The 6th annual Kalgidhar Society fundraiser took place on Saturday May 23th at Surrey’s Grand Taj Banquet Hall.

This yearly event has quickly become a must-attend event for hundred of British Columbians with many of them marking their calendars well in advance in anticipation.

2015 master of ceremony Rina Kaur Chawla led an energy filled night with many enthusiastic moments. The night was kicked of with an emotionally charged rendition of Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ehe, performed by the students of Akal Academy Surrey.

Kiran Kaur Saluja followed up with the official welcome speech to officially kick off the 2015 event!

Though the honorable Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, President of The Kalgidhar Society Baru Sahib, could not attend the event in person, he did prepare a special message for the evening which was shared with all in attendance. Baba Ji took this opportunity to thank the countless volunteers who make the Kalgidhar Society successful and elaborated on the positive effects that the service has on people.

Although Baba Iqbal Singh Jis absence was noticeable, guest of honour Dr. Khem Singh Gill, former Vice Chancellor & Chairman of the Akal Acadamies gave a heart warming speech that seemed to touch the hearts of many of those in attendance. Dr. Gill related the service that Akal Academy to the fundamental foundations of Sikhism. Slide show presentation showing the transition of poverty striken children into smart affluent Sikhs really seemed to invigorate the volunteers and gala attendees, providing reassurance that the society was doing great work!

The focal point of the 2015 Gala was the new University being constructed by the Kalgidhar Society at historical place Sri Damdama Sahib Talwandi Sabo Punjab. Bhai Amandeep Singh from Baru Sahib provided a much anticipated update on the construction & informed the congregation that the Akal University Guru Kashi first phase (650,000 Sq. ft Building Area) has been completed, which was met with a loud ovation from the crowd!! Classes will start in July 2015 & construction of second phase will continue. Throughout the evening the Akal Academy Surrey students gave a number of high spirited performance which entertained those at the Grand Taj for this evening.

Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji shared the program Akal Academy Surrey has been providing to local Sikh Youth from last 7 years. Other guest speakers included Bhupinder Singh Senior Regional Manger Td Bank , Bhai Kulwinder Singh , Dr. Sarbjit Singh Virk Seattle.

The Akal Academy Surrey in conjunction with the Kalgidhar Society would like to thank SPONSORS, Donors, and Volunteers & Media for their kind contribution to the 2015 gala. Without their generosity, an event of this magnitude could not have been such a resounding success!!!

May the Temporal Seat now be also known for the ‘Seat of Learning’! May the most modern religion’s Inter-Faith message be spread across penetrating all borders and seeker hearts!

~ Avtar Singh
~ Canada, 28th May ’15

Finally, the Tenth Master’s bachan for ‘Guru ki Kashi’ is seeing its realization after 309 years. Akal University will begin its first Academic Session, this year in July. Dr Gurmail Singh is a blessed soul to have been chosen for such a noble task. Recently, he sought Baba Iqbal Singh ji’s blessings to undertake this precious task.

Dr Gurmail Singh has pursued his masters & PHD in Economics. He has been an eminent member of the Panjab University in Chandigarh. A current holder of various prestigious positions like member of various bodies of Guru Granth Sahib World Sikh Organizations, Coordinator Centre for Policy Research, Editor-in-Chief Research Journal Social Sciences, General Secretary to Punjab Developmental Society (registered body of academicians). He is Chairperson of Dept of Economics at the Panjab University. He also serves as a member in Board of Director, Eternal University, Baru Sahib.

He also holds a 27 Years Teaching/Research Experience with the organizations like, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh & SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University.

A consultant to the following Organizations: Planning Commission, UNO-International Labour Organization, UNO-Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific, Bangkok, Government of Punjab. Village Life Improvement Foundation, Canadian Based Foundation for Development of Punjab, UNO-World Food Programme, CRY and CARE International, Australian National University, Canberra, NABARD.

He has also been a part of various Selected Research Publications; Economic Liberalization and Indian Agriculture Understanding, North-West Indian Economy, Rural Development in Punjab, Impact Evaluation of the Village Life Improvement Projects in Punjab, Indian Agriculture: Development Experience of Four Decades, Impact of GATT on Punjab Agriculture.

