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I am reading Suraj Granth and it is beautiful with so much history but some less knowing people are turning to throw it away calling it Hindu and stuff. So if you know any sections or stories that are controversial say it and we can try to examine them. Gonna have Gurbilas Patshahi 6 and 10 soon. We can do the same for both of them.

@MisterrSingh and @ipledgeblue and any other West Londoners... https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/zimmers-of-southall-documentary Zimmers of Southall celebrates the classic BMW car scene within West London's Punjabi community Inspired by a mutual love of classic BMWs and dub music, the Zimmers of Southall documentary explores London's multiculturalism through its car collectors. By Ciaran Thapar 18 February 2022 Hark1karan Life is becoming more digital and automatic, which makes many things easier. But it can also over complicate our decisions while glossing over the human fun of analog experience. Cars epitomise this shift. Driving now compared to a generation ago is more smooth and automatic, the grip of the road responsive. But for many enthusiasts, too much electronic gadgetry distracts from the fundamentals. For decades, an appreciation for classic car models has thus strengthened across the globe. Every neighbourhood has its own subtle subculture. Indy in a BMW E30 325i (1987) Manual. Hark1karan “Too much technology is soulless,” says Inderdeep Ghatora, or Indy, who features in Zimmers of Southall, a new short documentary about classic BMW collectors in Southall, west London. “The classics are simple, they’re raw. They’ve got character.” Zimmers is directed by community photographer Hark1karan and produced by Alex Donaldson of Alleycat Films. It provides an intimate snapshot of Southall’s proud Punjabi community via the lens of its car collectors, tapping into a rich local history of migration, intergenerational identity and British music culture. Rav in a BMW E30 M3 (1983) Manual – modified with S62 e39 M5 4.9L V8 engine. Hark1karan “We wanted to show what normal lads, especially Asian lads, get up to; to take away from certain stereotypes and give nuance to their lives,” says Hark1karan. “They’re skilled, they have a passion, and the car is a safe space for them to express themselves, along with the music.” Amandeep (L) and Sunny (R). Many Sikh and Punjabi men emigrating to the UK from industrial cities in north India and east Africa in the latter half of the 20th century brought with them a love for cars and mechanics. Meanwhile, the dub reggae of musicians in the Caribbean provided a soundtrack to multiculturalism across the ‘70s and ’80s in London and the West Midlands. Years later, the blasting of bass music from a BMW sound system remains part of local life, as the tracklist featured in Zimmers shows. ADVERTISING “I didn’t realise how much everyone loved dub music. That became evident across the interviews,” says Hark1karan. “Every single person we spoke to said they played dub in their car.” Jagmohan (L) and Jags (R) in a BMW E28. Zimmers is shot entirely on VHS video cameras, giving it a nostalgic, '90s home video feel. It shows how, for the men who collect and care for them — namely Rav, Gags and Indy, who are three of hundreds across the country — classic cars have become an extension-of-self. They are a way to be seen, valued and feel stitched into a social fabric that has cushioned the balance of work and play for decades: speeding up-and-down Southall’s bustling Broadway, caught in traffic amongst its residential streets and A roads, migrating between gated-off double driveways, nighttime city cruises via the M25 and the hearty home comforts of the local desi pub. Taran in a BMW E46 325Ci (2003) Manual. Hark1karan “When you drive around here, you know the roads they’re parked on, you know their owners. It’s how people meet and socialise. People who drive past will know if I’m in the local shop because my car is parked outside,” Indy says. “And they might not even know me personally… but they’ll recognise my E30.” At 34 years old, his cirrusblau metallic BMW E30 is older than he is. It’s kitted out with BBS RS wheels, Nardi wooden steering wheel, Alpina wooden gear knob, Smoked Hella front lights and air lift performance. Its original heated seats are still intact. “Even in the winter it’s always roof down, heated seats on. Then you’re living,” he chuckles proudly. “People look at me like, what is this guy doing? But they don’t know… I’m warm!” NOW READ

