News & Update

All Parties Hurriyat Conference chief Syed Ali Geelani thanked Sikh humanitarian aid group for their role in the relief operations in Jammu and Kashmir after floods hit the region early September, this year.

The octogenarian leader thanked Sikh groups who helped and sent relief material to the Kashmir after the destructive floods.

It is notable that various Sikh groups including Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Sikh Relief, United Sikhs, Khalsa Aid and Australian Sikh Relief are engaged in distribution of relief material to flood hit areas in Kashmir.

Meanwhile chairman Central Relief Committee Peer Saifullah today sent a delegation headed by Raja Mehraj-ud-din to Mandarbagh Srinagar where they distributed different relief material among the affected people of the area while as another relief team distributed relief kits among 150 families of the Samarbugh and Shalina areas of the Budgam District, the statement read.

Geelani took stock of the relief distribution process of the Central Relief Committee and said that no area or the community should remain unreached.

~ Source: www.sikhsiyasat.net

Fateh is an adventure film, enduring the Punjabi culture boasts of a sword and stick art that teaches ‘perseverance can lead to triumph’.

The film has a stellar cast assembled. The film stars Nav Bajwa, Samiksha Singh, Yaad Grewal, Supreet Bedi, Puneet Issar, Navneet Nishan, Deep Dhillon, Shivendra Mahal. Gurgreet Guggi and Karamjit Anmol tickle the funny bone with their impressive humorous delights.

Fateh is the first ever Punjabi movie to be made on martial arts. It is the remake of ‘karate kid’.

Watch here the full movie online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTpIKuuQwD8

Sardar Tarlochan Singh MP, India was awarded the Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Sikh Awards last night.

The Awards took place at the Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge where Pardeep Singh Bahra, a rising young fashion entrepreneur and Navtej Singh, the world’s first Sikh bodybuilder won the Sikh in Sports Award were also honoured.

The event was hosted by Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Director of Environment and Digital London and its former Director of Transport Policy, and Kiss FM’s DJ Neev.

The Sikh Awards recognised the pivotal contributions made by the Sikh community across a variety of fields, from business, charity, education, entertainment, professional services, seva (selfless service), and sport, with winners coming from Asia, USA, Canada, Europe and Africa.

The winners of the night included: Sikh Helpline – Birmingham, who won the Sikh in Charity Award, Swaran Singh Gharial – Kenya won the Sikh in Seva Award. Bhai Baldeep Singh – India won the Sikh in Entertainment Award, Sangat Television – Birmingham, Sikh in Media Award. Gursharan Kaur – Canada, the Sikh in Education Award and Amrit Singh Uppal – Singapore won the Sikh in Profession Award. Sukhi Ghuman – Nottingham won the Sikh Entrepreneur Award, Malvinder Mohan Singh – India won the Sikh Businessman Award and Parminder Kaur – Netherlands won the Sikh Business Women Award.

The event saw 750 guests in attendance from elite international dignitaries to public figures, community heroes, sports stars and celebrities. Last year the UK Prime Minister the Rt Hon.

David Cameron was the recipient of a Special Recognition Award for the several “firsts” he had instigated between the UK and the Sikh community in India, including becoming the first serving UK Prime Minister to pay his respects at the Darbar Sahib (The Golden Temple, India), laying a wreath and signing a book of condolence at the memorial site in Jallianwala Bagh Gardens, in Amritsar.

He also commenced the annual Sikh traditional festival of Vaisakhi, which has been celebrated at 10 Downing Street since 2011.

Each year, The Sikh Awards takes a theme as its central focus for the evening’s celebrations and this year the event recognized and honored the sizable battlefield contribution made by Sikh soldiers during the Great War, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Although the Sikh community only makes up two per cent of the British Indian population, they formed 20 per cent of the British Indian Army, which saw 130,000 active Sikh soldiers.

As a result of this theme, speakers at this year’s event included representatives from the Royal Army, Royal Navy, the Tower of London and other well-known historians and two of the evening’s highlights included the staging of the Lottery-funded SOAS exhibition about Sikhs in WW1 and a special trumpet rendition by the Army’s band.

