National Sikh Convention - Sikh Federation (uk) - Sunday 17 September 2006

[Nama Singh]

Can i just add to that and congratulate the Sikh Federation and Young Sikhs coz i really enjoyed the convention.

Its changed a lot. People babble like i once did that all they ever do is talk and talk and dont do anything. But i think in the past year, its boosted. Its good to see Sikhs being discussed in parliament. I think Rob Marris is a brilliant guy. Hes very well spoken and very fair in his arguments. Top bloke.

In terms of the conference itself... THANK U! At last i didnt have to sit through a whole convention on people bigging each other up all the time, coz thats how i found it in the past. This year, the issues were well addressed and well structured. Could have had more of a turnout i think. There was also no exhibition, unlike previous years. Jago Wale were amazing and in future, definitely need more time :wub:

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Doing short write ups under 10 headlines to give those who could not attend or could not listen a flavour of why the Convention was so successful.

Just finishing the 9th article. It's gone past 1am so must go. Will post tomorrow - maybe on Sikh Sangat News as well.

Some that attended the Convention will also find the last few write ups interesting as these were things related to what was going on throughout the three days in terms of decisions. It was a shame some could not make it or decided to stay away.

I agree that the turnout from one or two towns (mainly youngsters) could have been better. However, the Convention was packed out as the pictures show. Also live coverage on Akash and Raaj Radio and announcements in other countries to listen on the Internet meant many tens of thousands benefited from the Convention.

We've had a tremendous response in the last 24 hours in the UK and abroad from those that listened, but could not attend.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

NATIONAL SIKH CONVENTION - READ & LISTEN ALL ABOUT IT!

Ten short articles have been written in relation to the National Sikh Convention organised by the Sikh Federation (UK) on Sunday 17 September. All the articles have been posted individually on Sikh Sangat (www.sikhsangat.com) for relevant comments.

The sewardars at Sikh Sangat have also kindly put each of the articles on Sikh Sangat News with photographs. Millions across the world will now read these as Google News has picked up on all ten articles on Sikh Sangat. If you wish to check on Google go to Google News and type the following in quotes "Sikh Federation".

Within 24 hours of the Convention www.ektaone.com also put up photographs and an audio of around 6 hours for anyone wanting to see images and listen to the National Sikh Convention.

All ten articles are reproduced below for ease of reference:

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NATIONAL SIKH CONVENTION

SIKHS RELEASE 5-POINT ACTION PLAN FOR UK GOVERNMENT AIMED AT REDUCING TERRORIST THREAT

On the fifth anniversary of 9/11 the Sikh Federation (UK) announced it would be releasing at its Convention a five-point action plan for the UK Government setting out ways in which the government could reduce the terrorist threat. In a meeting at the Convention the action plan was explained point by point to Pat McFadden MP, Cabinet Office Minister and Rob Marris MP, Chair All Party Parliamentary Group for UK Sikhs. The action plan in its entirety was very well received.

Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), gave details of the action plan to the Sangat. The five action points that were explained were as follows:

Action Point 1

Establishing and implementing a foreign policy agenda that reflects the needs and aspirations of law-abiding British citizens

Action Point 2

A commitment and practical steps to ensure our elected representatives at a local, national and European level better reflect the community they serve

Action Point 3

Proper consultation to shape government policies resulting in a fairer and just society

Action Point 4

Proper and careful targeting of individuals posing a terrorist threat

Action Point 5

Working with the Sikh community to promote its values and project it as a role model community that others can learn from

SIKHS PUSH UK GOVERNMENT FOR SHIFT IN FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS INDIA

The five-point action plan was released in advance to the media. On the eve of the Convention the Times of India chose to report on the first action point and sensationalise the Federation's proposal with the headline: 'Change policy towards India, Sikhs to tell British govt'. The article is reproduced elsewhere.