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https://www.cbc.ca/radio/docproject/raising-hair-1.4796906/after-struggling-for-an-ideal-sikh-beard-he-s-easing-up-on-his-face-but-not-his-faith-1.4797667 After struggling for an ideal Sikh beard, he's easing up on his face - but not his faith "Is 'struggle beard' a term?" asked Tej Swatch when asked to describe decades-long battle with his beard Tanara McLean · Posted: Oct 05, 2018 4:43 PM ET | Last Updated: October 29, 2021 Tej Swatch spent years perfecting his beard-beautifying regime — until one day when it all became too much. (Submitted by Tej Swatch) This story was first published in October 2018. It turns out the saying "beauty is pain" applies to beards, too. For nearly 20 years, Tej Swatch struggled with the same painful, daily beard-grooming routine. At peak beard, Swatch spent at least 30 minutes a day tugging, blow-drying, pasting, hair-spraying and bunning his seven-inch beard. Most days, it didn't even turn out the way he wanted. I don't like having a painful face anymore.- Tej Swatch on the stakes of ultimate beard upkeep "It was a struggle," he said, "Is 'struggle beard' a term?" "If it didn't work out that means you had to spend a bit more time doing that whole procedure again, up to the point where you actually have to wash out all your product and start all over again," he said, stroking his face. Tej's beard at its longest, 2002. (Submitted by Tej Swatch) Perfecting the technique Swatch started growing a beard at 14, but by the time he reached his late teens he was getting teased by other Sikh men about his untidy turban and beard. So Swatch, now 42, set out to become a master beard-sculpter, something he says comes with the territory for Sikh men. He spent years curating his beard-beautifying arsenal, including the perfect hair-dryer, shampoo, gel and brush. "It just needed to be pasted down. It needs to be straight," Swatch says. To achieve that beard straightness, Swatch used a Thathi — a cloth commonly used by Sikh men to groom their beards. "You tie it on the top of your head, and you look like an old cartoon character with a toothache," he says, laughing, although it was no laughing matter taking the Thathi off when his beard was set. "You would carefully peel it off and take some hairspray, then you'd dry that so you have a final finish." To achieve the beard style like seen in this photo, Tej Swatch said it took at least 30 minutes, using multiple products, a specific brush and a hair-dryer. (Submitted by Tej Swatch) The Five Ks Keeping a perfectly manicured beard isn't just ego or vanity. Impeccable grooming and hygiene are important elements of Sikh culture. Sikhs can be initiated into a community called the Khalsa, who live by a collective of symbols known as the Five Ks: Kesh: Uncut hair Kanga: A wooden comb Kara: An iron bangle worn around the wrist Kachera: Wearing clean undergarments Kirpan: A dagger or sword Kesh, pronounced kay-ess, is all about not cutting your hair, on your head or your face. "The reason these factors exist is that they came about around the time when Sikhs were being persecuted in India," said Swatch. "The point of it was these five symbols should signify who they are." Tej says his father's beard, pictured here, was always the one he modeled his own after. (Submitted by Tej Swatch) The father of all beards When Swatch started growing a beard at 14, his Dad's beard was the ultimate example for him. "He was this splendid Sikh man who had this very nice turban and he had this nice fully groomed beard that didn't look cut, it was just something that was totally under control," said Swatch. "He had a way of brushing it out and then tying a little bun and putting it under his chin before he went off to work." The younger Swatch insists that despite his efforts, he never got his beard in peak condition like his father's. Eventually the 30-minute daily process was just too painful. The "after" photo: Tej's beard is now roughly two inches long, five inches shorter than he kept it in previous years. (Submitted by Tej Swatch) "Pasting it down, the hair would start to pull down … and some hair would inevitably get plucked out." After giving it some hard thought about three years ago, Swatch decided it was time to cut his beard. The pressure, the stress, the time investment — it all became too much. "I concluded that it's not how long you keep your beard, it's that you keep a beard. People still identify me as a Sikh," he said. "I don't like having a painful face anymore." Swatch still keeps a beard, but it's only about two inches long now. Tej and his son Arjun, whose beard hasn't quite started to come in yet. (Submitted by Tej Swatch) Although his parents still ask once in a while if he'll grow it back, Swatch's beauty-beard days are a thing of the past. "It's just not who I am," he says.

