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Commemorating the 50th Barsi of Sant Teja Singh Ji, a 3 day Samagam is conducted at Baru Sahib

Sant Teja Singh Ji invented the Modern day Gurukul at a place where Sages and Seers meditated on the divine name, bringing a perfect blend of spirituality to the school syllabus of modern scientific education! Students of Akal Academy Baru Sahib participated in numerous programmes to mark the day of remembrance and to pay their […]

Sant Teja Singh Ji invented the Modern day Gurukul at a place where Sages and Seers meditated on the divine name, bringing a perfect blend of spirituality to the school syllabus of modern scientific education!

Students of Akal Academy Baru Sahib participated in numerous programmes to mark the day of remembrance and to pay their humble tribute to the Great Soul. The life history of Sant Teja Singh Ji was presented and his glorious achievements were highlighted. Dhadi Vaaran & Gurmat Sangeet by the students on traditional string instruments (Tanti Saaz) added to the divinity.

31 Akhand Paaths, 5 Sehaj paths, 23123 Sukhmani Sahib,15762 Japji Sahib paths, 8412 Choupai Sahib were conducted by the students drenched in unconditional love & utmost devotion to pay homage to the noble soul.

These harbingers of peace have managed to stand out not only as academic achievers but also as a youth with a character that he been saved from the onslaught of drugs and alcohol engulfing North India.

The flame is out yet the light shines upon bright on these young souls.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 6th July ’15

#JustinPics of Akal Academy, Dhugga Kalan organizes an Educational Tour for Students!

“It’s better to see something than to hear about it a thousand times.” Every expedition made is an experience which leaves students pondering and implores them to think! Akal Academy Dhugga Kalan recently organized an educational trip cum excursion in the local city for the students till grade 4th which included the different places, stations […]

“It’s better to see something than to hear about it a thousand times.” Every expedition made is an experience which leaves students pondering and implores them to think!

Akal Academy Dhugga Kalan recently organized an educational trip cum excursion in the local city for the students till grade 4th which included the different places, stations and park. Students have the opportunity to observe many things that are not available at school which enhances their knowledge.

They provide valuable educational opportunities away from the classroom, without using textbooks and other tools used in a normal school setting.

The students were first taken to the branch of Axis bank at Tanda where they learnt the process of opening an account, depositing money, withdrawing money. A meeting with the bank staff and head of the branch was also conducted to educate them on various processes of the bank.

At such places the student practices his social skills and critical thinking abilities outside of the controlled class setting. Educational trips that take advantage of local resources promote community connectivity.

Secondly, the Civil Hospital was visited. In the hospital the students observed the different wards. They witnessed number of patients admitted in O.P.D ward & emergency ward. They also observed different rooms like, Operation Theater & X-ray room. Educational discussions were organized with the dentist , surgeon, nurses ,other doctors who described them about various equipment which used to treat the patients.

The third visit was to the Railway station. Students expressed their curiosity to visit the station. They witnessed many passengers were waiting for the train to reach their destination. They observed the ticket counter, over head bridge.

By this visit they came to know how tickets are purchased or cancelled. They also saw the station master’s quarter who handles all the responsibilities.

On the way back, they observed the bus station, full of hustle and bustle, where they saw the different buses standing on their particular counters.

Visit to the Shimla Park were a refreshing end to the excursion where they enjoyed themselves. The academy provided them refreshments.Places like banks, railways station, parks are important resources within a community for both the student.

It was a day full of curiosity, exciting experiences & fun. A fun bonding experience which offered a refreshing break to both the teachers & students. Students on Educational trips can often learn while having fun in a more informal environment.

~ Tapasleen Kaur
~ New Delhi, 6th July ’15

Akal Academy Gomti pays tribute on 50th Barsi of Sant Teja Singh Ji!

Akal Academy Gomti commemorated the 50th death anniversary of Sant Teja Singh ji whose relentless efforts helped to find the most pious and sacred place “ The Divine Valley of Peace- Baru Sahib”. Sant Teja Singh ji erected a small Gurudwara at this place and today this place has emerged as one of the educational […]

Akal Academy Gomti commemorated the 50th death anniversary of Sant Teja Singh ji whose relentless efforts helped to find the most pious and sacred place “ The Divine Valley of Peace- Baru Sahib”. Sant Teja Singh ji erected a small Gurudwara at this place and today this place has emerged as one of the educational centers. Schools, Colleges, University, Gurudwara and many other similar professional and spiritual institutions have come at this very odd and difficult place.

Children of Akal Academy Gomti participated in numberous programmes to mark the day of remembrance. The programme began with the recitation of shabad “ Santaan Kay Kaaraj Aap Khaloa “ by class VII students. Sr.Surinderpal Singh, Divinity and Music teacher highlighted the various achievement of Sant ji. He detailed how St.Teja Singh ji visited different countries to spread the message of sikh Gurus. St.Teja Singh Ji struggled hard to bring maximum relief to the people living there.

