The most significant story concerning the baaj is in 1699 when Guru Sahib Ji had created Amrit (holy nector) for the precise purpose of creating the Khalsa brotherhood. A few drops of Amrit had fallen from the iron cauldron, which were readily consumed by a few sparrows. The sparrows turned onto the Baaj and repeatedly assaulted him to such an extent that he had to take flight, followed vigorously by the sparrows. This incident showed the Sikhs that the Amrit created by the Tenth Guru had immense power, after drinking a few drops a small sparrow not only had the courage to take on a bird of prey but to harass it until it took flight and fled.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji said “I will create my Khalsa of such courage and vigour that he will take on armies of the enemy, he will stand up for the poor and the downtrodden –

“Sava Lakh say ek ladaho”
(One will confront a lakh and a quarter of the enemy)”

In 1984 amongst the turmoil and terrible fate of so many Sikhs a white baaj appeared, seen by many it circled and perched on a branch, telling the Sikhs that the Guru was with them. From time to time, it is said that a white Baaj is seen in the mountains of the Himalayas in the surrounding areas of Hemkunt Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh Ji performed much hard meditation to merge with the Almighty.

~ Source: Sikhiwiki

The British were going to Auction Sri Harimandir Sahib Ji on April 30, 1877, the plans were to build a giant church. But Sat Guru Ji Did not let it Happen. A Miracle changed everything, on Morning of April 30, 1877.

September 2, 2013: For those of us who’ve been to Darbaar Sahib Amritsar, we may have noticed a sign outside on the Darshani Deori that reads:

“It is for the knowledge of all that in Harimandir Sahib on April 30, 1877 at 4.30 in the morning, a strange thing happened. There were about four hundred devotees enjoying spiritual peace of celestial music in Harimandir Sahib when suddenly a flash of lighting was seen which in the form of a big resplendence entered through the door on the mountain-side and exploded exactly like a ball in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and illuminating everything then went out, becoming a streak of light through the southern door–though at the time of its exploding there was a dreadful and forceful sound, no harm of any kind occurred to any devotee sitting inside and no harm to the building or anything else in the precinct. All the people described this supernatural scene as the wonderful doing of Sri Guru Ram Das himself”

(translation based on one in “Strange but True in Sikhism” by SS Kohli p.11)

This miracle transformed the Panth and brought it back from the brink of oblivion.
After the fall of the Sikh Kingdom in 1849, the Sikhs were in very serious trouble. The Gurdwaras were in control of Mahants who had installed Hindu Idols and barred “low castes” from entering. British observers wrote that Amrit Sinchaars almost never took place. Sikh women lost their distinct appearance and no longer followed rehit or took amrit.

The British even began to photograph Sikhs as they believed this “fading sect” ought to be recorded in history and one day shown in museums as a part of India’s history. The British also started a heavy mission of conversion amongst the Sikhs. Many notable Sikhs left the faith at this time. Raja Ranjit Singh’s general, Jowand Sikh Mokhal’s family embraced Islam, Beharwala Sardar Isher Singh became Muslim under the influence of a prostitute, Harnam Singh of the Kapurthala Royal family became Christian, Dayal Singh Majithia became a Brahmo Samajist and gave over the Daily Tribune, Dayal Singh College and a Library to the sect.

Big Sikh landlords Mangal Singh Virk and Charat Singh of Barhar became Muslims for Muslim women as well. In 1873, 4 Sikh boys Aya Singh, Attar Singh, Sadhu Singh and Santokh Singh announced they were converting ot Christianity and prepared to cut their hair. Later they were convinced not to do this.

Harmandir Sahib was under the control of the British Government and they had appointed a Sikh manager, Mangal Singh to look after the site for them. The British had nefarious designs for the Sikhs. They had intended to make Sree Darbaar Sahib the main Diocese for the Christian Church and convert the complex into a giant church. Crucifixes were even put near the entrance of Sree Darbaar Sahib near the foot-wash area. Sardar Mangal Singh heard these rumours and despite being pro-British, felt very upset. He met with Punjab’s Lt. Governor to ask about this issue and he did not give any reassurance but asked him to speak with the Viceroy.