Hi, everyone. Can you share what your stereotypes are about Sikh girls? The good, the bad, the ugly? For example: Indian girls (in general) are stereotyped as hairy, prudish, nerds, get fat after 1-2 kids, really smart (even the dumb ones), not as attractive as other ethnicities, loyal, good cooks. What do men here personally stereotype Sikh women as from your experiences with them? I'd like to know even if it hurts, thanks.

? https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/sikh-boy-dragged-hair-robbery-ealing-london-crime-b975079.html Sikh boy, 18, ‘dragged by hair’ during street robbery in Ealing By Barney Davis 14 hours ago A A teenager who was “jumped” by three violent thugs was saved by a heroic supermarket van driver who stopped when he fell bloodied into the road. The boy, 18, suffered an injury to the face after he was attacked in Windmill Road, Ealing at around 7.10pm on Tuesday. His brother claimed on social media that three men grabbed him by his Joora, (topknot of long, unshorn hair worn by Sikhs) and beat him up before stealing his phone, school work and tablet. The boy reportedly got help when he stumbled into the road covered in blood and a supermarket delivery driver stopped to phone police. A Met police spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of a male being attacked. Officers attended but there were no signs of any suspects or victims. “A short time later a further call was received to Windmill Road, where the victim, aged 18, was located. “He was assisted by members of the public who called 999. He was reportedly approached by three males who chased him before stealing his bag and phone. “The victim suffered a facial injury. He declined treatment from LAS.” There have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/inspiring-moment-sutton-coldfield-sikh-22592492 Inspiring moment Sutton Coldfield Sikh was called to the Bar in traditional robes "It’s a very rare thing to see someone wearing traditional robes instead of a suit so it's a big moment." SHARE 4COMMENTS By Anisah Vasta 10:22, 29 DEC 2021 Watch the inspiring moment a Sikh man is called to the bar - wearing his traditional robes. Lovejoyt Singh, 24, completed the first stages of law training and was able to wear his Sikh attire during a special ceremony at Temple Church, London. The inspiring video shows Lovejoyt wearing traditional Sikh robes, known as baana, as he collects his certificate. Read more: Student fights back from shock cancer diagnosis - after being told she had suspected Crohn's disease He said the moment, which went viral after being filmed on November 25, was "such a privilege". Lovejoyt, from Sutton Coldfield, said: "In this profession, you often don't see anything beyond the realms of tradition. "It's very rare to see someone wearing traditional robes - normally everyone just wears black suits and ties. The future barrister was called to the Bar during a special ceremony at Temple Church, London, on November 25. (Image: Simrita Kaur / SWNS) "But after all these years of hard work, my community is very proud of what I have achieved so being called to the bar in my robes is a privilege. "It's a victory not just for me but for all minority communities out there - I'm not saying I'm a role model, but they need to see people they can relate to. "I believe be the change you want to see in the world - and this is definitely a step in the right direction." he added. Read more: Hero kids to tragic mum - heartbreak from 2021 that inspired Birmingham Lovejoyt graduated from an undergraduate degree in politics, policy and economics in 2018 before completing a conversion course and a training course in law this year. Shortly after, he was invited to his ceremony to be called to the bar as a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. His request to wear baana rather than a suit was granted. The inspiring video shows Lovejoyt wearing traditional Sikh robes, known as Baana, as he collects his certificate - which he described "such a privilege". (Image: Simrita Kaur / SWNS) He said: "I got a very positive reaction when I wore my robes and that was really pleasant to see." Lovejoyt still needs to secure further training known as a pupillage to become a registered barrister. He said: "To be called to the Bar wearing my baana is a privilege. "It's such a change to see that worn to be called to the bar. "I got such a positive reaction and it's a step in the right direction."

