State of India
When the country is ran by these people, no wonder so many minorities are tortured to death in India, and corruption is the only currency..
Torture main reason of death in police custody: Study
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service
Another example of the barbaric behavior of Indian Security forces. This is the treatment Sikhs get in the so-called "largest democracy in the world." Bhai Avatar Singh Ji, pictured below had received the following barbaric treatment for being a Sikh :
These cases of torture are NOT a thing of the past, you just have to look at two recent detainee's Bhai Panjab Singh (UK) and Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara. The only reason we hear about these cases of torture is because these people are 'high profile' Sikhs, many are still in jails since the 1980's WITHOUT TRIAL who are simply forgotten.
Singhs still in prison for 20+ years, and if they are released they're just hounded constantly in their old age. By contrast in Africa, Nelson Mandela went to prison and became Prime Minister.
Sikh Women have suffered no less.
The only way these things are going to stop, is if we realize as a community, or atleast accept these things are happening. How can a problem be solved, such a huge problem, if we dont even accept it exists?
There have been many recent efforts to promote awareness of female infanticide, a problem rife in Panjab for centuries. It is only after accepting a problem that we can begin to address it.
Wake up, wake your families and friends up.
For you it's a short conversation, for another human being it could be freedom.
Feel free to forward, circulate or cut any part of this post.
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 12
Deadly facts about torture during interrogation in Punjab have come alive in a study on custodial deaths by the Institute of Correctional Administration. As many as 50 per cent of the police officials talked to have admitted that third degree methods are used against the suspects due to social and political pressures.
The study, carried out by the institute’s deputy director Dr Upneet Lalli, has further revealed that need for conducting speedy investigation is another reason. “There is a pressure (on the cops) to perform as also pressure to conform”, the report says. For the purpose of the conducting the study, as many as 150 police officials were talked to.
The report adds: Lack of accountability and almost total immunity enjoyed by the police until recently accounts for the fact that 58 per cent of them feel there is no sense of shame in cops accused of torture. Only 27 per cent say their colleagues feel bad about the use of force to effect confession and recovery.
“There seems to be no clear cut message from the top about intolerance to torture as 18 per cent feel their seniors will feel bad. Another 27 per cent have opposite to say,” the report asserts. Just 10 per cent of the police personnel are aware of the guidelines issued by the National Human Rights Commission on custody-related issues. Only 12 per cent are correctly able to specify the Articles of the Constitution dealing with the matter, even though a majority of them are aware of the Supreme Court verdict in D.K. Basu versus State of West Bengal case.
The voluminous 200-page study “Custodial Deaths and Human Rights Commission - an analysis of its role and prevention” has already been submitted to the Punjab State Human Rights Commission. Quoting the contents of the report, the sources in the commission say just one-fourth of the officers talked to admit consultation with their seniors or the relevant rules in case of doubt about their powers.
As many as 90 per cent police personnel from the state and even outside agree to the need for adopting scientific methods of investigations against the hardened criminals. “The main kind of abuse a person faces in police custody has been mentioned as physical (41 per cent) and mental (67 per cent),” it adds. “The main reason behind deaths in police custody has been mentioned as torture, medical negligence and drug addiction”.
Panjab Police - Case Study
Torture of Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Ji
Avtar Singh, a candidate for the Punjab Assembly brutally tortured (with hot iron and electric shock) and murdered by the Indian Police.Another example of the barbaric behavior of Indian Security forces. This is the treatment Sikhs get in the so-called "largest democracy in the world." Bhai Avatar Singh Ji, pictured below had received the following barbaric treatment for being a Sikh :
- His abdomen was burnt by using a hot ironing-press.
- His right fore-arm was cut open.
- All the major bones in both of his arms were broken.
- Hot pinchers were used on his wrists to poke burn his skin.
- Hot Steel rods were used to burn the soles of his feet (not shown)
This is just one case, of literally thousands. Amnesty International and other Human Rights Organizations have been crying out about these abuses for decades, while the Panjabi people like myself are living comfortably and whenever someone mentions a case of torture, or police brutality its taboo. We begin covering our ears, and try changing the subject.
These cases of torture are NOT a thing of the past, you just have to look at two recent detainee's Bhai Panjab Singh (UK) and Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara. The only reason we hear about these cases of torture is because these people are 'high profile' Sikhs, many are still in jails since the 1980's WITHOUT TRIAL who are simply forgotten.
Singhs still in prison for 20+ years, and if they are released they're just hounded constantly in their old age. By contrast in Africa, Nelson Mandela went to prison and became Prime Minister.
Sikh Women have suffered no less.
The only way these things are going to stop, is if we realize as a community, or atleast accept these things are happening. How can a problem be solved, such a huge problem, if we dont even accept it exists?
There have been many recent efforts to promote awareness of female infanticide, a problem rife in Panjab for centuries. It is only after accepting a problem that we can begin to address it.
