News & Update

The World Sikh Organization of Canada has helped 9 yr-Old Shanvir Singh resume playing ice hockey while being able to wear his Kirpan.

Shanvir Singh is an Amritdhari Sikh and wears the Sikh articles of faith, including the kirpan. He was registered to play in a league organized by the Millwoods Hockey Association. After his first session, Shanvir Singh’s mother, Gurjit Kaur, was told that Shanvir Singh’s Kirpan had been removed by the coach and placed in his hockey bag. Gurjit Kaur was told that Shanvir Singh would not be able to wear the kirpan during games nor would he be permitted to bring the Kirpan into the hockey arena.

Gurjit Kaur contacted the WSO for assistance.

After initiating a dialogue with the Millwoods Hockey Association, it was agreed that Shanvir Singh would be permitted to wear his kirpan underneath his hockey gear, as long as it is wrapped in cloth and secured close to his body.
Shanvir has now returned to the ice and resumed his hockey season.

WSO Alberta Vice-President Tejinder Singh Sidhu said, “given that a hockey arena is filled with dangerous items such as hockey blades and sticks, the issue really wasn’t about the safety of the kirpan but more about helping to understand the significance of the kirpan and how it is accommodated in other settings. We’re glad that the family contacted us for advice and assistance and in doing so, were able to resolve this not just for themselves, but also for other Sikh players who might find themselves in similar situations in the future. We would also like to thank the Millwoods Hockey Association for engaging in an open dialogue and helping to resolve the matter quickly so that Shanvir Singh did not have to lose any playing time.”

WSO offers free advice and advocacy for individuals requiring assistance at their schools, workplaces or elsewhere with respect to religious accommodation issues

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.

Great Victory for SIKHS for being able to practise their religion with its articles of Faith!

Gulyana, a 900-year-old historic village of Potohar, is located 10 kilometers south of Gujar Khan. The landscape here is dominated by old buildings, havelis, temples and Sikh samadhis which were erected before the birth of Pakistan.

During my frequent visits to the village, I met many oral historians who narrated stories from the pre-partition times. Of these, Gulzar Khan, 85, was one of the more well-informed persons.

Gulzar gets up early in the morning and goes to sit with his friends under the old banyan tree in the village, recalling memories of the pre-partition days. He still remembers his old Hindu and Sikh friends from childhood. In the community, he is greatly respected for his knowledge of history and oral traditions of the Potohar region.

In fact, he is considered an expert on the oral history of Gulyana village.

During my conversations with him, I learned that Gulyana was predominately inhabited by Hindus and Sikhs before the partition. Diwan Prithvi Chand, Tek Chand and Bakhshi Moti Ram were the notable Hindus of this area, who controlled the business of Gulyana and its neighboring towns.

I was amazed at his descriptions of the minutest details on the nobility and the monuments of Potohar.

From the names of rivers, hill streams, lakes, monuments to dignitaries and tribes, I recorded everything that Gulzar shared with me. He also knew the names of an entire list of Muslim, Hindu and Sikh merchants and philanthropists in the area.

Two of the eminent Sikh merchants of Potohar, Bali Singh and Tara Singh, belonged to Gulyana; they built schools, hospitals, havelis, temples and gurdwaras.

Today, the buildings constructed by the Hindus and Sikhs break the skyline of the village. There are about four havelis, one temple and two samadhis, all preserved very poorly.

The haveli of Tara Singh, which still stands out in the landscape, is three-storeyed and noted for its wooden windows and ornately carved doors. The main entrance to the havelis is decorated with floral designs.

The two samadhis lie one kilometer east of the village. Of these, one is larger, with shikhara (superstructure). The interior of the samadhi is decorated with paintings depicting Sikh and Hindu mythologies.

On the southern wall is the painting of Baba Guru Nanak, with his two companions Bala and Mardana. And, on the western wall are depictions of Ram and Sita with Hanuman and Laxman. Hanuman, the monkey god, is shown paying homage to Ram and Sita.

The southern wall depicts the stories of Krishna, with gopis (milkmaids) and Radha. The northern wall depicts Shiva with his wife Parvati and Vishnu with Lakshmi.

On the western and southern sides of the samadhi are three old wells, two of which are still used by the locals for irrigation. On the northern side is another small samadhi. Gulzar Khan and Abdul Rahan (another oral historian in the village) confirm that two Sikh notables were buried inside these samadhis.

To the west of these Sikh samadhis stands a Hindu temple. Intricate floral designs decorate the interior of this temple.

The temple is believed to have been built by Bakhshi Moti Ram, who was the grandfather of Tek Chand. According to Gulzar Khan, Tek Chand embraced Islam after the partition. He had three sons, Roshan, Bhera and Shal, who migrated to India.

