Two men named Phiria and Katara from the neighbourhood of Dihli having heard of Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj’s fame, visited him at Goindwal, and performed for him assiduous service. Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj, being very pleased, one day said to them, ‘You have obtained full knowledge of my religion, and you may now return to your own country to preach there the true Name and lead souls to salvation.’

They represented, ‘O true king, our beloved Guru Ji, the inhabitants of our country are followers of Jogis who split their ears. The Jogis deceive them by incanta­tions and spells, and consequently the people know nothing of devotion, the Guru’s hymns, or divine knowledge. They worship cemeteries and cremation grounds, are averse from true religion, and none but the true Guru himself can save them.

Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj replied,’ Go utter Waheguru, teach every one you meet the virtues of the True name, and put people on the Guru’s way.’

Phiria and Katara again repre­sented: ‘Such is the power of the Jogis, that simple men like us may not withstand them. Without the special power of the Guru how can the True name be proclaimed among such persons?’

Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj replied, ‘The Creator will be with you ; your word-shall penetrate their hearts; and their impious efforts shall not prevail against you. From the sleep of ignorance men shall awake to divine knowledge Grant them the gift of the Name, cause them to utter Waheguru and walk in the path shown by the Guru.’

Having received these commands and their beloved Guru Ji’s blessing, and meditated on the Immortal Being in their hearts, Phiria and Katara returned to their own country. On arriving there they proceeded to a Jogis’ monastery. The Jogis, on seeing their face; beaming with the light shed on them by Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj, fled like deer on seeing a tiger.

Phiria and Katara then converted the monastery into a temple. People assembled in crowds, and asked where these very mighty men had come, who had dared violate the sanc­tuary of Gorakhnath, and before whom the priests of the Jogis had fled. A crowd of people came to create a disturbance, but, on hearing Phiria and Katara sing the Guru’s hymns, their hard hearts so melted that they sought the Sikhs’ protection, and with all due ceremonies embraced the Sikh religion, and began to worship the one immortal Akal Purakh. All their desires spiritual and temporal, were then fulfilled.

Two men named Phiria and Katara from the neighbourhood of Dihli having heard of Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj’s fame, visited him at Goindwal, and performed for him assiduous service. Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj, being very pleased, one day said to them, ‘You have obtained full knowledge of my religion, and you may now return to your own country to preach there the true Name and lead souls to salvation.’

They represented, ‘O true king, our beloved Guru Ji, the inhabitants of our country are followers of Jogis who split their ears. The Jogis deceive them by incanta­tions and spells, and consequently the people know nothing of devotion, the Guru’s hymns, or divine knowledge. They worship cemeteries and cremation grounds, are averse from true religion, and none but the true Guru himself can save them.

Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj replied,’ Go utter Waheguru, teach every one you meet the virtues of the True name, and put people on the Guru’s way.’

Phiria and Katara again repre­sented: ‘Such is the power of the Jogis, that simple men like us may not withstand them. Without the special power of the Guru how can the True name be proclaimed among such persons?’

Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj replied, ‘The Creator will be with you ; your word-shall penetrate their hearts; and their impious efforts shall not prevail against you. From the sleep of ignorance men shall awake to divine knowledge Grant them the gift of the Name, cause them to utter Waheguru and walk in the path shown by the Guru.’

Having received these commands and their beloved Guru Ji’s blessing, and meditated on the Immortal Being in their hearts, Phiria and Katara returned to their own country. On arriving there they proceeded to a Jogis’ monastery. The Jogis, on seeing their face; beaming with the light shed on them by Satguru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji Maharaj, fled like deer on seeing a tiger.

Phiria and Katara then converted the monastery into a temple. People assembled in crowds, and asked where these very mighty men had come, who had dared violate the sanc­tuary of Gorakhnath, and before whom the priests of the Jogis had fled. A crowd of people came to create a disturbance, but, on hearing Phiria and Katara sing the Guru’s hymns, their hard hearts so melted that they sought the Sikhs’ protection, and with all due ceremonies embraced the Sikh religion, and began to worship the one immortal Akal Purakh. All their desires spiritual and temporal, were then fulfilled.

Big respect to Great Grandfather Sardar Ishar Singh VC. Time of his funeral in India guns were saluted in the air. People came all over the world to attend.

Ishar Singh was the first Sikh soldier to win the VC. He was born at Nenwan in the Punjab 30 Dec 1895. The 28th had been sent to the tribal territory of Waziristan in April 1921 to help deal with the Mahsuds, the most warlike of the Wazirs, inhabiting the central region.

