 (which can be read on our blog), we regret to inform the UK Sangat that the Guru Nanak Singh Sabha (GNSS) Gurdwara Dudley committee confirmed its intention to proceed with the separation of the Sikh Cultural Centre's legal ownership from the Gurdwara's charity at a membership meeting on Saturday 9 April 2011.

We consider this action further demonstrates the Dudley Gurdwara committee's continued desire, in flagrant defiance of Akaal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh, to promote dancing, meat, alcohol, tobacco and parties in the Sikh Cultural Centre, which is an inexorable part of the Gurdwara having been purchased, financed and maintained by the Gurdwara. Sadly, we have also been informed that one well-known Sikh in the area, Gurbaksh Singh, openly said at the meeting words to the effect that "meat and alcohol will flow in the Sikh Cultural Centre, even if Akaal Takhat Sahib's Jathedaar comes down personally to tell us to stop".

The Sangat will recall that a meeting regarding the Dudley Gurdwara was organised and attended by members of various prominent Gurdwara committees from the midlands area on Tuesday 5 April 2011 at Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurdwara in West Bromwich following which the meeting resolved to arrange an emergency meeting with the GNSS Gurdwara committee.

The meeting was arranged for 7pm Friday 8 April at GNSS Dudley by way of the West Midlands Police and was attended by prominent Sikh community leaders representing a formidable coalition of the following leading Gurdwaras and Gurdwara Councils in the West Midlands:

- The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras, Birmingham

- The Council of Gurdwaras, Wolverhampton

- Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Sedgeley Street, Wolverhampton

- Guru Nanak Gurdwara, High Street, Smethwick

- Guru Har Rai Gurdwara, West Bromwich

- Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Wednesfield

- Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Willenhall

- Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Edward Street, West Bromwich

- Gurdwara Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Tividale

Sevadaars of a number of Sikh organisations were also in attendance as were representatives of Sangat Television. Officers of the West Midlands Police were also present.

Initially, the GNSS Dudley Gurdwara committee refused to meet representatives of the above Gurdwaras on the spurious basis that they were not aware of any meeting even though it had already been confirmed. The Gurdwara Parbandhiks were kept waiting for an hour and saw at first hand the stubbornness of the Dudley committee. Eventually, the committee agreed to a meeting with selected representatives of the above Gurdwaras. Satkaar Campaign Sevadaars were also present in this meeting.

The meeting was brief as the Dudley Gurdwara committee and trust representatives present said they would not discuss any issue with anyone that day as there was no agenda for the meeting. They suggested that the Gurdwara Parbandhiks arrange a suitable time to reconvene the meeting at a future date.

Upon the Gurdwara Parbandhiks' suggestion that no decisions or resolutions relating to the Sikh Cultural Centre be passed pending such a future meeting (in particular in view of the proposed Gurdwara meeting of 9 April), the Dudley committee said that the meeting of 9 April was merely a membership meeting and that no definitive resolution regarding the Sikh Cultural Centre would be passed before 16 April 2011. The GNSS Gurdwara committee promised that no resolution would be passed on 9 April and that a further meeting between the GNSS committee and the Gurdwara Parbandhiks would be accommodated before 16 April 2011. The GNSS Gurdwara trustee Darshan Singh Atwal provided his personal mobile telephone number to the Gurdwara Parbandhiks in order to agree a mutually convenient time for another meeting.

It appears that the promise made transpires to have been a blatant deception by the GNSS Dudley committee in view of the decision taken by the committee at the meeting of 9 April as noted above. The Dudley Gurdwara representatives have since refused to arrange any further meeting with the Gurdwara Parbhandiks. We understand that Darshan Singh Atwal upon being contacted by the same Parbhandiks has stated that he is too busy to have any meeting.

The Satkaar Campaign would like to thank the midlands Gurdwaras who have supported the Satkaar Campaign in relation to the Sikh Cultural Centre in Dudley. We appreciate the continued support that they have said they will provide to the Satkaar Campaign.

