An article by
Dharmendra Rataul in The Indian Express
Amritsar, November 28 The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s ambitious plan of incorporating 10 NRI Sikhs in its general house seems to have run into rough weather with the American diaspora rejecting it.
US NRIs are of the view that they cannot let themselves be subservient to the SGPC, but would bow their heads before the Akal Takht, so the religious body should take the proposal back.
Surprised at the move, American Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (ASGPC) chief Dr Pritpal Singh told The Indian Express, “I appeal to the SGPC to take the proposal back as there are no takers for it. We will not be part of the SGPC. We have our own committee similar to the SGPC and we will not like any interference,” he said.
The SGPC— which had been pursuing the matter of co-option with the Union government that was in the process of issuing a notification — had passed a resolution in this regard at its general house meeting on November 23.
SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar had raised the issue at the meetings with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Shiv Raj Patil, and they had promised to do the needful.
The SGPC, which was seeking a suitable amendment in the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, to pave way for co-option, said they would have members from the foreign countries on the basis of their population percentage and special focus would be on the USA, Canada, the UK and other European countries, where Sikhs are in a large numbers.
“The move is aimed at giving adequate representations to the Sikh diaspora,” said SGPC secretary Dalmegh Singh.
Dr Pritpal, however, said, “The SGPC controls gurdwaras in north India and is running under an Act of the Indian government. How can that Act be applicable to American or Canadian citizens? We will oppose the move tooth and nail.”
He said they seek guidance from the Akal Takht and not the SGPC, which should work to better its administration of gurdwaras in India. If the SGPC’s proposal is accepted by the Centre, the number of the SGPC members will rise to 200 from the present 185, apart from the five high priests.
“The move is to widen the scope of the religious body, which is the only democratically elected body, controlling the largest number of gurdwaras. Dr Pritpal should stop commenting on the issue and do his own work while we are doing our,” said another SGPC official.
He added that only ‘sabat surat’ Sikhs (who do not shorn their hair) would be entitled to become the member.
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Cooption-US-NRIs-opt-out/244744/
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Why did Rajiv Gandhi escape censure for 1984 anti Sikh massacre
The question as to why people of the secular brigade hate Modi but do not have the same feelings for Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao has been asked many times.
In this article in Hindustan Times, Rajdeep Sardesai tries to offer his explanation.http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=394286b4-2b4f-469d-bf08-4cf163cfb9fe&&Headline=Dr+Modi+%26amp%3b+Mr+Hyde
Dr Modi and Mr Hyde
by Rajdeep Sardesai
On the very day that Lalu Yadav marched to the Prime Minister’s residence demanding Narendra Modi’s arrest in the wake of the Tehelka sting exposé, a small group of Sikh widows were protesting at the capital’s Jantar Mantar on the 23rd anniversary of the anti-Sikh riots. One eye on the TV cameras, the other firmly on the Muslim vote, Lalu was making the headlines. The widows were yesterday’s story. While the 2002 Gujarat riots have become a cause celebre for the secular establishment, 1984 has never quite acquired the same profile.
In this article in Hindustan Times, Rajdeep Sardesai tries to offer his explanation.http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=394286b4-2b4f-469d-bf08-4cf163cfb9fe&&Headline=Dr+Modi+%26amp%3b+Mr+Hyde
Dr Modi and Mr Hyde
by Rajdeep Sardesai
On the very day that Lalu Yadav marched to the Prime Minister’s residence demanding Narendra Modi’s arrest in the wake of the Tehelka sting exposé, a small group of Sikh widows were protesting at the capital’s Jantar Mantar on the 23rd anniversary of the anti-Sikh riots. One eye on the TV cameras, the other firmly on the Muslim vote, Lalu was making the headlines. The widows were yesterday’s story. While the 2002 Gujarat riots have become a cause celebre for the secular establishment, 1984 has never quite acquired the same profile.
On the face of it, the anti-Sikh riots were far more horrific than the post-Godhra violence. More than 2,700 people were killed in 1984, as per the official death toll; in Gujarat, it was a little over a thousand. The 1984 riots have seen just 13 convictions; in Gujarat, the fast-track courts have already convicted more than 15 persons in different cases. The 1984 riots occurred in several high security areas in the heart of the national capital; the 2002 violence spread more thinly to parts of rural Gujarat as well. As a powerful recent book, When a Tree Shook Delhi, confirms, senior Congress politicians, including Union ministers, were actually present on the streets, allegedly leading the mobs in 1984; in Gujarat, the direct evidence against Modi’s cabinet members is still based principally on police phone records. While then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee did make some token attempt to distance himself from the Gujarat rioters, it took a Sikh Congress PM in 2005 to finally accept that 1984 was a “national shame”, and that the truth had never come out. Rajiv Gandhi’s statement that “when a big tree falls, the earth shakes” is recorded history; Narendra Modi’s “action-reaction” comment was officially denied.
Why then is Modi such a hate figure today for the secularists while Rajiv Gandhi, then Home Minister Narasimha Rao and the entire top Congress leadership have escaped public censure? The answer might unlock not just the Modi enigma, but also the content of Indian secularism, and perhaps indicate just how much India has changed in the last two decades.
Firstly, in 1984, the Indian judiciary was perhaps a little less adversarial towards the politician than it is today, and certainly less proactive in driving the political agenda. There was no Supreme Court as willing to directly indict the political leadership as it is today — Modi was likened to Nero by former Chief Justice V.N. Khare; in 1984, the Supreme Court would have probably seen such a remark as a transgression of judicial authority.
Secondly, human rights activists were perhaps far less organised in 1984 than they are today. The ability to create a sustained moral and legal pressure on the system, to network with other NGOs and to cultivate the media is perhaps far greater now than it was in 1984, although many groups like the PUCL and PUDR as well as the Nagrik Ekta Manch did embark on processions and fact-finding missions. A Teesta Setalvad can actually become a rallying point for those seeking justice in a manner that was perhaps not possible 23 years ago.
Thirdly, and most crucially, the 2002 riots were the first in the age of round-the-clock ‘live’ television. Gujarat was India’s first television riot. There was remarkable journalism done in the 1980s (as also after Ayodhya), but somehow, the power and sanctity of the written word cannot match the impact and immediacy of the television image. Whether it was the visuals of street carnage five years ago or the voices of Sangh parivar footsoldiers bragging about their ‘achievements’ with chilling candour, the audio-visual image has the ability to confirm, even magnify, the gravity of the crime in a way that, at times, even the finest prose cannot. The television camera reduced the mental and geographical distance between the Gujarat riots and a national viewership in a manner that the newspaper in 1984 could not. It also, especially in the context of a paralysed political class, became the ‘real’ opposition, questioning and challenging the Gujarat government’s claims to be a non-partisan upholder of the Constitution.
Ironically, what the dramatic television images also did was transform Modi into a larger-than-life figure. From a relatively anonymous pracharak who had never fought an election, he was now either the hero or villain of hate politics, depending on one’s ideological leanings. Modi, in fact, brilliantly used the media exposure to create the spectre of a confrontation between himself and the so-called ‘anti-Hindu’ English language media. The sharp rhetoric in public speeches, the intimidatory tone towards journalists and even the recent walk-out from an interview were designed to position himself as a macho hero who was being targeted by an ideological media. Indeed, by pigeonholing the non-Gujarati media in particular as ‘enemy number one’, Modi was able to cultivate a sense of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ within his core constituency. As a result, far from being apologetic about the post-Godhra violence, he was almost dismissive of the criticism. This seeming lack of remorse at the violence has only added to the polarisation: the critics demonised him, and his supporters valourised him as a Hindu hriday samrat.In a sense, Modi has become symbolic of the Hindu-Muslim faultlines that exist in our society, a symbol of the darkness within. Those faultlines run far deeper and are far more central to identity politics than the Hindu-Sikh divide of the 1980s could ever have been. The divide of the 1980s was a temporary eruption, occasioned more by political mismanagement than any fundamental shift in attitudes between members of the two communities. The scars of 1984 could be healed with time, because the origins of the Hindu-Sikh tension were not based on historic resentments and popular prejudices.
By contrast, and rather uncomfortably, 2002 seems part of a more sustained campaign of hate, prejudice and violence between Hindus and Muslims, one which tapped into a wider constituency in Gujarat and beyond. Which is why there isn’t a greater sense of collective outrage at the behaviour of those caught on camera detailing the worst possible crimes against humanity. Which is also why a substantial section of the rank and file of the BJP, a party whose rise in national politics was spurred by the growing communal divide, seems to have endorsed Modi’s brand of politics.
Interestingly, the original patent to this type of militant Hindutva politics belonged to Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Like Modi in 2002, Thackeray too was unapologetic about his actions during the 1992-93 Mumbai riots. In fact, he went a step further than Modi when he openly said “he was proud of his boys”. Both Modi and Thackeray revelled in their image as authoritarian political bosses who would tolerate no internal dissent. Like Modi, Thackeray too has attempted to create an ‘enemy-like situation’ with the the English language media, one designed purely to reinforce his stature as the ‘supremo’ among his supporters.
The difference is that while Thackeray had little to offer beyond the demagoguery. Modi, as Chief Minister, has chosen a ‘Hindutva-plus’ model, one in which a fierce commitment to ideology is matched by an equally aggressive commitment to economic growth. While Thackeray has often been dismissed as an eccentric rabble-rouser, Modi enjoys the stature of being a focused, workaholic CM.
So, while sociologist Ashis Nandy may have come out of a meeting with Modi 10 years ago and warned a colleague that he had met the country’s first “textbook fascist”, industrialists who shared a dais with him at the Vibrant Gujarat celebrations last year admiringly described him as a “growth-oriented, highly motivated chief minister”. Perhaps, it’s this dualism — Dr Modi and Mr Hyde — that lies at the heart of the Modi phenomenon. Not only does he appeal to the desire for greater material progress, but his existence is perhaps a symbol of a hidden alter ego, a doppleganger that undoubtedly still exists in many Hindu hearts. Modi says in public what many may say in private. A centuries-old, unsaid prejudice that still has not been properly confronted and cauterised is Modi’s secret weapon. It makes him more electable. And also more feared.Thursday, November 8, 2007
Sikh girl denied right to wear kara in school
The hindustan times has in a news article stated that a girl in UK has been sent back home because she was wearing a kara.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6628df47-4e5e-4fb4-9c3e-3de6e5c24eeb&MatchID1=4598&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=7&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1156&MatchID2=4587&TeamID3=3&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=1&SeriesID2=1152&PrimaryID=4598&Headline=Welsh+race+body+backs+Sikh+girl's+EMkada%2fEM
.......
Sarika Watkins-Singh, the Sikh teenager who has been excluded from her school in south Wales for refusing to remove the kada, a symbol of Sikhism, has been backed by the local race equality council. Sarika, who decided to become a practising Sikh after a visit to Amritsar in 2005, has decided to mount a legal challenge against the school's decision that, she believes, amounted to infringing her human rights.
