Nirvair S Khalsa

So much Sangat is coming to the diwaans, even in the week days!

The Hayes school programme had unprecedented numbers of Sangat arrive to listen to the Gurmat Parchaar - in the region of 40,000 plus!

Bhai Bakshish Singh Baba, Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana & Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara are the Shers,

Very true. Bhai Bakshish Singh Jee was only recently arrested. Let us pray he remains in Chardhi Kalaa, as well as other lions like him who have been captured by the enemies of the nation.

Yes, a very important event. All should try to attend.

As Sangat will be aware, after the requests and Benthi done by the Singhs, Sant Baba Ranjit Singh Jee Dhadrianwale attended the 33rd Barsi of Brehamgyanee Sant Baba Kartar Singh Jee Bhindranwale this weekend on Saturday 21st August 2010 at Baba Sang Gurdwara, Smethwick. Please see the following short You Tube clip of the last few minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fM-OrqC38k

Very good event!

As Sangat will be aware, after the requests and Benthi done by the Singhs, Sant Baba Ranjit Singh Jee Dhadrianwale attended the 33rd Barsi of Brehamgyanee Sant Baba Kartar Singh Jee Bhindranwale this weekend on Saturday 21st August 2010 at Baba Sang Gurdwara, Smethwick. Please see the following short You Tube clip of the last few minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fM-OrqC38k

Very good event!

Dhaas understands this will be available to download from the internet soon over the next two weeks.

As Sangat will be aware, after the requests and Benthi done by the Singhs, Sant Baba Ranjit Singh Jee Dhadrianwale attended the 33rd Barsi of Brehamgyanee Sant Baba Kartar Singh Jee Bhindranwale this weekend on Saturday 21st August 2010 at Baba Sang Gurdwara, Smethwick. Please see the following short You Tube clip of the last few minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fM-OrqC38k

Very good event!

The Independent

February 2, 2010

Census 2011: 'Heavy metal's not music. It's a religion'

By Jerome Taylor, Religious Affairs Correspondent

As next year's census nears, head-bangers are among the groups demanding special recognition

The preparation for next year's census is in full swing, but the jostling and politicking about who and what will be counted in the population survey is already causing serious headaches.

This time next year, every adult in England and Wales will receive a questionnaire for what is expected to be the longest and most detailed census ever conducted.

Costing £500m, it will paint a precise portrait of who and what makes up our nation - which is why a litany of special interest groups, from the serious to the absurd, are agitating for their vision of what the form should look like and which questions should be asked.

Sikh groups, for instance, want to be recognised as an individual race and not just a religion. And at the sillier end of the spectrum, heavy metal enthusiasts have begun an online campaign to get their head-banging music genre recognised as a religion. For analysts at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), meeting everyone's aspirations will be all but impossible.

A population census has been carried out in Great Britain every 10 years since 1801, except for 1941, during the Second World War. As the cultural and ethnic make-up of the country changed, so did the questions. Following devolution, separate surveys were carried out in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In 1991, citizens in England and Wales were asked for the first time to describe their ethnic origin, with 16 options including a catch-all "other" box for those whose races were not included. Ten years later, respondents were asked their religious affiliation. But not everyone is happy with the way race has been categorised. People of Middle Eastern, Latin American or South-east Asian origin, for instance, have to tick the "other" box.

This week, the Sikh Federation will urge the ONS to include Sikhs as an individual race, after their community won a High Court battle in the 1980s to be officially recognised as a race under British law.

Jagtar Singh, a federation member, said the request was more than just a point of principle. "Information taken from the census is used by 40,000 government bodies to work out where resources should go and how they can be allocated," he said. "If Sikhs are missed off in 2011 we will have to wait yet another decade, perhaps longer, before we are properly recognised."

The ONS has said that because of financial constraints it will only be adding two ethnicity boxes to the census. It has yet to state what these will be but a test questionnaire three years ago included the terms "Arab" and "Irish traveller/ gypsy", suggesting that Sikhs may miss out this time around.

Mr Singh said: "We want Sikhs to be included for positive reasons but the Government looks set to collect data or Arabs and travellers to keep a closer eye on them."