Wake up, wake your families and friends up.
For you it's a short conversation, for another human being it could be freedom.
Feel free to forward, circulate or cut any part of this post.
Ban on Swords - Sign The Petition
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Reconsider an outright ban on swords.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/swords/#detail
The proposed ban on the import, sale and manufacture of swords will have an adverse effect on legitimate practitioners, collectors and manufacturers. Actual sword related crime is very rare and does not warrant a ban that affects the cultural activities of thousands of legitimate martial artists, collectors and smiths. Current legislation is quite adequate to deal with violent crime connected with bladed weapons. New legislation is merely for show. Enforcing such a ban will also affect cultural events such as Scottish Sword Dancing and many Sikh festivals. We urge the PM to reconsider this knee jerk reaction to media influenced scaremongering.
Imagine a Gatka Demo without Siri Sahibs and Khanday, or the 5 Pyare not being able to hold Siri Sahibs at Nagar Keertans.
Sign the petition, only takes literally 10 seconds.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/swords/#detail
The proposed ban on the import, sale and manufacture of swords will have an adverse effect on legitimate practitioners, collectors and manufacturers. Actual sword related crime is very rare and does not warrant a ban that affects the cultural activities of thousands of legitimate martial artists, collectors and smiths. Current legislation is quite adequate to deal with violent crime connected with bladed weapons. New legislation is merely for show. Enforcing such a ban will also affect cultural events such as Scottish Sword Dancing and many Sikh festivals. We urge the PM to reconsider this knee jerk reaction to media influenced scaremongering.
Imagine a Gatka Demo without Siri Sahibs and Khanday, or the 5 Pyare not being able to hold Siri Sahibs at Nagar Keertans.
Sign the petition, only takes literally 10 seconds.
Sangat Attends Provocative Anti-Sikh Seminar
After this thread a group of Sikhs decided to attend the event to try their best to educate other faiths about Gurmat and prevent any slander of our Guru's. This is a reponse written by one of the attendee's:
Waheguru jee ka khala waheguru jee kee phateh.
Piyari Saad Sangat Jeeo,
Yesterday there was a talk held in a London University by the islamic society who had invited recent converts to their religion. After the Coventry Incident it had been decided amongst the Uk sangat that someone will attend this talk and remonstrate or demonstrate with the organisers if they put forward the recent speaker Aman Dhaliwal who went on to do nindia of guru sahibs. Usually we tend to get such negative responses from the sangat especially when satkar of guru jee or sikhi is concerned and something has been done about it, but what happened yesterday is surely commendable.
The youth who numbered about 50-60 including amritdharis and non amritdharis united in love for maharaj and went to this talk. With maharaj's will the Speaker Aman Dhaliwal had not attended. It was a sight to see in the lecture room, the room was full of 50-60 singhs. The atmosphere was slightly tense, probably due to the fact that maybe the organisers did not expect us.
When we walked in, IT WAS SAD TO SEE SOME SIKH LADS AND GIRLS STANDING WAITING at the entrance. One Sikh lad had a dastaar, and one mona lad came up to us very surprised and visibly shaking saying how did you find out about this?
Sangat jee we have to start involving ourselves in talks of other universities aswell...Firstly our own knowledge of other faiths will increase, but also we will get an opportunity to see just how many of our brothers and sisters are wavering or going over to other sides. Secondly, the people who go to these talks of other faith groups should make sure they have knowledge of what maharaj says about their faith. Some of these points will come up in a bit.
We didnt really see any other people there ie white people, mainly asian muslim or apnay. The talker started to talk. In effect what he said were valid points. He was a 30 year old black muslim male, who had been 'institutionalised' from day one in care homes, correctional establishments and bascially went through criminal actvities and prison spells until he read the Koran. Then he decided to become muslim but in his own words couldnt find a right practising 'muslim'. All credit to him because he also said that he was empty and if he had come across sikh, buddhist or hindu scriptures he would have 'filled up' with them. Then he also mentioned how he found muslim young people not really praying properly or not understanding what they were doing. There were similarities between our youth and them. He also talked about how the koran should be read by non muslims to see what it says. At the end he opened up to questions from the floor.
Singh1 put his hand up saying the reason why they were there was because of the 'sikh' convert speaker issue. He went onto to say that there is free will and democracy in this country. Funny how that is mentioned when it pleases the mind. Simple answer to that was that singh 1 asked if he had kids. The speaker replied he did, and singh 1 asked would he educate them about islam he replied definitely, then was asked would he feel pain therefore if his children converted to another faith? It hit him that maybe other people are just as passionate about their faiths apart from islam.
Singh 2 then chose to expand on the definition of 'Sikh'. The islamic society from coventry had said Sikh Convert on their flyers etc but how can one convert if they were not sikh in the first place. Singh 2 asked the speaker to think about the use of the word convert , revert by asking if he had any faith before being muslim [he said he was a convert]; the speaker replied no and agreed that he really was not a convert because he was empty before.
