The Art of balance – Virender Kaur

Virender Kaur, an alumnus of Akal Academy Gomti had undergone a lot of dark patches in life but she did not let her boat of success drown. She belonged to a small village in Puranpur district, U.P., born as a farmer’s daughter. As the child grew up it was time for her to start her […]

Virender Kaur, an alumnus of Akal Academy Gomti had undergone a lot of dark patches in life but she did not let her boat of success drown. She belonged to a small village in Puranpur district, U.P., born as a farmer’s daughter.

As the child grew up it was time for her to start her education. Virender Kaur was brought to Ved Krishna Public school in Puranpur. Virender was a bright student with high intellect. Her parents decided to send her to Akal Academy Gomti to pursue her 11th and 12th. The school had a good reputation in the area as it was the best one in the region known for its quality based education.

It was great transformation for her to shift in an environment of spirituality. The school dress was different as it was a sign of ‘simplicity’. The advanced technology would help the students to be up to date with the modern world and yet to be grounded. Her passion for art was polished in the academy with appropriate guidance & direction given by the teachers.

It was indeed a very satisfactory experience for her at the academy. For further studies, she went to Swami Educational Complex Mahavidhalaya in Puranpur to pursue her B.Com. Her passion for art kept surfacing her mind. Art was a outlet for her to express her feelings of happiness. Her inner voice motivated her to excel in the field.

Today, Virender Kaur is posted as an Art and Craft teacher at Akal Academy Gomti and is in the third year of her B. Com study. The global citizen is likely to take a secondary step to become a professional artist.

‘Life is full of hopes, but the difference is the people who are committed to it only see them.’

‘Saving Children from Digital Vision Syndrome’ – Ashok Guleria, Teacher of Akal Academy, Kajri

It is a fact that children of today are smarter than those of our times. They have grown with technology at their finger tips. Whenever we see them using a tablet, computer, smart phone, e-reader, or any other digital device, it seems they have learnt it before they learnt how to walk. Digital technology is […]

It is a fact that children of today are smarter than those of our times. They have grown with technology at their finger tips. Whenever we see them using a tablet, computer, smart phone, e-reader, or any other digital device, it seems they have learnt it before they learnt how to walk. Digital technology is a recent development in India and has many advantages yet there is concern among researchers about the latent harm that digital technology is causing to the children’s body, mind and more particularly eyes. Let us see how:

Damaging Effects Of Digital Devices:

As we live in the digital age, increasing number of children have access to digital devices at home and in their schools. They are becoming dependent on digital devices for their work, socializing and recreation. From televisions and computers to smartphones and tablets, there are more opportunities than ever for children to interact with digital technology both in education and play.

On an average 52% children in India spend more than four hours daily using digital devices and do multitasking screen vision activities. Even children from 2 to 6 years of age spend hours on digital devices for entertainment or texting activities. Children in 8 to 12 age group are involved in multi tasking activities such as using social media platforms, messaging, chatting, or playing their favourite games using digital devices. This directly or indirectly affects their eye health and damages their eyesight.

Common Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

In fast developing countries like India, not many studies on CVS have been carried out. But in spite of this computer use has attained a significant patronage especially with the upsurge of information and communication technology. Sadly, many ophthalmologists when contacted did not respond positively to share their professional views on the problems. However, researches done in this field reveal the following common symptoms.

Dry eyes:

Normally we blink 10 to 12 times a minute. When we watch television our blink rate is reduced to 5 to 6 a minute and while working on the computer it further goes down to 3 to 4 times a minute and on small screen devices 2/3 times a minute. This leads to evaporation of useful layer of tears and results in irritation and dry eyes syndrome. To overcome this, the computer screen should be kept at 20 to 40 degrees below the eye level. This leads to partial closure of the eyes by the lids thereby decreasing the evaporative surface. Many ophthalmologists agree that blinking rate may decline by 60 percent of a person using a digital device for a prolonged period of time. Our children use digital technology more than an average working person – this is a cause for concern. Increasing evidence reveals that CVS can significantly harm workplace productivity, as it places unusual strain on human physical wellbeing. Thereby, it reduces the number of hours children sit to do their academic reading and studies.

Double Vision Problem

Double vision, clinically called diplopia, indicates weakness of the eyes of those students who view the computer or other digital devices for more than four hours per day. When an individual sees a double image where there should only be one it is referred to as double vision or diplopia. The two images can be side by side, one on top of the other, or a combination of both. Children’s eyes, who watch digital devices with rapt attention without moving or blinking their eyes, can become weakened by muscular movement of the eyes and produce double vision. Double vision can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. Double vision treatment can include surgery, eye exercises, or corrective lenses.

