More than 300 kilometres from Patna, Dalit settled in villages adopted Sikhism in large numbers.

The special districts of Nyanagr, Khwaspur, Prmanandpur, Manikpur and Mjltta Dalit village there are nearly 200 men and women who have embraced Sikhism.

In particular in Hilhai village there is a Gurdwara Sahib called Takht Sri Akal where hundreds gather every weekend.

Narendra Singh saw it all happen in front of his eyes. He lived for ten years in Punjab stricken with poverty and racial discrimination and he wasn’t accepted by the Khalsa Panth in Punjab.

He then returned to his village and spread what he learned about the Sikh faith in Bihar. To his surprise, the locals accepted the faith introduced to them in the 80s and now they have carried it through to the third generation. A Dalit turned Sikh from Katana Sahib Punjab, Khanna worked here for 35 years and said after he accepted the faith, he was opposed by the locals in Punjab and moved to Bihar.

~ Source: bbc.com

How Group of Sikh Farmers turned Barren tracts of Tamil Nadu into Mini Green Punjab!

Sardar Manmohan Singh, 65, looked completely at home in Tamil Nadu’s Vallandai village in his long flowing Beard.

Sitting at one end of a plastic dining table amid acres of greenery on his Akal Farms, Singh shoots pointed questions towards Alaghu Kannan on the far side about the nature of the local soil, weather conditions, farming techniques and horticulture.

The younger man is composed and precise with his answers and finally manages to convince Singh to hire him.

“Spending money for specific scientific knowledge is a wise investment,” says Singh after signing up Kannan, who will visit once a fortnight and offer advice on the expansion of the farms owned by more than a dozen Sikh cultivators who wish to harvest fruits and vegetables on 400 acres in two years’ time from the 115 acres now.

Manmohan Singh and 46-year-old Darshan Singh arrived in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district in 2007 on the advice of their guru, a retired horticulture professor in Himachal Pradesh.

Manmohan Singh and 46-year-old Darshan Singh arrived in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district in 2007 on the advice of their guru, a retired horticulture professor in Himachal Pradesh.

The key reason was that land was very cheap in the backwoods here, with prices as low as Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 an acre.

Friends and relatives in Punjab formed a small group, pooled resources, and began purchasing land here, Darshan Singh said. “We bought 300 acres initially and started developing the land. I sold one acre in Punjab and bought 20 acres here.

An acre of agricultural land in Punjab, fetches anywhere between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore depending on its location.

“What this has given us is the advantage of economies of scale,” says Manmohan Singh, who never went to college but is an intelligent farmer. “If we farm bigger holdings, economics work out. Today we own 900 acres and now we are in an expansion mode. We want to develop 100 acres every year and reach 400 acres in two years.”

As one drives through three kilometres of gravel road from Abiramam town to the village, on either side lay abandoned wastelands filled with hedges and vines. However, on reaching Vallandai village and Akal Farms, an iron gate opens into acres of green orchards, coconut plantations and vegetable nurseries.

“This is easily the most scientific farm in this part of the world. It is amazing to see this in drought-prone Ramanathapuram,” Kannan tells HT.

But things weren’t always this breezy.

“Locals thought we were crazy to purchase barren plots with wild growth of thorny bushes,” said Darshan Singh.

The area was completely abandoned and residents had given up farming in the arid zone heavily dependent on rains for irrigation.

“At first we took up a house for rent in nearby Abiramam and worked from dawn to dusk to clear the land of bushes. We used earthmovers to flatten the ground and develop it in six months and then began farming,” says Sarabhjeet Singh, another owner among the group of 17.

Manmohan Singh approached horticulture professor Dr T Armugam from Madurai Agricultural College for advice once they developed the fields.

“They came to me in 2009 or 2010. I visited the grounds and recommended what crops to sow, how they were to be planted and irrigated,” Armugam said.

“The farmers followed our advice scrupulously. When it came to science, they had a blind faith in us. We suggested high-value cash crops instead of routine crops in the region- crops that used less water. High-density plantation was another suggestion that they followed strictly apart from erecting a drip irrigation system.”

The wait has been fruitful and the hard work has been rewarded, says Manmohan Singh, describing the attention, admiration and even envy the success has brought.

The success story has had resonance in his home state with many more farmers arriving here to try their luck.

“In two years, you will see a much bigger Punjab in Ramanathapuram,” said an elated Manmohan Singh.

