News & Update

ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆਂ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਸੱਚ ਮਾਰਗ ਦਰਸਾਉਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਸਰਵ ਉੱਤਮ ਜੀਵਨ ਹੈ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਇਹ ਅਮੋਲਕ ਗੁਣ ਸਨ। ਉਹ ਦਇਆਵਾਨ ਤੇ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ, ਪਰਿਵਾਰਕ ਮੋਹ ਤੋਂ ਰਹਿਤ, ਦੁਨਿਆਵੀ ਮਾਣ-ਵਡਿਆਈ ਤੋਂ ਬੇਖਬਰ, ਸਤਸੰਗੀ ਤੇ ਸੰਤ ਸੇਵੀ, ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਨੀ ਸਭ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਤੱਖ ਜਾਨਣਾ, ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਰੂਪ ਜਾਣ ਕੇ ਸਰਵ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਇਕ ਸਮਾਨ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ, ਨਿਰਭਉ ਤੇ ਨਿਰਵੈਰ, ਸੰਤੋਖ ਸਬਰ ਵਾਲੇ, ਸਹਿਣਸ਼ੀਲਤਾ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਨੀ, ਮਿੱਠ ਬੋਲੜੇ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਪਿਆਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਦਾ ਮਗਨ ਅਤੇ ਨੇਕ ਕਰਨੀ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਸਨ।ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆ ਜੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਦੇ ਸੱਚੇ ਸੇਵਕ ਸਨ। ਨਾਮ ਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਰਸੀਏ ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਜਨਮ 1648 ਈਸਵੀ ਨੂੰ ਮਾਤਾ ਸੁੰਦਰੀ ਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਨੱਥੂ ਰਾਮ ਦੇ ਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਪਿੰਡ ਸੌਦਰਾ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹਾ ਸਿਆਲਕੋਟ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਇਆ।

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਜ਼ਮੀਨ ਅਸਮਾਨ ਦਾ ਅੰਤਰ ਹੈ। ਪੂਰਾ ਪੱਛਮ ਅਤੇ ਪੱਛਮੀ ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਸਰ ਜੀਨ ਹੈਨਰੀ ਡਿਊਨਾ ਨੇ 1859 ਈ: ਵਿੱਚ ਰੈਡ ਕਰਾਸ ਨੂੰ ਜਨਮ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਪੱਛਮ ਅਤੇ ਪੱਛਮੀ ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਭੁੱਲ ਗਏ ਕਿ ਰੈਡ ਕਰਾਸ ਦਾ ਜਨਮ ਤਾਂ ਪਹਾੜੀ ਰਾਜਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਯੁੱਧ ਸਮੇਂ ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਮਲ੍ਹਮ ਪੱਟੀ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਹੀ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਮਲ੍ਹਮ ਪੱਟੀ ਹੀ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੈਡ ਕਰਾਸ ਸੀ।ਰੈਡ ਕਰਾਸ (ਮਲ੍ਹਮ ਪੱਟੀ) ਦਾ ਜਨਮ ਅਤੇ ਸਥਾਪਨਾ ਦਾ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਸਿਹਰਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਧਰਮ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਜਨਮ ਦਾਤਾ ਸਾਹਿਬੇ-ਕਮਾਲ ਦਸਮੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਲਗੀਧਰ ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ਹਨ। ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆ ਜੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਦਾ ਅਨਿੰਨ ਸੇਵਕ ਜਿਸ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਸਾਨੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਧਰਤੀ ‘ਤੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਜ਼ੁਲਮ ਤੇ ਅਨਿਆਏ, ਕੇਵਲ ਸਿੱਖ ਧਰਮ ਨਾਲ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਦੁਲਾਰਿਆਂ, ਪਿਆਰਿਆਂ, ਸੂਰਬੀਰਾਂ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ/ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਨੇ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਅਤੇ ਮਰਯਾਦਾ ਨੂੰ ਅਡੋਲ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਦ੍ਰਿੜ੍ਹ ਰੱਖਦਿਆਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਘਰ ਦੀ ਓਟ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਮਰਜੀਵੜਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਫ਼ਰਜ਼ ਨਿਭਾਇਆ ਹੈ। ਵਿਗਿਆਨਕ ਸੁੱਖ ਸੁਵਿਧਾਵਾਂ ਮਨੁੱਖਤਾ ਲਈ ਹਨ। ਵਿਗਿਆਨਕ ਕਾਢਾਂ ਦੀ ਜੜ੍ਹ, ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਾਰਧਾਰਾ ਤੋਂ ਲਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ।

ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਚਾਰਧਾਰਾ ਨੂੰ ਲਾਸਾਨੀ ਸ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਟਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਉਤਮ ਉਜਵਲ ਵਰਤਾਰਾ ਸਵੀਕਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਸੇਵਾ ਭਾਵਨਾ ਵਾਲਾ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਅਸ਼ੁੱਧ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ। ਮਕਾਰੀ, ਦੰਭ ਅਤੇ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਸਦੀਵੀਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦੀ। ਸੁਕਰਮ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਰਧਾ ਮੂਲਕ ਸੇਵਾ ਦੀ ‘ਏਕਮ ਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀ’ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀ ਅਨੁਭਵਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਸਦੈਵ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਦੇ ਸੇਵਕ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਰਮਾਣ ਸੰਜਮੀ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖ ਰਹੇ। ਆਪ ਨੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਘਰ ਤੋਂ ਸਭ ਬਖਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ। ਭਾਈ ਸੇਵਾ ਰਾਮ ਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਈ ਸੂਰੀ ਸ਼ਾਹ ਜੀ ਆਪ ਦੇ ਅਨਿੰਨ ਸੇਵਕ ਸਨ। ਸੇਵਾ ਪੰਥੀ ਸੰਪ੍ਰਦਾਇ ਲਈ ਮਹਾਨ ਕਾਰਜ ਭਾਈ ਸੇਵਾ ਰਾਮ ਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਈ ਅੱਡਣ ਸ਼ਾਹ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਕੀਤੇ। ਇਸ ਸੰਪ੍ਰਦਾਇ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਹੀ ਅੱਡਣ ਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਪੈ ਗਿਆ। ਇਹ ਸੰਪ੍ਰਦਾ ਵਰਤਮਾਨ ਸਮੇਂ ਵੀ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਿਧਾਂਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਤਨੋਂ-ਮਨੋਂ ਅਤੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਉਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਨਾਲ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਅਜੋਕੇ ਭੌਤਿਕ ਅਤੇ ਪਦਾਰਥਵਾਦੀ ਦਵੰਦ ਦੇ ਯੁੱਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਸਮਰੂਪ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖ ਲੱਭਣਾ ਕਠਿਨ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਅਸੰਭਵ ਵੀ ਹੈ।ਸੇਵਾ ਤੇ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਦੀ ਮੂਰਤ ਭਾਈ ਘਨ੍ਹੱਈਆ ਜੀ ਨਾਮ ਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਰਸੀਏ ਸਨ। ਆਪ ਅੰਤ ਸਮਾਂ ਨੇੜੇ ਆਇਆ ਜਾਣ ਕੇ 1718 ਈਸਵੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਰਾਂ ਕਵ੍ਹੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਹੀ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੁਣਦੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਸਨ। ਅੰਤਲੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਵੀ ਆਪ ਥੰਮ੍ਹ ਨਾਲ ਢੋਅ ਲਾ ਕੇ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੁਣ ਰਹੇ ਸਨ। ਕੀਰਤਨ ਦੀ ਸਮਾਪਤੀ ’ਤੇ ਵੀ ਜਦ ਆਪ ਦੀ ਸਮਾਧੀ ਨਾ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹੀ ਤਾਂ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਦੇ ਹਿਲਾਉਣ ’ਤੇ ਪਤਾ ਲੱਗਾ ਕਿ ਆਪ ਸੱਚਖੰਡ ਗੁਰੂ ਚਰਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾ ਬਿਰਾਜੇ ਹਨ।

As a tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his 550th Birth Anniversary, this Ex-teacher of Akal Academy has been imparting Free coaching in Maths to students of VI-VIIth grade at Sarabha Nagar Gurdwara in Ludhiana. She was honored and presented a memento for volunteering for this noble cause of education.

