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Supporting Sikligars Sikhs is very important as we often forget them, yet they are such an important part of Sikh community and rich history. Sikligars Sikhs were the lohars (ironsmiths/blacksmiths) who once specialized in the craft of making and polishing weapons. Once more commonly known as Gaddilohars the term Sikligar was bestowed on these men who fashioned iron by Guru Gobind Singh who turned Lohgarh (the Iron fort at Anandpur Sahib) into the Sikh Armoury. Read More: http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikligar_Sikhs United Sikhs STARAE project which we need to support http://www.unitedsikhs.org/starae/ Dont forget to watch the youtube video! http://www.unitedsikhs.org/starae/ Join http://www.unitedsikhs.org/join Donate: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/donate UNITED SIKHS is a registered UK charity: 1112055, and a UN affiliated NGO, with chapters spanning the globe. UNITED SIKHS is run by volunteers working in our free time and only with you can we make a bigger difference.

Gursikhs are doing good parchaar. The kids who go around doing parchaar are mind blowing.

UNITED SIKHS is a registered charity in UK with chapters across the globe. UNITED SIKHS is a registered UK charity: 1112055, and a UN affiliated NGO, with chapters spanning the globe. UNITED SIKHS is run by volunteers working in our free time and only with you can we make a bigger difference. UNITED SIKHS is a U.N. affiliated, international non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian relief, human development and advocacy organization, aimed at empowering those in need, especially disadvantaged and minority communities across the world. http://unitedsikhs.org/about.php

