Irish-indian Council Dismisses Dastat Issue

[Matheen]

Check out this link and please make some noise!!

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/tu...up-1070013.html

Our Indian brothers knife us in the back, yet again.....

[mann_kaum_layee_qurbaan]

""We believe that religion and faith are very private aspects of an individual's life; their public demonstration may be offensive to others," he says.

The IIC trustee adds that members of the Sikh community have voluntarily restrained from wearing the turban, making the issue of the turban ban "meaningless". "

that's why i never join any of these indian groups. the indian agenda has no place for the sikh agenda. and interestingly the sikh agenda always worries about india.

indians keep reminding us how ignorant they are of the faith and people which freed them from the shackles of slavery.

this ignorant shukla character says that members from the sikh community voluntarily removed their turbans so therefore the whole issue is meaningless. yeah in the sikh faith we are not the taliban and enforce the turban. it is a part of teh sikhs faith but people havethe freedom to do what they want, this doesn't make it meaningless.

with this indian person's logic, people voluntarily refuse to vote in democratic countries, so this makes the importance of the right to vote meaningless.

you'd think thousands of years of "vedic" insight would give these guys a bit more common sense.

it is this flawed indian logic which will pave the way for a sikh homeland.

peace.

[SaRpAnCh]

IIC?????????????Irish Indian Coucil,what a load of rubbish,since when did 'Indians',and Indian Councils become spokesmen for the Sikhs Community,another attempt by Indians,& Hindus to try and interfere in our Sikh Affairs wihout even consulting us.

[buddasingh]

I would like to know if all the office bearers of the "Ireland India Council" stand behind the statements. It seems that their agenda is primarily business/economic relations with India. They wish to promote business with India, the prime minister of India has a dastar and this is what they have to say about respecting it?

In the story: "The IIC consulted various Irish Indian groups across the State on the present turban issue."

Surely the IIC will tell us who the various groups consulted across the state are and in what manner they were consulted so we can approach those groups directly.

Get to know the council and it's members here: http://www.irelandindiacouncil.ie/index.html

I wonder if questioned, what this man http://www.entemp.ie/corporate/ministersoffice/martin.htm has to say and if he worries that the his wrong answer or his silence may make investments like this http://www.entemp.ie/press/2006/20060116a.htm (referenced here also http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2006/0.../story11051.asp ) a bit more complex.

Get to know more about how this has been approached in the past here and here...

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041029/nation.htm#1

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041108/punjab1.htm#1

OFFICE BEARERS

The president of the IIC- Professor Louis P. F. Smith is Emeritus Professor of Economics (International Trade) and was Economic and Banking Consultant of Allied Irish Banks, the largest bank in Ireland, to the National Farmers’ Association and other bodies. He was Chairman of the Irish Council of the European Movement and of the Irish Council for Overseas Students. He is author of Evolution of Agricultural Co-operation, Basil Blackwell, Oxford-1961, Elementary Economics (with Dr. Norton), U.C.D. Folens 1963, with various other articles in and books on socio-economic developments in Europe. Professor Smith’s determination is to broaden economic and cultural relations between two countries.

The Chairman of the IIC is Mr. F. G. Cassidy, Charted Accountant by profession and owner of an accountancy firm running its offices in Dublin and other major cities in the Ireland. Mr. Cassidy is a devoted person for the economic and cultural relations between Ireland and India.

Acting Chairman Mr. Patrick Dillon Malone is the Acting Chairman of the organisation, he is a practising Barrister and on the board in many institutions.

The Trustee of the organisation is Mr. Prashant Kumar Shukla, His qualifications are in Developmental Studies, International Law and Diplomacy, Business Studies and he also holds Degree in Science, and a Fellow of Salzburg Seminar, He is an experienced and dynamic professional with a broad European and Asian cultural, developmental and business background; he has expertise in migration, cultural exchange, demography, HIV/AIDS and substance abuses. He has served in various multicultural institutions on different positions along with the programme manager of UNDP-RBB/VOM in south Asia. He is member of the Immigrant Council of Ireland’s Policy and Research Committee and in Board of Integrating Ireland, he is also the member of steering committee of Tallaght Partnership project FMWEPON, and Advisor of the Drug Addicts Rehabilitation Network (DARN). His services were recognized nationally and internationally. The Secretary-General of the United Nations awarded a testimonial for the same in 1999.

