Students of Akal Academy Ghugg celebrated Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in spiritual fervor & utmost devotion. Poems enlightening the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji were recited by the students, absorbing the divine essence. Students in bowed heads in reverence and joined hands pay their obeisance to Guru Sahib and their divine attire added to the glory of this auspicious day. Kirtan Darbar set up by the students added to the spiritual atmosphere.

Kirtan by students echoed all over, beautifully praising the Great Guru. Bhog of Sehaj Path was followed by Ardaas and Guru ka Langar. The atmosphere was filled with cheerfulness and liveliness.

Like & Share the Divinity among friends & family!

~ Tapasleen kaur
~ New Delhi, 16th Jan ’15

ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਦਾਨ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਪਰਾਣੀ ||
ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਵਰਤ ਕਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਜੰਮੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਣੀ ||
ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਸਾਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੀ ||੧੩||

“The person after having deserted their parents performs charities, is corrupt and ignorant. He who pushes away his parents undertakes fasts, goes on to wander in the cycle of births and deaths. That man (in fact) has not understood the essence of Guru and God.(13)”

(Bhai Gurdaas Jee, Vaar 37: Pauri 13)

” The Wooden Bowl story”

An old man moved in with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man was in poor health, his eyesight was bad, and his hands trembled. When the family sat down to eat together, the grandfather’s shaky hands and bad eyesight made eating difficult. Food fell off his spoon, and when he drank from a glass, his drink spilled on the tablecloth. The son and his wife quickly became irritated with the old man. “We must do something about this mess” said the son. So they put a small table in the corner, where the grandfather would eat alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since he had broken some dishes before, he now ate from a wooden bowl. When the family looked at the old man, he would sometimes have a tear in his eye as he sat by himself. Still, the only time the family would talk to him is when they scolded him for making a mess. The four-year-old watched this treatment of his grandfather and said nothing.

One evening before dinner, the father noticed the little boy playing with wood scraps on the floor. The father asked his son what he was making. The boy responded “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up”. Smiling, the boy went back to playing with the wood scraps. The parents were speechless. They knew what had to be done. That evening, grandfather sat at the table during dinner. For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family, and no one ever minded the mess on the tablecloth.

Lessons Learned

The initial treatment of the grandfather in this story embodies society’s growing trend of how elders are perceived. The parents in the story represent all of us while the old man signifies all the elderly. In this story, it was only through the eyes of a child that the parents were able to realize their error in the way the grandfather was treated. The child represents the pure honest truth, which freed the parents to truly see life. Children are remarkably perceptive, and if they see us patiently provide a comfortable atmosphere for our older family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives.

~ Source: ManvirSingh Blog

Here at the centre of the pool
the Golden Temple checks its mirror
and takes a long bath in the cool.

The gold sun also bathes its face.
Some nights, the moon comes down as well.
Celestial bodies know this place.

The paper kite – a soul has given its soggy face in pink surrender
and floats upon the waves of heaven.

The gold carp in their nibbling school are the blessed residents below,
eating prasad thrown in the pool.

The waves are lit with electric light, yet holy songs emit more current:
kirtan is sung here day and night.

Each pilgrim, family husband, wife
bathe each day for health and wealth,
bathe for everlasting life.

Yet, who bathes inside the mind?
who scrubs down to the spotless self?
The inner pool is hard to find.

-AmritKirtan.com

“On January 12, I did my first ever Skydive to ask France to allow religious headgear for Sikhs in schools & workplaces. They Say it is difficult to do difficult thins with a religious symbol(Turban) but I wanted to put across the message that it is not a hindrance but invokes passion, pride & love” says Harjinder Singh.

The Young Sikh was elated with the experience. He was shocked three of the Sikh basketball player had given their turban after International Basketball Association. He took special precautions to take care that his turban is intact & does not drop. He tied it tight while supporting it properly. The Young students appreciated his idea of expressing his religious freedom.

“We will keep fighting for our religious freedom and our religious symbols.”- Says Mr Singh voicing the Sikhs who struggle to practice their religious freedom.

A Sikh man has taken a leap of faith in St Kilda, skydiving from 15000 feet in the name of religious freedom. Indian Harjinder Singh believes he is the first person to jump from a plane wearing a turban.Like the Muslim burkha, the turban, a mandatory requirement for Sikh men, has been banned in government schools and workplaces in France, he said. “The whole idea is to create awareness and have a voice,” Mr Singh said.

“Our voice has been the loudest, because it affects us the most,” he said. “It’s a part of who we are and it’s not something we add on.” Mr Singh said he supported religious freedom for everyone. He shared his skydiving experience with his more than 31,000 Facebook fans and 17,000 Instagram followers.He said the message was timely as freedom of speech was in the spotlight after the recent shootings in Paris.

Kudos to Mr Singh for his breaking taking experience, standing firm on his principles!

~ Source: http://www.theweeklyreviewbayside.com.au/

At the annual Star Screen Awards, the film Chaar Sahibzaade won the best animation film. Scriptwriter and director were presented the award for the film. The Film “Chaar Sahibzaade” became India’s most watched and highest grossing animation film in history.