It was no surprise the Indian press failed to pick up some of the broader messages in the Federation's proposal. Namely, UK foreign policy should not be changed so it appears to be influenced or appeases terrorists, as recently suggested by leaders and politicians from the Muslim community. A more sensible and defensible position is for the UK Government to signal that it will establish a foreign policy that better reflects the needs and wishes of law-abiding British citizens. This will reinforce the importance of an 'independent' UK foreign policy, strengthen the democratic process in this country and will be in the long term interests of the British people.

The Federation has written to ask for a meeting with the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, the Foreign Secretary, to trial its suggestion of using the Sikh community to explore how UK foreign policy should be changed to reflect the needs and wishes of British Sikhs and to see how best to implement changes that will result. British Sikhs must feel that the foreign policy of the UK Government, for example towards India, better reflects their aspirations. Successfully addressing and meeting the needs of British Sikhs will indicate the extent to which the UK Government can meet the needs of other groups that are likely to present much tougher challenges.

ON EVE OF PARTY CONFERENCES SIKHS CHALLENGE UK POLITICIANS TO MAKE RADICAL CHANGES TO REFLECT UNDER REPRESENTED GROUPS

Each of the main political parties have indicated the need to encourage under represented groups to engage in mainstream politics and to see more elected representatives from these groups. The Sikh Federation (UK) has worked tirelessly over the last three years to emphasise the importance of democratic politics and the need to play an active part in political life in this country. The emphasis has been focused on a greater involvement from younger people.

The Federation has said: 'We believe each of the main political parties should demonstrate through practical actions how they will ensure better representation. The Federation wishes there to be greater visible Sikh representation at a local level and for there to be progress in ensuring we see the first visible Sikhs in both the UK and European Parliaments. It is now time for each of the main political parties to announce targets with realistic timeframes. Progress in getting fairer representation and active engagement of the younger generation in mainstream politics is vital in strengthening the democratic process and undermine those that threaten our way of life.'

SIKHS APPEAL FOR FUNDAMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS IN GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION TO IMPROVE POLICIES

For far too long officials in government have been allowed to consult so-called 'community leaders' or those that make it easy for them to say a community has been consulted. The Federation has for several years been urging the UK Government to get officials to change their practices and get a proper consultation process in place.

A Federation spokesman said: 'We recognise this will make the lives of officials more difficult, but the resulting policies are likely to be better understood and respected. Officials will not always get the answers they are looking for and will need to adopt more creative methods of engaging with those that need to be consulted.'

Given that it is widely recognised that those elected do not reflect the communities they serve it is essential that the consultation process is totally overhauled. The Sikh Federation (UK) has for the last three years been working with other Sikh organisations in the 'open' British Sikh Consultative Forum to help develop a more effective model of consultation and feedback within the Sikh community with greater accountability and transparency. So far government officials have demonstrated by their actions they are not yet ready to fully embrace a radically different approach. The Federation is confident that it can convince Government Ministers to consider the model that has been developed.

SIKH VALUES OF HONESTY, HARD WORK, TOLERANCE AND SELF RELIANCE SHOULD BE PROMOTED BY UK GOVERNMENT

The Sikh Federation (UK) has announced it will be working with the UK Government to promote some of the Sikhs' most important values - honesty, hard work, tolerance and self-reliance. The plan is for Sikhs to be seen and promoted as a role model community that others can learn from. Sikhs are proud of their distinct and separate identity, for which they are widely respected by those with a sufficient understanding. Sikhs wish to raise awareness and share their values for the benefit of all.

The Federation has called for a meeting with Ruth Kelly MP, the Minister for Communities and Local Government, to put into practice the partnership approach they have in mind to raise awareness of Sikhs, their way of life and their values. A Federation spokesman said: 'We believe others can learn from us and we urge the UK Government to give our offer serious consideration. There are numerous benefits in what we are suggesting.'