He is also listed in ICSSR Research Pool. State wise List of Research Methodology Experts

We are honored and privileged to have such a versatile renowned personality as our respected Vice Chancellor.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 11th May ’15

Dedicated to Khalsa Sirjna Divas, “Vaisakhi”, The Kalgidhar Trust Baru Sahib and Akal University Guru Ki Kashi Talwandi Sabo, organized a three-day Gurmat Program at Gurdwara Bunga Mastuana Sahib, in which the students of Akal Academies participated.

During the program the students from different branches of Akal Academy including Bhadaur, Bilga, Chak Bhaike, Dayalpura Mirza, Rajia, Balbehra, Uddat Saidewal, Daula, Ratia, Sanga performed Shabad Kirtan, Dhadi Vaar. Lectures & poetry glorified the History of Khalsa Panth inspiring sangat to cherish the precious gift of Khalsa to Sikh Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. The students of Akal Academy Killi Nihal Singh Wala and Mehal Kalan showcased a spectacular display of Sikh Martial Arts (Gattka).

The students of Akal Academy Balbehra conducted an emotional play on ‘Jafarnama’ which moved the Sangat into tears.

On this occasion, “Chaar Sahibzade” movie was showcased on the big screen. Bhog of Shri Akhand Path and 10 paths of Shri Japuji Sahib at Akal University Guru Ki Kashi also done.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj blessed this place of Talwandi Sabo by the name “Guru Ki Kashi”, dedicated to which The Kalgidhar Society Baru Sahib constructed Akal University Guru Ki Kashi. Recently Punjab Cabinet approved Akal university and it is all set to welcome students this year.

Sikh Sangat was enthusiastically & eagerly waiting for the inauguration ceremony of the University. On the occasion of Vaisakhi, the students of Akal Academy Bhadaur detailed sadh sangat with various information regarding Akal University.

Sant Baba Chotta Singh ji, Baba Kaka Singh ji and Bunga Mastuana Sahib and Sangat were present on this event.

~ Harsimrat Kaur
~ Cheema Sahib, 18th April ’15

Guru Gobind Singh chose to rest at Talwandi Sabo after the battle of Muktsar and since he loosened his waist-band (Kamarkassa) at Talwandi Sabo, people started calling it Damdama Sahib – the resting place.

After the departure of Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji, when Dheer Mal, refused to handover the Adi Granth to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru with his spiritual insight got the entire Bani written by Bhai Mani Singh at Likhansar, Damdama Sahib, District Bhatinda. The Bani of the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur was added to it. Now, with its addition, Sri Guru Granth Sahib contained the pious verses of Six Gurus, 15 Bhagats, 11 Bhatts, 4 Gursikhs, and was set to 30 musical scales or Ragas. This unique homogeneous mix of god-lovers from different faiths was never attempted earlier and hence this can be actually called the fountain-head of Inter-Faith and Universal Brotherhood.

After staying for a around a year, before leaving to visit Sikh disciples in the Deccan, around 1706, the Tenth Master (Sikh Guru) Gobind Singh blessed Bhai Dalla’s Talwandi Sabo with four pious prophecies. The first was, while standing in the midst of desert like conditions; “water is flowing everywhere”. The next standing amongst dry bushes was that “lush green wheat fields are swaying in the breeze”. And finally standing amongst brown sun-dried pods he said “fruits are abloom here”. Taken aback, Bhai Dalla remarked that the Master was mistaken. Smiling at him Guru Gobind Singh said “Pity! you have no vision.” In one stroke during late 60’s, the Bhakra Nangal brought ample water to the dry area of Damdama Sahib and all three prophecies were realized.

The Tenth Master also blessed Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib), as Guru Ki Kashi – the Seat of Learning. Now this place is known better as Damdama Sahib after the Gurdwara became one of the five temporal Seats (Takhats) of the Sikh religion.

The Kalgidhar Society, Baru Sahib, which is better known as one of the very few Sikh organizations that focus on Value-based Education with its 129 schools for rural areas as an anti-dote for the social issues in malignant Punjab; through its head, Baba Iqbal Singh, 90 yrs chose to realize this unfulfilled prophecy of Guru Gobind Singh. Toiling, travelling across the world and plodding on dragging his frail body, Baba Iqbal Singh managed to enjoin thousands of supporters, volunteers, donors and well-wishers; across all countries who espoused for the noble cause.

We are fortunate that such a historic milestone has occurred during our lifetime and fortunate we are, for being a part of this great endeavor. The Punjab cabinet has given its approval to Akal University ‘Guru ki Kashi’ and finally the fourth prophecy after travelling across ethereal space, has seen the light of the day.

