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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_news/punjabi_sikh_news.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is priceless. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not like an old item of clothing that people can discard. It is the Sikh's most holiest object, the source of our way of life. The issue, perfectly good Maharaj Saroops are being destroyed (no attempt at repairing them is being made) and persons associated are linked to the production of Saroops. This is a major conflict of interest. We are talking about hundreds of Saroops over the past few years being systematically collected and destroyed for no good reason. Thousands of people bow down in front of Maharaj everyday, As a Sikh what does it mean to you if you hear that Maharaj is being destroyed for no good reason? As one person commented 'how would you like it if you were cremated after receiving a small cut or blemish'. We would appeal to the Sangat that if you are aware of this happening in your area, please report this to us. If you can no longer maintain (or require) a Maharaj Saroop, or need a repair, please report this to us. Do not assume Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji needs to be destroyed even if someone suggests this. We would invite committees (or representatives) of ANY or ALL Gurdwara's to comment or advise on what their institutions procedures are for the assessment, collection, repair and destruction of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It will be interesting to see what the response from committees will be as many have been accused of being out of touch.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Bhaji, the programme and your contribution was fantastic. You came across well prepared, very professional and you made several points from different angles. All in all a great discussion. The show seems to have caught peoples attention, so would it be possible for Sikh Channel to have a regular slot where teenagers and young adults are invited in (from varying backgrounds) to participate in regular debates? Just mentioning things like.. 'committees need to improve' will hopefully yield small steps in the right direction. You would be a good presenter... Also, I would estimate (or guess) that a large majority of Sikh youth are so westernised they no little about Sikhism. There are youths or families that do not visit Gurdwaras, or if they do they only know how to bow and have no other knowledge (never mind actively engaging with Sikhism). This is not a criticism and there is no blame attached. However, this made me think that we have no equivalent of the 'Alpha course' used by Christians. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_course http://www.alpha.org/ Basics of Sikhi is similar (and extremely good) but not quite the same as the Alpha course. If possible, we should try something similar. If you have any idea's or material we would be happy to create webpages or a section on our site. www.discoversikhism.com Please bear in mind we do not collect money or advertise, and are not associated with any individuals, groups or organisations (except Akal Purakh)

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Bhaji, It would help if the Youth (and women) had more of a voice in committee decisions/ running of Gurdwaras so they can push for the good things you have listed. Its widely accepted that the Gurdwara committee system does not work. We need to replace Masands (which tend to be older individuals) that are more interested in fighting each other for control of gurdwaras, making a name for themselves and like to make meaningless gestures (awarding saropas like peanuts and murmuring half hearted jakaire). The future of Sikhi is with todays youth and we need active programmes to build a strong community with strong leaders. We have a ready and willing youth who would take to our amazing heritage but we need to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and understanding. Punjabi village ways of learning do not work in the west.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Khalsa Diwan Afganisation and the Afgan Sikh community are trying their best but it doesn't appear as if the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib Committee wants to resolve this. An acknowledgement that a Beadbhi has occurred as not been formally issued by the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib in Southall. We appeal to the Afgan Sikh community to step in and resolve this divisive issue. See more at: http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_news/sikh_news.html

Rayjay you seem to know little about Sikhism, are you actually a Sikh? Please do some research before making offensive comments. This is not an issue of religious tolerance. The Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) clearly states; A Sikh's daughter must be married to a Sikh. Persons professing faiths other than the Sikh faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony. So Sikhs cannot marry non-Sikhs and vice versa. This applies to BOTH males and females. Males and females who are not Sikh can do as they please (use civil ceremonies, church, beach or whatever they like) but they cannot take part in Anand Karaj. Furthermore - It is a Sikh's duty to get his children educated in Sikhism. A Sikh shall observe the Sikh rules of conduct and conventions from his birth right upto the end of his life. I would not preach to the children of Israel, Christian's, musalmaan, hindhu's, or otherwise, as to how they should marry, so why do people think its ok to question Sikhism?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh As with anything in life, everyone has free will and people can choose to what they wish or what they believe is right. However the point being made is the distinction between Sikh marriage (Anand Karaj) which takes place in front of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Punjabi 'cultural' traditions. These are two different things and many people do not understand this.

