Providing an opportunity for devotees to cover all the Panj Sikh Takths at one stretch, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) will run the special ‘Panj Takht Train’ from local railway station on April 18.

The train will cover five takhts of Sikh religion, including Hazur Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Patna Sahib Gurdwara in Patna, Gurdwara Damdama Sahib in Bathinda, Harminder Sahib in Amritsar and at last Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara at Anandpur Sahib. The train will return to Chandigarh on April 28.

Besides Chandigarh, the train can be boarded from SAS Nagar, New Morinda, Sirhind, Rajpura, Patiala, Dhuri, Bathinda and Delhi Safdurjung.

Deboarding is allowed at Delhi Safudujung, SAS Nagar and Chandigarh and other places on the return journey as desired by the passengers.

IRCTC’s chief regional manager RK Sondh here at the regional office in Sector 34 said the journey would be in sleeper-class coaches and passengers would be given both on-board and off-board catering services, including morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner.

Arrangements shall also be made for accommodation of all the passengers at respective Takht Sahibs. Transportation, security and housekeeping facilities will also be taken care off.

“The package cost for the trip is 9,072 per person inclusive of all taxes.

Booking could be done through our online booking portal www.railtourismindia.com. Counter booking options were also available
through our regional office in Sector 34, Chandigarh.”

IRCTC has also planned to run ‘Teen Takht Train’ on April 18 from Chandigarh, covering three takhts, including Hazur Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Patna Sahib Gurdwara in Patna and Gurdwara Damdama Sahib at Bathinda.

Bookings are open for this train also. The train will return to Chandigarh on April 26. The package of the trip is 7,422 per person including taxes.

~ Source: http://www.yespunjab.com/

FROM – 7:00 am Pacific Standard Time Onwards
On – Sunday, April 13,2014

The Sikh Community of Southern California will be celebrating Vaisakhi 2014’s Kirtan Darbar and Nagar Kirtan on Sunday, April 13th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. in downtown Los Angeles.

The region is home to one of the largest populations of Sikhs in the United States. Sadh Sangat from more than 24 Gurdwaras in Southern and Central California will come together on this momentous occasion to honor the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the establishment of Panth Khalsa.

*The global sangat is invited to participate in the Los Angeles Vaisakhi celebration via a live-stream broadcast on SikhNet.com. Tune in below beginning approximately 7:00 am Pacific Standard Time on Sunday, April 13.*

The main celebration of the Kirtan Darbar and Nagar Kirtan will begin at Guru Ram Das Ashram, West Los Angeles, with Asa di Var Kirtan, by Bhai Jaswant Singh Ji and Jatha from 4-6 am. Following that there will be a special Police Motorcycle caravan and escort of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to the Convention Center at 6:45 am. The Kirtan Darbar begins at 7:15 am
and continues through 2 pm.

At 12:15 pm a special presentation by various guest and honorees will take place. Special guests include U. S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Co-Chair of the Congressional Sikh Caucus.

Many fantastic children’s Jathas from the various Gurbani Kirtan schools around the area will play Kirtan, and some of the best Ragi Jathas in the world from all over Southern California will inspire the Sadh Sangat with their Kirtan. Guru ka Langar will be served throughout the day, and everyone will enjoy shopping in the Vaisakhi Bazaar.

The Nagar Kirtan begins at 2 pm and will traverse a wide circle through the streets of Los Angeles between 2 pm and 3:30 pm. The Guru’s float is extraordinary!

The weekend festivities include Amrit Sanchar on Friday, April 11th at Guru Ram Das Ashram in Los Angeles, where Sikhs will be given the Amrit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in the spirit of Khalsa. All day, 8 am – 6 pm Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th Setup and Decoration seva will be taking place at the Diwan Hall, Concourse Hall at the Convention Center. Additionally, Friday night and Saturday, there will be float decorating for the Nagar Kirtan at Khalsa Care Foundation in Pacoima, CA. Langar
Preparation seva will take place at Guru Ram Das Ashram and Khalsa Peace Corps next door at 1618 Preuss Rd, Los Angeles, starting at 10 am through 10 pm on Saturday the 12th.

~ Jagpal S Tiwana
~ Toronto, Canada

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A reception was held to celebrate Vaisakhi at 10 Downing Street recently.