As we have said previously, the Dudley Gurdwara committee should note that the UK Sangat WILL PEACEFULLY PROTEST whenever they learn that there is a party to be held at the Sikh Cultural Centre, whether it formally belongs to the Gurdwara Sahib (as it currently does) or whether it belongs to another trust/charity established by the Gurdwara (as the Dudley committee is proposing). Once again, the Dudley committee is humbly requested to realise the sacrilege that is occurring by permitting dancing, meat, alcohol, tobacco and parties on the Gurdwara's premises, and that the committee immediately pass a resolution to prevent this sacrilege happening in the future.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Name: Ramgharia Sikh Temple Birmingham comfirm that meat and alcohol will NOT be served in the Ramgharia Hall.

Category: General

Date Added: 26 April 2011 - 02:56 PM

Submitter: Satkaar

Short Description: Official Statement on Sikh Channel

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

www.SatkaarCampaign.blogspot.com

On 12th March 2011, the Panth Time programme was broadcast on the Sikh Channel from Ramgarhia Sikh Temple Birmingham.

The Gurdwara Committee took this opportunity to release an official statement confirming its decision to adhere to Sri Akal Takht Sahib Maryada and stop the serving and consumption of meat, alcohol and tobacco at the associated Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Hall.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

View Video

Name: Meat & Alcohol In UK Gurdwaras Beadbi - TV Report

Category: General

Date Added: 08 April 2011 - 08:02 PM

Submitter: Satkaar

Short Description: None Provided

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

This report was shown on Sunrise TV (Litt on Sunday 5th Dec 2010) highlighting those UK Gurdwaras who are not adhering to Akal Takht Maryada and allowing meat and alcohol to be consumed on Gurdwara Property for the sole purpose of monetary gains. Hard hitting comments from Harmander Singh (Sikhs in England) and Gurmukh Singh (Sewa UK).

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

www.SatkaarCampaign.blogspot.com

View Video

What page size are these designed for?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

The leaflets have been printed double-sided on A5. If you need ready printed leaflets, please email satkaar@hotmail.co.uk with your details and we can advise you where these leaflets can be picked up in your local area.

Thanks

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Satkaar Campaign leaflets ready for National Distribution

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

www.SatkaarCampaign.blogspot.com

In order to create National Awareness of the sacrilege (beadbi) that is occurring in some of the Gurdwaras in the UK, the Satkaar Campaign Sevadaars have scribed leaflets (in English and Punjabi) for national distribution. Please partake in this campaign to stop the serving and consumption of meat, alcohol and tobacco on some Gurdwara-owned party halls and other properties.

You can help by distributing copies of these leaflets around your local Gurdwara, Nagar Kirtan and Sikhi programmes this month.

You can either download the file from the following link (My link) and print out copies or contact Satkaar@hotmail.co.uk to find out how to receive ready printed leaflets in your local region.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Click link to download PDF file.

http://satkaarcampaign.blogspot.com/2011/04/satkaar-campaign-leaflets-ready-for.html

Name: Jathedar explains Sandesh 2006

Category: Hukamanamas

Date Added: 07 April 2011 - 08:45 PM

Submitter: Satkaar

Short Description: Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar explains 2006 Sandesh

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Sikh Channel programme Panth Time (4th December 2010), Singh Sahib Jathedar Gyani Gurbachan Singh explains why any form of intoxicants (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc.), and preparation or consumption of foods such as meat, fish and eggs, are not permitted on Gurdwara premises or estate.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

View Video

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR SIKH CONTACTS TO CONTINUE RAISING AWARENESS

Press Release and Sangat Update - Dudley, UK

5 April 2011

www.SatkaarCampaign.blogspot.com

GNSS Dudley Gurdwara committee continue to disregard UK Sangat's concerns

Members meeting called to approve separation of hall from Gurdwara to justify meat, alcohol and parties

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Following on from our previous Sangat Update dated 6 March 2011, where the Satkaar Campaign's Sevadaars exposed the attempts by the GNSS Dudley Gurdwara's committee to cover up the clear link between the Sikh Cultural Centre and the Gurdwara Sahib, the Dudley committee has continued to defy the UK Sangat by scheduling another meeting of its local membership this coming Saturday 9 April 2011 to endorse the separation of the Sikh Cultural Centre from the Gurdwara Sahib.