Like most "Punjabi weddings" this article is an insult to Anand Karaj and incorrectly labels Sikhism - http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Features/2013/09/25/Sikh-wedding-thats-steeped-in-splendour.aspx If ever you need an example of how Sikh weddings should NOT be performed then read this article. 1) "Sikh wedding that's steeped in splendour" - Sikh weddings should be simple and humble. 2) "Family and friends were swept up in the excitement as they purchased new suits and kurtas for the five-day ceremony." - New suits and kurtas and a five day ceremony are not required. 3) "As the wedding date neared, invitations were sent out personally, in keeping with Sikh tradition." - This is not a Sikh tradition but a Punjabi 'cultural' tradition. 4) "The first ceremony began with the maiyan (oil ceremony) whereby the bride-to-be was cleansed, followed by the mehendi (applying of henna) which was attended by close relatives and friends." - Sikhi is against pointless rituals. How does oil cleanse a soul? 5) "On the eve of the wedding, there was the sangeet event. It was a night of feasting and laughter, music and dancing. It was here that the groom’s entourage of almost 100 people made their grand appearance." - Another Punjabi cultural tradition, not part of Sikhism. 6) "The pulsating beat of the dhol (Punjabi drum) filled the air and soon enough, everyone was tapping their feet. Members from the groom and bride’s side took to the dance floor, swaying to the rhythmic beat of Bhangra music." - Another Punjabi cultural tradition, not part of Sikhism. 7) "Expectations are high as this is a traditional wedding. Gone are the days when family and friends attended a wedding as observers. Expectations have soared since. Meticulous planning is necessary to ensure that everyone invited to the wedding is entertained and taken care of." - More Punjabi cultural traditions, not part of Sikhism. 8) "My sister and her husband took full ownership of the wedding, following the rituals from A-Z." ??? What rituals were these? 9) "Although it has been more than a month, the wedding remains a talking point among friends and relatives. It was truly a wedding to remember." - Remembered for the wrong reasons... The author 'Dr Pola Singh' seems to be proud of his niece's wedding however that is no excuse to portray "Sikh" weddings in such an incorrect manner. Bu all means label this as a 'Secular Modern Punjabi Wedding' but not Sikh. Anand Karaj is the 'joyful union' of two souls in front of (and by) Sri Guru Granth Sahib. http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/empty_ceremony.html http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/sikh_anand_karaj.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Paji, please can you try and cover the following? • Who gave the alleged 'buisness' permission to collect and store Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops? • How was this 'business' selected? • If Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib committee was involved, who has the accountability and records of events? • What selection process, checks and assessments were carried out before hand by Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Southall? • Was Sangat consulted or informed about this course of action? • Who gave Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Southall permission to take this course of action? • Why hasn't an independant UK Sikh organisation comprising of the Sangat been used? • Why are perfectly valid Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops being collected by the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib committee for destruction? • What checks/ assessments were done on Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops prior to collection? • Who authorised the collection of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops from the original locations? • What (dates/ times) were the Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops collected and then transported? Where are the records? • Who agreed that the Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops were damaged beyond repair? • Why couldn't Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops be restored? • How many Gurdwaras are involved? Who has been contacted by this 'business' and/ or Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Southall for collection/ checking of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops? • How many Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops have been destroyed? (Locations, Dates/ Times) • What are the arrangements for future saroops to be restored or removed? by who's authority/ assessment? is there independant verification? • Have any of the collected Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops been sold for money? • Why cannot Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops (that are not requried) be given to those Gursikhs in need?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Well done to the Sikh Channel for the debate.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Cutting your hair will not help. It will not grow back or grow thicker. Try and understand what Waheguru is telling you. Let go of ego, and attachment. You will not take your hair or your body with you when you meet Waheguru but you will take your thoughts and (life's) actions. I would recommend you try Simran and regular nitnem path to help you gain acceptance and understanding.