The Prime Minister David Cameron hosted the event and praised the contribution of Sikhs to Britain.

He said he was very proud to to be the first Prime Minister to hold regular annual Vaisakhi parties at Downing Street.

He told the audience, “Now, there’s really two parts to tonight. Part is celebrating Sikhism and celebrating your faith and all your faith brings to you as people and to our country. But second is celebrating the immense contribution that Sikhs have made to Britain over what is now 160 years.

“That is when the first Sikh arrived, Maharaja Duleep Singh, who were – whose children actually had Queen Victoria as their godmother.” 

“British Sikhs have been an absolute model in terms of integrating into our communities and playing a role in our communities; whether it is in our armed forces, whether it is serving in government, whether it is working in business, whether it is representing us brilliantly on the cricket field, there’s hardly an area of natural life where British Sikhs haven’t made a huge impact.

“But I believe as well as integrate, it’s very important in a tolerant, diverse and compassionate nation that we allow different faith and religious groups to keep separate to them what they think is really important about their faith.

“And I hope you will agree this government has always tried to do that. For instance, we stopped the unnecessary searching of turbans at airports, something we’re proud to do. 

“And today I can announce – today I can announce that while there has always been for someone – there has been for some time an exception that mean Sikhs don’t have to wear hard hats on construction sites, I can announce today that from now on Sikhs will not have to wear hard hats at any places of work http://www.asianimage.co.uk/jobs in our country, and I think that is an important recognition.

“I also understand the importance of all the sacred places that British Sikhs have established, obviously here in our country where your gurdwaras are places of worship, places of education, places of great community cohesion, but I also understand the importance of sacred places on other side – on the other side of the world.”

He said he would never forget the visit he made to Amritsar and to the Golden Temple.

“I spoke about it last year as one of the most peaceful and tranquil and beautiful places I’ve ever had the honour and privilege to visit.

“I know how much hurt and pain there still is in the Sikh community worldwide about what happened at the Golden Temple, and that is why as soon as that information came out about what had happened I immediately ordered that inquiry and published that inquiry properly so that people could see whether there was any British role.

“But I understand the pain and the hurt that that whole episode has caused, but what I would say to you is that it’s so important we all demonstrate our understanding of the importance of Amritsar, the importance of the Golden Temple, to your faith.”
There was a special mention of the contribution of Sikhs during the World Wars.

“This year, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War, it is also perhaps worth saying something specific about how British Sikhs have served in our armed forces with so much devotion, bravery and courage over so many years.
“We must be teaching our children in the year to come about the role that the 1.2 million soldiers from the Indian subcontinent played in the First World War.

“Stories like the story of Manta Singh, who fought at The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, that massive battle on the Western Front in 1915, and when his English colleague was wounded alongside him, he picked him up, carried him, took him to the dressing station while being wounded himself, and then sadly, tragically died afterwards.

“Stories of heroism, stories of valour; the Sikhs have always had this extraordinary courage and bravery, and it’s been demonstrated so often in the British Armed Forces.”

~ Jagpal S Tiwana
~ Toronto, Canada

Source: http://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/

LAHORE: A delegation of thousands of Sikh pilgrims arrived in Lahore via Wagah Border from Amritsar, India on Thursday to celebrate this year’s Baisakhi Festival which marks the time of harvest of rabi crops in Indian and Pakistani Punjab.

The Sikh pilgrims were greeted at the Wagah Railway Station by officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) which had prepared floral garlands for the occasion. According to ETPB chairman Muhammad Ilyas Khan, security and adequate administrative arrangements had been made prior to their arrival in the city.

ETPB Public Relations Officer Amir Hashmi told The News that Additional Secretary (shrines) Khalid Ali had supervised the Sikh pilgrims’ housing, travel, medical and langar (food) arrangements. Rangers have also been involved in the provision of security to the pilgrims in addition to Railway Police.

The pilgrims soon after arriving in Lahore by train departed via a special train arranged by ETPB for Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Hassanabdal. Gurdwara Punja Sahib is one of the holiest places of Sikh worship due to the presence of a rock claimed to have a hand print of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism who was born in the village known as Nankana Sahib near Lahore.

