SinghStation

Tihar jail, Delhi – On the morning of 4th January 2015, a very special Gurpurb programme was held within the confines of Tihar Jail in New Delhi, to commemorate the parkash purab of Guru Gobind Singh. The Tihar complex is made up of a number of jails, each containing over 3,000 inmates. Among the Sikh political prisoners lodged in Tihar are Jagtar Singh Hawara, Parmjit Singh Bheora and Daya Singh Lahoria. Sikh prisoners are rarely allowed to hold a religious function, although other faiths regularly observe their own holy days. It requires a great deal of effort by the Sikh inmates to get the necessary go-ahead. But yesterday, all the inmates in one jail, regardless of their beliefs, were invited to a Kirtan diwan and to partake in the Guru ka Langar which was served afterwards, provided by the Delhi Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee. Apaardeep Singh (UK) and his jatha performed blissful kirtan and the final ardaas prayed for the unity and freedom of the Sikh nation. The Parshaad (blessed food) was distributed among the entire Tihar complex – including jail wardens and staff. Jagtar Singh Hawara addressed the Sangat for a few moments to commend the welfare provided by Sikh Relief (SOPW) and how it is a lifeline to those who find themselves imprisoned for their beliefs, to know that their families are being taken care of, while their own legal battle is fought on their behalf. Sikh Relief volunteer Sarbpreet Singh was granted permission to attend and among the others present were Manpreet Singh, Kuldeep Singh Batali and Mohinderpal Singh all from Akali Dal (Mann). Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/01/guru-gobind-singh-ji-gurpurab-celebrated-inside-tihar-jail/

In a shocking and shameful incident, Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji taken to do Parkash and Kirtan at a Bollywood Night Club Bar in Malaysia. The incident took place on 5th January at Moshi Moshi Nightclub. which promises a ‘brand new clubbing’ and the ‘craziest Bollywood’ experiences. The spark that ignited the issue was the act of bringing the SGGS into the pub premises on the pretext of holding prayers on that Sunday evening. The night club owners had issued an apology for their actions on the same night, with a statement posted on one of the Facebook pages promoting the premises. In a impromptu meeting that same night, Sarabjit Singh Rangila Durgwale, the kirtani involved, had also apologised for what he termed as an error of judgment on his part, according to people who were present personally. When the word starting making its way via social media around 7pm, a group of young Sikh men had gone to the night club. According to eye-witnesses available at the place of incident, he said that “When we reached there, the prayer programme was about to complete, We waited for the semaphti and then took Guru maharaaj [sGGS] to Titiwangsa.” The SGGS saroop was brought to the premises from Gurdwara Sahib Titiwangsa, a gurdwara in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Some of the boys were quite upset, angry. We managed to calm them down. We told them to send five people to speak to Rangila,” said Baldave Singh Leo, an entrepreneur and a renown local kirtani, who happened to be at the Tatt Khalsa programme. A meeting was held today at 2pm attended by sikh organization, namely SNSM, MGC, Niketan,SGGS Academy and committee members from titiwangsa gurd. After lengthy deliberation the meeting decided unanimously that it is best for the Panj Piaray to summon the relevant persons to appear at Gurd Sahib Titiwangsa at 8.00pm tonight(5th January 2015) to hear the case and decide accordingly. 5 Piaray representing the above organization hereby summoned the following persons to come before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Panj Piaray A) Sukhwinder singh Bedi (owner of the pub) B) Sarabjit singh rangila and jatha (Kirtani jatha that performed at the pub) C) Shamandeep singh and jatha (Kirtani jatha that performed at the pub) D) Shankar singh (sewadar from titiwangsa gurd that served as giani ji in the function at the pub) According to Sikh Channel, Panj Pyarey later made the decision in the presence of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Sadh Sangat on the 5th January 2015 at Gurdwara Sahib, Titiwangsa. The Panj Pyarey have unanimously agreed that all persons summoned are guilty of their act and are punishable. These are the thankah (punishment): 1. Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Bedi – One Akhand Paath at GS Titiwangsa – 4 hours of total listening to Baani during the Akhand Paath. – Mool Mantar 108 a day for 40 days. – 7days Jorey(shoes) Di Sewa out of the 40 days – Ardass & Degh after the 40days. 2. Bhai Sarabjit Singh Rangila & Jatha – One Sukhmani Sahib per day each of them, for 40days. – Jorey(shoes) Di sewa for 11days out of the 40days – Ardass & Degh after the 40days. 3. Bhai Shamandeep Singh & Jatha – Three Japji Sahib Paath per day, each of them, besides their Nitnem for 40 days - Paandey(Utensils) Di sewa for 11days, out of the 40 days – Ardass & Degh after 40 days 4. Giani Shankar Singh – Three Japji Sahib per day for 40days, besides his Nitnem – Charu(Sweeping) Di sewa at the Gurdwara compound for 40days – Ardass & Degh after 40 days 5. Gurdwara Committee – Akhand Paath to be organized by the committee members at Gurdwara Sahib Titiwangsa with their own maya(money) from Daswandh – Sewa during the Akhand Paath The Panj Pyarey has reminded that this act should not be repeated ever again. This is the decision by the Panj Pyarey. The Sangat is requested to abide by the decision. The Panj Pyarey has requested to set up a Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Satkaar Committee to draw up guidelines & framework on Satkar of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Originally sourced from: http://singhstation.net/2015/01/ultimate-beadbi-guru-granth-sahib-ji-taken-nightclub-bar-malaysia/

