A Singh named Simranjeet Singh has revealed that a special program on Sikhs will be premiered on the largest television network of the United States called CBS. The episode airing on Sunday will reveal Sikhs to the general public on National Television right after the largest sports event of the week. Sikhs around the nation are excited to watch this premiere which will showcase the basic tenants and philosophies of Sikhism.

The Singh involved in this project has done various efforts to raise awareness of Sikh individually. He is part of the “Surat Initiative” which recently held a Turban Day in NYC where they tied hundreds of turbans on many individuals in an effort to raise awareness of Sikhs.

This show is very important as a good size of the American population will hear the Sikh story for the very first time. The major problem Sikhs have faced in the United States is the lack of awareness of efforts, but things are starting to change. A handful of Sikh organizations have joined together to let the American public hear the Sikh story in their communities and already change can be witnessed.

~ Source: http://dailysikhupdates.com/

For the fourth year, California state legislature declared November as Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month “to afford all Californians the opportunity to understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans.” The statewide proclamation opened the door for Sikh Americans to expose over 5 million Californians to Sikh awareness information. California continues to be the only state in the country to have an entire month designated to recognizing and raising awareness about Sikh Americans.

“Through grassroots efforts, the Sikh Coalition mobilized hundreds of Californian Sikhs to have their cities also recognize the month, organize educational and awareness events, lead presentations, engage with their elected officials and display information about Sikhs in public spaces. Click here to see a list of projects that were developed by the Sikh Coalition for Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month” reads a community release by the Sikh Coalition.

Sikh Awareness presentations were delivered to almost 1,000 individuals across California in schools, law enforcement agencies, libraries, community organizations and prisons. These presentations have been very well received and are creating opportunities for additional sessions to be held across the state.

16 Sikh Awareness resolutions and proclamations were passed in the cities of San Joaquin, Lathrop, Tracy, Ceres, Manteca, Modesto, Elk Grove, Bakersfield, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Ana and Los Angeles, in addition to the Fresno County Office of Education, Elk Grove Unified School District and West Contra Costa County School District and a campus-wide resolution at California State University, Fresno. These proclamations not only acknowledge their Sikh communities but also provide for educational opportunities. The Sikh Coalition thanks the following advocates and community members for their efforts: Ameet Singh Birring, Vincent Tran, Bobbie Singh-Allen, Harbir Bhatia, Silicon Valley Gurdwara, Jass Sangha, Parminder Sahi, Baljit Soni, Dr Andrew Fiala, Danita Melton and the Sikh Council of Central California.

The Fresno County Office of Education created an educational video about Sikhs for 32 school districts, which will be used to educate students about Sikh history and beliefs in the area and beyond. Close to two dozen libraries displayed Sikh books, posters and other educational information in both public and school libraries reaching thousands of Californians. The Fresno Police Department invited the Sikh Coalition back to deliver a presentation on Sikhs, providing officers with helpful tips on how to interact with Sikh Americans. Close to 50 officers attended from over ten police agencies in the Central Valley.

“As unique as it is to have an official month to recognize and learn about the Sikh community, Sikh awareness efforts don’t stop here. Let’s continue to educate and inform our neighbors and colleagues about our community all year round”

-Source: SikhSiyasat.net

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, welcomed and hosted a delegation from the British Army as they visited the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) Gurudwara and Nishkam complex in Birmingham as part of the commemorations of The Battle of Saragarhi. During the visit there were ongoing discussions about the importance of values, education and standards, done in the spirit of strengthening understanding and links between Sikhs and the British Army.

British Army Officers and Soldiers,led the delegation to pay homage to, and remember the Sikh military personnel. They gracefully listened to Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s message in the Gurdwara.

They were overwhelmed by what they saw, the community spirit to serve humanity and society selflessly. The visit was about understanding, listening and exchanging viewpoints. Bhai Sahib Ji iterated the importance of Sikhs needing an opportunity to stand up for righteousness and those persecuted, whilst remaining compassionate, forgiving, peace-loving and humble.

The concept of Sant-Sipihi (Saint-Solider) was discussed, where one must have Godly traits, be spiritually inspired and infused and then be prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect and uphold the honor and dignity of others.

