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INTERVIEW: Developer Reveals NEW SikhiToTheMax Beta Release By Sikh24 Editors - January 3, 2017 Khalis Foundation – makers of Sundar Gutka – are releasing SikhiToTheMax beta on January 6th In an exclusive interview with the Sikh24 news portal, the innovative Sikh resource developer group Khalis Foundation took time out for an interview revealing exciting new details about the upcoming version of the Gurbani search app, SikhiToTheMax. Khalis Foundation Khalis Foundation has been developing innovative Sikhi apps for some time now. The Sundar Gutka app is one of the most downloaded Sikhi apps in the world. A whole array of other apps including, Baal Bodh (a Punjabi learning resource for kids), My Pothi (digital version of your own shabad listings book), Learn Larrivar (the title speaks for itself), amongst others. My Pothi – an app that personalises Gurbani shabad listings They also host a variety of resources such as Vidhia, an online Sikh literature resource where countless books have been digitized for viewing or saving. The infamous online kirtan resource Keertan.net is also a Khalisbaby. Working with Khalsa Foundation, a UK based charity that promotes Sikhi through talks and camps, the two organizations have been collaborating resources to complete the project. Reaching out to Khalis, we were put in touch with Navdeep Singh, the lead developer for the upcoming SikhiToTheMaxrelease. A 30 year old Gursikh from Vancouver, Canada, he shares insightful details on the progress and expectations of the release. LearnLarrivar – does what it says on the tin Navdeep Singh has been enthused by technology since he can remember, a developer for 11 years and recently compelled to foray into the world of mobile apps. He finds himself often thinking in code and dreaming in stylesheets and enjoys helping others get up and going in their times of tech distress. He is also currently a small business owner. Read the full interview below: S24: The question on everyone’s lips is; when does the new SikhiToTheMAx release? Sundar Gurka – The most widely downloaded Sikhi software NS: The first public beta will be released on January 6, with Mahaaraaj Jee’s Kirpaa. Anyone will be able to download it then and use in the settings that they’d like. There will be an auto-update feature so the newest version will always be downloaded and installed automatically. (Editor’s note: You’ll need to register your interest in the beta in order to be informed of it’s release.) S24: How excited are you to be working on this project? NS: Gurprasaad. I thank Mahaaraaj Jee constantly for blessing me with the opportunity to work on such a project that, if it is in will of Akaal Purakh, will help Sangat across the world connect with Gurbani in new ways. S24: Have previous versions influenced your life? If so how? NS: Indeed, I thank the Sevaadaars who have worked on previous versions, which were revolutionary. SikhiToTheMax brought me closer to Gurbani and gave me a taste of appreciation for the limitless ocean that is our Shabad Guru. To have translations available alongside Gurbani in the settings of Gurdwaray Sahibaan and Sangat at home while Uchaaran and/or Keertan was happening was something completely new and amazing. S24: How do you think the software has altered access to Gurbani for Sikhs across the world? NS: The software has forever changed it. The grateful acceptance of SikhiToTheMax on large screens made it clear that access on small screens would be the next logical step when the technology became available. Specifically, SikhiToTheMax for PocketPC paved the way for all future mobile Gurbani-searching apps. It was the first version that I used on a regular basis personally. First-letter search is something that we take for granted nowadays, but it started with SikhiToTheMax. To hear a Panktee being recited or Shabad being sung and now having the ability to look up that Shabad in just a few taps on our everyday devices is bringing us closer to Gurbani. New SikhiToTheMax software launching S24: What new features are you hoping to introduce that would compliment the current version of the software? – How would these features improve the Gurbani search experience? NS: We want the experience of reading Gurbani to be even more personal and hands-off. We’re aware that everyone is in their own stage of learning how to connect with Gurbani. As much as we might try, we know it’s not possible to find the perfect balance of font sizes to fit Gurbani, English translations, Punjabi translations, English transliterations, and/or Arth from various Teekay all on one screen so that everyone will be happy. What this means today is that Sangat will pull out their phones and search for the Shabads and toggle what they need