The Secretary of the organisation is Ms. Aparna Bajpai, former Associate Professor of obstetrics in Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Gwalior, M. P. India. Presently she is providing her services in the field of Maternal and Child Health at N.M.H. Dublin. Ms. Bajpai also worked for UNICEF in developing their modules in India. She has conducted and performed various stage shows . She is highly motivated in promotion and exchange of the culture between Ireland and India.

[lsingh]

I would like to know if all the office bearers of the "Ireland India Council" stand behind the statements. It seems that their agenda is primarily business/economic relations with India. They wish to promote business with India, the prime minister of India has a dastar and this is what they have to say about respecting it?

In the story: "The IIC consulted various Irish Indian groups across the State on the present turban issue."

Surely the IIC will tell us who the various groups consulted across the state are and in what manner they were consulted so we can approach those groups directly.

Get to know the council and it's members here: http://www.irelandindiacouncil.ie/index.html

I wonder if questioned, what this man http://www.entemp.ie/corporate/ministersoffice/martin.htm has to say and if he worries that the his wrong answer or his silence may make investments like this http://www.entemp.ie/press/2006/20060116a.htm (referenced here also http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2006/0.../story11051.asp ) a bit more complex.

Get to know more about how this has been approached in the past here and here...

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041029/nation.htm#1

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041108/punjab1.htm#1

OFFICE BEARERS

The president of the IIC- Professor Louis P. F. Smith is Emeritus Professor of Economics (International Trade) and was Economic and Banking Consultant of Allied Irish Banks, the largest bank in Ireland, to the National Farmers’ Association and other bodies. He was Chairman of the Irish Council of the European Movement and of the Irish Council for Overseas Students. He is author of Evolution of Agricultural Co-operation, Basil Blackwell, Oxford-1961, Elementary Economics (with Dr. Norton), U.C.D. Folens 1963, with various other articles in and books on socio-economic developments in Europe. Professor Smith’s determination is to broaden economic and cultural relations between two countries.

The Chairman of the IIC is Mr. F. G. Cassidy, Charted Accountant by profession and owner of an accountancy firm running its offices in Dublin and other major cities in the Ireland. Mr. Cassidy is a devoted person for the economic and cultural relations between Ireland and India.

Acting Chairman Mr. Patrick Dillon Malone is the Acting Chairman of the organisation, he is a practising Barrister and on the board in many institutions.

The Trustee of the organisation is Mr. Prashant Kumar Shukla, His qualifications are in Developmental Studies, International Law and Diplomacy, Business Studies and he also holds Degree in Science, and a Fellow of Salzburg Seminar, He is an experienced and dynamic professional with a broad European and Asian cultural, developmental and business background; he has expertise in migration, cultural exchange, demography, HIV/AIDS and substance abuses. He has served in various multicultural institutions on different positions along with the programme manager of UNDP-RBB/VOM in south Asia. He is member of the Immigrant Council of Ireland’s Policy and Research Committee and in Board of Integrating Ireland, he is also the member of steering committee of Tallaght Partnership project FMWEPON, and Advisor of the Drug Addicts Rehabilitation Network (DARN). His services were recognized nationally and internationally. The Secretary-General of the United Nations awarded a testimonial for the same in 1999.

The Secretary of the organisation is Ms. Aparna Bajpai, former Associate Professor of obstetrics in Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Gwalior, M. P. India. Presently she is providing her services in the field of Maternal and Child Health at N.M.H. Dublin. Ms. Bajpai also worked for UNICEF in developing their modules in India. She has conducted and performed various stage shows . She is highly motivated in promotion and exchange of the culture between Ireland and India.

It is interesting that these Indian organisations never say anything against the Hindu religion. The same goes for the communist/congress organisations where the Sikh members attack the Sikh religion while the Hindu members never say anything against Hinduism.