Start a ripple! Be a Wave of change -drop your pebble in the water and donate today! Join: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/join Donate: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/donate The biggest waves start with the smallest ripples in the water. Be the one to drop the pebble, that starts the ripple, that creates the wave! Never forget Elie Wiesel's call to action, "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Donate today to UNITED SIKHS! As the end of 2010 approaches, TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Make your tax deductible donation today to help UNITED SIKHS continue it’s work throughout the world. At UNITED SIKHS, you know your money is going to the projects you donate them to. Our low operating costs allow us to dedicate 90 cents of every dollar toward the project it is intended for. UNITED SIKHS has worked tirelessly to protect the rights of Sikhs globally.Your support has contributed to changing lives all over the world!! In reflecting on this past year, UNITED SIKHS staff would like to thank each and every one of you for making the accomplishments of this organization possible. We serve you in 3 major areas: I) International Civil and Human Rights (ICHRA) Highlights: * In the United States, o For the first time the Sikh community collectively expressed issues to members of Congress at the 2010 Sikh Summit. Over 30 lawmakers approached with concerns that most affect the Sikh community by 60 community leaders, including concerns of airport security, watch-list issues, being counted in the Census and employment discrimination. o Safeguarded the rights of Sikhs to wear their kirpans at a major California University and working with a national Testing Center to provide a formal accommodation for Sikhs. o Filed formal complaint with EEOC regarding a TSA agent's right to wear the kara (without restrictions) o Investigations pending regarding formal complaints filed with TSA regarding the mistreatment of the Dastaar at airports o Ongoing work with Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and US Attorney’s offices across the nation to apprise them of hate/bias crimes against Sikhs o Actively engaged with US Attorney’s office across the country to increase awareness about Sikhs and Sikhism o Launched several campaigns highlighting the most critical issues of Sikhs * Sikh Census: Identify yourself as a Sikh Campaign * Bullying Prevention Initiative * Education & Awareness trainings with law enforcement and * Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions throughout the nation * At the 3rd Global Sikh Civil Rights Conference, Sikhs from around the world gathered in Vancouver, Canada and engaged in a dialogue with experts, advocates, authors, and academics on topics of Sikh civil and human rights, including women's rights, minority rights under international law, religious discrimination /accommodation, and right to kakaars in public spaces. * Launched the global “Protect Our Identity” campaign. This campaign is for the community, by the community and of the community. Have you volunteered or donated yet? * Assisted a Sikh family from Afghanistan (a surviving widow and daughter) after the Taliban had killed their husband and father in immigrating to Canada. Rehabilitated 24 families who were also threatened by the Taliban in Pakistan. * In Japan, UNITED SIKHS was pivotal in obtaining the release of Bharpoor Singh from prison while he awaits a decision on his asylum application. * UNITED SIKHS Australia is currently working with the Tasmanian Police to implement the Kirpan card into their policies and procedures manual, and with the Western Australia police to formalize the Sikh Turban as acceptable headgear for practicing Sikhs. * Right to Turban continues in Europe!! UNITED SIKHS filed a claim against France in the United Nations in December 2008 and are awaiting results soon. This has a direct impact on the 9500+ Sikh families living in France. * UNITED SIKHS filed a law suit against a school in Belgium to protect a Sikh child's right to wear their dastaar. The result of this lawsuit will impacts approximately 600+ Sikh families. Speak up, make your voice heard, volunteer or donate to ICHRA projects now! II) UNITED SIKHS Aid projects: The overwhelming support of the Sikh community earned us a mention in President Barack Obama's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast earlier this year. * Sikhs across the world united to support the ongoing UNITED SIKHS Haiti Relief Efforts. With your support we were able to: o Serve 33,200 meals (langar) between January and March o Distribute food to an additional 150,000 people o Provide temporary shelter and medical supplies to over 5000 Haitians displaced by the earthquake * Floods devastated the Panjab region in Pakistan and India. With generous contributions from our community members across the world, we were able to: * o Distribute emergency food and non-food item kits to flood-affected families of Pir Sabaq, Gandaree and Dagoona in Resalpure distribution point in Nowshehra City, Pakistan o Provide food items for flood victims seeking refuge in Gurdwara Panja Sahib o Distribute 15,000 kg of rice to families affected by the floods in Pakistan. o Send food and supplies to flood affected families in 15 different villages in Panjab. o Give cash aid 50 rural families in 16 villages in India that had suffered extreme losses. These were families affected by farmer-suicides. * UNITED SIKHS’ staff and volunteers provide free food to the hungry as part of the “Feed the Hungry” program, implemented in Canada, Malaysia, USA, UK, and Australia at least every other month. UNITED SIKHS. In San Francisco UNITED SIKHS Feed the Hungry project fed 872 people in just 1 day. * UNITED SIKHS-UK served Langar to passengers stranded at London Heathrow Airport due to the volcanic ash cloud. * UNITED SIKHS-Kenya is installing a water pump that will cater drinking water to over 5000 residents of the Nyanza district, and setting up medical camps to supply medicine to hundreds of underprivileged Kenyan adults and children in Buru-Buru and Kyole. We could not serve the people we do without the support of generous community members like you! Volunteer or donate to UNITED SIKHS Aid projects now. III) EduCare (Education & Healthcare) & Empowerment Highlights: * Continued to provide homework help to young students in Richmond Hill, NY and Carteret, NJ * Community partner and sub-grantee on Project RICE (Reaching Immigrants through Community Empowerment) for diabetes prevention and education work in the South Asian community in New York as part of the NYU School of Medicine Prevention Research Center * Screened nearly 250 community members at various screening events for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and BMI * Researched needs of youth members of Richmond Hill as part of the grant for the Advocates for Community Youth (ACY) project by Partnerships for After-School Education (PASE) * UNITED SIKHS UK assisted international students by signposting them to existing services which they may need, such as accommodation services, job seekers, health services etc. * Conducted diabetes and healthy lifestyle classes as part of “Yes You Can Defy Diabetes” supported by the New York State Health Foundation, The New York State Diabetes Campaign, Faith Fights Diabetes. * Represented the community at the National Community Committee, one of the guiding committees of the Prevention Research Center (PRC) program of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) * Supported and Conducted youth camps such as the West Coast Sikhi Camp, Khoj retreat (CA), Miri Piri Camp in Michigan * Became member of the Queens Cancer Action Council (as part of Queens Library Healthlink) to increase awareness and education * 210 STARAE scholarships to Sikh children from low income groups in India * Learning Value Series: workshops for excellence in all fields – students wrote poetry and sold peace cards for New Year in Delhi, India to raise funds for scholarships to children in Punjab. The community needs your support. Speak up, make your voice heard, volunteer or donate to EduCare & Empowerment projects now! Honors and Awards: * Recognized before the New York State Assembly by the Speaker of the House of New York, for the Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Humanitarian Relief Efforts * Received the ‘Sikhs and Charities’ Award at a prestigious Sikh Awards ceremony held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London, October 10, 2010, for best demonstrating ‘that it has the community at heart and has had a positive impact whilst improving the health and wellbeing of Sikhs”. * UNITED SIKHS-USA became member of USAID, the first Sikh organization to EVER to become partner of USAID * Signed MOU with RedCross in New York to work jointly on disaster relief. * UNITED SIKHS-Kenya was recognized by Kenyan Government as a Humanitarian Organization and awarded 2.5 acres of Land for the building of a Hospital. * UNITED SIKHS-UK was recognized and awarded by Sikh Channel in UK for Humanitarian relief in Haiti. * In a ceremony, the Jordanian Army Major Mohamad Twabi & Army officers in Port-au-Prince, Haiti honored Jaipal Singh, coordinator of the UNITED SIKHS Urban Design & Development Team. Without your generous contributions of time, money, and spirit, the work we do could not get done. Each of your individual ripples in the water helped create a wave of change this year! But the work is never over, the battle never won, and we need your help to keep going! We urge you to keep the current strong, don't let the tide change-donate today to help us continue our vital and important work throughout the world!

