Archive for February, 2009

Sardar NP Singh Aulakh to lead NSG in India

February 28th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in News

Punjab Director General of Police Sardar N P Singh Aulakh has been appointed as the new chief of the elite National Security Guards (NSG). NP Singh will replace Mr.JK Dutta and preside over as new National Security Guards Chief in India from 1st March, 2009.
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About Sardar NP Singh Aulakh:

-> A 1972-batch IPS officer and a a non-controversial cop.

-> Was appointed the Punjab DGP in March 2007 after the formation of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP combine government in the state.

-> Has also served as Deputy Inspector General (BSF) in Kashmir and also as additional Director General (West) in the Border Security Force.

NP Singh is the first punjab cop to lead NSG.

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Sikh Teen’s Documentary to feature at Hollywood

February 25th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in News

Press Trust of India
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, (New York)

A 36-minute documentary by a Sikh teenager, Angad Singh, has been selected for screening at the International Family Film Festival being held in Hollywood from February 26 to March 1.

The documentary ‘Roots and Wings’ explores the struggles of young Sikhs while adjusting to the new environment in foreign countries.

angad-1It shows 14-year-old Singh interviewing the participants of a summer Sikh youth retreat to understand how they had dealt with the challenges especially as their wearing turban and beard is widely misunderstood in the United States with some mistaking them with Muslim extremists.

Singh’s documentary is scheduled to be screened on February 28 in the film festival, which in its 14th year, would bring together top family orientated movies from around the world.

The project was supported US-based Sikh advocacy group ‘United Sikhs’ under its ‘Faith Awareness programme’.

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Japo Waheguru: Dye yourself in the color of Lord’s Name

February 25th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in Wallpapers

As metal merges with metal, those who chant the Praises of the Lord are absorbed into the Praiseworthy Lord. So attach your soul, body and mind to the Shabad of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and maintain your Khalsa (Amritdhari, Keshdhari) form to achieve lord.

Here is the wallpaper on the same:

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Punjab & Haryana High Court told: Unshorn hair is basic for Sikh

February 24th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in News

The unshorn hair is not only vital but basic for a Sikh and those who do not adhere to this most important ingredient prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, could not call himself to be a Sikh even if he had adopted four of the total five essential symbols that go with the followers of this religion.

This was submitted by well known senior Supreme Court lawyer K T S Tulsi in the Punjab and Haryana High Court during the resumed hearing on the issue of the definition of a Sikh in the limited context of the importance of hair for a true Sikh.

Appearing for the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) before a full bench, comprising Justices Jagdish Singh Khehar, Jasbir Singh and Ajay Kumar Mittal, now going into the constitutional validity of the definition of the Sikh as contained in the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, Mr Tulsi submitted that the Guru was specific on providing a distinctly different identity to the Sikh so that he was recognisable even in thousands of people, hence the stress on keeping unshorn hair. If this one principle of Kesha (hair) was not adhered to the other four principles were irrelevant, Tulsi argued while arguing that a person not keeping unshorn hair was a Patit (depraved) and hence not a Sikh.

The constitutional validity of the definition of the Sikh has been challenged by Ms Gurleen Kaur who was denied admission under the quota reserved for the Sikhs by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee(SGPC)-controlled Sri Guru Ram Dass Institute of Medical Education and Research, Amritsar on the ground that she plucked her eyebrows.

Anyone who trims beard or cuts hair or plucked eyebrows thereby violates the provision and importance of unshorn hair, was a Patit and not a Sikh, Mr Tulsi reiterated in response to the queries from the Bench.

DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna was present in the court room during the hearing besides some other Sikh scholars including Gurtej Singh, an ex-IAS officer and former professor of Sikhism in SGPC, Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon, Atinder Pal Singh former MP.

The case would now come up for further hearing now on February 27 when Mr Tulsi would conclude his arguments and others too would make their permission.

The Bench also indicated that it is keen to conclude the hearing in the first week of March and to set the controversy at rest so far the crucial role of the unshorn hair is concerned.

UNI

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Outlook India writes irresponsibly about Guru Nanak and Sikhi

February 23rd, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in Editorial, News

Freedom of media is good to express your views independently. But there is a certain limit to what should be expressed publically (in electronic or print media) or what shouldn’t be in a way that neither the beauty of free speech is destroyed nor it hurts someone.