Sadly, all of these magnificent buildings lie in complete neglect; the locals use the samadhis to store firewood. The walls are decaying and so is their glory. There is an urgent need to initiate their preservation and appoint a night watch to protect this heritage from vandalism.

Until that happens, these structures will die a slow death and eventually, so will Gulzar Khan’s stories.

-Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro

Source- Dawn.com

Punjab government on Monday declared holiday on September 14 instead of September 1 to mark Prakash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

As per reports, September 14 has been declared as Public holiday in Punjab on account of Prakash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

Earlier, September 1 used to be celebrated as Prakash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and public holiday was declared on this day across the state.

But this, public holiday would be observed on September 14 and all government, semi-government offices, boards, corporations, schools and colleges would remain closed on this day.

While all government, semi-government offices, boards, corporations, schools and colleges would remain open for work on September 1.

~Source: North Gazette News/Chandigarh

Heritage Place where the 13th Generation of Bhai Dhalla Singh stays in Punjab!

He donated his land where Takht Damdama Sahib stands today! Click Here to Read More

1. Sacred Kirpan that belonged to Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj

2. Hukamnama Signed & Stamped by Guru Gobind Singh ji declaring Talwandi Sabo as Takht Damdama Sahib.

3. Sacred Chola of Guru Gobind Singh Ji with blood stains of Bhai Maha Singh

Bhai Maha Singh, wrote letters of bedava (abandonment of a Sikh from his Guru) to Guru Gobind Singh when Anandpur Sahib was seized by the Mughals, and fled the village.

Later during the Battle of Muktsar, Forty Sikhs returned to the Guru and sacrificed their lives while fighting in his defence against a Mughal Army.

Guru Ji was greatly impressed and pleased by his Sikhs. “Ask whatever you will, the house of Guru Nanak is open to you” to Bhai Maha Singh Ji whom only had one thing on his mind, the letter of desertion and asked for forgiveness. He pleaded Guru Sahib to tear up the letter.

Guru Ji took it out and tore it in front of Bhai 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 mukhtay – the forty liberated ones.

They became martyrs and the Guru blessed them as Chali Muktey!.
These Sacred Relics bestowed upon Bhai Dhalla Singh by Guru Gobind Singh Ji which are preserved in the descendant family.

The path to my becoming the first Sikh Chaplain in the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom has been neither a planned nor a predictable one. I feel that I have been brought to this point only through God’s Grace.

My educational background is in Agricultural Engineering, having completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in India. I came to England to do my Ph.D. in the same field.

I was intrigued by the job description of a Sikh Chaplain when I first saw it advertised in the newspaper, because of my interest in community work and my previous experience in projects involving youth. I liked the concept and the job description, and therefore applied for the position.

Some time later, I was informed that I had been short-listed and was called for an interview. It lasted almost two hours: I was questioned extensively on, inter alia, my knowledge of Sikhism and on general faith issues.

But, out of the blue one day, and to my utter delight, I was offered the position. Sometimes I think that my journey to England has been guided for the very purpose of doing this Seva. I feel great honour and immense humility in being chosen for this task.

I joined in October, 2005 as a Sikh Civilian Chaplain to the military. Although being administered by the British Army, my duties are tri-service: that is, my responsibilities are not only to the Army, but equally apply to the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

I was appointed at C1 grade, which is equivalent to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The role of a Chaplain is an interesting one.

The Royal Army Chaplains’ Department was founded in 1796. Since then, and until 2005, the faith needs of all British soldiers were in the bailiwick of the Christian Padre.

But times have changed, especially with the United Kingdom now being a multicultural society: a substantial portion of the population in every sector now hails from ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds which are different from the historical demographics.

The mission statement for the Chaplaincy states that it is to be responsible for the “Moral, Pastoral and Spiritual care of all serving personnel”.

The Ministry of Defence has now taken steps to provide different faith Chaplains to meet the needs of the variety of religions now practiced within the rank and file of the Forces. This includes the needs of all the Sikhs who have committed themselves to serve their country in this fashion and are doing so in various capacities – the current enrolment is at approximately ninety.

I believe this is a vitally important development, and am glad to say that it has been warmly welcomed by all the Chaplains in the department. It bodes well for our hope that we will be able to offer a more comprehensive Chaplaincy service which will benefit all serving personnel.

As the Sikh representative in the Forces environment, I feel proud of my religion, and the rich heritage and values with which our Gurus have blessed us. I am therefore particularly heartened by the fact that I also have responsibility towards the chain of command at the Ministry of Defence and Chaplaincy headquarters for any guidance needed about my own faith, and for a mutual sharing of the values of different creeds.

Though with only less than two years of experience in doing this to date, I can see how important a Sikh Chaplaincy is in every Armed Force where Sikhs serve anywhere in the world. It is good for the morale. It really makes a difference when a soldier and his or her family can speak to others in the same milieu who share a common background and belief system. Issues relating to various religious requirements or cultural traditions, including those related to the turban or the Five Ks, thus get easily sorted out.