Peace for Sale? No, Just Peace Cards to Help the Needy http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-20-12-2010-00.html UNITED SIKHS and The American Embassy School Launch Peace Cards in Delhi “For me, each card is more beautiful than the next! Each poem contains a special message, straight from the heart of the student who wrote it. Reading the poems brings you lots of peace!”: Harjyot Kaur, UNITED SIKHS’ Empowerment and Education Director. In order that the poems be circulated more widely and to spread the message of peace through education, sixteen of the poems written by the American Embassy School students have been selected and printed as greetings cards. These greetings cards will be sold and all proceeds from the card sales will be spent by UNITED SIKHS on sponsoring the education of underprivileged children through its STARAE project http://www.unitedsikhs.org/starae/ Harjyot Kaur, UNITED SIKHS’ Empowerment and Education Director, commented, “For me, each card is more beautiful than the next! Each poem contains a special message, straight from the heart of the student who wrote it. Reading the poems brings you lots of peace!” READ MORE http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-20-12-2010-00.html

"Our mothers and sisters are the backbone of our faith" 2010 Global Sikh Civil & Human Rights Conference Day 1 Role of Women in Protecting the Sikh Identity http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-23-12-2010-00.html Pics and Complete PR @ http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-23-12-2010-00.html Highlights: UNITED SIKHS presents the first in the series of updates on the 2010 Global Sikh Civil & Human Rights Conference. On Friday night, panelists discussed the role of women in protecting the Sikh identity, and how Sikh women are fulfilling that role in our schools, in our homes, and in our society. Issues such as domestic violence and female infanticide/foeticide were also addressed. See videos of some speakers below! Sikh leaders, delegates, educators and members of Parliament, along with prominent human rights advocates gathered to discuss issues related to the theme for the conference "Protect Our Identity" as part of UNITED SIKHS' ongoing global campaign launched earlier this year. Support this campaign, which will continue into 2011. Volunteer, Donate or both! Surrey, BC (CANADA): Alice Walker once said, "the most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." Recognizing this, UNITED SIKHS directors and conference organizers thought it was important to address issues of women's empowerment within Sikh society and so devoted the first day of the 2010 Global Sikh Civil Rights Conference to addressing women's rights. A picture of Mai Bhago, a Sikh woman warrior who led soldiers into battle against the Moghuls in the 16th century. The painting by artist Kanwar Singh Dhillon was donated towards UNITED SIKHS human and civil rights advocacy projects. Picture Courtesy: ArtofPunjab.com The panel that kicked off this 3rd annual conference focused on the importance of the role of women in protecting the Sikh identity. Women from all walks of life came together to discuss how they can engage more actively in the fight for Sikh civil and human rights, to address women's rights issues such as domestic violence, and to affirm how important their contribution is in ensuring that future generations of Sikh youth take pride in who they are. Not only did the panel provide a forum for a thought provoking discussion on these issues, but also the feedback from this panel will help UNITED SIKHS tailor its women's rights projects in the new year towards better meeting the communities needs. The conference opened in Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on Friday, December 17, 2010 in Surrey, BC where speakers from all over the world participated in the evening panel. Speakers included prominent activists and community leaders such as: Jessi Kaur, Co-founder of the International Institute of Gurmat Studies (IIGS) and Author & Board Member of Kaur Foundation Kiranjot Kaur, Senior Shironmani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Member, Barinder Kaur Rasode, Surrey City Councillor, Harminder Kaur, Global Sikh News columnist, Kamal Dhillon, Author/ Activist, Harminder Kaur Punia, Coordinator for Voices for Freedom, Becky Monroe, Acting Director of U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, and Jarnail Singh, journalist and activist. To see biographies and pictures of the Friday panelists from the conference program, click here. Jessi Kaur, calling on mothers to get actively engaged with educators and youth to uplift their spirits and encourage them to protect their identity Kiranjot Kaur, speaking about the importance of women's involvement in shaping the Sikh identity The topics that were covered highlighted the importance of the role that women play in Sikhism, the ongoing problems of domestic violence and female foeticide/infanticide, and how to motivate parents to engage with educators around identity issues. Kamal Dhillon, a survivor of domestic violence, shared her moving story of abuse, emancipation and empowerment and also hosted a book signing after the panel. Kamal promotes a special message: "The victims of domestic violence need to know that they are not alone and that there is help for them." Jessi Kaur called on mothers to encourage Sikh youth to see the beauty in both their internal and external identity. Jarnail Singh, expressing his views on the unique role of Sikh women and their right to wear the dastaar Becky Monroe, discussing the importance of protecting communities, their identities, and how that can help in hate crime prevention "It was a very inspiring evening," reported Ilana Ofgang, Legal Fellow from UNITED SIKHS New York office, "Many women were coming up to us after the panel saying that there needs to be more discussions of this kind, that the community needs to start talking more about women and Sikh identity, about domestic violence, and about other women's rights issues in such a way that can lead to the greater empowerment of women, to greater community action and to social change." Click here to see videos of opening remarks by Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara President Bikramjit Singh, and presentations by Jessi Kaur and Kamal Dhillon! The conference opened with an address by Becky Monroe on the importance of protecting communities and their identities, and how this is vital in preventing hate crimes. Jarnail Singh also presented his views about the importance of the contribution of Sikh women in retaining the fabric of the Sikh identity. He also called on women to embrace their right to wear the dastaar. Audience members gathering to listen intently to the speakers at the Friday night panel on The Role of Women in Protecting the Sikh Identity. Friday night's panelists opened up a weekend long discussion of important civil & human rights issues affecting the global Sikh community. In explaining why the Conference kicked off with a discussion for and about women, UNITED SIKHS director Gurvinder Singh said that, "Our mothers and sisters are the backbone of our faith. They are the ones who console us when we fear, guide us when we waver, provide for us when we are unable, and quite literally breathe life into us when we lack the wherewithal. If substantive change is to occur, our mothers and sisters must come to the forefront and rightfully claim their throne." One of Friday nights speaker's, Barinder Kaur Rasode, reminded the audience that, "It is important that we look at the lessons Mata Gujri ji taught us: strength, sacrifice for the greater good, and to stand up to injustice." Sadly, what Alice Walker once said is sometimes true -one of the ways in which people give up their power is by forgetting that they have any. However, in hosting conferences and events such as this, UNITED SIKHS aims to make sure that no member of the Sikh community -man, woman, or child -ever feels they are without the power to change their own circumstances, their community, or the world for the better. In reflecting on the Conference, Ms. Rasode said, "I would like to congratulate the organizers of the 3rd Annual Conference. The topics discussed were of relevance to making our community stronger." UNITED SIKHS and Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara-Surrey Delta hosted the Conference with the support of the Sikh Sangat of Canada. More details about the Conference forthcoming! Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara is currently addressing the issue of domestic violence by partnering with local organizations in order to get individuals in need in contact with experts who can help, by hosting educational seminars such as this Conference, and by conducting prevention education. The UNITED SIKHS Educare Center has provided legal assistance to a number of battered women who needed counselling and empowered them by making them aware of their rights. Anyone seeking assistance can reach us at 1-800-243-1690. UNITED SIKHS will be putting domestic violence awareness training and services at the forefront of its projects in 2011, and will be partnering with national organizations focusing on these issues to implement better reporting of domestic violence incidents with the goal of improving access to these services within the Sikh community. Note to editors: UNITED SIKHS is a U.N. affiliated international non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian relief, human development and advocacy organization. The Global Sikh Civil Rights Conference is an annual global gathering of human rights lawyers, politicians, judges, activists, multi-faith representatives, and leaders and members of the Sikh community. Organized by UNITED SIKHS, this global conference provides an open arena for discussion of ideas and concerns that most affect Sikhs as a community. http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-23-12-2010-00.html

