News & Update

International Non-Profit Organization | Charitable NGO for Education

The Sikhs Who Built New Delhi, Modern India’s Capital

It would not be an exaggeration to say that most of New Delhi, the Capital of India, was built by a coterie of Sikhs contractors of whom five did the lion’s share of building. In Sikh circles, they were known as ‘punj pyarey’ – the ‘five beloved’, borrowing the term from the first five Khalsa of […]

It would not be an exaggeration to say that most of New Delhi, the Capital of India, was built by a coterie of Sikhs contractors of whom five did the lion’s share of building. In Sikh circles, they were known as ‘punj pyarey’ – the ‘five beloved’, borrowing the term from the first five Khalsa of the Tenth Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh.

The top five builders were Sobha Singh, Basakha Singh, Ranjit Singh, Mohan Singh and Dharam Singh Sethi.

The British gave them due credit by inscribing their names on stone slabs. You can see them in the alcoves of South and North Blocks. The South Block has five names starting with my father, Sobha Singh, the North Block has a list of architects and engineers including my father-in-law, Teja Singh Malik, who was the first Indian head of the Central Public Works Department.

The British did more.

Before quitting India, they conferred knighthoods on Teja Singh Malik and Sobha Singh. You can’t be blamed for not being aware of this because free India’s rulers did nothing to perpetuate their memory. Not a single road, bylane or round-about was named after any of them. Whether the new rulers were from the Congress party or the BJP, they were more concerned with giving credit to their party members than recording the truth. At times it appeared like anti-Sikh communal prejudice. Perish the thought.

Mani Shankar Aiyar had the Parliament sanction to change Connaught Circus into Indira and Rajiv Gandhi names. The metro stations are named according to his wishes, but the average Dilliwala prefers calling Connaught Circus as Connaught Circus. He also named a prominent road after the eminent Tamilian poet Subramaniam Bharati Marg. Why not? We have Amrita Shergill Marg.

Neither had anything to do with New Delhi.

Why no road after Amrita Pritam who lived and died here?

by KHUSHWANT SINGH

[Courtesy: Hindustan Times.]

Intellectuals Speak – Principals’ Conference by Atam Pragas Social Welfare Council

Atam Pargas Social Welfare Council (APSWC), Ludhiana, recently organized a Principals Conference on ‘Efficient Teaching: Methodologies and Responsibilities’ at Akal Academy Dhanal Kalan, Jalandhar on February 8, 2014. More than 150 school principals/teachers from different districts of Punjab participated in the conference organized with the support of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib. Principal Narinderpal Singh […]

Atam Pargas Social Welfare Council (APSWC), Ludhiana, recently organized a Principals Conference on ‘Efficient Teaching: Methodologies and Responsibilities’ at Akal Academy Dhanal Kalan, Jalandhar on February 8, 2014.

More than 150 school principals/teachers from different districts of Punjab participated in the conference organized with the support of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib. Principal Narinderpal Singh (Retd.), Paritbha Vidhalya, Delhi talked about the teaching methodologies of Guru Nanak and inspired the teachers to develop their personality in the light of Gurbani; he discussed about the Great massacre of Sikhs that happened at Kup Rahira near Malerkotla during these days in 18th century and encouraged the teachers to be proud about the rich heritage and motivated them to come up as efficient nation builders.

Dr. Varinderpal Singh, Chairman APSWC encouraged the teachers to accept their professional responsibility with passion. He cautioned the decline of moral values in the society and emphasized the need for adopting value based teaching methodologies. He also sensitized the importance of handling little minds with responsibility and sincerity. While giving examples from day to day life he urged the teachers to adopt practical approach to tailor the minds of the students to lead a purposeful life. To achieve this objective effectively, the Council exhibited the ‘Jeeveey  Gurbani Naal-Play way book series’ meant for students of 2nd to 9th standard.

The impact of these books on the development of the child’s psychology was also discussed. The teachers not only listened to Dr. Varinderpal Singh with great intent but also owned their responsibility to work with new courage and devotion in their respective schools with raised hands. They were also seen keen to introduce special video DVD released by Atam Pargas in their school syllabus.