Surprising, but oh well, good news if the survey was done properly. SUMMARY Around 82 per cent Sikh youngsters pray regularly or sometimes even if there is no festival being celebrated. The corresponding figure was 74 per cent for Christians, 72 per cent for Muslims, 69 per cent for Hindus and 46 per cent for others. Around 86 per cent Sikh youngsters visited a place of worship (gurudwara) even when there was no festival, compared to 57 per cent each for Hindus and Christians and 56 per cent for Muslims. The share of Sikh youth drawn towards TV channels showing religious programming has gone up from the previous round of the survey, which is opposite to the trend observed across all other communities. In 2016, 73 per cent Sikhs reported watching religious shows on TV, which has risen to 82 per cent this year. On comedy movies on religious leaders, 85 per cent Sikhs supported a ban, followed by 65 per cent Christians, 49 per cent Hindus and 36 per cent Muslims. Here too, more Muslims opposed (46 per cent) such a ban than those who supported it. https://theprint.in/india/82-sikh-youth-pray-regularly-highly-religious-compared-to-others-shows-csds-lokniti-survey/784879/

I didn’t know where to post this (in either Sikh history or what’s happening), but I’m curious as to what mahants and masands are? I’m asking because my mother used mahant in a derogatory way towards my father and I’m curious if mahants the same as masands? Are they considered bad?

About Vadde mahapurkh's early life before joing Sant Sundar Singh ji's jatha, is it true they had taken pahul from Budha Dal and had been a nihang singh before hearing Sant Sundar Singh jee at a smagam where budha dal mukhi Akali Baba Teja Singh were also present. There are several different views on this, and since most of sangat here is from England, fortunately residence to sachkhand niwasi Giani Gurdev Singh ji, Giani Pritam Singh Likhari ji and other prominent singhs of jatha bhindran, I was wondering if anyone had heard something of the sort from a singh etc., there are people saying Vadde Mahapurkh used to consume jhatka once and degh as well until becoming mukhi of Taksal. Just want to clarify the details. Would appreciate any further khoj done. Anything about this in sri gurmukh prakash or giaan kirna or khalsa vachitar jeevan?

Has no one noticed this? Or am I hallucinating? Sikh youth usually try to emulate black culture while Hindus try to emulate white culture. I've totally noticed this and I feel a bit sad because cultures like that go nowhere. East Asian people try to emulate white culture, or at least respect it. Meanwhile, no offence, but generally communities with a lot of issues and low aspirations emulate black culture. All of our children are listening to horrendous rap songs and thugging it out on the streets (or at least attempting to). It is similar to how Arabs in European countries emulate black culture (notably, France) as well as Latinos in the US and whatnot... it doesn't help that our own Punjabi media promotes gandh. I know I'm going to be attacked but idc anymore, this is a significant issue imo. I've already been attacked enough lol

Beware of Muslims ! Sikh brothers awake and be very cautious. The Muslims to whom you say our brothers and u say they are very close to us . You say they are better than Hindus ; you must watch this video .from this you can understand what is a Muslim thought psychology . Must see this video where Muslims say they will not take even food langar from Gurdwara because it it is HARAAM. They will not allow any Gurbani Kirtan in their masjid mosque. https://fb.watch/9NOB2YKe_3/ You must acknowledge this bitterroot that Muslims do not bow to our Siri guru Granth sahib ji even if they come to our Gurdwara. Most of them consider us as Kafir. They are from a totally different civilization which can not match anywhere, anytime with the Sikh thoughts.

Hello, I wanted to know does Ardas have to be done standing-up and if Guru Sahib isn't physically present where we are doing ardas, do we have to Mehta Teekh somewhere?