to see. This is distracting in that everyone is now engaged with the operations of searching and scrolling rather than internalizing. The new SikhiToTheMax will have a mobile app as well that will allow you to join the session that is already ongoing on the large screen. Your own Larivaar/PadChhed/translation/transliteration settings are applied so you see what is important to you, but all of the searching and scrolling are being done for you by the Sevadaar who is controlling the projector screen. This means that your experience is hands-off and focused on internalizing Gurbani. S24: There are quite a few Gurbani search softwares out there right now. How will the new SikhiToTheMax offer of a more unique experience? Other than the above, of course. NS: Khalis Foundation is not looking to replace or compete with Sevaa that is being already being done. In fact, we are collaborating with developers of a number Gurbani-searching apps on a project to bring the most accurate versions of digitized Gurbani to Gurbani app developers. How SikhiToTheMax will differentiate itself will be its ability to broadcast not only to other mobile devices, but in a unique way to wireless casting hardware such as Google Chromecast. S24: How many of you are there in your team? NS: There are a number of components to SikhiToTheMax, from design to database to website to mobile app to desktop app, and we have a number of designers and developers helping with various aspects of the process and giving their input. S24: The original software designer was Bhai Tarsem Singh in the UK. Have you or your team been in touch with him or his team to obtain their input into the vision for the new release? NS: We were very fortunate to have the blessing of the original SikhiToTheMax team to create the newest offering. Their input has been wonderful. Khalsa Foundation – a UK Sikh charity collaborating on completing the SikhiToTheMax project S24: Have sufficient funds been donated to enable a complete creation of the vision intended? NS: With the grace of Akaal Purakh, we have enough funding to last a few more months, but still lack enough to continue until the end of 2017. We are unlikely to reach the milestone of the full release without further funding though. We would be very grateful to receive more recurring donations, which can be setup at khalisfoundation.org/donate. (Editor’s note: UK donors can contribute through Khalsa Foundation. S24: What platforms will the release be available on? NS: The software will ultimately be available on desktop and mobile, with planned support for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. The beta will start with desktop and will be followed by a mobile beta at a later date. WAHEGUROO JI KA KHALSA WAHEGUROO JI KI FATEH See the fund raising video: Sikh24 Editors can be reached at editors@sikh24.com

This cranberry tree big attraction for Sikh pilgrims at Patna gurdwara PUNJAB Updated: Jan 03, 2017 12:10 IST Anirban Guha Roy Hindustan Times The tree is associated with the tenth Sikh guru, as is revealed by a plaque installed. (HT Photo) A sacred cranberry tree is proving to be a major attraction among devotees visiting Gurdwara Bal Leela Maini Sangat on the 350th Parkash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh. The tree is associated with the tenth Sikh guru, as is revealed by a plaque installed here. It reads that a stem of the tree was sown by the guru during his childhood, and he used its twigs to brush his teeth. Guru Gobind Singh also blessed the tree, and the needy — who don’t have any offspring or suffer from physical disease — would have their wishes fulfilled if they ate the cranberry after praying, reads the plaque. “It’s a piece of history I did not know about,” said Pankaj Singh, a local who was seen sitting near the plaque, taking pictures with his family. Rumi Kumari, a college-goer, said the cranberry tree legend had turned her first visit to the gurdwara into a memorable experience. If taking selfies is a ubiquitous sight at the gurdwaras, visitors are no less impressed with the lighting arrangements at the venues of the Parkash Parv at Patna, where even streets and public grounds have been tastefully decorated. “I simply loved the ambience here. The spectacular lighting of the buildings is a treat to the eyes,” Kumari said, adding she could not wait to post her pictures on Facebook. The Parkash Parv has turned into a must-see for localites, with people planning trips with their families late in the night, braving cold to visit the Harmandir Saheb, the birth place of the tenth Guru. “Patna should have more such events as they teach a lot about our rich history,” said Neelamni Kumar, a senior citizen, who had come from Frazer road with his family. “What I really liked was the langar serving food to thousands of people each day,” he said. Source - http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/this-cranberry-tree-big-attraction-for-sikh-pilgrims-at-patna-gurdwara/story-GBjdhkxSLCvCPvxbj9tMuO.html