Sarika was sent home on Monday by the Aberdare Girls School, south Wales. According to the school, wearing the kada is against regulations because it is a piece of jewellery. The school is known for strictly enforcing rules. After the case hit the headlines, Sarika has found support from the Valleys Race Equality Council. Its director, Ron Davies, told the media, "We are supporting Sarika, and believe the school is acting unlawfully by refusing to let her wear the bangle..... READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6628df47-4e5e-4fb4-9c3e-3de6e5c24eeb&MatchID1=4598&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=7&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1156&MatchID2=4587&TeamID3=3&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=1&SeriesID2=1152&PrimaryID=4598&Headline=Welsh+race+body+backs+Sikh+girl's+EMkada%2fEM
.......
Sarika Watkins-Singh, the Sikh teenager who has been excluded from her school in south Wales for refusing to remove the kada, a symbol of Sikhism, has been backed by the local race equality council. Sarika, who decided to become a practising Sikh after a visit to Amritsar in 2005, has decided to mount a legal challenge against the school's decision that, she believes, amounted to infringing her human rights.
Sarika was sent home on Monday by the Aberdare Girls School, south Wales. According to the school, wearing the kada is against regulations because it is a piece of jewellery. The school is known for strictly enforcing rules. After the case hit the headlines, Sarika has found support from the Valleys Race Equality Council. Its director, Ron Davies, told the media, "We are supporting Sarika, and believe the school is acting unlawfully by refusing to let her wear the bangle..... READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE...
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Outlook editor regrets hurt
Following the depiction of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the Indian English newsweekly, "Outlook" where he was shown carrying arms in his beard, Outlook has stated that "We regret any hurt caused unintentionally." This comes as an editor's note following a protest letter written by Kanwarpal Singh, of Khalsa action committee.
The protest letter and regret are as follows:
"We protest the offensive caricature of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Outlook. It is regrettable that Sikhs continue to be a subject of ridicule in the media. To portray a Sikh, even if he is Sant Bhindranwale, carrying arms in his beard, is shameful and disgusting. Every Indian and more so the staff of a journal of your stature and repute should know the importance Sikhs attach to their hair and beard. For all practising Sikhs, they are two of the five sacred symbols of their religion as mandated by Guru Gobind Singh. While we totally disagree with your portrayal of Sant Bhindrawale as a villain, we respect your right to have your opinion" :Kanwarpal Singh, Spokesperson, Khalsa Action Committee
Editor’s note: We regret any hurt caused unintentionally.
The protest letter and regret are as follows:
"We protest the offensive caricature of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Outlook. It is regrettable that Sikhs continue to be a subject of ridicule in the media. To portray a Sikh, even if he is Sant Bhindranwale, carrying arms in his beard, is shameful and disgusting. Every Indian and more so the staff of a journal of your stature and repute should know the importance Sikhs attach to their hair and beard. For all practising Sikhs, they are two of the five sacred symbols of their religion as mandated by Guru Gobind Singh. While we totally disagree with your portrayal of Sant Bhindrawale as a villain, we respect your right to have your opinion" :Kanwarpal Singh, Spokesperson, Khalsa Action Committee
Editor’s note: We regret any hurt caused unintentionally.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Green party supports Sikh turban in Ireland
Here is press statement by
Green Party Equality spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD
http://www.ciarancuffe.com/PR/2007/PR070821J.Cuffe.Calls.Reverse.Turban.Ruling.htm
Green Party Equality spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD today called on An Garda Síochána to reverse its recent ruling which prohibits a Sikh recruit to the Garda Reserve from wearing a turban as part of his uniform.
Deputy Cuffe said: "I am calling on the Garda authorities to review this ruling, and have written today to Commissioner Noel Conroy requesting him to do so. I informed him that in my opinion it does not meet with international best practice. This decision is in complete contrast to the positions of other reserve forces, such as the London Metropolitan Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who allow Sikh members to wear their turbans. Police forces in the UK , USA, Singapore , Malaysia, Pakistan and India have no problem in allowing the wearing of turbans.
"The turban is a vital part of the rules of the Sikh religion. Sikh men are prohibited from cutting their hair or appearing in public without the turban. In my opinion, the wearing of a turban would in no way impinge upon the operational effectiveness of a member of the force."
The London-based Metropolitan Police Sikh Association has accused the Garda Síochána of 'racial discrimination' in their decision, saying it "did not support community cohesion, diversity and tolerance of other faiths."
Green Party Equality spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD
http://www.ciarancuffe.com/PR/2007/PR070821J.Cuffe.Calls.Reverse.Turban.Ruling.htm
Green Party Equality spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD today called on An Garda Síochána to reverse its recent ruling which prohibits a Sikh recruit to the Garda Reserve from wearing a turban as part of his uniform.
Deputy Cuffe said: "I am calling on the Garda authorities to review this ruling, and have written today to Commissioner Noel Conroy requesting him to do so. I informed him that in my opinion it does not meet with international best practice. This decision is in complete contrast to the positions of other reserve forces, such as the London Metropolitan Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who allow Sikh members to wear their turbans. Police forces in the UK , USA, Singapore , Malaysia, Pakistan and India have no problem in allowing the wearing of turbans.
"The turban is a vital part of the rules of the Sikh religion. Sikh men are prohibited from cutting their hair or appearing in public without the turban. In my opinion, the wearing of a turban would in no way impinge upon the operational effectiveness of a member of the force."
The London-based Metropolitan Police Sikh Association has accused the Garda Síochána of 'racial discrimination' in their decision, saying it "did not support community cohesion, diversity and tolerance of other faiths."
Monday, August 20, 2007
Muslim hooligans take over Sikh shrine
The Malaysia sun reports that Muslim hooligans have taken over a Sikh shrine.
http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/303b19022816233b/id/275103/cs/1/
Muslim hooligans take over Sikh's Lahore's Bhai Taro Singh Jee temple in Lahore
Malaysia Sun
Monday 20th August, 2007
(ANI)
Lahore, Aug 20 : The ownership of Bhai Taro Singh Jee temple in Lahore's Naulakha Bazaar has become the centre of a confrontation between the Sikhs and a Muslim hooligan group, which has allegedly taken over the temple's ownership.
The Sikh community has alleged that local Muslim hooligans, who are getting support of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), have taken control over the temple and have debarred them from entering inside it.
Representatives of the Sikh community said that the hooligans had stopped them from entering the premises for the past two months.
Muslims first prayed for saint, Pir Shah Kaku, and then started offering Asr and Maghrib prayers and started holding Quranic mehfils at the temple, the Sikh groups said.
According to Daily Times, Sikhs' religious symbols has been removed from the temple and Islamic slogans of 'Ya Allah' and 'Ya Rehmatul Alimeen' had replaced them. A plaque giving details of the pir's identity had also been put up on one of the walls.
The daily also spoke to the leader of the occupants of the temple, Sohail Butt, who said that they have taken the step (to occupy the temple) in their personal capacity "for the welfare of the Muslims community."
He admitted that the former guard of the temple had seen a dream where Pir Shah Kaku "had urged him to keep the Sikhs away from the temple".
He added that they are trying to ascertain the pir's date of death, and "once done we will hold a yearly urs in celebration."
Meanwhile, Sikh groups said that they were protesting against hooligans' activities and have urged the ETPB, but to no avail.
"After the temple's dome was painted green, the committee wrote to the then ETPB additional secretary Izharul Hassan against the violation of the temple's sanctity, said Dr. Mampal Singh.
He alleged that hooligans had claimed the shrine for themselves and that the ETPB had told the committee it would resolve the issue within a month.
"They haven't done anything yet and the hooligans are tightening their grip on our worship place,' he added.
However, EPTB refutes allegations levelled by Sikh groups.
ETPB chairman Lt Gen (r) Zulfiqar Ali Khan told the daily that the trustee is in charge of the temple and Muslims go there to pray for the saint, while Sikhs go there for their worship.
"There is no plaque of the saint or other plaques inscribed with Islamic slogans inside the temple. Vested quarters are trying to put a negative touch to the issue, but ETPB won't allow them to do so," he said, adding that they are trying to maintain a status quo.
The locals in the area have disputed the claims of the hooligans stating it is not authentic.
"They want to make money from the devotees and in this process have violated the sanctity of Sikhs worship place," a local said.
http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/303b19022816233b/id/275103/cs/1/
Muslim hooligans take over Sikh's Lahore's Bhai Taro Singh Jee temple in Lahore
Malaysia Sun
Monday 20th August, 2007
(ANI)
Lahore, Aug 20 : The ownership of Bhai Taro Singh Jee temple in Lahore's Naulakha Bazaar has become the centre of a confrontation between the Sikhs and a Muslim hooligan group, which has allegedly taken over the temple's ownership.
The Sikh community has alleged that local Muslim hooligans, who are getting support of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), have taken control over the temple and have debarred them from entering inside it.
Representatives of the Sikh community said that the hooligans had stopped them from entering the premises for the past two months.
Muslims first prayed for saint, Pir Shah Kaku, and then started offering Asr and Maghrib prayers and started holding Quranic mehfils at the temple, the Sikh groups said.
According to Daily Times, Sikhs' religious symbols has been removed from the temple and Islamic slogans of 'Ya Allah' and 'Ya Rehmatul Alimeen' had replaced them. A plaque giving details of the pir's identity had also been put up on one of the walls.
The daily also spoke to the leader of the occupants of the temple, Sohail Butt, who said that they have taken the step (to occupy the temple) in their personal capacity "for the welfare of the Muslims community."
He admitted that the former guard of the temple had seen a dream where Pir Shah Kaku "had urged him to keep the Sikhs away from the temple".
He added that they are trying to ascertain the pir's date of death, and "once done we will hold a yearly urs in celebration."
Meanwhile, Sikh groups said that they were protesting against hooligans' activities and have urged the ETPB, but to no avail.
"After the temple's dome was painted green, the committee wrote to the then ETPB additional secretary Izharul Hassan against the violation of the temple's sanctity, said Dr. Mampal Singh.
He alleged that hooligans had claimed the shrine for themselves and that the ETPB had told the committee it would resolve the issue within a month.
"They haven't done anything yet and the hooligans are tightening their grip on our worship place,' he added.
However, EPTB refutes allegations levelled by Sikh groups.
ETPB chairman Lt Gen (r) Zulfiqar Ali Khan told the daily that the trustee is in charge of the temple and Muslims go there to pray for the saint, while Sikhs go there for their worship.
"There is no plaque of the saint or other plaques inscribed with Islamic slogans inside the temple. Vested quarters are trying to put a negative touch to the issue, but ETPB won't allow them to do so," he said, adding that they are trying to maintain a status quo.
The locals in the area have disputed the claims of the hooligans stating it is not authentic.
"They want to make money from the devotees and in this process have violated the sanctity of Sikhs worship place," a local said.
4 year old Sikh to convert to Roman Catholic for school admission
The Daily Mail is writing about Sikh parents willing to convert their four year old girl into Roman Catholic.