Dear all, I hope you are well. I am currently a doctorial student looking to speak with our Sikh brothers and sisters who have moved from India to the UK. I am wanting to understand the experiences of sikhs who have migrated and how they have found this. I would ideally like to talk to people over zoom, with some cha about their experiences. Please see my poster below for more details. Do let me know if you have any questions. Feel free to contact me on email: sidhus1@roehampton.ac.uk or here. Thank you

Sikh Personalities honoured with Padma awards 2021 https://singhstation.net/2021/11/sikh-personalities-honoured-with-padma-awards-2021/ BySinghStation November 12, 2021 Sikh Personalities honoured with Padma awards 2021 SinghStation Four Sikh personalities received the prestigious Padma Awards for their contribution to different fields, at the 2021 Civil Investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Narinder Singh Kapany, Father Of Fibre Optics Narinder Kapany, who is globally regarded as the ‘Father of Fibre Optics’ has been posthumously awarded Padma Vibhushan — the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna — by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. Known as the ‘Father of Fibre Optics’, Kapany coined the term fibre optics, Rashtrapati Bhavan said in an official release, adding he “laid the foundation for today’s high-speed Internet technology”. Kapany, born in Moga in 1926, died last year. His daughter Kiran has said the family was “truly humbled” and “overwhelmed”. She thanked the Government of India for bestowing the honour on her father. On his work on fibre optics, Kiran is reported to have said: “We realise how deeply he touched so many lives and how he laid the groundwork for so many to know that they could also reach for the stars. We thank you with all our hearts.” Shiromani Ragi Prof Kartar Singh from Ludhiana Shiromani Ragi Prof. Kartar Singh was awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of his services to the Sikh sect. Professor Kartar Singh, who lives in the Shastri Nagar area of Ludhiana, came here after Partition and got training in singing the words of Gurbani in prescribed ragas of Gurbani with traditional musical instruments and then after giving training to the youth and fulfilling his responsibility towards Gurbani. Pro. The Ragi Jatha trained by Kartar Singh is serving the Sikh Panth today. For almost 12 years (1991-2002), Prof. Kartar Singh trained the ragis in Tanti Rangs at Jawaddi Taksal, So the best center of Gurmat music on Gurbani ragas in Punjab. It is noteworthy that in Sikhism the words of Gurbani were sung only in Tanti ragas and the professor has a great contribution in keeping this tradition alive. Mata Parkash Kaur Unique homes Jalandhar Parkash Kaur, a social worker from Jalandhar city has been awarded a Padma Shri today from president Ram Nath Kovind. The award recognises her social service towards abandoned girl children in Punjab, which has one of India’s most skewed sex ratios. Today, she is a mother to 100 abandoned girls. She has been running ‘Unique Home’ — a centre for orphans, “unwanted” and “unclaimed” girls — on the Nakodar Road, for the past 28 years. Almost 30 girls raised by her are married. The other 70 are studying in private schools and colleges. While some of them are doing MBBS and BTech, others are pursuing LLB, psychology and other professional courses. Jitender Singh Shunty from Delhi Jitender Singh Shunty, who received Padma Shri, is the founder of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Seva Dal, engaged in the service of people by transporting Covid-19 patients to hospitals and caring for unclaimed bodies. Expressing happiness on receiving the award, he said it belonged to each and everyone who helped him accomplish the work during the pandemic. “I am inspired by Bhagat Singh, who at the age of 23 kissed the hangman’s noose for the country.” A two-time councillor from the Jhilmil ward and former Shahdara MLA, Singh has been engaged in running the foundation for 25 years, providing free ambulance services to the poor.

Hello, I wanted to know are there things outside the 4 Bhujer Kurehits that we’d need to Pesh for in front of the Punj Pyare if we’ve taken Amrit?

Guru Nanak is aupposed to have said > “I have seen the light of Muhammad (with my mind's eye). I have seen > the prophet and the messenger of God, in other words, I have > understood his message or imbibed his spirit. After contemplating the > glory of God, my ego was completely eliminated.” But there are two things that Muslims believe in 1. Prophet Muhammad being the last prophet. 2. No reincarnation. Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak was a prophet and they also believe in reincarnation. But Sikhs also believe that Prophet Muhammad was sent by God. If Muhammad was sent by God to spread truth, why did he say that he was the last prophjet and that there was no rebirth? How is this contradiction reconciled by Sikhs?