I am fully cognizant of the fact that, in addition to having received an honour, I now carry a heavy responsibility and a basketful of challenges that come with it. I seek the blessings of the Guru, and the support of the sangat in this great seva, so that I can fulfill my duties and obligations in Chardi Kalaa.

~ Source: SikhChic

Sikh Taxi Driver Tajinder Pal Singh loves to do his bit for the society and what he does will make your heart swell in Pride.

He cooks up 30 kilograms of authentic Indian cuisine to feed the homeless after his night shift is being hailed ‘Australian of The Day’. For the past three years, Tejinder Pal Singh has dedicated the last Sunday of the month to feeding the poor and needy locals of northern Darwin, using what little money he can save.

While people bless him for his act but Mr Singh ignores compliments and attributes his generosity to his Sikh faith.

Mr Singh attributes a deep faith to his generosity, saying, ‘My religion says 10% of income goes toward needy and poor people – no matter (whether) they belong to your religion or any religion.’

Following a grueling twelve hour night shift, he slaves away in his kitchen for five hours to prepare a veritable feast of chickpeas, rice and vegetarian curry – which he then packs into huge containers and serves as a free lunch.

The father of two shrugs off compliments and simply says, ‘I do something for homeless people, so they get more energy so they’re happy’, in an interview with Channel 9.

It’s hard to believe that a racist tirade of abuse from a cab fare in 2012 inspired the humble man to start up the service, in a hope to break down the negative prejudice associated with turbans in the area.

The sacrificial nature has flowed through to his son, Navdeep, who described his father as a kind-hearted, helpful person, reported the ABC. And the thirsty and hungry come flocking when they see his van, decorated with the sign, ‘Free Indian food for hungry and needy people, Provide Sikh family.’

‘I help my dad pour cordial for people who are thirsty, they deserve a cold drink … it’s a really hot day’, Tejinders son, Navdeep, says

The van is decorated with a banner: ‘Free Indian food for hungry and needy people, Provide Sikh family’

Mr Singh’s advice for those inspired by his acts of service, “’I had no sleep, really very hard. If you want to do something for society – you need to work hard.”

It’s not about where you are, what you have, it’s WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN!

SHARE & SPREAD his faith-driven Incredible efforts towards Humanity!

Source- dailymail.co.uk

Harbinderjit Singh, a prominent Sikh in the forefront of Indonesian political activism for more than two decades, was bestowed the Bintang Mahaputra (Star of Mahaputra), the second highest decoration awarded by the Indonesian government. Indonesian President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo presented the award at the State Palace in Jakarta on Aug 13 to mark Indonesia’s 70th Independence Day.

70 Yr Old Mr Singh served in several senior government positions, especially in the area of agriculture and poverty alleviation.

In 2011, he was made the Special Envoy to the President of Indonesia for Poverty Alleviation under the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He was also a member of the National Economic Committee (KEN) from 2010-2012. He headed the Coordinating Agency for National Poverty Alleviation in 2001.

Harbinderjit has been at the forefront of political activism for more than two decades. He is a voice for the peasants, a champion of human rights. He has also been a figure of terror, primarily for the corrupt. His words spare no one, according to an article in The Jakarta Post in 2005.

“My great grandfather was a farmer in Punjab, India, who migrated to Medan decades back. Plantation runners were much in demand by the Dutch in Indonesia then. But unlike in Malaysia, where the bulk of plantation workers were Indians deported by the British, here they were mostly locals,” he was qouted in the story entitled ‘HS Dhillon, a fearless campaigner’.

Also receiving awards in the same ceremony were Air Chief Marshall (Rt) Ida Bagus Putu Dunia, the first Balinese Hindu to be appointed Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and former Navy Chief of Staff Admiral (Rt) Marsetio.

The Mahaputra award is akin to India’s Padma Bhushan award. It entitles him to be cremated in Kalibata, the National Heroes Cemetery, akin to the US’ Arlington National Cemetery.

Harbinderjit was awarded a PhD in Agricultural Economics by the Cornell University, US, in 1983.

~ Source: AsiaSamachar

‘Chaar Sahibzaade’ was the first3D animated film on Sikh history and is based on the real story of the sacrifices of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh and received an overwhelming response from the audience across the globe.

The movie was praised for its emotional and unbiased portrayal of one of the most important chapters of Sikh history.

Now according to sources close to the makers of the film, the sequel is being worked upon and is in the initial pre-production stage.

TheGraphicSlate.com has also exclusively learned that Prime Focus India would be working on the animation and post-production of the sequel which will be once again be directed by Harry Baweja.

According to sources, the sequel will hit screens only in the latter half of 2017, but then again one can never really predict delivery dates when dealing in high-quality animation.

~ Source: Graphic Slate