Eyestrain:

After every summer vacation, I observe our school children feeling tired and complaining of headache. They even show lack of interest in studies resulting from many other reasons, but use of digital devices at home for extended periods of time is also one reason. While it may be inevitable that children will watch television or use other screen devices, the solution is moderation.

Light Effects:

According to a recent study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens, which is a growing concern. The popularity of cell phones, computers and tablets for school reading and personal use continues to grow each year.

Evidence shows intense blue light causes damage to the back of the eye — the retina — and exposure in children could possibly lead to early onset of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness for those over 50, and to the earlier incidence of cataracts. Blue wavelengths are crucial during daylight — they boost our attention, reaction and mood — but are disastrous at night as they interfere with circadian rhythm and disrupt sleep.

Just about every digital screen — computer, tablet and smart phone — now uses Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlight because it produces brighter and more colourful images as well as being energy efficient. But LED also emits more blue light directly into the eye than previous screen technology such as Liquid Crystal Diode (LCD)

Digital Dementia

Digital Dementia – this expression was first used by German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer in his book of the same name. It is a term used to describe how overuse of digital technology is resulting in decreased memory performance.

Sleep Disorders and Deprivation:

Almost 60% of parents do not supervise their child’s technology usage, and 75% of children are allowed technology in their bedrooms. A whopping 56% of children aged 9 and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted. A growing number of children use digital devices in their bedrooms which harms their sleep and eyes. This leads to poor performance the next day and results in lazy eye syndrome.

Preventive Measures

Digital devices have quickly become a staple part of daily life for both adults and children. So it’s hardly surprising that the risks and potential problems associated with the overuse of devices often go unnoticed. But both parents and schools can take precautionary measures to minimise any potential risk of digital devices. To ensure that children use digital devices in a healthy way, doctors, optometrists, researchers and pedagogues have provided some tips and measures to ensure that children get the most out of their devices whilst protecting their eyesight.

  1. Regular eye checks. Children’s vision is critical to their learning and development, making regular checkups with an Optometrist essential in younger years. An Optometrist can adjust their examination in accordance with the age and capability of the child. Whilst a child can be seen at any age, they are most typically tested by an optician from around the ages of 3-4. Make sure you let the optometrist know about any family history of eye or vision problems.
  2. Arrange Appropriate light source While a child is on the computer, avoid placing a light source behind the screen, as your eyes will struggle to adjust to the two often glaring and competing light sources. Instead, place your lamp to the side or behind you to avoid discomfort and eye strain.
  3. Maintain distance from your screen Using digital devices too close to a screen can cause discomfort, stress and strain the eyes and can be a sign that the child is developing short-sightedness or Myopia. To prevent this, train the child to sit at least an arm’s length from the screen.
  4. Follow 20/20/20/ Rule The thumb rule to avoid eye stress is to follow the 20/20/20 rule (for every 20 minutes spent on a digital device, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away) can be difficult to monitor in children. Designating a specific time period for digital use, with intermittent activities arranged between these times, will allow your child’s eyes to relax.
  5. Encourage outdoor Activities : All optometrists recommend swapping a digital screen for the pleasures of the great outdoors to improve a child’s overall health. Encourage students to restrict multitasking on digital devices; encourage them to play outdoors, read books manually, read newspapers, solve Sudoku puzzles, etc.

Ashok Singh Guleria

Ashok Singh Guleria teacher of 19 years standing is a post- graduate in English Literature. He writes on pedagogical issues and children’s behavioural concerns. Currently, he is the Head of Department of English and Academic coordinator cum Teachers’ Trainer at the Akal Academy Group of Schools, Kajri U.P. He can be reached out at ashok.guleria70@gmail.com

‘Saving Children from Digital Vision Syndrome’ – Ashok Guleria, Teacher of Akal Academy, Kajri

It is a fact that children of today are smarter than those of our times. They have grown with technology at their finger tips. Whenever we see them using a tablet, computer, smart phone, e-reader, or any other digital device, it seems they have learnt it before they learnt how to walk. Digital technology is […]

It is a fact that children of today are smarter than those of our times. They have grown with technology at their finger tips. Whenever we see them using a tablet, computer, smart phone, e-reader, or any other digital device, it seems they have learnt it before they learnt how to walk. Digital technology is a recent development in India and has many advantages yet there is concern among researchers about the latent harm that digital technology is causing to the children’s body, mind and more particularly eyes. Let us see how:

Damaging Effects Of Digital Devices:

As we live in the digital age, increasing number of children have access to digital devices at home and in their schools. They are becoming dependent on digital devices for their work, socializing and recreation. From televisions and computers to smartphones and tablets, there are more opportunities than ever for children to interact with digital technology both in education and play.