Sikh girl will convert for a place at Catholic school
By PAUL SIMS - More by this author » Last updated at 23:18pm on 19th August 2007
Comments Comments (15)
The parents of a Sikh girl want to convert her to Roman Catholicism to win a place at the school of their choice.
Baljit and Bal Singh say they will change their four-year-old daughter's religion if it means she can attend their favoured school next month.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=476449&in_page_id=1770
Sikh girl will convert for a place at Catholic school
By PAUL SIMS - More by this author » Last updated at 23:18pm on 19th August 2007
Comments Comments (15)
The parents of a Sikh girl want to convert her to Roman Catholicism to win a place at the school of their choice.
Baljit and Bal Singh say they will change their four-year-old daughter's religion if it means she can attend their favoured school next month.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=476449&in_page_id=1770
Gurdwara in Cyprus (Nicosia) - world capitals
Another amazing achievement of Sikh diaspora. Sikhs in Cyrprus have built a gurdwara Sahib in the capital city of Nicosia. Setting up gurdwara was not easy since the place tends to have orthodox tendencies.
More details and pictures can be found in this blog.http://cyprus-sikhs.blogspot.com/
and here
http://cyprus-sikhs.blogspot.com/2007/08/gurudwara-sangatsar-sahib.html
More details and pictures can be found in this blog.http://cyprus-sikhs.blogspot.com/
and here
http://cyprus-sikhs.blogspot.com/2007/08/gurudwara-sangatsar-sahib.html
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Sikh faces turban ban in Irish reserve force
Independent reports that
A SIKH member of the Garda Reserve is banned from wearing his ceremonial headdress, the turban.
Integration Minister Conor Lenihan last night backed up the Garda Siochana ruling, saying immigrants to this country must accept our culture.
read full article here. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sikh-member-of-the-reserve-is-banned-from-wearing-turban-1057548.html
A SIKH member of the Garda Reserve is banned from wearing his ceremonial headdress, the turban.
Integration Minister Conor Lenihan last night backed up the Garda Siochana ruling, saying immigrants to this country must accept our culture.
read full article here. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sikh-member-of-the-reserve-is-banned-from-wearing-turban-1057548.html
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Sikh spirit in a multicultural army
Sikh spirit in a multicultural army
writes Daniel Hannan in response to the move to have a Sikh regiment in the British army
You couldn’t ask for more loyal, more patriotic or more soldierly immigrants than the Sikhs. How encouraging, then, that a number of community leaders should have floated the idea of recruiting a British Sikh regiment.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/politics/danielhannan/june07/sikhspirit.htm
writes Daniel Hannan in response to the move to have a Sikh regiment in the British army
You couldn’t ask for more loyal, more patriotic or more soldierly immigrants than the Sikhs. How encouraging, then, that a number of community leaders should have floated the idea of recruiting a British Sikh regiment.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/politics/danielhannan/june07/sikhspirit.htm
No to Sikh regiment in British army
Sikh regiment dumped over 'racism' fears
By Sean Rayment, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 12:35am BST 24/06/2007
Defence chiefs have abandoned plans to raise a regiment of British Sikhs amid fears that the move would be branded racist.
The Indian Army's Sikh Regiment: Sikh regiment dumped over 'racism' fears
The Indian Army's Sikh Regiment, which was formed in 1846
The proposal to create the regiment, reminiscent of those that fought for Britain in the two world wars, was dropped by the Ministry of Defence after discussions with the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/24/nsikh124.xml
By Sean Rayment, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 12:35am BST 24/06/2007
Defence chiefs have abandoned plans to raise a regiment of British Sikhs amid fears that the move would be branded racist.
The Indian Army's Sikh Regiment: Sikh regiment dumped over 'racism' fears
The Indian Army's Sikh Regiment, which was formed in 1846
The proposal to create the regiment, reminiscent of those that fought for Britain in the two world wars, was dropped by the Ministry of Defence after discussions with the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/24/nsikh124.xml
Sikh elected as mayor in US
This ‘Harry’ Stands Out From the Crowd
LAUREL HOLLOW, N.Y., July 28 — Harvinder Anand, the new mayor of this Long Island village of multimillion-dollar homes, private beaches and yachtsmen, is, like many other residents, a successful business executive, a boater and a connoisseur of world travel. His Sikh turban and beard drew double takes when he moved to the community about 10 years ago, but it does not get many anymore. At least not among the locals.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/nyregion/01mayor.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
LAUREL HOLLOW, N.Y., July 28 — Harvinder Anand, the new mayor of this Long Island village of multimillion-dollar homes, private beaches and yachtsmen, is, like many other residents, a successful business executive, a boater and a connoisseur of world travel. His Sikh turban and beard drew double takes when he moved to the community about 10 years ago, but it does not get many anymore. At least not among the locals.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/nyregion/01mayor.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Monday, May 28, 2007
FBI wants more Sikhs to join the agency
New York, May 28 (IANS) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) would like to recruit Sikh youths in the US who possess Punjabi language skills.
At a meeting held last week between the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh Foundation of Virginia (SFV) and FBI officials, Sikh community leaders urged the agency to increase the recruitment and retention of Sikhs.
FBI representatives told SALDEF that Sikh youth and young professionals, including those who possess Punjabi language skills, are highly desirable to the FBI, information posted on the SALDEF website said.
"SALDEF is working closely with the FBI and other federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security to encourage active recruitment efforts within the Sikh American community," said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh.
"We urge Sikhs from across the country to collaborate with SALDEF to organize similar events in their local communities to explore opportunities with federal agencies," Singh said.
Founded as the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) in 1996, SALDEF is a national civil rights and educational organisation in the US. Its aim is to protect the civil rights of Sikhs in the country and ensure a fostering environment in the US for future generations.
Indo-Asian News Service
At a meeting held last week between the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the Sikh Foundation of Virginia (SFV) and FBI officials, Sikh community leaders urged the agency to increase the recruitment and retention of Sikhs.
FBI representatives told SALDEF that Sikh youth and young professionals, including those who possess Punjabi language skills, are highly desirable to the FBI, information posted on the SALDEF website said.
"SALDEF is working closely with the FBI and other federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security to encourage active recruitment efforts within the Sikh American community," said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh.
"We urge Sikhs from across the country to collaborate with SALDEF to organize similar events in their local communities to explore opportunities with federal agencies," Singh said.
Founded as the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) in 1996, SALDEF is a national civil rights and educational organisation in the US. Its aim is to protect the civil rights of Sikhs in the country and ensure a fostering environment in the US for future generations.
Indo-Asian News Service
Saturday, May 19, 2007
what could be reason behind sacha sauda controversy
The Indian express has a very interesting article.
it says that since the CBI case was coming near, the dera tried to create a controversy deliberately. However people did not react to it. Hence it tried another trick. Even that did not succeed. Finally, it tried issued advertisements and it was successful
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=236969
Flurry of activity after High Court reprimand in dera case
Navjeevan Gopal
Bathinda, May 18: Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda has remained increasingly in the news ever since April 16 when the High Court pulled up CBI asking investigative agency to submit by May 28 the final report on Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's involvement in the murder of two persons, including journalist Ram Chander Chattarpati, and sexual molestation of some women in the well-guarded dera area.
It started when thousands of dera followers gathered in Mansa and staged a dharna on April 24 raising anti-government slogans, threatening to go berserk and blocking traffic after a glass pillar housing dera's religious tag line "Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Aasra" at Mansa crossing was allegedly vandalised on the intervening night of April 22 and 23. The dera followers were blaming SAD (Badal) for the incident and were demanding immediate arrest of the persons responsible for the act. Police arrested six persons in that connection, but categorically denied, SAD had any role in the incident. "We had told dera people that SAD was in no way involved in damaging the dera symbol," said Mansa SSP Ram Singh.
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The speedy action of police where the "miscreants" were arrested appeared to snatch the issue from dera followers, even as everything was done to blow the issue to maximum proportions. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Shamsher Singh Dullo, former state CM Capt Amarinder Singh's wife and MP Preneet Kaur and many other Congress leaders had dashed to Mansa and had aired inflammatory speeches, with an assurance to back dera and its followers.
Then, according to a dera spokesman, the Jaam-e-Insaan ceremony was started by dera chief on April 29 from Sirsa. Evidently it failed to catch attention of society, Sikhs in particular. Siginificantly, the dera neither issued an advertisement nor issued any press release to announce the start of its campaign.
However, it made sure that a press kit was delivered to all correspondents at Bathinda and ads were published prominently in at least three major newspapers when a similar ceremony was performed on the evening of May 11 at Salabatpura, around 50 kilometers from Bathinda. The dera chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh in a ceremony akin to Khalsa creation ceremony by Guru Gobind Singh, gave dera's followers a liquid to drink, which dera chief termed as Jaam-e-Insaan (Roohani Sharbat).
The dera press kit included pictures in which the dera chief was shown like Guru Gobind Singh in different postures - like stirring the liquid adopting Bir Aasan, exactly like Guru Gobind Singh did while creating Khalsa and wearing outfit with Kalgi, Kamarkassa, Pajami, Poshak and Jutti, just like Guru Gobind Singh.
Simultaneous release of ad and press note, even as there was no event or anniversary to justify the same, also points towards a well calculated strategy, where dera wanted to hit the nail on the head to shift focus from CBI final inquiry.
Another catch is the 47 tenets given in the advertisement, one of which reads "Do not hear the criticism of your Guru". This could well explain why dera followers are enraged after dera chief's effigies are being burnt in many parts and every possible derogatory language, expressions and poster are being used against him, in protest against his sacrilegious act.
However, this development forced by radicals would have been least anticipated by dera, who might have been thinking that state CM Parkash Singh Badal, who never locked horns with dera, even after dera opposed SAD in elections, would not let anything happen that could cause trouble to dera chief.
From mobilising its followers to vote for Congress to making Sikhs notice the mischievous ads, the dera media managers, on the face of it, appear succeeding in sending the desired message in an effective manner. Whether they achieve the desired results is a thing to be seen as May 28 approaches nearer.
it says that since the CBI case was coming near, the dera tried to create a controversy deliberately. However people did not react to it. Hence it tried another trick. Even that did not succeed. Finally, it tried issued advertisements and it was successful
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=236969
Flurry of activity after High Court reprimand in dera case
Navjeevan Gopal
Bathinda, May 18: Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda has remained increasingly in the news ever since April 16 when the High Court pulled up CBI asking investigative agency to submit by May 28 the final report on Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's involvement in the murder of two persons, including journalist Ram Chander Chattarpati, and sexual molestation of some women in the well-guarded dera area.
It started when thousands of dera followers gathered in Mansa and staged a dharna on April 24 raising anti-government slogans, threatening to go berserk and blocking traffic after a glass pillar housing dera's religious tag line "Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Aasra" at Mansa crossing was allegedly vandalised on the intervening night of April 22 and 23. The dera followers were blaming SAD (Badal) for the incident and were demanding immediate arrest of the persons responsible for the act. Police arrested six persons in that connection, but categorically denied, SAD had any role in the incident. "We had told dera people that SAD was in no way involved in damaging the dera symbol," said Mansa SSP Ram Singh.
