International Non-Profit Organization | Charitable NGO for Education•Articles by: Admin

Author: Admin

26th Annual Day Celebrations at Akal Academy – Baru Sahib

Baru Sahib, Sunday 20th Oct 2013: It was not just another day at Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, it was a step forward to help one and all experience Oneness, diversity, colourful talents and successful Akal Academy change makers and much more.

26th Annual Day Celebrations at Akal Academy – Baru SahibThe flowers were a bloom at the ‘valley of Divine Peace’ and The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib celebrated the 26th Annual Day of its flagship school at the Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh with much fervour and togetherness. The landscape was blooming with colour and music mingled with the happy chatter and cacophony of young colourfully dressed kids of all ages.

The ceremony was a combination of speeches by prestigious guests, prize distributions, Shabad – Kirtans, orchestra performance, educational/historic skits and much more displaying a blend of talent, mutual love and coordination of divine little souls!

The program started with the arrival of guests, Mr. S. Sikander Singh Maluka, Educational Minister, Govt. of Punjab, Guest of Honour – Mr. Gangu Ram Musafir, Vice Chairman Planning Commission, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh and members from Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Committee.

Further, the events of Fun and Frolic started with kids from nursery to the high school participating in the most diverse and the most colourful skits. Some bring a smile, some tears and some were waved-off with a great social message. Looking at little kids all dressed in colours was a feast to the eyes.

Principal Dr. Neelam Kaur graced the occasion with a soft speech sending out the message of Guru Nanak, announcing the Akal Academy achievers, and then showed the way bright future with the upcoming IB affiliated World School and much more.

The guests as well appreciated the event with their kind words. Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka was impressed with the way kids have been trained at Akal Academy, so much so that he promised to work with the Trust and help bring forward the talent in future.

The Honourable Chief Guest handed over the prizes to the academic achievers. He said, “it is my good fortune that I have been invited for this sojourn to the ‘valley of Divine peace’. I am spell bound to see  the type of value based education being imparted to the students of Akal Academies. This is how knowledge should be imparted to the students, the academic and the spiritual studies which is the need of the hour. I am amazed with the efforts of Baba Iqbal Singh ji, the way he has nurtured the Akal Academies which were bringing laurels in all the fields”.

Thereafter, beautifully written and performed skits were displayed by the kids to put forward the message on social issues of child labour, unity and fight against war, tree plantation and fight against drug abuse. The program ended with a great performance of Sikh Martial Arts that left the audience spellbound with the amazing performance – ‘Gatkha’ by the students who performed their heart out! The audience was moved to tears when young kids enacted “Bhagat Dhruv”, a skit based on historical facts from Guru Granth Sahib ji.

The annual day program ended on a Divine mood with a spiritual speech by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, President of the Kalgidhar Trust and the divine spirit behind Rural Education Revolution. Babaji, as he is lovingly called by all, blessed the audience with pearls of Divine wisdom. He appreciated the little kids and the efforts they had put in to put forward the Sikhi Culture so well. He also thanked all guests and parents, children and volunteers for making this event a successful one and also put forward his belief that “someday, shall ultimately lead the world to permanent peace”.

It was a feast for the eyes with panoramic mountainsforming the backdrop to an open air Stage amidst great weather, wherein we witnessed hidden talent being uncovered in little flowers that bloomed in the Valley of Divine Peace!

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 23rd Oct 2013

US Tour Plan – Trip to enshrine Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s blessing of GURU KI KASHI, Akal University

This is to inform one and all!
Instead of personally going to USA, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji has decided to send a team of Five young Sewadars for spreading the message of enshrining Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s blessing of Akal University GURU KI KASHI for Sri Damdama Sahib by establishing Akal University at a cost of USD 100 Million. This decision has been taken to ensure Babaji’s complete focus on streamlining the Akal University Guru ki Kashi project.

Trip to enshrine Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's blessing of Akal University GURU KI KASHI

Announcing this decision, Baba ji said “It is the duty of every Sikh to contribute for the manifestation of the 4th blessing of Guru Gobind Singh Ji”

The team shall be visiting major cities in the west coast and attend most Nagar Kirtans there, hold seminars and visit volunteers in these areas.

The Team India shall consist of Bhupinder Singh, Amandeep Singh, Harmeet Singh, Harpaul Singh and Ravinder Pal Singh.