Been alot of controversy around this. Things heated up whilst discussing this on Panjab Radio today Absolutely disgusting using Gurbani on the statue with shoe on top Jathetdar was can Bhai Harpreet Singh - broke covid rules as well as other issues the cost of the statue there was a congress mp there too and he was with the jathedar 24/7 The Sikh organization behind this deny the accusations

I am thinking of taking Amrit but I have some questions Do I have to wear a turban? Can I wear a Chuni/Dupata instead? Is having a pericing allowed? I have a nose and ear piercing, can I still wear small studs I have seen women (old and young) wearing these necklaces. Are they allowed?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh and to all the sadh sangat on this platform here Sat Sri Akaal. Today was the day when the statue of Halvidar Ishar Singh was publicly unveiled in front of dozens of armed forces, police force, and including the British Royal Air Force at Wednesfield Guru Nanak Gurdwara situated in England soil. Here are a few pictures/screenshots of the congregation that attended this auspicious smagam. Over 100 years ago, 21/22 Sikh soldiers had safeguarded the Saragarhi station overcoming countless Afghani forces.

From 2013, but relevant Meet the Sikh Man Who Wants to Arm His Turbaned Brothers https://www.vice.com/da/article/kwpqvn/meet-the-sikh-man-who-wants-to-arm-his-turbaned-brothers Packing heat to deter hate crimes. BU Af Basim Usmani 3.10.13 Del Tweet Snap Gursant Singh is a former riflery champion. Sikhs are a misunderstood religious group in the US. Sikh men – who traditionally sport beards and turbans – are sometimes mistaken for fundamentalist Muslims hell-bent on America's distruction. Which, they are not. In the month after 9/11, more than 300 hate crimes were committed against Sikhs according to the Sikh Coalition, a New York-based community group formed in response to that flurry of misguided reprisal attacks. The mass shooting at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, last year was another disturbing example of the cultural confusion that the 700-year-old South Asian religion causes for some Americans. Although Oak Creek authorities have yet to determine an official motive for the attack, the shooter’s white-supremacist background and alleged claims of an “impending racial war,” left little doubt that he targeted the Sikh community because of their differing cultural heritage. Just last week, two incidents of mistaken xenophobia were reported: in Manhattan, a mob of 20 teenagers swarmed and beat a Columbia University professor, Prabhjot Singh, supposedly because his turban and beard signalled to the marauding teens that he was a terrorist. Professor Singh’s attackers allegedly yelled, “Get Osama,” before they left Singh with a broken jaw and several missing teeth. n Mississippi, a judge ordered a Sikh defendant to “remove the rag on his head” or go to jail. The defendant had gotten arrested for carrying a short knife – or a kirpan – which, it turns out, is a religious requirement that some Sikh men follow. The kirpan is a ceremonial dagger that some Sikh men carry as a symbol of the martial history of the religion and the duty of manhood. Carrying the kirpan is one of the five articles of faith of Sikhism, as established in the 17th century by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth leader of the religion. While advocates at the Sikh Coalition push for better education about their religion and nonviolent, cross-cultural outreach as a means to stop the uptick in violence toward Sikhs in the US, at least one American Sikh sees the legacy of the kirpan as a reason to arm up as a more direct method of deterrence. Gursant Singh has a solution: he wants every Sikh man and woman to have access to and know how to use a firearm. He details it on his YouTube channel and writes about his disenfranchisement with other white Sikhs in his book, Confessions of an American Sikh. Gursant was born Clark Harris in 1956 to a proud military family in Southern California. In 1981 he became one of thousands of white converts to Sikhism in America. He is a uniquely American mix of red-blooded gun boosterism and the heritage of a religion birthed half a world away. Get this: he sued the State of California because he claimed its ban on assualt assault weapons and high-capacity magazines interferes with the practice of his religion, claiming that the articles of faith detailing kirpan-carrying extend to the bearing of large firearms. Gursant doesn’t speak for the majority of Sikhs in America. The kirpan is regarded by many Sikhs as a potent symbol of duty for Sikh men and part of the muscular tradition of Sikh warriors, but few Sikhs connect that tradition to gun ownership. We decided to talk with Gursant about his outlying beliefs that Sikhs should arm themselves, and how Sikhism might evolve in our pistol-popping, American context. VICE: What is the place for guns in Sikhism? Gursant Singh: Guru Gobind Singh said we should have weapons of all kinds. We should be ready to defend ourselves and defend those who can’t defend themselves. To train with firearms is good for your sense of confidence and responsibility. I think it’s a great way to increase your self-confidence and individual responsibility. I grew up with firearms so they’re very natural to me. But I hear so many people who say they’re afraid of a gun. [laughs] It’s not the gun that is the thing to be