After Class VII, it was class X students who recited the Shabad “ Mere Ram Rai, Toon Santaan Ka Sant tere”. Harmanpreet Kaur of class XII read out a long and detailed life-history of Sant Teja Singh Ji.

Fulfilling the wishes of Sant Attar Singh ji, Sant Teja Singh ji helped a lot in the establishment of many educational institutions. Class X girls recited another Shabad “ Santan Ka Sadka”. In the end two students sang in praise of Sikh Guru’s. These boys presented the life history of Guru ji in the form of a kavishri.

The flame might be out but the LIGHT STILL SHINES upon these blessed souls!

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350 Year old saroop of Adi Granth kept by the British Museum!

The British have kept a 350-year-old Saroop of Adi Granth for over 130 years inside the British museum. The Saroop kept in the British library is one of the 20 oldest Saroops to exist in the world. It is dated from the 17th century (Circa 1660-1675). The original Adi Granth was compiled by Guru Arjan […]

The British have kept a 350-year-old Saroop of Adi Granth for over 130 years inside the British museum. The Saroop kept in the British library is one of the 20 oldest Saroops to exist in the world.

It is dated from the 17th century (Circa 1660-1675). The original Adi Granth was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604, known as the Kartarpur Wali Bir currently in the possession of the Sodhi family of Punjab.

The Saroop was purchased by the British Museum in 1884 from the Reverend A. Fisher, who had been principal of a missionary school in Amritsar in the Punjab.

The Adi Granth was completed in 1604, and installed in the Golden Temple; Baba Buddha was appointed Guru’s Granthi. Guru Arjun Dev Ji told his Sikhs that the Adi Granth was the embodiment of the Guru, and should be treated in the same fashion as they respect him. When Guru Arjun Ji first completed the Adi Granth, he placed it upon his own bed and slept on the floor. Its words were written without any spaces or breaks.

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last of the Sikh Gurus to take human form, dictated the entire Granth Sahib at Talwandi Sabo now called Damdama Sahib. Dhir Mal, the son of Baba Gurditta and grandson of Guru Hargobind, had taken possession of the Adi Granth; he refused to give it to Guru Gobind Singh when the Guru asked for it. Dhir Mal taunted the Guru, “If you are a Guru, then prepare your own.”

The tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji added the bani of 9th Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji into the Adi Granth and in 1708 declared it to be Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

The British Museum has split it’s Saroop of Adi Granth into different parts and have committed sacrilege by treating it as a book.

Manjit Singh addressed the concern in 2012 to the British Museum by stating the following:

“The Guru Granth Sahib/Adi Granth should NOT ever be dissected or kept as a ‘book’ in the British Library. This manuscript needs to be ‘reconciled’ with the remaining Adi Granth from which it was dissected. It then needs to be returned to a Sikh gurdwara (Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar) for it to be laid on its canopy and used in worship. Sikhs bow to the Adi Granth. It is NOT a ‘prayer book to be shelved and archived. This manuscript needs to be returned to the Sikh community and given the full regalia that every Guru Granth Sahib is. I would be interested to discuss this matter with the British Library.”

~ Source: Daily Sikh Update

Sikh Samaritan Harman Singh was felicitated with Police Award for his Outstanding Act of Compassion and Empathy!

A Sikh man who removed his turban to cradle the injured head of a child has been felicitated for his efforts. Harman Singh has received the district commander’s certificate of appreciation at the Counties Manukau police district awards, held at Manukau Institute of Technology. Singh was recognized rescued a 6-year-old Daejon Pahia after the youngster […]

A Sikh man who removed his turban to cradle the injured head of a child has been felicitated for his efforts. Harman Singh has received the district commander’s certificate of appreciation at the Counties Manukau police district awards, held at Manukau Institute of Technology.

Singh was recognized rescued a 6-year-old Daejon Pahia after the youngster was hit by a car. Singh made world headlines he removed his turban to staunch the blood flowing from Daejon’s head.

Inspector Bruce O’Brien, the prevention manager for the Counties Manukau central policing area, praised Singh for his “outstanding compassion and empathy”.

He was “overwhelmed” when he received the email inviting him to the awards ceremony, the 22-year-old said “I’m a shy guy, but it’s nice. I’m so happy.” The media attention following the incident had taken some getting used to.

“It was very uncomfortable doing the first TV interview but the second or third time, you get used to it.”
Singh said his relatives back in India were very proud to hear he was receiving the award. And he said he would not hesitate to act if ever in a similar situation.

“If something else happens, I have the maturity and I can do the same thing.”