Since the Satkaar Campaign established contact with the Dudley committee on 21 January 2011, with Guru Ji's blessings, all parties have been cancelled. However the Satkaar Campaign is looking for a permanent long-term solution whereby the Dudley committee confirms that it will abide by Akaal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh. We are disappointed that the Dudley committee continues to think that, by separating the ownership of the Sikh Cultural Centre from the Gurdwara Sahib, this issue will be resolved.

As we have mentioned previously, such course of action is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE to the UK Sangat, and the Dudley committee should note that the UK Sangat WILL PEACEFULLY PROTEST whenever they learn that there is a party to be held at the Sikh Cultural Centre, whether it formally belongs to the Gurdwara Sahib (as it currently does) or whether it belongs to another Trust/Charity (as the Dudley committee is proposing).

Once again, the Dudley Committee is humbly requested to realise the Beadbi (sacrilege) that is occurring by permitting dancing, meat, alcohol, tobacco and parties on the Gurdwara's premises, and that the committee immediately pass a resolution to prevent this Beadbi happening in the future.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Punjab Times article updating UK Sangat on Dudley Gurdwara Beadbi

Article published 10 March 2011, page 6.

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR SIKH CONTACTS TO CONTINUE RAISING AWARENESS

Press Release and Sangat Update - Dudley, UK

6 March 2011

www.satkaarcampaign.blogspot.com

GNSS Dudley Gurdwara Committee deliberately misinforms UK Sangat

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Since contact was first established with the GNSS Dudley Committee on 21 January 2011, it has become abundantly clear to the Satkaar Campaign's Sevadaars that the GNSS Dudley Committee have no interest in fulfilling their obligation, as caretakers of a Gurdwara Sahib, to comply with Gurmat Maryada. Rather than dealing with the issue by realising the severity of their mistake and committing to comply with Akaal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh, the GNSS Dudley Committee have embarked upon an operation to deliberately misinform the UK Sangat as to the ownership of the Sikh Cultural Centre. This extensive Sangat Update provides details and hard evidence of the ways in which the GNSS Dudley Committee have done this. This reaction by them should be a matter of extreme shame for them and their belligerent attitude has continually offended the UK Sikh Sangat.

After such campaign of misinformation, the GNSS Dudley Committee have now focussed their efforts to cover up the clear link between the Sikh Cultural Centre and the Gurdwara Sahib, and are seeking to separate the ownership of the Sikh Cultural Centre from the Gurdwara Sahib.

This proposed "solution" by the GNSS Dudley Committee is completely unacceptable to the UK Sangat because, notwithstanding any change in ownership, the hall still will have been funded by the Congregation's donations to the Gurdwara Sahib. Accordingly, this "solution" is still in breach of Akaal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh, and the UK Sangat remain united in their resolve to keep the Sikh Cultural Centre within the Gurdwara Estate. The only acceptable solution is that meat, alcohol and parties are no longer permitted at the Sikh Cultural Centre.

We repeat that the UK Sangat WILL peacefully protest whenever they learn that there is a party to be held at the Sikh Cultural Centre, whether it formally belongs to the Gurdwara Sahib (as it currently does) or whether it belongs to another Trust/Charity (as the GNSS Dudley Committee are proposing).

How did the GNSS Dudley Committee misinform the UK Sangat?

The ploys by the GNSS Dudley Committee and Trustees to misinform the UK Sangat have included, without limitation:

(1) denying that the Sikh Cultural Centre has anything to do with the Gurdwara (see Exhibit 1 - Article from Panjab Times, quoting General Secretary Jasbir Singh Rai);

Exhibit 1 - Punjab Times article (published 11/02/2011)

(2) claiming that the Sikh Cultural Centre belongs to the local Council (mentioned to various members of the UK Sangat over the telephone, and leading to the resignation of the only youth in the existing Dudley Committee - see his resignation letter attached as Exhibit 2); and

Exhibit 2 - Resignation letter (from sikhsangat.com discussion thread)

(3) removing the "Sikh Cultural Centre" signboard within a few weeks of receiving our letter (the attached picture in Exhibit 3 from Google Street View shows the hall with the signboard on; this signboard is no longer on the building)

Exhibit 3 - "Sikh Cultural Centre" signboard

Evidence of the Sikh Cultural Centre belonging to the Gurdwara Sahib

The fact that the Sikh Cultural Centre is owned, is a part of, and funded by, the Gurdwara Sahib, and hence bringing it within the jurisdiction of Akal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh, is evidenced by the following:

A) Title Deeds

The Title Deeds of the Sikh Cultural Centre show that it currently belongs to the Gurdwara Sahib and it is in the name of the seven trustees to whom the title of the Gurdwara Sahib is

vested (see Exhibit 4);

Exhibit 4 - Title deeds

B) Constitution of Gurdwara Sahib

The Constitution of the Gurdwara Sahib (see Exhibit 5) makes it clear that the management of the Gurdwara Sahib and the Sikh Cultural Centre are inexorably linked. Pursuant to clause 5 of the Constitution, the Executive Committee of the Gurdwara Sahib and Sangat have "ultimate control" of the Sikh Cultural Centre. Sadly, there is even an express provision which contemplates the usage of alcohol and parties at the Sikh Cultural Centre under the sub-section "Use" of clause 5 of the Constitution.

Exhibit 5 - Constitution

C) Charity Commission financial reports

The Charity Commission reports for the Gurdwara Sahib pool the accounts of the Gurdwara Sahib and Sikh Cultural Centre together under the same charity, and even show that the Gurdwara Sahib is subsidising the Sikh Cultural Centre, i.e., that Sangat money is being used on the Sikh Cultural Centre (see Exhibit 6, a link to the Charity Commission website, from which the Charity's accounts can be found:

http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/SHOWCHARITY/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithoutPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=502675&SubsidiaryNumber=0).

D) Gurdwara Sahib 2011 Calendar

The Gurdwara Sahib Calendar for 2011 represents the Gurdwara Sahib and the Sikh Cultural Centre together, confirming yet again the link between the Gurdwara

Sahib and the Sikh Cultural Centre (see Exhibit 7).

Exhibit 7 - 2011 calendar

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR SIKH CONTACTS TO CONTINUE RAISING AWARENESS

Sangat Update - Dudley, UK

17 February 2011

www.satkaarcampaign.blogspot.com

Dudley Gurdwara Committee continues to offend UK Sangat and defy the authority of Akaal Takhat Sahib

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

The Satkaar Campaign's Sevadaars met with the Committee of Guru Nanak Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Dudley on Sunday 13 February 2011. The Committee confirmed to the Sevadaars the outcome of a hastily convened general meeting called by the Committee on Saturday 12 February 2011, where the "Sangat" of Dudley allegedly approved a motion to split the Sikh Cultural Centre from the Gurdwara's charity, so that each building runs under a different charity and committee. Local members of the Sangat have advised us that this hastily convened meeting did not follow the protocol required as per the constitution of the Gurdwara. We understand a letter of complaint from a member of the Sangat has been sent to the Committee, copying the Charity Commission.

It was clear to Satkaar Sevadaars at the meeting that the Dudley Committee are intent on playing games with the sentiments of the Khalsa Panth, and are determined to continue disrespecting Gurmat principles and the 2006 Sandesh from Akal Takhat Sahib. The Committee are trying to escape their obligation to the Khalsa Panth and Akaal Takhat Sahib by making a "technical" argument that the Sikh Cultural Centre is separate from the Gurdwara. This is extremely offensive to GurSikhs all over the world.

Satkaar Sevadaars, once again, requested the Committee to: (i) realise the Beadbi that is occurring by permitting meat, tobacco, alcohol and parties on the Gurdwara's premises, and (ii) immediately pass a resolution to prevent this Beadbi happening in the future. Satkaar Sevadaars told the Committee in no uncertain terms that the UK Sangat will come to peacefully protest whenever they learn that there is a party to be held at the Sikh Cultural Centre. They should understand the depth of feeling on this issue, and realise that, with the blessings of Guru Ji, the UK Sikh Sangat will remain forever united and have now become even more determined to stop this Beadbi happening.

With the blessings of Guru Ji and the worldwide Sangat, the Satkaar Campaign will expose in the coming days the factually incorrect information deliberately being spread by certain individuals in the Dudley Committee, who are determined to continue serving meat and alcohol in a building forming part of the Gurdwara's Jagir (estate).