Jan 2, 2014. A frantic 4-day search for Hari Simran Singh Khalsa in the mountains around Tepoztlán, Mexico ended Friday when rescue teams found his lifeless body. The young man appeared to have fallen from a height while hiking, sustaining an injury to the head that killed him instantly. Khalsa, along with his wife Emily Ad Purkh Smith, were on vacation at the Villa Maria Inmaculada retreat center in Tepoztlán to take part in a spiritual retreat. On the afternoon of December 30, 2014, Khalsa took a short hike in the mountains near the center. Partners: Smiran and his wife, Emily Smith Khalsa sent a text message to his wife at 12:30 pm on Tuesday with a photo and a message, “Looking down on you!” The next message Mrs. Smith received was at 2:20 pm, and said, “I accidentally summited another mountain. Looks like I’ll be a little later coming back . Save me some lunch if you can.” Those were his last communications with his wife. Two memorial vigils will be held this evening. One at the Raj Yoga Center in Sterling, Virginia. The Virginia vigil will begin at 7 pm EST and include chanting and prayers for Khalsa and his family.http://rajyoga.org. A second memorial will take place in Espanola, New Mexico, USA – and this will be livestreamed through 3HO.org. The livestream will begin at 5:30 pm MST.http://new.livestream.com/HealthyHappyHoly/HariSimran In the meantime, family and community members remain in Mexico making arrangements for his remains to be returned to the United States. Final journey: Rescue workers carry the body of Hari Simran Singh Khalsa Khalsa was a beloved member of the Sikh American community. He served as an active Kundalini yoga teacher and with his wife ran the Raj Yoga center in Sterling, Virginia. In addition, Khalsa was a community organizer with the Sikh Coalition, and an executive assistant for Sikh Dharma International. He was known for his light, clarity, compassion, kindness, and willingness to serve. FindHariSimran.com issued the following statement upon learning of his passing. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Hari Simran Singh has been found. He appears to have fallen while hiking and sustained a fatal injury to the head. We believe he passed instantly and did not suffer. His family and friends are making the proper arrangements in Mexico. There will be a memorial vigil tonight in Virginia. Please send your love to his family, friends and our entire community and pray with his family tonight. Thank you to everyone – the local and national governments of Mexico, the United States Embassy, the Red Cross, all the volunteers, the media, and all of you for helping us #findharisimran. This journey has been a testament to the enormous amount of love and goodness he shared with us all during his time on earth. His last picture said ‘Looking down on you.’ We know he is an angel in the heavens now looking down on all of us. We love you, Hari Simran.” Hari Simran Singh Khalsa is survived by his wife, Emily AdPurkh Smith, Sterling, Virginia and his parents, Sat Jagat Singh and Guru Surya Kaur Khalsa Brooklyn, New York. Taken from source: http://singhstation.net/2015/01/missing-american-sikh-hari-simran-singh-khalsa-found-dead/

Melbourne – In the sad and most untimely demise of Bhai Harjinder Singh, who left us on 30th december 2014, our Sikh community has lost a very loving and chardikala Singh. Harjinder Singh was a invaluable member of our community. He was loved by many of us and was particularly very popular amongst the kids as he taught them Gatka. He was also considered Ustad of Damdami Taksal Ranjit Gatka Akhara in Australia. Harjinder inspired many around him with his charismatic Sikhi saroop and was always in a spirit of Chardikala. He will be truly missed. Harjinder Singh spent his last few days at Sikh Sewaks Australia Gurmat Family Camp. His body is currently sent for postmortem to find the cause of his death. Harjinder’s wife and other family members are in Punjab. He was only 27. May Waheguru ji bless his soul and give his family and friends the courage through this difficult time. According to Gurdwara Blackburn website, Preparations are currently being made for Harjinder to be sent to his family in Punjab for his funeral and last rites. Also there is Akhand Path Sahib Starting in his sweet memory at Gurdwara Sahib, Blackburn on Friday 2/01/2015 at 4pm. Bhog and Antim Ardas will take place on Sunday 4/01/2015 6pm onwards. Source: http://singhstation.net/2015/01/sad-untimely-demise-bhai-harjinder-singh-melbourne/

