In village Uddat Saidewala, little flowers plant “Green Bouquets of serve “ for tomorrow!

Whilst the socio-virtual world is all engaged in their “e-ways” to do their bit in the global “ Go Green “ uprising ;  young aspiring rural students of class 7th of “ Akal Academy “ in the remote village Uddat Saidewala ( distt. Mansa ), Punjab,  showed their spirit by resorting to the basic fundamentals.

Tree Plantation

In an event exquisite for any rural village, several kids, under cooperation of their teachers & the principal, planted about a 100 trees to celebrate the break of the monsoons. Variety of trees planted included poplars like Neem, Imali, Daikes, Safeda, Kaner & many others. Monsoons hold relevance no short of a religious festival, in the village carrying trend of constantly fighting against water scarcity/contamination & the several connected issues that arise from it i.e. diseases like cancer, stomach infections, epidemics etc.

Tree1

Environmentalists explain the relevance of planting trees relating to several commonly observed needs such as, a source of fuel (wood), for fencing, paper,  etc ;  alongside scientific & the natural benefits, like, as an aid in adjusting the velocity of winds preventing soil  erosion. Amongst all, the perspective of the young children, who were the lifeline of the event;  was the wisest.  For them, the idea of planting trees is an opportunity, to serve people, to prepare a gift for several; who will be served by the trees, by its shadow, fruits & flowers;  & like a bouquet , the fragrance of love.

~ Ramandeep Singh, Student
~ 8th Aug 2013, Rohini, New Delhi

IF YOU DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

AS WINNERS WAKE UP AND HIT THE MARK….!

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they have been given, than to explore the power that can help them change it. Impossible is not a fact. It is an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare! If opportunity doesn’t knock, then build a new door and embracing this strategy ‘Gursharan Singh’ and ‘Sahil Jindal’ have affirmed the saying that- ‘kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.’

Gursharan SinghEvery accomplishment starts with the decision to try; failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough. ‘Gursharan Singh’, one of the most alight students of the Akal Academy, Ratia achieved his goal of achieving 127th All India Rank in the IIT examination and 25th rank in the OBC category. ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ and Gursharan’s hard core effort and zeal led him to the platform of success and achievement. He not only exhibited great results in his IIT examination but also showed spectacular performance in his board examinations. He matriculated with 10 CGPA and scored 87.6% in his 12th grade.

On the other hand ‘Sahil Jindal’, another sparkling lad of Akal Academy, Ratia upholds the dictum that there is no chance, no destiny and no fate that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul. He secured the 67th rank in the IIT examination after his colossal endeavor helped him to attain 10 CGPA in class 10th and 92.5% in his 12th grade.Sahil Jindal

They both matriculated from the ‘Ratia branch’ of Akal Academy in Haryana. It gives pleasure, pride and happiness to see such students as a part of our country’s foundation. The valiant efforts of these students belonging to a small village Ratia in Haryana gave a new platform to them, to touch the apex of success and ecstasy.

There is no problem in this world which can defeat you. To succeed in your mission, it is must to have a single minded devotion towards your goal. Though this school was located in the remote northern frontier state of India but through their hard work and dedication they proved that nothing is impossible if pursued with commitment and self confidence. They both have not only won over their teachers with their inquisitiveness for studies and perseverance but have also filled the hearts of their parents with contentment and bliss. They have raised their heads with glory and conviction.

Both these bucolic aspirants will serve as an inspiration for the students of entire Haryana to achieve a higher ladder in life with full self esteem and adherence. Akal Academy, along with their benign support in giving them good academic knowledge, also endowed their souls with spiritual and eternal values. It taught them ‘not to be a man of success but a man of value.’

What matters is not to see through one another, but to see one another through. The best preparation for tomorrow is to do the commenced work augustly well. Hence, like Gursharan and Sahil, start finding your opportunities within your dreams and aspirations. Dwell as near as possible to the channel in which your life flows. Be optimistic and courageous as ‘courage’ is the anchor that holds one steady, and enables one to climb on and on. Therefore, ‘Aim to carve your name on hearts and not on marbles!’