Opposition MPs believe the census will be too expensive and intrusive. The shadow Cabinet Office minister, Francis Maude, said last week: "How can a cost of £500m, which is double the cost of the last census, be justified at this time of fiscal crisis?"

The Government hit back, saying a detailed census enabled future administrations to allocate money more efficiently, adding £700m to the economy. Others will no doubt use the census to cause mischief. In 2001, an online campaign launched by Star Wars fans encouraged people to list their religion as "Jedi" so that it had to be officially recognised. Parliament quickly changed the law - but not before 390,000 "Jedi" adherents signed up.

This year, social networking sites could throw another spanner in the works at the ONS. A Facebook group asking for heavy metal to be made a religion has attracted 14,000 members in two weeks. "It's not meant to offend anyone. It's just a bit of fun," said Alexander Milas, editor of Metal Hammer magazine. "But then again, maybe we are trying to make a point."

Source: http://www.independe...on-1886350.html

This is a direct challenge to the well-established authority of Sree Akaal Thakat Saahib Jee, and therefore, a challenge to the Khalsa Panth.

Also see reminder in the following topic: http://www.sikhsanga...live-programme/

All Sikhs (especially in the UK) should watch the live programme to be aired on The Sikh Channel (Sky 840) tonight at 7.30pm (UK Time). The special report for the UK Census 2011 has now been released and is available on

www.SikhFederation.com for download. It will be discussed during the special live programme on The Sikh Channel tonight.

SPECIAL LIVE REPORT ON 2011 CENSUS

The Sikh Channel

Sky 840

7.30pm

This is a reminder further to the following Press Release by the Sikh Federation (UK) in the topic

SIKH FEDERATION (UK)

PRESS RELEASE

Sunday 31 January 2010

CAN THE OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS BE TRUSTED WITH THE 2011 CENSUS?

1. The Sikh Federation (UK) will be releasing a report on Monday 1 February 2010 following research it commissioned on the selection of new ethnic groups for the Census 2011.

2. The investigative report provides evidence to show how the option of an 'Arab' category has been incorrectly favoured compared to other categories, including a 'Sikh' category.

3. The authors of the report allege a pre-determined outcome to include an 'Arab' category without sufficient evidence to support this conclusion.

4. The report emphasises a Sikh category has been overlooked despite Sikhs constituting one of very few legally recognised ethnic groups.

5. Parliament will in mid-February vote on the Regulation to approve the Census 2011 and in effect put a seal on the draft questionnaire.

6. The report proves the methodology used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) ignored the views of hundreds of Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum supporting the Sikh community in their demand and paid lip service to its own public consultation on the issue that showed considerable support for a separate Sikh category.

7. Evidence is also presented in the report that shows ONS omitted vital information, misinterpreted other information it had available and did not fully consider other relevant evidence to arrive at accurate conclusions.

8. The Sikh Federation (UK) is calling on MPs and ONS to consider the findings and recommendations in the report relating to each aspect of the ONS methodology to select ethnic groups for the 2011 Census questionnaire and for ONS to urgently revisit its overall assessment in light of the report.

9. In the Federation's opinion the report proposes the ONS gives the 'Sikh' category priority over the proposed 'Arab' category for the Census 2011 questionnaire.

10. The report suggests major flaws in the process to select ethnic groups for the 2011 Census questionnaire and raises wider issues of trust and the need for improved governance at ONS.

11. The Federation has also shared the report with lawyers to consider possible legal action. There is also talk of a call for a possible postponement in the 2011 Census; until trust in the process is restored, otherwise the information produced will not be a true reflection of British society or fit for purpose. The latter would also save tens of millions of pounds during the economic downturn.

Gurjeet Singh

National Press Secretary

Note 1: The report will be released on Monday 1 February 2010. A copy can be obtained by emailing: info@sikhfederation.com

Note 2: The Sikh Channel will have a Special Live programme at 7.30pm (UK time) on Monday 1 February. Please listen and find out what you can do.

This is a reminder further to the following Press Release by the Sikh Federation (UK) in the topic

SIKH FEDERATION (UK)

PRESS RELEASE

Sunday 31 January 2010

CAN THE OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS BE TRUSTED WITH THE 2011 CENSUS?

