harjinder

Wahe Guru Jee Ka Khalsa ; Wahe Guru Jee Ki Fateh. This is to ensure that the Sikh Sangat stays abreast of attacks on the Sikh religion. Guru Pyaareo, you will know exactly what I mean if you have read the Hindustan Times or Ajit on Sunday,13th May, 2007. The front pages of one of India's largest read dailies, the Hindustan Times and Ajit had an advertisement of Psuedo-Sant, Gurmeet Ram Rahim. The advertisement was blasphemous and misleading. It was sheer disrespect to our Dashmesh Pita, Saahibe Kamaal Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The advertisement titled, "Guidelines for humans to revive the dying spirit of Humanitarianism" was in Hindi. The advertisement has a picture of Psuedo-Sant, Gurmeet Ram Rahim who is dressed like Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He is wearing a Dumala (round turban) with a Kalgi on it. His Chola is also similiar to the imaginary pictures that we see of Guru Sahib. He is even wearing a Kamar Kassa (waist belt). What is even more bewildering that this Psuedo-Sant, Gurmeet Ram Rahim who has been accused of rape is seen in the picture with a huge vessel filled with sweetened milk. He is churning the liquid with a serving spoon. The picture is tagged, "Gurmeet Ram Rahim himself making 'Jaam E Insaan (Wine of humanity)' or 'Roohani Jaam'. According to Rozana Spokesman, a Punjabi vernacular Psuedo-Sant, Gurmeet Ram Rahim got the 'Jaam E Insaan’ prepared by Sat (seven) Pyaras nominated by him. He first received 'Jaam E Insaan’ from them and then made them have the 'Jaam E Insaan’. This person is trying to emulate himself with the greatest soul ever on Earth. It is an advertisement which proves either the helplessness of the Sikhs or their lack of concern or both. The advertisement enlists many points inspired from Sikhism. It talks about humanity, onness of mankind, vegetarianism, remembering God at all times and seva. It criticises child marriage, female foeticide and also asks human beings to keep away from the five evils. He has published basic information available in any moral science book. He has shown irreverence by portraying himself as Guru Sahib Ji and has played with Sikh sentiments. Psuedo-Sant, Gurmeet Ram Rahim has attacked in a well-planned manner. He has used Sikh glossary in his advertisement. Words like Simran, Seva, Sangat, Satnaam, Satguru, Gurumantra, Ardas etc. are used all over the advertisement. Our Guru has asked us to donate alteast one tenth of our income for good cause whereas Psuedo-Sant, Gurmeet Ram Rahim in his advertisement says we must donate alteast one fifteenth of one's income. He has asked people to donate to 'Shah Satnam Ji Green S Welfare Force Wing'. This advertisement is an attack which is malicious in nature and extremely painful for all Sikhs. This treacherous advertisement should be a message to all Sikhs to awaken to this reality in which we, Wahe Guru's army is being targeted by anti-Sikhs like Psuedo-Sant, Gurmeet Ram Rahim. We, the Sikh Sangat must gear up, identify our roles and play our part in uprooting the enemies of peace and tranquility. Since the advertisement has been published many Sikhs have become aware of the rapist and murderer Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s anti-Sikh activities and are in a state of bewilderment. They are extremely disturbed. All of us are continuously reminded of Guru Sahib’s hukam, “Jabey Baan Laageo Tabey Ros Jaageo”.

Website - http://www.youngsikhs.net/ Young Sikhs Network aspires to inspire pre-adult Sikhs. We envision that the future of the Sikh faith lies in the hands of it’s youth. Young Sikhs Network has a strong inclination to arouse the pride of contemporary and modern-day Sikhs. We aim to set the Sikh clock in order by stimulating the Sikhs to follow the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and to excite them to lead their lives in accordance with Gurmat. Sikh News, Gurbani and Gurmat SMS Seva, Sikhism Wallpapers, Sikh Baby Names, Inspiration for Sikh Youth and Live Shabad Gurbani Kirtan from Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar are some features Young Sikhs Network provides to the Cyber Sikh Sangat. Young Sikhs Network believes that a Sikh is an ambassador of the Guru and a representative of the Sikh faith. To transform the people born in Sikh families into youthful and progressive Gursikhs is our objective. This website is for Non-Profit & education-use only. SOURCE : http://www.youngsikhs.net/ )

Sikhs are Saint-Soldiers and he is a perfect example of one... He led the community brevely and we Sikhs love him... He used to do 100 Japji Sahib Paaths BHINDRAWALE SANT SIPAHI... JINAA NE SUTTI HOE QAUN JAGAYEE !!! Pranaam Sant Jarnail Singh Jee Bhindrawale Nuu

The new movie starring Bill Murry, Owen Wilson, Anjelica Huston, and Cate Blanchett coming out on Dec. 25th in theatres has a real life Sikh sardar as one of the major supporting actors. Check out this link for pics from the movie. I believe it's called The Life Aquatic. CLICK NOW : http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&id=18086...=552088&intl=us CLICK NOW : http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&id=18086...=552090&intl=us CLICK NOW : http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&id=18086...=552579&intl=us Harjinder S Kukreja harjinderharjinder@hotmail.com

Dear Cyber Sadh Sangat Jee, About 3,000 Sikhs from across Europe march on a Paris boulevard to defend their traditional headgear against a looming French ban on religious symbols in state schools, January 31, 2004. Sikhs say turbans and the light scarves that women wear are not religious but practical items meant to cover the hair they never cut. REUTERS/Charles Platiau http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r1396300102.jpg Sikhs wave the French national flag as about 3,000 Sikhs from across Europe march on a Paris boulevard to defend their traditional headgear against a looming French ban on religious symbols in state schools, January 31, 2004. Sikhs say turbans and the light scarves that women wear are not religious but practical items meant to cover the hair they never cut. REUTERS/Charles Platiau http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r3595100835.jpg Indian Sikh students hold placards as they shout religious slogans during the protest in the northern Indian city of Amritsar, February 12, 2004. The students were protesting against the proposed ban on turbans in primary schools by the French government. REUTERS/Munish Sharma http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r3310953921.jpg French Foreign Minister Dominique De Villepin has told India it would seek to resolve 'in the best possible way' the Sikh community's concerns over a French ban on the wearing of religious symbols, including Sikh turbans, in state schools(AFP) http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...4gdew95q_photo0 Young Sikhs demonstrate near the French embassy against the French government's planned ban on students wearing headscarves, and all other overt religious symbols in state schools in London, February 21, 2004. REUTERS/David Bebber http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r3081259813.jpg Sikh men demonstrate near the French embassy in London against the French government's planned ban on students wearing headscarves and all other overt religious symbols in state schools, February 21, 2004. REUTERS/David Bebber http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r2710635144.jpg About 3,000 Sikhs from across Europe march on a Paris boulevard to defend their traditional headgear against a looming French ban on religious symbols in state schools, January 31, 2004. Sikhs say turbans and the light scarves that women wear are not religious but practical items meant to cover the hair they never cut. REUTERS/Charles Platiau http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r1386581136.jpg French Sikhs hold a banner during a demonstration. The French National Assembly was to open its debate on a controversial law banning the Islamic headscarf from schools, a measure supported by a majority of the public but which has provoked an angry backlash from many Muslims.(AFP/File/Jean-Pierre Mull er) http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...baxvvthl_photo1 A young Muslim girl has two French flags and a headband which reads 'Fraternity' on her headscarf as she march among about 3,000 Sikhs from across Europe protesting on a Paris boulevard to defend their traditional headgear against a looming French ban on religious symbols in state schools, January 31, 2004. REUTERS/Charles Platiau http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r3295508653.jpg Fateh