Pr. Hardev Kaur, Guru Hargobind Academey, Kothe Bagu, Pr. (Dr.) Kala Singh, Guru Arjan Dev Public School, Kartarpur, Pr. Jasdeep Mohan, Lyallpur Khalsa Senior Sec. School, Jalandhar and others appreciated the contribution of Atam Pargas to empower teaching community in the country and  called all the teachers to support the initiative of Atam Pargas with commitment.

On the occasion, Principal Harpreet Kaur, Akal Academy Dhanal Kalan while proposing vote of thanks, appreciated the workshop as wonderful experience in her life. She congratulated the young participant teachers that they are lucky to learn in today’s workshop at age younger than her. She extended all kind of support to organize these workshops at her school in future.

Be a part of this wave of Rural Transformation here – www.Deedaday.in

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 11th Feb ’14

Akal Academy, Bhadaur hosts an Inter-School Competition!

Sant Attar Singh Ji’s main branch Baru Sahib’s division of Akal Academy, located at village Bhadaur recently organized an inter-school competition in which around 77 students from 11 different schools participated. The event observed Painting, Hand-Writing, Essay-Composition & Speech Competitions. During the competition, amongst the Special Guests – Akal University, ‘Guru Kanshi’ Damdama Sahib’s Zonal […]

Sant Attar Singh Ji’s main branch Baru Sahib’s division of Akal Academy, located at village Bhadaur recently organized an inter-school competition in which around 77 students from 11 different schools participated.

The event observed Painting, Hand-Writing, Essay-Composition & Speech Competitions. During the competition, amongst the Special Guests – Akal University, ‘Guru Kanshi’ Damdama Sahib’s Zonal Director Principal Tejinderjeet Singh, Madam Lamba and Intercom University’s Professor Praveen were present.

After the competitions, Principal Tejinderjeet Singh motivated the children to study with a great intent whilst addressing the students; he also said that the students who receive low marks should not feel low or lose hope, but, should instead work with more determination to secure better marks next time. On the occasion, Professor Praveen provided vital information about Baru Sahib to students & their parents during his speech.

Winning participants from the competitions were presented with certificates and the teachers alongside others attendees accompanying the participants were also honored. Academy’s Principal Madam Gurdeep Kaur gave special thanks to the visiting Special Guests, Accompanying teachers & other attendees of the event.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 11th Feb ’14

Special Train to Connect all Five Takhts!

Amritsar, February 10, 2014,With the Indian Railways all set to launch Panj Takht train from February 16, a long-pending demand of the Sikh pilgrims has finally been met. The tickets for this 10-day journey could be booked from today either online or in person at Dhuri and Sangrur railway stations. The fare includes cost of […]

Amritsar, February 10, 2014,With the Indian Railways all set to launch Panj Takht train from February 16, a long-pending demand of the Sikh pilgrims has finally been met. The tickets for this 10-day journey could be booked from today either online or in person at Dhuri and Sangrur railway stations. The fare includes cost of food, lodging etc.

Sangat hailed the move, saying it would be of immense benefit to the devotees, who wish to pay obeisance at all the five Takhts. The special train would facilitate comfortable travel, particularly for women, the elderly and children. A local resident, said with the launch of this train, the devotees would find it easier to travel to the Takhts that are located in three different states. Moreover, they will get an opportunity to offer prayers at all five Takhts in a single tour.

The Indian Railways will start Panj Takht Special Train, connecting all the five Takhts of Sikhs, on February 16 at 10 am from the Dhuri railway station, 15 km from here. The Panj Takht train that is to be flagged off from Dhuri on February 16 will connect Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib), Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Sri Patna Sahib (Patna) in Bihar and Sri Hazoor Sahib (Nanded) in Maharashtra. The train will complete its first journey in Dhuri on February 25.