1. The Sikh Federation (UK) will be releasing a report on Monday 1 February 2010 following research it commissioned on the selection of new ethnic groups for the Census 2011.

2. The investigative report provides evidence to show how the option of an 'Arab' category has been incorrectly favoured compared to other categories, including a 'Sikh' category.

3. The authors of the report allege a pre-determined outcome to include an 'Arab' category without sufficient evidence to support this conclusion.

4. The report emphasises a Sikh category has been overlooked despite Sikhs constituting one of very few legally recognised ethnic groups.

5. Parliament will in mid-February vote on the Regulation to approve the Census 2011 and in effect put a seal on the draft questionnaire.

6. The report proves the methodology used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) ignored the views of hundreds of Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum supporting the Sikh community in their demand and paid lip service to its own public consultation on the issue that showed considerable support for a separate Sikh category.

7. Evidence is also presented in the report that shows ONS omitted vital information, misinterpreted other information it had available and did not fully consider other relevant evidence to arrive at accurate conclusions.

8. The Sikh Federation (UK) is calling on MPs and ONS to consider the findings and recommendations in the report relating to each aspect of the ONS methodology to select ethnic groups for the 2011 Census questionnaire and for ONS to urgently revisit its overall assessment in light of the report.

9. In the Federation's opinion the report proposes the ONS gives the 'Sikh' category priority over the proposed 'Arab' category for the Census 2011 questionnaire.

10. The report suggests major flaws in the process to select ethnic groups for the 2011 Census questionnaire and raises wider issues of trust and the need for improved governance at ONS.

11. The Federation has also shared the report with lawyers to consider possible legal action. There is also talk of a call for a possible postponement in the 2011 Census; until trust in the process is restored, otherwise the information produced will not be a true reflection of British society or fit for purpose. The latter would also save tens of millions of pounds during the economic downturn.

Gurjeet Singh

National Press Secretary

Note 1: The report will be released on Monday 1 February 2010. A copy can be obtained by emailing: info@sikhfederation.com

Note 2: The Sikh Channel will have a Special Live programme at 7.30pm (UK time) on Monday 1 February. Please listen and find out what you can do.

New SS Banner - I like.

In amongst these difficult times for the Panth, it is important that we carefully analyse what's going on. Certain individuals are trying to manipulate the Panth and the youth to cause deep splits and divisions amongst us, in the name of the Sachkhand-Nivaasee Sants/Bhagats/GurSikhs in the Banner above. Even though there are differences of opinion and approach, these are all minor in the big scheme of things. We must show unity and not fall for the dirty politics. Rather, identify and marginalise the trouble-makers in the Panth.

Waheguroo

Dhaas agrees. The new banner is very good. It should set a good precedent for future banners, as well as for other websites.

Joginder Sawney (as well as his wife), and his "Rozana Spokesman" newspaper are one of the main media platforms for the anti-Panthic agencies to propagate their distorted views in Panjab. Joginder Sawney was excommunicated from the Khalsa Panth many years ago.

VJKK VJKF

Does anyone know when the remembrance march will be held this year at Hyde Park in London? Is it on Sunday 6th June?

You will be very safe to assume it is indeed likely to take place on Sunday 6th June 2010.

Dhaas is in support of the content in the first post, as well as all three voting polls.

I am in favor of this change

In recent weeks a number of Sikh organisations have issued statements to oppose changes to the Nanakshahi Calendar. The Sikh Federation (UK) wanted changes to the Calendar.

There has been criticism of the Calendar since its introduction.

The Sikh Federation (UK) wanted changes to bring an end to the criticism and restore Panthic unity, but maintain the separate Nanakshahi Calendar for the Sikh Nation. We have therefore applauded the decision.

We have expressed our concerns to the time taken to reach a consensus decision and the methods used to make the final decision. This shows the whole system needs to be reformed.

But one thing is for certain ordinary Sikhs have the utmost respect for the Akaal Takht as an institution so the amended Nanakshai Calendar will quickly become universally accepted.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Times of India are rumnning a story on the views of Sikhs in the Diaspora:

Some of the questions posed are:

Was the Sikh community of UK happy with the original format of NC implemented in 2003 at Damdama Sahib or the community wanted certain changes?