Singh 3 then chose to tell the whole audience that Guru jee refers to the nature of a muslim in guru granth sahib jee as having a heart of wax ie should be compassionate and accepting of others, and this is contrary to making others a part of their own system. This was met with a round of applause from everyone in the hall.
Singh 4 then chose to make it clear that aman dhaliwal should not really slander the gurus or talk disrespectfully of the SIkh religion, and neither should he be talking as it is clearly provocative. The talker agreed entirely and promised to let the organisers and islamic societys know that this is important that he does not slander sikhi in anyway shape or form.
Sangat jee , for your information at the speaker quoted from the koran [i think it might have been the cow section of koran]- that one should not enforce religion on another- at this point Singh 1 wanted to ask " so is it true to say that a muslim going out trying to convert others is not right pracitising?" but time did not allow us to.
In between all this the dean of the university and a hindu entertainments rep from the student union tried to stop the talk which was quite funny because the conversation was amicable and not at all threatening.
In fact there were muslims in the lecture room who were agreeing with what was being said. Sangat jee we need to be really clear with our thoughts and intentions.
The number of youths there looked intimidating but the way the conversation went , it seemed that parchar of what a gursikh should be like was also going on.
Saadh sangat jee to clarify more issues at the end of the talk singh 1 went to the front to talk to the speaker with others. He represents a society called ISLAMIC PROPAGATION SOCIETY you should be able to get charity number from charity commission. We obtained his email to make sure the so called sikh talker does not talk again or is controlled - but we need to monitor these situations...our eyes and ears at unis are students themselves...baki maharaj kirpa kardea.
Singh 1 asked the speaker if a muslim does not get up for fajr niwaaj [their amrit vela prayer] then can they be called a muslim? he said definitely not. Singh1 said similarly if a Sikh cannot satisfy the definition of a sikh by Guru jee, then he cannot be a sikh. Our role is to work up to this definition.
THE SPEAKER REMARKED: HE DID NOT KNOW SUCH A DEFINITON OF A SIKH EXISTED.
Conclusion The singhs left controlled and with piyar. The task was complete, but we know by all means it never will be completed as Guru jees itihaas [history] has shown us. But one thing is for sure, credit goes out the youth ; who ususally dont get credit for good things.
When the everyone returned to gurdwara a collective ardas was done asking maharaj for knowledge of our sikhi , keeping tiyar bar tiyar in rehit so that we can offer our minds bodys and wealth to guru jee for seva as well as knowledge of other faiths for our own sake.
Sangat jee: important issues arose from this:
1) parchar of sikhi in 'needy' areas like prisons hospitals and schools - through leaflets gatka and maybe awareness weeks
2) need for ourselves to be tiar bar tiar but also veechar before travelling to panthic issues so that we can come to an agreed conclusion
3) preparation of materials explaining sikhi to the 't' all areas.
4) the presence of all sangat was powerful to sikh non sikh members of audience.
After the ardas, raagis were doing kirtan and sang the shabad "gursikha kee har dhoor de hum paapi bhee gat pae" give me the dust of the feet of gursikhs [love for each other] so that i the sinner may be saved.
Sangat jee maharaj built up the whole situation to finish it off with this lesson. All the gursikhs non amritdhari or not / different jathebandies also embraced each other. Shared fatehs and left.
please forgive any errors in relaying the events back.
please do ardas that maharaj har maidanay fateh isse tara bakshan.
Waheguru jee ka khala waheguru jee kee phateh.
Fourth Mehl:
One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name.
Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar.
Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased.
Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name.
One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind.
That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate - upon that GurSikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed.
Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2||
One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name.
Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar.
Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased.
Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name.
One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind.
That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate - upon that GurSikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed.
Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2||
Don't Quit
One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo see. I would not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots" "I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others." He said.
"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"
"How high should I rise" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise" He asked in return.
"As high as it can" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story.
Never Give up.
Global Priority
Global Priority_______________________ US Billions
Military spending in the world___________________ 780 Billion
Narcotics drugs in the world____________________ 400 Billion
Alcoholic drinks in Europe _____________________ 105 Billion
Cigarettes in Europe__________________________ 50 Billion
Business entertainment in Japan _________________ 35 Billion
Pet foods in Europe and the United States ___________17 Billion
Basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world_____13 Billion
Perfumes in Europe and the United States ___________ 12 Billion
Reproductive health for all women in the world ________ 12 Billion
Ice cream in Europe_____________________________ 11 Billion
Water and sanitation for everyone in the world _________ 9 Billion
Cosmetics in the United States _____________________ 8 Billion
Basic education for everyone in the world _____________ 6 Billion
According to UNICEF, 30,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.That is about 210,000 children each week, or just under 11 million children under five years of age, each year.