The tentative program as of date is:

29th Oct to 3rd Nov – Yuba City
4 Nov to 6 Nov – Sacramento
7 Nov to 11 Nov – New York
12 Nov to 17 Nov – Fresno
18 Nov to 24 Nov – Freemont / San Jose / Bay area

For more details:

U.S.A. – FLORIDA CHAPTER: 15051 Royal Oaks Lane #2504 N.Miami FL 33181, Tel.: 469-233-0170 (M), E-mail: anjuchawla@barusahib.org

TEXAS CHAPTER: Ravideep Kaur “Executive Fundraising Chair”, 805 Ingleside Drive, Plano, TX 75075, Tel.: 972-693-1077,  E-mail: mukta@barusahib.org

3100 Vidalia Lane Plano, TX 75025, Tel.: 469-443-7669, E-mail: kaursimran@barusahib.org

YUBA CITY CHAPTER: Amarjit Singh Bains, 1956 Parkwood Dr Yuba City 95993 USA, Tel.: 001-530-329-2691, E-mail:  abains46@gmail.com

LAS VEGAS CHAPTER: P.O. Box. # 570081, Las Vegas, NV 89157, Tel.: 702-429-7354, E-mail: raj@milestoneconst.us

VIRGINIA CHAPTER: P.O. Box 2424, Poquoson, VA 23662-0424 U.S.A., Tel.: 001-804-639-6507, E-mail: sekhon@barusahib.org

Spread the message LOUD across – “For a Sikh, there is nothing more rewarding than to serve the cause of Humanity and especially Education, which enlightens the minds of the people and removes the darkness of ignorance from their minds.

Joy of Giving: Rural Students of Akal Academy, Dhanal Kalan Served Girls at Unique Home, Jalandhar

Whilst celebrating the pious occasion Guru Ram Das Ji Prakash Utsav at village Dhanal Kalan Akal Academy Campus with great fervor & spirits – students of class 8th & 9th from the school alongside teachers, with intent of following the god’s message of serving humanity, distributed fruits to girls at the Unique Home – Jalandhar.

The event was executed with support of ‘Interact Club’ Jalandhar Central, under the guidance of Club’s Head in charge S. Manjeet Singh, President Sahibpreet Singh and Secretary Arshpreet Kaur.
Joy of Giving
On the occasion, Unique Home’s leader S. Prakash Kaur appreciated the devoted deed of students of serving the girls with such graced affection and prayed for the well-being of these rural students, seeking blessings and serving-strength to them, so they can serve the society.

Prakash Kaur happens to be an acclaimed activist, she was selected Real Hero 2011 in the Children’s Education category by CNN-IBN and the audience were moved when she articulated the reality of girl child in Punjab.

Principal Harpreet Kaur of the Akal Academy village Dhanal Kalan, motivated the students to relentlessly keep moving towards their goals in life & encouraged them to keep following the path professed by Guru Sahibs – which will keep bringing them success.

“We feel graced about being blessed with this opportunity of serving, especially on such a pious occasion of Prakash Utsav. Such participations, such endeavors of compassion, certainly come as a mark of success & achievement for us & our organization’s mission & vision – which seeks to bring grace to human race through developing good global peace-making citizens. Serving humanity & instilling the passion for it into each of our students alongside developing competence & capabilities – always was & shall always remain our ultimate goal ”, expressed the Principal.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ 21st Oct ’13, New Delhi

Child is the father of Man! – Meet Akal Academy Village FatehGarh Channa’s 4 yr old Harjot Singh

One of our volunteers on his recent visit to Akal Academy village Fatehgarh in Channa, came across this little genie. He is only 4 yrs old and yet has persona so strong & influencing that he has inspired his entire Jat-Sikh family to take up complete transformation – from being a typical non-vegetarian, alcohol addict cut-surd Jats; the whole of the family pledged upon to prepare to get baptized.

Harjot Singh The family took an oath to stop cutting their hair & even gave up on having alcohol, meat & other non-vegetarian intake in order to prepare to take up baptism. Little Harjot Singh’s story got popular through his village. A small episode of discussion that took place between him & his grandfather, where the latter made a pact with our mighty Khalsa, now a star of the Akal Academy.

The life changing words that brought about this sensitizing transition for the family were “Bapuji, tusi sharaab na peeya karo, sharaab peen naal mar jaandey ne”, where upon the Grandfather asked, “Tussi kive jannade ho?” to which young Harjot gave a bestirring remark by saying “Mainu pata lag janda hai Bapuji”, which enlightened the grandfather’s conscience.

