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  1. Interesting article, I had no idea how diff life was in those days https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-47853718 Birmingham & Black Country The turban-wearing British bus driver who changed the law By Riyah CollinsBBC News 30 April 2019 Share this with Facebook Share this with WhatsApp Share this with Messenger Share this with Twitter Share Image captionTarsem Singh Sandhu fought for two years for the right to wear his turban to work Fifty years ago, Sikhs working on Wolverhampton's buses won the right to wear the turban at work. It followed a long-running dispute during which one Sikh man threatened to set himself on fire. It was a time when racial tensions there were high, with the city's most famous MP Enoch Powell saying the country was "heaping up its own funeral pyre" by permitting mass immigration. The Express and Star newspaper reported the turban dispute "could bring chaos to the town's bus services", but it was not just public transport that faced upheaval. Refusing to remove his turban or shave his beard, Tarsem Singh Sandhu sparked a row that spread across the world and saw the nation's racial tensions and identity politics played out on Black Country double-deckers. Image captionMr Sandhu said he was proud he took on the bus company 50 years ago "I couldn't see anyone in Wolverhampton at that time with a turban," remembers Mr Sandhu, who arrived in the Midlands in his 20s more than 50 years ago. Wolverhampton was different back then, he said. He remembers the racism, the teddy boys, and when he plucked up the courage to wear his turban, colleagues wearing crude mockeries on their heads. Soon after arriving, he was pinned down by uncles who cut his hair against his will. He would never get a job with a turban, he was told. At 23, he began working as a bus driver with Wolverhampton Transport Committee which at the time employed 823 drivers, 411 of whom were Indian. All had signed the uniform policy, agreeing to come to work clean shaven and wearing the uniform cap. None of them wore a turban. Image captionSikhs would shave and cut their hair in order to work on Wolverhampton's buses After a short illness in 1967, Mr Sandhu returned to work complete with turban and beard. Hair is one of the five Sikh articles of faith for the Khalsa - it must not be cut and is maintained in a turban - and Mr Sandhu decided he could not forgo his religion for the sake of a bus driver uniform. After one round trip, he was sent home to shave. He refused. "I never thought it would be as big a dispute as it was," Mr Sandhu said, "because there was nothing wrong with what I was doing." Image captionAbout half of Wolverhampton's bus drivers were Indian at the time of the dispute Fifty years on, a young turban fitter, Vikran Jaat Singh, said more young people than ever are wearing the turban. Famously, in June last year, Charanpreet Singh Lall became the first Sikh guardsman to wear a turban during the Trooping the Colour parade. "Before, everyone used to cut their hair," Mr Singh said, but he now runs a business fitting turbans for special occasions. "If someone says 'go to work without your leg', would you?" he asked. "Turbans are part of us - you can't leave part of yourself behind." Image copyrightPA Image captionCharanpreet Singh Lall became the first guardsman to wear a turban in 2018 What Mr Sandhu did, according to Opinderjit Takhar, director of the centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, "is so significant to the lives of Sikhs here in the UK". The former bus driver, who still lives in Wolverhampton, modestly said his actions, which went on to change legislation about religious expression at work, were "natural". "He showed religion shouldn't take a back seat," Dr Takhar said. "As people realised they were here to stay, they realised they no longer had to compromise on their identity." Image captionWolverhampton bus drivers had to be clean shaven and wear a cap After he was suspended in 1967, Mr Sandhu tried to gain the support of his union, Sikh community groups and local gurdwaras. "They only had one thing to say," Mr Sandhu remembers. "No." "Some [Sikh] people supported me; they thought we have done something wrong, we have made a mistake [by cutting their hair], but at least there is one young man who stood up for what is right and we must support him," Mr Sandhu said. "Others thought 'we've come to work in this country and he's creating problems'." Image copyrightIWM Image captionSikh soldiers wore the turban while fighting for the British army He turned instead to the Shiromani Akali Dal - the principal Sikh political party of Punjab - and the president of its UK branch, Sohan Singh Jolly. "He was a very strong character," Mr Sandhu said. He had been a practising Sikh all his life, serving as a police inspector for the British Raj in Kenya. During the British Raj, turbans were accepted as normal. Millions of Sikhs fought for Britain during both world wars, forgoing helmets for their turbans. A march through Wolverhampton drew 6,000 Sikhs from across the country to the town hall, demanding change. The message was also spreading overseas: A 50,000-strong march was organised through Delhi in support of Mr Sandhu and Mr Jolly. Image captionAbout 6,000 Sikhs from across the UK marched through Wolverhampton demanding the turban ban be lifted When nothing happened, Mr Jolly heaped pressure by making the ultimate threat. "He said he would burn himself to death," Mr Sandhu said, "because it's not worth living in this country where the discrimination is that much." Mr Jolly set a deadline