Talking to The News, leader of the delegation Harpreet Singh said he was happy and honored to be back in his birthplace and in the cultural heartland of Punjab. He thanked the ETPB officers for their warm reception and expressed goodwill towards his brethren in Pakistan.

On Saturday (tomorrow), the Sikh pilgrims will participate in different religious ceremonies and rituals at Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Hassanabdal. Thereafter, on April 14, another ceremony honoring the ten Gurus of Sikhism will be held at the Gurdwara.

A special train will then transport the Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Nankana Sahib. According to the schedule provided by ETPB, the delegation on April 15 will travel to Gurdwara Sucha Sauda Sahib, Farooqabad.

After completing their rites, they will travel to Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore on April 16. They will also visit Gurdwara Aimanabad and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Narowal District.

Sikh delegation visiting from Amritsar will conclude their trip at Dera Sahib Gurdwara Lahore on April 18. The next day, on April 19, the entire delegation will return via train to India.

Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/

Waris Ahluwalia is the type of handsome multihyphenate – House of Waris jewellery designer, creative collaborator, occasional actor and model – that everyone wants at their party. Beyond his social-fixture status, he aligns himself with philanthropic initiatives. His latest is a friendship bracelet for ALDO’s #FriendsFight campaign, launching today. Proceeds from sales of the $5 piece benefit Partners in Health’s HIV/AIDS initiatives. Ahluwalia spoke with Amy Verner on the phone from New York.

Do you think that what we wear can be an effective way to support a cause?

Supporting causes with whatever we do can be effective. My general philosophy is that you can make a difference doing what you normally do in your everyday life. You don’t have to become Mother Teresa to make an impact in the world. But nothing can be achieved if, at the very least, we are not talking about it.

How did the ALDO collaboration begin?

It began quite simply with a phone call about the project and the AFA (ALDO Fights AIDS) campaign. I had seen the previous work in 2005, so I was familiar with the initiative. I was happy to hear it was re-launching and there would be time, energy and money spent on the campaign.

What’s the significance of the bracelet’s arrow charm?

The arrow represents the symbol of truth and justice and the idea of forward movement and of breaking walls and boundaries as a way to create change. These days, people drink juice more expensive than this bracelet. There’s no reason not to be wearing it. And that was the initial conversation roughly two years ago – the idea of [something] being so accessible that there is no barrier to entry. The only way you can make change is if you do it together. It’s not something you can do alone.

You’ve already explored friendship when, to promote one of your jewellery collections last year, you recruited friends to produce a series of short films titled You’re My Boo.

I’m just repeating the same message over and over again in a number of ways. It’s about humanity, it’s about collaborations and about moving forward together and changing history. My friends are a huge part of my inspiration. What also came to mind were the 1960s protest marches where people would stand side-byside for what– ever cause. It’s not about race, colour, creed, sexuality.

Is AIDS no longer top of mind?

I think AIDS had its moment in the eighties. But it’s not over. And by not talking about it, we’re creating a very dangerous situation where people don’t realize the problem, right? It was in the media before and that’s how the numbers went down. But if we’re not talking about it, then the numbers go up. That’s why I think it’s important that ALDO is back on the mission.

Do you think your name adds cachet to brands you align with?

Well, I don’t know. I do believe in standing for something more than just a product. And my mission [has become] more and more apparent: to create thoughtful living. If [I] find partners who believe in that, that’s amazing.

You have also been working with Holt Renfrew’s Alexandra Weston on H Project, a collection of fair-trade, artisan-crafted products. You’re being courted by the Canadians!

Yes, I’m having a real Canada moment – or about to. The H Project is about the same message; creating a dialogue is the only way we can impact change. It’s not about a dialogue with yourself. It starts with your most intimate relations and friends.

Which colour bracelet do you plan to wear?

I plan on wearing them all – I like a little bit of colour – that is, if I can find four friends to give them to me.

Courtesy ~

AMY VERNER
The Globe and Mail

SAP has announced the appointment of Ravi Chauhan as Managing Director for SAP India, further strengthening the senior management team of SAP Asia Pacific Japan. Effective immediately, Ravi will be responsible for driving SAP India’s growth strategy and operations across the country. Based in Bangalore, Ravi Chauhan reports directly to Adaire Fox-Martin, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan.