Advertisement
The speedy action of police where the "miscreants" were arrested appeared to snatch the issue from dera followers, even as everything was done to blow the issue to maximum proportions. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Shamsher Singh Dullo, former state CM Capt Amarinder Singh's wife and MP Preneet Kaur and many other Congress leaders had dashed to Mansa and had aired inflammatory speeches, with an assurance to back dera and its followers.
Then, according to a dera spokesman, the Jaam-e-Insaan ceremony was started by dera chief on April 29 from Sirsa. Evidently it failed to catch attention of society, Sikhs in particular. Siginificantly, the dera neither issued an advertisement nor issued any press release to announce the start of its campaign.
However, it made sure that a press kit was delivered to all correspondents at Bathinda and ads were published prominently in at least three major newspapers when a similar ceremony was performed on the evening of May 11 at Salabatpura, around 50 kilometers from Bathinda. The dera chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh in a ceremony akin to Khalsa creation ceremony by Guru Gobind Singh, gave dera's followers a liquid to drink, which dera chief termed as Jaam-e-Insaan (Roohani Sharbat).
The dera press kit included pictures in which the dera chief was shown like Guru Gobind Singh in different postures - like stirring the liquid adopting Bir Aasan, exactly like Guru Gobind Singh did while creating Khalsa and wearing outfit with Kalgi, Kamarkassa, Pajami, Poshak and Jutti, just like Guru Gobind Singh.
Simultaneous release of ad and press note, even as there was no event or anniversary to justify the same, also points towards a well calculated strategy, where dera wanted to hit the nail on the head to shift focus from CBI final inquiry.
Another catch is the 47 tenets given in the advertisement, one of which reads "Do not hear the criticism of your Guru". This could well explain why dera followers are enraged after dera chief's effigies are being burnt in many parts and every possible derogatory language, expressions and poster are being used against him, in protest against his sacrilegious act.
However, this development forced by radicals would have been least anticipated by dera, who might have been thinking that state CM Parkash Singh Badal, who never locked horns with dera, even after dera opposed SAD in elections, would not let anything happen that could cause trouble to dera chief.
From mobilising its followers to vote for Congress to making Sikhs notice the mischievous ads, the dera media managers, on the face of it, appear succeeding in sending the desired message in an effective manner. Whether they achieve the desired results is a thing to be seen as May 28 approaches nearer.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tohra had called Dera chief Pakhandi Sadh
LATE SGPC chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra had called the dera sacha sauda chief a Pakhandi Sadh. Read the Indian express on Saturday, September 12, 1998
Tohra now in Sacha Sauda row
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
BATHINDA, Sept 11: The controversy over his equating the Bharatiya Janata Party with the Congress still far from over, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Gurcharan Singh Tohra has now invited another controversy with his onslaught on the "Sacha Sauda" sect.
In a statement in Ludhiana yesterday, Tohra had described "Sacha Sauda" chief Sant Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh as a "pakhandi sadh (hypocrite)" and had asked people to avoid following him.
Joining the issue with Tohra, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Jagmit Singh Brar today termed his statement as being contemptuous, irresponsible and misleading. Brar, who spoke to ENS over telephone from New Delhi, said that Tohra had no right to term the "Sacha Sauda" chief a hypocrite.
"Tohra, who has been heading the SGPC for the past three decades or so, should instead introspect why the Sikhs are becoming followers of other sects," Brar said, adding that Tohra should express his regret for such "derogatory remarks against the Sant, who is spreading the message of love, peace and welfare of humanity".
Brar argued that if Tohra had such disregard for the "Sacha Sauda" chief, why had the Akalis then cajoled him to come to their rescue during the elections. "Instead of blaming the Sant, Tohra should first challenge Cabinet minister Tota Singh, state ministers Inderjit Singh Zira and Chiranji Lal Garg, MLA Malkiat Singh Kitu and other senior Akali leaders on what they were doing at the religious congregation of `Sacha Sauda' sect at Salabatpura in Bathinda district on September 8," he said.
In a separate statement, PPCC organising secretary Jagroop Singh Gill and Congress district general secretary Premi Kewal Krishan Agarwal have also criticised Tohra for his "derogatory and irresponsible statement" against the sect chief.
Tohra's remarks have also caused a flutter among leaders of other parties. Several senior Akali leaders are also reportedly upset over the statement but are not coming out openly against Tohra for obvious reasons.
The "Sacha Sauda" sect, the clout of which was on display on September 8 when nearly five lakh people gathered at their religious congregation, has so far no political affiliation but leaders from almost all political parties could be seen seeking the blessings of its chief during the elections.
An Akali leader, who did not want to be quoted, said that "merely a sign of the sect chief could tilt the scales during elections". The sect is stated to have played a significant role in the victory of Sukhbir Singh Badal during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Tohra now in Sacha Sauda row
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
BATHINDA, Sept 11: The controversy over his equating the Bharatiya Janata Party with the Congress still far from over, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Gurcharan Singh Tohra has now invited another controversy with his onslaught on the "Sacha Sauda" sect.
In a statement in Ludhiana yesterday, Tohra had described "Sacha Sauda" chief Sant Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh as a "pakhandi sadh (hypocrite)" and had asked people to avoid following him.
Joining the issue with Tohra, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Jagmit Singh Brar today termed his statement as being contemptuous, irresponsible and misleading. Brar, who spoke to ENS over telephone from New Delhi, said that Tohra had no right to term the "Sacha Sauda" chief a hypocrite.
"Tohra, who has been heading the SGPC for the past three decades or so, should instead introspect why the Sikhs are becoming followers of other sects," Brar said, adding that Tohra should express his regret for such "derogatory remarks against the Sant, who is spreading the message of love, peace and welfare of humanity".
Brar argued that if Tohra had such disregard for the "Sacha Sauda" chief, why had the Akalis then cajoled him to come to their rescue during the elections. "Instead of blaming the Sant, Tohra should first challenge Cabinet minister Tota Singh, state ministers Inderjit Singh Zira and Chiranji Lal Garg, MLA Malkiat Singh Kitu and other senior Akali leaders on what they were doing at the religious congregation of `Sacha Sauda' sect at Salabatpura in Bathinda district on September 8," he said.
In a separate statement, PPCC organising secretary Jagroop Singh Gill and Congress district general secretary Premi Kewal Krishan Agarwal have also criticised Tohra for his "derogatory and irresponsible statement" against the sect chief.
Tohra's remarks have also caused a flutter among leaders of other parties. Several senior Akali leaders are also reportedly upset over the statement but are not coming out openly against Tohra for obvious reasons.
The "Sacha Sauda" sect, the clout of which was on display on September 8 when nearly five lakh people gathered at their religious congregation, has so far no political affiliation but leaders from almost all political parties could be seen seeking the blessings of its chief during the elections.
An Akali leader, who did not want to be quoted, said that "merely a sign of the sect chief could tilt the scales during elections". The sect is stated to have played a significant role in the victory of Sukhbir Singh Badal during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
A Frontline investigation into Dera Sacha Sauda
This article was published in The Frontline (Volume 19 - Issue 26, December 21, 2002 - January 03, 2003)
Godman under a cloud
T.K. RAJALAKSHMI
in Sirsa
The Dera Sacha Sauda in Haryana and its head are under investigation in connection with the murder of a journalist and charges of sexual exploitation of women followers of the sect.
THE death, on November 21, of Ram Chandra Chatrapati, the 53-year-old editor of Poora Sach (Complete Truth), an evening daily from Sirsa, Haryana, at the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi went largely unnoticed by the mainstream media. On the night of October 24, two men riding a motorcycle, claiming to be followers of a religious sect called Dera Sacha Sauda, had shot at him four times from point-blank range. The sect, headquartered in Sirsa, claims a following of more than one crore people and has branches in many States. The Master of the Dera is Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh Ji, popularly known as Maharaj.
PICTURES: BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Ram Chandra Chatrapati, editor of Poora Sach, who died of bullet injuries.
The activities of the Dera attracted attention in May after an anonymous letter alleging sexual exploitation by Maharaj came to light. The issue was reported by several newspapers, and Chatrapati had consistently written about the Dera's activities since then. The letter, written by a female disciple of Maharaj, or a sadhvi, was addressed to the Prime Minister and its copies had been marked to the Union Home Minister, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Haryana Chief Minister, the Sirsa Superintendent of Police, the National Human Rights Commission, newspapers and women's and social organisations. It was alleged in the letter that several girls had been subject to exploitation.
The sadhvi stated that she was a graduate and had been in the Dera (spread over 700 acres, or 280 hectares) for the last five years. Her family, being very religious, had sent her there to serve as a sadhvi. She alleged that Gurmit Singh threatened to kill her if she reported the goings-on in the Dera to anyone. He also boasted, as stated in the letter, about the influence he wielded with politicians in Punjab and Haryana.
It is well known that leading politicians from both the States have visited the Dera to seek the blessings of Maharaj. Prominent among them are former Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala.
The letter alleged sexual exploitation of several girls, many of whom had post-graduate and even M.Phil degrees. They were "leading a life in hell due to the superstitious nature and dead faith of their family members", it said, and added that many girls from Mansa, Ferozepur, Patiala and Ludhiana districts of Punjab had returned to their homes but kept quiet out of fear. The three-page letter in Hindi also detailed how a sadhvi from Bhatinda in Punjab, was beaten up by the rest of the sadhvis, when she tried to disclose the deeds of Maharaj. Some 45 girls were living in fear and insecurity but were ready to disclose everything in confidence, the letter stated.
The Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa, Haryana.
On September 3, taking suo motu notice of the letter, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the District and Sessions Judge to conduct an inquiry. In his report, the District and Sessions Judge suggested that the matter be investigated by a Central agency. The High Court, taking cognisance of the recommendation and the serious nature of allegations, referred the matter to the CBI on September 24 and directed it to submit a report within six months.
The CBI is bound to take a close look at the statements given to the police by the two men who were caught and handed over to the police by the public for allegedly shooting Chatrapati. During questioning they reportedly said that they were Dera followers from Punjab and had been sent by Kishan Lal, a senior functionary of the Dera, to silence Chatrapati. Kishan Lal was also taken into custody.
Chatrapati battled for his life for 28 days, first at the Rohtak Medical College and then at the Apollo Hospital. In fact, several local journalists had received threats, but no one took serious note of them. However, Chatrapati did write to the Sirsa Superintendent of Police asking for protection.
Meanwhile, on November 3, the former sarpanch of Khanpur Koliyan in Kurukshetra district told newspersons that his son had been murdered by followers of the Dera because of the anonymous letter. The murder took place on July 10, he said, and claimed that when the police failed to nab the killers, he wrote to the Haryana Chief Minister for a CBI inquiry and sent copies of the letter to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the State Home Secretary, among others. The CBI will investigate this case as well.