Supporting Sikligars Sikhs is very important as we often forget them, yet they are such an important part of Sikh community and rich history. Sikligars Sikhs were the lohars (ironsmiths/blacksmiths) who once specialized in the craft of making and polishing weapons. Once more commonly known as Gaddilohars the term Sikligar was bestowed on these men who fashioned iron by Guru Gobind Singh who turned Lohgarh (the Iron fort at Anandpur Sahib) into the Sikh Armoury. Read More: http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikligar_Sikhs United Sikhs STARAE project which we need to support http://www.unitedsikhs.org/starae/ Dont forget to watch the youtube video! http://www.unitedsikhs.org/starae/

Bhenji spoke very well, and it's great seeing a young Sikh bibi comming forward. Welldone to both SikhSangat and UNITED SIKHS for putting her forward.

UNITED SIKHS WINS SIKH AWARD FOR CHARITY READ MORE with Pics: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-15-10-2010-00.html “We have dedicated the accolade to Director and consummate volunteer, Gurmit Singh of Coventry, who sadly passed on after an illness last month,” said UNITED SIKHS director, Ravjeet Singh, on receiving the Award. London, UK, 15th October, 2010 – UNITED SIKHS received the ‘Sikhs and Charities’ Award at a prestigious Sikh Awards ceremony held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London, last Sunday. The Sikh Awards were presented by The Sikh Directory, who described the event as having the distinction of being the world’s first Sikh Awards ceremony. The ‘Sikhs and Charities’ Award was given to UNITED SIKHS for best demonstrating ‘that it has the community at heart and has had a positive impact whilst improving the health and wellbeing of Sikhs”. The award was received by UNITED SIKHS Directors Ravjeet Singh and Harbans Kaur. “We have dedicated the accolade to Director and consummate volunteer, Gurmit Singh of Coventry, who sadly passed on after an illness last month,” said Ravjeet Singh, on receiving the Award. Gurmit Singh joined UNITED SIKHS during our Right To Turban campaign against the turban ban in France and he became a dedicated sevadar thereafter. You can read more about Right To Turban and our other campaigns on our website at www.unitedsikhs.org/rtt The panel of 5 esteemed judges, comprising Sir Mota Singh QC, Mrs Harminder Kaur Mr. Peter Singh, Dr. Surinder Kaur and Mr. Ranjit Singh, selected the winners from nominees who have made a significant contribution to British society in the fields of business, sport, entertainment, charity, the media, service and education. See complete Press Release with images @ http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-15-10-2010-00.html