“As a technology hub and with its vast network of enterprises, entrepreneurs and users, India is undoubtedly a key market for SAP in the region and globally,” said Adaire Fox-Martin, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan. “We are confident that Ravi brings the right set of skills and experience to lead SAP India to continued success, as we increasingly address the needs of India’s rising millennial workforce.”

Ravi Chauhan brings close to three decades of wide-ranging IT industry and management experience to SAP, with a track record of increasing market share, winning key customers and leading effective teams. Chauhan joins SAP after four years at Juniper Networks, where he last served as Managing Director, India and South Asia. From 2000 to 2009, Ravi held leadership roles at Nortel Networks such as General Manager (Global), Contact Center and Unified Communications Software; Managing Director, India; and Vice President, Enterprise Business, India.

~ Source: www.cioandleader.com

A local community group is launching a free hot curry service for vulnerable people in Bedford.

The Bedford Langar Project will launch its first curry night on Saturday, April 6, 2014 at 6pm in Pigeon Square. Langar is the Sikh term for kitchen. The service is run by volunteers from the Akaal Seva group which aims to improve the quality of life for Bedford people.

The Sikh community is supporting the project. The group is working in partnership with Bedfords three gurdwaras, and housing charity Bedfordshire Housing Link. The Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Queens Park, Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Amphtill Road, and Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara, Kempston are taking food donations, making the vegetarian curries, and providing storage facilities.

Ravi Gill, 36, Akaal Seva member from Bedford, said,” I do a lot of volunteering with the homeless of Bedfordshire anyway. I’d been talking to them for a while. They love curry, absolutely love curry, but they don’t really get it. The project is a combination of the Sikh concept of seva selfless service aimed at improving the community, and a soup run.”

He added [said], “The people that need it get a warm meal. Families who can’t afford to have a night out, or people who want a takeaway can come, and we can give them a takeaway.”

Bedfordshire Housing Link will provide drinks, and a bus with a kitchen facility for the day. The charity provides supported accommodation for single homeless, and other vulnerable people, they also provide education, and training services.

Janet Prince, CEO of Bedfordshire Housing Link said homelessness in Bedford is increasing, and added, “We’re doing the best that we can to support individuals, because we have accommodation, we support single homeless people to work towards independence, that’s where the Langar Project came on board with us, because their aim is the same. We’re all doing a wonderful job. There are so many people in need out there, not just single, but families of all sorts.”

The meals service will continue to run once a month, the group hopes to expand to twice a month, then weekly.

Originally published by bedfordtoday.co.uk

Sikhs in the UK will be exempted from wearing hard hats at construction sites, British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.

“From now on Sikhs don’t have to wear hard hats at construction sites in our country,” Cameron said last night at a Vaisakhi reception he hosted at 10, Downing Street.

“We have already stopped searching of turbans in the UK,” he said, describing British Sikhs as “absolute role models in integrating with the British society.”

Construction sites are considered to be one of the most dangerous workplaces and hard hats are worn as a precautionary measure.

Recalling his visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Cameron said, “I will never forget my visit to Amritsar and the peace and tranquility I experienced there.”

“I know how much pain there was after the Blue Star Operation (in 1984).”

He said he wanted adequate representation of Sikhs “everywhere" – including the Army and Judiciary.

He said, “this year marks the 160 years since the first Sikh arrived in Britain. Since then, the story of British Sikhs has been one of success – of many thousands of people making a positive contribution in so many ways.

“From the Sikh entrepreneurs and small businesses who are creating jobs, to the business leaders who are helping to boost overseas trade, from the hardworking families who are getting on in life, to the sportsmen and women who do our country proud. Sikhs are a key part of our island story.” to help us personalise your reading experience.

He said, “As we celebrate the Sikhs contribution to Britain today, let’s also reflect on what their ancestors did for this nation in the past. A hundred years ago, well over 1.2 million men from India many of them Sikhs, fought alongside Britain the First World War.Many fought and fell for the freedom we enjoy today and we must never forget that.”

India’s High Commissioner to the UK Ranjan Mathai,leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, Lord Navnit Dholakia, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and Dr Rami Ranger, winner of record five Queens’ awards for exports were among those who attended the function.

~ Jagpal S Tiwana
~ Toronto, Canada