[Seva]

Had this emailed to me;

Good Afternoon,

The following is a Press Release from Superintendent Kevin Donohoe, Garda Press & Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.

Garda Uniform - Press Statement

I am directed by the Garda Commissioner to refer to the above matter and particularly to the vast amount of media coverage and opinion being expressed by a variety of people. The purpose of this press statement is to outline how and why this decision was taken by the Garda Commissioner.

There is no doubt that the Garda uniform and dress standards present unique issues in accommodating cultural diversity. These are challenges faced by all facets of Irish society as diversity and integration more and more become real issues. The Garda Síochána has, historically, been seen as providing an impartial police service, policing all sections of society equally. By accommodating variations to our standard uniform and dress, including those with religious symbolism, may well affect that traditional stance and give an image of An Garda Síochána which the Commissioner feels the public would not want.

The Garda Commissioner has set the required standards of dress and behaviour for An Garda Síochána and these standards are binding on all members of the organisation.

Within the principles of an intercultural approach An Garda Síochána are not advocating one religious belief over another, nor are we, in any way, being racist. We are attempting to firmly retain an image of impartiality while providing a state service to all citizens.

The decisions regarding our integration policy, including that of the wearing of a turban, were not made on a whim, but rather following extensive research and consultations.

In March, 2006, the Garda Commissioner established a group to examine the issues relating to integration of religious and ethnic minorities into An Garda Síochána and the development of appropriate supports. That group undertook substantial research and engaged in a wide consultation process.

Bodies consulted included:- National Consultative Committee on Racism & Interculturalism; The Equality Authority; public & private bodies both in this jurisdiction and overseas, including other police services and a number of consultants specialising in the area of diversity & integration.

There are three clear identifiable models of integration which can be followed and each of these have been examined. Assimilation aims at making minority groups almost invisible by assimilating them fully into the culture of their new environment, whereas the multicultural approach aims to accommodate all differences, which in itself does little to promote interaction.

It is now accepted by many that a more modern, energetic approach is required to integrate diverse populations into a common liberal culture. An Garda Síochána believes that the intercultural approach can achieve this through reasonable and common-sense measures. Within the intercultural approach – common sense and reasonable measures – An Garda Síochána has made many advancements including:-

Entry requirements to the organisation were changed to allow and encourage those of different backgrounds and cultures to qualify for membership; The Garda Racial and Intercultural Office was established in 2001 to oversee and advise on these issues; In excess of 500 Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers have been appointed throughout the organisation to implement the integration policies at the front line; A training package, Diversity ‘Works’, is being rolled out across the organisation to increase awareness of diversity issues; A Human Rights Audit of Garda practices, policies, processes and procedures was undertaken and it’s findings published; An Action Plan was devised and is being implemented across the organisation to address the criticisms of the Audit; Special dietary arrangements (for choice, medical or religious reasons) are now in place at the Garda College; Spiritual and pastoral care across a number of religions are provided for Garda members and this will be added to as needs arise; The Garda Síochána Diversity Strategy & Implementation Plan will shortly be signed off by the Commissioner.

These initiatives, including that of dress standards, comply fully with the intercultural approach adopted by An Garda Síochána, with the sole aim of ensuring the integrity of the organisation and its capacity to provide an impartial service to the citizens of this State.

The increasing range of diversity in modern Ireland will continue to present challenges for all of us, not least An Garda Síochána. To effectively achieve integration of many cultures into a single organisation, will require a very fluid approach and policies and practices will be altered and adjusted where appropriate. However, the Garda Commissioner is satisfied that the intercultural approach and the decisions made within that framework, to date, is the right approach at this time for An Garda Síochána and the communities it is sworn to serve.

Kevin Donohoe

Superintendent

Head of Garda Press & Public Relations

23rd August 2007.

Sergeant Kieran Goulding,

Appointments & Admissions Section,

Human Resource Management,

Garda HQ,

Phoenix Park,

Dublin 8.

+ 353 1 6662364