On an average 52% children in India spend more than four hours daily using digital devices and do multitasking screen vision activities. Even children from 2 to 6 years of age spend hours on digital devices for entertainment or texting activities. Children in 8 to 12 age group are involved in multi tasking activities such as using social media platforms, messaging, chatting, or playing their favourite games using digital devices. This directly or indirectly affects their eye health and damages their eyesight.

Common Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

In fast developing countries like India, not many studies on CVS have been carried out. But in spite of this computer use has attained a significant patronage especially with the upsurge of information and communication technology. Sadly, many ophthalmologists when contacted did not respond positively to share their professional views on the problems. However, researches done in this field reveal the following common symptoms.

Dry eyes:

Normally we blink 10 to 12 times a minute. When we watch television our blink rate is reduced to 5 to 6 a minute and while working on the computer it further goes down to 3 to 4 times a minute and on small screen devices 2/3 times a minute. This leads to evaporation of useful layer of tears and results in irritation and dry eyes syndrome. To overcome this, the computer screen should be kept at 20 to 40 degrees below the eye level. This leads to partial closure of the eyes by the lids thereby decreasing the evaporative surface. Many ophthalmologists agree that blinking rate may decline by 60 percent of a person using a digital device for a prolonged period of time. Our children use digital technology more than an average working person – this is a cause for concern. Increasing evidence reveals that CVS can significantly harm workplace productivity, as it places unusual strain on human physical wellbeing. Thereby, it reduces the number of hours children sit to do their academic reading and studies.

Double Vision Problem

Double vision, clinically called diplopia, indicates weakness of the eyes of those students who view the computer or other digital devices for more than four hours per day. When an individual sees a double image where there should only be one it is referred to as double vision or diplopia. The two images can be side by side, one on top of the other, or a combination of both. Children’s eyes, who watch digital devices with rapt attention without moving or blinking their eyes, can become weakened by muscular movement of the eyes and produce double vision. Double vision can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. Double vision treatment can include surgery, eye exercises, or corrective lenses.

Eyestrain:

After every summer vacation, I observe our school children feeling tired and complaining of headache. They even show lack of interest in studies resulting from many other reasons, but use of digital devices at home for extended periods of time is also one reason. While it may be inevitable that children will watch television or use other screen devices, the solution is moderation.

Light Effects:

According to a recent study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens, which is a growing concern. The popularity of cell phones, computers and tablets for school reading and personal use continues to grow each year.

Evidence shows intense blue light causes damage to the back of the eye — the retina — and exposure in children could possibly lead to early onset of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness for those over 50, and to the earlier incidence of cataracts. Blue wavelengths are crucial during daylight — they boost our attention, reaction and mood — but are disastrous at night as they interfere with circadian rhythm and disrupt sleep.

Just about every digital screen — computer, tablet and smart phone — now uses Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlight because it produces brighter and more colourful images as well as being energy efficient. But LED also emits more blue light directly into the eye than previous screen technology such as Liquid Crystal Diode (LCD)

Digital Dementia

Digital Dementia – this expression was first used by German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer in his book of the same name. It is a term used to describe how overuse of digital technology is resulting in decreased memory performance.

Sleep Disorders and Deprivation:

Almost 60% of parents do not supervise their child’s technology usage, and 75% of children are allowed technology in their bedrooms. A whopping 56% of children aged 9 and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted. A growing number of children use digital devices in their bedrooms which harms their sleep and eyes. This leads to poor performance the next day and results in lazy eye syndrome.

Preventive Measures

Digital devices have quickly become a staple part of daily life for both adults and children. So it’s hardly surprising that the risks and potential problems associated with the overuse of devices often go unnoticed. But both parents and schools can take precautionary measures to minimise any potential risk of digital devices. To ensure that children use digital devices in a healthy way, doctors, optometrists, researchers and pedagogues have provided some tips and measures to ensure that children get the most out of their devices whilst protecting their eyesight.