Full News: http://singhstation.net/2015/01/sewa-2014-sikh-awards/ The great personalities that have contributed to the promotion of Sikhism were honoured by SEWA ( Social Educational Welfare Association) in association with International Fateh Academy on Monday, December 29, 2014 at a International Level Conference held at International Fateh Academy, Jandiala Guru. The special presence of ‘Five Singh Sahibaan’ to confer awards upon the distinguished personalities of the Sikh panth was a great honour and sanctified the event. The aim of the conference was to recognize those personalities that are making an indefatigable effort in different spheres not only to revive the honour but to spread the fragrance of Sikhism throughout the world. This Conference was a wonderful attempt by ‘SEWA’ a non-profit registered Society. The president of ‘SEWA’ S.Jagbir Singh, Chairman, and IFA shared that the Sikh of the Year Award was initiated in the year 2011. This time the awards are being given in different categories for which nominations were sought from the ‘Sikh Sangat’ through letters and e-mail. After a thorough verification of the nomination, 13 Gursikhs were selected by SEWA. The personalities honoured with Awards were: Ravinder Singh, founder of Khalsa Aid (U.K) was honoured with the ‘Sikh of the Year, 2014’ Award for safeguarding the human rights and reaching out to these afflicted by natural and politically motivated catastrophies. Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji: The gold-plating of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Sri DumDuma Sahib, Sri Fategarh Sahib completed under the command of Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji and in progress at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, earned him the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his dedicated service. Dr. Sarup Singh Alag, a noted writer, reporter, researcher of Sikh history was also conferred with the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his contribution to the Sikh Panth. Bhai Jagraj Singh was honoured with the ‘Sikh Youth Icon Award-2014’ for promoting Sikhism through the electronic media. Guribaadat Singh was conferred with the ‘Sikh Youth Icon Award-2014’ for being the first Amritdhari Gursikh to scale the highest peak in the world end that too at just 17 years of age. Akaal Purakh Ki Fauj (Org) empowers individuals of all ages to achieve their potential in physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects and to fulfill their responsibilities towards their family , society and religion. The organization that has started several projects for the service of Sikhi, was honoured with the ‘Sikh Organization Award’-2014. The Sikh Media Application ’Gurbani Searcher’ was honoured with ‘Best Sikh Application Award-2014.’ S.Bhupinder Singh was honoured with the ‘Bhai Ghanaiya Award-2014’ for his selfless service towards the locals. S.Gurpreet Singh was conferred ‘Pride of Sikhs Award-2014’ for being a Puran Gursikh, for honestly performing his duties in the capacity of an Inspector in the Gujrat police department. Giani Jagtar Singh Ji Jachak was honoured with the ‘Guru Piyare Award-2014’ for his endeavor to preach and promote the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji worldwide. Bibi Harpreet Kaur was conferred with the ‘Dedicated Sikh Award-2014’ for her services in USA to enjoin the sikh children to their culture, heritage and religion. S.Gunveen Singh was honoured with the ‘Creative Sikh Award-2014’ for being a successful model, actor and director even while being a baptised Sikh. Sikh channel was conferred ‘Sikh Media Award-2014′ for its significant role in the telecasting of religious and spiritual programmes as Kirtan, Katha etc. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who is on hunger strike for the second time, for release of illegal prisoners from Indian jails, was honoured with the ‘So Kahiyat Hai Soora Award’ which was received by his son from the ‘Five Sikh Sahibaan’. Below are the links of Photos/Videos: Sikh Awards-2014 The Awards by SEWA will be a regular feature recognizing the great personalities of Sikh Faith for their contribution in upholding the honour and promotion of Sikhism. Please visit the following links to view the ceremony in its entirety: Click for the Photos of the Event