Such deep was the effect of the discussion on the Grandfather, that outright to an oath himself & he also instructed his family to abide by it; together the family swore in conformity to the authorities at the Akal Academy while thanking for bestowing such virtues in the son of their family.

Did you know – Punjab, being a land of the pious, is ironically losing its ground over true Sikhi rampantly, which has lead the youth crippled at the hands of alcohol & drug abuse.

Unfortunately no one amongst the society is able to see the subtle link between the two situations. The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib has identified & strongly felt the need to awaken true Sikhism amongst the people of Punjab by restoring spirituality to built high moral character & social responsibility especially in the Rural villages of Punjab – through a network of 129 value-education based schools (& growing) across 6450 village across Northern India, wherein rural children like Harjot are nurtured with an exclusive blend of traditional moral and spiritual values alongside modern scientific education providing stark infrastructure, facilities and secure environment which is conductive for learning of such kids.

~Ramandeep Singh
~New Delhi, 18 Oct ’13

Awareness Rally for Saving Environment & Drug De-Addiction by students of Akal Academy, Dhotian

Young Students, together with staff and teachers of Akal Academy, located 18 Kms from Taran Taran, in a small village Dhotian, carried out rallies against Drug Addiction and promoting Tree Plantation.

The concerned authorities conceptualized these rallies in an effort to help free the society from the evils of drug & alcohol abuse which are gripping the land Punjab, which, from being a land of the pious, is ironically having its youth crippled at the hands of drug menace, alcohol addiction and losing its ground over true Sikhi rampantly.Awareness Rally

The Rally, started off by the Principal of the Academy, Ms. Kuljeet Kaur; ancillary to the motive of curbing drug addiction also created awareness about Free Drug De-addiction centers that are run by the charitable organization “The Kalgidhar Trust” & also propagated the message of love towards saving the environment through plantation of trees.

The young crowd whilst motivating the youth & families on their way through the streets of the village were also seen distributing free saplings to shop-keepers – so they can plant trees at the vacant areas in their vicinity to do their bit in making the atmosphere clean & green.

“We are looking forward to organize such rally drives twice or thrice every year where these children will help create awareness about Drug-Alcohol De-addiction and will also promote Green Environment by planting and motivating others to take up such habit”, expressed Mrs Kuljeet Kaur.

The rallies, starting from Dhotian to Sairon and Rohi situated in Taran Taran Sahib, drove through Borhi Wala Chowk while crossing through several market places on its way; saw its conclusion upon reaching Darbar Sahib (Gurdwara) at Taran Taran.

Appreciate these little kids by showing your support here – (http://barusahib.org/donate/)

~Ramandeep Singh
~New Delhi, 18 Oct ’13

The Life Stories Of Sant Attar Singh Ji

From an inspiring soul you can learn a lesson which will last and inspire you for a life time. Souls like Sant Jee were pure perfection in the goal to join with Akal Purkh. We might not be perfect and we may never be perfect but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive for perfection. Below are some sakhia, rehat, advice and lessons from Sant Jee. A summary of the book ‘Life Story of Sant Attar Singh Jee’ can be downloaded from the Sikh Roots- Resources section.Sant Attar Singh Jee

Sant Attar Singh was an inspiring soul, whose life was solely devoted to naam. Sant Attar Singh Jee lived and breathed Sikhi, “He would utter ‘Wah’ while lifting his left foot and ‘Guru’ while lifting his right foot”. Sant Ji was so imbued in bani he wouldn’t consume food for 10 days or more at a time. With increasing devotion to naam he had no need for food as bani was the source of all the nutrients he needed for his body to function. Sant Jee had so much pyaar for maharaj that he completed an akhand patt (non stop recitation of Guru Granth Sahib Jee Maharaj) all alone. “The reading could be heard up to a distance of half a mile”.

Sant Jee saw every being as capable of praising the Lord and he emphasised the beautiful nature of amritvela. Sant Jee stated, “ You remain sleeping at this time of early morning; but even animals pray to God at this time.” Animals like tigers, snakes and dangerous spiders approached Sant Jee during his meditations. The presence of such animals scared the sangat but Sant Ji did not flinch. He always replied, “It will not cause any harm. It has come to hear divine hymns and pay respects.”