Ishar Singh was a sepoy at the time and his convoy was moving along the Haidari-Shakan road with an advance guard. The hills on either side of the road were barely visible because of a dust storm. The advance guard came under heavy fire from a 100 strong party of Mahsuds lying in wait close to the road. They were wiped out and Ishar brought his Lewis gun to bear on the enemy but almost immediately received a very severe wound in the chest. In the hand-to-hand fighting, all the officers and NCOs were killed or wounded and his Lewis gun seized. Calling up two other men, he got up, charged the enemy and recovered his gun although bleeding profusely, and got the gun into action again.

A Jemadar ordered Ishar to go back and have his wound dressed, which he decided to postpone until he had helped the medical officer find other wounded men and fetch water for them from the river. At one point he picked up a rifle and helped keep down the enemy fire and at another point he shielded the medical officer while he tended a sick man. After three hours of this he was forced to submit to medical treatment through loss of blood. His conduct inspired all who saw him.

Ishar received his award from the Prince of Wales at Rawalpindi in March 1922. He was flown to London with VIP status in 1929 for a big VC dinner and to take part in three days of parades and ceremonies. He returned to India by sea but was back in England again in 1936 as one of the King’s Indian Orderly Officers when the above photo was taken. At this time he was a Subadar and the 28th had become the 4th battalion of the 15th Punjab Regiment wearing a scarlet tunic with buff facings. His medals can be seen here.

He served in WW2 and reached the rank of captain (see Photo taken in 1953). He was very proud that two other members of 4/15th won the VC in the war.

Along with the Victoria Cross, and other medals the British awarded him, he was also given 75 Acres of land for farming purposes and provided with a large house. The British authorities also built a road that went up to his village and even built a school for the village.

Unfortunately, his medals are no longer held by his family and are now in a private collection. He died on 2nd December 1963.

Big respect to Great Grandfather Sardar Ishar Singh VC. Time of his funeral in India guns were saluted in the air. People came all over the world to attend.

Ishar Singh was the first Sikh soldier to win the VC. He was born at Nenwan in the Punjab 30 Dec 1895. The 28th had been sent to the tribal territory of Waziristan in April 1921 to help deal with the Mahsuds, the most warlike of the Wazirs, inhabiting the central region.

Ishar Singh was a sepoy at the time and his convoy was moving along the Haidari-Shakan road with an advance guard. The hills on either side of the road were barely visible because of a dust storm. The advance guard came under heavy fire from a 100 strong party of Mahsuds lying in wait close to the road. They were wiped out and Ishar brought his Lewis gun to bear on the enemy but almost immediately received a very severe wound in the chest. In the hand-to-hand fighting, all the officers and NCOs were killed or wounded and his Lewis gun seized. Calling up two other men, he got up, charged the enemy and recovered his gun although bleeding profusely, and got the gun into action again.

A Jemadar ordered Ishar to go back and have his wound dressed, which he decided to postpone until he had helped the medical officer find other wounded men and fetch water for them from the river. At one point he picked up a rifle and helped keep down the enemy fire and at another point he shielded the medical officer while he tended a sick man. After three hours of this he was forced to submit to medical treatment through loss of blood. His conduct inspired all who saw him.

Ishar received his award from the Prince of Wales at Rawalpindi in March 1922. He was flown to London with VIP status in 1929 for a big VC dinner and to take part in three days of parades and ceremonies. He returned to India by sea but was back in England again in 1936 as one of the King’s Indian Orderly Officers when the above photo was taken. At this time he was a Subadar and the 28th had become the 4th battalion of the 15th Punjab Regiment wearing a scarlet tunic with buff facings. His medals can be seen here.

He served in WW2 and reached the rank of captain (see Photo taken in 1953). He was very proud that two other members of 4/15th won the VC in the war.

Along with the Victoria Cross, and other medals the British awarded him, he was also given 75 Acres of land for farming purposes and provided with a large house. The British authorities also built a road that went up to his village and even built a school for the village.

Unfortunately, his medals are no longer held by his family and are now in a private collection. He died on 2nd December 1963.

A week after a Sikhs’ holy book was desecrated in the US, a similar incident has been reported in the UK. According to reports, the sacrilege incident happened in Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara, Bradford, UK.