The motive for the boy's murder and other activities of the Dera are the topics of discussion in Sirsa and surrounding districts. Chatrapati, also being a poet imbued with a reformist zeal, perhaps wrote a bit more consistently than the rest of his fraternity. By targeting him and also by attacking the office of Lekha Jokha, an evening newspaper published from Fatehabad, the Dera seemed to be sending a message to the journalistic fraternity. A total of 11 journalists have been given police protection. Political parties and journalist unions of all hues have condemned the actions of the Dera.
The Dera Sacha Sauda was set up in 1948 by Shah Mastana from Baluchistan. Conceived as a centre of spiritual inquiry and learning, the Dera stood as a symbol of disagreement with all established religions and orthodoxies. Its beginnings were rooted in a liberal and progressive theology that accepted into its fold many people. This naturally attracted several people. His successor, Shah Satnam, continued the good work and a lot of branches came up in other States as well. But since 1992, when Gurmit Singh took over, the Dera began to acquire a lot of agricultural land, much of it allegedly by coercion. One of the philosophies of the Dera is that it neither receives nor gives donation.
Today the Dera owns some 700 acres, which extend to the outskirts of Sirsa town, and its spokespersons claim that the main source of revenue is agriculture. A guide points to the Dera set up by the founder, and the girls hostel, which was reportedly built in record time using free labour. What is not shown is the petrol pump, the sophisticated supermarket and a revolving restaurant, to name a few of the entrepreneurial activities of the Dera. It runs a biscuit factory and an ice factory. All this information was gleaned locally and not from the Dera.
The Dera spokesperson, Dr. Aditya Arora, an ophthalmologist, preferred to highlight its boys' school affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, its degree college affiliated to Kurukshetra University and a 175-bed hospital in Rajasthan's Ganganagar district. Ganganagar is also the birthplace of Gurmit Singh.
Journalists and members of political parties protest in Sirsa against the attack on Ram Chandra Chatrapati in October.
The Dera has 36 branches in 11 States, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. According to R.K. Soni, a sevadaar or volunteer, there are 400 sadhus and 100 sadhvis living in the Dera. "They manage on their own," said a sevadaar, rebutting the allegations of sexual exploitation.
The main mass of the Dera followers comprises peasants who claim to toil on Dera land for 18 hours a day. Dera followers claimed that the liquor mafia as well as followers of organised religion were working against Maharaj. They regretted the murder of Chatrapati but claimed that he "wrote all kinds of things".
Arora claims that the Sessions Judge who conducted the inquiry did not meet any of the relevant persons in the Dera. Chatrapati had been writing unprovoked, false and baseless reports, he maintained. "There was a difference between a sex scandal and an anonymous letter. The media should have made the distinction clear as it involved the feelings of 1.25 crore people," he said. Deputy Commissioner D. Suresh was requested to restrain Chatrapati, but nothing happened, he said. Suresh told Frontline that Dera representatives had indeed made such a request and that he had cautioned them not to take the law into their own hands. He added that his office had received several complaints against the Dera, alleging land-grabbing, drugs-peddling and tax evasion.
The Dera had done good work but all that was glossed over by the media, lamented Arora. "We don't accept charity, we are totally anti-liquor and support de-addiction. We must have enraged the liquor lobby and organised religion," he said. Arora claimed that the Dera was the premier disaster relief organisation in the country, having supported drought relief in Gujarat, flood relief in Sirsa and even in Orissa. "Please do not defame the Master," requested the doctor, who had been trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
A popular movement against the Dera is taking shape, with all political parties demanding a thorough investigation into its activities. In a memorandum submitted to Haryana Governor Babu Parmanand, the Haryana Patrakar Sangh, the Haryana Union of Journalists, the Chandigarh Journalists Association, the Punjab Union of Journalists, the Himachal Pradesh Working Journalists Association and the Himachal Pradesh Union of Journalists demanded a CBI probe into the functioning of the Dera, including its sources of income and a review of the firearm licences issued to Dera inmates, and provision of security to the journalists who have received threats.
the entire article can be read here. http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1926/stories/20030103003404000.htm
Godman under a cloud
T.K. RAJALAKSHMI
in Sirsa
The Dera Sacha Sauda in Haryana and its head are under investigation in connection with the murder of a journalist and charges of sexual exploitation of women followers of the sect.
THE death, on November 21, of Ram Chandra Chatrapati, the 53-year-old editor of Poora Sach (Complete Truth), an evening daily from Sirsa, Haryana, at the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi went largely unnoticed by the mainstream media. On the night of October 24, two men riding a motorcycle, claiming to be followers of a religious sect called Dera Sacha Sauda, had shot at him four times from point-blank range. The sect, headquartered in Sirsa, claims a following of more than one crore people and has branches in many States. The Master of the Dera is Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh Ji, popularly known as Maharaj.
PICTURES: BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Ram Chandra Chatrapati, editor of Poora Sach, who died of bullet injuries.
The activities of the Dera attracted attention in May after an anonymous letter alleging sexual exploitation by Maharaj came to light. The issue was reported by several newspapers, and Chatrapati had consistently written about the Dera's activities since then. The letter, written by a female disciple of Maharaj, or a sadhvi, was addressed to the Prime Minister and its copies had been marked to the Union Home Minister, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Haryana Chief Minister, the Sirsa Superintendent of Police, the National Human Rights Commission, newspapers and women's and social organisations. It was alleged in the letter that several girls had been subject to exploitation.
The sadhvi stated that she was a graduate and had been in the Dera (spread over 700 acres, or 280 hectares) for the last five years. Her family, being very religious, had sent her there to serve as a sadhvi. She alleged that Gurmit Singh threatened to kill her if she reported the goings-on in the Dera to anyone. He also boasted, as stated in the letter, about the influence he wielded with politicians in Punjab and Haryana.
It is well known that leading politicians from both the States have visited the Dera to seek the blessings of Maharaj. Prominent among them are former Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala.
The letter alleged sexual exploitation of several girls, many of whom had post-graduate and even M.Phil degrees. They were "leading a life in hell due to the superstitious nature and dead faith of their family members", it said, and added that many girls from Mansa, Ferozepur, Patiala and Ludhiana districts of Punjab had returned to their homes but kept quiet out of fear. The three-page letter in Hindi also detailed how a sadhvi from Bhatinda in Punjab, was beaten up by the rest of the sadhvis, when she tried to disclose the deeds of Maharaj. Some 45 girls were living in fear and insecurity but were ready to disclose everything in confidence, the letter stated.
The Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa, Haryana.
On September 3, taking suo motu notice of the letter, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the District and Sessions Judge to conduct an inquiry. In his report, the District and Sessions Judge suggested that the matter be investigated by a Central agency. The High Court, taking cognisance of the recommendation and the serious nature of allegations, referred the matter to the CBI on September 24 and directed it to submit a report within six months.
The CBI is bound to take a close look at the statements given to the police by the two men who were caught and handed over to the police by the public for allegedly shooting Chatrapati. During questioning they reportedly said that they were Dera followers from Punjab and had been sent by Kishan Lal, a senior functionary of the Dera, to silence Chatrapati. Kishan Lal was also taken into custody.
Chatrapati battled for his life for 28 days, first at the Rohtak Medical College and then at the Apollo Hospital. In fact, several local journalists had received threats, but no one took serious note of them. However, Chatrapati did write to the Sirsa Superintendent of Police asking for protection.
Meanwhile, on November 3, the former sarpanch of Khanpur Koliyan in Kurukshetra district told newspersons that his son had been murdered by followers of the Dera because of the anonymous letter. The murder took place on July 10, he said, and claimed that when the police failed to nab the killers, he wrote to the Haryana Chief Minister for a CBI inquiry and sent copies of the letter to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the State Home Secretary, among others. The CBI will investigate this case as well.
The motive for the boy's murder and other activities of the Dera are the topics of discussion in Sirsa and surrounding districts. Chatrapati, also being a poet imbued with a reformist zeal, perhaps wrote a bit more consistently than the rest of his fraternity. By targeting him and also by attacking the office of Lekha Jokha, an evening newspaper published from Fatehabad, the Dera seemed to be sending a message to the journalistic fraternity. A total of 11 journalists have been given police protection. Political parties and journalist unions of all hues have condemned the actions of the Dera.
The Dera Sacha Sauda was set up in 1948 by Shah Mastana from Baluchistan. Conceived as a centre of spiritual inquiry and learning, the Dera stood as a symbol of disagreement with all established religions and orthodoxies. Its beginnings were rooted in a liberal and progressive theology that accepted into its fold many people. This naturally attracted several people. His successor, Shah Satnam, continued the good work and a lot of branches came up in other States as well. But since 1992, when Gurmit Singh took over, the Dera began to acquire a lot of agricultural land, much of it allegedly by coercion. One of the philosophies of the Dera is that it neither receives nor gives donation.
Today the Dera owns some 700 acres, which extend to the outskirts of Sirsa town, and its spokespersons claim that the main source of revenue is agriculture. A guide points to the Dera set up by the founder, and the girls hostel, which was reportedly built in record time using free labour. What is not shown is the petrol pump, the sophisticated supermarket and a revolving restaurant, to name a few of the entrepreneurial activities of the Dera. It runs a biscuit factory and an ice factory. All this information was gleaned locally and not from the Dera.
The Dera spokesperson, Dr. Aditya Arora, an ophthalmologist, preferred to highlight its boys' school affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, its degree college affiliated to Kurukshetra University and a 175-bed hospital in Rajasthan's Ganganagar district. Ganganagar is also the birthplace of Gurmit Singh.
Journalists and members of political parties protest in Sirsa against the attack on Ram Chandra Chatrapati in October.
The Dera has 36 branches in 11 States, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. According to R.K. Soni, a sevadaar or volunteer, there are 400 sadhus and 100 sadhvis living in the Dera. "They manage on their own," said a sevadaar, rebutting the allegations of sexual exploitation.
The main mass of the Dera followers comprises peasants who claim to toil on Dera land for 18 hours a day. Dera followers claimed that the liquor mafia as well as followers of organised religion were working against Maharaj. They regretted the murder of Chatrapati but claimed that he "wrote all kinds of things".
Arora claims that the Sessions Judge who conducted the inquiry did not meet any of the relevant persons in the Dera. Chatrapati had been writing unprovoked, false and baseless reports, he maintained. "There was a difference between a sex scandal and an anonymous letter. The media should have made the distinction clear as it involved the feelings of 1.25 crore people," he said. Deputy Commissioner D. Suresh was requested to restrain Chatrapati, but nothing happened, he said. Suresh told Frontline that Dera representatives had indeed made such a request and that he had cautioned them not to take the law into their own hands. He added that his office had received several complaints against the Dera, alleging land-grabbing, drugs-peddling and tax evasion.