Press Release Protecting Our Right to Kakaars: UNITED SIKHS Works Across the Country to Address Civil Rights Violations http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-12-10-2010-00.html Highlights: * UNITED SIKHS has received an increase in reports of Sikh civil rights violations from all over the United States in recent months, particularly challenges regarding the right to wear kakaars. * Now more than ever, there is a need for Sikhs to inform and educate the public about the significance of Sikh articles of faith. * UNITED SIKHS Protect Our Identity campaign is building momentum and gathering support in various states across the country. Please join us and empower our community to stand defiant against discrimination and religious intolerance. NEW YORK, NY: Since the launch of the global Protect Our Identity campaign earlier this year, UNITED SIKHS has received an increase in reports of Sikh civil rights violations from all over the country and is actively pursuing cases where the Sikh identity has been under threat from institutions and their employees. UNITED SIKHS has been defending the right of the Sikh community to wear their religious articles of faith, specifically the kirpan and kara, in everyday places like federal buildings, universities, exam testing centers, airports, and state courthouses. The Protect Our Identity campaign emphasizes the need for raising awareness regarding religious identity, which is more important than ever in an age where Sikhs have been targets of hate crimes and increased racial discrimination at school, work and public spaces. Sikhs have been fighting for their right to maintain their articles of faith for generations, and unfortunately they continue to do so today. "From Bhai Taru Singh, who was scalped alive in the 1700s because he refused to have his unshorn hair cut, to a Sikh New Jersey high school student in 2008 whose hair was set alight by another student during a fire drill, protecting one’s identity is a sacred and necessary act, defying both time and space," Hansdeep Singh, Senior Staff Attorney at UNITED SIKHS said. The legal team at UNITED SIKHS has been working tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the Sikh community members who have been discriminated against. Recent cases include incidents where: 1. An elderly Sikh man was forcibly removed from a Social Security Administration (SSA) office for wearing a kirpan in California in August 2010. An agent approached the gentleman without any provocation, or suspicion of wrong-doing, and forcibly pushed him out of the office. 2. A freshman student at a large California university received a harsh reality check when he was told not to return to campus with his kirpan. UNITED SIKHS continues to work with the university to ensure this young man’s education is not impeded and his identity is not compromised. 3. A young gentleman in Texas was initially precluded from entering a testing center, which had metal detectors. He informed the security officer prior to entering the metal detector that he was carrying a kirpan. After the young man explained the religious significance of the kirpan, supported by UNITED SIKHS’ immediate intervention, he was allowed to take his examination. UNITED SIKHS is currently in consultation with management from the Testing Center to jointly create a broad based religious accommodation for Sikhs. 4. After four years on the job, a lead TSA officer in New York was told that he must remove or cover his kara. No specific reason was articulated for why this was necessary only that it was for general safety reasons. Yet, medical bracelets and wrist watches can be worn without the requirement that they be hidden. UNITED SIKHS continues to pursue this case with the Equal Employment Office (EEO). 5. A mere traffic ticket payment in court turned into an injustice when a Sikh gentleman was denied entry into the courthouse by security agents because of his kirpan. He was seeking to address a traffic ticket he received, and merely wanted the judge to hear the circumstances that led to his fine. That never happened. Instead, the only option he received was to make a written submission to the court. Access to courts is a fundamental right and to preclude Sikhs from entering with their faith intact, is an affront to our constitutional rights of due process and the free exercise of religion. The kirpan (short sheathed religious blade) reminds a Sikh of their religious duty to pierce through the veil of falsehood, uphold truth, and to protect those most vulnerable. The kirpan is not a mere knife or symbol; rather it is an article of faith that binds a Sikh to the ideals of serving humanity. Hence, by carrying the kirpan, a Sikh “takes up the sword of wisdom” and adheres to the discipline of recognizing the human race as one. Similarly, the kara (religious steel band worn on the wrist) serves as a constant reminder for Sikhs to always act righteously and literally binds a Sikh to the Creator. The kirpan and the kara are two of the five kakaars (articles of faith) that Sikhs must carry in accordance with their religious teachings. Sikhs should have the right to wear their kakaars and practice their religion freely. If you or someone you know is being discriminated against because of wearing their kakaars at places of employment or study, or in other situations, please contact the UNITED SIKHS legal team at law-usa@unitedsikhs.org. UNITED SIKHS is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to spread the message of the Protect Our Identity campaign within their own communities. Protecting one's identity is both an act of empowerment and a celebration of diversity. We live in a post-9/11 society, however, we must not allow fear to compromise our individuality or be bullied into conformity. We need to collaborate with institutions and individuals to spread awareness of the tenets of Sikhism. If we do not speak out about these threats to our identity now, it will mean larger threats to the identity of minority communities - Sikhs and others - in the future. To join or contribute to the campaign, volunteer or donate to UNITED SIKHS. To see a previous press release on UNITED SIKHS' Protect Our Identity campaign click here.