Outlook India magazine has certainly crossed this fine line in their article (Shorn of Identity in 16th Feb, 2009 edition) on recent Sehajdhari issue in Sikh Community. The article is trying to impose itself rather than putting its opinion to the sikhs. First of all the article is favoring apostate which are clearly not sikhs.

Later on I was shocked to read certain lines of the article which no true sikh would standby:

outlook

I personally do not care whether Neelam ManSingh has said so (as quoted in outlook article) or who ever is saying so (as personal knowledge is limited) but how can a responsible journalist and organization can publish manipulative facts about Guru Nanak Sahib without knowing about their physical form.

This cannot be absorbed lightly in anyway. Though I do not need to give a proof but I’m sharing a small incident from Guru Nanak Dev ji’s life which will itself tell (that Guru Nanak was a keshdhari):

When Bhai Mardana wanted to join Guru Nanak, then Guru Ji said i have 3 conditions if you want to be with me:

1.) Kesh Nahi Kataane (Neve Cut any bodily hari)

2.) Pichal Raat Jagna (Wake up at Ambrosial hours of the morning: Amrit Vela)

3.) Never Slander a saint.

When Guru Nanak is asking even his follower not to cut hair then can he himself do the opposite of it? Though I’m feel low that we have to give proof on the Jagat Guru (Guru Nanak Dev ji), but we have to clarify it. Similarly other 9 Gurus maintained kehsdhari format and 10 guru just converted us to saint soldier form.

Regarding Amrit: Prior to 10th Guru also whosoever wanted to be a Sikh was given Charnamrit from Guru Sahib’s feet. So Amrit Sanchar Ceremony is no special ceremony but itself a prerequisite for a person to be called a Sikh.

As Shabad (Guru Granth Sahib ji) was to be made our Guru, and no humanly form was to continue. So Guru Gobind Singh Ji just introduced a new form tp perform Amrit Ceremony which at present day taken through 5 Pyaraas.

In a nutshell Amtidhari or Khalsa is the basic order from which real Sikh way of life starts. If patits or even non Amritdhari’s do not want to follow it, then its their bad luck who are over ruling Guru’s order will always fall in the pit of duality. If students do not follow the rules and the teachings, its their problem not the mistake of teacher.

So what has been said by Outlook (in 16the Feb,2009 print as well as electronic edition on website) is by no means acceptable and its needs to be clarified by them immediately to stop other media from provocative and unresearched statements from being published in media.

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Annual Sant Samagam at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi

February 19th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in News

The annual Sant Samagam in the sweet remembrance of Sant Attar Singh Ji is being held at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi on 21-22 February, 2009. On day one, the program will begin at 2.30 a.m. with Naam Simran followed by Sukhmani Sahib, Asa Di Var, Kirtan and Gurmat Vichar and conclude at 10.45 p.m. Similarly, on the second day, the program will start at 2.30 a.m. and conclude at 5.30 p.m. Amrit Sanchar will be conducted on Sunday, 22 February at 10 a.m.

sant_samagam_09

Spiritual discourses, preachings and devotional music will be rendered by famous Ragi Jathas in addition to Dhadi Vaaran & Gurmat Sangeet by the students of Akal Academy – Baru Sahib on traditional string instruments (Tanti Saaz). The participating Ragi Jathas are Bhai Guriqbal Singh Ji (Gurdwara Mata Kaulan Ji, Amritsar), Bhai Manpreet Singh Ji Kanpuri, Bhai Hardeep Singh Ji, Bhai Kultar Singh Ji, Bhai Davinder Singh Ji Khalsa (Khanna Wale), Sant Narinjan Singh Ji – Pritam Singh Ji (Guru Ka Taal, Agra), Bibi Santosh Kaur Ji – Baba Nirmal Singh Ji (Bhaura Sahib, Hapur), Sant Mittha Singh Ji (Bunga Mastuana, Damdama Sahib), Bhai Amrik Singh Ji Jakhmi, Bhai Gurbachan Singh Ji Lali, Bhai Ravinder Singh Ji, Bhai Kulbir Singh Ji Kanwal, Bhai Harinder Singh Ji (Romi Vir Ji) and Principal Madhup Mudgal (Gandharv Mahavidyala). Dr. Khem Singh Ji and Dr. Gurbakhsh Singh Ji (USA) will also deliver lectures. The spiritual discourses will be delivered by Giani Pinderpal Singh Ji on both the days.