Fateh Pyaareo, Being an Optimist is always wise. Sikhs need to be real optimists. Singh and Kaur Veerji's need to take things positively. Sody Singh is expected to make us proud. He can be a nice way to create awareness. If he establishes himself as well as the top nautch comedian, Jim Carey then he is bound to educate the masses. He looks like a Guru Pyaraa and let us all sincerely Ardas that this Singh makes us PROUD.

Source : Dr. Gurbaksh Singh Jee's book "Teaching Sikh Heritage to the Youth". Where is your village? I was studying at Ohio State University, USA during the years 1961-1963. I found an American student looking again and again at me when we were attending our first math class there. Next week, when I was waiting outside the classroom for the bell to ring, the student came to me and said, “Hello.” When I answered him, he surprised me by asking a totally unexpected question, “Are you a Sikh?” After a moment’s silence, I said “Yes.” The bell rang and we went to the class. When he met me again, he was very respectful to me and asked, “My father wants to talk to you. Can you find time and day in the evening to have tea at our house? I can pick you up from your room and drive you back to your place.” This was the first time an American student treated me like that. I felt I was no longer a stranger at the campus, somebody was interested in me there. Friday evening was the only time when I could make social visits. My friend drove me to the house. When we reached there, his father was sitting in the living room with an open atlas on a coffee table in front of him. As a usual courtesy, I greeted him and waited for his response. Without listening to me, he put his finger near Jalandhar on the Punjab map. He said something with great excitement, which I could not understand. Hence I kept silent. He emotionally repeated his question very fast. Finding me a bit confused, the student repeated his father’s question slowly, “Where is your village?” Without caring to know what I said and remained deeply charged with emotions, the father continued, “A Sikh who belonged to this village saved my life. As long as you stay in Columbus, we will be glad to be available to you for any kind of service.” It is impossible for me today to describe his excitement and the words he spoke. There was a lot unsaid that could only be understood from his emotions and his expressions. What he told me in so many words can briefly be described as follows: “Neither my son nor I would be here but for the sacrifice of the Sikh from this village. During World War 2, we were fighting in North Africa when the Germans were raining bullets on us. We received orders to retreat and save our lives.” I was unable to move, I had been seriously wounded. Instead of retreating to safety, the Sikh risked his own life and dragged himself to me. He put me on his back and snailed some distance on his stomach towards the trench. When in the trench, he moved on all fours, carrying me on his back…….We were finally out of danger. I am alive today. This life is a gift given to me by a Sikh. This son was born after I came home. Sikhs are the best people I have ever met.” There was no end to his words, and he continued talking about the Sikhs for a few minutes. Whereas my ears were listening to him, my mind was tuned to the sacrifice made by that Sikh whose brave deeds raised the image of our community. I prayed in my heart. “God, thank you for giving me birth in a Sikh family. I request you to give me the strength and bravery of a Sikh so that I may live a life worthy of a Sikh.” The boy married next year when I was still studying at the Ohio State University. My two Sikh friends and I were invited to attend the marriage. We were treated as VIP guests. Our appearance looked unusual to everyone there. After the marriage, a girl in her pre-teens sitting near us asked a question from the groom, “Are they the three wise men who are mentioned in the Bible? Are their beards real?” Everybody started smiling. The father of the boy replied. “Yes they are the wise and brave Sikhs; yes they have real be ards.” After hearing these words said in appreciation of the Sikh community. I got tears in my eyes. Drenched in those emotions, my mind told me, “What a great honor to be a Sikh! We Sikhs must perform good deeds to maintain this great image of our community so that we can pass this rich heritage on to our coming generations. Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

My letter to Dictionary.com Webmaster Dear Sir, I have a very humble request to make.My complaint is against the definition of SIKH which can be viewed at: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=sikh sikh s \Sikhs\, n. pl.; sing. Sikh. [Hind. Sikh, properly, a disciple.] A religious sect noted for warlike traits, founded in the Punjab at the end of the 15th century. sikh n : a member of a monotheistic Hindu sect [syn: Sikh] Sikhism is not a Sect but a Religion Independent of Hinduism and Islam. The Definition of Sikh Any human being who faithfully believes in : One Immortal Being, Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh The Guru Granth Sahib, The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism (Khande di Pahul) bequeathed by the tenth Guru, and who does not owe allegiance to any other religion, is a Sikh. http://www.singhsabha.com/sikh_defined.htm We,The Sikh People will be Highly obliged if you change the definition of Sikh in your dictionary. May Wahe Guru bless you, Harjinder Singh.