UNITED SIKHS Helps ‘Taliban’ Victims (Sikh Mother and Daughter) Find Asylum in Canada READ MORE and see pics on http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-06-10-2010-00.html “We are very happy that the open hearts and minds of the Canadian government and people have given Harender Kaur and her daughter a new life here after they fought a gallant and lone battle as refugees in Pakistan,” said Ranbir Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director who met the Sikh mother and daughter on arrival in Canada. Winnipeg, Canada - 6th Oct 2010 - A Sikh woman and her daughter flew into Winnipeg last week, after her husband was brutally killed two years ago by a group suspected to be the Taliban, near Peshawar. The pair were granted asylum by the Canadian government after the brutal slaying of the head of their family, Balwant Singh. UNITED SIKHS has provided help to Harender Kaur, 42, and her daughter, Ilmid Kaur, 14, since we ‘found’ them amongst other Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Pakistan, where they had taken refuge after the killing. On 23 November 2008, a militant group, believed to be the Taliban, kidnapped Balwant Singh from his shop near Peshawar, in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). They kept him hostage before slaying him and his body was found two days later 20 km away. This left Harender Kaur and her daughter alone and destitute and they took refuge 125 km away at the Panja Sahib Gurdwara. Harender Kaur and Ilmid Kaur being met by representatives of the Sikh community in Winnipeg: From left to right in the front row: Giani Kewal Singh, President Khalsa Divan Society of Manitoba, Azizeh Ferdowsi, Resettlement Counsellor, Ilmid Kaur, Harender Kaur and Ranbir Singh (UNITED SIKHS director). Back row, left to right: Jaswant Singh, Gurpreet Kaur, Dilbagh Singh and Arvinder Kaur Harender Kaur and Ilmid Kaur being honoured by the Dy Premier of Manitoba, Hon Eric Robinson . From left to right: Giani Kewal Singh, Mr.Kavin (with microphone) , Deputy Premier, Hon. Eric Robinson, Harender Kaur, Ilmid Kaur, Mayoral Candidate, Judy W Leis. and Local M.L.A, Mr. Mohinder Sran In July 2009, UNITED SIKHS AID volunteers, who were in Pakistan to provide relief during the Pakistan IDP crisis, heard of Harender Kaur’s plight and that they had no other family in Pakistan and wanted to be reunited with other family members in the United Kingdom. “Our humanitarian relief volunteers got in touch with our advocacy team in the UK to contact Harender Kaur’s family and to provide assistance with their asylum application,” said Mejindarpal Kaur, UNITED SIKHS Legal Director based in London, who led a team of case workers and lawyers in this asylum case. “We requested the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), who were handling their asylum application, to reunite the duo with their family in the UK. But we were told that their chances of obtaining asylum in Canada were better. We, therefore, obtained supporting evidence from their UK family which we submitted to the UNHCR,” She added. Soon after their arrival in Winnipeg, Harender Kaur and Ilmid Kaur were honoured by the Deputy Premier of Manitoba, Hon. Eric Robinson, at a fund raising dinner for Winnipeg Mayor Candidate, Judy W Leis. At an event organized by the Sikh Society of Manitoba, they received siropas (robes of honour) from the renowned Ragi Nirmal Singh, Khalsa Hazoori Ragi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. This event was attended by the management of all eight Winnipeg Gurdwaras who had gathered to meet them with the congregation. When they flew into Canada last week, UNITED SIKHS director based in Toronto, Ranbir Singh, joined them in Winnipeg, where he had made arrangements for them to be warmly received by representatives of the Winnipeg Sikh community. “We are very happy that the open hearts and minds of the Canadian government and people have given Harender Kaur and her daughter a new life here after they fought a gallant and lone battle as refugees in Pakistan,” said Ranbir Singh. “When we arrived at Winnipeg airport, we were received by community leaders, Giani Kewal Singh and Darshan Singh Brar, and their families. It has been a hectic line up of activities for the duo, as community leaders including Giani Jaswant Singh have made many arrangements to make them comfortable. We have a doctor who said he will do house visits if they need him; a driving instructor who said he will teach them driving for free; they are invited to Sikh homes for meals everyday and the list of help offered is long,” he added. To read a previous press release on UNITED SIKHS’ advocacy work for Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) see http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-23-05-2010-00.html Issued by: Herpreet Kaur PR and Media Associate UNITED SIKHS UK: +44 8701993328; CANADA: +1 4163022234; USA: 1-888-243-1690 contact@unitedsikhs.org