A blood donation camp will also be organized for the benefit of needy patients. A Pictorial Exhibition depicting the important events from the life history of Sant Attar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji, various ongoing philanthropic activities and future projects of The Kalgidhar Trust will be held on this occasion.

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Divine Life of Sant Attar Singh Ji Part – 3

February 18th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in Articles

In 1911 A.D., King George V visited Delhi and a grand Delhi Darbar was held at Delhi. Maharajas (rulers) of Sikh states requested Sant ji to lead the procession of Sikhs on this occasion. Seated on an elephant in the holy presence of Guru Granth Sahib, he sang the Gurbani Shabad when his elephant passed by the British King. The theme of the shabad was “No other King or Raja can be equal to Almighty God because all these worldly rulers exist only for a very short span of time and indulge in falsehood” On an enquiry by the King, meaning of the Shabad was explained to him. On hearing about him, the King was very much impressed by the noble and radiant personality of Sant ji.

During a religious discourse (Katha) at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi, he was bitten by a poisonous snake. Despite best possible medical treatment, then available, Sant ji left his mortal frame and merged with All prevading God on 1st Feb. 1927 A.D. at Sangrur. He was cremated at Mastuana Sahib, 5 kilometres away, in the presence of mamoth gathering of his followers and devotees. Thus an era of religious revivalism in Sikh history came to an end. But his memory and achievement s will ever remain alive in the hearts of millions of his fellow religionists.

Sant Attar Singh laid great emphasis on the spread of education and founded large number of Sikh Schools and Colleges. He always insisted on education blended with lofty principles of love, compassion, humility. and higher values in life. He took active interest in the affairs of Sikh Educational Conference. On the request of renowned National leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Sant ji laid the foundation stone of Banaras Hindu University at Varanasi in 1914 A.D. Pandit ji was so much impressed by the towering personality of Sant Ji that he wanted that every Hindu family should have least one member as a Sikh.

Sant ji helped in the construction of many Gurdwaras and Holy tanks. He was responsible for constructing a magnificient building and holy tank at Gurdwara Dam Dama Sahib, Sabo ki Talwandi, in Bathinda District. He also got constructed huge buildings for Gurdwara and educational centre, known as Gur Sagar institution, at Mastuana in Sangrur District of Punjab.

He always preached meditation and noble human qualities of love, compassion, humility and selfless service. He used to say that all the problems faced by Sikh Panth will be resolved if all Sikhs get up early in the morning (Amrit Vela) and meditate on Wahe Guru NAM after taking bath. He spread message of love emphasising oneness of God and Universal brotherhood of all human beings.

At a time when Sikh Panth seemed to be on the verge of extinction as stated in the beginning of this article, he unleashed a massive movement of Amrit/Dharam Parchar to such an extent that he was responsible for baptising Amrit to about 14 lakh Sikhs in his life time. Many prominent Sikh personalities including Master Tara Singh, Sant Teja Singh ji, Principal Bhai Jodh Singh, Principal Bawa Harkrishan Singh, Principal Teja Singh, Malik Hardit Singh (former ambassador) etc. partook Amrit from Sant Attar Singh as one of Five Beloved ones (Panj Pyaras). He was embodiment of love and humility and practised what he preached in his life. He laid emphasis on meditation of Wahe Guru NAM and recitation of Nit Nem Banis early in the morning coupled with leading a true religious and pious life as per Sikh Faith.

Sant Attar Singh ji was such a great soul that he was, perhaps, the first Sikh personality to be affectionately awarded with holy title of a SANT by Sikh Panth/Sangat in the Twentieth Century.

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Confronting Death Webinar | Last Chance to Register Free!

February 14th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in Announcements

Today there will be a webinar (live video broadcast) on Confronting Death. This talk will be a journey through all facets of the topic of “death” in Sikhi. What is a Sikh’s relationship and attitude with “death”? How is a Sikh to react upon the “death” of a loved one, or upon “death” and destruction of communities and nations? All these and more aspects of death will be investigated through the lens of gurmat – bani, tvarikh and rahit.