SIKHS REVEAL WORK TO SECURE CHANGES TO CENSUS 2011

The Sikh Federation (UK) also revealed details of a meeting held in July with Cabinet Minister, Stephen Timms MP, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury regarding the Census 2011. At the meeting the Federation shared concerns on the proposals for the Census with regards to the Sikh community it terms of proper separate monitoring of Sikhs and the collecting of information on those speaking the Panjabi language.

At the meeting the Federation explained that the British Sikh Federation (BSF) had been working closely with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the last four years and made representations on behalf of over 180 Sikh Gurdwaras and organisations in developing the questionnaire for the Census 2011. However, Sikhs were saddened to learn that the ONS Test questions whilst recognising Arab, Gypsy, Romany and Irish Travellers has to date ignored the wishes of the Sikh community.

The second issue raised concerned the proposed question on languages. The Test question as it stands excludes all ethnic minority languages. It was explained the Scottish census model was much better in that it includes the leading ethnic minority language of Panjabi. Independent statistical information on the Punjabi language from various sources was presented to Stephen Timms MP to support the case for collecting relevant information.

Stephen Timms MP was urged to use his influence with the ONS so they listen and respond to the Sikhs demands and needs. Without proper separate monitoring of Sikhs in the Census 2011 and the recognition of Panjabi as one of the major, if not the second language of the country, Sikhs will continue to be discriminated against and excluded for at least the next 20 years.

Those at the Convention and those listening to the live broadcast on Akash Radio and Raaj Radio were told this issue was taken up by Stephen Timms with the ONS Chief Executive. The ONS did not rule out proper separate monitoring of Sikhs and was unable to defend the inconsistency on the Panjabi language with Scotland. The Federation and politicians from across the political spectrum agreed to work together in the next twelve months to get the ONS to reflect the Sikh demands in the Census 2011 questionnaire.

UK POLITICIANS FROM ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM REQUEST MEETING WITH THE SIKH FEDERATION (UK)

Rob Marris MP, Chair All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for UK Sikhs told the Sangat at the National Sikh Convention that the office bearers of the APPG had met and decided that it was important to meet with the leadership of the Sikh Federation (UK). It was confirmed the meeting would take place in the next few weeks in Westminster to agree on a joint programme of political activity on behalf of Sikhs.

The leadership of the Federation said it would consult and present a series of realistic demands with a clear timeline for action by the APPG for UK Sikhs and the UK Government. However, it also confirmed the organisation would continue with its own direct approach with Government Ministers at both a local and national level.

SIKH ORGANISATIONS AND MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGE FEDERATION'S LEAD ROLE IN DEVELOPING A STRONGER AND MORE EFFECTIVE SIKH VOICE IN POLITICAL CIRCLES AND WITH THE MEDIA

Many within the Sikh community listened to Bhai Amrik Singh set out the achievements of the Federation over the last three years and in particular the last twelve months. In a few weeks time the Federation will for the third year in a row be releasing a 40-page highlights booklet detailing its activities over the last year.

Representatives from other Sikh organisations that spoke included Joga Singh, an important member of the Federation of Sikh Organisations, Lavshinder Singh, the General Secretary of the Shromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and Manmohan Singh, the UK leader of Dal Khalsa. All praised and acknowledged the work of the Sikh Federation (UK).

A Federation spokesman said: 'The signs for UK Sikhs are good, there is growing maturity within like-minded organisations in the UK to co-operate wherever possible. This is particularly important for those with political contacts in Panjab as the message from the UK is we must work together towards the common goal of establishing an independent sovereign Sikh State.'

The praise was not confined to Sikh organisations, but also included tributes from those in the media. Gurjeet Kaur, the Chair of the IAB in Birmingham and Editor of The Sikh Times, spoke in English and Panjabi. She said she was greatly impressed with the work of the Federation and it deserved much greater acknowledgment and recognition. Gurjeet Kaur also urged Sikh women to play a much more pro-active role for the Sikh Nation. Sukhwinder Singh, the Managing Director of Akash Radio, spoke passionately and applauded the work of the Federation. He said it was clear for all to see and was now accepted by the UK Government and Ministers that the Federation was leading the way in properly representing Sikhs.