  1. Regular eye checks. Children’s vision is critical to their learning and development, making regular checkups with an Optometrist essential in younger years. An Optometrist can adjust their examination in accordance with the age and capability of the child. Whilst a child can be seen at any age, they are most typically tested by an optician from around the ages of 3-4. Make sure you let the optometrist know about any family history of eye or vision problems.
  2. Arrange Appropriate light source While a child is on the computer, avoid placing a light source behind the screen, as your eyes will struggle to adjust to the two often glaring and competing light sources. Instead, place your lamp to the side or behind you to avoid discomfort and eye strain.
  3. Maintain distance from your screen Using digital devices too close to a screen can cause discomfort, stress and strain the eyes and can be a sign that the child is developing short-sightedness or Myopia. To prevent this, train the child to sit at least an arm’s length from the screen.
  4. Follow 20/20/20/ Rule The thumb rule to avoid eye stress is to follow the 20/20/20 rule (for every 20 minutes spent on a digital device, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away) can be difficult to monitor in children. Designating a specific time period for digital use, with intermittent activities arranged between these times, will allow your child’s eyes to relax.
  5. Encourage outdoor Activities : All optometrists recommend swapping a digital screen for the pleasures of the great outdoors to improve a child’s overall health. Encourage students to restrict multitasking on digital devices; encourage them to play outdoors, read books manually, read newspapers, solve Sudoku puzzles, etc.

Ashok Singh Guleria

Ashok Singh Guleria teacher of 19 years standing is a post- graduate in English Literature. He writes on pedagogical issues and children’s behavioural concerns. Currently, he is the Head of Department of English and Academic coordinator cum Teachers’ Trainer at the Akal Academy Group of Schools, Kajri U.P. He can be reached out at ashok.guleria70@gmail.com

Sikhs receives ‘outpouring of support’ after racist posters found at University of Alberta

Just one day after at least a dozen disturbing posters were spotted on the University of Alberta campus, political and cultural leaders along with Canadians in general are rallying behind the Sikh community. MPs condemn ‘racist’ posters at University of Alberta A censored version of the poster found at the University of Alberta Monday, Sept. […]

Just one day after at least a dozen disturbing posters were spotted on the University of Alberta campus, political and cultural leaders along with Canadians in general are rallying behind the Sikh community.

MPs condemn ‘racist’ posters at University of Alberta

A censored version of the poster found at the University of Alberta Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. University of Alberta removes ‘disturbing racist posters’ from campus

A racist incident in downtown Edmonton and quickly spread on social media, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. Racist incident in downtown Edmonton caught on camera

“We’ve seen a huge outpouring of support from the community, the U of A community and the ethnic community at large,” Arundeep Singh Sandhu, a spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization, said on Tuesday. “Even the prime minister has come out against it, the mayor, as well as of course everyday Edmontonians and Canadians have come out against it.

“We’ve also seen a huge response from the Sikh community and the Punjabi community of Edmonton.”

Once the university became aware of the posters, they were taken down. At least 12 posters were removed

“When it first happened and when we first saw it on Facebook, the reaction was shock and surprise, disappointment and a little bit of anger,” Sandhu said. “But, you know, dealing with views like that with anger doesn’t really get you very far.”

“The name ‘Sikh’ actually means ‘to learn’ in Punjabi. A Sikh is a student,” he explained. “So, I thought the best response to this would be education.”

An event to respond to the posters is being planned for next Tuesday, tentatively at the University of Alberta campus between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“The people who put up these posters gave their views and their side of the argument and we’re going to give our counterpoint,” Sandhu said. “We’re going to be wrapping turbans on students at the U of A. While this is happening, they’ll be able to ask questions.”

Free books will also be available that explain more about Sikh history in Canada and the significance of the turban.

“I’m a big believer in freedom of speech. It’s up to the university to decide if that’s hate speech. Police are investigating as well,” Sandhu said. “But for me, it’s how we put our views forward … fight it with education and give people an opportunity to make a decision for themselves of which vision of Canada they prefer.”

To this Harjit Singh Sajjan tweeted, “Proud to be Canadian, proud of my service to Canada, proud of my turban.”
and he was replied by Justin Trudeau, “and we’re proud of the enormous contributions Sikhs make to this country every day.

The response of the university community has been remarkable. They have reached out to our Sikh community, in particular. They have reached out to other minorities on campus and made them feel welcome and celebrated the cultural diversity that the University of Alberta is known for.