The Viceroy was at this time in Gobind Garh fort in Amritsar. Sardar Mangal Singh went to meet him and was told that the British were lawfully entitled to own, manage and dispose of all property owned earlier by the Sikh regime. They could do as they wish in the future. The Sikhs came out very dejected and sat in a Gurdwara trying to understand what to do. They decided to hold and Akhand Path Sahib in Darbaar Sahib and do Ardaas that the most precious place of the Sikhs would be saved.

The next day, the sangat gathered at Harmandir Sahib and Asa Di Vaar began. An intelligence officer sent by the Viceroy was also present to watch over the gathering. At 4.30AM, the ball of light entered and stopped in front of Guru Granth Sahib ji and then did as was described above. The Sangat began to repeat “Dhan Guru Ram Das!”. News of this event went all over Punjab. The hundreds of witnesses all gave their names as proof of this great miracle. The intelligence officer too was stunned and advised the British Government that any attempt to take over Darbaar Sahib would be wrong. This incident was Guru Ram Das himself blessing the Sikhs. It showed the Sikhs that Guru was not far, but always watching over his Panth. At a time where amritdhari Singhs were almost extinct and Hindu ritual had taken hold in the Gurdwaras and Sikhs were converting away en masse, Guru Ram Das enacted this miracle and revived and awakened the Sikhs. The Gurdwara Reform Movement gathered steam. The entire Panth rose up to save Sikhi. The Sikhs were saved from the brink of extinction.

~ Source: DailySikhUpdate

For the first time, some of the most important Sikh holidays and observances are included into the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 calendars. United Sikhs worked closely with the Anti-Defamation League’s Florida office to have the Sikh holidays listed with their respective dates and an explanation of each day’s significance.

A Calendar of Observance created by the Anti-Defamation League has been used nationally as a tool to address diversity and religious accommodation issues in United States public schools. The calendar previously included important religious holidays observed by the following faiths: American Orthodox Christian, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Eastern Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Western Christian, and Zoroastrian. But it did not include Sikhism.

The calendar is placed in ADL’s No Place for Hate Guides which go to over 1,500 participating schools. Denver, Colorado produces a print version of the calendar and distributes 25,000 of them out as well. This means thousands of schools and students are being educated on Sikh holidays!

The 2015-2018 calendars all include the following Sikh holidays:

• Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Birthday
• Vaisakhi
• Bandi-Chhor Diwas
• Holla Mohalla
• Gur-Gaddi Guru Granth Sahib

With approximately 69% of turbaned Sikh youths being bullied in schools, United Sikhs has remained committed to educating Sikh students on how to deal with bullying while educating non-Sikh students about Sikhism through our Anti-Bullying Campaign.

The inclusion of Sikhism into this calendar will further assist the Anti-Bullying Campaign and the community to educate public schools on the Sikh faith and its important days of observance. Schools who use it have said it helped with more inclusive and thoughtful scheduling.

The purpose of ADL’s interfaith calendar of observances is to enhance mutual understanding by reflecting America’s ever expanding religious diversity. The new year presented an opportune time to recognize the Sikh community and its rich religious traditions,” said David Waren, Anti-Defamation League Director of Education.

~ By: ANISHA SINGH, UNITED SIKHS

A profound step towards creating interfaith harmony between Muslims and Sikhs has taken place in Hounslow. About 30 women and children from the borough’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Baitul Wahid Mosque, in Raleigh Way, Hanworth, were welcomed to Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha on Alice Way, Hounslow, on January 31.

They were given a guided tour of the Gurdwara where they were able to see first-hand some of the similarities between Islam and Sikhism and how both places of worship are committed to serving their surrounding community in education and through voluntary work. This was followed by a hot meal and the presentation of two copies of the Holy Quran; one in English and another translated in Punjabi for the Gurdwara library.

Members of the Sikh community also presented two faith books to the group of women which will be stored in the Baitul Wahid Mosque library. A donation was made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim ladies and they invited the Sikh community to visit their mosque. Bushra Bhatti, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, said: “This visit was very successful in bringing respect and harmony between both communities.”