The Sikh man who captured the hearts of people across the globe when he took off his turban to cradle a boy’s head who had been hit by a car and this was a very emotional moment for him to get honored for his noble act of compassion.

~ Source: stuff.co.nz

Exclusive Series on Nihangs – Nomads of Punjab

Nihangs are a tribe that are scattered around Punjab, India. Dating back to the time of the ever expanding Mughal Empire where they were the first line of defense fighting simply for the right to live free from oppression. Each nihang was trained in the martial art of “Shastar vidiya”; The art of swordsmanship allowing […]

Nihangs are a tribe that are scattered around Punjab, India. Dating back to the time of the ever expanding Mughal Empire where they were the first line of defense fighting simply for the right to live free from oppression. Each nihang was trained in the martial art of “Shastar vidiya”; The art of swordsmanship allowing them to be very agile yet very destructive. They have dedicated their whole lives to defending their faith.

Known for their martial arts, sword fighting abilities, military expertise and bold blue attire, their traditions have changed very little over the past 300 years.

Due to the success of the Vaisakhi event which took place on Saturday 11th April, Raman Singh’s art work for my latest series Nihang, Nomads of Punjab was put on display until 24th April 2015 at City Hall, Central London.

The Event was organized by the Mayor of London and the positive feedback of the series has given him the opportunity to share his life long passion to explore history and heritage.

Despite being warriors they are a symbol for world peace, Nihangs are saint soldiers! They exist to spread love and preserve peace.

Courtesy – www.ramansingh.co

Share & Spread to appreciate the efforts put in, digging the Sikh Heritage to the surface!

Sant Teja Singh Ji presented the Divine Vision of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in World Religious Conferences!

Sant Teja Singh during his sojourn of USA was invited to attend Berlin World Congress of all Religions. Sant ji presented the divine vision and preaching of Guru Nanak Dev. He familiarised the huge gathering from across the globe, about Guru sahib’s message of Universal Brotherhood and the presence of same divine light within every […]

Sant Teja Singh during his sojourn of USA was invited to attend Berlin World Congress of all Religions. Sant ji presented the divine vision and preaching of Guru Nanak Dev. He familiarised the huge gathering from across the globe, about Guru sahib’s message of Universal Brotherhood and the presence of same divine light within every creature of the Creator.

Sant Teja Singh on return to India also participated in the Second Sikh League Congregation to decide political course of action in light of non–cooperation movement initiated by political leaders of India at that time.
Apart from the above Sant Teja Singh represented Sikh community in The Eighth World Peace Conference attended by spiritualists of all faiths across the globe, held in Japan in 1956.

After Sant Attar Singh Mastuane left his mortal frame in year 1927, Sant Teja Singh during the period of 1927-1939, toured the whole of India and propagated Sikh Faith. People in large numbers partook the divine nectar of Guru Gobind Singh and thus got baptized and started treading the spiritual path under the guidance of Eternal Guru Granth Sahib ji.

He spent many years at Paonta sahib and meditated on Divine Name, did sewa in building Gurdwaras and also wrote the Biography of Sant Attar Singh Ji. In the year 1945, he visited west Punjab areas (now in Pakistan) and held religious congregations and gave spiritual discourses. In the year 1949, he addressed the students of Khalsa College Amritsar and motivated them to tread on the spiritual path while taking worldly education. The students after listening to the sermons and lecture of Harvard educated Sant Teja Singh and seeing his simple outlook; were extremely motivated. Here he also invited students to Paonta Sahib during study vacations to have more insight of spiritual way life and the path shown by Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj. Many students pledged to have his association and committed to visit to Paonta Sahib during vacations.

Out of the prominent students who pledged allegiance to Sant Teja Singh, only two students namely Iqbal Singh and Bhai Gurbux Singh went to Paonta Sahib to have spiritual association with Sant Teja Singh.

In the period of 1952-53, Sant Teja Singh propagated Sikh faith in the places/countries like Bangkok, Malaysia, Singapore, East Africa, Japan along with his disciple Baba Gyan Singh. In African countries, he also visited Uganda and advised the local Indians to be more affectionate to the local natives and alongside to prepare for moving to other countries also. The advice came in handy after a few years later since due to civil war and on orders of Idi Amin, the then Ugandan dictator, all the Indians were flushed out of that country.

Again in 1955-56, Sant Teja Singh visited Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, USA and Canada.

Indo-Canadian pay Tribute to Sant Teja Singh Ji during the Sikh History Tour in Canada!

A new, unique, and exciting program to honor Sant Teja Singh’s amazing life and contribution to the Sikh and South Asian community of BC has been organized by Indo-Canadian Sikhs at Vancouver. Sikh History Tour for high school students in memory of Sant Teja Singh Ji, to many Sikh historical sites around the Vancouver area, […]

A new, unique, and exciting program to honor Sant Teja Singh’s amazing life and contribution to the Sikh and South Asian community of BC has been organized by Indo-Canadian Sikhs at Vancouver.