~Gurleen Kaur Vedi, B.A. (HONS) English, Mata Sundri College For Women
~New Delhi, 3rd July 2013

Diligent Damsel; Directing Dreams…..

Water rises above to form clouds,

A girl is brought up to continue the generation clock,

Rain showers relief and glee,

A girl follows every ritual to spree,

Moving with elegance to conquer the top

A girl can show it to the world what all it costs,

Selflessly she works for her family to smile,

Some sorrow and joy she carries to fill the jug in a while.

 

Kriti SharmaKriti Sharma comes from a middle class family, which resides in a small place called Ratia in Fatehabad, Haryana, which is a small town with picturesque beauty of farm fields and a bright blue sky. Here people have a small world of their own, a very different one from that of city residents. Here education has altogether a different definition. People did send their children to school but not with the idea of providing them a career but to overcome the difficulties that they face on their part because of lack of the opportunity to go to school.

In an environment like this Kriti is a twinkling star who aims to be a doctor, so that she can contribute to the mankind. Her father, a bank employee has always supported her and has faith in her dreams. He always kept his relationship with his daughter intact with love and affection. He is a supporter of pressure free environment and always cherished her. Her mother is a school principal who has not only been idol to her but for hundred other students. She has proved herself time and again in her both professional and personal lives. Kriti has seen a lady’s power in her mother’s image. Immensely inspired by her Kriti has kept her first footsteps on the ladder of life.

Akal AcademyKriti Sharma has always been an overwhelming joy for her parents. She is an ingenious kid who has well exemplified that the downpour of education to girls has the power to reach the apex. She is a student of Akal Academy, Ratia. She has scored 95.5% in her 12th and a 10 CGPA in 10TH board examinations. Further, she scored a 99.78 percentile in the NEET-UG examination conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education in 2013 .The National Eligibility Entrance Test in the first year of its implementation saw 6, 58,040 taking the exam for admissions to MBBS and BDS courses, coming from all over India. Out of these 3,66,317 students qualified the exam. Kriti scored a 938 All India Rank in general category. She also got a 78 and 121 rank in Punjab and Haryana respectively.

Kriti is not only a brilliant student, but also a National level table tennis player. Her interests also include reading novels and dancing. A fun loving girl, industrious and extrovert, Kriti has very high aspirations. She expects herself to perform bigger and better.

Modern day India talks about a double digit growth but still sees a highly abrupt sex ratio. The state of Haryana has 753 girls to 1000 boys as per data released by 2011 Census. In such a scenario girl like Kriti is a benign bliss of god. Her dexterous doings are adding dimensions to the world outside.

As Brigham Young rightly said,”If you educate a man, you educate a man, If you educate a woman you educate a generation.”

~Harshana Kathpalia, B.Com (Hons.),
~Hindu College, New Delhi, 22nd June 2013

Colouring the Karambhoomi!

Akal AcademyNo one can forget the great movie ‘RANG DE BASANTI’ that spoke of our Punjab revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and their contemporaries, which the soil of Punjab is proud of. They at that time were trying to awaken the corrupt and poverty laden country, same way the students of Akal Academy are trying to carry in the spirit by carrying on the flame of empowering the mind, body and soul. They are passionately carrying on the mission of ‘EK NOOR’ and unlike the world, which is busy lapping up all the materialistic pleasures of life in a self-centric approach. The students right from the time that they step into school maintain a simple attire of Kurta Pyjamas, which enhances the principle of gender equality and lesser distractions for impressionable minds. Their characters are chiseled through a carefully laid out regimen, which includes daily prayers (nitnem), which help nourish the young tender brains. They are taught, “ Every human being is the Light of the Divine contained in a human form propelling that we need to respect all humans”. Seva and Simran become the foundation stone of pedagogy followed by Akal Academies.