Did the Sikhs living abroad sent their objections, if any , to SGPC or Akal Takht office?

What are the major objections, if any?

Are the changes made in NC acceptable to the Sikhs living abroad?

Any dissatisfaction among community over the method adopted to make changes?

Why there is so much hue and cry from various splinter Sikh groups who claims that none of the Sikh living abroad would accept the amendments?

Which are the party, according to you, have political and vested interests?

Is the controversy over now?

The Times of India would like quotes from three to four Sikhs, young and old on the issue. Please email these to info@sikhfederation.com in the next 1 hour.

This is a VERY GOOD move by Sikh Federation UK to support the long over due change in the calendar.

Only the non established so-called "Sikh" organisations in UK will oppose this move (and go against Dasam Granth Sahib) like the gold medal vale kulwant dhesi and tarsem deol of the so-called two band group British Sikh Council, or punjabi singer award vala Manmohan Singh's one-man Dal Khalsa UK who are only good for giving out paper statements against Dasam Granth Sahib (and supporting punjabi singers lol). These rogue modern day scholar doubting type organisations are not part of SIKHS as they do not accept PURAATAN traditions but would much rather side with the views and people like the omlet eating nutty professor darshan and the kala afgana lobby type.

http://www.sikhsanga...ends-of-akj-uk/ - It looks like AKJ UK have also joined the anti panthic groups (gone against the teachings of Brehgiani Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji) along with "Raghbir Singh, Avtar Singh Sanghera, Seva Singh Laali, Gurmej Singh Gill, Onkar Singh, Joga Singh, Kulwant Singh Dhesi, Balbir Singh, Tarlochan Singh, Rajinder Singh Purewal, Jaspal Singh Satvinder Singh, Nirmal Singh, Raghbir Singh, Je Pee Singh". This is TRULY a SAD day for UK SIKHS.

To stay PANTHIC the Sikh Federation really really need to stay away from the above groups and people and Kuldip Singh Chaheru needs to clear his own stance as well which I will not bother to go into.

I think a leading organisation like Sikh Federation UK in england also need to clear their stance by a press release (like they did with the calendar issue) on whether they are in support of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Dasam Granth Sahib BANI, and therefore the views of SANT BREHMGIANIS like SANT BABA JARNAIL SINGH JI BHINDRANWALE (or Sant Kartar Singh Ji or Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji or Sant Isher Singh Ji or Baba Nand Singh Ji, or even Sants of today like Dhadrianwale Sant and even the founder of AKJ Brehmgiani Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji) would they and all other REAL SIKH ORGANISATIONS rather follow these GURMUKHS OR would they rather follow modern day scholar missionary type doubters like the above and the the Kala Afghana lobby and professor chele lot!

Keep up good work Sikh Fed uk! Dont fall for any pressure exerted by any of the above names people and organisations - stay independent and stay true to PURAATAN sikh traditions!

(p.s. I dont think my English is good enough for any quotes you asked for above lollll?? Someone else??)

In North America at the moment.

Around 6 months ago or perhaps longer the Sikh Federation (UK) took out a full page advert (someone may wish to check Awaze Qaum and scan in) clearing its position and on its 100% support for the Dassam Granth and that it will not tolerate parchar against the Dassam Granth.

Over 100 Sikh organisations and Gurdwaras from the USA, Canada and UK are taking out a large advert in Ajit in the next day or two before Ragi Darshan Singh is due to appear on 7 January 2010. Again the Sikh Federation (UK), youth organisations (e.g. BOSS, Kauragous, Young Sikhs UK) etc.) and associated Gurdwaras are taking the lead in the UK. Others are at best silent or worse going against the Akaal Takht as an institution - again the main issue appears to be the position on Dassam Granth.

Can someone make clear if the 6 'organisations' that make up Federation of Sikh Organisations (FSO) have made their position clear. From the posts it appears AKJ (and Govt in Exile - Gurmej Singh Gill and Seva Singh Laali) and Dal Khalsa (Manmohan Singh) are against Dassam Granth, SFUK as an organisation 100% support the Dassam Granth - not sure about others - SAD (Mann), Council of Khalistan (Amrik Singh).