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh In a post, by someone else on another site, the reference to the calculation of time in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is quoted to be; ਅੱਖ ਦੇ ੧੫ ਫੋਰ = ੧ ਵਿਸਾ। 15 blinks of eye= 1 Vissa; ੧੫ ਵਿਸੁਏ = ੧ ਚਸਾ। 15 Vissas’= 1 Chassa; ੩੦ ਚਸੇ = ੧ ਪਲ। 30 chassas’= 1 Pal; ੬੦ ਪਲ = ੧ ਘੜੀ। 60 pals’= 1 karih; ਸਾਢੋ ੭ ਘੜੀਆਂ = ੧ ਪਹਰ। 7 and half karih's= 1 pehar; ੮ ਪਹਰ = ੧ ਦਿਨ ਰਾਤ। 8 pehar's= 24 hours [day/night]. ੧੫ ਥਿਤਾਂ; ੭ ਵਾਰ; ੧੨ ਮਹੀਨੇ, ਛੇ ਰੁੱਤਾਂ। There were 15 Tithis’ = days of lunar month; 7 vaars= days of the week, 12 months and 6 seasons Please can anyone confirm or refute this (with any supporting sources)?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Excellent news. Thank you to both SRIWAHEGURU and Taranpreetsingh. Is there any chance of knowing when the next meeting is taking place (in advance)? Have any other notifications/ letters been issued? http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_news/sikh_news.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Organisation Email Tel Link Akaal TV info@akaalchannel.tv 0121 551 1001 Akaal channel 'contact us' web page does not work Sangat apsmann@sangattelevision.org 0121 760 0000 http://sangattelevision.org/contact/feedback/ Sikh Channel info@sikhchannel.tv 0121 380 1050 http://www.sikhchannel.tv/contactus/

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh One of our members has contacted over 25 International Sikh Media Organisations to make them aware and has invited them comment on this issue.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh You might have heard about the (one of the greatest, unequal, ever heard about) Legendary Battle of Thermopylae which was fought between an alliance of Greek city states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I over the course of three days in 480BC. Unlike the Hollywood film ‘300’ which fails to mention the +7,100 Greek City soldiers, King Leonidas also had 300 of his finest Spartans. The Persians had a force of 300,000 men. The odds of the battle were heavily (approx. 40:1) against the Spartans. In August or September 480 BC, at the narrow coastal pass of Thermopylae, Greece the Spartans and allies fought for 2 days (it’s well worth watching ‘300’ to get a flavour of the fighting prowess of the Spartans ). On the third day the Persians managed to find a mountain trail and encircle the Spartans. Fearing defeat King Leonidas of Sparta allowed his allies to escape, and stayed (with his 300 men and 1,200 others) to fight to the death. So now we have 1,500 men against approx. 300,000 Persians (approx. 200:1 odds) which is not looking great. Needless to say the Spartans were all slaughtered but not before they killed 20,000 Persians! The Spartans lost approx. 2,000 men in total. That equates to a kill rate of approx. 10:1! If you thought the Battle of Thermopylae associated with the heroic stand of a small Greek force against the mighty Persian Army of Xerxes I in 480 B.C was legendary, then read about this last stand by the Sikhs at the Battle of Saragarhi on 12th September 1897. Saragarhi is the incredible story of 21 men of the 36th Sikh Regiment who gave up their lives in devotion to their duty. In keeping with the Sikh Khalsa tradition they fought to the death rather than surrender. It has been mentioned as one of the most significant events of its kind in the world and was honoured by the British Parliament and Queen Victoria. How many men did the 21 Sikhs face? +10,000 (that’s 500:1) How many men did the Sikhs kill? 800 (that’s 40:1!) What was the Khalsa Sikh’s secret? Being Sikh’s… with shouts of ‘Bole So Nihal… Sat Sri Akal!’ Find out more and read the story at - http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/sikh_battle_of_saragarhi.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh All valid points SRIWAHEGURU, Thank you. At a result I have used the 'contact us' form on Sikh Channel - http://www.sikhchannel.tv/contactus/ and posted the following message (using some of SRIWAHEGURUs words). Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh The whole point of having "our own media" surely is to make the Total Respect of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji a priority above all else. As a member of the Sangat I humbly request that you continue to investigate and report on the Beadbi of at least 22 Saroops of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj that took place in West London recently, with the involvement of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Southall. Please can you respond with how you intend to take this matter forward? I would request Sangat to do the same. (We will contact them formally as well)

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Mullas instruct muslims to "convey the message of Islam and the let the 'kafirs' (non-muslims) decide", that muslims will "get paid for planting, not necessarily for how many fruits will grow." "it is the effort and sincerity to pass on the message that is seen" for which they will be rewarded. The Prophet was reported to have said that to cause another person's guidance to Islam is better than having a great amount of wealth. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] The Prophet also said that anyone who guides others to doing a good deed will receive a reward equal to that of the person who practised it. [Muslim] He said further that anyone who calls others to guidance will receive a reward equal to that of the person who followed him, without their reward being diminished. Read up on 'soft conversion'... Yes, I'm sure some Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and numerous others all converted to one another's religion. But this should not matter to us as 'individuals' here and now?