The audiences of the Punjab region gave an overwhelming response to the film and such high per screen average overseas caused big budget Bollywood films to loose screens. The film remained strong for a record 8 weeks with full shows being booked right up to the 7th week. The film had the highest per screen average than any film in Indian history week after week.

The film is all set to release on DVDs and online and audiences are desperately waiting for an announcement of a sequel.

~ Source: Daily Sikh Updates

After a child is born in a Sikh family, as soon as the mother is strong enough to get normal, move about and bathe (there is no rigid rule as to how soon after child-birth this should happen), the family and close relatives gather in a Gurdwara. A bowl of holy sweet pudding (Karah Prashad) is placed before Guru Granth Sahib and Hymns of Thanksgiving are sung. After performing prayer (Ardas), the Hukamnama is read from Guru Granth Sahib. After this, the name is bestowed upon the child, based on the first letter of the Hymn, read from Guru Granth Sahib. The congregation (Sangat) endorses the name by shouting the Sikh salutation – Bole So Nihal – Sat Sri Akal. The words „Singh‟ or „Kaur‟ are suffixed to a boy‟s or girl‟s name respectively.

~ Baba Iqbal Singh Ji
~ Sikh Faith Book

In 1704 the fort of Anandpur Sahib, was sieged by the combined forces of the Mughal army and Hill chiefs. Within the Sikh rank of warriors, there was a group of warriors had made up their mind to leave Anandpur Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh Ji with a heavy heart asked them that if they truly wished to leave then they must write a disclaimer and have it signed by all the deserters claiming that they no longer belonged to the Guru, and the Guru no longer belonged to them.

Mai Bhago known for her faith and courage and when she saw the 40 Sikhs approaching in the distance she went out to meet them. She asked news about Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and when she heard about their decision to leave Guru Sahib ,her blood boiled with anger. She could not contain herself, she charged them with cowardice and a lack of faith in their Guru.

Mai Bhago donned on men’s clothing and told them that either to stay behind and look after the children or try to amend by returning to Guru Sahib Ji . Ashamed by their act of desertion they vowed to put things right and mounted their horses and set off towards Ferozpur.

When Wazir Khan advanced to attack the Guru Gobind Singh Ji , Mai Bhago’s group took up positions near a place called Khidrana. As the enemy forces came close the Sikhs pounced on them, a fierce battle ensued; although heavily outnumbered the Sikhs attacked with ferocity and many were killed on both sides. The dust raised by the battle alerted Guru Sahib Ji who by this time had vacated Anandpur Sahib, he joined his Sikhs on a sandy hill (tibbi) and shot arrows at the enemy. As the battle raged Guru Sahib Ji mounted his horse and led his contingent from the West.

Bhai Maha Singh was one of the martyrs of Muktsar, collectively called ‘Chali Mukte’, the Forty Liberated Ones. He, in addition to Mai Bhago, was the only ones among the wounded who had some life still left in him. Guru Gobind Singh Ji dismounted from his horse and surveyed the scene on the battlefield. He saw one of his Sikhs lying wounded and recognized him as Maha Singh, the leader of the 40 deserters. Guru Ji sat beside him and put his head on his lap and wiped away the blood and tears from his eyes, just as a father would a son.

Guru Ji was greatly impressed and pleased by his Sikhs. “Ask whatever you will, the house of Guru Nanak is open to you” spoke Guru Ji but Maha Singh only had one thing on his mind, the letter of desertion. “O Lord of all the heavens, if you are in mercy then please forgive me and my companions for our betrayal, and I pray that you tear up the letter we handed to you.” The all knowing Guru had kept the letter on his person knowing full well that it would be needed, Guru Ji took it out and tore it in front of Maha Singh.

“You have redeemed yourself here and in the hereafter.” The forty deserters who lay dead in the battlefield were blessed by Guru Sahib Ji as the Chali Mukte –the forty liberated ones. A Grand Gurdwara now stands at the site of the battle, known as Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib, Mukhtsar.

~ Tapasleen Kaur

Foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, was laid down by the renowned Sufi Saint of Qadiry order, Mir Mohamed Khan, popularly known as Hazarat Mian Mir of Lahore. Sri Harimandir Sahib, unlike any other place of worship, was built at a lower level than the surrounding area. It has doors on all four sides, signifying both humanity and universalism and that it was open to people of all the denominations. Sri Harmandir Sahib was established for signing the praises of Almight — “Har Japae Har Mandir Sajia ||”

Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, often visited Lahore, the birthplace of his father (the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das) to meet his relatives. On the occasion of one of such visit, he called on Mian Mir. The two and became life-long friends. Mian Mir was thirteen years older than Guru Arjan.

Guru Arjan was responsible for the construction of many tanks and buildings. In 1588, he planned to build a Gurdwara in the centre of the holy tank called Amritsar or the pool of nectar. As the Gurdwara was to be open to people of all castes, creeds and climes, he invited Sia Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone of the Sri Harmandir Sahib. He came to the city of Amritsar wearing a religious mendicant’s long cloak made up of patches of coarse wool and a cone-shaped cap, with a rose flower on top.