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR SIKH CONTACTS TO CONTINUE RAISING AWARENESS

Press Release and Sangat Update - Dudley, UK

8 February 2011

www.satkaarcampaign.blogspot.com

Dudley Gurdwara committee agrees to a meeting with Satkaar Sevadaars

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

The Satkaar Campaign's Sevadaars are thankful to Guru Nanak Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Dudley's committee for agreeing to a meeting on Sunday 13 February. The President, Ajit Singh Sandhu, confirmed this in a phone call with a Sevadaar on Friday 4 February. Satkaar Sevadaars will be meeting to humbly put a request to the committee to: (i) realise the Beadbi (or sacrilege) that is occurring by permitting meat, tobacco, alcohol and parties on the Gurdwara's premises, and (ii) immediately pass a resolution to prevent this Beadbi happening in the future.

We look forward to having an open and friendly meeting with a positive outcome, which ensures that the Gurdwara committee respects and builds further the high respect with which all Sikhs hold Gurmat principles, and Akaal Takhat Sahib, its Hukumnaamae and Sandesh.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Press Release and Sangat Update

Irvine, Scotland, UK

2 February 2011

UK Sangat unites to prevent sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj's Saroop

Potential Beadbi in Irvine, Scotland prevented; local Sangat agrees this will not happen again in the future

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Over the last two months, the Satkaar Campaign's Sevaadars have been involved in an ongoing dialogue with members of the Ayrshire Sikh Association (the ASA) in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, to put a halt to a regular monthly Diwan arranged by the ASA at a hall in Irvine. This hall is made available by the local council for all types of community bookings, including hosting parties which permit meat and alcohol. For each monthly Diwan, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj's Saroop would be taken to the hall from Nithsdale Road Gurdwara, Glasgow (40 miles away from hall).

Guru Ji's Saroop going to such a hall is in direct violation of the spirit of Akaal Takhat Sahib's 1998 Hukumnaama (an edict from the Sikhs' supreme authority and policy-making body), which states that Guru Ji's Saroop must not be taken to a place such as a hotel, hall, banqueting suite, club, pub, bar etc., where full Satkaar (respect) cannot be given to Guru Ji's Saroop in accordance with Sikh Maryada (traditions and customs).

Matters in Irvine were further complicated due to the fact that there was a split in the local Sangat. Even though a Gurdwara had been recently established only a mile away from the hall, due to local issues, members of the ASA refused to attend the Irvine Gurdwara. Despite attempts to develop a constructive dialogue with the ASA and with the Glasgow Gurdwara from where Guru Ji's Saroop was brought, a deadlock developed, which lasted for over a month. Satkaar Sevadaars then learned of a planned Diwan at the hall on Sunday 30 January 2011. With Guru Ji's blessings, concerned members of the UK Sangat from across the length and breadth of the UK went to Scotland with the aim of explaining to the members of the ASA, with nimartaa (humility) and love, the reasons why they were so insistent that the scheduled programme should not take place.

A meeting between Satkaar Sevadaars, representatives of the ASA and the local Gurdwara members in Irvine was arranged at short notice on Saturday 29 January. Following several rounds of discussions, Guru Ji showered their blessings and the ASA agreed to cancel the planned programme at the hall on Sunday 30 January, and it also agreed that no such future events would take place at the community hall. Satkaar Sevadaars also encouraged the ASA and local Gurdwara members in Irvine to set aside any personal differences and work together collectively for the Chardikalaa of the Khaalsa Panth, and for the full Satkaar of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj.

Needless to say, this is an extremely positive outcome and one which has come about by Guru Ji's blessings and the collective unity of the UK Sangat in supporting the Satkaar Campaign, as well as the willingness of the majority of Sikhs in Irvine to set aside any personal differences and to come together as ONE to prevent any sacrilege which might have otherwise occurred. Satkaar Sevadaars' Ardaas (prayer) to Guru Ji is that this spirit of Panthic Ektaa (unity and brotherhood) grows stronger by the day in the local Irvine and UK-wide Sangat.

As has been the case in all relevant Gurdwaras with which it has liaised, Satkaar Sevadaars made an offer to assist in Parchaar (propagation of the Sikh faith) and to provide resources and materials to the Sikh community in Irvine. The offer was accepted and the Satkaar Campaign is intending to arrange a Gurmat Camp in Irvine in the near future.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

_/\_ Waheguru Ji Ka khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh _/\_

i Just receive a call from the perdan of Guru Teg Bahadur Gurdwara Dudley (His name is also Bhai Ajit Singh), he is requesting the Satkaar Campaign sewadaar to call him as the number on the letter is not working.