Sohan SinghFatehgarh Channa is a sleepy village of around 3000 persons, in Tehsil Samana of District Patiala. In 1997, Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib established an Akal Academy with only 22 students. Today, this branch has again proved themselves in ‘RANG DE’ spirits by scoring well in the 12th and 10th CBSE examinations, Sohan Singh scored 89.4%, Yadwinder 82.2%, Harpreet Singh 77% and Mohanjeet 75% in their 12th exams. In the class 10th Ankita Kansal, Arashpreet Kaur, Harbir Kaur, Jashan Sharma, Ravneet Kaur all notched to 10 CGPA. The School is not only famous for the academic output, but also very progressive in sports and co-curricular activities; ensuring the holistic development of the learners.Yadwinder Singh

The underlying key factor to it that even now in their own way, Akal Academy chain of schools have managed to enthuse the spirit of being vivacious, dedicated and passionate to build India’s first chain for rural transformation by sowing the seeds of Value based education at its best.

As a wise man said “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”. This has been one of the guiding forces of the Kalgidhar Trust under the umbrella of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji.

~ Ramneet Singh, B.Com.,
~ Rohini, New Delhi, 22nd June 2013

Edmonton Fund-Raising for Akal University, Guru ki Kashi

An educational seminar cum fund-raising dinner was organized by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib at Maharaja Banquet Hall in Edmonton, Canada on Thursday, 6 June, 2013. A large number of local devotees were present on the occasion.

Edmonton

Welcoming the guests, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, President, The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, specified the purpose of the meet. He said that the educational initiative of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib is being further expanded to fulfill the fourth prophesy of the Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, who had envisaged Guru ki Kashi at Damdama Sahib more than three centuries ago. It is our greatest fortune that the Sewa of Akal University, Guru ki Kashi has been bestowed upon us.”

The cost of this project has been estimated as Rupees 500 Crores. Akal University will develop collaborative academic programs with Indian and foreign universities for new technologies. The unique feature though will be to establish a department of Guru Granth Sahib Research Center, wherein the Scripture will be translated into various major world languages and trained scholars will spread the message of Guru Granth Sahib all over the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Chairman, Akal Academy (with 129 branches) dwelt at length about the various educational initiatives of The Kalgidhar Trust. He emphatically appealed to the audience to contribute liberally for the ongoing Guru ki Kashi project.

Bhai Harpaul Singh, a volunteer of Baru Sahib, gave a PowerPoint presentation of the various activities of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib.

Mr. Naresh Bhardwaj, the local member of the Legislature, lauded the effort of Akal Academy in the field of education in the North Indian states.

Young students from Calgary recited Dhadi Varaan depicting a golden page from Sikh history, which enthralled the audience.

S. Avtar Singh Gill and S. Balvir Singh Chana conducted the stage while the entire arrangement for the evening was managed by S. Angrez Singh, S. Jaswinder Singh Bhinder, S. Gurjant Singh Barar, S. Upinder Singh Matharu, S. Jaswinder Singh Gill and S. Hardeep Singh Lal.

The management of The Kalgidhar Trust presented mementos to all those associated with the Sewa.

Edmonton

Brampton Fund-Raising Dinner helps gather momentum

Akal University, Guru ki Kashi, being established by The Kalgidhar Trust with the wholehearted support of Saadh Sangat the world over, got a new fillip when the local Canadian Sikh community organized a fund-raising dinner at Shingar Banquet Hall in Brampton.

BramptonBaba Iqbal Singh Ji, President, The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, who flew into Canada especially for this purpose, emphasized the need for everyone to contribute generously for this noble cause, which is likely to cost Rupees 500 Crores.

Besides the routine academic courses, Akal University, Guru ki Kashi will comprise of an extensive department, wherein Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be translated into all major world languages. It will train scholars, who will spread to all corners of the world to propagate the message of Gurbani in their native languages, thereby fulfilling the fourth blessing of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Speaker after speaker stressed upon the devotees that whosoever contributes for this noble cause, will obtain the Guru’s blessing and set out on the path of emancipation.