~ Source: www.getwestlondon.co.uk

The film “Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe”, based on the life of Pingalwara founder late Bhagat Puran Singh, has got an overwhelming response from viewers in the state.

The first week’s box office collections of the film stand at Rs 69 lakh. There is also an increase in the number of volunteers at the Pingalwara here.

The film highlights the way the disabled and destitute are treated at Pingalwaras across the state.
A youth, Bhupinder Singh, who was in the direction team and has played a small role in the film, has approached the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society, seeking to marry a girl who has been brought up at Pingalwara. The society has accepted his proposal.

The film, inspired by the life of humanitarian saint Bhagat Puran Singh was released worldwide on January 30. The film is running successfully in 95 cinema halls in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Pune and Mumbai.
Dr Inderjit Kaur, director, Pingalwara society, said they had made special arrangements for free shows for school children.

“Inspired by the film, many people from various parts of the country and abroad have come forward to serve patients at the Pingalwara centre. A youth has showed inclination to marry a girl from the centre. Pingalwara is not just an institution, it is a movement initiated by Bhagat Puran Singh,” she said.

The movie is directed by Harjit Singh. The role of Bhagat Puran Singh was enacted by actor Pawan Malhotra. The childhood role of the saint was played by a KG student of Pingalwara School, Yuvraj. Punjabi singer and actor Daljit Dosanjh has sung the songs without charging a single penny.

~ Source: Tribune

This Italian Lady took Amrit deeply inspired by Sikh Thoughts. It’s a blessing for her to be a part of this beautiful religion. Her Friend Navpreet Kaur introduced her to this religion by introducing her history of the sacrifices of the Sikh Guru & their teachings. This gripped her mind & she developed an unconditional love for Sikhism. She started reading books on Sikh History in English too. Her Heart was deeply touched when she saw ‘ Chaar Sahibzaade’. The touch was soo deep that she decided to dedicate her life to the Guru Sahib & changed her name to Hargun Kaur. The depth is reflected in her purified soul.

She inspires the upcoming generation as a youth icon. Adorned in all five kakaars, this Kaur now religiously recites her Nitnem during the blissful sacred hours of Amritvella.

While the youth is caught by the menace of drugs, these inspirational stories continue to remind us of the blessing we are endowed with by the virtue of being a Sikh. It’s our duty to refine ourselves in accordance to the beauty of Sikhism & preserve it for our future generation!

~ Source: kaurageous44.blospot.com

Sahibzada Ajit Singh (11 February 1687 – 7 December 1705), the eldest of four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, was born to Mata Jito ji at Paonta sahib on 11 February 1687. The following year, Guru Gobind Singh returned with the family to Anandpur where Ajit Singh was brought up in the approved Sikh style.

He was taught the religious texts, philosophy and history, and had training in the martial arts such as riding, swordsmanship, gatka and archery. He grew up to be a handsome young man, strong, intelligent and a natural leader of people. Soon after the creation of the Khalsa on 30 March 1699, he had his first test of skill. A group of Sikhs (sangat) coming from Pothohar, northwest Punjab, was attacked and looted on the way by the Ranghars of Nuh, a short distance from Anandpur across the River Sutlej.

Guru Gobind Singh sent Sahibzada Ajit Singh, barely 12 years of age then, to that village to intervene and defend the sangat. Ajit Singh at the head of 100 Sikhs reached there on 23 May 1699, punished the Ranghars and recovered the looted property. Following this successful mission, a much harder task was entrusted to him the following year when the hill chiefs supported by imperial troops attacked Anandpur. Sahibzada Ajit Singh was made responsible for the defence of Taragarh Fort which became the first target of attack.

This, according to the Bhatt Vahis, happened on 29 August 1700. Ajit Singh, assisted by Bhai Ude Singh, a seasoned soldier, repulsed the attack. He also fought valiantly in the battles of Nirmohgarh in October 1700. On 15 March 1701, a sangat, column of Sikh devotees, coming from Darap area (present Sialkot district) was waylaid by Gujjars and Ranghars. Sahibzada Ajit Singh led a successful expedition against them too.