~ Source: http://nishkammediacentre.com/

Member of Parliament Parm Gill has announced that Amarjeet Singh is the head Guard stationed in front of the Canadian Parliament.

Protectors for All-Sikhs have again set an example overseas. After the recent attack on the Canadian Parliament where a guard died protecting Canadian freedom, the officials have decided to put a Sikh in front of the Canadian Parliament.

This decision is being praised by Sikhs worldwide as Sikhs are known to be the protectors of all. The Sikh faith teaches to defend oneself against oppression and to always fight for justice. Many are also happy as this is a great way to spread awareness of Sikhs.

A recent discovery also found the first Prime Minister of Canada Sir John a Macdonald had requested an Army of Sikhs in 1867 to protect against a possible British operation.

Parm Gill quoted “Felt extremely proud to see sikh RCMP officer Amarjeet Singh Nijjer stationed in front the main entrance of Parliament building protecting heart of our democracy.”

Sikhs are always Up for Protection anywhere in the World and are considered trustworthy Protectors!
Hit Like& Share if you agree!

~ Source: http://dailysikhupdates.com/

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਾਣੀਆ ॥
Anmrith Thaeree Baneea ||
The Bani of Your Word is Ambrosial Nectar.

ਤੇਰਿਆ ਭਗਤਾ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਮਾਣੀਆ ॥
Thaeria Bhagatha Ridhai Samaneea
It permeates the hearts of Your devotees.

A young child went to a Gursikh and stated that no matter how hard he tried to keep Gurbani in his heart, he just could not understand or keep it. He stated that his mind was not a bucket, but a strainer, which let everything pass through and did not contain the meaning of Gurbani.

The Gursikh said “Let us try an experiment. Here is a strainer, and here is some water. Now pour a bucket of water through the strainer.”

The child did this and said “See, the water was not contained, it just passed through, my mind is just like this”. The Gursikh said. “Do it once more”, so he did, and still the water passed through the strainer. The Gursikh said. “Do it ten times at least”. The child did, and at the end of this experiment, he said ” See, water still passes through, no matter how many times and how many buckets we pass through it”.

The Gursikh said, “Look carefully at the strainer and see if there is anything different.” The child did, and his eyes were filled with tears, and he said. “Yes, I see the difference now. The grimy dirty strainer is now shiny and bright, like never before.”

The Gursikh said “My son, this is what Gurbani does for you. It cleans your mind, and even if you do not realize it, it slowly cleanses your mind and protects you from the five vices. The more you recite Gurbani, your mind will not only become shinier, but become like the bucket itself, which will not only become clean, but hold the meaning of Gurbani in your heart”.

The child smiled and felt he had received the best example of the power of Gurbani, ever. Gurbani is that detergent that cleanses the mind of its dirt. The more we rub our ‘surti’ with Gurbani the cleaner it gets.

Dhur ki Baani is full of amrit. Whoever utters baani of Satguru literally drinks Amrit.

~ Credits: insta@nirvairsangat84

The youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji were born at Anandpur Sahib. Thier grandmother Mata Gujjar Kaur Ji was especially close to the young Sahibzadas. When Guru Ji’s family evacuated from Anandpur Sahib, Mata Ji took charge of both of them as the column moved out of the city.

While crossing on horseback the rivulet Sirsa, then in spate, the three were separated from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. Gangu, who had worked for the Guru’s family, also succeeded in crossing the stream. He escorted them to his own house in the village of Kheri, now known as Saheri, near Morinda in presentday Ropar district. While unsaddling the horse he saw that there was some cash in the saddlebag. This tempted him to treachery. He not only stole the saddlebag during the night, but also planned to betray the fugitives to the government in hope of a reward.

On the morning of 7 December 1705, the day of the fateful battle of Chamkaur, Baba Zorawar Singh ji, along with Baba Fateh Singh ji and their grandmother, was taken into custody by Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar, the officials at Morinda. They were despatched on the following day to Sirhind where they were consigned to the Cold Tower (Thanda Burj) of the Fort.