A further highlight of last night’s event, which was hosted by the media organisation The Sikh Directory, was the launch of the third edition of The Sikh 100 Power List, which details the most prominent Sikhs in the global community.

The Sikh Awards was founded by entrepreneur Navdeep Singh Bansal, ‘We were delighted that The Sikh Awards have been such a success, not only last evening but also looking back five years since its inception.

“Our purpose with the awards continues to be to recognize, honor and celebrate the enormous achievements of the successful, hard-working and ambitious Sikh community as they tirelessly contribute to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of societies globally, as well as making a difference to people’s lives through philanthropy. This year’s event however had a special focus on Sikh soldiers who contributed during WW1 and as such we wanted to pay special homage and show our due respect to the thousands of Sikh soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the First World War.

‘I would also once again, like to congratulate all of this year’s winners, who have shown that they are beacons that shine out to our future generations and will encourage them to continue to strive for excellence in their chosen professions.’

Sikhism is a religion founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji 544 years ago with over 26 million followers worldwide. It is ranked as the world’s fifth largest religion.

“The 2013 awards was a precursor to the event in 2014, which marked two important anniversaries: the first being the 160th anniversary of the first Sikh arriving in the United Kingdom in 1854 and secondly the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, where several thousands of Sikh soldiers fought for Britain on the front line.”

The Sikh Awards 2014 Winners:

Sikhs Businessman

For the organisation or individual that can best demonstrate how it has made exceptional financial returns, shown strong growth, innovative strategies and clear market leadership in its sector. This category also incorporates Business Man, Business Women and Entrepreneur awards.

Malvinder Mohan Singh – INDIA

Malvinder Singh is Executive Chairman of Fortis Healthcare. With a current net worth of $2.6 billion, he is a dynamic business leader and philanthropist recognised globally for his contribution of pursuing business for profit and for the betterment of the community. He incubated and established Fortis Healthcare, in the late 1990’s and has been instrumental in its transformation as a leading healthcare delivery company working towards making healthcare widely accessible for all. Malvinder Singh is on the Board of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations and is the serving Chairman of the CII Services Council. He earned his MBA from the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, USA.

Women in Business

Parminder Kaur – NETHERLANDS

Parminder Kaur is a Pharma regulatory professional providing strategic input for medicinal product development. She has Lead a combination therapy project in collaboration with the R&D Group at the European Commission. She was chosen to be a scientific representative from India by the American Society of Microbiology in 2000. Currently, she is the owner of RegPak BioPharma Consulting based in Amsterdam, Holland. Parminder is an eminent speaker at International Conferences and has recently forayed into the medical world. She has the credit for introducing innovative treatment options for cancer patients in India.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sukhi Singh Ghuman – UK

February 2003 saw Sukhi become Founder of Octavian Security, after seeing a niche in the market, and now Group CEO for the Octavian Group, currently comprising of companies within the UK, USA and South Africa. Octavian was named Britain’s 27th fastest growing private company in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track League Table. In 2011, he became the first non-USA citizen to join the HSFA Board of Directors and served as Chairman in 2012. Sukhi is currently a member of the Nottingham Trent University Development Board, International Ambassador for the City of Nottingham, columnist for Asian World and a member of the British Indian Business Forum.

Sikhs in Charity

For an individual, organisation, or society which can best demonstrate that it has the community at heart and has had a positive impact whilst improving the health and wellbeing of society.

Sikh Helpline – UK

Giani Sukha Singh is a national figure who has dedicated his life to Seva. He has founded two voluntary organisations, the Sikh Naujawan Academy and the Sikh Helpline. The SNA have run free nationwide gurmat-camps for 21-years, providing educational activities to thousands of youths, encouraging good Sikhi-lifestyles, morals and values. SHL, established 18 years ago, provides a free 24 hour national helpline, offering advice, support and guidance. He also completed a national bike ride of 500 miles for charity. Giani Ji was recently approached by the UK Home Office to act as their Sikh representative.