The Dera had done good work but all that was glossed over by the media, lamented Arora. "We don't accept charity, we are totally anti-liquor and support de-addiction. We must have enraged the liquor lobby and organised religion," he said. Arora claimed that the Dera was the premier disaster relief organisation in the country, having supported drought relief in Gujarat, flood relief in Sirsa and even in Orissa. "Please do not defame the Master," requested the doctor, who had been trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
A popular movement against the Dera is taking shape, with all political parties demanding a thorough investigation into its activities. In a memorandum submitted to Haryana Governor Babu Parmanand, the Haryana Patrakar Sangh, the Haryana Union of Journalists, the Chandigarh Journalists Association, the Punjab Union of Journalists, the Himachal Pradesh Working Journalists Association and the Himachal Pradesh Union of Journalists demanded a CBI probe into the functioning of the Dera, including its sources of income and a review of the firearm licences issued to Dera inmates, and provision of security to the journalists who have received threats.
the entire article can be read here. http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1926/stories/20030103003404000.htm
Sikhs clash with Dera Sacha Sauda followers
Clashes between Sikhs and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda were witnessed in B athinda as scores of protests were organised by Sikhs in some parts of the state against the Dera today. While Sikhs were protesting against the dera chief, followers of the dera opposed the Sikh protest.One TV channel put the number injured at two dozen.
READ FULL STORY....
READ FULL STORY....
Sunday, April 29, 2007
First Sikh warden in Pakistan
Daily Times reports on the first Sikh warden in Pakistan.
Read the entire article here. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C04%5C27%5Cstory_27-4-2007_pg13_6
Sikh traffic warden becomes celebrity
By Faizan Bangash
LAHORE: “Since yesterday, I have been hearing different greetings, such as sat sari kaal, jo bolay so nihal and ballay ballay from car and bus drivers, motorcyclists and children. Lahoris are really very loving people and these are unforgettable moments for me,” remarked Dr Gulab Singh, the first-ever Sikh to be appointed traffic police warden in Pakistan, in an exclusive interview with Daily Times.
Gulab, the 25-year-old Sikh traffic warden, who hails from Nankana Sahib and now lives in Defence Housing Authority, said that joining the force as a sub-inspector was a dream come true for him. Pledging to do his duty wholeheartedly, he said that the loving welcome he had received from the public had added to his joy. He said he had joined his duty station on Wednesday, and by the second day, dozens of children had forced their parents to stop the car so that they could meet him. Singh is deputed on Alif Laam Meem Chowk on Aziz Bhatti Road in Cantt.
Gulab said he was born in Nankana district in January 1982. His father, Manna Singh, is a farmer and a father of seven—five boys and two girls. Gulab is the youngest of the siblings. Gulab completed his matriculation in Nankana district, graudation in Lahore and then received a doctorate in homeopathy from Bahawalpur. Gulab said he also operated a homeopathic clinic, which he might have to shut down because of his new and demanding posting.
Gulab said he applied for the sub-inspector post when announcements inviting applications appeared in newspapers, but did not tell his family. He informed them only after he was appointed, which translated into a delightful surprise for them, he added. Commenting on his training process, Gulab said, “The attitude of my fellow trainees and officers was very good towards me. Nobody ever forced me to do anything against my religious beliefs.” He said he had no problems wearing his kara (bangle), or keeping his kirpan (dagger) on him. He added that, as he was a vegetarian, green meals were arranged for him in the mess during the training period. “I am very grateful to my officers for this gesture,” Gulab said.
Gulab is multilingual and has command over Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraiki, and Sindhi. He added, “I can also speak English, but not very fluently.” Gulab also said that he was fond of Punjabi bhangra music and that his favourite singers are Abrar-ul-Haq, Harbajhan Maan and Waris Baig. In terms of the future, Gulab said, “I will do my duty honestly, work like a true and dutiful citizen, and dream of a corruption-free atmosphere.”
Indian president praises Sikh saint for cleaning river by sewa
the Indian president, on a visit to Greece has praised a sikh saint for cleaning an entire river with sewa (voluntary service).
Kalam hails Sikh priest’s work
ATHENS: In distant Greece, President A P J Abdul Kalam praised the work of a Sikh priest in Punjab who had cleaned up a “polluted and choked” local river to illustrate how the art of “giving” by individuals and nations could promote happiness around the world.
Kalam, who was speaking to the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy, a leading think-tank, has been interspersing all his lectures here, as well as earlier ones at Strasbourg, with messages from Indian saints and philosophers.
On the “great societal mission of giving”, Kalam spoke about the “marvellous development” taking place in Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab.
The president said when he went there last year, he was delighted to see the rejuvenated Kali Bein, where Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak had received enlightenment and which over the years had become a weed-choked drain. It is now clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, a priest in a local gurdwara.
“Babaji had organised people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Kala Bein and cleaned the 160km-long polluted and choked rivulet within the last five years by deploying, on an average, 3,000 kar sewaks (volunteer pilgrims) per day.
“Today, one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government,” Kalam recounted to his highbrow audience here on Thursday evening.
He said the revival of the rivulet had recharged the water table as hand pumps that had become dry for the past four decades were now pumping out water. And speedboats had begun running on the river, and the 3km stretch had become a beautiful site with bathing ghats, trees and orchards on its banks and well laid out roads running parallel to the
waterway.
“I also saw the great happiness of giving on the faces of volunteers who had physically participated in this task. This is a great example of giving and the happiness arising out of giving,” the president said, saying the parable also applied to nations who had the responsibility of promoting peace and prosperity by
“giving”.
The subject of the president’s address at the think-tank was the “Dynamics of Peace and Prosperity”. Although the subject was meant to be for strategic thinkers, the president, as usual, spoke in his deep philosophical vein, comparing the “knowledge centres” of the civilisations of Greece and India with wisdom from Indian thinkers and gurus. – IANS
Kalam hails Sikh priest’s work
ATHENS: In distant Greece, President A P J Abdul Kalam praised the work of a Sikh priest in Punjab who had cleaned up a “polluted and choked” local river to illustrate how the art of “giving” by individuals and nations could promote happiness around the world.
Kalam, who was speaking to the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy, a leading think-tank, has been interspersing all his lectures here, as well as earlier ones at Strasbourg, with messages from Indian saints and philosophers.
On the “great societal mission of giving”, Kalam spoke about the “marvellous development” taking place in Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab.
The president said when he went there last year, he was delighted to see the rejuvenated Kali Bein, where Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak had received enlightenment and which over the years had become a weed-choked drain. It is now clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, a priest in a local gurdwara.
“Babaji had organised people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Kala Bein and cleaned the 160km-long polluted and choked rivulet within the last five years by deploying, on an average, 3,000 kar sewaks (volunteer pilgrims) per day.
“Today, one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government,” Kalam recounted to his highbrow audience here on Thursday evening.
He said the revival of the rivulet had recharged the water table as hand pumps that had become dry for the past four decades were now pumping out water. And speedboats had begun running on the river, and the 3km stretch had become a beautiful site with bathing ghats, trees and orchards on its banks and well laid out roads running parallel to the
waterway.
“I also saw the great happiness of giving on the faces of volunteers who had physically participated in this task. This is a great example of giving and the happiness arising out of giving,” the president said, saying the parable also applied to nations who had the responsibility of promoting peace and prosperity by
“giving”.
The subject of the president’s address at the think-tank was the “Dynamics of Peace and Prosperity”. Although the subject was meant to be for strategic thinkers, the president, as usual, spoke in his deep philosophical vein, comparing the “knowledge centres” of the civilisations of Greece and India with wisdom from Indian thinkers and gurus. – IANS
Gurdwara Sahib in Singapore - World capitals
The Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road is located at Silat Road, now renamed Jalan Bukit Merah. It is the first-ever Sikh gurdwara to be built in Singapore.
The gurdwara has an old history having been completed in 1924. It was reopened in Ocober 1995.
Among other things, it has the largest palki sahib and the largest dome on a gurdwara outside India.
Further information and images are available here. http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/articles/SIP_402_2004-12-14.html
The gurdwara has an old history having been completed in 1924. It was reopened in Ocober 1995.
Among other things, it has the largest palki sahib and the largest dome on a gurdwara outside India.
Further information and images are available here. http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/articles/SIP_402_2004-12-14.html
Via Rail allows Sikh kirpan; World Sikh Organization welcomes decision
The World Sikh Organization is pleased with VIA Rail's agreement to finally permit devout Sikh passengers to travel while keeping their articles of faith intact. The changes in policy made by VIA Rail and instituted on January 12, 2007, recognize the significance of the Sikh code of conduct mandated for all practicing Sikhs.
WSO President Gurpreet Singh Bal today expressed respect and admiration
for Balpreet Singh, a 26 year old Ottawa law student who was removed from two
VIA trains in 2005: "We offer Balpreet our heartiest congratulations for his
perseverance to ensure that all Canadians are afforded the same protection to
freely practice their faith. His calm, dignified, purposeful citizenship is an
example to us all. Balpreet's success will be felt by all people of faith."
All initiated (Amritdhari) Sikhs are required, by religious mandate, to
maintain five articles of faith upon their person at all times, as part of a
disciplined lifestyle of devoted religious practice. The kirpan, as one of the
5 articles of faith, represents spiritual power. It reminds the wearer of
her/his mortality, and the corresponding obligation to always stand up against
injustice. A Sikh is prohibited from using the kirpan in any aggressive
manner. "Sikhs honour a specific code of conduct because our purpose is to
serve humanity. Our visibly distinctive attire is one way the public can
easily identify someone who values peace, justice, and security. It is
extremely important for Canadians, in today's fearful world environment, to
recognize a kindred spirit when they see a Sikh," said Ajit Singh Sahota,
Director of Administration.
The WSO is pleased that both VIA Rail and Balpreet Singh worked together
to resolve this issue. "Perhaps this will inspire more corporations, public
and private, to review their own practices, and become proactive in their
approach to accommodating Canadian customers of diverse religious backgrounds.
By engaging in a constructive dialogue with communities who are negatively
affected by arbitrary safety and security policies, we can prevent future
misunderstandings, and work cooperatively to achieve the same goals." Said
Anne Lowthian, Executive Director.
WSO President Gurpreet Singh Bal today expressed respect and admiration
for Balpreet Singh, a 26 year old Ottawa law student who was removed from two
VIA trains in 2005: "We offer Balpreet our heartiest congratulations for his
perseverance to ensure that all Canadians are afforded the same protection to
freely practice their faith. His calm, dignified, purposeful citizenship is an
example to us all. Balpreet's success will be felt by all people of faith."
All initiated (Amritdhari) Sikhs are required, by religious mandate, to
maintain five articles of faith upon their person at all times, as part of a
disciplined lifestyle of devoted religious practice. The kirpan, as one of the
5 articles of faith, represents spiritual power. It reminds the wearer of
her/his mortality, and the corresponding obligation to always stand up against
injustice. A Sikh is prohibited from using the kirpan in any aggressive
manner. "Sikhs honour a specific code of conduct because our purpose is to
serve humanity. Our visibly distinctive attire is one way the public can
easily identify someone who values peace, justice, and security. It is
extremely important for Canadians, in today's fearful world environment, to
recognize a kindred spirit when they see a Sikh," said Ajit Singh Sahota,
Director of Administration.