On 9 December 1705, Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji were produced before the faujdaar, Nawab Wazir Khan, who had just returned from Chamkaur with his feudal ally, Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan of Malerkotla. Wazir Khan tried to lure the Sahibzadas to embrace Islam with promises of riches and honours, but they spurned the suggestion. He then threatened them with death, but they remained undaunted. Death sentence was finally pronounced. Upon Sher Muhammad Khan’s intercession for the innocent children to be spared their lives, they were given some more time to ponder over the suggestion to convert. Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and his brother spent another two days of severe winter in their old grandmother’s lap in the Cold Tower.

Still adamant, they were, on 11 December 1705, ordered to be sealed alive in a wall. As the masonry around their tender bodies reached chest high, it crumbled. The Sahibzadas were sent to the Cold Tower again for the night. The next day, 12 December 1705, the alternative of conversion being again turned down, Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji were martyred by sealing alive in a wall. The aged Mata Gujari Kaur ji, who had all along been kept in the Cold Tower, only a little distance away, breathed her last as the news reached her ears. Mata Gujari ji through upbringing of her grandsons played such an important role in Sikhism that as Sikhs, we can owe our existence to her. It was due to her teachings that the young Babas did not bulge from their Dharma and attained martyrdom, thus continuing and emphasizing the institute of martyrdom in Sikhism.

Seth Todar Mall, a wealthy merchant of Sirhind, performed the cremation of the three dead bodies the following day. The site of the fateful happenings, since christened Fatehgarh Sahib, close to the old town of Sirhind, is now marked by four Sikh shrines. A religious fair is held here from 25 to 28 December every year to honour the memory of the martyrs.

~ Source: http://www.panthic.org/

Indian American sisters Balreet and Jasleen Kaur Khaira are the California Air National Guard’s secret weapons when it came to India. Staff Sgt. Balreet Kaur Khaira and Sgt. Jasleen Kaur Khaira were part of a 12-soldier Cal Guard contingent at exercise Yudh Abhyas 2014, which took place Sept. 17-30 at Ranikhet Cantonment, India.

The Kaur sisters served on the staff for the exercise, but also acted as interpreters and cultural liaisons helping U.S. and Indian soldiers overcome language barriers and find common ground.

The annual Yudh Abhyas exercise is sponsored by the U.S. Army Pacific Command. Each year, it alternates between India and the United States. The exercise has a goal of increasing interoperability between the armies of the world’s two largest democracies. A big part of the exercise each year involves cultural exchanges intended to increase understanding between soldiers from two very different nations with different cultural backgrounds and military traditions.

The sisters were exceptional, model NCOs for the California National Guard,” said Col. Steven Buethe, the officer in charge of the Cal Guard contingent. “They exuded a positive image all the way around.”

“The Kaur sisters have been a living symbol of the strong bonds between India and the United States and a bridge between the U.S. and Indian armies,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Koop, who was responsible for assembling the Cal Guard team. “They are proud of both their ancestral homeland and their adopted homeland, and have worked tirelessly to help soldiers from both countries understand each other and grow towards mutual understanding and interoperability.”

Balreet Kaur enlisted in the California Army National Guard at 17. She said she wanted the challenge and experience of being an Army medic, which she felt would be an advantage later on in a civilian medical career. During her military career, she deployed to Iraq, while also managing to complete a bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Riverside. Her long-term goal is to enter medical school and become a physician. She serves as a platoon sergeant for C Company, 40th Brigade Support Battalion, out of Montebello, California.

Jasleen Kaur followed in her sister’s footsteps and enlisted in the Cal Guard as a medic while a student at U.C. Riverside. Currently, she serves as a squad leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion, out of Manhattan Beach, California. On the civilian side, she was recently hired as a registered nurse at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and is studying to be a nurse practitioner.

“The Indian soldiers obviously love it that we’re Indian and in the U.S. Army,” Sgt. Jasleen Kaur Khaira said. “I think the biggest thing the Indian Army has learned from us is that we don’t just move to America and lose our roots. America is very diverse and you have all these populations that do keep their culture while still being part of the larger American culture. You can do both. You don’t have to get rid of one to participate in the other.”

~ Source: www.facebook.com/FaujiWifesDiary/

Stout Sardars walkout slowly, fighting tears. Punjabi women — young and elderly — have water streaming down the eyes. The teenagers were wide-eyed

This scene is playing out daily at city theatres for the last several days. All of them have just watched the 3D animation ‘Chaar Sahibzaade’, which depicts the sacrifice of the four sons of the last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in the Battle of Chamkaur against Wazir Khan, a vassal of Aurungzeb.