“I’m extraordinarily proud of the community on campus, the way they’ve reached out to others and supported them during this time.”

Turpin is also looking forward to Tuesday’s event.

“There will be some events coming up in celebration of diversity, there will be a turban tie-in where people learn about Sikh culture and how to tie a turban. There’s an opportunity here to reach out and educate each other about cultural diversity,” he said. “It’s something we celebrate.”

Source- globalnews.ca

Sikhs receives ‘outpouring of support’ after racist posters found at University of Alberta

Just one day after at least a dozen disturbing posters were spotted on the University of Alberta campus, political and cultural leaders along with Canadians in general are rallying behind the Sikh community. MPs condemn ‘racist’ posters at University of Alberta A censored version of the poster found at the University of Alberta Monday, Sept. […]

Just one day after at least a dozen disturbing posters were spotted on the University of Alberta campus, political and cultural leaders along with Canadians in general are rallying behind the Sikh community.

MPs condemn ‘racist’ posters at University of Alberta

A censored version of the poster found at the University of Alberta Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. University of Alberta removes ‘disturbing racist posters’ from campus

A racist incident in downtown Edmonton and quickly spread on social media, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. Racist incident in downtown Edmonton caught on camera

“We’ve seen a huge outpouring of support from the community, the U of A community and the ethnic community at large,” Arundeep Singh Sandhu, a spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization, said on Tuesday. “Even the prime minister has come out against it, the mayor, as well as of course everyday Edmontonians and Canadians have come out against it.

“We’ve also seen a huge response from the Sikh community and the Punjabi community of Edmonton.”

Once the university became aware of the posters, they were taken down. At least 12 posters were removed

“When it first happened and when we first saw it on Facebook, the reaction was shock and surprise, disappointment and a little bit of anger,” Sandhu said. “But, you know, dealing with views like that with anger doesn’t really get you very far.”

“The name ‘Sikh’ actually means ‘to learn’ in Punjabi. A Sikh is a student,” he explained. “So, I thought the best response to this would be education.”

An event to respond to the posters is being planned for next Tuesday, tentatively at the University of Alberta campus between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“The people who put up these posters gave their views and their side of the argument and we’re going to give our counterpoint,” Sandhu said. “We’re going to be wrapping turbans on students at the U of A. While this is happening, they’ll be able to ask questions.”

Free books will also be available that explain more about Sikh history in Canada and the significance of the turban.

“I’m a big believer in freedom of speech. It’s up to the university to decide if that’s hate speech. Police are investigating as well,” Sandhu said. “But for me, it’s how we put our views forward … fight it with education and give people an opportunity to make a decision for themselves of which vision of Canada they prefer.”

To this Harjit Singh Sajjan tweeted, “Proud to be Canadian, proud of my service to Canada, proud of my turban.”
and he was replied by Justin Trudeau, “and we’re proud of the enormous contributions Sikhs make to this country every day.

The response of the university community has been remarkable. They have reached out to our Sikh community, in particular. They have reached out to other minorities on campus and made them feel welcome and celebrated the cultural diversity that the University of Alberta is known for.

“I’m extraordinarily proud of the community on campus, the way they’ve reached out to others and supported them during this time.”

Turpin is also looking forward to Tuesday’s event.

“There will be some events coming up in celebration of diversity, there will be a turban tie-in where people learn about Sikh culture and how to tie a turban. There’s an opportunity here to reach out and educate each other about cultural diversity,” he said. “It’s something we celebrate.”

Source- globalnews.ca

Join the fight against the Drug Menace – Kalgidhar Trust appeals to Society

To highlight and create awareness about drug addiction, The Kalgidhar Trust, an international non-profit organisation with its headquarters at Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, organised its second annual social and spiritual event “Shaam-e-Roohani 2016” at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16. The audience comprised eminent educationists, heads of colleges, schools, industries, doctors and retired officers of […]

To highlight and create awareness about drug addiction, The Kalgidhar Trust, an international non-profit organisation with its headquarters at Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, organised its second annual social and spiritual event “Shaam-e-Roohani 2016” at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16.

The audience comprised eminent educationists, heads of colleges, schools, industries, doctors and retired officers of the tricity.

The trust’s Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre is located at Cheema Sahib, Sangrur, Punjab, which has successfully treated more than 4,500 addicts till now.