of 30 April 1969 - the Sikh new year - for Wolverhampton Transport Committee to lift the ban on turbans. "I am not frightened for anything," he said at the time. "I find it my privilege to sacrifice for the Sikh community." Image captionSohan Singh Jolly threatened to burn himself to death for Mr Sandhu's cause But those on the other side of the dispute were also escalating their arguments, with one man in particular rallying support for the ban: Enoch Powell. On 20 April 1968, moments before likening himself to the Roman witnessing "the River Tiber foaming with much blood", the MP for Wolverhampton South described the turban dispute as "a cloud no bigger than a man's hand that can so rapidly overcast the sky". Powell was sacked after the now infamous Rivers of Blood speech, but his words had already had their impact. People thought "he's come to this country he should do what this country does", Mr Sandhu said. Powell received strong support from the public, with dockers and meat packers marching in support of him, and the local newspaper was flooded with letters supporting his speech. Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES Image captionEnoch Powell said the turban bus dispute threatened to "overcast the sky" The Wolverhampton Transport Committee had found itself at the centre of a row which had outgrown the council house. Buoyed by the public reaction to Powell's speech, the committee remained firm. In 1968, its chairman Ron Gough told BBC News turbans were never likely to be seen on a Wolverhampton bus. However, as Mr Jolly's deadline drew ever nearer, the pressure became intense and the ban was lifted on 9 April 1969. The following day, an editorial in the Express and Star said the end of the dispute was "hardly a victory for anyone". The argument, the paper said, had "made the name of Wolverhampton a sad by word for racial injustice and intolerance". Image copyrightGAVIN DICKSON Image captionWolverhampton is today home to the UK's second largest Sikh population Mr Sandhu said the city had changed drastically since he was a young man. Now, Sikhs are visible everywhere, he said, "freely going anywhere, doing any job". Living in Enoch’s shadow Listen: The Turban Bus Dispute Guardsman first to wear turban at parade Dr Takhar said Mr Sandhu "really put Sikh identity on the map" and made a "huge difference" in raising awareness of the turban's significance. "It's thanks to him we have so many educated people, young people and women wearing turbans," she said. Wolverhampton is now home to the UK's second largest Sikh population. "Somebody has to take a stand whenever something is not being done right and put it right," Mr Sandhu said. "I was proud I did that."
  2. Community leader. That's who I am. I'm a community leader. So are you, So is your dad and uncle. Imagine if a white news network came to your town, was interviewing members of the public in the street and stopped you to talk. What caption do you think they're gonna put up on screen under your name ? Congratulations you're a community leader. When white people come to brown and black towns they imagine it is something like going to another planet such as venus or mars. Like aliens, they imagine we have a leader and if thats the one that made it to the news interview segment that that must be the leader. That's white people for ya. Camping. After working hard all month, sometimes 2 jobs, do you think any brown or black person wants to 'relax' by going out into the 'jungle' and live in a tent ? No......we've seen real poverty. We've experienced it. It's not our idea of fun. Its our idea of torture but not fun. Mountaineering and white water rafting. I have never EVER in all my days met a brown or black person that goes mountaineering or white water rafting. Why the hell wold I want to go up a mountain anyway ? If I've got a day of from work I need to go to Preeto's house, Sukhi's wedding and the Sahota's akhand path. I ain't got time to go up a mountain for no reason !! Skiing. Who, other than white people, think the idea of going to a freezing place and sliding down a hill with a 500% increased chance of breaking your legs is fun ? Bland food. I had dinner at a work colleague's house not long ago. On my plate were potatoes and other stuff. Nothing on these vegetables. They simple put them in boiling water and boil them. If they're feeling really REALLY adventurous they may put some salt in the boiling water. And that it. Thats dinner. These people have built rockets that can go to the moon but have not yet advanced from the 20,000 year old concept of picking a vegetable (potato) up and putting it in boiling water. Ask me if I know Hitesh, Imran or Manjit from the Neasdon office. The answer is no. No I don't know them. Why should I know them ? I don't go up to random white people and ask them if they know Sharon, Steve or Ian from the Newbury office. Why do they think that all of us brown people MUST know each other ? Doing crazy stuff like bungee jumping. There was a story in the papers last week a white guy who climbed the top if the great pyramid in Egypt and photographed himself having sex with his girlfriend on top of it. Why can't white people see a beautiful building, like a pyramid, tower or bridge and just appreciate it's beauty. Why does a little voice in their head say "oooh...I must now tie a rope around my ankle and either tightrope from one end to the other or jump off the building completely" ? What the hell is wrong with them !!! Eat cheese. I mean we all eat some cheese at some time but for crying out loud these people have cheese parties and whole stores that sell nothing but cheese !!