ਰੋਟਰੀ ਕਲੱਬ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਟੀਚਰ ਡੇ ਤੇ ਅਧਿਆਪਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸਨਮਾਨਿਤ

ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ, 6 ਸਤੰਬਰ: ਰੋਟਰੀ ਕਲੱਬ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਨੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਮਿਸ਼ਨਰੀ ਸਕੂਲ ਸਲੇਮ ਟਾਬਰੀ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਵਿਖੇ ਅਧਿਆਪਕ ਦਿਵਸ ਮਨਾਇਆ।ਰੋਟੇਰੀਅਨ ਹਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਰੋਟੇਰੀਅਨ ਰੇਨੂੰ ਛਤਵਾਲ ਰੋਟੇਰੀਅਨ ਐੱਸਐੱਸ ਕਟਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਦਿਵਸ ਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਅਧਿਆਪਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਨਮਾਨਿਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਪੂਰੀ ਲਗਨ ਨਾਲ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਖਿਆ ਦਿੱਤੀ।ਇਸ ਸਮਾਗਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਚੇਅਰਮੈਨ ਅਤੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਕੱਤਰ ਸਿੱਖ ਮਿਸ਼ਨਰੀ ਸਕੂਲ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਇੰਜੀਨੀਅਰ ਸੁਖਦੇਵ ਸਿੰਘ ਮੁੱਕੇ ਸਮਾਜ ਸੇਵੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਇਸ ਸਕੂਲ ਨੂੰ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਾਫੀ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਵੇਚੇ ਤੌਰ ਤੇ ਇਨਾਮ ਵੰਡ ਸਮਾਰੋਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਗਿਆ।ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਦੀਪ ਕੌਰ ਪ੍ਰਿੰਸੀਪਲ ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਸੁਖਵਿੰਦਰ ਮੈਥ ਟੀਚਰ ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਗੀਤਾ ਜਨੇਜਾ ਸੈੱਸ ਟੀਚਰ ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਬਰਿੰਦਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਵੀਨ ਸਾਇੰਸ ਟੀਚਰ ਨੂੰ ਇਨਾਮ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਗਏ ਸ੍ਰੀਮਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਭਜੋਤ ਕੌਰ ਬੇਦੀ ਸਰਾਭਾ ਨਗਰ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਵਿਖੇ ਛੇਵੀਂ ਜਮਾਤ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਰ੍ਹਵੀਂ ਜਮਾਤ ਤੱਕ ਦੇ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਫ਼ਤ ਕੋਚਿੰਗ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਇਕ ਕੋਚਿੰਗ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ 550ਵੇਂ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਰਪਿਤ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਤੌਰ ਤੇ ਸਨਮਾਨਿਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਲਾਘਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ।

Sikhism has been answering my questions which were creating turmoil in my mind and has transformed me into a better human being who is more emotionally mature and balanced. Being a PhD scientist, the convergence of Sikhism and Science was revealed to me and made me go deeper into the lives of our revered Sikh Gurus and their teachings. This journey on the path of Sikhism amazed me at every step and I was so impressed and touched that an ardent devotion for Sikhism was developed in me. I recognized the power of Guru Nanak’s sacred and divine shabad which has a transformative power and can convert devils into angels.

The journey on the path of Sikhism unfolds the real aim of my life every day and instructs me every moment how to lead my life. Treading this path, a feeling of bliss and fulfillment fills my heart every day. Deciphering some enigmas, I have reached Guru Nanak’s home where I have found my own home and an epitome of spirituality which I was searching in this whole world.
I have been raised by very decent and educated parents who have a firm belief in Sikhism. I was introduced to Guru Nanak Dev ji by my mother in my childhood and it was the first step towards my relationship with my Guru.