“The Kalgidhar Trust has taken up the mission of eradicating the drug menace in Punjab with a vision to open 22 de-addiction centres with the active support of our volunteers and the public,” said, Baba Iqbal Singh, president, The Kalgidhar Trust, while speaking on the occasion.

Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh, director, de-addiction projects, said though drug addiction was a global problem, it had a local dimension in the youth of Punjab because of the state’s proximity to the Golden Crescent
(Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran).

“Through this event, we are making an appeal to society to join us in the fight against drug addiction. If we don’t take up this challenge now, then in next few years, every family in Punjab will have an addict, including ours,” he said.

Dr Singh informed the trust was now opening its new centre at Chunni Kalan, Fatehgarh Sahib, to help addicts in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and adjoining areas.

The foundation stone of Akal Drug De-Addiction and Rehab Centre, Chunni Kalan, Fatehgarh Sahib, was laid by Bada Iqbal Singh yesterday.

The unique feature of this centre would be to provide appropriate vocational skills to the inmates so that they could earn their livelihood and become respected members of society, informed Dr Singh.
Students present divine music, play

Over fifty students of the Akal College of Divine Music and the Akal College of Nursing presented a soulful divine music and a socially relevant play on drug abuse under the aegis of the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pardesh, at the Randhwa auditorium here today.

Veritably titled “Shaam-e- Roohani-2016”, the programme included deliberations on the drug menace.
The programme commenced with an unique instrumental music recital and Shabad gayan by 16 girls and a boy under the direction of Dr Purvi.

They enthralled the audience with the rendition of a shabad, Bba Kahan khusi khuar.
Nursing students staged a play, “Tabah”, directed by Dr Kulbir Virk, and a mesmerising mime, “Heal the World”, presented by 23 students and directed by Kalpana, Savita and Mandeep.

Join the fight against the Drug Menace – Kalgidhar Trust appeals to Society

To highlight and create awareness about drug addiction, The Kalgidhar Trust, an international non-profit organisation with its headquarters at Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, organised its second annual social and spiritual event “Shaam-e-Roohani 2016” at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16. The audience comprised eminent educationists, heads of colleges, schools, industries, doctors and retired officers of […]

To highlight and create awareness about drug addiction, The Kalgidhar Trust, an international non-profit organisation with its headquarters at Baru Sahib, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, organised its second annual social and spiritual event “Shaam-e-Roohani 2016” at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16.

The audience comprised eminent educationists, heads of colleges, schools, industries, doctors and retired officers of the tricity.

The trust’s Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre is located at Cheema Sahib, Sangrur, Punjab, which has successfully treated more than 4,500 addicts till now.

“The Kalgidhar Trust has taken up the mission of eradicating the drug menace in Punjab with a vision to open 22 de-addiction centres with the active support of our volunteers and the public,” said, Baba Iqbal Singh, president, The Kalgidhar Trust, while speaking on the occasion.

Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh, director, de-addiction projects, said though drug addiction was a global problem, it had a local dimension in the youth of Punjab because of the state’s proximity to the Golden Crescent
(Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran).

“Through this event, we are making an appeal to society to join us in the fight against drug addiction. If we don’t take up this challenge now, then in next few years, every family in Punjab will have an addict, including ours,” he said.

Dr Singh informed the trust was now opening its new centre at Chunni Kalan, Fatehgarh Sahib, to help addicts in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and adjoining areas.

The foundation stone of Akal Drug De-Addiction and Rehab Centre, Chunni Kalan, Fatehgarh Sahib, was laid by Bada Iqbal Singh yesterday.

The unique feature of this centre would be to provide appropriate vocational skills to the inmates so that they could earn their livelihood and become respected members of society, informed Dr Singh.
Students present divine music, play

Over fifty students of the Akal College of Divine Music and the Akal College of Nursing presented a soulful divine music and a socially relevant play on drug abuse under the aegis of the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pardesh, at the Randhwa auditorium here today.

Veritably titled “Shaam-e- Roohani-2016”, the programme included deliberations on the drug menace.
The programme commenced with an unique instrumental music recital and Shabad gayan by 16 girls and a boy under the direction of Dr Purvi.

They enthralled the audience with the rendition of a shabad, Bba Kahan khusi khuar.
Nursing students staged a play, “Tabah”, directed by Dr Kulbir Virk, and a mesmerising mime, “Heal the World”, presented by 23 students and directed by Kalpana, Savita and Mandeep.