The WSO is pleased that both VIA Rail and Balpreet Singh worked together
to resolve this issue. "Perhaps this will inspire more corporations, public
and private, to review their own practices, and become proactive in their
approach to accommodating Canadian customers of diverse religious backgrounds.
By engaging in a constructive dialogue with communities who are negatively
affected by arbitrary safety and security policies, we can prevent future
misunderstandings, and work cooperatively to achieve the same goals." Said
Anne Lowthian, Executive Director.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Mobile exhibition on Sikhism
PUNJAB govenrment shall be organizing a mobile exhibition depicting Sikh paintings, records, documents and monuments. This is being done to preserve Sikh history and culture and create awareness about Sikh history among the masses.
Disclosing this Jagjit Puri , Secretary Tourism, Cultural Affairs and Information & Public Relations said that the Photographic reproductions of the painting, lying with state archieves, depicting the life of the Sikh Gurus especially Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, famous Anglo-Sikh Wars, Sikh 'Morchas' and also facts relating to Maharaja Ranjit Singh and rajas and maharajas of Sikh States would be included in the painting exhibition. He also said that out of the 64 monuments, photographs of the 13 monuments of the Sikh history and Sikh sates would also be exhibited during the exhibition.
Interestingly Puri was in charge of publicity during the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa in 1999 during the earlier tenure of Parkash Singh Badal led Akali government. He was posted as Director, Public Relations.
Mr. Puri further said that a five member committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. Shiv Singh, President Lalit Kala academy, Arts Council Chandigarh has been constituted to look into the arrangements of the exhibition. All the required arrangements for the Photo Exhibition would be made by the information and public relations departed, he added.
Disclosing this Jagjit Puri , Secretary Tourism, Cultural Affairs and Information & Public Relations said that the Photographic reproductions of the painting, lying with state archieves, depicting the life of the Sikh Gurus especially Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, famous Anglo-Sikh Wars, Sikh 'Morchas' and also facts relating to Maharaja Ranjit Singh and rajas and maharajas of Sikh States would be included in the painting exhibition. He also said that out of the 64 monuments, photographs of the 13 monuments of the Sikh history and Sikh sates would also be exhibited during the exhibition.
Interestingly Puri was in charge of publicity during the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa in 1999 during the earlier tenure of Parkash Singh Badal led Akali government. He was posted as Director, Public Relations.
Mr. Puri further said that a five member committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. Shiv Singh, President Lalit Kala academy, Arts Council Chandigarh has been constituted to look into the arrangements of the exhibition. All the required arrangements for the Photo Exhibition would be made by the information and public relations departed, he added.
Pollution threat to holy Sikh shrine - Golden Temple
CNN IBN reports a story about the Golden Temple, holiest shrine of the Sikhs being affected by pollution
Golden Temple: Smog's next casualty?
Amritsar (Punjab): The Golden Temple-- a most revered shrine for the Sikh community in the country is losing its polish. Yes according to a report, the 24 carat gold that covers the roof of the sanctum sanctorum is becoming a copper shade because of pollution. READ HERE....http://www.ibnlive.com/news/golden-temple-smogs-next-casualty/39206-3.html
Golden Temple: Smog's next casualty?
Amritsar (Punjab): The Golden Temple-- a most revered shrine for the Sikh community in the country is losing its polish. Yes according to a report, the 24 carat gold that covers the roof of the sanctum sanctorum is becoming a copper shade because of pollution. READ HERE....http://www.ibnlive.com/news/golden-temple-smogs-next-casualty/39206-3.html
Sikh wins discrimination case in US
The Times of India reports that a Sikh has won discrimination case in the US:
A California judge has ordered a fitness centre to pay damages to a Sikh man after the firm denied him a job on religious and ethnic grounds.
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Bally Total Fitness to pay $24,000 to Sukdev Singh Dhaliwal, who applied for a sales job with the fitness centre in 2004. During the course of the interview Dhaliwal, who was born and raised in California, was asked about his religious and ethnic background and later denied the job...READ FULL STORY HERE....http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sikh_wins_discrimination_case_in_US/articleshow/1957462.cms
A California judge has ordered a fitness centre to pay damages to a Sikh man after the firm denied him a job on religious and ethnic grounds.
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Bally Total Fitness to pay $24,000 to Sukdev Singh Dhaliwal, who applied for a sales job with the fitness centre in 2004. During the course of the interview Dhaliwal, who was born and raised in California, was asked about his religious and ethnic background and later denied the job...READ FULL STORY HERE....http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sikh_wins_discrimination_case_in_US/articleshow/1957462.cms
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Vaisakhi celebrations in US
US media has also reported on Vaisakhi celebrations in US
Sikh Community Brings in New Year
By Rachel Ensign
On Saturday, more than 75 people gathered together in Barton hall to celebrate the Sikh holiday of Vaisakhi with a moon bounce, a D.J. and samosas, a popular South Asian pastry.The event was run by the Cornell United Sikh Students Association. Sikhism is the fifth largest organized religion in the world with 23 million adherents worldwide. The religion originated in northern India in the sixteenth century and its members are known for their uncut hair and distinctive turbans....read full story....http://cornellsun.com/node/22713
Sikh Community Brings in New Year
By Rachel Ensign
On Saturday, more than 75 people gathered together in Barton hall to celebrate the Sikh holiday of Vaisakhi with a moon bounce, a D.J. and samosas, a popular South Asian pastry.The event was run by the Cornell United Sikh Students Association. Sikhism is the fifth largest organized religion in the world with 23 million adherents worldwide. The religion originated in northern India in the sixteenth century and its members are known for their uncut hair and distinctive turbans....read full story....http://cornellsun.com/node/22713
Vaisakhi in Malaysia
East Malaysian newspaper the "Daily Express" reports on Vaisakhi celebrations.
Sikh New Year to be celebrated in big way
Kota Kinabalu: Vasakhi is a Sikh New Year, the birthday of Khalsa Panth (Order of the Pure) and a day of baptism, all rolled into one.
Sikhs in Sabah will celebrate the auspicious occasion on April 14 in a big way, said Darshan Singh, assistant secretary of Kinabalu Singh Sabha. But the celebration had actually begun...read full story....http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=49063
Sikh New Year to be celebrated in big way
Kota Kinabalu: Vasakhi is a Sikh New Year, the birthday of Khalsa Panth (Order of the Pure) and a day of baptism, all rolled into one.
Sikhs in Sabah will celebrate the auspicious occasion on April 14 in a big way, said Darshan Singh, assistant secretary of Kinabalu Singh Sabha. But the celebration had actually begun...read full story....http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=49063
New Gurdwara Sahib at Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake in Virginia gets a new gurdwara sahib.
read here....
Region's first Sikh house of worship opens in Chesapeake
By JANETTE RODRIGUES, The Virginian-Pilot
CHESAPEAKE - A woman dressed in a tunic and flowing pants slipped off her shoes after she entered a Sikh house of worship just off Great Bridge Boulevard.
She washed her hands, pulled up the scarf draped across her shoulder so it covered her hair and walked into the prayer room, where a reader sitting on a raised platform chanted scripture from the Sikh holy book. She bowed her head to the floor before sitting cross-legged on it......http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=122876&ran=75411
read here....
Region's first Sikh house of worship opens in Chesapeake
By JANETTE RODRIGUES, The Virginian-Pilot
CHESAPEAKE - A woman dressed in a tunic and flowing pants slipped off her shoes after she entered a Sikh house of worship just off Great Bridge Boulevard.
She washed her hands, pulled up the scarf draped across her shoulder so it covered her hair and walked into the prayer room, where a reader sitting on a raised platform chanted scripture from the Sikh holy book. She bowed her head to the floor before sitting cross-legged on it......http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=122876&ran=75411
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Vaisakhi parade coverage in British media
The British media has been covering the Vaisakhi day parade. Here are some links
Sikhs get ready for a new year festival
SIKHS from across the city are set to gather together to mark one of the key dates in their calendar with a vibrant dinner and dance.
Vaisakhi holds deep significance for the community. As well as celebrating the New Year, it also commemorates the birth of the religion. read full article here....http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=2719021
Chief saves city parade
Oxford's Sikh community are celebrating after tomorrow's religious celebrations were given the last-minute go-ahead, thanks to the city's police chief...read full article...http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.1345842.0.chief_saves_city_parade.php
Sikhs gather to mark Vaisakhi Day
By Chris Briddon
Worshippers at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh celebrated Vaisakhi Day on Saturday with religious services and singing of Shabads (Sikh holy hymns) by minstrels througout the day....read full article ....http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/display.var.1344394.0.0.php
Drums come out for Sikh festival
By Carl Brown
SIKHS from across east London celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi in Waltham Forest at the weekend. People descended on the Sikh temple, or Gurdwara, in Francis Road, Leyton, for seven days of celebrations last week.....read full story.....http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1340721.mostviewed.drums_come_out_for_sikh_festival.php
Thousands celebrate Sikh festival in Redbridge
By Megan Reynolds
THOUSANDS of Sikh's from celebrated one of the most important religious festivals of the year at Redbridge's Gurdwara Karamsar on Saturday....read full article here...http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/display.var.1331619.0.0.php
Southampton welcomes in the Sikh New Year
By Ushma Mistry
THOUSANDS of Sikhs will join the traditional procession through the streets of Southampton this weekend as they celebrate their new year.
The festival of Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, will be celebrated in Southampton on Sunday with a number of events.
The festivities will begin at the Civic Centre at 9.30am with the Raising of the Nishan Sahib, the traditional flag-raising ceremony....read full story....http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/display.var.1325931.0.southampton_welcomes_in_the_sikh_new_year.php
Sikh festival of Vaisakhi
By Alison White
THOUSANDS of people are expected to parade through Gravesend town centre today to celebrate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.The procession, called a Nagar Kirtan, will begin at 11.30am today.Around 5,000 people at expected to join in....read full story...http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.1320171.0.sikh_festival_of_vaisakhi.php
Sikhs get ready for a new year festival
SIKHS from across the city are set to gather together to mark one of the key dates in their calendar with a vibrant dinner and dance.
Vaisakhi holds deep significance for the community. As well as celebrating the New Year, it also commemorates the birth of the religion. read full article here....http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=2719021
Chief saves city parade
Oxford's Sikh community are celebrating after tomorrow's religious celebrations were given the last-minute go-ahead, thanks to the city's police chief...read full article...http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.1345842.0.chief_saves_city_parade.php
Sikhs gather to mark Vaisakhi Day
By Chris Briddon
Worshippers at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh celebrated Vaisakhi Day on Saturday with religious services and singing of Shabads (Sikh holy hymns) by minstrels througout the day....read full article ....http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/display.var.1344394.0.0.php
Drums come out for Sikh festival
By Carl Brown
SIKHS from across east London celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi in Waltham Forest at the weekend. People descended on the Sikh temple, or Gurdwara, in Francis Road, Leyton, for seven days of celebrations last week.....read full story.....http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1340721.mostviewed.drums_come_out_for_sikh_festival.php
Thousands celebrate Sikh festival in Redbridge
By Megan Reynolds
THOUSANDS of Sikh's from celebrated one of the most important religious festivals of the year at Redbridge's Gurdwara Karamsar on Saturday....read full article here...http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/display.var.1331619.0.0.php
Southampton welcomes in the Sikh New Year
By Ushma Mistry
THOUSANDS of Sikhs will join the traditional procession through the streets of Southampton this weekend as they celebrate their new year.