Sangat Ji Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh UNITED SIKHS have organised the following events in October to commemorate the universal message from Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji of hope for all mankind, by arranging Langar and keertan at Nursing Homes and shelters. Please see posters attached for details. October 10th: Beacon House Nursing Home 184 Beaconsfield Road, Southall UB1 1EA at 2 p.m. on Sunday the 10th Raj Nursing Home 31 Osterley Park Road Southall UB2 4BN at 3.15 p.m. on Sunday the 10th October 23rd: Hopetown Shelter Whitechapel. We will be preparing Langar at Central Gurdwara Khalsa Jatha, 62 Queensdale Road, London W11 4SG (Shepherds Bush Gurdwara) from 2 p.m, then take it to Hopetown womens shelter. Seva required: Keertan/ savouries / fruit / gifts Kindly let me know if you can make it or if you want more details. Harbans Kaur email: harbans.kaur@unitedsikhs.org UNITED SIKHS

Emergency Kit Distribution Underway in Pakistan to Assist Flood Affected http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-05-10-2010-00.html IN A NUTSHELL... * Emergency kit distribution has commenced in Pakistan, highlighting greater need for resources * Sindh and Balochistan are areas identified as among the worst affected by floods according to reports by UN OCHA * Concerns are raised about the potential spread of epidemic diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery among flood-hit populations, particularly children Nowshehra & Hassan Abdal, Pakistan: Emergency food and non-food item kits have started being distributed to flood-affected families of Pir Sabaq, Gandaree and Dagoona in Resalpure distribution point in Nowshehra City as part of the UNITED SIKHS Pakistan Flood Relief efforts. Additionally, food items were provided for flood victims seeking refuge in Gurdwara Panja Sahib. The emergency relief kits were put together by UNITED SIKHS volunteers with supplies purchased from Peshawar, and distribution began in late August -early September. Families received kits of food and non-food items intended to last them approximately 2 weeks. The need of those displaced from their homes due to floods is dire, and help has so far been slow in coming. Rafique Khan Momand, Assistant Coordinator(AC) in Nowshehra says, “We are glad that UNITED SIKHS decided to provide these kits to IDPs. They have been waiting for two weeks for some sort of aid, and these kits are essential for them to survive.” A month after the severe flooding began, rains continue to pour, and more people have had to evacuate to move to safer grounds. The number of people displaced from their homes is steadily rising, and according to reports by United Nations Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), the number of people directly affected by the flooding has increased to over 21 million. Sindh and Balochistan are areas identified as among the worst affected by floods according to reports by UN OCHA. Emergency Relief Kits Distribution in Progress “We truly really appreciate the efforts of UNITED SIKHS in Pakistan. About 80% of Nowshehra was damaged by heavy floods that left a half-million inhabitants homeless. The flood washed away several district villages completely, including Pir Sabaq, Gandaree and Dagoona. It severely damaged Nowshera Kalan, Nawa Kalay, Misri Banda, Akora Khattak, Khat Kalay, Aman Garh, Pir Piai and Khiskhi. It also destroyed 40% of the Nowshera cantonment,” said Ali Anan Qamar, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Nowshera. Those who have left their homes to seek refuge in Panja Sahib are worried about what is left behind after the floods damaged their property. “We have come from Jacobabad (Sindh) about a month and have been in Pand, in dire need of food supplies, waiting for help to arrive. The roads of Jacobabad are completely washed away by the massive flooding and we cant go back as flood waters have not receded. Every thing is swept away in flood water. We are homeless, and we don’t now when we will go back,” said Sham Singh sevadar in Jacobabad (Sindh). Volunteers assembling food and non-food items kits for distribution Gulab Khan expressed his gratitude on receiving supplies. He said, “This is first time that I have received any kind of supplies, nor have I received any aid from other organization. I've been coming here every day for a whole month, but I haven't had any luck.” As monsoon floods continue to displace millions in southern Pakistan, concerns are raised about the potential spread of epidemic diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery among flood-hit populations. Children are particularly vulnerable to water-borne diseases. Dr. Mohammad Arshad from the District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital in Nowshehra told the UNITED SIKHS aid team that the Hospital is completely washed away by massive flood, and that he is worried about the spread of acute respiratory infections, skin diseases and malnutrition spreading in the affected major areas which will be difficult to control.” UNITED SIKHS continues to provide emergency supplies to those affected by one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. Relief efforts are already underway, but the need is great. We appeal for community members to donate generously to support food and non-food provisions. We are doing every thing we can, but we need your continued support! Please donate generously; however, no amount is too little. Your donation will help disaster victims rebuild their lives and their communities. $50 will provide a kit for a family for 2 weeks. For a previous press release on UNITED SIKHS Pakistan IDP efforts, please visit: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-19-08-2010-00.html Issued by: Herdyal Singh Project Aid Coordinator Pakistan sikhaid@unitedsikhs.org 1-888-243-1690