Rehat and Advice from Sant Jee

· Giving maya to Ragis: “It is better if you give whatever you desire when the kirtan is finished. The Raagis can make prayers for the welfare of the donars at the close of kirtan.”

· Importance of Amrit: “Drink Amrit prepared with the double edged sword. Get benefits of the human birth.”

· Jap Jee Sahib Bani: “Sant Jee directed each newly made Singh to repeat 100 to 500 recitation of Japji Sahib.

· Importance of Kes: “God lives in your hair….by pulling your hair you have pricked the body of Satguru.”

· Preparation of Amrit: “….while preparing the Amrit, the tenth Guru himself showers the Nectar of name. The nectar infuses bravery and love.”

· Forgiveness: “The biggest virtue is to excuse and pardon others. To tolerate harsh words is equal to the greatest penance and the biggest virtue.”

· Kachera: Never completely remove the kachera from the body. If this sin is committed one must clean the shoes of the sangat for 25 days.

· Sewa : “Without sewa the I-am-ness of the man does not vanish, although he may devote as much time as he likes in the Religious Meditation etc. Without sewa, transmigration does not come to an end.”

· Naam: “Nama (Bhagat Nam Dev) says O Tarclochen (Bhagat)! Repeat and keep in your mouth the name (of the Supreme Being). Then go on doing your daily duties works with your hands and feet, but always keep God (the Lord of Mammon) in your heart.”

· Kirtan Sohila: “The Religious mandates (maryada) for the shaheed Singhs is very strict. They do not utter even a single word after Kirtan Sohila.”

· Langar: Never talk ill of langar. “One and a quarter maund of ghee is secretly supplied by the supernatural Power in the langar, everyday.”

· Ardas: “Ardas should not be long. When Ardas is performed, all the ten Satgurus come there and stand on their toes till the Ardas is finished. If Ardas is long, this causes unnecessary discomfort to them.”

· Kirtan: “It is the religious duty of a Sikh that he must not detract his mind from kirtan, although a bullet may peirce his body. If death comes during kirtan, it is a very fortunate event. He, who allows, during kirtan any part of his body to move is an accursed person.”

Sant Jee stated that Sikhs would advance by following this maryada:

  • Wake up at 3am and bathe
  • Contribute a tenth of your earning
  • Support a monthly project
  • Repeat and remember the name
  • Perform Hari Kirtan

Sant Jee explains to become a Saint we must:

  • Get up early and take a bath 
  • Recite Gurbani
  • If you feel sleepy wash your face with water again
  • If you still feel sleepy recite bani loudly


Sant Jee always said “Please do remember that to become a true Khalsa, one has to travel a very difficult path.”

Do all business in Gurmukhi lettersThe path is full of challenges, ups and downs and numerous tests but the support of naam, seva, simran and sangat can help you overcome any obstacles. Sant Jee himself says “No sincere Sikh of Satguru Nanak can ever face any shortage of anything.” Remember Kaurageous is here to unite Kaurs so please feel free to contact us with any queries or speak to us at events.

Please forgive the writer for any mistakes. This short piece does not do enough justice to the beautiful Gursikh- Sant Attar Singh Jee.

Dhan Dhan Sant Attar Singh Jee.

~Leicester Kaurs

         

Celebrating Daughters Day: Akal Academy, Dhudial Rejoices for Girl Children

Akal Academy located in Dhudial, Patiala recently organized an event to celebrate the joy of having daughters. This was an exclusive event organized to create awareness & uplift the morale of girl children & parents across rural explicating importance of daughters on Daughter’s Day.

Daughters Day Celebration at Akal Academy DhudialDuring the celebrations,students presented a drama where they played different roles to depict different characters of the society; it beautifully highlighted the prevalent evils of the society like female feticide, dowry system and other such issues, upon which the Zonal Director Mr. H.S Anand, who also expressed his views on the subject.

Dr. Khushwant Singh, Registrar Akal University also graced the occasion with his speech on ‘Importance of Daughtersin today’s critical times’, explaining how the rural transformation is connected to empowering the women of the country.

The audience felt even more connectedwith an exclusive all girls play that depicted characters of a Mother, a Daughter, a Sister, a Wife & as Doctors, as an Engineer, a teacher, a pilot and a judge conveying the message of girls being equally pivotal, competent and an all-rounder. Students also recitedbeautifully compiled poems to inspire the audience on the occasion.