Mian Mir was given one of those warm welcomes for which Guru Arjan was famous. The two holy men embraced each other in sincere love and regard. The purpose of the Gurdwara was disclosed to the Sufi saint. Sia Mian Mir was delighted at the fine objectives the Guru had in mind. The foundation-stone was laid. Hymns were sung in praise of God and sweets were distributed among the audience.

~ Tapasleen kaur

It was not just the entrepreneurial bug; Savneet Singh also wanted to create something beyond an ordinary business, a start-up that was unique. And so in 2009, Gold Bullion International (GBI) was set up. It was the first electronic platform for investors to buy, trade and store physical precious metals.

“There has been no innovation in the precious metals market for over 50 years. We believed we could be the first to do so. The opportunity excited me enough to take the plunge,” says the 29-year-old former investment banker.
Singh whose parents immigrated to the US, visits India every few years and likes to attribute his achievements partly to the fact that he was born into the Sikh faith that encourages him to work hard and give back.
The New York-headquartered company is the largest independent provider of precious metals and has clients ranging from individuals to hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds and endowments.

The way the exchange functions is unique — precious metals are acquired from dealers who sell brands recognised by the London Bullion Market Association and stored on behalf of clients in protected and insured vaults in New York, Salt Lake City, London, Zurich, Singapore and Melbourne.

For the Cornell – educated Singh the entrepreneurial journey has been a tough one. “It took us 18 months to get our first customer, and many more months to start making revenue,” he says. At the heart of his business plan was the idea of being a value investor.

“I have grown up reading, following and analyzing the great value investors of our time — Warren Buffett, Seth Klarman and David Einhorn. I’ve always looked to find business models that would pass the test of these investors. Our goal has been to use technology to create a platform that drives down costs and brings in new clients,” he says.

“Being a Sikh in America isn’t easy today. Knowing that you look different or that others don’t know where you come from can be scary,” says Singh who is an active member of the community and serves on the boards of the Manhattan Sikh Association and International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination.
For him, the Indian heritage and culture helps create resiliency and success in business and philanthropy. “Sometimes I see a young Sikh entrepreneur and want to bet on him, because I know he’s gone through some very tough times in life and starting a business won’t be nearly as hard,” adds Singh.

And personally he hopes that in the next five years, he will either be working on building the next enterprise or focusing full time on investing and helping grow a unique set of businesses. Big on fitness, a member of the local basketball team, an avid reader and fond of cooking, he manages time for all his hobbies.

“I’m also a collector of koi fish which I help raise along with my dad upstate [New York],” he says. The inspiration to get involved with hobbies came from his father, who felt that the problem with Indian men is they don’t develop hobbies early in life. “My greatest joy in life is spending time with my family. When I have free time I choose to spend it with them,” he says.

Though not here yet, GBI has plans for a foray into India eventually. “India is the largest gold market in the world and we are looking for firms to partner with and launch in the region. At the moment, though, we are taking a step back given the government’s restriction on imports, but will make a push when regulation changes,” Singh says. Amidst the hectic pace of Wall Street life, Singh is learning to find the perfect work-life balance.

“I make an effort to be active in my personal life like I am with work. I try to engage and stay up to date with my friends and family and not make them second fiddle to work. Life is short and I’m quite sure that while business pays the bills and provides temporary fun, it’s the love of family and friends that makes life real.”

~ Source – Economics Times

The journey from a small village to icy Antarctica in itself seems highly challenging but he was the first Turbaned Sikh to explore the high seas for research purposes. It aimed at creating leaders for education, environment and sustainability across the globe through a leadership and sustainability program called ‘Leadership on the Edge’. It also aimed to identify potential sustainability leaders for a greener future.

Though a very few turbaned Sikhs could have had a chance to explore Antarctica that too for only tourism purposes, Bandanjot Singh of a small village, Handiaya was the first turbaned Sikh to head towards the South Pole as a member of an expedition. Twenty-eight old, Bandanjot, is among the 30 probably from 20 countries that had been selected for the hazardous expedition.

He devoted his energies to work for renewable and green energy initiatives in India to promote innovation and help rural India to achieve self-sustainable energy production.

Bandanjot is in the rural solar electrification projects and is associated with the leading educational institutes like IITs in electrification projects. Son of a general manager in BSNL, excited Bandanjot terms the power breakdown in the Northern grid in the recent past and Hurricane Sandy in US as the urgent points for him to explore to Antarctica as member of international Antarctic expedition(IAE) 2013. The expedition, he said aimed at creating leaders for education, environment with the theme of ‘Leadership on the edge’.

Having done the integrated course of B.Tech instrumentation and MSc Physics from BITS Pilani, Bandanjot, is presently working for a US company National Instruments. A fortunate meeting with Sir Robert Swan, who is the first person to walk both the north and the south pole made him work hard to be a part of the expedition.

As much as he conquered Antartica, he has surely conquered the attention of the Sikh Youth

Kudos to BandanJot Singh for making Sikhs proud! One of the potential Leaders of The Greener Future!

~ Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/