His phone number : 01384 238936

Giani Sukha Singh

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Many thanks

Please note our new number is 07932 820200. A Sevadaar will contact Bhai Ajit Singh.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Satkaar Sevadaars have been given a verbal assurance by the Ayrshire Sikh Association that they will no longer be hosting the programme where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj's Saroop will be taken to the Woodlands Centre (which permits meat, alcohol, tobacco and parties) on Sunday 30 January 2011.

This is encouraging news, however, Satkaar Sevadaars have a meeting scheduled with the relevant persons this coming Saturday to confirm any outstanding issues. We will provide the Sangat with a complete picture of the situation in the coming days.

Press Release and Sangat Update

Birmingham, UK - 25 January 2011

Satkaar Campaign - next steps: Dudley Gurdwara approached

UK Sangat encouraged to continue approaching other offending Gurdwara committees

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

As a priority, the peaceful Satkaar Campaign is initially focused on implementing Akal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh and working to ensure that halls linked to Gurdwaras do not permit meat, alcohol, tobacco and parties. With Guru Ji's Beant Kirpaa and through the collective resolve of the Sangat, the Satkaar Campaign has had some early successes in halting certain anti-Sikh activities that used to take place in the the halls linked to the Gurdwara complexes of Grays, Edinburgh and Ramgarhia Sikh Temple Birmingham, and obtained a commitment from such Gurdwaras to comply with Akal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh. However, there are approximately 15 more Gurdwaras with linked halls currently allowing meat, alcohol, tobacco and parties, so there is a long way to go.

Although the Satkaar Campaign has been contacted by Sangat members from many different towns and cities in respect of Gurdwaras in their vicinity which contravene Akal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh, the Satkaar Campaign has prioritised and recently approached Gurdwara Guru Nanak Singh Sabha, Dudley, as we understand that the committee of this Gurdwara is currently considering burdening the local Sangat with a loan for the purposes solely of extending the party hall, so that larger/more frequent parties with meat, alcohol and tobacco can take place at the hall.

With Guru Ji's Blessings and the continued support of the UK Sangat, we intend to approach all Gurdwara committees contravening Akal Takhat Sahib's 2006 Sandesh in due course. However, as the 2006 Sandesh notes, it is the duty of every Sikh to ensure its implementation. We would encourage all members of the UK Sangat to peacefully, courteously and respectfully initiate a dialogue with offending Gurdwara committees with whom you may have any links and/or are in your area. Please do keep us updated via our email address of any developments/progress in your area and, although we will only be publicly approaching one Gurdwara at a time, we will be happy to assist members of the UK Sangat to the extent we can.

Please find attached the letter sent last week to the President of Dudley Gurdwara, Mr Ajit Singh Sandhu. He acknowledged receipt of this letter in a telephone call with him on Monday 24 January 2011. We impressed upon him in the call that it is in the beneficial interests of all involved to have a face-to-face meeting between Satkaar Sevadaars and the Dudley Gurdwara committee as soon as possible to resolve this issue, and we proposed a meeting either this weekend (29-30 January 2011) or the following weekend (5-6 February 2011). The President promised to revert to us upon further consultation with fellow committee members, though we pointed out that we will call him again later in the week if we do not hear anything further. As Sevadaars of the Sangat, we will keep you fully informed of developments.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Dialogue with the aim of preventing this Beadbi (Sacrilege) happening has been ongoing for the last month by Satkaar Campaign Sevadaars with: (i) Ayrshire Sikh Association; and (ii) the Gurdwara in Glasgow from where the Saroop is brought. We have also requested the Ayrshire Sikh Association to resolve their differences with the local Gurdwara in Irvine.

As the situation is currently fluid and there have been significant developments today (for example, an apparent resignation by the Chairman of the Ayrshire Sikh Association), we will be providing a full statement in due course once the situation is clearer.