Sody Singh Kahlon, a Singh plays a host of eccentric and extraordinary character in a fast-paced, multi-media production of a powerful, provocative new comedy, which breaks new ground for the representation of Sikhs in British theatre. It’s some-Singh completely different! To see the 6th Dec.,'03 Press Release on Sody Singh : http://www.asiansinmedia.org/news/article....php/theatre/225 To View the Comedian British Sikh in different poses : http://www.sody.co.uk/downloads.html To Know More about Sody Singh : http://www.sody.co.uk/about.html He is also the Founder of Comedian Co.,Funjabis.The Funjabis are a London based comedy group who take the "Mick-jeet" out of Indian Asians with a spicy mix of comedy sketches, jokes and "Singh-songs. http://www.funjabis.co.uk/ Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!! Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!! Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

:nihungsmile: :e: :ww:: ; :kid: :yU: Tell me, O Apostate Sikh ! Why do you go astray? Why do you discard Sikh appearance ? >What is you compulsion to go away? What do you gain by losing your form- By disowning the Guru's norm Recieving a slur on your forhead, And proving traitrous to the Panth ? Why are you in a dilemna ? Why waver you in loyalty ? Why are you inclined towards apostasy Giving up the regalia of royalty? Why you violate the Sikh Code ? Renegading from your Guru is so sad Why do you need company of the evil, And make friendship with the Bad ? Remember those two innocent lives Who preferred to be bricked alive. They wavered not in faith But gave up their lives to let their faith thrive Sikhs have learnt to be martyrs, To write history with their blood. They never begged for life But gave away lives as a scud. Mothers lost their sons,and Recieved garlands of their heads. Gave up life, instead their faith. Smilingly sans tears ever shed. They prayed in distress and grief Fought till end to be in brief But smiles ever played on their lips, Even death learnt some new tips. No more is there threat of fanatic law, No more is their any ruler of Ghazani to threaten, Then why do you feel so heart beaten ? The entire world respects your valour In enough wealth and property are you fed. Everything of luxury you own But luxuries seem to have gone to your head. You get the diet you wish, You get all shines and bright You can't discard the hair, You don't have the slightest right. The hair are the trust of the Tenth Master, Violate not the trust you got free. Why do you earn rebuke from the Panth ? Why cut at the roots of your life-tree ? Those who ditch their community Subservient they ever are to others. Those who destroy their own dwellings And nevertheless sinful brothers. Get up,take the cudgel Nothing will be left if once you are plundered. The festival of Gurmet is on Come dear,take part,happily surrendered. If you bow at the Guru's feet, And pray with folded hands, The filth of egoism will vanish surely And you will regain Sardari grand

The Gurus have told us about the greatness and the limitlessness of Waheguru. The Gurus have written hymns describing the virtues of Waheguru but it does not mean that they described the limits of Waheguru or His virtues. They taught us how to sing His praises and how to benefit from them. They showed us the path to Waheguru. It does not mean that they have presented Waheguru in totality to us. One can feel Him, enjoy Him, but cannot limit Him in words. GURU GRANTH SAHIB VIVIDLY DESCRIBES GOD AND GURU Dear Cyber Sangat Jee, "The Sikh religion is truly the answer to the problems of the Modern Man. And it is the only Living Faith that gives the Healing outlook of LIFE." ---E.A.Bittencourt. Guru Granth Sahib Jee vividly highlights GOD and GURU. God is your Husband; He is Handsome and True. He is obtained by reflecting upon the Guru. ||1||Pause|| pir parabh saachaa sohnaa paa-ee-ai gur beechaar. ||1|| rahaa-o. Page 38, Line 1 -- Guru Amar Das The True Guru is the Giver of the Name of the Lord. God Himself causes us to meet Him. satgur daataa har naam kaa parabh aap milaavai so-ay. Page 39, Line 18 -- Guru Ram Das The True Guru understands the Lord God. There is no other as Great as the Guru. satgur har parabh bujhi-aa gur jayvad avar na ko-ay. Page 39, Line 18 -- Guru Ram Das The Guru is the Transcendent Lord, the Supreme Lord God. The Guru lifts up and saves those who are drowning. ||2|| gur parmaysar paarbarahm gur dubdaa la-ay taraa-ay. ||2|| Page 49, Line 17 -- Guru Arjan Dev Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Wahe guroo Jee Kee Fateh!! :e:

Dear Singhs & Kaurs, 1604-2004 !! The awaited year(2004) is knocking on the every Sikhs door and saying "Aao Singho Guru Naal Judo". This is a big year for my Sikh Brethren. Sikhs need to spread information about the big year ahead. Many Sikh Organisations have made endeavours to inform the unaware Sangat. We should have Kirtan Durbars,Samagams,Kavi Durbars and Nagar Kirtans to commemorate the great year ahead. Sikhs need to rededicate themselves too the Guru Granth Sahib Jee and spread the message it has in store for Humanity.We should educate people of our locality and even Sikh Websites should also highlight this Mahaan Utsav. This year should be a recognized one and we must also make arrangements for 2008, 300 years of Guru Gaddi of Guru Granth Sahib Jee(1708-2008). "PLEASE INFORM THE UNAWARE SANGAT". "EVERY SIKH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE". Cyber Sikh Community Member, k.h.a.l.s.a@pacbell.net

Dear Sirs, Yahoo has become an indispesible part of my life. I've come across many people of my Faith and Intrests with the help of Yahoo Instant Messenger and I am greatful to you for this great service Yahoo! has done to me. I have a desire that my faith,Sikhism also should be listed in your Religion and Beliefs Chat.We the Sikh people will be highly honored if our faith Sikhism,the 5th Largest faith gets listed in Your Religion and Beliefs Column and we Sikhs can Interact with each other. Sikhism, the youngest of the world religions, is barely five hundred years old. Its founder, Guru Nanak, was born in 1469. Guru Nanak spread a simple message of "Ek Ong Kar": we are all one, created by the One Creator of all Creation. This was at a time when India was being torn apart by castes, sectarianism, religious factions, and fanaticism. He aligned with no religion, and respected all religions. He expressed the reality that there is one God and many paths, and the Name of God is Truth, "Sat Nam". For More Knowledge of Sikhism : http://www.sikhnet.com/s/SikhIntro Please Sirs,We the Members of the Sikh Community will be honored if Yahoo! launches a Seperate Room For Sikhism !! Proud Yahoo! User, Harjinder S Kukreja