Sikhs attending from many other countries, especially those that experienced the Convention for the first time, also spoke very highly of what they heard and witnessed. In the same way the feedback from those elsewhere in the UK and abroad that listened live to the Convention on radio has been extremely positive. It is clear it will be a challenge to improve on the messages at the Convention next year.

FEDERATION AGREE TO ORGANISE YOUNG SIKHS (UK) ON A REGIONAL BASIS

The Sikh Federation (UK) has demonstrated through its actions that it has tried to promote and support young Sikhs to take the lead in many areas of activity. This has been demonstrated by increased participation by young Sikhs in many of the main events in the last couple of years.

However, there is increasing evidence that some are trying to mislead young Sikhs, create divisions, deflect attention away from the big picture or incorrectly show youngsters as fanatics. They are concerned with the progress being made by the Federation in promoting young Sikhs in all areas. The success of the Federation has been increased professionalism and a focus on its work and issues rather than personalities.

In response to some of the challenges being faced by Young Sikhs (UK) it was decided there needed to be improvements in the organisational set up. Youngsters from towns and cities across the UK that took part in the Convention and younger members of the National Executive Council of the Federation discussed and agreed on a way forward. The key change agreed was to have an organisational set up in six regions - West Midlands, East Midlands, South West, South East, London and the North. These will be taking shape in the coming few weeks and will provide a better structure to organise and take forward relevant projects.

SIKH FEDERATION (UK) TO TAKE LEAD IN EXPANDING LOBBYING ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE

On the back of the first ever Sikh Lobby in the European Parliament organised by the Sikh Federation (UK) on 31 May 2006, there have been numerous requests from Sikhs across Europe for the Federation to lead and support political lobbying at the European level. There is no doubt that Sikhs in other European countries, who are far fewer in number and more spread out geographically, need the assistance of Sikhs in the UK to increase political lobbying on Sikh issues at both a national and European level.

In recognition of a desperate need for more pro-active political lobbying in mainland Europe where Sikhs are facing increasing difficulties it was agreed the Federation in the UK would be setting up a European-wide co-ordination group. The details of the structure are being finalised and are likely to be formally announced on Saturday 23 September at an event in Zurich, Switzerland.

The European-wide co-ordination group will be a political lobbying group organised at both a national and European level and will comprise five Sikh representatives from each country responsible for co-ordinating national lobbying and organising at least one annual European-wide lobby in the European Parliament organised by the Sikh Federation (UK). Around a dozen European countries will each have five national co-ordinators.

The five national co-ordinators from each country will be nominated by leading Sikh organisations in each country. Nominations are being requested over the next ten days so a structure can be in place by the end of September. The Sikh Federation (UK) is liaising with MEPs and planning a follow up Sikh Freedom Lobby in the next two to three months, which will be the next major event organised.

Details of nominations for the five national co-ordinators from each country should be given to Bhai Amrik Singh, Bhai Kuldeep Singh or Bhai Narinderjit Singh as soon as possible. Their respective contact numbers are as follows: +44 7860 633488, +44 7973 712872 and +44 1474 536393.

Gurjeet Singh

National Press Secretary

Sikh Federation (UK)

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Read about the National Sikh Convention in English and Panjabi in The Sikh Times.

For those living abroad it is available online using the following link:

http://sikhtimes.easternmediagroup.co.uk/

The Convention is covered in English on Pages 1 and 3 with the English Editorial on Page 4.

The Convention is covered in Panjabi on Pages 29 and 30 with the Panjabi Editorial on Page 37.

[AkaalSeva-EL]

so what happened to baba harnam singh? :wub:

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

so what happened to baba harnam singh? :wub:

On the day before the Convention the Jatha to accompany Baba Harnam Singh Ji were all prevented from travelling to the UK. It was inappropriate for Baba Harnam Singh Ji to come alone (he has a US passport and did not need a visa).