Talking to TOI over phone from the UK on Wednesday, Sewa Singh Lalli, a member, board of jathedars, Sikh Council, said CCTV footage of the gurdwara showed that an Asian man wearing a turban got out of the van, looked around and threw ‘saroop’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib over the gurdwara fence.

He said despite being wrapped, the saroop was damaged as it was lying outside in the rain all night.

Claiming that the incident was a clear disrespect to ‘saroop’, Lalli said, “We believe whoever has committed this disgusting act has done so with the clear and direct intent to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.”

He said the CCTV footage also showed that a vehicle was used in the crime, but the number plate and the face of the individual driving it were not visible.

“Police are also studying all CCTV cameras in the area for further clues and track the vehicle and its driver,” he said adding that meeting was held between the gurdwara committee and police to get more clues that would assist in resolving the case.

Lalli said, “Sikh Council, UK, will continue to liaise with all parties to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice.”

He added that they had also requested calm and solidarity by members of the Sikh community.

A week after a Sikhs’ holy book was desecrated in the US, a similar incident has been reported in the UK. According to reports, the sacrilege incident happened in Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara, Bradford, UK.

Talking to TOI over phone from the UK on Wednesday, Sewa Singh Lalli, a member, board of jathedars, Sikh Council, said CCTV footage of the gurdwara showed that an Asian man wearing a turban got out of the van, looked around and threw ‘saroop’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib over the gurdwara fence.

He said despite being wrapped, the saroop was damaged as it was lying outside in the rain all night.

Claiming that the incident was a clear disrespect to ‘saroop’, Lalli said, “We believe whoever has committed this disgusting act has done so with the clear and direct intent to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.”

He said the CCTV footage also showed that a vehicle was used in the crime, but the number plate and the face of the individual driving it were not visible.

“Police are also studying all CCTV cameras in the area for further clues and track the vehicle and its driver,” he said adding that meeting was held between the gurdwara committee and police to get more clues that would assist in resolving the case.

Lalli said, “Sikh Council, UK, will continue to liaise with all parties to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice.”

He added that they had also requested calm and solidarity by members of the Sikh community.

Seva (selfless service) and Sarbat da Bhala (blessings for everyone) are the basic principles of this Project. Rendering Seva for the benefit of others in distress irrespective of cast, creed and religion expands horizons, builds positive visibility and awareness of the Sikh faith. Based on these principles of Sikhism, FREE SERVICE is being provided to the poorest of the poor for the last eleven years by this charitable Ashram.

BUILDING OF ASHRAM: Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram is a non-profit and non-political charity registered in August 2005. Langar, shelter, and nursing care is provided to all persons FREE OF COST living in the Ashram. Dr. Naurang Singh Mangat, founder of Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram, purchased land near village Sarabha of district Ludhiana, Punjab and started with kerosene lamp (for light) and kerosene stove (for cooking) in a mudroom, and built a well-equipped Ashram for the needy. Since 2011, nearly 100 needy people have been admitted to the Ashram, with more than 30 living in the Ashram permanently. After treatment, many have been rehabilitated and able to find their footing again in life. The number of patients arriving at the Ashram is increasing every month. They belong to different religions from different states of India. Most of the patients are either mentally challenged who cannot reveal their whereabouts or they are old, disabled, blind, paralysed, bedridden, or critically sick.

Dr. Mangat (118K)THE FOUNDER OF THE ASHRAM: Dr. Naurang Singh Mangat was born in village Jatana near Doraha (Punjab). He is a former Professor and Scientist of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, University of Windsor (Canada), and Morrison Scientific Inc. Calgary (Canada) and a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society of London (UK). Dr. Mangat has published more than 60 research papers in Statistics and related fields in world famous journals and co-authored the internationally used textbook “Elements of Survey Sampling” published by Kluwer Academic Publishers based in Dordrecht (Netherlands), London (UK) and Boston (USA); now owned by Springer -Verlag Publishers of Germany.

THE BEGINNING OF SEVA: Dr. Mangat personally supported education of hundreds of underprivileged students in Punjab during his working days. He sacrificed comforts of Canada and returned to India in 2005 to look after the homeless, terminally ill, disabled, and mentally challenged persons lying on the roadsides and at other public places in Punjab. For many years he pedaled his bicycle on the roads of Ludhiana city and saved the lives of homeless disabled individuals who were crying for help. Dr. Mangat ensured their safe transport to the hospital, paid for their treatment expenses, and stayed near their bedside to look after them. Once they were given treatment, these individuals had nowhere else to go; Dr. Mangat was left to leave them on the roadside again after they were discharged from the hospital. Thus, Dr. Mangat, with the help of Guru Sangat, opened a free Shelter and nursing home called “Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram” for the destitute and disabled.