Just days after an ITV programme paid tribute to Ravi Singh of Khalsa Aid, he has been honoured at an awards ceremony in Amritsar. Ravinder Singh alias Ravi Singh, was named ‘Sikh of the Year’ yesterday in Amritsar at the Media Punjab Tv Fateh Academy Sikh Awards for safeguarding the human rights and reaching out to these afflicted by natural and politically motivated catastrophes.. Khalsa Aid Founder/CEO Ravinder Singh He was accompanied by his friend Jim Winkworth, who he met during his time helping out in Burrowbridge, Somerset, during the flooding there. Jim had tricked Ravi into appearing on ITV’s Surprise Surprise just days before. On his Facebook page, Mr Singh wrote of the symbolism of his friendship with Mr Winkworth: “The journey for myself and Jim Winkworth began during the floods relief in Somerset earlier this year and has now taken Jim to the most beautiful and spiritual place in the Sikh world. In a world full of hate the UK Sikh community and the Somerset community have become a beacon of hope and friendship “I hope this relationship will strengthen to serve humanity all over the world.” The announcement of Ravi’s award on Facebook has already been ‘liked’ by over 6,000. http://singhstation.net/2015/01/khalsa-aid-founder-ravinder-singh-awarded-sikh-of-the-year/

Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim is all set to charge you up with his film, titled the Messenger of God, which is set for release on January 16 next year. According to the DSS website, the film was completed in a record 67 days. Produced by Hakikat Entertainment and directed by Jeetu Arora, the movie will be released in four languages, including English and Hindi. Jeetu Arora had earlier directed popular Hindi television soaps like ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’. A 60-second teaser of the film, however, claims that the DSS chief has also directed the film. The film was mostly shot in Sirsa, where the DSS is based. Parts were also shot in foreign locations. Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s album Love Charger is claimed to have sold over 20 lakh copies. Not surprisingly then, the three-hour-long film will feature seven songs, all sung by the DSS chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim himself. One of the songs deals with the menace of drinking. In that song, Gurmeet sings “Daaru ko Goli Maro. Goli Maro Saali ko… Jala Daalo.” The teaser of the film shows Gurmeet appearing from a snow-clad mountain. He then says – “Koi humein Sant kehta hai. Koi kehta hai Farishta. Koi kehta hai Guru. Koi kehta hai Bhagwan. Lekin, hum toh hain sirf ek insan (Some call me a saint. Some call me an angel. Some call me a guru. Some call me a god. But I am just a human being).” The teaser also shows him pouring a bottle of water on his head and then clenching his fist like a Bollywood action hero, as if he’s about to beat up some villain. In the end, he is seen holding a tricolour flag. The Dera Sacha Sauda website —www.derasachasauda.org— claims that the film is a combination of entertainment, action and social messages. According to sources, Gurmeet himself has played the lead role opposite a South Indian heroine. Recently, Gurmeet claimed that he has acted in the lead role and assisted Jeetu Arora in directing the film. He also said he has written the script. “The only motive behind the film is to eradicate social evils such as Corruption and ever increasing Drug Abuse ,” he told media persons. As per the spokesperson of Dera Sacha Sauda, the proceeds of the film shall be utilized for the medication of Thalassemia patients across the globe. Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/dera-sacha-sauda-chief-star-new-film-messenger-god/

Yes, you are right. Baba Teja Singh in the given example are different to the one who recently passed away.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville temple is asking for the public’s help after being burglarized. Around $7,000 worth of items were stolen from the Sikh Society of North East Florida’s temple in November. Now, the temple is releasing surveillance video from the morning of the burglary in hopes that someone might recognize the suspect. The burglary was discovered when the Gurdwara Granthi Sahib entered and noticed doors, which are normally closed, were instead wide open and in the prayer room, several items were missing including two large flat screen TVs. All of the cameras weren’t enough to keep a burglar from stealing thousands of dollars worth of items from the temple. Latest News Headlines from World “It makes you upset when it happens to a holy place,” said president Narinder Singh. “Upset … yeah,” said Gurdwara Granthi Ajit Singh. The crime is still evident. Two flat screen TVs, the temple’s money box with nearly $600 dollars in cash and the temple’s safe filled with documents were stolen. “He may have been here before. He knew where three, four valuable items are,” Singh said. Singh and the Granthi ji discovered the burglary and showed us what they believe happened. The suspect moved the safe, money box and TVs out of the building through this door. Unfortunately, only the first few moments of the crime were captured by a surveillance camera. The suspect cut power to the building before entering. “We come here for peace of mind and prayer and someone just vandalized the place. It’s not nice,” Singh said. The Sikh Society of North East Florida said they have received a tremendous amount of support since the burglary. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/7k-items-stolen-jacksonville-gurdwara-usa/

Respected JSingh ji Not sure, what part actually prompted your comments, but as already answered by few other Sikh members on this post, I hope it clarifies that Laavan were not always part of the Maryada but were added later on. We apologise if you think its adding to any confusion at your end....but I believe that at the same time, it is clarifying that that though it was never part of in the past, but it is INDEED A PART of current Sikh Rehat Maryada. Also the article above has also mentioned: Each part of the Lavaan gives you a different teaching which you hear out while you revolve around the Guru like the earth revolves around the sun and you commit to that teaching, saying you fully agree with it and will embody it the moment you bow your head before the Guru and Matha Tek.