Update on the following new thread. Please post responses on this new thread.

http://www.sikhsanga...280#entry482280

Press Release and Sangat Update

Birmingham, UK - 4 January 2011

RST BIRMINGHAM AGREES TO STOP MEAT, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND PARTIES AT HALL

Peaceful rally on Saturday 15 January 2011 is on hold, with a view to it being cancelled

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Further to our previous Sangat Update on 2 January 2011, RST Birmingham have released a statement on their website which includes the following:

"A Committee meeting took place yesterday on Sunday 2nd January 2011 at Ramgarhia Sikh Temple in which it was decided that no further bookings will be made for Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Hall where the families want to provide meat and alcohol and the commitee will be feeding back this information to the members and the sangat."

The full statement can be seen on www.rstbirmingham.com.

There are some uncertainties in the above statement, but we have received further assurances in our conversations with the President, Jasvinder Singh Sagoo. This is an extremely positive step taken by the RST committee, for which we thank them. Guru Ji has showered His blessings on the UK Sangat.

There have also been positive discussions into alternative potential uses for the Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Hall, as well as the Satkaar Campaign arranging a Gurmat Camp at RST Birmingham. Further, a meeting has been arranged between the RST committee and representatives of the UK Sangat during the weekend of 8-9 January 2011 to formally clarify any outstanding issues.

Due to these reasons, the peaceful rally planned on Saturday 15 January 2011 is on hold, with a view to it being cancelled. A further statement will be released by the Satkaar Campaign in due course, after the meeting with the RST committee has taken place.

One point that the Satkaar Campaign would like to re-iterate, as we have repeatedly mentioned, is that the UK Sangat must at all times communicate courteously and respectfully whenever discussing any issue with any Gurdwara committee - this is the Gursikh way. The implementation the 2006 Sandesh must be handled with pyaar, humility and respect, as per Akal Takhat Sahib's Jathedaar's comments on Sikh Channel on 4 December 2010.

The RST committee have shown us an extremely offensive email which was sent by an individual to the RST committee in relation to this issue. The Satkaar Campaign does not take responsibility for the actions of such person and the UK Sikh Sangat considers such behaviour as completely unacceptable.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Admin Note: Keeping in mind the positive new developments a new thread with updates has been created by Satkaar team, members of SikhSangat are requested to post their comments and thoughts on the thread, link is given below:

Dhanvaad!

Press Release and Sangat Update

Birmingham, UK - 4 January 2011

RST BIRMINGHAM AGREES TO STOP MEAT, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND PARTIES AT HALL

Peaceful rally on Saturday 15 January 2011 is on hold, with a view to it being cancelled

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Further to our previous Sangat Update on 2 January 2011, RST Birmingham have released a statement on their website which includes the following:

"A Committee meeting took place yesterday on Sunday 2nd January 2011 at Ramgarhia Sikh Temple in which it was decided that no further bookings will be made for Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Hall where the families want to provide meat and alcohol and the commitee will be feeding back this information to the members and the sangat."

The full statement can be seen on www.rstbirmingham.com.

There are some uncertainties in the above statement, but we have received some further assurances in our conversations with the President, Jasvinder Singh Sagoo. A meeting has been arranged between the RST committee and representatives of the UK Sangat during the weekend of 8-9 January 2011 to formally clarify any outstanding issues. There have also been positive discussions in relation to alternative potential uses for the Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Hall, as well as the Satkaar Campaign arranging a Gurmat Camp at RST Birmingham.

These are extremely positive steps taken by the RST committee, for which we thank them. Guru Ji has showered His blessings on the UK Sangat.

Due to these reasons, the peaceful rally planned on Saturday 15 January 2011 is on hold, with a view to it being cancelled. A further statement will be released by the Satkaar Campaign in due course, after the meeting with the RST committee has taken place.

One point that the Satkaar Campaign would like to re-iterate, as we have repeatedly mentioned, is that the UK Sangat must at all times communicate courteously and respectfully whenever discussing any issue with any Gurdwara committee - this is the Gursikh way. The implementation the 2006 Sandesh must be handled with pyaar, humility and respect, as per Akal Takhat Sahib's Jathedaar's comments on Sikh Channel on 4 December 2010.

The RST committee have shown us an extremely offensive email which was sent by an individual to the RST committee in relation to this issue. The Satkaar Campaign does not take responsibility for the actions of such person and the UK Sikh Sangat considers such behaviour as completely unacceptable.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!