DAILY SEVA: Daily seva begins with prayer in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Ashram is equipped with solar power, security cameras, and sound system. The whole property is in the name of the Charity. Dr. Mangat and other Board Members care for these patients as volunteers. Peaceful, inspiring and unpolluted environment at the Ashram make a long term difference for these patients.

EVERYTHING FREE OF COST: All patients living in the Ashram are provided food, clothes, medical treatment, nursing care and other necessities of life FREE OF COST. A doctor on site examines them regularly. Those who can answer the call of nature at their own are kept in the two halls inside the main building. The bedridden and mentally challenged patients unable to answer the call of nature at their own are kept in the shed (outside the main building) where there is adequate crossing of fresh air. On completion of two more floors, the Ashram will be catering to hundreds of such needy people in the future.

Seva (selfless service) and Sarbat da Bhala (blessings for everyone) are the basic principles of this Project. Rendering Seva for the benefit of others in distress irrespective of cast, creed and religion expands horizons, builds positive visibility and awareness of the Sikh faith. Based on these principles of Sikhism, FREE SERVICE is being provided to the poorest of the poor for the last eleven years by this charitable Ashram.

BUILDING OF ASHRAM: Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram is a non-profit and non-political charity registered in August 2005. Langar, shelter, and nursing care is provided to all persons FREE OF COST living in the Ashram. Dr. Naurang Singh Mangat, founder of Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram, purchased land near village Sarabha of district Ludhiana, Punjab and started with kerosene lamp (for light) and kerosene stove (for cooking) in a mudroom, and built a well-equipped Ashram for the needy. Since 2011, nearly 100 needy people have been admitted to the Ashram, with more than 30 living in the Ashram permanently. After treatment, many have been rehabilitated and able to find their footing again in life. The number of patients arriving at the Ashram is increasing every month. They belong to different religions from different states of India. Most of the patients are either mentally challenged who cannot reveal their whereabouts or they are old, disabled, blind, paralysed, bedridden, or critically sick.

Dr. Mangat (118K)THE FOUNDER OF THE ASHRAM: Dr. Naurang Singh Mangat was born in village Jatana near Doraha (Punjab). He is a former Professor and Scientist of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, University of Windsor (Canada), and Morrison Scientific Inc. Calgary (Canada) and a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society of London (UK). Dr. Mangat has published more than 60 research papers in Statistics and related fields in world famous journals and co-authored the internationally used textbook “Elements of Survey Sampling” published by Kluwer Academic Publishers based in Dordrecht (Netherlands), London (UK) and Boston (USA); now owned by Springer -Verlag Publishers of Germany.

THE BEGINNING OF SEVA: Dr. Mangat personally supported education of hundreds of underprivileged students in Punjab during his working days. He sacrificed comforts of Canada and returned to India in 2005 to look after the homeless, terminally ill, disabled, and mentally challenged persons lying on the roadsides and at other public places in Punjab. For many years he pedaled his bicycle on the roads of Ludhiana city and saved the lives of homeless disabled individuals who were crying for help. Dr. Mangat ensured their safe transport to the hospital, paid for their treatment expenses, and stayed near their bedside to look after them. Once they were given treatment, these individuals had nowhere else to go; Dr. Mangat was left to leave them on the roadside again after they were discharged from the hospital. Thus, Dr. Mangat, with the help of Guru Sangat, opened a free Shelter and nursing home called “Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram” for the destitute and disabled.

DAILY SEVA: Daily seva begins with prayer in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Ashram is equipped with solar power, security cameras, and sound system. The whole property is in the name of the Charity. Dr. Mangat and other Board Members care for these patients as volunteers. Peaceful, inspiring and unpolluted environment at the Ashram make a long term difference for these patients.

EVERYTHING FREE OF COST: All patients living in the Ashram are provided food, clothes, medical treatment, nursing care and other necessities of life FREE OF COST. A doctor on site examines them regularly. Those who can answer the call of nature at their own are kept in the two halls inside the main building. The bedridden and mentally challenged patients unable to answer the call of nature at their own are kept in the shed (outside the main building) where there is adequate crossing of fresh air. On completion of two more floors, the Ashram will be catering to hundreds of such needy people in the future.