An educational seminar cum fund-raising dinner was organized by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib at Maharaja Banquet Hall in Edmonton, Canada on Thursday, 6 June, 2013. A large number of local devotees were present on the occasion.

Welcoming the guests, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, President, The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, specified the purpose of the meet. He said that the educational initiative of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib is being further expanded to fulfill the fourth prophesy of the Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, who had envisaged Guru ki Kashi at Damdama Sahib more than three centuries ago. It is our greatest fortune that the Sewa of Akal University, Guru ki Kashi has been bestowed upon us.”

The cost of this project has been estimated as Rupees 500 Crores. Akal University will develop collaborative academic programs with Indian and foreign universities for new technologies. The unique feature though will be to establish a department of Guru Granth Sahib Research Center, wherein the Scripture will be translated into various major world languages and trained scholars will spread the message of Guru Granth Sahib all over the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Chairman, Akal Academy (with 129 branches) dwelt at length about the various educational initiatives of The Kalgidhar Trust. He emphatically appealed to the audience to contribute liberally for the ongoing Guru ki Kashi project.

Bhai Harpaul Singh, a volunteer of Baru Sahib, gave a PowerPoint presentation of the various activities of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib.

Mr. Naresh Bhardwaj, the local member of the Legislature, lauded the effort of Akal Academy in the field of education in the North Indian states.

Young students from Calgary recited Dhadi Varaan depicting a golden page from Sikh history, which enthralled the audience.

S. Avtar Singh Gill and S. Balvir Singh Chana conducted the stage while the entire arrangement for the evening was managed by S. Angrez Singh, S. Jaswinder Singh Bhinder, S. Gurjant Singh Barar, S. Upinder Singh Matharu, S. Jaswinder Singh Gill and S. Hardeep Singh Lal.

The management of The Kalgidhar Trust presented mementos to all those associated with the Sewa.

Akal University, Guru ki Kashi, being established by The Kalgidhar Trust with the wholehearted support of Saadh Sangat the world over, got a new fillip when the local Canadian Sikh community organized a fund-raising dinner at Shingar Banquet Hall in Brampton.

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, President, The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, who flew into Canada especially for this purpose, emphasized the need for everyone to contribute generously for this noble cause, which is likely to cost Rupees 500 Crores.

Besides the routine academic courses, Akal University, Guru ki Kashi will comprise of an extensive department, wherein Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be translated into all major world languages. It will train scholars, who will spread to all corners of the world to propagate the message of Gurbani in their native languages, thereby fulfilling the fourth blessing of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Speaker after speaker stressed upon the devotees that whosoever contributes for this noble cause, will obtain the Guru’s blessing and set out on the path of emancipation.

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, Dr. Khem Singh Gill and Bhai Harpaul Singh took turns to speak about the various educational initiatives of The Kalgidhar Trust and vehemently appealed for the wholehearted contribution from the Saadh Sangat.

An impassioned appeal by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji evoked a spontaneous response from the Canadian NRIs, who gave handsome contributions towards Guru ki Kashi.

S. Param Gill, Member Parliament from Brampton, praised the good work being undertaken by The Kalgidhar Trust in the field of education, which will go a long way in propagating Sikhi.

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji added that besides educational courses, Akal University, Guru ki Kashi will develop collaborative academic programs with domestic and foreign universities for novel technologies and cooperative programs with local, national and international industries and develop programs to train manpower to fulfill the needs of Punjab, India and international companies. He felt particularly pleased that it is during our lifetime that such a project has been initiated. We should pray for the completion of this project during our lifetime to earn the blessing of the Tenth Master. Gurdev Singh Gill was the stage secretary for the evening while Dr. Balwant Singh, Ajit Singh Bittoo, Balvir Singh Sandhewalia, Hardeep Singh, Amandeep Singh and Avtar Singh Gill organized the event. The organizers thanked all present for their participation and cooperation.

Akal Academy continues its mission to establish Sikh educational institutions around the globe.

Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar

100 years ago, it was in this same land, in a small but determined Sikh Diaspora that Sant Teja Singh started his mission to ensure quality religious and academic education for future Sikh generations.He was also the founder of the Khalsa Diwan Societies in Vancouver and Stockton, USA. It was through his eyes that we first conceived the idea of international schools.

At the 4th annual Akal Academy Banquet and Educational Seminar, which took place last weekend, the community pledged its overwhelming support for the next chapter of a dream envisioned by Sant Teja Singh so long ago.

Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar

The fundraiser held at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall was in support of the Akal University, Guru ki Kashi, which is currently under construction at Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo in Punjab. Sikhs from various organisations and across BC gathered in support of this noble project, which is being headed by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark praised the work of the Akal Academy and their contribution to education. Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts sent her regards via video message for the excellent academic initiative undertaken by The Kalgidhar Trust. The Kalgidhar Trust President Baba Iqbal Singh (Former Director Agriculture, Himachal Pardesh) addressed the gathering and told of the 129 schools, Eternal University, which are educating over 60,000 children and strengthening the future of the Sikh nation. He also explained about the upcoming Akal University, which is under construction and its first phase is scheduled to open in July 2014; an amazing accomplishment of the worldwide Sikh community.

Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar

International Scientist, Former Vice-Chancellor and Chairman, Akal Academies Dr. Khem Singh gave a detailed outline of academic and religious education projects currently underway around the globe.

News reporter Professor Gurvinder Singh Dhaliwal also addressed the gathering and focused on the contributions of Sant Teja Singh towards the establishment of Sikh communities across North America. “Instead of building new Gurdwaras, the time has come for Sikh organizations to build Sikh educational institutions,” said Professor Dhaliwal.

Other accomplished community leaders, who addressed the event included Kwantlen Polytechnic University Chancellor Arvinder Singh Babbar, Vancouver Police Officer Constable Kal Singh Dosanjh, Former Member of Parliament Sukh Dhaliwal, Avtar Singh Gill; and Bhai Harpaul Singh, Baru Sahib.

In addition to classical music presentations and Gatka demonstrations by Gurmat Centre and Akal Academy Surrey students, Akal Academy also honored Sevadaars, community leaders and role models from the local community for their contributions.

Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar

Master of ceremonies for the evening Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji and Amandeep Kaur extended appreciation towards the esteemed guests, the attendees and all those, who raised and donated money towards the noble cause. Akal Academy of Surrey would like to thank all of the families, sponsors, and Sevadaars, who made the event a great success in support of Akal University, Guru ki Kashi.