A few hundred millionaires now own as much wealth as the world’s poorest 2.5 billion people
The richest 50 million people in Europe and North America have the same income as 2.7 billion poor people. “The slice of the cake taken by 1% is the same size as that handed to the poorest 57%.”
Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two dollars a day.
The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the poorest 48 nations (i.e. a quarter of the world’s countries) is less than the wealth of the world’s three richest people combined.
Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
The poorer the country, the more likely it is that debt repayments are being extracted directly from people who neither contracted the loans nor received any of the money.
20% of the population in the developed nations, consume 86% of the world’s goods.
The top fifth of the world’s people in the richest countries enjoy 82% of the expanding export trade and 68% of foreign direct investment — the bottom fifth, barely more than 1%.
Who is it down to make a difference?
Is it likely the U.S or UK is going to cut its defence budget so that 11 million under 5 year olds don't die every year from painful starvation?
Everyday we can make choices, smart choices that will change things for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Think about the things you buy, sometimes its worth paying the extra for a quality item, but where we're just paying for the name - surely the extra money paid would be better giving an African family agricultural goods to feed themselves.
After so many scandals and cases of charitable funds going astray, I don't trust anybody or any organisation when it comes to money. It's a sad state of affairs when Shaheed funds are being used for political advancement when the families who gave lives for our faith are left with nothing but pictures and no usable income.
Our own mothers are in widow colonies around Delhi, doing demeaning jobs for people who laugh at their loss everyday, and we still do nothing.
Nothing drastic is needed, we don't need to sell up everything we have and give it all to charity .. just next time you go to India, or any other third world country take some time to visit Shaheed's families, find free charitable hospitals, schools and try and give whatever you can. if you cant give financially, just you taking an afternoon out playing with the children could mean more to them than we could ever imagine.
Some quotes from the unofficial Pingalwara Site:
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." -Albert Einstein
There’s enough on this planet for everyone’s needs but not for everyone’s greed — Mahatma Gandhi
When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.— Dom Helda Camara
There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher-Henry Van Dyke
Military spending in the world___________________ 780 Billion
Narcotics drugs in the world____________________ 400 Billion
Alcoholic drinks in Europe _____________________ 105 Billion
Cigarettes in Europe__________________________ 50 Billion
Business entertainment in Japan _________________ 35 Billion
Pet foods in Europe and the United States ___________17 Billion
Basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world_____13 Billion
Perfumes in Europe and the United States ___________ 12 Billion
Reproductive health for all women in the world ________ 12 Billion
Ice cream in Europe_____________________________ 11 Billion
Water and sanitation for everyone in the world _________ 9 Billion
Cosmetics in the United States _____________________ 8 Billion
Basic education for everyone in the world _____________ 6 Billion
According to UNICEF, 30,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.That is about 210,000 children each week, or just under 11 million children under five years of age, each year.
A few hundred millionaires now own as much wealth as the world’s poorest 2.5 billion people
The richest 50 million people in Europe and North America have the same income as 2.7 billion poor people. “The slice of the cake taken by 1% is the same size as that handed to the poorest 57%.”
Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two dollars a day.
The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the poorest 48 nations (i.e. a quarter of the world’s countries) is less than the wealth of the world’s three richest people combined.
Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
The poorer the country, the more likely it is that debt repayments are being extracted directly from people who neither contracted the loans nor received any of the money.
20% of the population in the developed nations, consume 86% of the world’s goods.
The top fifth of the world’s people in the richest countries enjoy 82% of the expanding export trade and 68% of foreign direct investment — the bottom fifth, barely more than 1%.
Who is it down to make a difference?
Is it likely the U.S or UK is going to cut its defence budget so that 11 million under 5 year olds don't die every year from painful starvation?
Everyday we can make choices, smart choices that will change things for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Think about the things you buy, sometimes its worth paying the extra for a quality item, but where we're just paying for the name - surely the extra money paid would be better giving an African family agricultural goods to feed themselves.
After so many scandals and cases of charitable funds going astray, I don't trust anybody or any organisation when it comes to money. It's a sad state of affairs when Shaheed funds are being used for political advancement when the families who gave lives for our faith are left with nothing but pictures and no usable income.
Our own mothers are in widow colonies around Delhi, doing demeaning jobs for people who laugh at their loss everyday, and we still do nothing.
Nothing drastic is needed, we don't need to sell up everything we have and give it all to charity .. just next time you go to India, or any other third world country take some time to visit Shaheed's families, find free charitable hospitals, schools and try and give whatever you can. if you cant give financially, just you taking an afternoon out playing with the children could mean more to them than we could ever imagine.
Some quotes from the unofficial Pingalwara Site:
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." -Albert Einstein
There’s enough on this planet for everyone’s needs but not for everyone’s greed — Mahatma Gandhi
When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.— Dom Helda Camara
There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher-Henry Van Dyke
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.