Sikhs in Education

For any Sikh educational establishment, teacher or individual that is taking a strategic approach to recognising, educating and developing the talent and skills within the community

Gursharan Kaur Kandra – CANADA

Gursharan Kaur started her career in India, working with the Indian Red Cross. Moving to Canada in 1995 she has since worked with many organisations as executive director and chairperson. In 2003 she started her own company, the Canadian International Academic Services Incorporation. CIAS was set up to provide international students from all around the world with the opportunity to gain access to quality education in Canada. The company represents over 57 educational institutions globally. Gursharan has successfully been able to change the lives of 1800 international students by providing them with admissions into Canadian post-secondary institutions. She is also the Founder of the Canadian Intercultural Association of Students (CIAOS).

Sikhs in Entertainment

This category recognises directors, presenters, comedians, instrumentalists and musical artists etc respected role models who promote the Sikh identity within the entertainment industry.

Bhai Baldeep Singh – INDIA

Baldeep Singh is the ‘Renaissance Man’ of Punjab. For the past several decades, he has compassionately dreamt and zealously worked towards a radical reclamation and transformation of the cultural topography of Punjab. Anyone who has heard him render the vintage etiquettes of Gurbani Kirtan cannot but be overwhelmed not only by the sheer range of his knowledge but also by the spiritual resonance he brings into play. He is known the world over as perhaps the finest teacher of music from South Asia. He has mooted, for the first time, the idea of setting up a conservatory at the Qila of Sultanpur Lodi.

Sikhs in Media

For an individual or organisation that has made a substantial positive impact within the media industry, including newspapers, websites, radio and television stations and all other media platforms.

Sangat Television – UK

Sangat Television is the first TV channel in the world set up as a registered charity. It is committed to promoting Sikhi and propagating ‘Dharam Parchar’. Sangat TV is owned by the Sangat Trust, a registered charity backed by Gurudwaras from the UK and from other individuals. The channel is an open platform for the Sikh Sangat to express their views independently. Sangat TV popularity grew during the UK riots in 2011. Its coverage was used by BBC News, Sky News as well as international stations such as CNN and Fox News. Prime Minister David Cameron said “this was an example of a media company’s commitment to social responsibility”.

Sikhs in Profession

Nominees in this category are employees whose contributions have made an exceptional difference on a local or global scale, in any field such as financial, medical, technology, government or legal.

Amrit Singh Uppal – SINGAPORE

Amrit Singh is the grandson of Major General Lachmann Singh Lehl and Arjan Singh Uppal.

He is one of the youngest double master’s winners in the UK. Having studied at the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University and London School of Economics he joined his family business before entering the banking fraternity in 2000 with Coutts & Co. Being one of the first turbaned Sikhs he quickly established his name within the industry. Six years later he joined Credit Suisse as the Head of their new Midlands office. Amrit left to join Barclays Asia in 2011 and was recently made the Global Head of South Asian Clients with EFG Bank AG.

Sikhs in Seva

This category recognises an outstanding individual who has shown exceptional vision and contribution to society through means of Seva (Selfless Voluntary Service).

Swaran Singh Gharial – KENYA

Swaran Singh was born in 1945, he is a business man and philanthropist. He joined the International Lions Club in the year 1976. He held various positions at Club and District Level. He obtained a grant to build the Lions Eye Hospital, the most advanced facility in Sub Saharan Africa of its kind. He raised funds to build Lions Service Centre in 2002. He revived the oldest Gurudwara in Kenya, which is now declared as National monument. In 2010 he completed a 96 bed project at Makindu Temple. More recently in 2008 Swaran Singh was elected Project Chairman, for a magnificent South C Darbar and complex, inaugurated in 2014.

Sikhs in Sport

For an individual that has made a significant contribution to the sports industry on a regional, national or global scale whilst promoting there Sikh Identity.

Navtej Singh – INDIA

Navtej Singh is the world’s first Amritdhari Sikh Bodybuilder. Having successfully won a number of respected awards in the industry, he has proudly taken the Sikh identity to forefront of this demanding and highly competitive global sport. Navtej has also recently started his movie career and is due to release a new film globally highlighting some of the key historical injustices faced by many Sikhs. Over the years he has won Mr. Punjab, Mr. North India, Mr. India, Mr. World Amberix International Championships and the Mr. Europe Pro Open.