Of Baba Farid and Guru Nanak Ji Shaikh Farid (1173-1265), the great Sufi mystic and teacher, the first recorded poet in the Punjabi language was born in the month of Ramadan in the year 1173AD/569 AH at a place near Multan called Kotheval. His father Shaikh Jamaluddin Sulaiman left his home in Central Asia during the period of Mongol incursions in the course of the twelfth century. Seeking safety and some place to settle in, he came into the Punjab where already under Ghaznavid rule. Several Muslim religious centres had developed and sizeable Muslim populations had grown, particularly in the areas now included in West Punjab (Pakistan). Dr Harbans Singh of Sikh Encyclopaedia states that the newly born baby was named after the Sufi poet Fariduddin Attar. Farid in Arabic language means ‘Unique’. He came to be known as Shakarganj or Ganj-i-Shakar (Treasury of Sugar). There is a beautiful story behind this appellation. Young Farid was brought by his mother Qarsum Bibi, an extremely pious lady as his father passed away when Farid Ji was still a child. It is said that that in order to induce the child Farid to say his prayers regularly, his mother used to place under his There is a beautiful story behind this appellation. Young Farid was brought by his mother Qarsum Bibi, an extremely pious lady as his father passed away when Farid Ji was still a child. It is said that that in order to induce the child Farid to say his prayers regularly, his mother used to place under his prayermat a small packet of shakar (country sugar) which Farid Ji would get as a reward. Once Qarsum Bibi forgot to put the shakar under the mat. It is said that such was the devotion of child Farid that shakar nevertheless appeared in the usual place. Following this miracle, he came to be known as Shakarganj. Another explanation is given is that while undergoing extreme hard penance during his youth Farid Ji in a fainting state once looked around for something to break a three days continuous fast. He was unable to find any food and put few stone pebbles into his mouth to curb his hunger. It is said by divine intervention, the stones turned into lumps of sugar. Dr Harbans Singh attributes the title ‘Shakarganj’ to the blessing which Farid Ji received from his spiritual teacher, Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (the famous Qutb Minar in Delhi was built in his name) who praised the sweetness of Farid Ji’s disposition and remarked; “You shall be sweet like sugar.” Farid Ji set up a centre of devotion at Hansi (Haryana), later shifting to Ajodhan (Pakpattan) in Sahiwal district of West Punjab. This was then a wild and arid area, with few of the comforts of life, and Farid Ji came in obedience to Khwaja Qutubuddin’s command: “Go and set up settlement in some wasteland.” Later, in honour of Shaikh Farid it came to be known as Pakpattan (holy ferry). The Sufis brought the healing touch to the strife-torn religious scene in those times. It is said once someone brought a pair of scissors for Farid Ji, he put it by and asked instead for a needle, saying: “I came to join not to sever.” Farid Ji sent his disciples to preach his message in different parts of the country. One of them was the famous Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi, who recorded his visits to Farid Ji at Pakpattan. He states more often than not very little was in Farid Ji’s home to eat and the family and disciples would feel blessed if they could make a meal on One of them was the famous Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi, who recorded his visits to Farid Ji at Pakpattan. He states more often than not very little was in Farid Ji’s home to eat and the family and disciples would feel blessed if they could make a meal on dela, a wild sour tasting berry growing on a leafless thorny bush. The city Faridkot (Fort of Farid) is named after him. Farid Ji had to undergo forced labour for building a fort for the local chief named Mokal. By a miracle, Farid’s sainthood was revealed and people showed reverence to Sufi mystic who blessed this place. Guru Granth Sahib Ji contains four shabads and 112 shaloks of Baba Farid as he is known in Sikh tradition. Dr Harbans Singh states that Baba Farid’s compositions are deeply sensitive to the feeling of pity, the subtle attractiveness of sin, inevitable death and the waste of human life owing to man’s indifference to God and goodness. The language is Multani Punjabi, of an extraordinary power and sensitivity. The main theme of Baba Farid’s bani is Dr Harbans Singh states that Baba Farid’s compositions