Leeds Chapeltown Gurdwara Bans Parties with Alcohol, Meat on Premises

In a great triumph by Akal Purakh Vaheguru for the Panth, with the grace of Satguru Ji, Gurdwara ‘SikhTemple Chapeltown’, Leeds will no longer allow parties, alcohol, and meat on any of its premises, and as a result the anti-gurmat activity that had been ongoing for more than 25 years has now come to an end.

The Sikh community is indebted to the local sangat and the management committee for their momentous and principled decision and is grateful for the guidance and direction from Akal Takhat Sahib for helping resolve this longstanding issue. A Sandesh from theAkal Takht that party halls should not have any association to Gurdwaras was issued in April 2006 and Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti personally condemned the actions of the Leeds Gurdwara setup. Upon being requested by the Sikh Sangat both locally and nationally the committee previously said that they would make efforts to change the setup. However nothing to date had been done.

Leeds Chapeltown Gurdwara complex had for some years been the scene of disgraceful, anti-Gurmat scenes. Thecomplex consists of the Gurdwara with a party hall about 15 metres adjacent to it. The fact such activities were allowed to carry on in a building which is part of the Gurdwara estate was bad enough, however visitors to the hall would regularly smoke and drink in the shared car park, and sometimes the loudbeats from music played in the building next door would be heard over the sublime kirtan inside GuruJi’s Durbar.

Originally there were discussions about moving these activities into a community centre across the road about 50 metres away and to turn the building next door into a school. But this again proved unacceptable as the property would still be part of the Gurdwara estate and as purchased through Guru Ji’s golak.

On Sunday 21st January 2007, many concerned Sikh sangat from around the country travelled to the Gurdwara and a representative was allowed to share their concerns with the Sangat and appeal to the conscience of the wider local sangat. With Satguru ji’s grace, the local Sangat unanimously decided that these anti-Gurmat activities should no longer be allowed to continue in any part of the Gurdwara estate, be it next door or across the road.

Upon the decision by the sangat, the Gurdwara President reflected: “They (sangat from outside the area) came and they did their duty in front of us (sadhsangat) today. We apologise that we didn’t do what they have achieved. We were asleep until they woke us up and exposed what has been going on in front of you. We thank them on behalf of all the sangat for this day. We feel ashamed today as we knew the goings on in the hall were wrong and against Sikh maryada, but we still allowed it to carry on. We are happy today that the issue was raised with us and that the parties, alcohol or meat will not be allowed on any of our premises.”

This decision was made by the sangat in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. A written agreement was also made and all future parties cancelled. The Gurdwara will assist those who have already booked parties and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Of course these activities at Leeds Gurdwara are not isolated to this Gurdwara. The message that was sent out by Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, the Gurdwara Parbhandaks, and the Sangat is that anti-Gurmat activity will no longer be tolerated on any part of the Gurdwara estate.

Resonating this move in Leeds, an appeal goes out to all Gurdwara Committees that wherever such activities are allowed these must be brought to an end if we truly call ourselves Sikhs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. There are many needs within the community which can be served by such halls without needing to compromise Gurmat and contradict the divine values enshrined inGurbani. Teaching of Gurmat, our children’s education, needs of elders, activities for women and young people, are all too often neglected in favour of halls for parties. The Sikh community needs to re-assess its priorities and quite rightly the first priority must be respect for Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the upholding of Sikhi Gurmat values.

Respect For Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign
Tel: 07944-445651
Email: sikhalerts@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.Respect4GuruJi.co.uk
Blog: www.Respect4Guruji.blogspot.com

Working together, the UK Sikh Community will uphold Sikh Rehit Maryada and maintain respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

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A Battle won, the war rages on.

To get involved in the Respect for Guru Granth Sahib ji campaign, which is the duty of every Sikh simply email or text the above number.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing"

Edmund Burke

What children see, children do. - Think!

The brief for Children See Children Do was to let all adult Australians know that they have an influence on children within their community and that they can make a difference to children's wellbeing. The brief, a copy of which is attached, asked the creative team to address the concept that responsibility for children's wellbeing goes beyond parents and child care professionals and rests with all of us. The brief was to target the general public – all Australian adults. A second part to the brief was to provide the first campaign to be launched under the social marketing brand Child Friendly Australia. The brief was developed by NAPCAN and workshopped with the DDB team over several weeks. The brief was then put out through the DDB Creative teams and the final concept was selected from approximately eleven submitted. We have been extremely fortunate to have a major advertising agency prepared to contribute so much to this cause and to do so with the full expertise available to them (not the cheapest and easiest). Their most valuable contribution comes from their expert knowledge in knowing what and how to get a message to the public. Making the Ad The film was produced by Soma Films also on a pro-bono basis using professional talent and crew. NAPCAN contributed approximately $10,000 toward out of pocket expenses for the shoot and in recognition of the talent. Before filming the script was sent to the Children's Guardian (Child Welfare) who oversee any filming which involves children to ensure that during filming the children are not exposed to harm in any way. So, for example, the domestic violence scene was put together by filming the child separately to the adults and putting the total scene together in post production. When we saw the first rough of the film the girl with the cigarette was not holding anything – the cigarette and smoke was added digitally during the post production process. Source: MrSikhNet.com

What In the World - Hairy Bread?