The poetic divine bani of Guru Nanak Dev ji touches my heart and his enlightened personality is revealed to me. I value the precious gift he has imparted us. The precious jewels he possessed he gave us all freely and unconditionally. We are so fortunate that he has dedicated his whole life for us imparting us the divine knowledge he possessed. He enriches our lives with his bani every day.
Guru Sahib is an immaculate love which radiates equally for the whole of humanity. Guru Sahib is a source of immense love and he showers his love every day upon us by showing us an impeccable way of life. When we follow his teachings and we are recognized in this world, our heart fills with gratitude for Guru Sahib and this quote feels so true.
Bhule Marg Jine Bataya
Aisa Gur Vadbhagi Paya

When things do not go our way then we have Guru Sahib in our lives to answer the questions we are seeking for. It is amazing how Guru Sahib tells us again and again to accept the Hukam. Guru Nanak’s Sikhi entails accepting the Hukam of divine and having complete faith in the Hukam. Complete surrender to Hukam is one of the attributes of Guru Nanak’s Sikh. Following Guru Sahib’s advice, we feel so peaceful and courageous to face the tough times and come out of the darkness. Guru Sahib heals the wounds by giving the precious gift of Naam. There is no doubt that Guru Sahib is a radiance and who goes near his radiance also becomes radiant.

Guru Nanak’s Sikh is humble in good times and in high spirits in tough times as Guru Nanak’s Sikh knows that this universe is functioning under the divine command and nothing is in our control. Accepting the divine command, the Sikh is in bliss and peace always. Guru Nanak Dev Ji has bestowed his Sikh with the most precious gift of bani which teaches us to accept divine Hukam. Gurbani is a treasure trove of the Gursikh. Through bani, Guru Sahib has shown his Sikh this world and the world beyond.

Guru Sahib through his bani reiterates the omnipresence of divine. He makes us feel the presence of divine everywhere around us. Guru Sahib shows us the right path that leads to the house of Ek.

Guru Sahib has imparted the gift of virtues to us. When we deal with this world with the virtues imparted by Guru Sahib we are honored and then we feel Guru Sahib is our spiritual father and he has given birth to our beautiful soul. When we deal with this world while walking on the path shown by Guru Sahib, we feel love and respect around us. Our life becomes beautiful and we feel more attached to Guru Sahib and our love and respect for him become our passion. Guru Sahib’s teachings and his bani echoes in our mind and touches our heart throughout the day.

Guru Sahib encourages us to be a pure and virtuous person. To be truthful and pure at heart. Divinity is in purity. Guru Sahib inspires us to achieve higher standards in life and to strive for higher realms and higher goals in life. Everything that happens in life is according to Hukam and there is something great in Hukam.

Guru Sahib tells us not to follow the mad race rather accrue pearls in life which never fades away and nobody can steal them. These pearls you cannot buy from the market, but you have to earn on your own. They can be achieved by having purity in thoughts, words and deeds.
Guru Sahib through his bani answers our questions which upset our mind and acts as a driving force to move forward with more confidence and purposeful aims in our lives. Guru Sahib’s bani gives relief to our upset mind. It acts like a tranquilizer and soothes our upset mind. In Guru Sahib’s home, I have found my own home where I have got so much of happiness, bliss, peace and respect. I am so blessed to find my own eternal Guru Nanak’s home.

The connection with Guru Sahib is through his bani and makes us go close to his philosophy, his thoughts and his teachings. Guru Sahib gives us the most precious gift by taking us close to Almighty Waheguru who is our creator and our sustainer. When our life revolves around Waheguru our life changes, our way of looking at things in life changes, our life transforms. Anxieties decrease as we surrender to Hukam of Waheguru. When we go close to Waheguru through Guru Sahib’s bani we become stable and enter into the state of bliss.
Guru Sahib has shown us a very pious way of living in which respect, peace and happiness is there. Guru Sahib has taught us to remember Waheguru every moment. Guru Sahib has taught us to be humble as everything we possess is the grace of Almighty Waheguru and nothing belongs to us. We are capable of nothing and everything is happening because of Hukam. We should be in gratitude at every moment. Everything we possess is Almighty Waheguru’s grace.

Guru Sahib has taught us to help everybody around us as Almighty Waheguru is in his creation. Helping people around us help us in serving the creator and see the creator in everybody.

Guru Sahib’s bani is my strength, my motivation and my inspiration. Gurbani has given me the steadiness of mind which does not fluctuate and is also fearless now. I do not depend on others now. I only rely on Waheguru and his Hukam. This is such a precious gift which I am not afraid of losing and it will be there with me all the times. Guru Sahib is the benefactor of the wealth which is above and beyond this world.

I have been facing the ups and downs of life under the aegis of Guru Nanak’s teachings. My Guru Sahib is my light and has helped me in shining my light. Guru Nanak Dev ji is the best teacher ever who has an art of imparting education with love and compassion that turns to learn into a transformation. My Guru Nanak is the breath of my life and I breathe in the air of Guru Nanak. I am humbled to be one of his daughters and fortunate to have him in my life.

-Ramneet Kaur

38 yrs old Harshpal Singh, a Deputy Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has trouble remembering the dates of his awards. Perhaps it is understandable given the fact that he has won five gallantry awards since 2004 when he joined the CRPF.

On the 73rd Independence Day, Harshpal was awarded the second-highest peacetime gallantry medal – the Kirti Chakara. Harshpal and his team eliminated three terrorists last September in Jhajjar – Kotli in Jammu. The encounter left him with a bullet and splinter injuries.

“We were searching for them for over 24 hours. The day before the terrorist had managed to escape,” Harshpall said recalling the incident. “It was a close quarter battle. My team and I were just 15 meters away from where the terrorists were hiding”. The three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) fidayeen killed that day were trying to attack the headquarters of the India Army’s Northern Command of the Indian Army, investigations revealed.

Harshpal Singh has also awarded three police medals for gallantry and a Jharkhand Chief Minister’s Police medal for gallantry. “It is extremely rare. We are extremely proud. This is a very well-deserved honour,” Director General CRPF RR Bhatnagar said.

Deputy Commandant Harshpal now posted in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh received his first police medal for gallantry on 31 May 2008. “It was in Chundarmandu in Kunti District of Jharkhand. We had intelligence about a meeting of senior Maoist leaders in Kunti,” he said.

Moving a large number of troops risked alerting the Maoist. So Harshapal and a small group of men sneaked into the forest and stormed the meeting. “We were badly out-numbered.” When the gun battle ended a few hours later five senior Maoist leaders lay dead and the rest of the cadre had scattered.

Six years later on 7 July 2014, Harshpal, then an Additional Superintended of Police (Operations) would come to know that a senior Maoist commander trying to recruit people from a village called Lemba in Khunti. “The village was spread over large hill tract. Under cover of darkness we moved through the nearby forest but as we entered the village, we came under fire. We exactly knew where the senior commander would be resting. It was crucial to avoid collateral damage. The commander who had a price of Rs 2 lakh on his head was killed in the gun battle,” the CRPF officer said.

A year later Harshpal would strike again. On 18 August 2015, he would lead another small team to eliminate the zonal Maoist commander of Khunti area and arrest his deputy. The same year he would receive the Jharkhand CM’s Police Medal for gallantry for sustained counter-insurgency work.

“The Maoist are degraded but determined. They plan every move. In contrast, terrorist in J&K have more firepower and are more motivated,” he said when asked to compare the two theatres.

– Hindustan Times

A Malaysian Sikh pipe band emerged category champion at the World Pipe Band Championship in Scotland.

The amazing feat at Glasglow capped months of diligent training and a single-minded push to display their very best at the pinnacle of the competitive pipe band competition.

Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band were named champs of Grade 4B and emerged as toppers for overall and drumming as well best parade.

This is the second time the Malaysian band took part in the world series organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

The bands were from 13 countries: New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Eire, the US, Belgium, England, Spain, Malaysia, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Sri Dasmesh is the only Malaysian pipe band at the event – was formed in 1986 by Sukdev Singh, a commercial pilot and a director of an international school by the same name, with his brother Harvinder Singh.

The world championship-winning band was led by pipe major Tirath Singh (22-year old), drum sergeant Tripert Singh (25) and mid-section head Sukhpreet Kaur (22). Tirath Singh and Tripert Singh, who also happen to be brothers, are both pilots with national carrier Malaysia Airlines.

Together, they led the band through 13 months of tireless practice. They met three times a week for two hours or more each session at the Sri Dasmesh International School in Kuala Lumpur.

Tirath said that this was the band’s gift to the country for Merdeka and hope that all Malaysians will hold their heads high in pride because Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band raised the Jalur Gemilang in Scotland and brought home the Silverware.

Source- AsiaSamachar

The First day started with a brilliant morning session started with a burst of excitement by Mrs. Manjushree Patil. She introduced everyone to the rhythm of education. Each participant was hooked on to various vivid activities. The morning session ended on the melancholic reminder of the Nirbhaya case which stunned the World.

Excerpts from the film India‘s Daughter shook the audience. Children were made to understand the concept of equality, compassion, and respect. The vision for a safe, free, equal World has become a priority for the educators. We need to stand together not letting another such incident happen.

The movement emerging from this tragic incident was known as ‘SAMANTA’ with the major focus on social and emotional learning starting right from childhood.

To make our children understand and feel emotional and social connect ‘Samanta’ has a great collection of storybooks. The use of language & voice modulation has become quite essential.

The numerous storybooks with specific lesson plans will be the key in empowering children with problem-solving and will help them have a different mindset. During the second day, the topic of gender stereotypes was discussed in all its pitfalls.

The need of the hour was to inculcate the value that everyone is to be treated with the same respect and equality.

The mood meter was introduced in four primary colors and their discerning effect on the mood of a person. The RULER program was introduced which elaborated that while we cannot choose our feelings we can choose the responses of these feelings

The project was critical for the teachers who hold the responsibility of defining moments for children in their early years. This introduced the beginning of a new thought process and mindset in learning beyond academics.

It was a great step forward to bring major changes in the mindset of the future generations towards equality, compassion, empathy and critical thinking.

This past weekend, the Sikh youth paid tribute to a Saint Scholar, Principal, Sant Teja Singh Ji, (MA LLB Am Harvard University). A three-day program was organized, to remember the first Ambassador of Sikhism to the Western Hemisphere. Sant Teja Singh Ji established the Khalsa Diwan Society and had successfully proved to the Canadian government that all the Sikhs are highly capable people who constantly contribute to the economy, at the time when Government was planning to send all Sikhs to Honduras. Teja Singh Ji had a vision for the future of Sikhs in Canada and had laid out the foundation for us to carry his legacy forward. The event spanned over three days, starting on Friday, July 5th, with the Akhand path Arambh in the morning and in the evening there was a Katha Darbar and Kirtan.

The main event was July 7th for Sant Teja Singh Day, with the Akhand path Bhog in the morning followed by Gurmat Samagam and then a conference on Teja Singh from 11 am to 1 pm. The Conference at Gurdwara Sukh Sagar, New Westminster, was highlighted with special appearances by Prof. Gurvinder S Dhaliwal, Bhai Sulakhan Singh & Bhai Mandeep Singh. The speakers spoke about Sant Teja Singh Ji’s legacy and contributions to the South Asian Community in Canada. The event was attended by many people from all over lower mainland.

The event was enjoyed by the Sangat, with an opportunity to view a special exhibition on Sant Teja Singh Ji, hosted by the volunteers of Akal Academy Surrey. The exhibition on Sant Teja Singh Ji shed light on the lasting contribution to the Sangat of the lower mainland during his mission to the west in the early 1900s.

In order to rescue the depleting groundwater and increase the minuscule forest cover of the state (3.52), the Punjab Forest Department and Eco Sikh organisation have adopted the Miyawaki method, popularised by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. Saplings of 64 rare species are being planted on a war-footing to revive the forest cover of the state.
While the Forest Department has already planted Guru Nanak Pavittar Jungles (Guru Nanak Sacred Jungles) at 2,000 villages (of the total 12,800) in the state, where 11 lakh trees have been planted.

The team of the Eco Sikh has 15 key mobilisers working across the state to plant “Nanak Bagichis”. Planted in spaces ranging from 180 sq ft (smallest place required for a Miyawaki forest) to a one acre forest in Jagraon, the Eco Sikh has already planted 14 forests in the state as per the method apart from additional plantations of 550 trees (per village) in various villages.

While the organisation, which is the knowledge partner of the state government on the Miyawaki project, began plantation drives across the world last year, setting a target of planting lakhs of trees until the time of the Guru Nanak birth anniversary celebrations this year, actively adopted the Miyawaki project in March this year, seeing its viability and effectiveness in small spaces.

Pavneet Singh, Assistant Manager, Eco Sikh, said, “The Guru Nanak Sacred Jungles are part of an exhortation to people to adhere to the teachings of the Guru and achieve a greener state by the 550 Parkash Utsav. The state’s groundwater is in deep crisis and it shall help to alleviate that. Two months ago we planted four forests in a month. This month we planted six and we expect to considerably pick up speed.”

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jatinder Sharma said, “Punjab’s forests are 6.8 per cent of the total geographical area in the state. There are space and change of land use constraints with 84 per cent of the state under crop cover. Compared to 35 lakh trees planted by farmers in 2018-19, we hope to plant over 75 lakh trees in 2019-20 under the project. With the closed-density method, monsoons shall set in motion rapid growth of many of the recently planted saplings.”

-Tribune

Born in Rurka Kalan, Jalandhar district Palbinder Kaur Shergill made the Sikh community proud as she is the first turbaned Sikh woman to be nominated as a judge in Canada’s Supreme Court. She was only four year old when her family moved to Canada in mid 70s.

Here are some unknown facts you should know about Palbinder Kaur :-

She is a daughter of ex-IAF personnel, Gian Singh Sandhu.
She is married to Amritpal Singh, who hails from Jagatpur village of Nawanshar district.
She has a daughter and two sons.
She is a music lover. She loves to play tabla and harmonium.

She received her law degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

Palbinder Kaur was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2012. Queen’s Counsel is a honourary title given by the province to lawyers who have made exceptional contributions to the profession.

She is a black belt holder in karate, and enjoys playing volleyball.

She represented the World Sikh Organisation (WSO) in Supreme Court since 1991 in landmark cases such as the right of Sikh students to wear the kirpan in Canada schools.

She has extensive trial and appellate experience and has appeared before courts and tribunals across Canada.

She is also a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, the 6th Nanak changed the philosophy of the Sikh faith. He is the pioneer of the concept of Miri Piri and Sant Sipahi. Under his leadership Sikhism evolved and took different direction. He inspired the Sikhs to be victorious in both the inner and the outer world. He wanted his Sikhs to be physically strong to fight any kind of oppression while keeping their mind connected with Waheguru. He gave new dimensions to Sikhism.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji took the physical form and started the journey of his earthly life on 19th June 1595 at Guru ki Wadali in district Amritsar. He was the only child of Guru Arjan Dev ji and Mata Ganga ji. Guru Arjan Dev ji wanted that Sikhs should be valorous enough to fight against the injustices of the atrocious rulers. He provided resources and facilities to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji so that he can hone his skills in the usage of weapons along with being spiritual at the same time. He wanted him to be brave enough to fight the battles of both inside and the outside world. He was given training in horse riding, weaponry, martial arts, politics, spirituality under the aegis of Baba Buddha ji.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was very handsome and had a charming and magnanimous personality. He was only 11 years old when he took over the dynamic leadership of Sikhs when his father Guru Arjan Dev ji was martyred in Lahore. Under his leadership the Sikh nation got transformed. Guru Hargobind Sahib ji brought a new chapter in the Sikh history. He inspired his Sikhs to be physically and mentally strong to fight the atrocities of Muslim rulers. He wanted his Sikhs to imbibe the character of Sant Sipahi and he wore two swords, one of Miri (temporal power) and other of Piri (spiritual power). He asked his Sikhs to practice weapons and acquire other skills along with doing Simran and held their head high and not to be afraid of anybody. He filled his Sikhs with vigor and showed them a new and pious way of life by adopting the character of Sant Sipahi.

Guru Sahib transformed the concept of guruship to kingship. He used to possess weapons, wear Kalgi and used to sit on the throne like other kings. He was a great advocate of justice and his Sikhs used to call him Sacha Patshah (the true Emperor).

Guru Sahib began the practice of singing nine Vaars (which are inscribed in Guru Granth Sahib ji) in the war like tunes to evoke war like spirit in his Sikhs. This is one of his many benevolences on the Sikh nation. Another major benefaction of Guru Sahib is the establishment of eternal Akal Takht in front of Darshani Deori of Shri Harmandir Sahib which represents the political center of Sikh nation when Harmandir Sahib is a religious center. Guru Sahib gave a new direction to Sikhism by introducing the concept of politics in the form of Akal Takht Sahib where all important matters and issues concerning Sikhism and Sikh people were discussed and actions were executed under the able leadership of Guru Sahib.

Guru Sahib was bringing reform in Punjab and the people of Punjab were having utmost respect for him. The establishment of Akal Takht to give justice to people and the accruing of weapons by Guru’s Sikhs was posing a threat to the muslim rulers. Jahangir, the muslim emperor of that era arrested Guru Sahib in the jail of Gwalior where already 52 Rajput Hindu kings were arrested. Wazir Khan, Sai Mia Mir and Nizamuddin Auliya were the muslims who had deep respect for Guru Sahib and did earnest and tireless efforts to get Guru Sahib free from the Gwalior jail. Eventually in 1612 Guru Sahib freed 52 Hindu rulers with himself and reached Amritsar on the day of Diwali. On that Diwali the whole Amritsar was adorned with lamps and lights and from that year the day of Diwali is remembered as Bandi Chhor Diwas in Sikh nation.

In his life time Guru Sahib fought four wars with Mughals and he was victorious in all four wars. In Gujarat Guru Sahib had a meeting with Pir Shah Daula and he was impressed with Guru ji’s splendour and his grace. He asked him four questions.

Aurat kya aur faqiri kya, Hindu kya aur Piri kya?
Puttar kya vairag kya, daulat kya or tyag kya.?

Guru Sahib very gracefully and graciously answered his question.

Aurat Iman, daulat guzran, puttar nishan,
Faqir na Hindu na Musalman.

In the last years of his physical life he established the town of Kiratpur Sahib. He kept on spreading the message of Sikhi till his last breath. He kept on directing the misled people on the impeccable path shown by Guru Nanak Sahib. Sensing his nearing moments he passed the Guruship to his grandson Shri Har Rai ji who was very capable of leading the Sikh nation. On 3rd March 1644 at Kiratpur Sahib his light merged into the Almighty’s Light.

Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was such a dynamic personality who instilled strength and courage into the Sikhs at the time when the enemy had claimed that Sikh community will vanish. Under his leadership and guidance Sikh Nation became stronger and more powerful.

Guru Sahib was a great warrior and an epitome of patience and humility. He gave a unique way of life to a Sikh, a life of Sant Sipahi. As a Sant he should always contemplate on the virtues of the creator and should imbibe the divine qualities and annihilate the vices. As a Sant he should have a very high moral character so that he can lead a truthful and elated life. As a Sipahi he should stand for human rights and should raise his voice against any kind of injustice and oppression. As a Sipahi a Sikh should exhibit total intolerance against any misdemeanor. Such a unique character to a Sikh was bestowed by our sixth Guru Patshah Shri Hargobind Sahib ji.

-Ramneet Kaur