Source- Hindustan Times

A white supremacist inspired by ISIS executioner Jihadi John was jailed for life after trying to kill an Asian dentist with a hammer and machete in a supermarket.

Zack Davies, 26, of Mold, North Wales, shouted ‘White Power’ and ‘I did it for Lee Rigby’ as he attacked Dr Sarandev Bhambra in the town’s Tesco store last January.

He was convicted of Dr Bhambra’s attempted murder and jailed for a minimum of 14 years.

Davies, who had posed in Nazi uniform and even dressed as Jihadi John, left home to kill his mother’s boyfriend but after failing to find him he tried to murder Dr Bhambra instead.

Sentencing him to a minimum term of 14 years, Judge Rhys Rowlands told Davies: ‘This was a dreadful offence in which an innocent young man was set upon with great savagery in broad daylight in front of others. It was a racist attack. You are a very dangerous young man.’

He added: ‘One can only imagine the sheer terror you subjected him to.’
Davies was an open racist and owned posters, flags, armbands, and leaflets linked to Nazism, and had bought himself a lock knife with a swastika on the handle.

Dr Bhambra said that Davies was a white supremacist who had tried to kill him because of his ethnicity. He added : ‘Imagine your own sons, daughters, brothers or sisters facing my reality and you may begin to understand and appreciate what my family and I have been going through in the last nine months.

‘While Zack Davies has been convicted and sentenced for attempting to kill me I am convinced that the background behind the incident has not been explored fully.

Dr Bhambra described his attacker as a coward. ‘He attacked me from behind and intended to behead me. By the Grace of God I remained conscious and was able to defend myself.

Source- www.dailymail.co.uk

Panditrao Dharennavar, assistant professor of government college of Chandigarh staged a silent protest in front of Chaudhary Devilal University, Sirsa.

Panditrao who went all the way to Sirsa from Chandigarh, raised slogan in favor of Panjabi language which was later supported by famous Punjabi poet Hari Singh Dilbar.

The University which is not having Punjabi department is being criticized for biased behavior towards Panjabi language. Panditrao who visited the University for the third time, has been demanding to open up Panjabi department for the development of Indian languages but the administration of the University is not showing the interest.

Panditrao has also written letter to Manhor Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana but he did not get any response. Panditrao also demanded to appoint Chairmen of various literary boards of Hariyana Sahit Academy which is almost nonfunctional since six months.

Panditrao said “ Haryana is holy place but modern Haryana is witnessing many social issues due to lack of rich literature being written in local languages, Punjabi and Haryanvi, therefore Haryana government needs to open up Panjabi departments in Universities and develop the Haryana Sahit Academy by appointing Chairmen of various literary academies.

Hari Singh Dilbar, the famous Panjabi poet said in a poetic way “Never I loose faith and never I loose my breath till the Panjabi language gets its high berth”

Like & Share the great efforts put in to bring Punjabi to the Mainstream!

~ Source: SikhVoice.com

One of the most decorated units in the Indian Army and at one point the most decorated unit in the British Indian Army, the Sikh Regiment’s tales of bravery are legend. The Sikh Regiment has an elevated status that is richly deserved. Read on to find out why.

The beginning of the Sikh Regiment

The proposal to raise a Sikh Regiment was raised just before the beginnings if the Sikh War. During the war, or so the story goes, the British were so impressed by the valour and sheer courage of the Sikh fighters, that they wasted no time in raising their own battalion of Sikh warriors.

The Second Afghan War

While the Sikh Regiment was called to action during the 1857 revolts, their first deployment really came during the Second Afghan War.

The legendary battle of Saragarhi

Now this, this a battle where the Sikh Regiment truly cemented its reputation as one of the bravest regiments in the country, if not the world. To say that this battle is made of the stuff of legends would be a disservice to the 22 soldiers who laid down their lives in the defense of Saragarhi. This day is now celebrated annually as Regimental Battle Honor Day.

World War 1: The battle of La Bassee

German and Franco-British forces were engaged in a fierce battle in La Bassee, north France. During the battle, the 47th Sikhs were part of a coordinated attack on the German fortifications. The attack was eventually cancelled, but two companies of the Sikhs never received the order and marched on the Germans themselves. During the attack the Sikhs lost 221 of their 289 soldiers but managed to severely cripple the Germans’ attacking capabilities.