Encouraging Sikhs to Share their Faith It is shocking to find that the mainstream Sikh community has become extremely lazy when it comes to sharing their faith with non-Sikhs. There are no/very few Sikh missionaries and there are zero missionary centres which actually offer free educational programmes on Sikh spirituality and Sikh philosophy to non-Sikhs. The common argument given for this situation is that Sikhs don't convert people. However, this is in complete contradiction to the lives of the Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak Dev Ji is Earth's most widely traveled Prophet. He undertook four major journeys in order to spread the truth to as many people as possible. The subsequent Gurus also built on this tradition of educating the masses about the Truth. This is the reason why Sikhism is still alive today. But sadly after the Gurus, our community has done little (with the exception of a few groups/individuals) to propagate Sikh philosophy and the Sikh lifestyle. It is not an accident that followers of the Sikh faith are present in every country now. This is part of the Lord's divine plan to spread the message of Truth. Sikhs in countries outside India are ambassadors of the Guru. It is not acceptable to just sit around, hide out, worship amongst Indian-Punjab Sikhs only or stick exclusively to your own culture and caste. Sikhs must mix with the indigenous communities of the countries which they inhabit and share their faith. This document contains ideas for good ways for Sikhs to share their faith with other people and every Sikh should make it their duty to spread the message of Sikhism. This will not only consolidate the faith of the Sikhs but also win man y converts because the lifestyle and the philosophy is fantastic! The document has been divided into 3 main sections including: Changes to your Gurdwara * The Purpose of a Gurdwara * Having an open, warm and friendly welcome * Open Days for your Gurdwara * Location of new Gurdwaras * Providing Additional Support Services * Providing Translation Services Reaching Out * Giving Free Ice-Cream in the City Centre * Invite the city to a Diwali Fire Works Display * Newspaper Mail shots on Vaisakhi Day * Family Camping Trips * Sikhism Books in your Library and New Age Bookshops * Sikh literature and CD's with translated Guru Granth Sahib * Gurmukhi/Punjabi Classes for Adults and New Sikhs * Articles in Local Newspapers and Local Radio * Personal Attitude The Power of Youth * Inter Cultural, Racial and Caste Marriages * Sikhism Awareness Days/Week in your Local University * Fancy Dress Day * Using Music as a tool for Spreading the Gurus message * Put pamphlets on School/College/University Boards * Join Multi-Faith Networks * Inclusion of Youth in Gurdwara Services Changes to your Gurdwara The Purpose of a Gurdwara The Gurdwaras started by the Great Sikh Masters were the World's first multi faith centres. The Gurus embraced people of all cultures, races and religions and welcomed them all to the house of the Guru. It is important to remember this tradition when running a Gurdwara. Having an open, warm and friendly welcome This is crucial for non-Sikhs interested in Sikhism and for visitors to feel comfortable and relaxed. The things you can do to ensure that our Gurdwaras are open, warm and friendly places is to have: - A sevadar at the entrance to the Gurdwara to welcome people and to show people around if necessary - A large modern stylish bill board kept outside the Gurdwara with a selection of Sikh beliefs in the local language of the people. This means that if your Gurdwara is in France then you would use French as the language and not Punjabi. If the Gurdwara is in Germany then you would use German. The purpose of the board to would to provide a quick insight into a few Sikh beliefs as people pass the Gurdwara on their way to work or the town centre. The contents of the board could include the following items: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a Sikh place of Worship Everyone is Welcome Sikhs believe in: One God known by many names (Jehovah, Ram, Allah, Waheguru) Brotherhood of all human beings (including all races, cultures and religious groups) Exercising Compassion, Charity and Discipline Democracy Freedom of speech and Freedom of religion Gender Equality Earning an honest living and living a family life Good thoughts, good words and good deeds Meditation and regular exercise for a healthy mind, body and soul Importance of Science, Technology and Education for human development -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upon entering the Gurdwara there should be another bill board designed for visitors who may have never entered a Gurdwara and who may be unsure of what to do. The contents of this board should be aimed at providing the few rules which should be followed when in a Gurdwara and a map of the Gurdwara with everything labeled. Again you should ensure that the board is in the local language of the people. It's no good having the following message board in Punjabi! Open Days for your Gurdwara Open days for the Gurdwara (especially on a Gurpurab/Diwali or other religious occasion) should be held regularly and everything should be done to make the wider public aware of the event. An example would be to include an advert in the local paper and/or have it announced on the local radio station (this is usually done at no cost because it is a ‘news' i tem). On an open day you should ensure there are stewards (preferably children) who welcome people into the Gurdwara and who will show people around and talk about the different elements constituting a Gurdwara. It would also be great to have some vegetarian dishes native to the land as well as talks, poems and songs in the local language of the people e.g. German, French etc. so that visitors can truly get a glimpse of Sikh spirituality. Location of new Gurdwaras If you are building a new Gurdwara then please consider building it in an area which contains as many non-Sikhs as possible or at least as far from other Gurdwaras as possible. The reason for this is to allow non-Sikhs to be given a chance to experience Sikh spirituality and find out about the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. The Gurus traveled to many different parts of the world to establish congregations. It is our duty as ambassadors of the Guru to do the same. It is time now for Sikhs to proactively increase the racial and cultural diversity within the Sikh community. Again it would be important to ensure that services (e.g. Sunday services) contain a mixture of Punjabi (for the older Punjabi generation) and poems, songs and translations in the local language of the country. This will be for the benefit of the Sikh youth and new people joining the faith. To make this a success you will need to mobilize and utilize the skills of the younger generation and new Sikhs as much as possible. Providing Additional Support Services There is currently no post-Amrit facility or service for members of the Sikh faith to attend if they are experiencing problems or difficulties of any kind after having taken Amrit. There should be a support team established either locally or at a regional level in the country where people can go with questions regarding the Sikh faith. If there are educated people in the community with knowledge of the faith then they should make themselves known to the community and offer their time to people who have questions about their spirituality. Every Sikh should make an effort to learn about the faith and share their insights with other Sikhs and non-Sikhs. Providing Translation Services It is no longer acceptable to just have a Sunday service in Punjabi only especially for congregations based outside of India. You MUST have poems, Keertan and Katha (explanation of the scriptures) in both Punjabi and the local language of the country. A good start would to have at least 50% of a programme in Punjabi and 50% of the programme in the local language. Secondly the following website provides a Keertan translation search engine which has shabads in both Punjabi and English www.sikhitothemax.com Your Gurdwara should invest in an electronic projector screen and a laptop which it can use to project the translations of meanings of the hymns sung in the Gurdwara. The Hukamnama and the Ardas should be done in both the local language and Punjabi. A good model to start with is to say the requests of the Ardas in both the local language of the country and Punjabi. Or you can choose to do a local language version of the Ardas after the Punjabi Version or whatever. Reaching Out Reaching out - means, leaving the safe environment of our Gurdwara and pro-actively disseminating information about Sikhism and making non-Sikhs aware of the Sikh community. Some ideas for things which you can do are given below: Giving Free Ice-Cream in the City Centre On the day we commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, it is traditional for Sikhs to give out ice-cream to remind people of the sacrifice performed by the 'King of Martyrs and the Ocean of Peace'. It would be great to prepare an information leaflet about Guru Arjun Dev Ji (just a one side A6 document) describing his sacrifice and what it means to the Sikh community. The stall would ideally be set up in the middle of the city centre with a big sign saying 'FREE ICE-CREAM' and you would give free ice-cream to anyone requesting it - and yes there will be lots of people queuing up! Most people will naturally ask why you are giving out free ice-cream and you will be able to give them the small leaflet and talk about the sacrifice of Guru Arjan Dev Ji or Sikhi in general. This is a fun way of spreading the message of Sikhi. You could give out other free items on a religious day such as free sweets on Guru Har Krishans Birthday in the city centre and give out colouring pictures to young children. Invite the city to a Diwali Fire Works Display Diwali is always a fun festival and you could invite the general public to join you at the Gurdwara for celebrating Diwali. Plenty of free sweets, a children's play area, a Bouncy Castle, speeches in the local language and a fireworks display to end the evening would be a great example of sharing the faith by having fun. Newspaper Mail shots on Vaisakhi Day In the United Kingdom it is possible to put a flyer in one of the local newspapers. The flyer would then reach everyone in the local community/city. This is relatively inexpensive and would ensure a very large coverage. You would want to include a brief description of Vaisakhi and the basics of the Sikh faith. The leaflet would ideally be no more than 1 A4 page (both sides) and it would be posted out 1 week earlier than the Vaisakhi celebrations so that anyone wanting to visit the celebrations could do so. Family Camping Trips Sikhi Camps are great ways for people to spend time together, learn about the faith and have fun!. Everyone on a camp should be treated equally and preference should be given to people who have recently entered the faith or people who are interested in becoming Sikhs and want to experience Sikh spirituality. Sikhism Books in your Library and New Age Bookshops Make sure your local library is stocked with plentiful books on the Sikh faith. If it is not then you should raise the issue with your library and make sure they stock up on books. They will do this if you request it. Also ensure that your local bookshop (whether NewAge or not) has books on Sikhism available. Sikh literature and CD's with translated Guru Granth Sahib All Gurdwaras should have a stall in their reception with lots of free literature on display for people to take. CD's / Disks should also be made available with the entire Guru Granth Sahib and Keertan to take away for free in the reception hall. This could be done by copying the fantastic translations available on www.sikhpoint.com to CD. Gurmukhi/Punjabi Classes for Adults and New Sikhs Punjabi/Gurmukhi classes should be made available for adults who are not Punjabi speaking. This would also benefit young Punjabi adults who missed out on the opportunity of learning to read/write/speak Punjabi. Articles in Local Newspapers and Local Radio It is always a great idea to send in an article on the Sikh faith before a religious day to a newspaper and/or the local radio. These are also great tools to use to publicise any events/open days which you may be holding at the Gurdwara and they will usually do it free of charge. Personal Attitude As an ordinary Sikh it is your duty to ensure that your Gurdwara is as open and friendly as possible to non-Sikhs. Always show kindness and consideration to all people visiting the Gurdwara and make it your personal responsibility to resolve any problems they had during their visit. Make sure you ask them if they enjoyed their visit. It is these single acts of kindness and consideration which will help to propagate the Sikh faith. The Power of Youth Inter Cultural, Racial and Caste Marriages Young Sikh people should be encouraged to marry people from other cultures, races and castes. This is in line with the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. Guru Gobind Singh said, 'Recognise the human race as one unit'. So if we truly believe this then we should encourage mixed marriages. The couple should be marr ied as per Sikh rites and both sides of the families must be made to feel comfortable in the Gurdwara. Sikhism Awareness Days/Week in your Local University As young Sikhs you need to take the time to organise a Sikhism awareness week / day which will include lectures on various aspects of Sikh philosophy and the Sikh Lifestyle. These should be advertised openly in the university magazine (preferably the front page) and should be in an accessible lecture theatre. You could also have a meditation session at the end of the lecture or devote one evening in the 'Sikhi awareness week' to give young people an experience of Sikh meditation. Fancy Dress Day On a religious day you could get a group of Sikhs and non-Sikhs to disseminate free sweets (e.g. lollipops) to all the people walking through the students union. Also you could give all interested people a small information leaflet on Sikhism. This would be a fun way of spreading the wonderful message of Sikhi. I would recommend dressing up as either action heros (e.g. he-man, she-ra, Superman, Incredible hulk, Spiderman etc.) or animals (e.g. cow, dog, giraffe, lion, cat, bird etc.)! Using Music as a tool for Spreading the Gurus message Young Sikh people should use their knowledge of rapping, street music, rock n'roll, RnB, Soul, Hip Hop, Classic music and digital technology to translate the message of the Gurus into something which the average person in the local country could relate to. You could play this music in the city centre or at a university campus or just for the wider Sikh youth population. This would be a great way of expressing your love for Sikhism and introducing more people to the Sikh faith. Put pamphlets on School/College/University Boards Make sure your university campuses have plenty of information on Sikhism for any interested students. Your University may have a multi-faith network and if it does then make sure you have a seat on it! Join Multi-Faith Networks Again, you need to join as many of the inter-faith networks as possible both inside and outside the university campus so that more people become aware of the teachings of the Sikh faih. Inclusion of Youth in Gurdwara Services Young Sikhs must be given every chance to manage Gurdwara Programmes and provide translations of Keertan, poems and Sikh Philosophy in the local language of the country. This will help to provide a strong Sikh leadership for the future with a good grasp of Sikhism and it will make the experience of attending a Gurdwara better for new Sikhs and visitors due to the translations. Setting up local and nationalSikh Youth Associations Every University should have a 'Sikh Spiritual Society' and the Sikh youth in every city should take the initiative to create a 'Sikh Youth Association'. Both of these group should be linked with one another and linked to a 'National Assembly of Sikh Youth/Students'. An example of this is BOSS British Organisation of Sikh Students. BOSS provides support and educational material to all the university Sikh Societies in the United Kingdom if they require assistance. The aim of all Sikh societies should be to raise the awareness of the Sikh faith through educational programmes and fun activities. Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!! :e:

Source : http://www.sikhpride.com/prachar.htm Don't miss the link.It has some pictures of the Sikh Awareness Session. Info on Event Charanjit and Karamjit gave one hour presentation on Sikh faith in Unitarian church, Auckland. This was really a new learning experience for us. The feedback was very positive. All people who attended this interfaith meeting were under impression that Sikhs are Hindus or Muslims or mixture of both. But they really appreciated the way we represented the Sikh faith in the meeting. We just concentrated on the Sikh principles, Basic principles of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Martyrdom of Guruteg Bahadur, Establishment of Khalsa Panth, other martyrs, A special presentation on effects of 9/11 on Sikhs in America and how they coped. After that half an hour of Question and Answer session. There were some questions on the turbans. We had a slide show presentation of different type of turbans which are being wore in the world. And how Sikhs are different. They had lot of questions. It was really interesting while answering their questions. In the end the little girl with the Green top (see group photograph), specially thanked both of us and said ," That you are very interesting people and all this show was excellent.". This is a sewa we must do and should not miss this opportunity to represent Sikh faith in interfaith meetings. I had some of the slideshows with me and can be used. Developing more now "Understanding Sikhism". By Charanjit Singh :e:

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031214/...ctrum/book1.htm An engaging inquiry Roopinder Singh Being and Becoming a Sikh by I.J. Singh. The Centennial Foundation, Toronto, Canada. Pages 175.