This special Panj Takht train will enable the people of Punjab to visit the Sikh Gurdwaras of special significance at a low cost in a comfortable train environment – a facility which was not available earlier. The tickets for this 10 day Yatra can be booked at a Reasonable Amount which will including all expenses Like train fare, food and lodging etc. Sangrur MP mentioned that bookings for Panj Takht train can be made on internet or manually at Dhuri & Sangrur Railway Station.

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 10th Feb ’14

CSR Initiative by BHEL India for installing 60-KW SPV Power Plants

The Kalgidhar Trust proudly announces that Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Maharatna Company (a Public Sector Undertaking),under the Golden Jubilee CSR Project has extended its support for 60 KW multiple-grid interactive SPV Power Plant to be installed in two rural Akal Academies ( 30 KW each in Akal Academy, Dadehar Sahib and Akal Academy, Teja Singh […]

The Kalgidhar Trust proudly announces that Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Maharatna Company (a Public Sector Undertaking),under the Golden Jubilee CSR Project has extended its support for 60 KW multiple-grid interactive SPV Power Plant to be installed in two rural Akal Academies ( 30 KW each in Akal Academy, Dadehar Sahib and Akal Academy, Teja Singh Wala of Tarn Taran district, Punjab).

The agreement in this regard was signed on 6thFebruary 2014 at BHEL office, Noida between BHEL –IVP Goindwal and The Kalgidhar Trust.

This agreement states that the power produced from these plants will be transferred to the main grid and extra power (beside Schools consumption) will be a great source of energy for the locals.

The Kalgidhar Trust – Baru Sahib is a non-profit charitable organisation focussed on providing quality education to fight against the alarming rise in drugs and alcohol abuse. With equal stress on Healthcare, Women Empowerment and Social Welfare, the organisation has been instrumental in the socio-economic uplift of the poor in the far-flung rural areas of North India.

Today the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, and the backward hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are dotted with 129 low cost CBSE Schools, providing modern, value-based education to around 60,000 students. The students are mostly from the deprived sections of society, admitted regardless of caste, creed, region, religion and social status. The aim is to build a total of 500 low cost schools to provide value-based education to all children at the village level.

News Coverage:

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 10th Feb ’14

An Epitome of Inter-Faith – an apt message for the modern generation!

In a landmark development; toiling over the past 2 years, despite his back-breaking tours and tightly packed schedules, Baba Iqbal Singh, President, The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib has written a book ‘ Sikh Faith- An Epitome of Inter faith’. To call it only a book would be undermining the effort and wisdom that has gone […]

In a landmark development; toiling over the past 2 years, despite his back-breaking tours and tightly packed schedules, Baba Iqbal Singh, President, The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib has written a book ‘ Sikh Faith- An Epitome of Inter faith’. To call it only a book would be undermining the effort and wisdom that has gone into its publication. Baba Iqbal Singh has funnelled all the knowledge and wisdom that he accumulated in his 90 years of service to Humanity and under the able guidance and mentorship of Sant Teja Singh, AM Harvard who was further inspired and initiated by Sant Attar Singh, the visionary Saint of 20th century. Such was the grand vision of the Founding Fathers that today The Kalgidhar Trust is a 129 chain of rural Schools, 2 Universities, 42 Courses benefitting 60,000 rural students, thereby saving them from the menace of Drugs and creating Ambassadors of Peace and Universal Brotherhood.

This compilation, in easily comprehensible uncomplicated English, by Baba Iqbal Singh elaborately explains the true essence of teachings of Divine Masters of Sikh faith. The author has given complete insight of the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, which are equally applicable in the worldly and spiritual realm, in a most modern perspective. The Universal approach of the Gurus, for the whole of humanity, without any distinction of caste, creed or religion; has been amply clarified, in a simple and straight language.

The book further mentions that:

Guru Granth Sahib has only one Divine message for the whole of the humanity, i.e. how to become Divine? The Divine has created whole universe and pervades everywhere in it. The religions are the different ways to reach one destination to merge with the Divine within. Guru Granth Sahib teaches the humanity i.e. how to become God conscious and create spiritual brotherhood in the universe? If somebody studies Guru Granth Sahib in depth, it would be most apparent that this is the spiritual guide for the whole of the mankind.