The Sikh People’s Choice Award

Chosen by the community through the online voting process this category recognises an individual who has had a positive impact on people’s lives and has great admiration from others

Pardeep Singh Bahra – UK

Pardeep Singh is a 23 year old well known fashion blogger and the founder of ‘Singh Street Style’. In September 2014 he was chosen to be the face of Samsung, for their Alpha smart phone campaign. He is the first Sikh turbaned man to be the face of a global campaign for a international organisation. He was recently named as one of the top 10 fashion bloggers by Esquire magazine. Pardeep has been featured in many main stream fashion publications and newspapers such as Vogue, The Guardian, Time Magazine, Financial Times, MTV and Men Fashion Magazine.

The Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award Tarlochan Singh MP

Tarlochan Singh born in 1933 is a walking encyclopaedia on Sikhism, sports, Indian politics and Punjab. He is an able Parliamentarian, a sports administrator par excellence, a well-read columnist, a successful communicator and a proven administrator. He has been witness to two major events in contemporary Sikh history, the 1947 partition and the anti-Sikh riots in New Delhi in 1984. Credited with producing first Sikh calendar in 1973, he has always remained synonymous with world of sports for his role in organising 1982 Asian Games and 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

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

Guru Har Krishan Ji (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ) (Wednesday, 23 July 1656 – Saturday, 16 April 1664) was the eighth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism. He became Guru on Sunday, 20 October 1661 following in the footsteps of his father, Guru Har Rai Ji. Before Guru Ji died, he nominated Baba Bakala ji, as the next Guru of the Sikhs. It turns out that this was his grand-uncle Guru Tegh Bahadur.

The following is a summary of the main highlights of Guru ji’s short life:

Guru Har Krishan was of a small age when he attained the leadership of the Sikh people. There are very few devotees of God in human history who have achieved a high level of spirituality in such small age. Prahlad, Dhruv was one of them and Guru Hari Krishan can also be included in the same list. All other Sikh Guru’s sat on the “Gaddi”, the “throne of Guruship” when they were over the age of 12, but only Guru Hari Krishen sat on the Gaddi when he was just 5 of age.

When Guruji stayed in Delhi there was a smallpox epidemic which resulted in many deaths. By Guru ji’s blessing, the lake at Bangla Sahib provided a cure for thousands. Exposing himself to his many devotees he too died succumbed to smallpox. Thus he unselfishly, without the thought of danger to himself, served many people. This is true Sewa to care for the sick even at the risk of one’s own life.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was constructed in Guru ji’s memory. This is where he stayed during his visit to Delhi. This was originally the palace of Raja Jai Singh, who was a strong and powerful Sikh and a devotee of the Guru.

Guru Sahib caused the illiterate water-carrier Chhaju Ram to expound the philosophy of the holy Gita on challenge from Pandit Lal Chand. On hearing this narration of the holy Gita, Pandit Lal Chand was deeply humiliated. He was so impressed with this feat performed by the Guru that he became a Sikh and later escorted the Guru Sahib to Kurukshetra.

Guru Har krishan Sahib was born on Sawan Vadi 10, (8 Sawan), Bikrami Samvat 1713, (Wednesday, 23 July 1656) at Kiratpur Sahib. He was the second son of Guru Har Rai Sahib and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji (Sulakhni Ji). Ram Rai, the elder brother of Guru Harkrishan Sahib was ex-communicated and disinherited due to his anti-Guru Ghar activities, as stated earlier and Sri Harkrishan Sahib Ji at the age of about five years, was declared as Eighth Nanak Guru by his father Guru Har Rai Sahib before his death in 1661.

This act inflamed Ram Rai Ji with jealousy and he complained to Emperor Aurangzeb against his father’s decision. The Emperor replied in favour issuing orders through Raja Jai Singh to the young Guru to appear before him. Raja Jai Singh sent his emissary to Kiratpur Sahib to bring the Guru to Delhi. At first the Guru was not willing to travel to Delhi, but after repeated requests of his followers and Raja Jai Singh, he agreed to the trip.