************
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 | |
Dealing with loss - Tejinderpal Singh 'Dhulla'
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
******
If anyone would like this image, or article removed please post in the comments.
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
******
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.
Click Me
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
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
Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa Tribute (FULL)
| The full tribute video for the Great Saint, The Knower of God, The complete being - Acting Jathedar of Damdami Taksal in the absence of Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale - Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa...1915-2004 Barsi photos/videos/recordings to be posted soon. | |
Paramjit Singh Exposes Dirty Politics and Police Torture
Paramjit Singh Exposes Dirty Politics and Police Torture
Dec 27, 2006
In the last few days we have witnessed Indian politics and police corruption at its worst. With the Panjab Assembly elections fast approaching dirty politics and dishonest police officers have once again been exposed.
Parmjit Singh a UK citizen was arrested on the 23 December 2006 and is one of three innocent victims who has revealed through his treatment the level of police corruption and brutality. He is the latest innocent victim of abuse of political power and police torture carried out at the behest of political pay masters worried about their future.
Initially the Punjab Police denied that they had detained Paramjit Singh but later admitted that they had. The British Embassy wished to speak to Paramjit Singh, but have to date been denied access to him. On the 25 December 2006 a representative from the British Consulate was refused a visit to meet and see Parmjit Singh. The Sikhs have been denied basic rights. Amolak Singh suffers from blood pressure and has been refused his medicine, Parmjit Singh is an allergy sufferer who has also been refused his medication.
For Parmjit Singh this is the repeat of a nightmare. He was a victim before, when he was imprisoned in India for 3 months, but was subsequently cleared of all charges that were shown to be false.
The media has already highlighted glaring deficiencies in the police claims. For example, the Indian Express reported that that the police stated they found explosives from a mound of hay near Parmjit Singh's native village of Gakhal near Jalandhar. But a visit to Gakhal revealed a different reality. None of the villagers, including Sarpanch Surinder Singh, were aware of any police operation in the area. Various other villagers who work opposite where the police claim to have found explosives corroborated that no police had come to dig up arms and explosives.
A spokesman for Khalsa Human Rights said: 'It is clear the charges have been fabricated due to political reasons and given the lack of evidence are trying to obtain confessional statements through torture. All three Sikhs are innocent and should be released without further delay.
Harjinder Singh
Khalsa Human Rights
Dec 27, 2006
In the last few days we have witnessed Indian politics and police corruption at its worst. With the Panjab Assembly elections fast approaching dirty politics and dishonest police officers have once again been exposed.
Parmjit Singh a UK citizen was arrested on the 23 December 2006 and is one of three innocent victims who has revealed through his treatment the level of police corruption and brutality. He is the latest innocent victim of abuse of political power and police torture carried out at the behest of political pay masters worried about their future.
The three Sikhs being held are Parmjit Singh, Amolak Singh and Jasvinder Singh. The three victims have committed no crime and are being held on fabricated charges of processing explosives. All three Sikhs had their articles of faith removed, were stripped naked and tortured. It is clear the police have been using torture to coerce the three Sikhs to sign confessional statements under duress.
On the 24 December 2006 all three Sikhs were presented in court by the police, the police failed in presenting the Sikhs within the allocated 24 hour limit to get police remand and the judge questioned why due process had not been followed. The police applied for a 14 day police remand, but the judge only granted remand for four days until the 28 December 2006. Eye witnesses who were present in court said it was clear to see the deterioration in health of the Sikhs and that they had undoubtedly been tortured.
Initially the Punjab Police denied that they had detained Paramjit Singh but later admitted that they had. The British Embassy wished to speak to Paramjit Singh, but have to date been denied access to him. On the 25 December 2006 a representative from the British Consulate was refused a visit to meet and see Parmjit Singh. The Sikhs have been denied basic rights. Amolak Singh suffers from blood pressure and has been refused his medicine, Parmjit Singh is an allergy sufferer who has also been refused his medication.
For Parmjit Singh this is the repeat of a nightmare. He was a victim before, when he was imprisoned in India for 3 months, but was subsequently cleared of all charges that were shown to be false.
The media has already highlighted glaring deficiencies in the police claims. For example, the Indian Express reported that that the police stated they found explosives from a mound of hay near Parmjit Singh's native village of Gakhal near Jalandhar. But a visit to Gakhal revealed a different reality. None of the villagers, including Sarpanch Surinder Singh, were aware of any police operation in the area. Various other villagers who work opposite where the police claim to have found explosives corroborated that no police had come to dig up arms and explosives.
A spokesman for Khalsa Human Rights said: 'It is clear the charges have been fabricated due to political reasons and given the lack of evidence are trying to obtain confessional statements through torture. All three Sikhs are innocent and should be released without further delay.