The Principal of the academy, Mrs. Gurjeet Kaur appreciated the little young daughters & their caliber through an exclusively prepared speech for them & along with the Zonal Director – Mr. H.S Anand, distributed prizes & souvenirs among the little talented kids in appreciation.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 12th Oct ’13

Healing with Care – 55th Free Medical Camp culminates successfully at Baru Sahib

Sixty FREE surgeries & over 200 provided Medical Care at AKAL CHARITABLE HOSPITAL!

The faces of the patients reveal and Doctors say it is TRUE – The magic is YOU, your LOVE & SUPPORT!

Doctors strongly believe that besides medical treatment, it is the support of volunteers & generous donors, in terms of both service srendered & the finance for this noble cause of charity.

Healing with Care – 55th Free Medical Camp culminates successfully at Baru Sahib

“It’s a force so great, so noble…It can strike a magical thunder of healing upon the patient’s heart even before & more effectively after the surgeries, especially in critical cases”, told a psychology expert, who was also present during the medical camp to observe a case.

He also explained that donating for someone’s health & treatment is the simplest yet most effective of all gestures because it is this great gesture of “Love & Compassion towards humanity” that actually acts as a natural magical force that helps and supports the psychology of the patient the most, with a sense of care& support that sets his psychology carefree.This in turn, plays the most important part in the healing process that may begin or get triggered well before the actual medical treatment has started.

Amongst volunteers from Jalandhar, the team of doctors present on the panel for the camp included Dr. G.P. Singh, Dr. Gautam S. Sikand, Dr. Col. Rajinder Singh and Dr. Surjit Singh, who performed medical check-up & identified cases for Free Surgeries/Operations & also distributed free medicines; and several other specialized surgeons who later performed operations over the 2 days during the camp.

Dr. Davinder Singh, Principal of Akal Academies (runby Kalgidhar Trust), from Baru Sahib, reveals, “We are located in a very remote part of  Uttar Pradesh, where medical services are practically non-existent, our hospital, Akal Charitable hospital, is providing mainly the medical services; around 4 times a year we organize Free Medical Camps, we advertise well all over the place & people from as far as 300 kms travel here, undergo surgeries & get their smiles back.”

The patients are counseled by Doctors with a lot of love, personal touch & care. They are encouraged to fully share their pains & sufferings before the doctors, added a local volunteer who serves alongside the paramedic team & actively helps spread the awareness about the camp before & during the drive.

Those who believe that serving Mankind is serving God, may come forward to support this noble mission of the Kalgidhar Society.

Bring a change in somebody’s life here

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 11th Sep ’13

Press Coverage – 3rd International Conference on “Innovative Trends in Community Health Nursing”

AKAL College of Nursing conducted an International Conference on “Innovative trends in Community Health nursing” in a two day conference held on October 5th & 6th, 2013. Eternal University is located in a scenic large campus, 110 kms from Shimla in the Himalaya foothills at Baru Sahib. Besides the University, the Baru Sahib campus has an International Akal Academy, multi-specialty Charitable Hospital and Gurdwara. A research driven model has been adopted to achieve excellence in various fields including Bio Technology, Public health, Applied Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Renewable Energy.

The theme of the conference was Innovative Trends in Community Health Nursing and the sub themes were Community Health nursing in context of Globalization, Innovative Community Health Nursing and Research, Partnership to expand community based initiatives and Significant challenges and issues in Community Health Nursing. This theme was selected because of the impact it can have on Public Health programs and to reduce inequalities in health while ensuring the best health for the greatest numbers.

The Chief Guest of the conference was Ms Meera Mohanty (IAS), Director of Town and Country Planning . Eminent Indian Nursing Professionals like Dr. Inderjit Walia, Dr. Satwant Baltej and Dr Sandhya Ghai and the International dignitaries Dr. Jill Derstine, Professor, Drexel University, USA and her team of legends in Nursing Dr. Mary Lou Mchugh, Prof. Sandra Friedman, Dr. Donna Sabella and Dr. Mimie Avance are the main participants who gave their contributions to this 3rd International Conference.

More than 300 enthusiastic delegates participated in professional deliberations from various parts of India including Gwalior Madhya Pradesh, DMC Ludhiana, PGI Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Patiala in Punjab and New Delhi. Honorable Baba Iqbal Singh ji, President, Kalgidhar Trust who is also the chancellor of Eternal University blessed the Conference with his esteemed presence.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 8th Oct ’13