When a Sikh devotee bows his/her head in reverence before Guru Granth Sahib, he doesn’t bow before the Divine Hymns of only Six Sikh Gurus, but also to the Divine Hymns belonging to those Saints who initially followed their own spiritual path whether of Hindu, Muslim or other faiths. The Sikh devotee, in fact, is paying respect to the Holy Scripture, which in fact is Inter-Faith and thus has a Universal Message for the whole of the humanity.

Guru Granth Sahib has amply clarified that the whole humanity that belongs to different castes, creeds, and religions has been created by the All Pervading One, i.e. the Divine, which is the only source of creation of the whole universe. The blessed ones, who follow the divine instructions in letter and spirit would merge with Him and would get salvation in this very life. Those who follow the instincts of their mind, under the influence of five vices, i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride (arrogance) would wander hither and thither miserably in the cycle of birth and rebirth. God, therefore, can be realized only through love, faith and devotion as explained in this book. An earnest ‘seeker after truth’ would be benefited after reading this book.

This compilation of Faith, Spiritual Knowledge, Divine Wisdom, is most recommended to the ‘seekers after truth’, who in the end would gain a lot of spiritual insight and develop an urge to tread on the divine path while performing their worldly duties.

It is being released today, 9 Feb 2014 on the occasion of the Sant Samagam, held in sweet memory of its Founding Father, Sant Attar Singh, at Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib, New Delhi by Giani Pinderpal Singh Ji, Padam Bhushan Dr Khem Singh Gill and Padam Shri Nirmal Singh Khalsa!

To order your copy, please write to:

sikhfaith@barusahib.org

or

The Kalgidhar Trust
F-3, Rajouri Garden
New Delhi – 110027

Teachers’ Kindergarten Workshop at village Uddat Saidewala Akal Academy

As per the orders of Honorable Advisor, Health & Education Dr. Neelam Kaur, Baru Sahib, Akal Academy located at village Uddat Saidewala observed a Kindergarten Workshop recently on 1-February 2014. Resource person, Ms. Gurjeet Kaur, Headmistress of the Academy, informed us about the key agendas of the workshop – the workshop observed discussions on  various […]

As per the orders of Honorable Advisor, Health & Education Dr. Neelam Kaur, Baru Sahib, Akal Academy located at village Uddat Saidewala observed a Kindergarten Workshop recently on 1-February 2014.

Resource person, Ms. Gurjeet Kaur, Headmistress of the Academy, informed us about the key agendas of the workshop – the workshop observed discussions on  various strategies :

– To create maximum activities for the kindergarten children;
– How  to make children able to understand general commands in English & able to converse in English;
– Emphasis on Moral Values & General Behavior changes to attract parents attention so that their child may go n explicate good manners through habit of recitation of path, divinity poems, Rhymes at home .
– Also, a system to receive feedback from the parents was discussed.

“Several teachers attended the workshop with great enthusiasm & learnt new techniques with immense focus & dedication”, quoted the Headmistress, Mrs. Gurjeet Kaur whilst sharing her report on the workshop which was observed in light of keeping the teachers up to date with the latest & innovative techniques of providing an effective value based education to the little young students.

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 7th Feb ’14

New way to Search Gurbani!

Khoj Gurbani (www.khojgurbani.org) is a platform to study the Guru Granth Sahib. Each week this platform will present a section of the Guru Granth Sahib for worldwide study and discussion. Video, audio and written responses to the Shabad or the section would be solicited and crowdsourced. This exercise would allow eminent intellectuals and laypersons alike […]

Khoj Gurbani (www.khojgurbani.org) is a platform to study the Guru Granth Sahib. Each week this platform will present a section of the Guru Granth Sahib for worldwide study and discussion. Video, audio and written responses to the Shabad or the section would be solicited and crowdsourced. This exercise would allow eminent intellectuals and laypersons alike to engage with one another across different mediums and languages, all enabled on an online platform. A rotating Editorial Board of Sewadars would highlight the best responses, while allowing all voices to be heard. This discussion would culminate into the writing of commentaries followed by translations of the same Shabad into modern idiomatic English.