Sukhmani Sahib also states: "Brahmgyani kee gat brahgyani jaane.." I would like to share a small story with you: Once (in 1906) Bhai Teja Singh Jee was going to the US and went to Baba Attar Singh jee for his blessings. Baba Attar Singh jee directed him to go to Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee. When Bhai Teja Singh jee reached Bhai Sahib, Bhai Sahib replied, "Who am I?" Bhai Teja Singh jee then told Bhai Sahib about the importance of his mission to US and Baba Attar Singh Jee's request. So, Bhai Sahib after some thought requested the Sangat to appoint 5 Singhs to do ardas for Bhai Teja Singh Jee. Never would Real Gursikhs let anyone put them on any pedestal. If you watch the above video...its totally opposite of the above story I shared.. The point was to illustrate that Real Gursikhs never accepted anyone putting them at an authority level and doing chavar over them can never ever be thought of even.

When Ram Rai, the eldest son of Mata Krishen Kaur and Guru Har Rai Ji, changed a word of a Gurbani tukh to appease (the usurper of the Mughal Raj) Arungzeb, Guru Har Rai Ji excommunicated him from Sikhi. Baba Ram Rai was Guru Sahib’s own son yet he had disrespected Gurbani which is considered the highest form of direspect in the Sikh Faith. Baani Guru, Guru Hai Baani. BUT we forget one important thing, Baba Ram Rai was punished so severely because he KNOWINGLY did the wrong thing. Being Guru Sahib’s son he was well aware of the crime he was committing and therefore it was a choice. Sadly majority of our community today is ignorant of our faith and it’s history. So how then can we hold individuals responsible when they disrespect Gurbani and thereby the True Guru unknowingly? Our response must be different because the Guru is just and never angry toward those who commit a mistake unknowingly. It is counterproductive to curse the bride and say “she deserves to rot in hell” or that “she is a stupid <banned word filter activated> who should die”. This only perpetuates ignorance and division within our community. We must as a community take responsibility and educate ourselves and others to make sure incidents like this never occur again. As for incidents regarding to Anand Karaj, Anand Karaj is a very big commitment that we have dumbed down to “the Punjabi Marriage Ceremony” and by doing so we have turned it into a ritual, something often the bride and groom do without true knowledge. The Anand Karaj is a commitment ceremony that binds the souls of the couple, you are not only committing to each other but making the HUGE commitment of accepting Guru Sahib as your Guru, to follow “his” teachings and keep “him” in the center of your new married life. Each part of the Lavaan gives you a different teaching which you hear out while you revolve around the Guru like the earth revolves around the sun and you commit to that teaching, saying you fully agree with it and will embody it the moment you bow your head before the Guru and Matha Tek. The “pheray” or parkarma around Guru Granth Sahib was not always part of the ceremony, it was added and is merely mirroring your commitment. The palla shows the connecting of two souls, you walk around Guru Sahib to show “he” is the center of your life. The reason walking side by side doesn’t work is because you both will not be equidistance from Guru Sahib, one person will be further. The woman walking behind the man is not inequality because it simply mirrors a Gurbani tukh. Also in the greater context of Anand Karaj one can see inequality is not an issue. As I stated before, we are viewing our religion through a western perspective without the knowledge and historical context of our religion. Furthermore, another way to look at in a western perspective is “Behind every man is a strong woman…and boom now it’s liberating. I would like to state once again that ignorance is the root of all the confusion and division in our community. If it pains you to see Guru Granth Sahib disrespected then take it upon yourself to educate others of Gurbani and Sikh History. Do your research so you can know about the faith and institution you claim to be a part of. I would like to end this by saying once again, disrespect to Gurbani and thereby the true Guru is the highest crime. I will leave you with one other example of how much respect our Gurus had for Gurbani. They were always stating that they are nothing, Gurbani, the word of Waheguru is everything, worship and follow Gurbani not their physical forms. Baani Guru, Guru Hai Baani. When Guru Arjun Dev Ji, the 5th Guru was bringing Aad Granth (half of Guru Granth Sahib organized into a saroop) to Amritsar, Baba Buddha ji carried Aad Granth on his head while Guru Arjun Dev Ji did chaur seva (waving of peacock feathers). This shocked the sangat that was walking alongside Guru Sahib because chaur seva was something that was only done to the Guru or to Kings and yet here was the Guru doing chaur seva to what appeared to be a book! Then when they ended the daily events at Amritsar, the Sikhs asked Guru Arjun Dev Ji where they should put Aad Granth for the night. Guru Sahib responded, Aad Granth will rest on my bed, I will sleep on the floor beside it. OUR GURUS SHOWED TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT GURBANI IS THE HIGHEST. Today we have largely forgotten this and disregard Guru Granth Sahib, we neglect our Guru by remaining ignorant of “his” teachings. Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/anand-karaj-in-the-context-of-guru-and-western-culture/

It is interesting to note that the Great Baba Budda ji was never titled Brahmgiani but these days in the 20th and 21st centuries we have broken records with the number of Brahmgianis and sants. Why weren't there any Brahmgianis and Sants in the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries? Maybe because back then people believed in SGGS as their Brahmgiani and true sant?