May the Temporal Seat now be also known for the ‘Seat of Learning’! May the most modern religion’s Inter-Faith message be spread across penetrating all borders and seeker hearts!

~ Tapasleen Kaur

Congratulations all our supporters, donors, volunteers (national & international) & well wishers who have been our pillars of success!

Under the Punjab Private Universities Policy-2010, the Cabinet approved the setting up of Akal University, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district to impart quality higher education.

This is a major milestone in realizing the Tenth Master’s vision after 309 years. Our journey of imparting quality higher education along with spreading the message of interfaith across the world! We express our hearty gratitude to all for being a part of this Divine Mission of Guru Gobind Singh Ji!

Only Blessed ones get a chance to Serve Guru Sahib. If we get one, then we must consider ourselves the chosen ones by Guru Sahib. A man’s true wealth is the good he does in the world and these acts go all the way, right up to their last breath.

The journey is a long one and this is only the completion of the first stage of Akal University. The organization looks forward to spreading the Inter-Faith Harmonious message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji; all across the world by translating the divine message in all foreign languages for efforts to bring permanent peace in this world.

God Bless! Dhan Sikhi! Dhan Khalsa!

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 17th Feb ’15

Last day of campaign at Naam Rus, young volunteers from Singapore geared up to motivate people about Akal University Guru ki Kashi. The seventh Naam Ras Kirtan Darbar saw people from all walks of life come together through a common platform – sewa (selfless service). In its 12th year, the event saw thousands from Singapore and the region congregate to participate in sewa.

Naam Ras 2014 witnessed leaders and representatives from the various racial and religious groups in Singapore attending to learn and understand more about the Sikh faith, values and practices.

The event received overwhelming response as Sangat attended the Kirtan Darbar in large numbers. From a historical exhibition on Sikh values and heritage to the melodious Sikh music (kirtan) and to top it all – a sumptuous vegetarian spread in the free kitchen, which is a hallmark of any Sikh congregation. The Samagam completed with ‘Amri Sanchaar’ and final Ardaas of all paths contributed by Sangat.

Events like such provides platform for unified religious activities in a multi-cultural country like Singapore and will also encourage more Kirtan Smagams like ‘Naam Ras Kirtan Darbar’ with the blessings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Sadhsangat. It is also a time for reflection and to look ahead at a new year of hope.

It is indeed remarkable that an event of such magnitude is dependent solely on volunteers. As a concept, it is almost utopian – regardless of their backgrounds, each individual is an equal contributor to the organization and success of the event.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 30th Dec ’14

This Gurdwara Sahib in memory of Baba Bir Singh and Baba Dhir Singh who offered themselves for the testing of Guru Sahib’s Gun.

Chaudhary Dalla, a devotee of Tenth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, used to talk about the bravery and loyalty of his soldiers with Guru Ji. Once Guru Ji asked him to provide two of his soldiers as targets to test a Muzzleloading Gun presented to him by Bhai Uday Singh Ji. When no one came forward, Guru Ji called upon two of his Singhs Bhai Bir Singh and Bhai Dhir Singh (Father and son respectively).

Bhai Bir Singh Ji Bhai Dhir Singh Ji on hearing this, came running & jostling each other in front of guruji, father said ” I am elder so I have the first right to be your aim, and on the other end son said,” I am alive so there’s no need for my father to die first”. Both of them stood shoulder to shoulder. The moment Guruji lowered the gun, both of them kneeled & the moment guruji lifted the gun, both of them got on their toes with their chest expanded. Guruji fired the bullet over the head of both.

Both the beloved of Guruji passed the test & received chosen blessings of Guruji. Watching this spectacle, Bhai Dalla summoned himself in front of Guruji.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 16th Dec ’14

We are proud to announce about a generous daswandh donation by Prof. Kulvinder Singh Saini – PhD (Sydney), Post-doc (Case Western),Res. Fellow (Harvard) who has donated US$6200 towards the purchase of Tata Van for the faculty and PG students of Eternal University!

“With Waheguru’s grace, I feel honored & privileged to complete my promise. I am always indebted to Baru Sahib, particularly Baba Iqbal Singh ji, for enlightening my spiritual lamp and inspiring me to take DASWANDH out regularly.” he said.

We are proud enough. Dhan Sikhi. Dhan Khalsa!

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 10th Nov ’14