Sikh History Tour for high school students in memory of Sant Teja Singh Ji, to many Sikh historical sites around the Vancouver area, to teach children about Canadian Sikh history pioneered by Sant Teja Singh and other Gurmukhs.

Students aged 13-18 from all over the Lower Mainland are invited to take part in a bus tour of Several Sikh Heritage sites, from Abbotsford to Vancouver.

Date – Saturday, July 4th
Timings – 9:00am-7:00pm

The day will be filled with education, fun, engaging speakers.

Sant Teja Singh was a saint, scholar, and worldwide activist who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Sikh community, within and outside itself, through most of the 20th century. Sikhs around the world, particularly in North America, owe a great amount of their success as a community to pioneers like Sant Teja Singh, who lead the community to great heights through very difficult and challenging times.

This program is a joint effort between Gurmat Center Abbotsford, Guru Nanak Academy, Akal Academy Surrey, Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar, SFU Sikh Students’ Association, UFV Sikh Students’ Association, and UBC Sikh Students’ Association.

This is one of the efforts by the Vancouver Sikh Sangat to celebrate the 50th Barsi of Mahapursh Sant Baba Teja Singh Ji.

Sant Teja Singh Ji was appointed as First Principal of the First College of Education, Banaras Hindu University

It is worth mentioning that in the year 1914, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya had travelled to Mastuana barefoot from Sangrur Railway Station to invite Sant Attar Singh for laying the foundation stone of Banaras Hindu University. Sant Attar Singh accepting his request had accompanied him to Varanasi. Rather a train, full of affluent people including […]

It is worth mentioning that in the year 1914, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya had travelled to Mastuana barefoot from Sangrur Railway Station to invite Sant Attar Singh for laying the foundation stone of Banaras Hindu University. Sant Attar Singh accepting his request had accompanied him to Varanasi. Rather a train, full of affluent people including Sikh rulers of Jind, Patiala and Nabha alongwith prominent religious heads of all faiths and political figures of that era arrived at Varanasi for this ceremony.

Accompanied by the religious chantings, the foundation stone of Sanskrit College was laid by Sant Attar Singh by placing eleven bricks of gold. Prior to this Five Akhand Paths were conducted at same place and after holding prayer (Ardas), the revered Sant also sung divine hymns (Kirtan).

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the month of July 1919 requested Sant Attar Singh to send Teja Singh as Principal at the start of the first Teachers Training College of the University. Sant Attar Singh asked Teja Singh to take charge of the college as Principal and the same was humbly followed by Teja Singh.

A year later, rulers of Patiala, Nabha and Jind requested Sant Attar Singh Mastuane Wale to recall Teja Singh back from Banaras Hindu University; to direct him to establish centers of higher education at Gur Sagar Mastuana.

After serving for a year at Teachers Training College of Education at Banaras Hindu University, on directions from Sant Attar Singh, Teja Singh returned back and took charge of Akal Degree College Gurusagar Sahib Mastuana. He remained the Principal of the college from 1923- 1926.

Sirjana Diwas of Akal Takht Sahib!

Akal means the Throne of the Immortal and is the highest political institution of the Sikhs. “Akal” means “The Timeless One” – another term for God. “Takhat” means “throne” in Persian. The Akal Takhat is an impressive building that sits directly in front of the causeway leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India. […]

Akal means the Throne of the Immortal and is the highest political institution of the Sikhs. “Akal” means “The Timeless One” – another term for God. “Takhat” means “throne” in Persian. The Akal Takhat is an impressive building that sits directly in front of the causeway leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India.

The original structure of Akal Takht was built by Guru Hargobind ji, Bhai Gurdas ji and Baba Buddha ji, with their own hands. No other person or artist was employed to build the platform. Guru ji remarked that the seat of guru would serve the panth for eternity. Guru ji raised the height of the platform to twelve feet, defying the royal edict of Jehangir that no other person except the Emperor himself can sit on a raised platform of more than three feet. Guru Hargobind would regularly sit on the raised platform, Takht, with all marks of royalty and dispence justice for all disputes of Sikhs.

The Akal Takhat was built a fraction lower than the Harimandir Sahib, implying the order of importance, that the search for spiritual grace was always to lead.

A similar balancing of assertion and submission was built into Guru Hargobind’s daily routine, which alternatively highlighted the shrine, with its spiritual function and self-effacing architectural symbolism, and the throne platform, with its assertion of sovereignty and temporal authority. The Guru started the day with worship in the Harimandir; he would then go on a hunt in the late morning and grant audience from the Akal Takhat in the afternoon.

~ Source: Sikhiwiki