When Guru Arjun Dev Ji, the 5th Guru was bringing Aad Granth (half of Guru Granth Sahib organized into a saroop) to Amritsar, Baba Buddha ji carried Aad Granth on his head while Guru Arjun Dev Ji did chaur seva (waving of peacock feathers). This shocked the sangat that was walking alongside Guru Sahib because chaur seva was something that was only done to the Guru or to Kings and yet here was the Guru doing chaur seva to what appeared to be a book! Then when they ended the daily events at Amritsar, the Sikhs asked Guru Arjun Dev Ji where they should put Aad Granth for the night. Guru Sahib responded, Aad Granth will rest on my bed, I will sleep on the floor beside it. OUR GURUS SHOWED TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT GURBANI IS THE HIGHEST. Today we have largely forgotten this and disregard Guru Granth Sahib, we neglect our Guru by remaining ignorant of his teachings.

Christchurch – On 7th December, Sikh Community got together and organised a parade as part of the 67th annual Santa Parade in Christchurch for the first time. The community people felt that it was a great opportunity for Sikhs to be involved in such an event to widen their identity. The community had a great fun with so many other multicultural communities participating in the event as well. The community participating in Christchurch santa parade 2014 cheared while raising salogans, jakaras and wishing marry Christmas to the fellow New Zealanders. The parade was led by five Singhs who represented the collective leadership of Sikh community in all fields. All the efforts were made by the Sikh Youth. There was no involvement of any Gurdwara committee and the community was thankful to their fellow brothers and sisters who helped and did participate in the Parade. Each year the parade gets bigger and brighter as both children and adults (over 120,000 people) line up the streets to watch the spectacular parade, their favourite cartoon characters, animals, clowns, marching bands, dancing fairies, celebrities and so much more. This was the first time the Sikh community in Christchurch has done something like this and they hope to continue this every year making the parade bigger and better. It was a proud moment for us all, proud to be Sikhs and proud to be promoting our country. Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/first-time-nz-sikhs-participate-santa-parade-christchurch/

Please read rehat maryada, its clearly written that bride follows groom during laavan Link provided here: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/anand-karaj-maryada-challenged-couple-takes-lavan-side-by-side/

http://singhstation.net/2014/12/glencove-controversial-bridal-photographer-apologises-facebook/ Glencove Controversial Bridal photographer apologises over FacebookWithin 24 hours, the Sikh community was outraged at the shameful incident of bridal photography within Darbar Sahib of Glen Cove Gurdwara in New York, USA, the photographer has put a Facebook apology over the photo shoot.

A controversy has erupted over non-cancellation of registration of five doctors despite their conviction in a kidney transplantation case. There is a difference of opinion on the matter between office-bearers of the Punjab Medical Council. The matter has reached the state government with council president seeking directions for suspension of registration of the doctors even as they have filed an appeal against their conviction pronounced in November last year. The doctors are Dr OP Mahajan, Dr Jagdish Gargi, Dr SK Grover, Dr HS Bhutani and Dr Rajinder Singh. They are currently on bail and their appeal is pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Of these, Dr Grover got his registration renewed last month which raised sharp reaction from within the PMC. Council president Dr GS Grewal said as per rules their registration should be cancelled or suspended till they were acquitted. Another group argued that action should be stalled as the doctors were on bail after they moved the high court against their conviction. Dr Grewal has shot off a letter to the state government through Secretary, Health, Hussan Lal, seeking instructions on the matter. “The registration cannot be cancelled as the doctors have filed an appeal. We have given them provisional registration after an approval by Dr Grewal,” claimed Dr Gurdeep Singh Kalyan, Joint Director, Research & Medical Education, and Registrar, PMC. Dr Grewal claims that he never gave the approval and was against the decision. He said the government was seized of the matter. “I have raised the issue in public interest,” he added. Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/doctors-convicted-in-amritsar-kidney-scam-continue-practice/ ਜਦੋਂ ਕੋਈ ਸਿੱਖ ਕੈਦੀ ੨੮ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਪੇਰੋਲ ਤੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਫੇਰ ਵੀ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਇਹ ਘਪਲੇਬਾਜ਼ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਸ਼ਰੇਆਮ ਅਜੇ ਵੀ ਅਪਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਕਰੀ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਜਨਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਹੇਠ ਲਿਖੇ ਡਾਕਟਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਬਚਾਅ ਆਪ ਕਰਨ!