Reaching the Zenith of Success- Gurveer Singh

‘The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’ People walking alone after observing the theme of life in this world, often make promises perhaps they are known as goals. To achieve them they take their chance and convert it into a record. A small child of Bakenia village […]

‘The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’

People walking alone after observing the theme of life in this world, often make promises perhaps they are known as goals. To achieve them they take their chance and convert it into a record.

A small child of Bakenia village in Puranpur,U.P was raised with similar thoughts. Gurveer Singh was brought to Akal Academy Gomti in nursery. And he began his value based education with a fresh start. His teachers appreciated his hardworking behavior.

Gurveer’s world revolved only around in his small village and his father who worked as a farmer. After being admitted to the academy, he tasted a new world, a new life all together. Many things were new to him like sikh history and even gurbani.

He scored the highest marks in his commerce stream. Gurveer scored a good percentage of 85% in 12th. He had set a goal to become a C.A as he had a vast interest in accountancy , economics and business.

He decided to go to Mahatan Pholle Rohinkhad college, Barelli,U.P to pursue his C.A.

His hardworking habit had already been polished in the Akal Academy. So, his effort made him to get the best of his career in the following time. With the blessings of Baba ji, he topped in the C.A examinations and is not far away from reaching the zenith of Success.

Currently, Gurveer is in the final year of his study and plans to return to his village for seeking the blessings of his parents.

Gurveer recalls :

The academy has a special influence on people who go there. The atmosphere of divine prayers naturally helps in the keeping the peace of mind intact and enthusiasm alive. We learnt time management there which helps a lot in life. And the most important is the blessings of Baba ji which has always helped in getting through hard times.

– JAGPAL SINGH

Reaching the Zenith of Success- Gurveer Singh

‘The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’ People walking alone after observing the theme of life in this world, often make promises perhaps they are known as goals. To achieve them they take their chance and convert it into a record. A small child of Bakenia village […]

‘The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’

People walking alone after observing the theme of life in this world, often make promises perhaps they are known as goals. To achieve them they take their chance and convert it into a record.

A small child of Bakenia village in Puranpur,U.P was raised with similar thoughts. Gurveer Singh was brought to Akal Academy Gomti in nursery. And he began his value based education with a fresh start. His teachers appreciated his hardworking behavior.

Gurveer’s world revolved only around in his small village and his father who worked as a farmer. After being admitted to the academy, he tasted a new world, a new life all together. Many things were new to him like sikh history and even gurbani.

He scored the highest marks in his commerce stream. Gurveer scored a good percentage of 85% in 12th. He had set a goal to become a C.A as he had a vast interest in accountancy , economics and business.

He decided to go to Mahatan Pholle Rohinkhad college, Barelli,U.P to pursue his C.A.

His hardworking habit had already been polished in the Akal Academy. So, his effort made him to get the best of his career in the following time. With the blessings of Baba ji, he topped in the C.A examinations and is not far away from reaching the zenith of Success.

Currently, Gurveer is in the final year of his study and plans to return to his village for seeking the blessings of his parents.

Gurveer recalls :

The academy has a special influence on people who go there. The atmosphere of divine prayers naturally helps in the keeping the peace of mind intact and enthusiasm alive. We learnt time management there which helps a lot in life. And the most important is the blessings of Baba ji which has always helped in getting through hard times.

– JAGPAL SINGH

Faith is Bigger than God himself! – Vasudev Dutta, Alumni of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib

This is Story of Vasudev Dutta, an alumni of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, who belongs to a Hindu family. He and his two sisters Tripti Dutta and Keshi Dutta studied for about 6 to 7 years at Baru Sahib. Three of them learnt the true way of spiritual living and dwelled deeply on gurbani. Now […]

This is Story of Vasudev Dutta, an alumni of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, who belongs to a Hindu family. He and his two sisters Tripti Dutta and Keshi Dutta studied for about 6 to 7 years at Baru Sahib. Three of them learnt the true way of spiritual living and dwelled deeply on gurbani.

Now after all these years their unshakable faith in Gurbani still remains same. The true word of Guru Nanak and mission of Sant Attar Singh ji Mahraj is evidently fulfilled. These are the the teachings of Akal Academy ,Baru Sahib which are well embedded in the students.

I have always personally admired this family. While they keep their family values and customs intact they also take support and guidance of Gurbani in their regular life.

P.S. this msg is to share the true purpose of Sikh faith, brotherhood, one faith, peace.