World War 2

The Sikh Regiment contributed to a major part of the British war effort, especially in the Asian theatre. Together with the rest of the Indian army, the Sikh Regiment ensured that the Japanese advance didn’t proceed beyond the Indian borders.

India-China War 1962

The war with the Chinese in 1962 isn’t one of the greatest chapters in the Indian Army’s history, or in India’s in general. Whether it was the bureaucracy tying down the armed forces or the usage of wrong tactics, it was a chastening experience for the country. But even in this dark episode, the Sikh Regiment managed to shine like a beacon of light. Tales of the bravery of Subedar Joginder Singh, Captain Haripal Kaushik and Sepoy Kewal Singh are still recounted even today.

India-Pakistan War, 1965

But the war against Pakistan just 3 years later, was another story. The Indian Army managed to cut into the heart of Pakistani territory reaching the outskirts Lahore, and of course, the Sikh Regiment was the tip of the sword that was the army.

India-Pakistan War, 1971

While the primary conflict zone of the 1971 war was around East Pakistan (present day Bangladesh), the Indian Army opened another front on the western border to keep Pakistan occupied. This was where our legendary Sikh Regiments took the fight to enemy, ensuring that Bangladesh managed to attain independence.

The Kargil War

During the battle for Tiger Hill, it was the 8th Sikh Regiment, along with the 18th Grenadiers and the 2nd Naga, that were chosen to lead India’s push to reclaim what was ours. In a tense 36 hour operation, it was the three Indian regiments that persevered.

Share & Spread so that the WORLD Knows!

~Source: www.scoopwhoop.com

A unique devotion in helping Sikhs Worldwide, a first-of-its-kind initiative, a new portal called www.gurdwarajob.com, has been launched where Granthis, Ragis, Pathis, Langris, Sewadars etc. could get jobs in Gurdwaras worldwide. This website has more than 1,800 listed Gurdwaras in the world from where anyone could search their particular job in specific country.

Developed by Amrit Pal Singh, this global online platform will provide information on vacancies. This website is conceptualized on the lines of employment websites that list job opportunities for corporate executives.

When asked about this out-of-the-box idea, Amrit Pal Singh said that while he was working abroad, he had encountered several trained Ragis, Katha Vachaks and Pathis who were cheated by agents back home by promising them jobs in Gurdwaras overseas, but actually found that there were no jobs once they went abroad. They were forced to stay there illegally and had undergone many hardships. They were cheated by agents back home for huge sums of money under the pretext of getting jobs.

Odd jobs and stress amongst trained Sikhs

Once abroad, they had to take up odd jobs, were under constant stress and had to prolong their stay in the hope of recovering the money they had spent. Stating that the website provides services free of cost, Amrit Pal Singh said that numerous Gurdwaras all over the world always require capable and efficient staff like Ragis, Pathis, Granthis, Langri, Sewadar, Katha Vachak, computer operators, librarian, cashier, supervisor, managers etc.

“However, there are a large number of trained and talented people who want to serve in overseas Gurdwaras but are unaware of the vacancies and the process for applying. So this portal will provide Gurdwaras’ managements worldwide the platform to choose competent staff, as per their criteria from the list of resumes posted by job seekers and to post job vacancies. Hence, this website will serve as a boon for everyone,” added Amrit Pal Singh.

Sewa

You can contribute to this cause by helping it make the biggest network for Gurdwara jobs worldwide by listing the Gurdwaras worldwide that you know off by simply clicking on the option ‘Add Gurdwaras’ on the website where you can add the Gurdwaras’ details, thus helping others in the world to contact those looking for Gurudwara jobs.

For more details about this venture, check the link below:
http://www.gurdwarajob.com/faq.php
Media Contact:
Amrit Pal Singh
Mobile +91-9876625076
Email: info@gurdwarajob.com /gurdwarajob@gmail.com

A school head teacher has apologized to two Sikh girls after they were ordered to remove their turbans on the first day of term. Simranjot Kaur, 13, and 11-year-old Prasimran Kaur, who aren’t related, returned to St Anne’s Catholic School in Southampton, Hampshire, wearing their traditional religious headwear.

Newly enrolled year seven student Prasimran was told to take it off shortly after walking into school, while Simranjot, who is in year nine, said a teacher spotted her coming through the gates.