Topic: Confronting Death

Presenter: Inderpreet Singh

Session Date: 14 February 2009

Session Time: 10:20 pm -12:00 pm Indian Standard Time)

Session Fee: Free (Sponsored by Boston Sikh Sangat)

Session Details:

Presenter information: Inderpreet Singh is a technology professional currently working for a multinational high-tech firm as Director of Emerging Technologies. His passion is Sikhi and Panthak related community projects and is heavily involved with Sikh youth camps, retreats and conferences where he conducts seminars, lectures and interactive workshops on Gurmat related topics. Inderpreet Singh is an active volunteer and member of the Advisory Board of the Sikh Research Institute. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of the Sikh Scholarship Foundation.

To Register visit: http://sikhri.webex.com

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Support The Sikh Channel UK: 1st 24 hour Gurmat TV Channel

February 12th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in Announcements, NGO Watch, News

We are very pleased to announce the coming of 1st Gurmat based TV Channel: The Sikh Channel UK which will only air gurmat based programs 24×7. This is a unique initiative as many of us complain the screening of Patits singers, dance shows, fashion shows etc on the same channels where gurbani had just been broadcasted.

So current punjabi channel (in the name of Panjabi Sabhyachar) not only send a wrong message but also deviate youth by presenting wrong role models.The Sikh Channel will launch in the U.K via the Sky Satellite platform, Worldwide via Internet and will be available free to air as soon as the funds for one years broadcasting have been put in place.

All day programme include kirtan, katha and gurmat based shows only. Other dynamic programming would include, Sikh News, Gatka, Kabaddi, Whats happening at Your Gurdwara, UK Gurdwara Profiles, Sikh Stories, Sikh Personality Profiles, Sikh Quiz and Competitions etc etc.

So please support this channel via donations, technical skills so that the channel can work with ease.

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Divine Life of Sant Attar Singh Ji Part – 2

February 11th, 2009 by admin | View Comments | Filed in Articles

From Hazoor Sahib, he walked to Haridwar and Rishikesh (in U.P.) through thick forests. He spent about a year in deep and prolonged meditation at Rishi Kesh. From there, he set out on foot, along with Bhai Ram Singh of Thamali for Sialkot (now in Pakistan) via Dehradun, Paonta Sahib, Baru, Anand Pur Sahib, Una and Gurdas Pur. From Sialkot, he reached Amritsar and meditated constantly for 3 days on the third floor of Gurdwara Baba Atal. From there, he reached his home village and met his mother.

On the persistent request of Sant Ji, she gave her consent for allowing him not to marry so as to enable him to be free to spend his life for the service of humanity in general and Sikh Panth in particular. Sant ji left his village Chima after three months. Since he was not formally discharged from Army as yet, he decided to submit himself before army authorities at Abbotabad in Rawal Pindi district (now in Pakistan)for completing formalities for final discharge from army. Colonel, the Commanding Officer of his unit appreciated his services and tried to persuade him not to leave the army service but Sant ji did not relent and was finally discharged from the army. Thus he became totally free to persue the Divine Mission in his life.

On his way to Punja Sahib Gurdwara, he had vision of Ten Gurus. From there he went to Rawal Pindi to meet Bhai Ram Singh Ji. In consultation with him, he selected an isolated place of thick forest near village Kanoha for prolonged meditation. After conpletion of an Akhand Path (uninterrupted recitation of whole of Guru Granth Sahib), he resorted to prolonged meditations in three spells o 40 days, 6 months and then one year. During this period he used to take a very small quantity of food once a day only which was served by a devotee couple. As a result of these prolonged meditations, his body was reduced to a mere skeleton. From then on, he was respectfully known as Sant.

His mother Mata Bholi ji developed an abscess near the knee joint which caused her lot of pain and sufferings. Sant ji an one to one meeting with her, explained the spirit of tolerance and accepting Will of God by concentrating on Divine Nam. She thus had realisation of spiritual Gyan (True knowledge). This realisation of one ness with God enabled her to overcome physical sufferings completely and attain exalted spiritual stage of JIWAN MUKAT (empancipation of spirit in life time) in her last days and died a peaceful and saintly death.

On the advice of Baba Sham Singh Ji of Amritsar – an exalted noble person, Principal Niranjan Singh Mehta of Khalsa College Amritsar met Sant Attar Singh ji at Lahore in 1905 A.D. HE took AMRIT and was known afterwards as Sant Teja Singh. He dedicated his whole life to Sant Attar Singh ji for selfless service who sent him abroad for highter education and propagation of Sikh faith. HE got his degree from Harvard University in America. Wherever he went in Europe and America, he spread Divine message of Guru Nanak.

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