are deeply sensitive to the feeling of pity, the subtle attractiveness of sin, inevitable death and the waste of human life owing to man’s indifference to God and goodness. The language is Multani Punjabi, of an extraordinary power and sensitivity. The main theme of Baba Farid’s bani is vairag, dispassion towards the world and its false attractions. In the Sufi terminology, this is called tauba or turning away from the materialistic world. Guru Nanak Dev Ji & Shaikh Ibrahim (Farid) Dr Kirpal Singh, the Professor of Sikhism has written a monumental work, Janamsakhi Parampara (tradition). The book states that Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana met Shaikh Ibrahim at Pakpattan who occupied the spiritual seat of Baba Farid. Vilayatvali Janamsakhi, records a beautiful conversation between Guru Ji and Shaikh Ibrahim. During those times holy men used to express their feelings in verse. The tradition was so strong that every such saint would either possess or remember by heart his own verses or famous verses of some other holy man. One day having a discourse on God with Guru Ji, Shaikh Ibrahim recited this couplet: ਫਰੀਦਾ ਪਾੜਿ ਪਟੋਲਾ ਧਜ ਕਰੀ ਕੰਬਲੜੀ ਪਹਿਰੇਉ ॥ Fareedhaa Paarr Pattolaa Dhhaj Karee Kanbalarree Pehiraeo || Fareed, I have torn my clothes to tatters; now I wear only a rough blanket. ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਵੇਸੀ ਸਹੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੇਈ ਵੇਸ ਕਰੇਉ ॥੧੦੩॥ Jinhee Vaesee Sahu Milai SaeeeVaes Karaeo ||103|| I wear only those clothes which will lead me to meet my Lord. ||103|| Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1383 Guru Ji replied: ਘਰ ਹੀ ਮੁੰਧਿ ਵਿਦੇਸਿ ਪਿਰੁ ਨਿਤ ਝੂਰੇ ਸੰਮ੍ਹਾਲੇ ॥ Ghar Hee Mundhh Vidhaes Pir Nith Jhoorae Sanmhaalae || The soul-bride is at home, while the Husband Lord is away; she cherishes His memory, and mourns His absence. ਮਿਲਦਿਆ ਢਿਲ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜੇ ਨੀਅਤਿ ਰਾਸਿ ਕਰੇ ॥੧॥ MiladhiaaDtil N Hovee Jae Neeath Raas Karae ||1|| She shall meet Him without delay if she rids herself of duality. ||1|| Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 594 Shaikh Ibrahim’s response was ਫਰੀਦਾ ਨੰਢੀ ਕੰਤੁ ਨ ਰਾਵਿਓ ਵਡੀ ਥੀ ਮੁਈਆਸੁ ॥ Fareedhaa Nandtee Kanth N Raaviou Vaddee Thhee Mueeaas || Fareed, when she is young, she does not remember her Husband. When she grows up, she dies. ਧਨ ਕੂਕੇਂਦੀ ਗੋਰ ਮੇਂ ਤੈ ਸਹ ਨਾ ਮਿਲੀਆਸੁ ॥੫੪॥ Dhhan Kookaenadhee Gor Maen Thai Seh Naa Mileeaas ||54|| Lying in the grave, the soul-bride cries, “”I did not meet you, my Lord.””||54|| Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1380 To this Guru Ji replied: ਮਹਲ ਕੁਚਜੀ ਮੜਵੜੀ ਕਾਲੀ ਮਨਹੁ ਕਸੁਧ ॥ Mehal Kuchajee Marravarree Kaalee Manahu Kasudhh || The rude, ill-mannered bride is encased in the body-tomb; she is blackened, and her mind is impure. ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਤਾ ਪਿਰੁ ਰਵੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਅਵਗੁਣ ਮੁੰਧ ॥੧॥ Jae Gun Hovan Thaa Pir Ravai Naanak Avagun Mundhh ||1|| She can be with her husband Lord, only if she is virtuous. O Nanak, the soul-bride is unworthy and without virtue. ||1|| Guru Granth Sahib Ang 1088 Shaikh Ibrahim was deeply impressed and asked Guru Ji that it needed a dagger to kill the mind. To this the Guru Ji replied: ਸਚ ਕੀ ਕਾਤੀ ਸਚੁ ਸਭੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ Sach Kee Kaathee Sach Sabh Saar || The knife is Truth, and its steel is totally True. ਘਾੜਤ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਅਪਰ ਅਪਾਰ ॥ Ghaarrath This Kee Apar Apaar || Its workmanship is incomparably beautiful. ਸਬਦੇ ਸਾਣ ਰਖਾਈ ਲਾਇ ॥ Sabadhae Saan RakhaaeeLaae || It is sharpened on the grindstone of the Shabad. ਗੁਣ ਕੀ ਥੇਕੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ Gun Kee Thhaekai Vich Samaae || It is placed in the scabbard of virtue. ਤਿਸ ਦਾ ਕੁਠਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੇਖੁ ॥ This Dhaa Kuthaa Hovai Saekh || If the Shaykh is killed with that. ਲੋਹੂ ਲਬੁ ਨਿਕਥਾ ਵੇਖੁ ॥ Lohoo Lab Nikathhaa Vaekh || Then the blood of greed will spill out. ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਲਗੈ ਹਕਿ ਜਾਇ ॥ Hoe Halaal Lagai Hak Jaae || One who is slaughtered in this ritualistic way, will be attached to the Lord. ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਿ ਦੀਦਾਰਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥੨॥Naanak Dhar Dheedhaar Samaae ||2|| O Nanak, at the Lord’s door, he is absorbed into His Blessed Vision. ||2|| Guru Granth Sahib Ang 956 Shaikh Ibrahim felt very happy to listen to this and he handed over many couplets of Baba Farid that lay with him to Guru Ji. Author Inderjeet Singh is a senior HR advisor at UK's NHS Trust and voluntarily works for Guru Nanak Sat Sang Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) Nottingham Source - http://blogs.arynews.tv/baba-farid-sikhism-guru-ji-meeting/