Dear Cyber SadhSangat Jee, Please check this out !! About Sikh Americans http://www.kathuriaforsenate.com/cp_abouts...khamericans.asp :yU:

Master mine ! Beggar that I am Bereft of Spiritual Bounty, Release This slave to socratic page, Bound To Faust --Like Curiousity. A Slave To the Ever--questing Intellect Failing to DecideTo shuffle the printed pages Or Thy Mystical Naam Recite. Lost In the Maze Of this worldly lore That reduces Man to a Sod I am Like the rain--bird Thirsty and pining for A Heavenly drop, And humbly pray For Thy Succor and prop. Magnificicent Lord-- Fount of bliss and light Dispel my darkness Save this sense--laved spirit From Internal strife. In all humility In all meekness and faith I prostrate At thy Golden Gate To rub by head At thy Holy treshold And to Pray With all my heart With all my mind With all my being For alms Of thy ambrosial Naam. Immersed In the ocean of Thy holy name I shall be re--born To sing the paens of praise, Perhaps To hear the melody unheard, To recieve Thy grace. dispek The darkness of Ignorance Wrapped in Maya's fold, Wipe away With the warmth of Thy efflugence Mists of this mind Baffled and mute, Inspire it with strength, Thou-- The dispenser of grace-- Make Thy servant fit To sing Thy praise. Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!! :nihungsmile: < !--endemo--> :e: I appeal to all Singhs and Kaurs jee to please regain the splendid crown if they have lost it. NO CROWN,NO KING--NO TURBAN,NO SINGH

Gurleen Kaur launches a website --- The Book That Changed My Life--Autobiography of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh ...... can u skip the link ? I don't think so jee ?? http://www.thebookthatchangedmylife.com Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh! :e: :nihungsmile: :ww::

Wahe Guru Jee Da Khalsa; Wahe Guru Jee Di Fateh..... http://www.sikhawareness.com/sikhawareness...p?p=29586#29586 To see the picture click here. Cyber Sangat Jee, All of us know that Singhs and Kaurs of Guru Gobind Singh Jee are not to bow infront of any other than the Guru Granth Sahib. We Singhs and Kaurs are not supposed to believe in Yagyas, Keep Religious Fasts, etc. but in the picture below the Sangat can see that one of our leaders,Prakash Badal Patronises Yagya and is getting the same performed at his residence. Every Sikh is the ambassador of the Guru and this person is a representative of Sikhs.....awww it is really saddening .. "I do not accept Ganesha as important. I do not meditate on Krishna, neither on Vishnu. I do not hear them and do not recognize them. My love is with the Lotus feet of God. He is my protector, the Supreme Lord. I am dust of his Lotus feet." (Guru Gobind Singh Ji ) PROUD TO BE SIKH Plzz Comment jeeo http://www.sikhawareness.com/sikhawareness...p?p=29586#29586 To see the picture click here.

Dear AK-47 Jee, I apologize for addressing Angs of the Guru Granth Sahib as Pages .. Veerjee the Presrvation of the Guru Granth Sahib is an Indispensible need and should be done as quick as possible. It is one of the Oldest copies of Guru Granth Sahib Jee and it needs to be safeguarded and protected . . . . GURU IS THE BREATH OF MY BODY GURU IS MY PRIDE AND GLORY Harjinder

Please Don't Crush the meekest of Desires to E-Mail S.Jasbir Singh Jee : jas48@juno.com Cyber Sadhsangat ji, Please help me take action to preserve Hand written Guru Granth Sahib at Harimandar Sahib, Amritsar. Responsible persons of authority and influence should contact SGPC president at their own & all others may sign this letter Start a petition on net work. To SGPC President, Golden Temple Amritsar, Pb. India Feb 12, 2003 Dear Khalsa Ji, I was Shocked and Amazed to note that Hand written Guru Granth Sahib at Harimandar Sahib (upstairs) is not being carefully handled and preserved as a rare relic. This Guru Granth has tape on many places and on several pages. And is being used for Akhand Path everyday. This should be stopped effective immediately. This is most authentic and most valuable document for our future generations. This should be only used for “Parkash & Sukhasan” ceremony very carefully and pages shall not be touched by bare hands. I shall be obliged by sending chemical free cotton gloves to handle such objects to Harimandir Sahib. In museums similar authentic objects are handled by such hand gloves to preserve the paper for ever. Sincerely, Jasbir Singh 433 Maid Marion Lane Stone Mountain, GA 30087 USA "This is the true joy in life. The being used for a purpose recognized by your self as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." "I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can." "I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generation." ----- George Bernard Shaw. Please Don't Crush the meekest of Desires to E-Mail S.Jasbir Singh Jee : jas48@juno.com Please Don't Crush the meekest of Desires to E-Mail S.Jasbir Singh Jee : jas48@juno.com Thanx for your concern. . . .Looking forward to your actions !! Harjinder Singh

:e: :ww:: :St: :nihungsmile: Dear Singhs & Kaurs, 1604-2004 !! The awaited year(2004) is knocking on the every Sikhs door and saying "Aao Singho Guru Naal Judo". This is a big year for my Sikh Brethren. Sikhs need to spread information about the big year ahead. Many Sikh Organisations have made endeavours to inform the unaware Sangat. We should have Kirtan Durbars,Samagams,Kavi Durbars and Nagar Kirtans to commemorate the great year ahead. Sikhs need to rededicate themselves too the Guru Granth Sahib Jee and spread the message it has in store for Humanity.We should educate people of our locality and even Sikh Websites should also highlight this Mahaan Utsav. This year should be a recognized one and we must also make arrangements for 2008, 30 0 years of Guru Gaddi of Guru Granth Sahib Jee(1708-2008). "PLEASE INFORM THE UNAWARE SANGAT". "EVERY SIKH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE". Cyber Sikh Community Member, Harjinder S Kukreja. harjindersingh_king@rediffmail.com

