Guru Arjun Dev Ji- Shaheedi Purbh (Martyrdom)

[SOPW]

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa ||

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ||

Today, on 25th May 2012, an eleven strong SOPW team went to the Maximum Security Jail Nabha for the celebration of the fifth Sikh Guru’s (Guru Arjun Dev Ji) imprisonment and Shaheedi Purbh (Martyrdom).

Sikhs acknowledge Guru Arjun Dev Ji as the first Sikh to be Shaheed and the second political prisoner (the first being Guru Nanak Dev Ji). Guru Ji fits the definition of a political prisoner perfectly as they were held and sentenced to death for not accepting Islam against their will as well as the alleged harbouring of a political opponent (Prince Khusro) of the ruling Emperor Jahangir. The Guru was imprisoned and excessively tortured. His body was exposed in the scorching heat of May-June sun. He was made to sit on the red-hot sand, boiling hot water was poured on His naked body, chained and then thrown into the River Ravi where the Guru passed into heavenly abode.

MSJ Nabha: A Kirtan (religious hymn singing) programme was arranged by SOPW within the Jail Gurdwara (temple). Between 8:30am and 11am the Kirtan rang out from the prison in the surrounding area with many prisoners and Prison Wardens joining in the congregation. From 11am to 1230pm a meeting and open forum was held with all of Nabha’s political prisoners to discuss their concerns and needs.

Baba Bakshish Singh with great humility completed the Stage Secretary Sewa (service) and gave a beautiful speech where he went on to thank SOPW for organising such an event within the confines of the prison. In Panjabi, Baba Ji stated “It is the first time that any organisation has done this [service] for us and for that we are extremely grateful.” Baba Ji also affirmed that if any prisoner was to require any assistance or had any problems to speak to the SOPW team. Baba Bakshish Singh went on to thank SOPW and it’s supporters (You – the Sangat – Congregation) for looking after their medical, financial, family welfare as well as most of the prisoners’ legal aid.

Soon after the discussions with the inmates, the SOPW team arranged a meeting with the Jail Superintendent, Gurpal Singh and his Deputy. The SOPW team demonstrated, on behalf of the prisoners, their concerns and asked Superintendent Gurpal Singh what we at SOPW could specifically do for the prisoners.

A list of issues was jointly produced with an agreement from both parties that the items were primarily issues for the state government to resolve. However, the Superintendent was open to the offer of SOPW helping the jail authorities.

The following is a list of the concerns and issues raised from the prisoners:

1) The need for greater pressure to be put on lawyers to fight political prisoners’ cases

2) Steering cases to be put before the Chief Minister of Punjab and requesting a memorandum to release all political prisoners

3) Bringing cases to the attention of the Akal Takhat (Throne of Sikh Political Power) to concentrate pressure and help facilitate the release of all political prisoners

4) The construction of a full gymnasium / fitness centre

The SOPW India team articulated the above to the SOPW Chairman, Balbir Singh Bains, and confirmed the following:

1) A supervisor in India will be appointed who will specifically deal with all legal matters and ensure that any hired lawyer will ‘do their job’

2) SOPW will write to the Chief Minister of Punjab, advising him of the concerns of all political prisoners and the need for action without delay

3) SOPW will also communicate with the Jathedar (Leader) of the Akal Takhat and advise him to not only put pressure on the government but to also personally visit the prisoners

4) SOPW will fund MSJ Nabha’s gym with all kit funded and ensure the gym is for the use of ALL inmates

The issues raised by the Jail Superintendent include the following:

1) Water – A new filtration system for the whole prison is urgently needed

2) A regular weekly visit by a Doctor and Dentist is required for all the prisoners; ideally there will be 2-3 visits a week

3) Drug addiction needs to be addressed in the prison

With Waheguru’s (God’s) grace and the Sangat’s contributions, SOPW has committed to funding the water filtration system for the whole prison and are now in communication with the local hospitals and rehabilitation centres to assist with issues 2 and 3.

We would like to sincerely pass on the blessings from all the prisoners and their families for all the support YOU give them. SOPW would not be able to undertake any of the above and other endeavours SOPW without the kind patronage of everyone.

If you wish to donate to any of the above projects or volunteer your time, please visit / email:

www.Justgiving.com/SOPW/Donate and

info@prisonerwelfare.com.com

We wish you and your families a very happy Shaheedi Purbh.

SOPW UK