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Thank you again Paji, The video is clear and explains the Beadbi of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by masands and business people very well. http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_news/sikh_news.html http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_news/beadbi_of_22_maharaj_saroops.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh The Rehat Maryada is very clear - Persons professing faiths other than the Sikh faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony. It is a Sikh's duty to get his children educated in Sikhism. A Sikh shall observe the Sikh rules of conduct and conventions from his birth right upto the end of his life. Gurbani and Sikh history make it unmistakably clear that Sikhs of the Guru look upon the opposite gender as fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. Except for Anand Karaj, nothing can alter this reality. Anand Karaj creates a new relationship, that of husband and wife. There can be no confusion over the reality that Anand Karaj, and Anand Karaj alone is the only avenue for creating this special relationship within the larger Khalsa family. There are many reasons why the brother/sister relationship between Sikh youth should not be violated. The first and most obvious reason lies in the fact that mimicking a husband/wife relationship without the Guru's blessing would clearly be violating the 'hukam' or command of the Guru. Only the Guru has the power to alter the relationship between a brother and a sister. It would not only be presumptuous but also arrogant for a Sikh to act in a way that only Anand Karaj would permit them to. See more at: http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/empty_ceremony.html See more at: http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/rehat_maryada.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Greg King - Don’t argue with idiots because they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. Mark Twain - Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh 500 years ago, long before Mark Twain and Greg King, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji said; ਮੂਰਖਖ਼ ਨਦਲਿ ਨ ਲੁਝੀਅਖ਼| Moorkhai naal na lujhee-ai: Don`t argue with fools. and Sri Guru Amar Das Ji said: ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਧੇ ਸੁਧਿ ਨ ਕਾਈ ॥ Manmukh andhe sudh na kaaee: The blind self willed Manmukh have no understanding at all. This anonymous racist blog writer is truly an ignorant fool that has no understanding.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਧੇ ਸੁਧਿ ਨ ਕਾਈ ॥ Page 118 Manmukh andhe sudh na kaaee: The blind Manmukh have no understanding at all. http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/empty_ceremony.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Good story, at least the judge had the humility to apologise for his arrogant misconceptions which is a far cry from judges in some other nations...

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Thank you again for the information. Read here also, http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_news/sikh_news.html http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_news/beadbi_of_22_maharaj_saroops.html Questions remain; • Who gave the alleged 'buisness' permission to collect and store Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops? • How was this 'business' selected? • If Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib committee was involved, who has the accountability and records of events? • What selection process, checks and assessments were carried out before hand by Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Southall? • Was Sangat consulted or informed about this course of action? • Who gave Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Southall permission to take this course of action? • Why hasn't an independant UK Sikh organisation comprising of the Sangat been used? • Why are perfectly valid Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops being collected by the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib committee for destruction? • What checks/ assessments were done on Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops prior to collection? • Who authorised the collection of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops from the original locations? • What (dates/ times) were the Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops collected and then transported? Where are the records? • Who agreed that the Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops were damaged beyond repair? • Why couldn't Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops be restored? • How many Gurdwaras are involved? Who has been contacted by this 'business' and/ or Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Sahib, Southall for collection/ checking of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops? • How many Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops have been destroyed? (Locations, Dates/ Times) • What are the arrangements for future saroops to be restored or removed? by who's authority/ assessment? is there independant verification? • Have any of the collected Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops been sold for money? • Why cannot Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj Saroops (that are not requried) be given to those Gursikhs in need?