Guru Har Rai passed away on 20 October 1661. Guru Har Krishan consoled the disciples. He asked them not to give way to despair but abide by the Will of the Almighty. All should sing God’s praises and not weep or lament. As days went by, the disciples began pouring in from far and near. They were delighted to have a sight of the Guru. He sat on the throne, a small figure, young in years, but mature in wisdom.

Says Bhai Santokh Singh, “The early morning sun looks small in size, but its light is everywhere. So was Guru Har Krishan’ s fame, without limit.” Those who came to see him were instructed in true knowledge. They had their heart’s desires fulfilled and their sins erased. The Sikhs recognized him as the picture of Guru Nanak. They saw on Guru Har Krishan’s handsome face the same light as must have been on Guru Nanak’s.
Guru Har Krishan had a rare ability in explaining passages from the Holy Granth. He delighted the hearts of his disciples by his commentaries. He reminded them to cherish the One God alone, and asked them to discard passions and learn the virtues of patience, charity and love. Thus Guru Har Krishan carried on the teaching of the Gurus and preserved intact the legacy he had inherited from them.

The Baisakhi day (March 29) of 1662 brought to Kiratpur vast numbers of followers. The festival lasted three days. The sangats were looked after by the Guru’ s grandmother, Mata Bassi, and mother, Mata Sulakkhni. In the sangat of Sialkot district was Pair Mall of Pasrur, along with his family. His son, Khem Karan, was a promising youth. Mata Bassi betrothed her granddaughter, Bibi Rup Kaur, to him. Nuptials were held on December 3, 1662. According to the Guru kian Sakhian, the presents offered by Mata Bassi included a pothi of stories from Guru Har Rai’ s mouth and a dagger belonging to Guru Hargobind.

Guru Har Krishan physical body passed away from this planet on Saturday, 16 April 1664. He was cremated at the present site of this Gurdwara, Bala Sahib Gurdwara. This was the place where he had camped to look after the sick and suffering poverty stricken people of Delhi. He was long remembered by the Muslims as “Bala Pir” and by the Hindus as “Balmukand”. In their Invocation prayer (ardas) written by Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs repeat everyday these words,”Contemplate on Guru Harkrishan, the vision of whose divine personality dispels all sorrow and suffering.”

According to the Guru kian Sakhian, Mata Bassi, the grandmother, asked Bhai Gurdas, of the family of Bhai Bahilo, to start a reading of the holy Granth in his memory. Dargah Mall and Munshi Kalyan Das were sent to Punjab with the mournful news. They first went to Kiratpur to inform Guru Har Krishan’s sister, Bibi Rup Kaur. The next day, they set out for Bakala to inform Tegh Bahadur (the future Guru Tegh Bahadur) of his brother’s death. While in Delhi, he had met with Guru Har Krishan and now he received the news of his passing away.

Diwan Dargah Mall and Munshi Kalyan Das stayed at Bakala for three days before returning to Delhi. According to an entry in the Bhatt Vahi Talauda Parganah Jind, the ashes were taken from Delhi to Kiratpur where they were mixed with the waters of the Sutlej.

The original entry is translated below:
“Sangat, son of Binna Uppal, of Amb Mari, parganah Miyen ka Maur, Nanu Ram, son of Bagha, calico-printer, of Mohalla Dilwali, Delhi, Jaggu, son of Padma, of Duburji, parganah Sodhara, and Dariya, son of Mula, of Alipur Shamali, parganah Multan, carried the ashes of Guru Har Krishan from Delhi and arrived at Kiratpur, parganah Kahlur, on the 11 th of the dark half of the month of Bhadon of 1721 Bk/ Saturday, 16 April 1664. The ashes were immersed in the River Sutlej. Karahprasad was distributed.”

