Sikh Council (Uk) - Launch On 11 December

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

HISTORIC LAUNCH OF SIKH COUNCIL (UK) TO TAKE PLACE ON 11 DECEMBER

Affiliations from Gurdwaras and leading Sikh organisations have been coming from across the UK.

Gurdwaras already affiliated from Barking, Bradford, Bristol, Coventry, Derby, Ealing, East Ham, Forest Gate, Gravesend, Leamington, Leeds, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Oadby, Oldbury, Middlesbrough, Reading, Southall, Sunderland, Telford, Walsall, Wednesfield, West Brom, Wolverhampton and Woolwich.

Deadline extended for Gurdwara management committees in other towns to get affiliation forms returned by 27 November to ensure their local Sangat has a voice and is represented.

If your town or city is not shown urge your local Gurdwara to act NOW !

[SikhWorldTv]

website link http://sikhcounciluk.org/

[VanHelsingh]

As long as it does a better job of representing Sikhs than the Muslim Council of Britian does at representing Muslims, this could be a good thing. My only fear is that the organisation will be populated by little Napoleons all vying for their little bit of power, rather than what's best for Sikhs. Let's hope this isn't the case.

I also foresee the media running to this organisation whenever a matter regarding Sikhs makes into the headlines. I hope the council choose spokespeople that are sensible people, with a clear understanding of what a person in their position should and should not say. Let's not make life any difficult for ourselves in this country than it already is. Indigenous British people sometimes have a habit of jumping to the wrong conclusion by reading misleading headlines designed to provoke a reaction. We've all seen this in the past few years in instances such as the kirpan and kara issues, etc. A newspaper reporter looking to stir up some trouble + a less than "aware" Sikh Council UK spokesperson, and we're in trouble.

One positive outcome that I hope comes from the formation of this organisation, is a remedy for the mistaken belief by some people in this country that Sikhs are connected to Muslims. This should be the first myth dispelled by this organisation. Although I haven't the foggiest how they'll do this. :lol:

Also, we should not have to apologise for ourselves as a religion or our history. I guess I'm trying to say you can't please everyone (and we shouldn't have to), and certain people will always be looking to criticise organisations such as the Sikh Council. In our efforts to form cohesive relationships, we shouldn't have to modify or 'water-down' what it is we believe in.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Will be a live interview about the Sikh Council (UK) on BBC WM at 7.45pm tonight.

[Satkaar]

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

It will always be to the advantage of the UK Sikh Community when Sikh Gurdwaras and Institutes unite to provide a framework to work collectively. The Sikh Council UK must be congratulated for its detailed constitution which states eligibility for membership is based on the Gurdwara's/ Sikh Institute's acceptance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the one and only eternal Guru of the Sikhs and the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is above all other Sikh Institutes.

However, a number of Gurdwaras who have currently committed to/or will commit to the Sikh Council UK have affiliated properties where anti gurmat practices are promoted such as parties on Gurdwara estate, allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco. This is against Sikh Rehit Maryada and Sandesh issued in 2006 by Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji.

Sikh Council UK must not put membership numbers in front of beadbi towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Sikh Council UK has to pro-actively promote Sikh Rehit Maryada and members of the council have to not only accept the constitution but also actively stop anti gurmat practices happening on Gurdwara property/estate.

Satkaar Committee on behalf of the wider UK Sikh Community requests the Sikh Council UK to collectively (members listed in full), or its members individually, release a statement to fully endorse and adhere to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji Sandesh of 2006 which states:

Any form of intoxicants (alcohol, drugs etc) and preparation or

consumption of foods such as meat, fish and eggs are not permitted on

Gurdwara property/estate

Guru-ka-Langar should be prepared and observed in accordance to Gurus'

maryada (tradition)

No person under the influence of intoxicants is allowed inside Gurdwara

property

Inside the property of the Guru Sahibs, only the recital of Gurbani,

katha, kirtan and recounting of the Gurus' history are permitted

Buildings bought or constructed using the Daswand (one tenth of

earnings) of the Sikh Sangat or Gurdwara donations are solely to be used

to be used for Gurmat purposes and the betterment of society

Anand Karajs (Sikh wedding ceremonies) etc must be performed in

Gurdwaras in accordance to Gurmat and the Panthic accepted Sikh Rehit

Maryada

There is no permission granted for dancing and singing or any acts which

go against the principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Please contact us on satkaar@hotmail.co.uk to discuss further, we look forward to hearing a positive response from the Sikh Council UK and its members.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

[sall]

WJKK WJKF

Satkar Jeeo is 100% spot on and it would be great to know if the involved Gurdwaras

above

have the protocol laid out for their own Gurdwaras in their local towns as in

Satkar jee;s post above, before they go on this massive project such as the Sikh

council. I say this as in my hometown Gravesend we've had a £13 million Gurdwara

just opened up last week but no protocol, no where on the enterance or anywhere

in the surrounds is there any mention of the protocol. I have made the committee

aware personally who assure me that it will be addressed, I'm sure hopeful

that it will, time will tell.

[SinghWarrior]

Completely agree with the above sentiments. You get the leadership of Graham Street Gurdwara, Birmingham, all acting like "big-cheese" on Sikh Channel, when they openly and unashamedly allow alcohol and meat on their Gurdwara premises. I hope this Sikh Council UK - the so-called "Parliament of Sikhs" - is strong enough to stand up for Sikhi principles and spirit, even if this makes it unpopular amongst a few perceived powerful people.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

HISTORIC LAUNCH OF SIKH COUNCIL (UK) TO TAKE PLACE ON 11 DECEMBER

Affiliations from Gurdwaras and leading Sikh organisations have been coming from across the UK.