Once a Brahman came to Guru Gobind Singh’s darbar. He complained that some Pathans of Bassi, near Hoshiarpur had taken his newly-wedded wife away by force. Sahibzada Ajit Singh offered to help the Brahman to recover his wife. As instructed by Guru Gobind Singh, on 7 March 1703 he took out 100 horsemen to Bassi, near Hoshiarpur. With this band of young brave Sikhs, Baba Ajit Singh fell upon Bassi during the night. He arrested the Pathans responsible for the wicked deed. He recovered the Brahman’s wife. He took the wicked Pathans to Anandpur the following morning. The Brahman’s wife was restored to him. The wicked Pathans were punished, suitably and severely.

Depiction of the Sahibzada Ajit Singh at the Battle of Chamkaur, painting by Bhagat Singh Bedi. In the prolonged siege of Anandpur in 1705, Sahibzada Ajit Singh again displayed his qualities of courage and steadfastness. When, at last, Anandpur was vacated on the night of 5-6 December 1705, he was given command of the rearguard. As the besiegers, violating their solemn promises for a safe conduct to the evacuees, attacked the column, he stoutly engaged them on a hill feature called Shahi Tibbi until relieved by Bhai Ude Singh. Sahibzada Ajit Singh crossed the Sarsa, then in spate, along with his father, his younger brother, Jujhar Singh, and some fifty Sikhs. Further reduced in numbers by casualties at the hands of a pursuing troop from Ropar, the column reached Chamkaur in the evening of 6 December 1705, and took up position in a garhi, a high walled fortified haveli (house).

~ Source: Sikhiwiki.com

One of Singapore’s oldest cemeteries “Bukit Brown” has 2 Sikh statues of Sikh guards next to a grave belonging to a prominent Chinese physician Chew Geok Leong who died in 1939. It is documented at the grave site that he had the statues made while he was alive, so that after he died these statues would literally guard his tomb. The Strong Belief was based on the philosophy that after a person dies the Sikh Statues guard the soul against evil.

The Chinese tradition of the particular community is that after they have physically died they make statues of basically anything that they think will protect them in the “other world”. This Chinese physician was so amazed by the valor, courage and bravery of Sikhs that he wanted Sikh soldiers to protect him in the “other world”. Sikhs don’t believe in graves, but the fact is, this person recognized Sikhs is a big honor.

~ Source: www.facebook.com

The SFIAR award for the best PhD/post-doc project, endowed with CHF 5,000 prize money, goes to Dr. Gurbir Singh for his project entitled “A novel cropping system for climate-neutral and bio-diverse rice farming”. Bhullar was engaged in research at ETH Zurich until 2013 and now works in the Department of International Cooperation of FiBL.

In order to feed a growing global population, rice farmers must increase their production. This, however, is problematic for the global climate: flooded paddy fields are one of the most significant sources of the greenhouse gas methane. In response to this conflict of interests, Dr Bhullar investigated new, less climate-damaging cultivation methods for rice, while he was still working at ETH.

He established the potential of certain aquatic plants to reduce methane emissions from soil. According to a media release by SFIAR, Dr Bhullar demonstrated that a larger diversity of plants reduces greenhouse emissions from paddy fields. He also identified which aquatic plants are generally suitable for co-cultivation with rice. Finally, he proved that certain aquatic plants could halve methane emissions from rice cultivation without adversely affecting rice production. These results open interesting perspectives for rural development in rice-growing regions. The co-cultivation of rice and aquatic plants would not only have a positive effect on the climate and biodiversity but would also contribute to improved nutrition for the farmers and create new income-generating opportunities.

~ Source: dailysikhupdates.com

The official distributor for the Film “Chaar Sahibzaade” Dharam Seva Films has announced the DVD and Blue Ray release of the record-breaking film. Film “Chaar Sahibzaade” has become one of the most watched and highest grossing Punjabi film in history. The film broke over 20 records at the box office and earned high praise for its animation and portrayal of the Chaar Sahibzaade story which has been passed down for generations. From the official statement the Dharam Seva states ” inlays will have the most accurate research on our Chaar Sahibzaade that you will have seen”.

The worldwide Sikh Sangat has been excited for the official DVD release not only as memento but also to relive the experience of the film.

~ Source: dailysikhupdates.com