In Kolkata, Inox is still running a show at Forum, Elgin Road, while block bookings have kept the multiplex authorities busy at Hind, Quest, Swabhumi and South City. PVR had a two-week run with the film and are open to screen it on demand. Single screen theatres like Menoka had earlier been block-booked.

Surjeet Singh, a management student, recalled how he had grown up trying to visualize the Battle of Chamkaur. “It has left an indelible mark in my mind. Many of my friends feel the same. When we finally had the visual experience, it made us even more interested in the Sikh past. I think it’s time I revisit the history pages,” he said.

Amrita Kaur, a CA from Bhowanipore, described how emotional the experience had been for her. “All of us were in tears. The young princes were no less than superheroes. I’m ready to watch it again and again.”

Surinder Singh of Surinder films is one of the major backers of the film. “Our religion prohibits anyone playing the role of the Guru. That’s why it is in animation. The producers have been brave to do this. It’s a rare movie on Sikh history and a well-made one. I had tears in my eyes,” he told TOI.

So while Surjit Singh Batra and Tejender Singh Walia of the Bara Sikh Sangat sat riveted, youngsters like Amanbir Singh Makhni, an event manager and Class-XII student Meherpreet Kaur Soni compared their childhood history lessons and had flashbacks.

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, the general secretary of Behala Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, was instrumental in the film’s release. He said: “Our heroes lived for real, fought for real and had no super powers except for unflinching courage and devotion”.

Subhasis Ganguli, Inox regional director, said: “When we had a sellout week, we had a proper release. Then the block bookings started.”

Kamal Gianchandani, president of PVR Pictures, said: “Kolkata being a hub of intellect was open to the film and we received a great response.”

Source – Times of India

Sydney based Swamy Army, the widest reaching Indian sports fan club in the world, paid respect to Phillip Hughes by bidding him farewell in their tradition way of “Antim Ardas”. Antim Ardas is the prayer recited during the final rites of a Sikh person. It forms the conclusion part of the rituals held during a cremation. It provides spiritual support and consolation to the family members of the deceased person and blessings for the departed soul are prayed upon.

On Sunday, 7th December, a group of Sikhs performed Gurbani Kirtan followed by Antim Ardas(Last Prayer) to pay their respect and bid farewell to Australian Cricketer who recently died of head Injury.

In Sikhism death is considered a natural process; an absolute certainty – an event that will happen sooner or later – an event that is guaranteed to take place; and only happens when the Almighty commands and never otherwise – as a direct result of God’s Will or Hukam. To a Sikh, birth and death are closely associated, because they are both part of the cycle of human life of “coming and going” which is seen as transient stage towards Liberation, complete unity with God. Sikhs thus believe in reincarnation.

~ Source: Wow News – Youtube

Jagjit Singh was sworn into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a reserves officer. He is the first Sikh ever to be sworn into the department with full beard and turban. He is one of the most professionally trained and duly sworn law enforcement personnel.

An electrical engineer by profession, Mr. Singh represents a large community of Sikhs worldwide, including the Sikh community in Los Angeles County who are very supportive and involved in their communities.

Members of the Los Angeles area Sikh community looked on with pride, as Jagjit Singh pioneered the way for Sikhs in California and across the nation, to begin serving in law enforcement agencies.

Jagjit’s graduation is the result of about a year and a half of hard work by a four-member committee of the California Sikh Council and top brass from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. It welcomes the beginning of a new realm of opportunity for Sikhs to serve the community.

This is the first time in the history of the Sikh community in America that Sikhs have been invited to serve in law enforcement and for that we owe a great deal to the true sense of openness, equality and community service of Sheriff Leroy D. Baca.

Mr. Singh joined one of the largest Reserve Programs in California. Reserve Deputy Sheriffs represent expertise and experience in a variety of professions helping to augment the many facets of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“Sikhs are warriors. We always have volunteered ourselves into law enforcement, Army, anything you can think of,” said Jagjit Singh, an observant Sikh and a reserve deputy sheriff in Los Angeles County who says he fought for the right to wear articles of faith on the job.

Like & Share to the Sikhs are who are WARRIORS in a true sense!

~ Source: Facebook.com