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE FOLLOWING; Do not let the FIRE in your belly consume you, read this with an OPEN mind and make your own valued judgement. All of this can be verified by reading transcripts of the koran or visiting the Hizb-ut-tahrir and Khalifa websites (can be found using search) engines. Furthermore remember that we as Sikh people have been under attack from the Muslims since the Arabs rose to power in 713AD (source Punjab.com), constant attack to assimilate us has been carried out since. The mogul emperors the shahs the British and the Hindus have all seen us as an underclass, and they have treated us accordingly. However, we have not succumb and do not intend to, knowledge is your wealth and power my friends and I¡¦m giving you a 24 carat insight. THE TRUTH ABOUT CONVERSIONS 10 SECRETS THE MUSLIMS DON¡¦T WANT YOU TO KNOW 1. Islam is a totally MISSIONARY religion committed to making EVERYONE Muslim, according to the Koran the world is divided up into 2 parts, Dar-as-Islam (House of Faith) a title which applies to all Islamic countries and Dar-al-Harb (Household of War), land not yet surrendered to Allah, which is the rest of the world. It is the duty of every Muslim to wage Jihad (Holy War) against Kafirs, infidels and unbelievers what the Koran calls non-Muslims and make them submit to Islam. Violence against Kafirs is encouraged in the Koran, if gentle persuasion doesn¡¦t work. 2. Conversions of Sikh and Hindu men and women is becoming an increasing problem, hundreds of reported and verified conversions in the last few years. Dozens of cases were reported in October 1995 alone, when the new academic year started also converted. Uni versities in London, Bradford and Luton are particular problem areas. 3. At the Hizb-ut-Tahrir ( HUT ) conference at the Wembley arena in August 1994, a Sikh was converted on stage in front of 8000 cheering and clapping Muslims. The Sikh girl then proceeded to attack Sikhism making particularly offensive statements against the Sikh Gurus. The audience laughed and continued to cheer. Some of this speech was televised on satellite T.V and on the HUTs pirate radio station. Muslim leaders at the conference called for an intensification of the campaign to bring Sikh and Hindu women to Islam. The same thing happened at HUTs Rally for Islam conference in Trafalgar Square, August 1995. This time 2 Hindu women were converted on stage in front of 2000 cheering Muslims. Again Muslim leaders demanded that Muslims boys try harder to convert Sikh and Hindu girls. 4. The self appointed Muslim parliament of Britain passed a resolution demanding that the British government make it illegal for Muslim women to marry non-Muslim. It also called for the banning of conversions of Muslims to other faiths. Any Muslim who did convert was to be stoned to death according Islamic tradition. Thankfully, the British government did not take their demand seriously, but the event showed the Muslims double standards and hypocrisy. 5. HUT leaders issued a directive in January 1995 to specially selected male members telling them to place Ads in personal columns of national newspapers inviting relationships from Asian women, they were told to write the religion and nationality of the girl were unimportant and be ambiguous about their own backgrounds by for example only describing themselves as Asian. They were further told to form intimate relationships with only Sikh and Hindu girls who replied with the aim of conversion. The expense of the Ads and any dates were to be paid by the HUT. 6. Certain Muslims have taken to wearing Karas (Sikh steel bracelet) at Bhangra gigs with the aim of specifically seeking to meet Hindu and Sikh girls. When meeting the Girls, these people identify themselves in such a way that the girl does not realise that they are Muslim, for example by shortening the name Mohammed to Mohan. They form relationships with the girl and begin the slow path to conversion. 7. A Muslim converting somebody, will never tell the person the whole story. For example when converting men they always leave out the part about having to be circumcised to become Muslim. After all what man would want half of his genitals cut off. Likewise girl converts are tricked into believing that men and women are equal to Islam. They are not told that rape victims according to the Koran have produce 4 Male witnesses of good character to say that they were raped or they will be charged with adultery and stoned according to Islamic tradition (hundreds of cases where this has occurred are on file with Amnesty International, contact them for further information). Also according to the Koran, all man has to do to divorce his wife is say Talaq 3 times. For women of course getting a divorce is much harder. Besides which what woman wants to share her husband with three other women. The new method that they are employing is to change their names by deed poll to Mohan Singh and Balraj Singh , they add surnames on to Gill and Hayer are two of there favorites. Please check the person you are going to marry and there credentials through your parents or close relatives NAMES MEAN NOTHING THERE ARE BEING CHANGED BY DEED POLL IT ONLY COSTS THEM A COUPLE OF HUNDRED POUNDS , SUPPLIED BY THEY¡¦RE FANATICAL ELDERS!!!! 8. HUT leadership has instructed its members to specifically target problem groups of conversion. These include young teenage girls, people with social problems, the recently bereaved and victims of abuse as children. These people are considered to be weak willed and easily manipulated once identified the Muslim will try to convince their target that Islam will magically solve all their problems. Incidentally in 1992 the hut produced an article telling Muslim men to particularly target non-Muslim girls with plain or unattractive physical, facial or body features. These girls the article said would not be accustomed to this attention and would do anything to maintain a relationship. It went on to say that the discomfort you may feel in such relationships, especially if intimate is only temporary however the rewards you will receive in Heaven will last for eternity. 9. The HUT has instructed Muslims to work in groups when converting, with one person forming a very close friendship with their target. The group then works to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the person involved and then will work accordingly. If for example, the person loves sport and is very athletic, they go on about how Islam actively encourages sport and how all the world¡¦s best sportsmen such as Muhammad Ali, Tyson and Imran Khan are Muslims. If the person has a strongly anti-white attitude, then they will stir up racial hatred against whites even more by talking about past white injustices against them. This policy has been used effectively with Afro-Caribbean¡¦s, with whom they talk about the slave trade and give Malcolm X as role model (Muslim groups leafleted black cinema audiences watching Malcolm X when it was released ). Similarly, the hard up have been offered well-paid jobs with Muslim businesses providing they convert. 10. Forced conversions do occur. There have been many documented cases at least one in Southall) when Sikh and Hindu girls have been taken to Pakistan by their Muslim boyfriends and forcibly converted. Those resisting are passed on to other Muslim men who keep the girl under lock and key, in some remote village without telephones. All the girls money and her passport are taken away. Other cases have occurred when Sikh and Hindu girls are photographed naked by their Muslim boyfriends, and are told to convert or else the photos will be published in magazines and sent to the girls family and friends. These are not tragically scare stories but facts. „« CONVERSIONS INTO ISLAM almost always occur out of a persons IGNORANCE or MISUNDERSTANDING of their own religion. Take time to understand your religion and educate others. The process of conversion is usually very SUBTLE and GRADUAL. „« It always occurs progressively UNDERMINING YOUR CULTURE and RELIGION through misquoting religious texts and falsifying historical events. Be on guard and stop them from speaking lies about your religion be you Sikh or Hindu. The HUT and other Muslim groups have said that they aim to make FRANCE, an ISLAMIC REPUBLIC by the year 2015 and Britain by 2025 through CONVERSIONS, IMMIGRATION and high MUSLIM BIRTH RATES. „« THE DIFFERENT WAYS THE HUT ARE ATTACKING US Fanatics are now vandalising books on Sikhism and religious texts such as the Guru Granth Sahib in Council, School, and college libraries. „« About 30% of the time this vandalism involves the writing of false propaganda and messages to the readers of the book. These messages usually attempts to UNDERMINE your faith by MISQUOTING religious texts and distorting reality. Check your local library especially if you live in an area with a history of trouble. „« Recent events have shown that groups have become increasingly envious of our prosperity in this country. They are now systematically trying their best to damage us financially. In some Mosques speakers have told worshippers to boycott Sikh and Hindu shops. However, the most obvious example of this economic sabotage would be that of the Bradford riots. These were not as the media have us believe merely a case of Asian youths uprising and fighting white fascist police brutality, but more a situation where gangs went on rampage, burning and looting non-Muslim property. The Economist Magazine (June 17th 1995 edition ) reported that No Hindu nor Sikh youths took part, only Muslim males. Indian owned business were attacked. In fact other reports state that older, masked Mus lims ( thought to be HUT ) went down the streets ahead of everyone else, and specifically marked out Sikh and Hindu shops with spray paint, for destruction by rioters following them. Don¡¦t be fooled by the Muslim media, Sikhs and Hindus were the victims of the Muslim riots in Bradford. The HUT produced and circulated articles in universities, stating that Jewish, Sikh and Hindu students were dogs and must be removed from higher education. (As reported in the Guardian, 31st October 1995 edition). The Muslims have realised that the power, respect, money and knowledge and influence brings makes us more powerful enemies. The exact strategy for preventing us from obtaining higher education has not yet been leaked, but the harassment and bullying Hindu and Sikh students at schools and colleges (by such acts as the storming of West Thames college in Jan 1995) is bound to be a part of it. After all how can anyone work in places of such stress. Our youths must strive to get highly educated as they possibly can. University students should act as role models and encourage younger members of the community to get an education. This will greatly benefit not only you and your family, but help your community. Youths have been instructed to infiltrate any and every organisation and position of authority they can. They have also been told to keep their Islamic fundamentalist secret and subtly remove our community from a position within these organisations. For example, they have been directed to join Student Union bodies, the Media, anti-racist groups community groups, councils and political parties. Muslims even use black magic to try and convert people. So don¡¦t take anything object, food, gift from a muslim! PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS, AND DISTRIBUTE IT TO AS MANY FELLOW INDIANS AS YOU CAN. THIS IS NOT A HATE LITERATURE BUT ONE OF AWARENESS MOST IMPORTANTLY: YOUR RELIGION HAS A LOT MORE TO OFFER, IF FOLLOWED PROPERLY IGNORANCE IS THE WORST EXCUSE. Do not dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope. To be without hope is to be without purpose. Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way......(author: Waheguru Pramatma) Harjinder S Kukreja MODERATOR NOTE: This topic has already been discussed, and the article was also posted please view the following link. http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.ppa?act=...8&hl=converting