This will highlight to the relevant youth the challenge SFUK face each year in the FSO - primarily re: June demo (turnout for 15 Aug and 26 Jan is usually low). The YOUTH need to come forward and recognise the reality of the situation. My own personal view based upon what I have read is the two co-ordinators of the FSO (Kuldip Singh Chaheru and Joga Singh) are using the FSO beyond the purpose it was craeted for - namely the 3 events - 26 Jan, 15 August and June demos.

SFUK and the youth need to think long and hard on the stance they wish to take! Have met Singhs from AKJ (Canada) and AKJ (USA) - they seem to be at loggerheads with AKJ UK on this issue.

Sikh Fed (UK) - You have my support for any of your future projects !

The advert is now appearing in all the main Panjabi papers around the world. It is also on: http://www.ajitjalandhar.com/20100106/

This is Sant Baba Ranjit Singh Ji's jatha member that got shot in the arm, he usually with babaji in his diwans:

http://www.flickr.co...229/4189693369/

Known as 'Bapu Jee' in the Jatha, he was one of the Singh's from the Jatha who were shot and in hospital. If there are photos of the other Singh's, please post them here as well.

This was before the Ludhiana kand, in which the singers were nowhere to be found and in which S. Dhadrianwale was within inches of his being shot.

I don't really think anybody's bothering to big up Babbu Mann anymore and those that did so prior to Ludhiana have wisely remained quiet on the subject.

In ludhiana kand no where was swaranjeet singh to be found nor his jatha ... sarri sangat nu raal ke ehna nu paise bhejne chahide bandukan taan kharid layian hun golliyan we kharid lao ...

Good points. So-called "Jathedhaars" like Swarnjit Singh are only good to make videos or write statements. They are the type who will be the first to run when the Panth will call for their service. Those weapons are only for show.

Just to make a few points clear. We will NOT tolerate

• any message, direct or indirect, that questions the status or authenticity of Sri Dasam Granth Sahib ji
• any direct or indirect insult to any Sikh jathebandi
• any direct or indirect insult to any Gursikh who is doing seva of the panth or did it in the past, or some Gursikh sevadaar who has unproven charges against him/her
• any hateful or insulting messages about another religion or an individual from that religion who is NOT anti Sikhi
• any personal attack on a fellow forum member for whatever reason
• any non-Sikh coming on board and attempting to propagate his/her faith by trying to demean/degrade Sikhi. Propagating one's faith is cool, but you don't come on a Sikh board and post garbage about our faith. However, any non-Sikh brother/sister is more than welcome to come here and ask questions about Sikhi and educate themselves.
• any personal attack on a friendly non-Sikh member who is here to learn about Sikhi

All of these are agreeable rules that make perfect sense and are very much needed. They should be enforced with immediate effect.

Please carry on contacting your MPs over the next few days.

The admin can now merge this topic into the main thread.

Keep up the good work, a huge number of MPs have been contacted in only a few days who have all given positive responses.

Veer ji that singh who came and stood in the front of the police is not Saheed Dharshan Singh ji. This is a youth Singh, in full chardikala and with maharaj ji di kirpa nal, went and stood front of AK-47's, vaheguru vaheguuru vaheguru.

He was telling the police "Why are u guys shooting in the air and on floor, If u want to shoot, shoot here on my chest". You can see his hand expression in the video, he is pointing his finger to his chest.

I think this Singh is in critical condition, because u can also see that police were also beating him with Soti, with even knowing that he got a shot.

JaGO JaGo JaGo JaGo Sikho.......

This Sathkaarjog Singh came in the first Jatha from Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar Saahib (Sant Dhadrianwale), the same Jatha in which Shaheed Bhai Darshan Singh came to fight for the Khalsa Panth, and is now recovering well with Maharaaj Jee's Kirpa. His condition was very critical as not only was he shot, but also sustained serious injuries from the Police, even when he was unconscious. A full recovery will take time, but he is one of the last left in hospital and should be discharged in the near future if all goes well.