People these days wanna experiment their own ideas into the Gurmat traditions and teachings and when someone raises an issue on that , they will say that this is their life and they can do whatever they want. In 1579 Guru Arjan Dev ji maharaj had the honour to start his grehsti life with Anand Karaj maryada with Mata Ganga ji. Guru Arjan Dev ji led the laavan and Mata ji followed him. Then later on our other Gurus and great Sikhs of history followed the same traditions as well. But these days, people are more intellectual. They talk about male female equality. They forget that Guru Nanak dev ji was the first Sikh to raise his voice against women inequality. How can they even think that if our Guru started a tradition , it can be questioned or challenged? May Guru Sahib forgive us for our such acts and bless with the wisdom to accept His thoughts.

Also wonder why a special pump is given to this merchandise, There are already many companies selling merchandise including lockets with Guru Sahibs photos or t-shirts with khands, bhindrawale and other Sikhi slogans.. With the above merchandise, whats the point of selling water bottles picturising sahibzaade photos. Here is the sample These are just another ways to make money.. Instead of promoting such merchandise, we should promote Sikh books by Bhai Vir Singh ji and other Sikh scholars. There are Sikh comics developed for educational purposes too. There are many websites by our Sikh brothers and sisters who have developed Sikh merchandise taking gurmat into consideration. We should promote them instead.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has given its nod for displaying merchandise related to Sikh history in the gurdwaras of Punjab, and Ludhiana has been chosen as the first city for the initiative. Rajiv Sawhney, who is manufacturing products for children on Sikh history, said, “The merchandise starts from Rs 15 and goes up to Rs 30,000 so that all can buy them. We met SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar today and we are starting with Model Town gurdwara, Sarabha Nagar gurdwara and Hot Breads on Friday where various things like key chains, calenders, pen drives, games, T-shirts and water sippers related to four Sahibzaadas will be put on display.” The exclusive of all products is a 24-carat gold-plated kirpan (sword) mounted on a wooden panel. The calenders have an inscription from the Guru Granth Sahib on each page with an English translation of the same. The movie has recorded good collections overseas as a large number of Sikhs are settled in Canada and the US. “We are getting overwhelming response for these products as children have got new superheroes in the form of four Sahibzaadas. Earlier, they were not even aware of their sacrifices and great Sikh history,” Sawhney said. He added that ‘replicated swords and bow-arrow of four Sahibzaadas are getting great response from children and also the pendants made for women”. “A lot of research went into making products to avoid any controversy and we studied Sikh history literature for a month to learn the details,” he added. SGPC head Makkar said, “It is a noble cause and we will happily allow this venture in gurdwaras starting from Ludhiana.” Raman Singh, a city resident, said, “It is time that new generations in Punjab were made aware of great Sikh history and sacrifices of Chaar Saahibzaade, and there is no better platform than gurdwaras to begin with.” Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/chaar-sahibzaade-merchandise-get-sgpc-nod-sale/

Respected Singh ji No we don't take pride in labeling this bibi as Sikh Woman. This is simply a news and source has been specified. As a news website, we don't really evaluate all content sourced from other website. SinghStation's own views are usually added underneath our OP-ED section or the Gurblog section (pls read disclaimer on our website too). Relating to this particular news, personally I do agree with your views and dont feel any pride of finding a Sikh woman in her. Also as far as Chaar Sahibzaade movie views are concerned, we have expressed both sides of the coin...but its upto the audience which part they dont want to see... May Waheguru ji bless her and all of us...