Simranjot Kaur, 13, and 11-year-old Prasimran Kaur, who aren’t related, returned to St Anne’s Catholic School in Southampton, Hampshire, wearing their traditional religious headwear. Both of the girls, who are baptized Khalsa Sikhs and take the mandatory female surname Kaur, refused to remove the headwear which can be worn by both sexes in their religion.

They claim the school suggested they were wearing them for ‘fashion’ and that they should be replaced by headscarves usually worn by Muslim women.

Simranjot says she was forced to take hers off after staff began unravelling it, something which Sikhs regard as highly disrespectful, and her mother arrived at noon to take her home.

Their furious families have blasted the school for what they say are ‘discriminatory’ rules.

They claim the Southampton school suggested they were wearing them for ‘fashion’ and that they should be replaced by headscarves usually worn by Muslim women. Simranjot’s mother Sukhwinder Kaur, 38, said: ‘They are in the correct uniform the only thing different is the turban. If Muslims can wear hijabs then why can’t Sikhs wear turbans?’

Prasimran’s Jaskiran, 18, a former pupil there said: ‘It’s discriminatory. They are a Catholic school and are supposed to support equality.

At puberty an initiation ceremony called the Dastaar Bandi (wearing of the first turban) takes place and young Sikhs are allowed to join the Khalsa. There was a total lack of understanding. We need to change the school’s policy.’

However, the school has said it was a ‘misunderstanding’ and apologized to both families. In a statement, head teacher Lyn Bourne said: ‘I would like to apologise to students and parents for any offence caused by our enforcement of our uniform policy this morning.

The situation that occurred was a misunderstanding and I can confirm that both girls involved now have permission to wear a turban to school.
‘St Anne’s is an inclusive school community that respects all faiths. We are united by our shared values and do not allow ourselves to be divided by our differences.’

Southampton City Council cabinet member for communities Satvir Kaur, a former headgirl there and a practising Sikh said: ‘It hasn’t been a great first day back but I’m pleased the situation has been resolved.

Southampton has a variety of diverse communities all of which recognize the need to be valued and respected.

Dhan Sikhi! Dhan Khalsa!

Two beautifully carved wooden doors, more than 200 years old at the Golden Temple have been removed for renovations. The old, huge gates of Darshani Deori which is entrance tothe Golden Temple have been removed to be repaired and preserved from degeneration.

The doors are being subjected to repair and preservation work for the first time since they were installed in 1800.

The two gates having a sandalwood base were installed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1800 AD and are believed to have been originally belonging to Somnath Temple near Veraval in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The gates were looted from the Somnath Temple in 12th century by Afghan traders, but later the Sikhs captured them from the Afghans and since then these historic gates have been a part of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

However the aforesaid belief has been rejected by many top Sikh religious leaders. According to them, the Darshini Deori doors were carved by a Muslim craftsman, Yaar Mohammed Khan for an order by a Sikh family of Sursingh village, who presented the doors to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Also the Golden Temple has a century old tradition that no used artifact or article can be presented to the temple.

With the sandalwood base of the doors crumbling and its silver and ivory carving and golden screws damaged with time, preservation of the doors has become a necessity. Under the hands of an expert panel the doors are undergoing repair and preservation work in a glass cabin which is open for the view of visiting devotees. The work is being further supervised by a five member committee of top Sikh religious leaders. Since these doors are sacred, preservation work will be carried out within the Golden Temple premises only. The doors will not be taken out of the complex at all. The aim is just to restore it to its former glory.

While the matter is totally religious, based on the belief that the doors originally belonged to Somnath Temple, some political and religious leaders are trying to make an issue out of the matter by proclaiming that the doors are being sent back to the Somnath Temple.

Golden Temple in Amritsar is one of the most religious places for the Sikh community and is also one of the important tourist destinations in India.

Source- Sikhnet

The Haryana government announced that manufacturing and sale of gutka, pan masala, and other similar products containing tobacco has been completely banned in the state.

Health Minister Anil Vij said that the decision had been taken in view of health of the people.

“The manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala, flavoured or scented tobacco, kharra and other similar products containing tobacco have been completely banned. Other products containing tobacco which are available in market are also included in it,” he said.

The Food and Drugs Administration has issued notification in this regard, under which, sale and purchase of tobacco products have been prohibited for one year from September 3 in the interest of public health, Mr Vij said.

The ban also includes mix of other ingredients such as heavy metals and anti-caking agents, except to the extent of specifically permitted ingredients, silver leaf, binders, flavours, scents and fragrances.

~ Source: ndtv.com