afraid of. It’s the people who are using them. I think it’s important for our society to have the guns that these criminals have or that these hatemongers have. I feel a lot safer and I feel self-confidence that I can go where I want and I don’t have to fear someone attacking me. Are you always strapped then? I just can’t imagine going out without wearing a handgun in today’s society. You’re just really asking for trouble especially in our situation where there are so many people out there who hate us for looking Sikh. It’s a personal defence weapon, and it's legal to get one. You can defend yourself and your family without too much practice. Take a few classes and get the license. What are you currently packing? For 35 years, I’ve always used a revolver. I was convinced recently the more modern thing is a semiautomatic .45-caliber handgun. It’s definitely more modern and effective. Revolvers are really good; they’re easy to shoot. You don’t have to worry about a safety because the hammer comes back. They convinced me at the gun shop these semiautomatic weapons are very safe now. Which was the major reason I didn’t get one before. The .45 caliber is a much larger bullet it has a lot more impact and will knock someone down, while the .38 revolver doesn’t have as much impact. With the revolver the cylinder has to turn when you pull the trigger so it’s not as accurate to shoot. The main thing is you want to be trained with the handgun you use, so in the right situation you can act quickly. These things happen very quickly. So you think that the attack on the Columbia professor could have been deterred? From what I saw, he [Prabhjot Singh] wasn’t wearing a kirpan, and I think that would’ve been a real deterrent. It’s too bad. I don’t think Sikhs should be victims. I think there are enough teachings in Sikh history, like by Guru Gobind Singh, that we should be able to defend ourselves and defend those who can’t defend themselves. That’s why, in my mind, we wear the kirpan so it’s not a showpiece. It’s supposed to be a way to defend yourself. It seems like the Sikh American community has a different idea. I think most of the Sikhs coming from India to the USA are interested in making money and aren’t as interested in upholding the Sikh principles as Guru Gobind Singh laid them down. You’ll see political advocacy groups like the Sikh Coalition, and they’ll never talk about firearms or self-defence. They’re more interested in pacifism. I think the stress on education is important, but education is not everything. It’s definitely not going to help you in a one on one confrontation where someone has an agenda. Try using education against someone like [Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooter] Michael Page. How has the community reacted to your YouTube channel or calls to start a Sikh shooting club? I have been kind of surprised by the lack of the interest. I was just talking to my wife about the lack of interest. There are so few Sikhs who would like to be, so-called orthodox Sikhs, or observant Sikhs about defending themselves. I do see that there are a lot of Sikh youths between the ages of 16 and 25 who are getting back to the fundamentals of Guru Gobind Singh and the proficiency with self-defense. I think there’s no substitute for guns. If you’ve got a mob or a bunch of people who want to attack you, a gun is a good equaliser. I think especially for women. I encourage women to learn how to use a firearm. And I think if all Sikhs had that weapon where they can legally have them, I don’t think people would mess around with them. They would never attack a Sikh if they knew he had a gun. That‘s my opinion. You’re from a military family. Did you ever try to enlist? I tried to get in the army in 1982, but I was denied basically for being Sikh and wearing a turban. This was even though I’m from an important family – my dad was in the Marines for 14 years. They’ve let three Sikhs in under an exemption they’ve been giving. I think they’re medical doctors. In 1948, President Truman had given an exemption for all Sikhs to join the army but in the 1980, the Moral Majority, they were a kind of right-wing Christian group, they had a lot of pressure on Ronald Reagan. So they changed that exemption. How did your white Christian parents react to your conversion to Sikhism? My father didn’t like it at first, and he kicked me out of the house basically. It took a few years to help him understand what Sikhs were about. He had to read a few books and see that it’s not a cult or something. But you’ve found a home in Yuba City? The first Punjabi Sikh farmers came here in the turn of the 20th century. The oldest gurdwara (Sikh temple) in the entire country is here. So they’ve been Sikh farmers here for many, many generations. If you drive down Yuba City you’ll see gurdwaras on the side of the road, there are many of them in Ffresno and Central Valley. My experience is that Sikhs are really good hard-working people. And they really have a good sense of values. I married a Punjabi lady about five years ago. And I’m really enjoying being in the family. But you haven’t gotten much of a response regarding gun ownership? I’ve talked to maybe six or seven people who have called me on the telephone. I invite anyone to call me on the issue. I’ve gotten likes on Facebook and a lot of responses and views on YouTube, but in terms of people learning about firearms and incorporating it into their lifestyle, it’s very few.