Today, 5th December marks the birthday of Great Sikh Scholar and Maker of Punjabi Literature - Bhai Vir Singh ji. Here is a short glimpse of his life: Bhai Vir Singh (December 5, 1872 – June 10, 1957) is known as a ‘Maker of Punjabi Literature’ and hence ‘The Sixth River of Punjab‘. He was a poet, novelist, editor, exegete, historian and a journalist. He was the leading figure in the Singh Sabha, the dynamic Sikh renaissance movement in early 20th century Punjab. Bhai Vir Singh was born into a family of scholars, and he grew up in the holy city of Amritsar. He finished his Matriculation winning the district boards gold medal. When he was still at school, he was married to Bibi Chattar Kaur. Considered to be the harbinger of modern Punjabi literature, Bhai Vir Singh wrote prose, novels, poems, plays and historical research. He also started publishing Khalsa Samachar, the first Punjabi daily. Through the pages of Khalsa Samachar, he tried to bring about social and religious reform such as importance of education, equal rights to women, abolition of the caste system, and so on. He established the Khalsa College in Amritsar, and with the help of Wazir Singh, he set up a lithographic press in Amritsar in 1892. The following year he started the Khalsa Tract Society with a view to serving the country and the Khalsa Panth. He was a great scholar not only of Sikhism but also of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Bhai Vir Singh also edited and published Prachin Panth Prakash and Janamsakhi, the life-story of Guru Nanak Dev. He organised the Chief Khalsa Diwan, a representative body of the Sikhs for bringing about religious and social reforms. SInce very few cared to get themselves educated during his day, he formed the Sikh Educational Committee for spreading of education. Bhai Vir Singh inspired novelists like Nanak Singh, Bhai Mohan Singh Vaid, Charan Singh Shahid, Master Tara Singh, and Gurbakhsh Singh. Panjab University conferred on him a doctorate in Oriental Learning, and the Sahitya Akademi awarded him its first annual award for outstanding contribution to Punjabi literature. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan. He was nominated member of the Punjab Legislative Council in 1952. Bhai Vir Singh was the most important writer and theologian in Punjabi who expounded Sikh history and philosophy for more than fifty years. He is regarded as the Bhai Gurdas of the twentienth century. His most important works are Guru Nanak Chamatkar, Kalgidhar Chamatkar, Baba Nodh Singh and Meray Saeeyan jeeo. His poetry possesses the sublimity of Milton, the spontaneity of Wordsworth, the music of Tagore and the mysticism of Yeats. He was the ‘finest flower’ in the renaissance of modern Punjab. Dr. Vir Singh sang of the struggles of the village folk. He wrote poems on freedom and patriotism. Bhai Vir Singh was very versatile. He was poet, novelist and critic. He found spiritual lessons in the objects of Nature. The Kikar Tree is a symbol of the spiritual seeker who must face the slings and arrows of worldly people. His poetry throbs with the longing of the individual soul to rejoin the Universal Soul. The hurdle between man and God is the Ego. Once that is subdued, man may meet God, face to face. He would find beauty and God’s presence in the ordinary things of life. He believed man could find peace and bliss through self control and spiritual effort. Dr. Vir Singh was also a historical novelist. His important works in this genre are Sundri, Bijay Singh and Satwant Kaur. Their popularity, is such that they have been reprinted many times. Bhai Vir Singh was not only a philosopher but also a stylist. Even his prose captures the dignity and harmony of poetry. Kalgidhar Chamatkar is full of purple passages. A registered society, Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, is now busy publishing his works and popularising them among the masses. His centenary was celebrated in India and abroad in 1972. Bhai Vir Singh’s creative talent was recognized by the government and the Punjab university. He was given the title of Padam Shri by the Gov. of India and a Honorary Doctorate by the Punjab University. H. Chattopadhaya called him the “sixth river in the land of the five rivers.” Source: http://singhstation.net/2013/12/bhai-vir-singh-the-sixth-river-of-punjab/

YUBA CITY, Calif. (KCRA) —It’s history in the making as a woman of Sikh descent is the first one elected to City Council, likely not just in California, but in the nation. Preet Didbal, 46, stood next to her mother and was sworn in by her daughter as part of the Yuba City ceremony for new council members Tuesday night. “This is a big day,” Didbal told KCRA 3, her eyes filled with tears. “It is very emotional … I still can’t believe it.” Her journey started from humble beginnings. “We worked in the fields here,” Didbal said. “We are the farm laborers who just raised ourselves up. I was one of the first out of our family to go to college.” Didbal holds an associate degree in nutrition, a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s in public administration. She is currently a correctional health care services manager in the California Department of Corrections. Didbal recalls getting her parents’ thoughts years ago about getting into politics. “My dad, my parents said (to me), ‘We were raising you like our sons, as if you were our sons,’ because (they had) four daughters,” Didbal said. “‘We give you the strength to go out and do what you want.'” She has served on the Yuba City Planning Commission for eight years. Didbal said she will focus on children, education and public safety during her term. Among the people who packed council chambers during the ceremony were young girls who look up to Didbal. “From where I was standing, I see all these men and then I see Preet,” said 15-year-old Ravina Sidhu. “And it’s wonderful, because she’s telling you to go for it.” “I do admire her,” 11-year-old Meneek Sidhu said. “I think she’ll be a great councilwoman and good for our community.” Source: http://singhstation.net/2014/12/sikh-woman-makes-history-yuba-city-council-member/