Gurdwaras already affiliated from Barking, Bradford, Bristol, Coventry, Derby, Ealing, East Ham, Forest Gate, Gravesend, Leamington, Leeds, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Oadby, Oldbury, Middlesbrough, Reading, Southall, Sunderland, Telford, Walsall, Wednesfield, West Brom, Wolverhampton and Woolwich.

Deadline extended for Gurdwara management committees in other towns to get affiliation forms returned by 27 November to ensure their local Sangat has a voice and is represented.

If your town or city is not shown urge your local Gurdwara to act NOW !

Glasgow and Newcastle can now also added to the above list of towns and cities

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

It will always be to the advantage of the UK Sikh Community when Sikh Gurdwaras and Institutes unite to provide a framework to work collectively. The Sikh Council UK must be congratulated for its detailed constitution which states eligibility for membership is based on the Gurdwara's/ Sikh Institute's acceptance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the one and only eternal Guru of the Sikhs and the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is above all other Sikh Institutes.

However, a number of Gurdwaras who have currently committed to/or will commit to the Sikh Council UK have affiliated properties where anti gurmat practices are promoted such as parties on Gurdwara estate, allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco. This is against Sikh Rehit Maryada and Sandesh issued in 2006 by Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji.

Sikh Council UK must not put membership numbers in front of beadbi towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Sikh Council UK has to pro-actively promote Sikh Rehit Maryada and members of the council have to not only accept the constitution but also actively stop anti gurmat practices happening on Gurdwara property/estate.

Satkaar Committee on behalf of the wider UK Sikh Community requests the Sikh Council UK to collectively (members listed in full), or its members individually, release a statement to fully endorse and adhere to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji Sandesh of 2006 which states:

Any form of intoxicants (alcohol, drugs etc) and preparation or

consumption of foods such as meat, fish and eggs are not permitted on

Gurdwara property/estate

Guru-ka-Langar should be prepared and observed in accordance to Gurus'

maryada (tradition)

No person under the influence of intoxicants is allowed inside Gurdwara

property

Inside the property of the Guru Sahibs, only the recital of Gurbani,

katha, kirtan and recounting of the Gurus' history are permitted

Buildings bought or constructed using the Daswand (one tenth of

earnings) of the Sikh Sangat or Gurdwara donations are solely to be used

to be used for Gurmat purposes and the betterment of society

Anand Karajs (Sikh wedding ceremonies) etc must be performed in

Gurdwaras in accordance to Gurmat and the Panthic accepted Sikh Rehit

Maryada

There is no permission granted for dancing and singing or any acts which

go against the principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Please contact us on satkaar@hotmail.co.uk to discuss further, we look forward to hearing a positive response from the Sikh Council UK and its members.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Every Gurdwara or Sikh organisation that joins the Sikh Council (UK) is putting forward one, two or three delegates to represent them in the General Assembly. After the 11 December it is hoped the details for all delegates will be available online.

Whilst many of the larger Gurdwaras have sent through affiliation forms and some of the leading Sikh organisations there are many Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations who have for what ever reason still to respond despite numerous letters, personal approaches and considerable publicity.

As expected many of the Gurdwaras are largely putting older more experienced individuals (men) forward as delegates from which nominations will be taken and 30 selected for the Executive Committee.

Well established Sikh organisations with younger members and Sikh groups representing women have been approached to send through delegates, but many whilst welcoming the initiative are silent. The extended deadline is 27 November so PLEASE act quickly. The Sikh Council (UK) will be much more successful if these organisations send delegates and then nominate for the 30 for the Executive Committee.

Whilst 21 others will be co-opted to the 51-member Executive Committee to give it a better balance with women, youngsters and professionals it would be much better if Sikh organisations, such as, the British Organisation of Sikh Students (BOSS), British Sikh Student Federation (BSSF), Kaurageous, Khalsa Aid, Sikh Arts and Cultural Association (SACA), Sikh Womens Alliance (SWA), Sikhs In England and United Sikhs (listed alphabetically) were to all affiliate in the next few days, each send up to three delegates and shape the Sikh Council (UK) and its work programme.

Delegates at the inaugural meeting of the Sikh Council (UK) on 11 December are expected to:

i) formally adopt the constitution;

ii) select 30 members of the Executive Committee; and

iii) get delegates to make suggestions on guiding the work programme of the Sikh Council (UK) with the focus on the interface of the Sikh community with the UK Government and challenges faced by Sikhs rather than internal issues.

The draft constitution currently states:

‘The SCUK will take its mandate from its membership and be guided by the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the institution of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Ji’

MEMBERSHIP is therefore vitally important and those that do not affiliate and become members will only have themselves to blame if they think the Sikh Council (UK) is or is not doing what they expect.

In relation to Gurdwaras/organisations that affiliate the draft constitution also states:

‘The organisation accepts Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the one and only eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

The organisation accepts the authority of the institution of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Ji.’

In the past 17 Gurdwaras have been named on Sikh Sangat under the topic ‘Gurdwara Party Halls’ where there is an issue. Following recent announcements this number has probably come down.

To date it appears only two of these seventeen Gurdwaras have affiliated - Telford and Sunderland.

[Pyara]

Jagtar Singh,

How open is the meeting on the 11 December and is the expected way of raising any concerns via a formal established jathebhandi or Gurdwara committee only?

In the event of none of the established naujwaan jathebandis coming forward, would an attendance of younger Sikhs be allowed to voice their opinions even if they are not endorsed by any of the above mentioned jathebhandis or Gurdwaras?

Thanks