The poem is titled: Regrets.... I Have Many Life in leafy Edgbaston was cosy, routine and without much bother, Mummy and daddy where professional middle class, I was at college study for my A levels, I was shy and obedient but I wasn't content, I longed for excitement, I wanted to live the world, I wanted to be as bold as brass and that was my intent. At college one day, a lad approached me, as he towards me, I could see from afar around his neck, he wore the moon and stars around his neck. He was very persistent and sweet, Told me I was beautiful from my head down to my feet. In my innocence by this tender words I was fooled, This Muslim boy loved me. And the love for my own family cooled. My stupidity lead me to follow western trends, I allowed him to become my boyfriend, He had me under his hypnotic spell, What I was going to do next nobody could tell, I moved from Edgbaston to Sparkbrook. I longed to be with my one and only Farooq. My life was to change completely, Long gone where the afternoon tea parties with the ladies, Long gone where my Mummy's BMW and Daddy's Mercedes, I was soon getting on and off buses and trams, As I struggled with a variety of prams, I was his sweetheart no more, Instead I had become his common <admin-profanity filter activated>. From Edgbaston to Sparkbrook and then to living hell That is Pakistan, A distant memory now, but please believe me, I had once stood shoulder to shoulder with my dear dad and demanded khalistan. Oh God What have I done? What has happened to me? What have I b ecome? As I lay awake at night There is nobody to even hear me cry, My thoughts are unanswered, questions are my only escape, Somebody, anybody! Please tell me? Will I ever stand in the warmth of my kitchen again? Will I ever feel the hug of dear Daddy's strong arms? Will my brothers ever fight and play and argue with me again? Will I be there when my Mummy and Daddy grow old? When my brother gets married will I be there to put the kalgi on his pagh? Will I ever again experience the sweet nectar that is Gurbani? Will I ever share langar again? Now there are no answers, only questions. I have sown the seed of my own despair, My life is in ruins, which nobody can repair, My innocence, foolishness, kismet on me all have cheated, I desperately want my previous boring life, But I fear I am living in false hope, In my heart of hearts I know that can never be repeated. As I write these word in the unforgiving Pakistani heat, Streams of sweat and tears run down my face, I realise for me it is now too late, Life has dealt me a cruel fate, My living hell on my own I have to endure, But I plead with my Sikh sisters that you make sure Don't be fooled by his looks and false allure. Stay in the warmth of Sikh religion, Maintain your family values, Enjoy its rich culture, but unlike me don't abuse its social freedom, Ignore my advice at your peril, But I beg you to take, a good long hard look at me, A pitiful shambles I'm sure you will agree, Happiness or even hope, I haven't any, But regrets............. I have many Harvinder Kaur,RWP,Pakistan. @ @ I wish this ha ppens with No Sikh Sister @ @ Harjinder S Kukreja