KHOJ GURBANI ​has a Vision –

“To Foster a culture in which Sikhs engage with a serious study of the Guru Granth Sahib using the latest online tools and pedagogy.”​

The need to create the same kind of excitement for the study of the Guru Granth Sahib and engage all Sikhs to participate this online platform will make it possible to study the Guru Granth Sahib, discover its deeper meanings through discussion, and finally arrive at a new translation and a commentary for the new millennium.

Online Platform and Its Features –

Successful mastery of the deeper understanding of Gurbani requires access to correct pronunciation, meaning and reflection on the Guru’s word.  The platform will take this pedagogical requirement and furnish proper tools to achieve new insights into Gurbani.

  • Pronunciation: The online platform will facilitate reading from the original text of the Guru Granth Sahib with phonetic pronunciation (Santhia) established by the long-standing Sikh tradition.
  • Dictionary: In addition, it would provide the multi-layered meaning of every word using existing and new dictionaries that will be developed.  Hovering over a word would provide its meaning in English, along with grammatical forms of the word established by Gurbani grammar.
  • Discussion Section: A discussion forum in which the nuances of each word, sentence and the entire Shabad will be discussed before a commentary is attempted.
  • Commentary Section: Insights from the discussion—both online and offline—would culminate into the joint writing of a commentary on the Shabad.  The commentary will be added to the commentary section corresponding to the Shabad.
  • Translation Section: Once the finer meanings of a Shabad have been discussed and a detailed commentary is in place (much like a Wikipedia article), one or more translations for each line of the Shabad will be added with the aim to create a fresh translation.
  • Teeka Sections: Sections featuring existing exegesis in Panjabi and English translations will be made available to enhance the aforementioned processes.

Get a hands on firsthand experience here –  http://goo.gl/A36WgT. Let us know of your reviews right here in the comment box below!

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 7th Jan ’14

Inter-Academy Sant Attar Singh ji Knowledge-Quest Competition observed

An Inter School, ‘Sant Attar Singh Ji’ Knowledge- Quest was organized recently during the ongoing series of Seminars on Re-Kinetising Education that will are to continue till 10 Feb 2014 across various Akal Academies and other institutions; students from class 6th to 12th of various Akal Academies participated in the quiz event. During the event, […]

An Inter School, ‘Sant Attar Singh Ji’ Knowledge- Quest was organized recently during the ongoing series of Seminars on Re-Kinetising Education that will are to continue till 10 Feb 2014 across various Akal Academies and other institutions; students from class 6th to 12th of various Akal Academies participated in the quiz event.

During the event, the students competed in Debates on: Slogan Writing Competition, Women Empowerment and Media – a blessing or a Curse? The students also presented colorful Artistic representation encouraging Anti-Alcohol/Drug De-addition in the Art Competition event.

During the program, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Training & Placement Officer, Eternal University, Baru Sahib; Dr. Maghar Singh, Retired Chief Education Officer; Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain, Head Training & Placement, SLIET Longwal and Geeta Goswami, School Inspector were present. Mr. Sanjay Kumar provided information about various courses being offered at Eternal University to the students whilst Dr. P.K. Jain, shared his views about value-based education being provided to Rural children by Baru Sahib.

Towards Conclusion, the special guests presented the winners of the competition with prizes & certificates. Akal Academy Principal S.Baljeet Kaur and Beant Kaur thanked the invited special guests.

The seminars & the Knowledge quest, organized by Eternal University, Baru Sahib, with support of Akal Academies under the organization of the Kalgidhar Trust are focused on subject of providing values based education alongside spiritual & scientific education to the under-privileged & Rural children in North India.

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 5th Feb ’14