Harjinder Singh
Khalsa Human Rights
Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa
| A tribute to a Pooran Brahmgyani - Mahapurakh Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa, Karajkari Mukhi Damdami Taksal (1984-2004) | |
Peaceful Demo's Across UK
Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Peaceful Protests at Ek Niwaas and Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust Greenford
Over the past weekend once again Sikhs had to take direct action through peaceful protest to prevent further disrespect to their 11th Guru, Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. On 10th December 2006 Sikhs from across the country, with Guru Ji’s grace, managed to restore Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the living Word and Guru incarnate to their rightful throne of the Gurdwara at two locations in England.
Ek Niwas Wolverhampton
As some readers may already be aware, there has been a history of disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Ek Niwas, Wolverhampton. Discussions had continued over several months with negotiators including Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh from Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and representatives of Gurdwara Councils of Sandwell and Wolverhampton. These discussions had culminated in a signed agreement between the Sikh community and Ek Niwas, witnessed by representatives of West Midlands Police. The agreement concluded that the two saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Ek Niwas would be respectfully accompanied to Akal Takhat Sahib unless the Akal Takhat gave permission for Ek Niwas to continue to have the company of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Akal Takhat Sahib refused the request from Ek Niwas due to the presence of idols and other activities, such as dancing, inconsistent with Sikh practice.
It recently transpired however, that Ek Niwas had taken a contentious and devious route instead, of obtaining two senchiyaa (volumes) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and carried out parkash (revelation of scriptures for public Court) together on a manji sahib (dais). Such parkash symbolises the embodiment and presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and went against the original agreement.
On the morning of Sunday 10 December Sikhs gathered outside Ek Niwas to firstly confirm in police presence the attendance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Ek Niwas and upon confirmation to accompany Guru Ji to a Gurdwara. Upon substantiation of the containment of Guru Ji’s saroop at Ek Niwas the protestors grew in number. Early in the afternoon members of Ek Niwas became abusive and violent as they spouted inflammatory language, made indecent gestures and hurled missiles at the Sikh sangat who were peacefully stood outside the centre, many of them praying.
One Sikh youngster received extensive cuts to his forehead and a further two were injured as a result of violence by Ek Niwas followers. In response to the abuse and attack on the protestors some Sikhs entered Ek Niwas, however upon police intervention quickly departed. Police responded by cordoning off the main Dudley Road, barricaded the protestors off and repulsed any further protestors from arriving or leaving. Due to the violence by Ek Niwas followers, sangat from across Wolverhampton and neighbouring towns began to arrive as word spread of this incident. By late afternoon Sikhs from cities across the country had started to arrive to share the duty of restoring respect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They were in preparation to camp there all night if this was the seva Guru Ji had set them. With the growing numbers, which by early evening were amassing several hundred, a resolution was reached and by 9pm senchiyaa of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji returned to Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sedgley St in Wolverhampton and their righteous resting place at the House of the Guru (Gurdwara).
Thereupon Guru Ji blessed the Sikh Sangat with the following Hukamnama: http://www.sikhitothemax.com/page.asp?ShabadID=2074
Sikhs are a community who are not only tolerant to other faiths but also respect other peoples beliefs. In so doing Sikhs do not have anything against Ek Niwas; nonetheless when the question of respect to our eternal Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji arises, Sikhs will not sit aside whilst their Guru is confined to an inappropriate location. Sikhs contend that the Ek Niwas Centre is clearly not a multi-faith centre but a Hindu mandir. Ek Niwas is affiliated to the National Hindu Council which works closely with the World Hindu Council, which does not recognize the existence of Sikhism as a separate religion. Contrary to a truly multi-faith centre, Muslim scriptures are not kept at the centre, the Muslim insignia has been removed from the centre’s gates and the centre lacks both a functional Muslim prayer room and a chapel for Christians to pray in. The centre is seen therefore as deliberately setting out to provoke the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust Greenford
On the same day as the campaign at Ek Niwas in Wolverhampton a simultaneous peaceful protest was held at a centre known as Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust on Greenford Road in Southall. Even though the building is fronted as a Gurdwara contra-Sikh activities were being carried out at this centre. There is a code of conduct which regulates the procedures and practices for the care of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Any environment and practice which violates this code causes disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
After two hours of discussions some of the congregation of Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust agreed that they were in gross violation of Sikh maryada, and came to agreement that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji would not remain in the premises and would be restored to their rightful place at a Gurdwara. Despite this agreement, one of the occupants pressed the panic alarm as the Sikhs were leaving. The police arrived within minutes and unaware of the agreement stopped the Sikhs from progressing. The lady in charge at the Wadbhag Singh Trust incorrectly told the police that the Sikhs were forcibly taking Guru Ji; the police proceeded to remove the Sikhs from the building who consequently resumed the peaceful protest outside.
At Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were kept in an undignified manner in a room where bras and make-up were found in sachkhand or resting place of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the inner sanctum of any Gurdwara. The sachkand should be mandatorily confined to no other use other than Guru Ji’s resting place. Furthermore, practices being carried out at Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust, including Hindu idols and black magic, as at Ek Niwas are proscribed in the Sikh religion. The environment and circumstances at Wadbhag Singh Trust like Ek Niwas were in contrast to the principles and values of Guru Ji. The violation of code of conduct, disregard and disrespect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Baba Wadbhag Singh Trust so distressed the Sikh community that the protestors included many elderly, young, and women picketers, illustrating the impact this disrespect had on the entire Sikh community. The peaceful protest lasted a further 6 hours and negotiations between the police, protestors and the Trust eventually resolved that the 3 saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were to be restored to their rightful abode at the Gurdwara.
An Unacceptable Widespread Problem
Sikhs are proud to be British and don’t only talk about values such as tolerance, their history is one of interfaith practice and respect to other religions which is inseparable from their philosophy. They live side by side in harmony with all races and communities. The 9th Sikh Guru became a martyr by giving up his life for the freedom of others to practice a faith he did not aspire to and his predecessors had rebelled against. In spite of the respect Sikhs have for other religions, the fifth Guru the first Sikh martyr gave up his life to uphold the sovereignty of the Sikh faith from external influence and coercion by refusing to alter a passage within the text of Aad Granth Sahib Ji. Therefore disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is intolerable, and misappropriation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji deeply hurts the sentiments of the community. Imagine the hurt Christians would feel if the bible was mistreated or the Koran disrespected even though they are commonly referred to as books and adherents as people of the book. The hurt may be similar to the sacred offering by non-Christians of holy sacrament bread and wine as representation of the body of Christ or Eucharist. However, for a Sikh the hurt is incomparable as not only are Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji the literal Word of Sikh Gurus and the eternal textual embodiment of the previous Gurus, they have been bequeathed as the living 11th Guru and therefore are not remotely comparable to the description of book or scripture.
The incidents of the past weekend illustrate that disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is both an unacceptable and widespread problem. If the issue of respect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not adhered to, then Sikhs will have no option but to continue to raise their voice and deal with the problem in a positive manner. The responsibility to ensure respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must lie therefore foremost with the Sikh community. As in all faiths, the Sikh community needs regulations and safeguards to ensure that Sikh sentiments are not willfully offended by the continuous encroachment of their good nature. In a similar manner to other organized religions, Sikhs need to establish a centrally administered system to ensure compliance and monitoring of Sikh practices and regulation of Sikh centers. This is imperative to both scrutinize standards and to keep in check the ability of individuals to exploit some of the most vulnerable members of society by using Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to gain credibility for their unSikh practices.
Links:
Sikh Sangat Article
BBC News Article
SS Part 2 with pictures
Sunderland Worse Than We Thought...
No Remorse for UK Violation of Maryada
Wednesday 29th of November 2006
Panthic Weekly News Bureau
Sunderland (KP) – Last month the Sikh Sangat in UK became aware of gross violation in Maryada in Sunderland after an Anand Karaj video was aired on Sky Digital Chanell RAJ TV on 14th October 2006. It was discovered that the Sunderland Sikh Association were responsible for allowing the Anand Karaj in the Hotel where not only was the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji taken violating the Hukamnama of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but also guest where given seats to sit on in the presence of Guru Sahib.
Scenes of Anand Karaj Beadbi aired on television on 14th Oct 2006
Manjeet S Cheema, General Secretary of the Sunderland Sikh Association, admitted that the Sunderland Sikh Association were responsible for organising the Anand Karaj that clearly violated Gur Maryada and that Granthi Narayan Singh was sent by the Gurdwara Management Committee to conduct the marriage ceremony. However, despite the admittance, the Sunderland Sikh Association has shown no remorse for violating the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and infringing of the Panthic Hukamnama.
Further investigations from the Sikh Sangat showed that the Sunderland Gurdwara Sahib has an adjoining Community Centre in the Gurdwara Complex, similar to other Gurdwara Sahibs like Leeds Chapel Town and Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sahibs, where parties and receptions are held allowing the consumption and serving of liquor, meat, and tobacco. The Sunderland Gurdwara Management Committee have brought shame to themselves and have committed great sin by treating Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a commodity and using their position as Sevadars of the House of Guru Nanak to make extra money through corrupt means and spitting over Sikh principles.