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Dealing with loss - Tejinderpal Singh 'Dhulla'

(Image from: Kaurflicks Flickr)

Re: Dulla Ji's wife passed away recently in a motor vehicle accident.....this is how her family is dealing with their loss......... it is WORTH reading...please make sure you read it!

This is very inspiring....it is how we should ALL accept our Guru's will.

Vaheguru Vaheguru Vaheguru Vaheguru Vaheguru!!!

Gurmukh Pyaare jio,

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa|| Vaheguru ji ki Fateh||

I visited Guru pyaare Tejinderpal Singh ji, Dulla ji on Sunday. Singh’s had told me that Veerji is in Chardhi Kala and I wanted to see first hand how Gurmukh pyare Gursikhs not only accept Guru ji’s Will but accept it as sweet.

Here is the scene at Dulla ji’s home when I arrived. Read on and be inspired!

The house is full of Sangat. Local Toronto gursikhs and gursikhs from all over Canada, USA and India are here. Gursikh Singhs and bibian are doing seva and helping out in various ways. Singhs are setting sheets in the room for the evening keertan. There is no crying or sorrow, but rather a sense of peace and calm on everyone’s face showing the acceptance of guru jis bhaanaa. Bhai Amarjit Singh Rekhi from NJ meets me with a loving embrace and show me the way to the room Dulla ji resting in.

I see Dulla ji with other gursikhs. He is smiling and talking to the gursikhs. There is a wheel chair beside his bed. He sees me and with a radiating smile says fateh. Placing the flowers I had brought in the room I approach him and he hugs and kisses me and in a chardhi kala voice says, “Kee haal hai?” (How're you?) I tell him I am now in full chardhi kala seeing his high spirits. I ask how he is doing and he says with a radiating smile, “Bahut bakhsish hai!”(Lots of blessings) He is being his good old self and is smiling and laughing as he quotes Gurbani. My first expression within my heart was Wow! Vaah! This Gusikh is living Guru ji’s message in reality!

Jo nar dukh mai dukh nahi maanai||
Sukh saneh ar bhai nahi ja kai kanchan maatee maanai||

Sukh dukh dono sam kar janai…

I hold his hands as I say: “Veerjio, I had heard that spiritually you are in chardhi kala, so I wanted to see first hand how my Gurmukh Pyaare Veerji is doing and what a living example of gusikhs accepting Guru ji’s Will looks like. I can’t explain the joy of seeing you in such chardhi kala. Guru ji’s words

‘Jo nar dukh mai dukh nahi maanai’
That man, who in the midst of pain, does not feel pain,

are being lived in reality! Vaah! Vaah!

Kehbe ko soobhaa nahi dekhaa hee parvaan!”
I cannot describe its sublime glory; it has to be seen to be appreciated. ||121||

Truly my words cannot describe what I saw. The chardhi kala Veerji radiates has to be experienced in person. I told veerji that I had not come to give anything but to get something from him. And seeing him in this great avasthaa had given me what I was looking for. I felt like he was given me the support at this tough time through is radiance and chardhi kala!

Dulla ji and I spoke for a few minutes and then he said to a sevadar Singh “Ehna noo jal paani chakkaao.” (Give some refres

I come out of the room and meet Guru pyaare Bhain ji Jasbir Kaur ji’s brothers Jagmohan Singh Veerji and Upkar Singh Veerji, and they are in chardhi Kala also. I meet Jasbir Bhainji’s mother in the kitchen and see is in chardhi Kala too. I asked where Uncle ji is (Jabir Bhainji’s father, Sardar Satnam Singh ji). I am led to the master bedroom. Guru Pyaare Satnam Singh ji is sitting on the bed speaking with Gursikhs. I approach him and he lovingly embraces me and says fateh. He has no sorrow on his face either. Just a smile as he speaks. I tell him how pleased I am to see everyone in the family in Chardhi Kala accepting Guru ji’s will. He say’s it is the blessings of the Guru and the sangat of all gursikhs that is supporting them in this time. I tell him what another gursikh had told me the other day that Guru ji calls the ones that are beloved to him earlier than expected. Guru Pyaare Satnam Singh ji smiled. He say’s the time had come and so Guru ji called Jasbir Kaur ji back.

The evening keertan had started. I bow before Satguru ji and thank Him for a glimpse of gursikhs living His message. It was really awe-inspiring to see all these gursikhs seeing the will of God as sweet. This was such a contrast to other homes I have been at to give condolences after someone’s death where people are crying and the process of grieving seems so dry. At Dulla Veerji’s home the sangat was very positive and the aura of chardhi kala and sehaj prevailed. Even Jasbir Kaur Bhainji’s children are in high spirits. This is the greatness of Satguru ji’s message that has touched these hearts.