The festival of Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, will be celebrated in Southampton on Sunday with a number of events.
The festivities will begin at the Civic Centre at 9.30am with the Raising of the Nishan Sahib, the traditional flag-raising ceremony....read full story....http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/display.var.1325931.0.southampton_welcomes_in_the_sikh_new_year.php
Sikh festival of Vaisakhi
By Alison White
THOUSANDS of people are expected to parade through Gravesend town centre today to celebrate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.The procession, called a Nagar Kirtan, will begin at 11.30am today.Around 5,000 people at expected to join in....read full story...http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/topstories/display.var.1320171.0.sikh_festival_of_vaisakhi.php
Bust of Maharaja Duleep Singh bought by Sikh?
While the BBC has reported that "The bust of the Indian Prince and Sikh hero Maharaja Duleep Singh, made by a British sculptor almost 150 years ago, has been sold at auction for £1.7m...." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/6575009.stm
The Times of India writes that "Maharaja Duleep Singh's bust has been sold to the highest bidder — a Sikh family — to grace its private collection.".. read here..http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/TOIonline/India/Royal_bust_bought_by_Sikh/articleshow/1936181.cms
The story of Duleep Singh and how he was converted to Christianity and later apologised to Sikhs and became a Sikh once again shall be posted later.
The Times of India writes that "Maharaja Duleep Singh's bust has been sold to the highest bidder — a Sikh family — to grace its private collection.".. read here..http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/TOIonline/India/Royal_bust_bought_by_Sikh/articleshow/1936181.cms
The story of Duleep Singh and how he was converted to Christianity and later apologised to Sikhs and became a Sikh once again shall be posted later.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Finnish translation of Japji Sahib
We came across this amazing work on Sikh Spectrum.
Minna Hapuoja has translated japji Sahib into Finnish, her own language.
http://www.sikhspectrum.com/112005/finnish.htm
The translation can be found here.. http://www.sikhspectrum.com/112005/japji/page1.htm
Minna Hapuoja has translated japji Sahib into Finnish, her own language.
http://www.sikhspectrum.com/112005/finnish.htm
The translation can be found here.. http://www.sikhspectrum.com/112005/japji/page1.htm
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Gurdwara in Tehra, Iran - world capitals
We do not have a video here, so we are posting a photograph taken during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on April 12, 2001. The External Affairs Minister Shri Jaswant Singh and the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Omar Abdullah are also seen.
Gurdwara in Singapore - world capitals
Kirtan at Gurdwara Sahib in Singapore (Katong)
Another kirtan recital at Gurdwara Katong, Singapore
Another kirtan recital at Gurdwara Katong, Singapore
Gurdwara Sahib in Kabul, Afghanistan - world capitals
Here is kirtan recital at Gurdwara Sahib in Kabul, Afghanistan
And here is a celebration to mark the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
And here is a celebration to mark the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Gurdwara in Copenhagen, Denmark - world capitals
Here is a video of nagar kirtan in Copenhagen, Denmark.
And here is a kirtan darbar at Copenhagen
And here is a kirtan darbar at Copenhagen
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Amazing French blog
We shall be listing some amazing and interesting blogs here to pay tribute to their hardwork.
This is an amazing French blog on Sikhs, Sikhi and Sikhism that we came across. For those who love French or know French, this is a must visit blog.
This is an amazing French blog on Sikhs, Sikhi and Sikhism that we came across. For those who love French or know French, this is a must visit blog.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Gurdwara in Moscow - world capitals
There is a gurdwara, Sikh place of worship, in Moscow as well and according to the video in YouTube, it is called Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar.
This is the second post on the gurdwara in Moscow, and some people are not happy at placing the holy book in the suitcase.
The third and final video:
This is the second post on the gurdwara in Moscow, and some people are not happy at placing the holy book in the suitcase.
The third and final video:
Gurdwara Sahib in Bangkok, Thailand (World capitals)
Here is the second in the series of Gurdwaras, Sikh place of worship, around the world. The gurdwara videos are in Bangkok in Thailand.
Gurdwara Sahib in Tokyo - world capitals
We would be posting links and information about Gurdwaras, Sikh place of worship, all around the world to make it easier for Sikhs to become a part of the sangat. Here is the first, and it is about Gurdwara Sahib in Tokyo.
It is so fascinating to watch Japanese faces there.
Here is the langar (community kitchen seva) at Gurdwara Sahib
It is so fascinating to watch Japanese faces there.
Here is the langar (community kitchen seva) at Gurdwara Sahib
Saturday, March 24, 2007
British soldier had visions of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
While reading through Sikh blogs, we came across this amazing post. It describes how a British soldier had visions of the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji during the second World War.
Read on...
Read on...
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sikhs to sue club for banning them
Sikhs, who had been banned by a club are now suing the Darley Lawn Tennis and Social Club for religious discrimination. This has been reported by two media sources, Manchester Evening News and The Asian News.
Manchestor Evening News says.... "A PRIVATE members' club is being sued - for banning its Sikh members. Bosses at Darley Lawn Tennis and Social Club in Whalley Range, Manchester, are accused by 11 former members of religious discrimination...."....READ FULL ARTICLE
While The Asian News writes, .....
Social club sued after ban on Sikhs
SENIOR members of a private members’ club are being sued for racial discrimination after banning ALL Sikh people....READ FULL ARTICLE....
Manchestor Evening News says.... "A PRIVATE members' club is being sued - for banning its Sikh members. Bosses at Darley Lawn Tennis and Social Club in Whalley Range, Manchester, are accused by 11 former members of religious discrimination...."....READ FULL ARTICLE
While The Asian News writes, .....
Social club sued after ban on Sikhs
SENIOR members of a private members’ club are being sued for racial discrimination after banning ALL Sikh people....READ FULL ARTICLE....
Friday, March 16, 2007
Takhat Hazur Sahib to get historical Sikh plants
The Tribune has a news report about Takht Hazur Sahib getting historical Sikh plants.
Read the entire story here. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070316/punjab1.htm#111
Takht Hazur Sahib set to get facelift with medicinal plants
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Chandigarh , March 15
Venue for the tercentenary celebrations of Guru Granth Sahib’s consecration and Guru Gobind Singh’s ‘parlok gaman’, Nanded in Maharastra is all set to get a facelift with medicinal and other plants grown with the advice of a senior Punjab IAS Officer.
For the purpose of receiving “useful tips” from Punjab’s Financial Commissioner-cum-Principal Secretary, Information and Public Relations, D.S. Jaspal, the organisers have already invited him over. Approximately three-million pilgrims from across the world are religiously expected to visit Takht Sachkhand, Sri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara, Abchalnagar at Nanded for the celebrations scheduled to be held next year.
Mr Jaspal has given his consent for the project. He has already “cloned” trees associated with the Sikh Gurus in this part of the region and has also been involved in the pictorial documentation of 48 Sikh shrines named after native species of trees in his book “Tryst with Trees - Punjab’s Sacred Heritage”.
Giving details, the sources in the Punjab Government assert Mr Jaspal has been invited by the Takht Hazur Sahib Trust for advising it on landscaping and beautifying the environs of the gurdwara.
In a communication to Mr Jaspal, Maharashtra’s Director-General of Police-cum-Chairman of the Gurdwara’s Administrative Committee Dr Parvinder Singh Pasricha has asserted: “I understand you have developed clones of Dukh Bhanjani Beri and are making clones of other trees associated with the Sikh Gurus…. We would also need some useful tips on landscaping and enhancing the greenery in the city”.
He has further asked Mr Jaspal to advice them on raising medicinal plants around the gurdwaras in the city and has requested him to visit Mumbai along with Hoshiarpur’s Conservator of Forests Harsh Kumar “as he has taken good lead under his dynamic leadership”.
The DGP has added that the trust has also undertaken projects from improving the infrastructure and its connectivity with other “major cities”. The gurdwara complex has been re-developed. Besides this, the Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan and a museum have been constructed.
Elaborating on the importance of the city in Sikhism, the sources assert Nanded is one of the four “high seats of authority of the Sikhs”. Tenth and the last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, had held his court and congregation in the city now included in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.
He had left for heavenly abode at Nanded and his ashes were buried in the gurdwara on the side of the river Godavari . The Sikh mythology says the Guru rose to heaven from Nanded, along with his horse Dilbag.
The prime-time celebrations will begin with Takht Snan or holy bath on October 24 next year. Diwali will be held the next day followed by a procession on October 26. The Gurta-Gaddi or inception of Guru Granth Sahib will be celebrated on October 27 followed by ‘parlok gaman’ on October 30 next year.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Sikh made to get off Qantas flight
Australian Sikhs are upset over an incident where a Sikh was asked to disembark from a flight following a report by a lady who said she was uncomfortable with him being on the plane. The Malaysia Sun reports this story....
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Sikhs object to racist joke book
A Sikh organisation has protested to the Minorities Commission in Maharashtra against the publication of a joke book which has references to the Sikh community. The joke book is a Santa Banta joke book, but reportedly contains references to Sikhs. A memorandum has been submitted to the Minorities Commission in this regard.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
UK ban on swords in the offing?
There is a proposal to ban swords in UK. And this would affect the Scottish as well as the Sikhs.
In case you wish to oppose, check this link
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/swords/
Here is another news link from BBC site ...
Swords ban to beat violent crime
Swords were handed in and destroyed during a knife amnesty
A crackdown on the sale of swords has been launched as part of a campaign to tackle knife crime and violence....http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/4788881.stm
In case you wish to oppose, check this link
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/swords/
Here is another news link from BBC site ...
Swords ban to beat violent crime
Swords were handed in and destroyed during a knife amnesty
A crackdown on the sale of swords has been launched as part of a campaign to tackle knife crime and violence....http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/4788881.stm
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Story on Sikhs in UN mission in Lebanon
An article titled "Sikhs in Southern Lebanon" has appeared on the Time blog. Interesting read and interesting picture of the 15th Punjab infantry battallion...
Welcome to Sikh Newspaper
Welcome to the Sikh newspaper
Vahiguroo Ji Ka Khalsa - Vahiguroo Ji Ki Fateh
This is our small attempt to have a good collection of news and articles about Sikhism, the world's most modern organised religion. In the next few days, we shall be uploading many posts about Sikhs and Sikhism related events.
Guru Fateh
Vahiguroo Ji Ka Khalsa - Vahiguroo Ji Ki Fateh
This is our small attempt to have a good collection of news and articles about Sikhism, the world's most modern organised religion. In the next few days, we shall be uploading many posts about Sikhs and Sikhism related events.
Guru Fateh
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