  3. Guest

    The Sikhs of Shanghai

    Let's start with the Boxer Rebellion in China. They teach you about in school history lessons but what they don't tell you is who the British sent to crush the rebellion in China. The answer is the Sikhs. They put together the Ludhiana Sikh Regiment and each man in that regiment was specifically chosen because of his height and build. Every last one of them was built like a brick <banned word filter activated> house. After service, many stayed on in China where they dominated the professions of Policemen, Watchmen and general enforcers. But being paid enforcers, whist doing wonders for one's own macho sensibilities, comes at a price. And that price is being disliked. For when the Japanese occupied Shanghai, the Sikhs became enforcers for the Japanese and that was something the Chinese were never likely to forget. This still photo from the classic Bruce Lee kung fu film 'Fist of Fury' sums up what i mean. In this scene, set during the Japanese occupation, Bruce is told by the Sikh (a Chinese actor playing a Sikh) that dogs and Chinese are not allowed. In the end, of course, the Sikhs would have to leave Shanghai but I feel it's important to remember the first of the great Sikh diasporas: Shanghai Sikh Gurdwara: At the Gurdwara entrance: Still standing today in 2018 but now private dwellings: Still standing in the middle of Shanghai;s futuristic new skyline. Neglected....by all of us. But still standing: 1945 with some American sailors: The Nanking Road, 1901: Shanghai Police Officers: Shanghai 1935: Sikh family with their Chinese Maid / nanny Shanghai Police Training centre: 1931: Mounted patrol: With chinese criminals in stocks in Honk Kong:
  4. does anyone know if Newhampton Road, Wolverhampton Gurdwara opens in the day? is it generally a 'ok' gurdwara in terms of code of conduct?
  5. Vacancies at The British Sikh School http://www.thebritishsikhschool.com/appointments-2/
  6. there was a big fight at sedgley street wolverhampton this sunday. can anyone say what happened to cause the problem? i heard a drunk man came and took knife out and offered people out
  7. Surely these things can be resolved without going to the courts : http://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-news/2015/04/04/wolverhampton-sikh-worshippers-in-wheelchairs-forced-to-sit-behind-screen/ PUBLISHED: April 4, 2015 12:45 pm LAST UPDATED: April 4, 2015 12:51 pm Wolverhampton Sikh worshippers in wheelchairs 'forced to sit behind screen'Worshippers are suing the largest Sikh temple in Wolverhampton after accusing it of discriminating against the elderly and disabled - by making people in wheelchairs sit behind a screen. Dee Kaur, Wolverhampton Sikh Forum vice chairman Iqbal Kaur, Harbajan Singh, and his son, Malkit Singh, are pictured by a screen that has been erected in the community hall which people in wheelchairs, or older people who need to sit in chairs, are forced to eat behind 3 Comments Tweet The group accuses the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Blakenhall of leaving people in wheelchairs outside the main prayer room and making them sit behind screens in the dining room because they are unable to observe the custom of sitting on the floor. Papers have been filed with the County Court in Birmingham and letters have been sent by Paul Uppal and Pat McFadden, both seeking re-election as MPs in Wolverhampton, reminding the Gurdwara of its obligations under disability discrimination laws. Around 10,000 people regularly use the Gurdawara in Sedgley Street. The campaigners say people in wheelchairs cannot get up to the prayer room, the Dahar Sahib, because a lift is not always available. Those with mobility problems say they have to sit on benches outside the main room. The committee says no-one is being excluded and that plans are in place for a new building that will improve access to the prayer room. Dee Kaur and Malkit Singh are pictured with temple users and members of the Wolverhampton Sikh ForumA sign in the templeIn the dining area there is a blue screen between the open plan floor, where worshippers sit for food, and an area with tables and chairs. And in the prayer room on either side of the entrance are wooden screens with windows in, which the campaigners say will segregate people who sit on chairs at the back of the room. Rajinder Bassi, chairman of the Sikh Forum Wolverhampton, said around £5,000 has been raised through donations to fund the legal challenge. He said: "What is happening to disabled and older people is degrading. They are missing out on the spiritual aspect and want to be able to join others upstairs. There's nothing in our faith that says the temple should do this." Dee Kaur, aged 63, of Yew Tree Lane, Tettenhall, has been in a wheelchair since 1996 and has brittle bones as well as a condition caused by problems with her antibodies. She said: "I want to go upstairs but can't. "The tables here are kept out of sight. We are being excluded." Malkit Singh, aged 38, of Massbrook Grove, Fallings Park, has cerebral palsy. He said: "I have to sit downstairs. It's like I'm