~ Source: Sikhiwiki.org

Guru Har Rai Ji (Gurmukhi: ਗ੝ਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ) (31 January 1630 – 20 October 1661) was the seventh of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and became Guru on Tuesday, 19 March 1644 following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Guru Har Gobind Ji. Before Guru Ji died, he nominated Guru Har Krishan Ji, his son as the next Guru of the Sikhs. The following is a summary of the main highlights of Guru Ji life:

1. Continued the military traditions started by his grandfather Guru Har Gobind Ji
2. Kept 2200 mounted soldiers at all times.
3. Was disturbed as a child by the suffering caused to plants when they were accidentally destroyed by his robe.
4. Made several tours to the Malwa and Doaba regions of the Punjab
5. Guruji’s son, Ram Rai, distorts Bani in front of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, after which the Guru is supposed to have said, ” Ram Rai, you have disobeyed my order and sinned. I will never see you again on account of your infidelity.”

The Guru nominated his youngest son, the five year old Har Krishan as the Eighth Sikh Guru; Guru Har Krishan Sahib on Sunday, 20 October 1661.

 

Guru Har Rai ji was the son of Baba Gurdita Ji and Mata Nihal Kaur Ji (also known as Mata Ananti Ji). Baba Gurdita was son of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. Guru Har Rai ji married Mata Kishan Kaur Ji (sometimes also reffered to as Sulakhni Ji) daughter of Sri Daya Ram Ji of Anoopshahr (Bulandshahr) in Utter Pradesh on Har Sudi 3, Samvat 1697. They had two sons: Baba Ram Rai Ji and Sri Har Krishan Ji.

Although, Guru Har Rai Ji was a man of peace, he never disbanded the armed Sikh Warriors (Saint Soldiers), who earlier were maintained by his grandfather, Guru Hargobind. He always boosted the military spirit of the Sikhs, but he never himself indulged in any direct political and armed controversy with the contemporary Mughal Empire. Once on the request of Dara Shikoh (the eldest son of emperor Shahjahan), Guru Sahib helped him to escape safely from the bloody hands of Aurangzebs armed forces during the war of succession.

Once Guru Sahib was coming back from the tour of Malwa and Doaba regions, Mohamad Yarbeg Khan, (son of Mukhlis Khan, who was killed by Guru Hargobind in a battle) attacked the kafla of Guru Sahib with a force of one thousand armed men. The unwarranted attack was repulsed by a few hundred Saint Soliders of Guru Sahib with great courage and bravery. The enemy suffered a heavy loss of life and fled the scene. This self-defense measure, (a befitting reply to the unwarranted armed attack of the privileged muslims), was an example for those who professed the theory of so called non-violence or “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma”. Guru Sahib often awarded various Sikh warriors with gallantry awards.

Guru Sahib also established an Aurvedic herbal medicine hospital and a research centre at Kiratpur Sahib. There also he maintained a zoo. Once Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan fell seriously ill by some unknown disease. The best physicians available in the country and abroad were consulted, but there was no improvement. At last the emperor made a humble request to Guru Sahib for the treatment of his son. Guru Sahib accepting the request, handed over some rare and suitable medicines to the messenger of the emperor. The life of Dara Shikoh was saved from the cruel jaws of death. The emperor, whole heartily thanked and wanted to grant him some “Jagir”, but Guru Sahib never accepted.

Guru Har Rai Ji also visited Lahore, Sialkot, Pathankot, Samba, Ramgarh and many places of Jammu and Kashmir region. He established 360 Sikh missionary seats (Manjis). He also tried to improve the old corrupt Masand system and appointed pious and committed personalities like Suthre Shah, Sahiba, Sangtia, Mian Sahib, Bhagat Bhagwan, Bahagat Mal and Jeet Mal Bhagat (also known as Bairagi), as the heads of Manjis.

Suthre Shah was born in sampat 1672, in the village of Berampur in the house of Nanda Khatri. He was born with a full set of teeth, his father after consulting the pundits and astrologers, placed the child outside the house, leaving him to and uncertain fate (most likely death), but it just so happened that Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, on his way back from Kashmir, saw the abandoned infant and took pity on him and he order his sikhs to carry the child with them, it was Guru Hargobind sahib ji who named the child ‘Suthra’.