What are the best books about Sikh History you have read?

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/chandigarh-sikh-man-alleges-conversion-bid-by-muslim-wife-7405558/ Chandigarh: Sikh man alleges conversion bid by Muslim wife, moves court The court of Rasveen Kaur, Civil Judge (Junior Division), has issued a notice to the defendants for July 20. Written by Jagpreet Singh Sandhu | Chandigarh | July 15, 2021 10:17:12 am A 36-year-old Sikh man has filed a civil suit in the Chandigarh district courts seeking directions to restrain his Muslim wife and her relatives from forcibly converting him and his minor son to Islam. The court of Rasveen Kaur, Civil Judge (Junior Division), has issued a notice to the defendants for July 20. The plaintiff, who is a resident of Chandigarh, has submitted that he is Sikh by religion and by birth while his wife and in-laws are Muslim by birthhe plaintiff’s counsel, advocate Dikshit Arora, has submitted in the petition that he met his would-be wife in 2008 while working in an office in Chandigarh, where he was a store incharge and she was a salesgirl. The two became friends and she proposed to him. He said no because they came from different religions. However, she persisted and promised him that religion will never become an issue. On this, they got married as per Sikh rituals in a gurdwara at Amritsar in November 2008. However, the plaintiff alleges in the petition, from day one of the marriage, his wife and in- laws started forcing him to profess Muslim religion and to boycott Sikh religion. Due to this, he initially opted to stay away from his in-laws and went to Delhi where he stayed from 2008-2011. Later, he took up a job at Amritsar where he lived from 2011 to 2015. In August 2012, his wife gave birth to a baby boy. He alleged from day one of the birth of his son, his wife and in-laws tried their best to convert the minor child to Islam but the plaintiff safeguarded him. The plaintiff alleged the other relatives of his wife, including his brother-in-laws, also had been interfering in his married life. In the suit filed, the plaintiff also alleged that the defendants, including his in-laws and other family members of his wife, asked him to get rid of his hair (Kesh). They tried to remove the “KARA” from the hand of the plaintiff, and insulted the plaintiff and his religion by throwing the turban from his head. The plaintiff also alleged that he was forced to eat Halal Meat instead of Jhatka Meat.The plaintiff submitted that he previously made a complaint to the SSP concerned but it was of no use. The police party had failed to provide justice to him.

Gurfateh all, My name is Dr Jasjit Singh, Associate Professor at the University of Leeds.I have recently put together an online survey to examine how Sikhs engagewith Sikhi online. This survey is based on a similar survey which I ran aspart of my PhD. I am now re-running the survey to see what has changed over the past 10years, focusing on digital innovations and on the online space. Anyone whoself identifies as 'Sikh' is welcome to respond. The survey link is here: https://leeds.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sikhsurvey I am looking for responses from Sikh living anywhere of any age. Pleasefeel free to disseminate to any relevant contacts. Many thanks, Jasjit.