All the Sikh community are asked to respond to the call of the Guru Khalsa Panth and maintain the dignity and respect of our Gurdwara Sahibs and the Pavitar Saroop of Guru Sahib. Everyday we mention this in our Ardaas. Now is the time to act. The Sarbat Sikh Sangat is urged to contact the Committee of Sunderland Sikh Association to highlight concerns about taking the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to reception halls and allowing liquor, meat, and tobacco into the Gurdwara Complex and Gurdwara owned properties or facilities. The Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Ji campaign said, “Please remember that you are representing the Khalsa Panth when discussing these issues with Sunderland Sikh Association committee, refrain from confrontational or bad language”. The contact details of the Gurdwara Sahib in concern is:
Sunderland Sikh Association
The Cloisters
Sunderland
County Durham
SR2 7ED
Tel: 0191 5672939
Together responsible Sikhs can reclaim our Gurdwara Sahibs back to the Khalsa and upkeep the Sikh Rehat Maryada, which at the moment is being undermined by various Gurdwara Sahibs up and down the country. The UK Sikh Sangat will only be satisfied fully when the perpetrators of the beadbi fulfil their obligations and produce their written agreement that any disrespect towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and offence to the Sikh Sangat will not happen again.
Source
Wednesday 29th of November 2006
Panthic Weekly News Bureau
Sunderland (KP) – Last month the Sikh Sangat in UK became aware of gross violation in Maryada in Sunderland after an Anand Karaj video was aired on Sky Digital Chanell RAJ TV on 14th October 2006. It was discovered that the Sunderland Sikh Association were responsible for allowing the Anand Karaj in the Hotel where not only was the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji taken violating the Hukamnama of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but also guest where given seats to sit on in the presence of Guru Sahib.
Scenes of Anand Karaj Beadbi aired on television on 14th Oct 2006
Manjeet S Cheema, General Secretary of the Sunderland Sikh Association, admitted that the Sunderland Sikh Association were responsible for organising the Anand Karaj that clearly violated Gur Maryada and that Granthi Narayan Singh was sent by the Gurdwara Management Committee to conduct the marriage ceremony. However, despite the admittance, the Sunderland Sikh Association has shown no remorse for violating the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and infringing of the Panthic Hukamnama.
Further investigations from the Sikh Sangat showed that the Sunderland Gurdwara Sahib has an adjoining Community Centre in the Gurdwara Complex, similar to other Gurdwara Sahibs like Leeds Chapel Town and Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sahibs, where parties and receptions are held allowing the consumption and serving of liquor, meat, and tobacco. The Sunderland Gurdwara Management Committee have brought shame to themselves and have committed great sin by treating Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a commodity and using their position as Sevadars of the House of Guru Nanak to make extra money through corrupt means and spitting over Sikh principles.
All the Sikh community are asked to respond to the call of the Guru Khalsa Panth and maintain the dignity and respect of our Gurdwara Sahibs and the Pavitar Saroop of Guru Sahib. Everyday we mention this in our Ardaas. Now is the time to act. The Sarbat Sikh Sangat is urged to contact the Committee of Sunderland Sikh Association to highlight concerns about taking the Pavitar Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to reception halls and allowing liquor, meat, and tobacco into the Gurdwara Complex and Gurdwara owned properties or facilities. The Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Ji campaign said, “Please remember that you are representing the Khalsa Panth when discussing these issues with Sunderland Sikh Association committee, refrain from confrontational or bad language”. The contact details of the Gurdwara Sahib in concern is:
Sunderland Sikh Association
The Cloisters
Sunderland
County Durham
SR2 7ED
Tel: 0191 5672939
Together responsible Sikhs can reclaim our Gurdwara Sahibs back to the Khalsa and upkeep the Sikh Rehat Maryada, which at the moment is being undermined by various Gurdwara Sahibs up and down the country. The UK Sikh Sangat will only be satisfied fully when the perpetrators of the beadbi fulfil their obligations and produce their written agreement that any disrespect towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and offence to the Sikh Sangat will not happen again.
Source
Sunderland Sikh Association Disrespect Guru Ji
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The UK Sikh Community has made contact with Sunderland Sikh Association in regards to them organising an Anand Karaj where the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was taken to a Reception Hall. This was broadcasted on 14th October 2006 on Sky Digital Channel RAJ TV.
The General Secretary Manjeet S Cheema admitted that Sunderland Sikh Association organised the Anand Karaj and Granthi Narayan Singh was a representative from the Gurdwara. The committee has no remorse for its actions or the hurt they have cause to the Sikh Community.
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Furthermore this Gurdwara has an adjoining Community Centre where parties and receptions are held allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco into the Gurdwara complex.
This is a prime example of the State of our Gurdwaras, where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gurdwara properties are seen as mere objects that can generate money and allow egoistical and corrupt members of the Sikh Community to assign upon them selves titles like Pardhan (head of a Sikh Gurdwara).
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The UK Sikh Community is urged to contact the committee of Sunderland Sikh Association to highlight concerns about taking the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to reception halls and allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco into the Gurdwara Complex. Please remember that you are representing the Khalsa Panth when discussing these issues with Sunderland Sikh Association committee, refrain from confrontational or bad language:
Sunderland Sikh Association
The Cloisters
Sunderland
County Durham
SR2 7ED
Tel: 0191 5672939
 |
Working together the UK Sikh Community will uphold Sikh Rehit Maryada and respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Nov 28, 2006, 18:15
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