Guru Har Rai Sahib faced some serious difficulties during the period of his guruship. The corrupt massands, Dhir Mals and Minas always tried to preclude the advancement of the Sikh religion.

Recitation of Gurbani

One day the Sikhs asked the Guru whether those who read the Gurus’ hymns without understanding them derived any spiritual advantage from it. The Guru gave no reply at the time, and next morning went hunting. En route, the Guru came across a broken pot which had held butter. The rays of the sun were melting the butter on the broken pot fragments. The Guru took one of these fragments in his hand and said, “Look my Sikhs, broken pot shards – when they are heated, the butter that adhered to them readily melts. As the grease adheres to the potshards, so to do the Gurus’ hymns to the hearts of his Sikhs. At the hour of death the Gurus’ instruction shall assuredly bear fruit. Whether understood or not, it has within it the seed of salvation. Perfume still clings to a broken vase.” The meaning of the parable is that whoseoever daily reads the Gurus shabads shall assuredly obtain peace. And even though he may not fully understand them, God will undoubtedly assist him.

Guru Ram Das has said: “The Word is the Guru, and the Guru in the Word, and in the Word is the essence of ambrosia.”

Bhai Gonda

A devout Sikh called Bhai Gonda used to stay with the Guru. He was a saint in thought, word and deed. Guru ji was very much pleased with his sincere devotion and asked, “Bhai Gonda, go to Kabul, and instruct the Sikhs there in the worship of the true Name, and preach the Sikh faith. Feed holy men and pilgrims with the offerings you receive and send whatever remains here for the upkeep of the Langar. These are to be your duties, and I am confident that you will succeed in them.”

Although Kabul was a foreign country and there was danger from Muslim bigotry in living there, Bhai Gonda cheerfully accepted the task given to him. On arriving there he built a Gurdwara and carried out all the Guru’s instructions.

One day, while Bhai Gonda was repeating the Japji, he felt as if he was actually clinging to the Guru’s feet. He was in such a state of abstraction that he became quite unconscious. He grew as absorbed in the sight of the Guru as a drop of rain in the ocean. The Guru knew what was passing through Bhai Gonda’s mind, and sat firmly on his throne keeping his feet together. At mid-day, when dinner was announced, the Guru made no response. When the announcement was repeated an hour later, he still remained silent. A longer interval later, the call was again made for the third time and cook asked permission to serve the food, but again the Guru did not speak. Several Sikhs gathered together and were about to make a representation to the Guru, when he finally spoke. “Brother Sikhs. Bhai Gonda is in Kabul. He is in thought, word, and deed, a saint of the Guru. He today clasped my feet. How can I take them away from him? How can I go take my dinner until he lets go? I am therefore waiting until the conclusion of his meditation and obeisance.” Bhai Gonda did not awake from his trance before twilight, and it was only then that the Guru felt free to take his meal.

Dara Shikoh

The Emperor Shah Jahan had four sons by different wives: Dara Shikoh, Shuja Muhammad, Aurangzeb, and Murad Baksh. Dara Shikoh was the heir-apparent, and was very dear to his father. Aurangzeb was very cunning, clever and ambitious, and was fixated on succeeding to the throne. (The name Aurangzeb means – fit for the throne) He administered tiger’s whiskers in a dish to his eldest brother and he became dangerously ill as a result. Astrologers were sent for, pirs and fakirs were called, all known charms, spells and incantations were tried but to no avail. Wise men were assembled together and they came to the decision that until the tiger’s whiskers could be removed, there was no hope of a recovery. They were of the opinion that if two ounces of chebulic myrobalan (scientific name: termininalia chebula; known in Ayurvedic medicine as Aralu, credited with having laxative and stomachic properties) and a clove weighing one masha were administered, his health could be restored.
The Emperor searched everywhere for the ingredients but they could not be found – it was only until his Prime Minister, who had heard of the Gurus’ fame, was informed that there were available from the Gurus’ storehouse, that hope was restored. Although the Emperor was hostile to the Guru, yet as the Guru’s house was a mine of sympathy and compassion for all, there was no doubt that he would grant the articles required. The Emperor humbled himself before the Guru and sent a letter. The Guru was pleased that the Emperor had such confidence in him as to write such a friendly letter, and consented to give the required medicines. “Behold,” said the Guru, “with one hand man breaks flowers and with one hand offers them, but the flowers perfume both hands alike. The axe cuts the sandal tree, yet the sandal perfumes the axe. The Guru ought, therefore, to return good for evil.”