being hidden away." What do you think? Share your thoughts and join the discussion. Log in and start commentingThe forum's vice chairman Iqbal Kaur added: "This has been going on for three years. It goes against their human rights." The management of the Gurdwara says more facilities for disabled worshippers will be provided under plans for a £2 million revamp. In a statement a spokesman, who did not wish to give his name, said: "The services are provided in line with Sikh traditions where all are welcome to visit and pray at the Gurdwara Sahib. We make as far as possibly practical reasonable adjustments that are also consistent with our practices to accommodate people with disabilities taking account of our faith's traditions. "The Gurdwara is governed by direction from Akaal Takhat Sahib Jee - the Sikh Supreme Authority and this is written within the Gurdwara constitution registered with the Charities Commission since its establishment in 1969. Another view of the screenThe outside of the temple"In line with the Sikh principles of worship and serving the community through its open door policy for all regardless of gender, age, race, wealth or faith including those of no faith. The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee have over the years provided a series of 'reasonable adjustments' which cater for those who are unable to be seated in the two main areas of the Gurdwara, these being the Darbar Sahib where the religious programmes are held and the Langar Hall where the congregation are served blessed food and also socialise with family and friends. "These provisions will be modernised once the approved new building costing nearly two million pounds is constructed this year." In a letter sent last year and published on the forum's website, Conservative Mr Uppal said: "Since seating was removed in 2012 I understand that these members of the congregation have found it increasingly difficult to sit on the floor in the Dahar Sahib to listen and partake in prayers. "It is incumbent upon me to remind the management committee that in many of the congregation's views, this is perceived as discrimination and is understandably causing considerable concern to congregation members, as well as not complying with national legislation." Labour's Mr McFadden also wrote: "I understand of course that in the Gurdwara people sit on the floor. All are equal and sit in the same way before the Guru Granth Sahib. This issue which has been raised with me is what provision should be made for worshippers who, by reason of disability or frailty, cannot sit on the floor. I understand that some Gurdwaras provide some seating to cater for such provision. It is not my role to make a religious judgement. I have, at my constituents' request, checked the position with regard to the legislation which covers access for disabled people and its applicability to places of religious worship."
  8. On Sunday, December 28th. Come along to learn more about the British Sikh School and the education we have to offer. 10.00 - 10.30am Presentation for Parents 10.30 - 11.00am Children's Activities Also at the event you will have the opportunity to win free Maths tuition for 6 months worth £360 To learn more about The British Sikh School.. visit www.thebritishsikhschool.com Email info@thebritishsikhschool.com or call 07772 175 310 To register to attend please follow the following link http://tbss2.eventbrite.co.uk/ Source - https://www.facebook.com/events/881997411840773/?ref=5
  9. The British Sikh School, Wolverhampton, west Midlands secondary (ages 11 to 19), 840 places The British Sikh School will open its doors in September 2015 for 840 pupils between the ages of 11 and 19 in the Blakenhall area of Wolverhampton. This faith ethos school will be based on Sikh principles but will be equally welcoming to all children regardless of their faith. The school will offer a rich and varied curriculum including English, maths, science and technology at its core but will also provide an extensive range of vocational courses from engineering, media studies, through to health and social care to meet the demands of local employers. Source - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/35-new-free-schools-providing-more-than-22000-places-announced
  10. WaheGuru JI Ka Khalsa, WaheGuru JI Ke Fateh! Guru Pyare Sangat Jio, Bhai Amanandeep Singh Ji (Mata Kaulan Wale) will be doing Kirtan & Katha @ Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar Wolverhampton Starting tonight from 7.30pm to 8.45pm and on Friday and Saturday at the same time. Please pass this message on & Bless us with your Darshan. ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸੁਣੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗਾਵੈ ॥ Listening to the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises, and singing the Lord's Kirtan ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਦੂਖੁ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨਹੀ ਆਵੈ ॥੨॥ Misfortune shall not even come near you. ||2|| WaheGuru JI Ka Khalsa, WaheGuru JI Ke Fateh!
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