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, Dr. Khem Singh Gill and Bhai Harpaul Singh took turns to speak about the various educational initiatives of The Kalgidhar Trust and vehemently appealed for the wholehearted contribution from the Saadh Sangat.

An impassioned appeal by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji evoked a spontaneous response from the Canadian NRIs, who gave handsome contributions towards Guru ki Kashi.

S. Param Gill, Member Parliament from Brampton, praised the good work being undertaken by The Kalgidhar Trust in the field of education, which will go a long way in propagating Sikhi.

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji added that besides educational courses, Akal University, Guru ki Kashi will develop collaborative academic programs with domestic and foreign universities for novel technologies and cooperative programs with local, national and international industries and develop programs to train manpower to fulfill the needs of Punjab, India and international companies. He felt particularly pleased that it is during our lifetime that such a project has been initiated. We should pray for the completion of this project during our lifetime to earn the blessing of the Tenth Master. Gurdev Singh Gill was the stage secretary for the evening while Dr. Balwant Singh, Ajit Singh Bittoo, Balvir Singh Sandhewalia, Hardeep Singh, Amandeep Singh and Avtar Singh Gill organized the event. The organizers thanked all present for their participation and cooperation.

Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at Surrey

Akal Academy continues its mission to establish Sikh educational institutions around the globe.

Baba Iqbal Singh Ji
Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar

100 years ago, it was in this same land, in a small but determined Sikh Diaspora that Sant Teja Singh started his mission to ensure quality religious and academic education for future Sikh generations.He was also the founder of the Khalsa Diwan Societies in Vancouver and Stockton, USA. It was through his eyes that we first conceived the idea of international schools.

At the 4th annual Akal Academy Banquet and Educational Seminar, which took place last weekend, the community pledged its overwhelming support for the next chapter of a dream envisioned by Sant Teja Singh so long ago.
Surrey
Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar

The fundraiser held at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall was in support of the Akal University, Guru ki Kashi, which is currently under construction at Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo in Punjab. Sikhs from various organisations and across BC gathered in support of this noble project, which is being headed by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark praised the work of the Akal Academy and their contribution to education. Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts sent her regards via video message for the excellent academic initiative undertaken by The Kalgidhar Trust. The Kalgidhar Trust President Baba Iqbal Singh (Former Director Agriculture, Himachal Pardesh) addressed the gathering and told of the 129 schools, Eternal University, which are educating over 60,000 children and strengthening the future of the Sikh nation. He also explained about the upcoming Akal University, which is under construction and its first phase is scheduled to open in July 2014; an amazing accomplishment of the worldwide Sikh community.
Fund Raising Dinner, Surrey
Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar

International Scientist, Former Vice-Chancellor and Chairman, Akal Academies Dr. Khem Singh gave a detailed outline of academic and religious education projects currently underway around the globe.

News reporter Professor Gurvinder Singh Dhaliwal also addressed the gathering and focused on the contributions of Sant Teja Singh towards the establishment of Sikh communities across North America. “Instead of building new Gurdwaras, the time has come for Sikh organizations to build Sikh educational institutions,” said Professor Dhaliwal.

Other accomplished community leaders, who addressed the event included Kwantlen Polytechnic University Chancellor Arvinder Singh Babbar, Vancouver Police Officer Constable Kal Singh Dosanjh, Former Member of Parliament Sukh Dhaliwal, Avtar Singh Gill; and Bhai Harpaul Singh, Baru Sahib.

In addition to classical music presentations and Gatka demonstrations by Gurmat Centre and Akal Academy Surrey students, Akal Academy also honored Sevadaars, community leaders and role models from the local community for their contributions.

Sikh Diaspora pledges overwhelming support for Guru ki Kashi at 4th annual Banquet and Educational Seminar
Fund Raising Dinner
Master of ceremonies for the evening Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji and Amandeep Kaur extended appreciation towards the esteemed guests, the attendees and all those, who raised and donated money towards the noble cause. Akal Academy of Surrey would like to thank all of the families, sponsors, and Sevadaars, who made the event a great success in support of Akal University, Guru ki Kashi.