The ingredients were weighed and it was explained that these medicines would cause the hardest substance taken to be digested. To these ingredients, the Guru added a pearl which was to be ground and used as a subsidiary remedy. The Emperor was naturally very pleased and forgot all his enemity with the Guru, and vowed that he would never again cause him annoyance. His medicine was administered and effected a speedy and complete cure.

Ram Rai

After the death of Shah Jahan, the attitude of the state headed by Aurangzeb towards the non-muslims, turned hostile. Emperor Aurangzeb made an excuse for the help rendered to prince Dara Shakoh by Guru Sahib during the war of succession and framed false charges against Guru Sahib who was summoned to Delhi. Baba Ram Rai Ji appeard on behalf of Guru Sahib in the court. He tried to clarify some mis-understandings regarding Guru Ghar and Sikh faith, created by Dhirmals and Minas. Yet another trap, which he could not escape, was to clarify the meaning of the verse “The Ashes of the Mohammadan fall into the potter’s clot, it is moulded into pots and bricks, and they cry out as they burn”. Baba Ram Rai in order to please the emperor and gain his sympathy distorted Gurbani. When Guru Har Rai Ji was informed about this incident, he immediately excommunicated Ram Rai Ji from the Sikh Panth and never met him, through the later pleaded repeatedly for forgiveness. Thus Guru Sahib established a strict property for the Sikhs against any alteration of original verse in Guru Granth Sahib and the basic conventions set up by Guru Nanak Sahib.

~ Source: Sikhiwiki.org

Beneath it, a group of Irish builders stand, necks craned upward, as it drifts slowly towards its destination – a giant golden dome 40 metres above the ground.

The bell has a hole, just 100mm wide, and the top of the dome has a pole – just 80mm wide.

Getting the two to meet, with just 2cm to spare, is proving something of an aerial ballet.

Silence from the ground.

A few gentle pirouettes from the bell.

And with surprising grace and little fuss, Glasgow’s Gurdwara accepts her crown.

It has the combined weight of a small elephant, but the glistening dome atop what will be Scotland’s largest Sikh temple is finally in place.

“It’s an exciting moment for us,” said Surjit Singh Chowdhary, president of the Gurdwara committee.

“The dome went on yesterday and looked wonderful glinting in the sun. It has completely changed Glasgow’s skyline.”

Along with several other members of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara committee, retired businessman Mr Chowdhary has spent the last two days with his eyes on the sky as the golden structure has taken shape.

With a combined estimated weight of four tonnes, it has been carefully constructed out of glass-reinforced plastic and rests on a throne purposely built to provide a community for the 10,000 Sikhs currently living Scotland.

“We believe in hard work and we believe in giving,” said Mr Chowdhary, who has been involved in the build since the outset.

“Our community has raised the funds needed and it has already exceeded what I dreamed it would look like.”

The £15 million Singh Sabha Gurdwara will be Scotland’s only purpose built Gurdwara, eventually able to accommodate 1500 worshippers.

With intricate carvings on its walls and windows of delicate stone stars, the building is set to be finished by the end of the year.

But when its dark wooden doors finally swing open, they will welcome not just the Sikh community, but anyone who wishes to enter.

“This is for everyone,” said Mr Chowdhary.

“We want everyone to come and visit us.”

A final gold-leaf spire is set to be erected on the dome early next week before the builders get to work on making the building wind and water tight.

“When it is finished you will be able to see the dome glow across the Glasgow skyline,” said Mr Chowdhary.

“This Gurdwara is our legacy for generations to come.”

~ Source: http://glasgow.stv.tv/