My visit to Dulla Veerji’s home has given me the feeling of Chardhi kala. The other gursikhs I have heard being in such chardhi kala during death is Bhai Sahib Pritam Singh Chani ji. Chani ji had told me that when his mother was on her death bed at the hospital he stayed immersed in Gurbani all that time. He was sitting in keertan in the morning when a Singh came running and told him that his mother had passed away. He was asked to come right away. Chani ji told the Singh that now that his mother had passed away why leave Guru ji’s sangat. He told the Singh to wait as well and that they would leave after the samapti and Langar. We all know Chani ji is a great gursikh who lives in the anand of gurbani. The same seems so true of Dulla ji and his family.

I felt like I had seen another episode of Bhai Bekhaari ji story from guru ji’s period. Vaah! Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru ke Sikh Pyaare!

I mentioned my experience at Dulla Veerji’s home to colleagues at work and they all got it. Most of my colleagues are practicing Catholics and they said that they too have the same message to accept the Will of the Lord as sweet at such times, but it is very rare to see someone stay in such high spirits at such a time. They were inspired and have reflected that it takes a lot of Faith to live in such Light and high spirits.

I urge those of you who can make it out this weekend for the funeral and Keertan to please come. As much as you would like to see Dulla ji, his family, and all gursikhs I must say that Dulla ji and his family will love seeing you there as well!


Daas,
Gursev Singh

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If anyone would like this image, or article removed please post in the comments.

Ardas for Dhulla Ji

Bhai Tejinderpal Singh 'Dhulla' from Toronto has had a serious car accident and is in hospital, please do ardaas for their Chardikala.

Dhulla ji's wife has passed away, so please also do ardaas for their Aatmik Shanti.

Please forward to all Gursikhs.

Sikhi Camp 2006 Audio

Although a few months late, audio has been released from one, if not the best camp in the UK.

Gurbani Uchaaran, Simran, Raag, Life Changing Speeches, Keertan, Kavishiree, Jaikaray

you name it, they have it.

To get the audio go here:

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Take 5 Minutes to Help Free 3 Sikhs

Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa
Vaheguru ji ki Fateh


You may have heard of the case of the 3 Sikhs who have been recently arrested in Punjab, India under suspicious circumstances, all the evidence points to the fact that the charges are fabricated and it is another abuse of power by the Punjab Police on innocent Sikhs. Below you will find an article that was published in the Indian Express which reveals some of the truths on the case.

We urge all Sikhs in the UK to write to their MP’s & MEP’s for this purpose a standard letter has been drafted and is attached. To get the contact details of your MP please visit www.parliament.uk and if you don’t know who your MP/MEP’s are then please go to www.writetothem.com where you simply enter your postcode and you will be told who your MP/MEP’s are. We urge all Sikh organisations and Gurdwaras to write directly to the Foreign Secretary and Indian High Commission – for this purpose a standard letter is also attached. It would be appreciated if individuals and organisations who do write to their MP’s/Foreign Secretary/Indian High Commission etc – to please keep us informed of who approaches have been made to, this is to allow the campaign to keep a pace with developments.

NB – The next court hearing on the case is on 12th January 2007, so there is an urgency to make approaches and delegations as soon as possible which will assist in resolving this matter. Could you all please forward this message to your contacts and any egroups you may be a member of.

Finally we would like to thank all Sikhs and the media throughout the world who have already shown tremendous support in the campaign to free the 3 Sikhs. For further information about the campaign and to forward any correspondence please contact:

Campaign to Free 3 Sikhs
ravigakhal@hotmail.com

Tel:
Kulwant Singh – 07765 859190

Download Template letters:

Member of Parliament Letter for Individuals
Foreign Secretary/High Commission Letter (For Organizations)

Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa
Vaheguru ji ki Fateh

Happy New Years

My friends will be waiting

For my new year greetings wishing them happiness
Oh my friend!
How can I wish happy new Year to you
As yet I still have to guard my heritage under constant threat of humiliation.

The turban of my Father is rolling somewhere in the dust
It might be waste in the dark corner of some police station.
After the murders of our mothers and sisters, tears have been unceasing.
Our innocent boys who are soft as flowers lie beneath the bridges, below the trees murdered in false encounters.

Our sister's honour remains unavenged since the Delhi massacre
I am in great and constant grief like the tender butterfly that flutters and
turns white with fear, Whose wings have turned grey with the passing of time.

In this struggle I may not be recognised and may get lost
And in this dreadful situation in what way can I then convey my New year greetings to you.

We will wait for better times.

Then shall I send such greetings
When Spring visits our garden.

Shaheed Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Manochahal
Jathedar Akaal Takht 1986