Please email your contact details and details of event to law-uk@unitedsikhs.org veerji Im sending you a message here to. UNITED SIKHS website has reporting fetures for a range of possible issues a Sikh may experienceplease see www.unitedsikhs.org

UNITED SIKHS (UK) are looking to recruit an Operations Manager for our London office to give impetus to our operations. A job profile is detailed on our website at http://unitedsikhs.org/jobs/ - under the tab titled "United Kingdom" Please apply and forward to family and friends whom may wish to apply. The successful applicant will get the unique opportunity of working in an international charitable organisation making a difference at the grass roots. UNITED SIKHS is a UN affiliated, international advocacy, humanitarian relief, human development and community service NGO that is registered as a Charity in the UK (registration number 1112055). We aim to empower those in need, especially disadvantaged and minority communities across the world. To know more about our work please visit http://www.unitedsikhs.org Join UNITED SIKHS via http://www.unitedsikhs.org/join. Kind Regards, Ravjeet Singh ravjeet.singh@unitedsikhs.org Director - UNITED SIKHS -- Please remember UNITED SIKHS is run by you for you, we are volunteers working in our free time and only with you can we make a bigger difference. UNITED SIKHS is a registered charity UK charity: 1112055, and an affiliated NGO with U.N. with chapters all around world. For more information please visit: http://www.unitedsikhs.org Join us: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/join UNITEDSIKHS on social networks: blog: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/blog fb: http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Sikhs/314853454314 tw: http://twitter.com/unitedsikhs fl:http://www.flickr.com/unitedsikhs Operations Manager Sep 2010 Job Description.pdf

I’m looking to get a point and shoot and a Camcorder. Someone told me just get one from wall mart when in USA. Can anyone suggest couple which are reasonably priced which they may have experience with. Thanks

Does anyone know if the Interview from Sikh Channel was uploaded online? I missed first bit and wanted to watch it again.

Discover SIkhi Show again today from 7.30 pm

A new LIVE show has started on Sikh Channel Sky 840 Discover Sikhi show is aired LIVE Every Wednesday from 7pm till 8pm The show is dedicated esspecially to the youth but sevadaars try and cater for all ages aired in Punjabi, and English translating Shabads, and taking live call in discussions. This Wednesday the Discover Sikhi Show will be discussing Rituals in Sikhi. Please join in and support the LIVE show. The shows sevadaars include Veer Bhai Manvir Singh and Veer Bhai Bupinder Singh (lovingly known as Bass)

Need seva to be done. First we need a poster for Kirtan classes locally and in next couple of week need more posters and maybe a simple website, couple pages.. If anyone can make a nice poster for local kirtan class please get in touch with me asap. Thanks! Dass

Does anyone have info on East London Nagar Kirtan When it is, route, time starts and finish?

As part of London Sikhi Week, London Sikh Socs Akhand Paath http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=67726172844 Sri Akhand Paath Sahib Gurdwara: Gurdwara Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha) Place: 62 Queensdale Road, Shepherd's Bush, London, W11 4SG Directions: Shepherd's Bush (Central Line) not other tube lines! FOR THE STUDENTS BY THE STUDENTS.... STUDENT KIRTAN DARBAAR Workshops Daastar tying Homeless Run Stalls for cds, posters, books, hoodies etc... SEWA... SIMRAN... SANGAT :-) This is an opportunity for EVERYONE to get involved with lots of things and to get to know everyone. All langar will be prepared and made by the students. Please forward the poster. And if anyone would like to stay and camp there over the weekend there will be seperate sleeping arrangements for girls (kaurs) and guys (singhs). So lets make this weekend a valuable learning experience for all. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Friday 13th March Arambh 9.30am Keertan Darbar 5.30pm Homeless run 7.30 pm (food will be prepared at the gurudwara and a minibus will take us to sites in london to do great sewa) Saturday All day spring clean of gurudwara. Discussions Dastar tying Evening keertan darbar with Katha 5.30 till late Sunday 15th March Bhog 10 am followed by keertan

why do you care whos comming? You should be going for Guroo Sahibs Darshan and sangat and who knows if they are or aren't ? bhai harpreet singh usually flys down on the day and leaves just as quick.

what is the timing for divaan's each day, any inbetween Q&A/vichaar and also what happened to a poster. Dont mean to sound needy or anything :umm: