The Power of Five

On 31st October 1984, Bhai Beant Singh jee and Bhai Satwant Singh jee delivered justice to Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, for the destruction of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, and desecration of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the holy Sarowar, and for burning rare records and buildings of the complex. This was followed by an anti-Sikh genocide from 31st October through till 7th November. Thousands of Sikhs throughout Delhi and other parts of India were pulled out of trains, buses and cars and burnt alive, homes and Gurdwaras were attacked and any Sikh with a Dastaar (turban) was a target for blood thirsty mobs. The story below is from an incident that occured in that dark month of November 1984.

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Taken from naamnet vol. 1

The Power of Five

True story:

ਸਵਾ ਲਾਖ ਸੇ ਏਕ ਲੜਾਊਂ ॥
savaa laakh se eik laRaaoo.
When one (Sikh) fights against 125,000,

ਤਬੈ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਾਮ ਕਹਾਊਂ ॥
tabai gobind singh naam kahaaoo.
then can I call myself Gobind Singh.
(Guru Gobind Singh jee)

Such is the power of the Khalsa

Account by Bhai S. Singh jee, a sevadaar from Gurdwara Nanaksar:

"It was during the anti-Sikh genocide. I was at that time living in Gurdwara Nanaksar in Haryana. There were 7 other sewadaars in the Gurdwara. Trouble started brewing early in the morning. We noticed about 50 young men gathering outside a few hundred metres away from the Gurdwara sahib. We didn't really pay too much attention to them.

By noon, the group had turned into a rowdy crowd of about 300. We became quite concerned at that point. Our telephone wires had been cut, so there really was not much we could do. But we were still in Chardi Kalaa.

At about 3 pm, a truck driven by a Singh was driving by the crowd when the crowd attacked it. The Singh gave up the truck and ran to the Gurdwara. Some goondas (thugs) overtook him and injured him but he, being a strong man, managed to escape. Still, he was quite bloody when he came in. That increased our number to 9. The number outside had increased to about 500 by evening. They were very loud and obnoxious by now. We tried to ignore them and began our evening diwaan at 6 pm. But as the darkness approached, the rabble become more and more bold. In fact, soon they started stoning the Gurdwara. We stopped the evening programme and placed all the Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's Saroops in the safest place possible.

At 7.30pm it was very dark and the rabble became so bold that they put fire to the Gurdwara's gate. It hit us then how serious the situation was. We soon would be killed! Our Jathedaar (leader) gathered us and said, "Khalsa jee, the Khalsa has faced worse situations then this. The Khalsa has gone through two holocausts but the Khalsa lives and will live in freedom forever! Khalsa jee, the Khalsa has never given up and will never give up. The enemy stands outside. There are 500 hundred, we are 9 but remember Satguru Guru Gobind Singh jee has made each of us equivalent to savaa-lakh (125,000)! Khalsa jee, get prepared to fight!"

He said this with so much josh (energy) and bir ras (warrior spirit) that our body hair stood on their ends. Even though I had been seriously ill for the past 3 months, I too was ready to fight. The Jathedaar then told us that we must make two groups. The first group of five will go out first and fight the enemy. The the rest (4 Singhs) can go later. Everybody agreed. Jathedaar Sahib then chose 4 other pyaare. I was not chosen, most probably due to my illness. The five put on the uniform of the Khalsa. Then the Jathedaar sahib did Ardaas to Satguru Guru Gobind Singh jee saying, "Pita jee, dear father, we are coming to your land. Please prepare for us!"

Then five then took out their Kirpaans and with "BOLE SO NIHAAL!... SAT SIREE AKAAL! BOLE SO NIHAAL!... SAT SIREE AKAAL!!" filling the air, came out the face the enemy. You will not believe what happened then. Seeing 5 Khalsa in the uniform of Satguru Guru Gobind Singh jee, the rabble of 500 ran away It was as if 5 lions were chasing 500 hyenas away! One of the Singhs managed to cut off a running man’s ear. The Khalsa's victory was sweet."

waheguru waheguru waheguru waheguru...

Just as an epilogue, some police officers had the gall to come a few days later to investigate the ear injury!!!! But this was so ridiculous and the Singhs were in such high spirits that the police had to leave without even a bribe.

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A wonderful quote by by Giani Jarnail Singh (Malaysia) that I came across on a forum :
"It is a misconception that we the Khalsa today are weak. We still have the same basic ingredients that our predecessors had - the GURBANI in the Shabad guru, Guru Granth Sahib jee, and our Khande Batte Da Amrit. What we lack are the Simran and Rehat."

Guru Kirpaa Karan.

Weekend

Last Friday Leamington & Warwick Gurdwara Sahib held a weekend camp. The camp was organised by Gurdwara Sahib and local Sevadaars. Around 70 children attended the camp. The talks were on "Seva" (selfless-service), "Simran" (meditating upon God), "Kurbani" (sacrifice) and "Panj Chor" (five spiritual thieves). The children were divided into three groups - under 10 yrs, 11-14 yrs and 15+.

The children were so well behaved! It was a pleasure to do a class with children that were so respectful, attentive and interested. The children at Leamington are one of the best groups of children I have seen! They are credit to their parents and the Sangat. May Waheguru keep them in Chardi Kalaa and bless them with GurSikhi jeevan.

I had to leave just before 4pm because I had to catch a flight to Edinburgh. Aunty jees made sure that I had plenty of Pakoray and Jaleebis to eat before setting off. Waheguru. (The Jaleebis & Pakoray were really tasty). Bhajee Vijay Singh drove me to the train station. I stood in the queue to to buy the train ticket but it wasn't moving fast so I decided to go outside and buy a ticket from the machine. An elderly man who worked at the train station offered to help me. He said, "Sir, let me help you. Where are you going?... I will get the ticket for you and save you any trouble." Waheguru. I think he thought I hadn't used the machine before or that I was from abroad and needed help. lol. But the man was trying to be helpful so I let him push the buttons on the screen. But, he was bit slow at doing it, so I pushed the buttons. It was quite funny because he thought I had never used the machine before and he was surprised I could use it. Waheguru! I thanked the man for his kindness anyway. He then looked at my Kirpaan and said, "Sir, I really like your sword. It looks beautiful." Waheguru.

The train was delayed by 30 minutes! Getting on the train and standing there was a NIGHTMARE. It was like squashing chickens into a cage (not that I know how it feels to be a chicken)! Waheguru. People were pushing, shoving and I was standing with little room to breathe or move. The worst thing was when people look at you and expect you to make room for them when there's no room to move! You are squashed as it is with the added pressure of someone saying, "Erm... can you move down slightly." Waheguru. I thanked Waheguru when the airport station arrived!

With Guru Sahib's Kirpaa I got to the airport. This time there were no weird security people stopping me and asking me weird questions like "Are you a Sat-Sangi?" or "Do you learn about 10 Gurus in your degree." I arrived at Edinburgh in the evening. Bhajee Roshan Singh came to pick me up.

We walked to the car park and Bhajee paid for the parking at a machine. We got in the car and made our way to the exit. The car was pulled up at the barrier where you had to put the ticket into the machine for the barrier to open. But guess what happens? Bhajee Roshan Singh LOSES the ticket. Sat Naam, Waheguru. We were looking left, right and centre for the ticket in the car. Bhajee even got out of the car and emptied his pockets. Behind us there were two cars waiting to get out. Looked slightly embarrassing. I felt sorry for Bhajee. After a good few minutes, Bhajee decided to check inside the car. The ticket had slipped from the dashboard into the door's pocket. So we eventually got out!

It was great to see the Edinburgh Sangat - Bhajee Gulab Singh who organised the programme to celebrate his 10 years old son's birthday, Bhajee Dharmveer Singh, Bhajee Harvinder Singh and everyone. On Saturday the Rainasbaaee Keertan went so well. It was Edinburgh's first ever Rainasbaaee Keertan. Sangat from Glasgow came down in a coach which really lifted the spirits! Waheguru! There were about 20 or so Keertani from across UK. One Chardikalaa Naujawan GurSikh from Glasgow played the tablaa throughout the night (getting little rest due to there being only two tablaa players). Despite feeling tired he played the tablaa in Chardi Kalaa! It was very inspirational to see some members of the Sangat absorbed in Keertan from start to end (6pm to 4am). May Waheguru do more kirpaa and more Rainasbaaees take place in Scotland.

Some photos from Edinburgh:



The Royal Botanic Gardens


Edinburgh Sangat doing Keertan


Display board in Langar Hall


Sangat


Local children


Keertan


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi!

Photos from Saanjha Akhand Keertan Smaagam, Birmingham

ਹੋਇ ਇਕਤ੍ਰ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਦੂਰਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥

Ho­ė ikaṯar milhu mėrė bẖā­ī ḏubiḏẖā ḏūr karahu liv lā­ė.
Come and join together, my brethren; dispel your sense of duality and let yourselves be lovingly absorbed in the Lord.

ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੈ ਕੇ ਹੋਵਹੁ ਜੋੜੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੈਸਹੁ ਸਫਾ ਵਿਛਾਇ ॥੧॥

Har nāmai kė hovhu joṛī gurmukẖ baishu safā vicẖẖā­ė. ||1||
Associate yourselves with the God's Name; become Gurmukh, spread out your mat, and sit down. ||1||
(Ang 1185)

Last Saturday the annual Saanjha Akhand Keertan Rainasbaaee (keertan throughout the night) took place for Panthic Ekta commemorating the 300th Anniversary of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's Gurgaddi Divas falling in oct 2008. This year the Smaagam took place at Nishkam Educational & Cultural Centre (NECC) in Hockley.

Waheguru. I drove down to Birmingham. From Soho Road Gurdwara Sahib I switched on the Sat Nav to take me to the Great King Street. Waheguru! I put in the post "B19 3AS" and then the Sat Nav calculated the journey. I was driving along and the Sat Nav came off its bracket so I had to place it in my lap and try to listen to the Sat Nav lady give directions.

As I was driving I realised that I was going towards the City Centre and then I went past a sign that said "Edgbaston"! I thought "Hai? I thought the Centre was near Soho Road but this is taking me to the other side." I kept my faith in the Sat Nav and then it said "You have arrived at your destination." I looked around I was in a dark gloomy side street in Edgbaston next to the "Children's Day Care Centre". Sat Naam, Waheguru. I couldn't believe it. So I decided to ring a Singh and confirm the post code. He gave me the same post code that I used but I re-typed it into the Sat Nav. Then the Sat Nav Bibi gives new directions and I am apparently 13 minutes away. Waheguru.

I had to go through the City Centre and then I got near the Jewellary Quarter, where the Indian Embassy is. I got to a road which was "Great King Street" but it was a dead end and factories. By this point I had an headache and did Ardaas that please get me out of here! I decided to randomly drive around hoping to see an Apnaa person on the road and ask directions. As I was driving around I got to "Jassa Singh Ahluwalia Gurdwara" I parked up and thought, "Ermm, this doesn't look like a Rainabai Keertan turnout." So I had ring another Bhaajee who gave me "live" direction. hehehe. Thanks to Bhaajee he kept on the phone and guided me back to near Soho Road Gurdwara from where it was less than 5 minutes drive up the road. Waheguru! A journey that should have taken 5 minutes from Soho Road took me ONE HOUR!

The NECC is a new building purchased by the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ). It is a huge complex! I was surprised to see so much parking and space! It would be great if such a building could become a Khalsa School! Maharaaj Kirpaa Karan.



The Rainasbaaee Keertan was Chardi Kalaa. The Keertan was so angelic and beautiful! Below are photos from the Smaagam that were kindly posted by Bhajee Satpal Singh on a forum:


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's Saroop going from Soho Road Gurdwara.


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's Saroop arriving to the complex.


GurSikhs doing Keertan awaiting Guru Sahib's arrival.


Accapella Jatha.


3HO Jatha


Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie with Jatha


GurSikhs from Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (mind blowing Raag Keertan!)



Bhai Manjeet Singh jee from Glasgow (AKJ UK) and Bhai Gurcharan Singh jee (Damdami Taksal). Waheguru! Breath taking Keertan!


Guru Darbaar.


Giani Gurbachan Singh jee, Head Granthi of Sri Darbaar Sahib (Amritsar), with Bhai Mohinder Singh jee.


Bebe Nanaki Jatha


Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha


Bhai Mohinder Singh jee with Jatha


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee going back to the Gurdwara Sahib.

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare!

Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee

ਏਕੋ ਸਬਦੁ ਏਕੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਭ ਏਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਉਤਪਤਿ ਚਲੈ ॥
Ėko sabaḏ ėko parabẖ varṯai sabẖ ėkas ṯė uṯpaṯ cẖalai.
The One Shabad, the Word of the One God, is prevailing everywhere. All the creation came from the One Lord.
(Ang 1334)

October 20th marks the Gurgaddi diwas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, when the Tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh jee Maharaaj rested Guru-ship in the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Saariaa nu Gurpurb di Vaadhaayee Hove!

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PASSING OF GURUSHIP
TO SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JEE

Kartarpur Bir

During Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee's Guru-ship, Baba Deep Singh along with 24 other Singhs went to Dheer Mal (the grandson of the Sixth Guru) to ask him to return the Kartarpur Bir (the original Aad Granth Sahib jee that Guru Arjan Sahib jee compiled) that he had forcibly taken during the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib jee. Dheer Mal refused and replied, "If your Guru is the same 'Roop' (form) as the first and fifth Guru Sahibs, then why doesn't he fashion Gurbaani from memory?"

Damdami Bir

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee stayed Talwandi Sabo (known as Sri Damdama Sahib today) for 9 months and 9 days in 1706 and dictated the entire Aad Granth Sahib jee with the addition of the Ninth Nanak, Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib jee's revealed Bani (sacred hymns), whilst Bhai Mani Singh jee undertook the task of scribing under Guru Sahib's supervision. Undoubtedly, Guru Sahib got rid of certain unauthorised writings which had crept into some pirated copies and gave the Granth (Scripture) it's final form. As this Bir (Volume) was compiled by Guru Sahib at Sri Damdama Sahib, in Southern Panjab, this final form of the Granth Sahib jee became known as the 'Damdami Bir'.

Resting Guru-ship in the Guru Granth-Guru Panth
This Bir was then taken to Sri Hazoor Sahib, NandeR, in 1708 by Guru Gobind Singh jee. In an old text called 'Nanak Chandr Udai Mahaa-kavyan' (ਨਾਨਕ ਚੰਦ੍ਰ ਉਦੈ ਮਹਾਕਵਯੰ) written by Pandit Raaj Sharma, it says that Sikhs asked Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj before he physically left his body, "Who is Guru now? To whom should we bow? Whom should we have Darshan of and of whom should we contemplate?" Guru Gobind Singh Jee Mahaaraaj replied that "the Granth is the Guru. Do it's Darshan. Bow your head before it and do contemplation of it to illuminate the path."

'Gurū Kīān Sākhīān' describes Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee conferring Guru-ship to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee:

“Guru Jee asked Daya Singh, “Bhai Sikha, go and fetch Sri Granth Jee, we have to endow Guruship.” On getting the command, Bhai Daya Singh brought Sri Granth Jee and auspiciously opened and displayed it. One Sikh prepared the parshaad and placed it on a stool nearby. After the supplication, Satguru Jee prepared to pass on Guruship. Guru Sahib took five paise, the coins and a coconut in his hand. Sat on the bedstead and asked Daya Singh, “Place them in front of Sri Granth Jee” and expounded:
“With the directive of the Almighty, initiated is the Panth,
All the Sikhs are decreed to acknowledge Granth as Guru,
Believing in Khalsa, epitomises the Guru as corporeal.
Sikhs desirous to achieve me, (may) search in them.”
(p. 220-221)

Guru Sahib's instruction was:

ਆਤਮਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਵਿਚ
ਸਰੀਰ ਪੰਤ ਵਿਚ
ਪਰਚਾ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦਾ
ਦੀਦਾਰ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਦਾ
ਓਟ ਅਕਾਲ ਕੀ

"The Spirit is in the Guru Granth,
The body in the (Khalsa) Panth,
Understand the Shabad,
Seek the glorious sight of the Khalsa,
Take support from the Immortal (God)."

Happy Gurpurb to everyone.

Small Accident with Frying Pan!

On Sunday I came back home from an Anand Kaaraj and felt peckish. So I decided to get the frying pan out and make something to eat. I put some Ghio (Ghee) in the pan and put the heat up on the pan. I didn't realise that the pan was burning hot by now! As I put the food in the pan the Ghee spurt out and went on my hand. Waheguru! It felt as if I had stung my hand and that's it. I put my hand under water. But in a few minute my hand felt like it was BURNING and the skin went white. Waheguru!

Now I wasn't feeling too hungry and nor could I really eat my food since my hand was feel painful. It reminded me of my university days in London. I was living at Halls of Residence and I decided to warm up some vegetables in a plastic container in the microwave. I should have left it for 2 minutes to cool down before touching but I quickly got it out the microwave and suddenly the container slipped out of my hand. All the boiling hot vegetables landed straight on my hand. I kept my hand under cold water for a few minutes but as soon as I got it out of water my hand was throbbing with pain. So I had to get a jug of water and keep my hand in there. That time, the whole palm of my hand was burnt! My room mates told me to go to the doctor (which was a 15 minute walk away).

The embarrassing thing was that because my hand was so painful when I took it out of the water, I had to carry the jug of water with my hand in it whilst I walked to the university campus doctor. I looked like a right wally, and yes people were staring at me wandering why on earth I was walking on Waterloo bridge with my hand in a jug of water! (I was trying to be discrete but I don't think it worked! lol). The doctor found it funny that I walked into her surgery room with a jug of water. But she was sympathetic and gave some pain killers. My hand looked RED and looked as if someone had burnt it with a hot iron!

Back to Sunday's story. So it turned out that the burn was on my fingers. My dad gave me some frozen peas in a tub to my hand in. The ice cold peas gave so much comfort. I didn't feel any pain while my hand was in the frozen peas (but yes I looked like a wally!). In the evening the family all did Rehraas. Whilst Rehraas I had to wave my hand about to give it some air to cool it down because it was still stinging with pain. But as soon as we stood for Ardaas the pain went. It was quite astonishing. Maharaaj's Kirpaa!

During that day, I thought to myself that I have just got a minor burn to my fingers and feeling pain and discomfort, but what about Guru Arjan Sahib jee and the beloved GurSikhs who sat in deghs (cauldrons) of hot boiling water, who were burnt on hot iron plates and wrapped in cotton wool and sit alight, and who were fried alive in boiling hot oil. I had just felt a slight fraction of the physical pain that those tortures would have felt.

In Gurbani we read:

ਦੁਖੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਭਇਆ ਜਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਤਾਮਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥

Ḏukẖ ḏārū sukẖ rog bẖa­i­ā jā sukẖ ṯām na ho­ī.
Suffering is the medicine, and pleasure the disease, because where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God.

ਤੂੰ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰਣਾ ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਜਾ ਹਉ ਕਰੀ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥੧॥

Ŧūʼn karṯā karṇā mai nāhī jā ha­o karī na ho­ī. ||1||
You are the Creator Lord; I can do nothing. Even if I try, nothing happens. ||1||
(Ang 469)

It is amazing how "Dukh" (pain) reminds us of Guru Sahib and Waheguru. Because of getting slightly burnt my mind turned to think of Guru Sahib and the Great GurSikh Shaheeds.


Master of Martyrs, Guru Arjan Sahib jee, who was boiled, made to sit on hot iron plates, and hot sand was poured over his body.


Bhai Dayala jee who was boiled alive in a cauldron of boiling water.


Bhai Gurdev Singh who was pierced with red hot iron rods and was made to sit in a boiling hot tub to be boiled alive.

ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਕਾਟਿ ਕਾਟਿ ਸਭੁ ਅਰਪੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਅਗਨੀ ਆਪੁ ਜਲਾਈ ॥੪॥

Ŧan man kāt kāt sabẖ arpī vicẖ agnī āp jalā­ī. ||4||
(O Waheguru! For the sake of Your love and Darshan, if need be) I would cut my mind and body apart into pieces, and offer them all; I would (even) burn myself in fire. ||4||
(Ang 757)

Just as the cold peas or the jug of cold water had given me comfort and the stopped the pain (even though physically the burn was still throbbing), similarly Guru Sahib and the great Shaheed GurSikhs were immune to the pain inflicted on them by the tortures they faced because they had the comfort of Naam and GurBani. Waheguru! It such an amazing thought.

ਮਹਾ ਕਸਟ ਕਾਟੈ ਖਿਨ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਰਸਨਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਚਿਤਾਰੇ ॥

Mahā kashtt kāttai kẖin bẖīṯar rasnā nām cẖiṯārė.
The one who repeats Waheguru's Name with his tongue, the Lord removes their most terrible pains in an instant.

ਸੀਤਲ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸੂਖ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣੀ ਜਲਤੀ ਅਗਨਿ ਨਿਵਾਰੇ ॥੧॥

Sīṯal shāʼnṯ sūkẖ har sarṇī jalṯī agan nivārė. ||1||
In the Lord's Sanctuary there is soothing coolness, peace and tranquility, and the burning fire (of desires and corruption) is extinguished. ||1||
(Ang 210)

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Guru Ke Pyaare!

Sikh School in Paris

It's that time of year that everyone has started school, college or university.

Whilst in the UK we can wear a Dastaar to school, in France there is still a ban on the Dastaar. Some 10,000 French Sikh Sangat live in France. Six Sikh boys have been expelled from French schools since the controversial law banning religious symbols was passed in 2004. Several Sikh boys have dropped out of mainstream education in protest.

With Guru Sahib's Kirpaa, on Saturday 15th September the first Sikh school in the whole of Europe was opened in Bobigny, in the suburbs of Paris, in the wake of the tough laws banning the wearing of religious symbols and keeping the head covered in state schools. The complex in which the Sikh was opened was bought by Bhai Gurdial Singh who spearheaded the idea of an independent Sikh school where children could come wearing full Sikh Bana (attire) and pass successfully through education with opportunities of further education. The school offers primary, secondary and university level education.

The school inauguration was attend by the former Panthic Jathedaar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Bhai Sahib Ranjit Singh, and other Sikh leaders from across UK and Europe as well as French politicians and media.


The school is part of the 'Shere Panjab' complex which includes the school, a business school for higher education and a building workshop that offers employment.


Giani jee from Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bobigny doing Keertan in the school building.


Jathedaar Ranjit Singh jee speaking in the Diwaan.

Bhai Gurdial Singh and Mayor of Bobigny inaugrating the school.

The Sikh school will start with fewer than 15 pupils but it is hoped that a Sikh college will open later in the year to allow older boys to take business qualifications. Although the school has celebrated its inauguration, it is awaiting to start classes because it is still waiting for a final approval from the local education authority.

May Guru Sahib bless the youngsters of France and other places where the law doesn't permit them to wear a Dastaar in schools or keep their head covered yet they keep in Chardi Kalaa. May Waheguru do kirpaa. I know some of the Amritdhari Naujawan are facing very tough problems at school and university. It's a test of faith. Guru Sahib Ang Sang Sahaaee Hovan.

Duisburg Camp, Germany (Final Part)

Continued...

On Sunday 30th September a special Diwaan was held for the completion of the camp. Former Panthic Jathedaar of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, Bhai Sahib Ranjit Singh jee, attended the Diwaan. He arrived from France with the French Sangat on the Saturday night and attended the Rainsbai Keertan as well. Jathedaar Bhai Ranjit Singh jee is known for his seva of delivering justice to the Nakli Nirankari Guru who insulted the Sikh Gurus and murdered 13 innocent GurSikh protestors on Vaisakhi 1978. You can read more about the history here.



The Sangat on Sunday.

First there was Sukhmani Sahib Paath followed by Chaa da Langar. Afterwards the Diwaan started again with children performing Keertan. After Keertan, the 11-14 years old group and 15-18 years old group sang Dharmik Geet that they had rehearsed and practiced during the camp. This was followed by the Jathedaar Sahib receiving a Siropa and then the children receiving awards.


Bhenji Sunny Kaur and Bhenji Sarbjeet Kaur singing a Shabad.


Bhenji Prabhjot Kaur singing a Shabad.


The elder group of girls sang a Dharmik Geet about Shaheedi and Kurbani (martyrdom and sacrifice) through praising the Shaheeds of Sikh History like Bhai Mani Singh jee and Bhai Taru Singh jee.


The 11-14 years old group sang a Dharmik Geet about being proud to be Sikh and how the Khalsa is the most unique and beautiful in the whole world.



Sangat.


Baba Nirmal Singh jee (President of the Gurdwara Sahib) delivering a talk.


Jathedaar Bhai Ranjit Singh jee.


The trophies for the campers.


Campers.


Bhenji Ravinder Kaur receiving her certificate and trophy.


Waheguru. This is Sooraj Singh! He is a special child. The first day I saw him, Bhajee Ranjit Singh jee told me that in a previous camp Sooraj wanted to keep his Kesh and announced he would not cut his Kesh. However, in this camp he still had short hair. During the Q&A session Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee asked who wants to take Amrit, if so stand up. Sooraj stood up. Bhajee asked "... if you want to take Amrit, why did you cut your hair?" He was very sad and quietly said, "I wanted to keep my Kesh. My hair got long. But my dad got scissors and cut my Kesh." Waheguru. His mother was there and they said they done this out of ignorance because they thought Sooraj would face problems at school. Just to add, Sooraj's family background is not Sikh. With Guru's Kirpaa, his mother agreed that they would support Sooraj now in becoming a Sikh.

Waheguru. In the camp we discussed that before taking Amrit and making such a big step one should at least from now start to live like an Amritdhari, keep Rehit, wake up Amrit-Vela, do Nitnam and Naam Abhiyaas daily, and wear 5 Ks. It was emphasised that Amrit is not cheap and nor is it a game that you take Amrit and then decide to give up Rehit and that turning one's back to the Guru intentionally committing a Bajjar Kurehit will result in one's face being blackened here and hereafter and suffering the pain of leaving the Guru's blessings. Hearing this Sooraj said, "Bhajee please please can you get me Sarbloh (iron) Kara?" Then everday till the camp ended he said, "Please give me a Kachhera to wear. I want to take Amrit. Can you give Amrit tommorrow morning. Please. Do you have a Kachhera and a Dastaar that I can keep? Please. Please wake me up at Amrit-Vela so that I can keep Amrit-Vela and then take Amrit." His CONSTANT persistance for a Kachhera, Kara, a Dastaar and for the gift of Amrit made anyone who heard it feel in Bairaag and moved! Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Guru Ke Piyaare. His smiling face is unforgetable.

Sukhwinder Singh bhajee taught him how to tie a Dumalla and showed him how to make a fake jooraa. lol. (underneath his rumaal, Bhajee placed another rumall rolled up into ball). He was over the moon that it looked like he had a Jooraa and he was happy to get a Khandaa to put on his dumallaa.

Unfortunately there weren't any spare Kachhera (obviously I wasn't going to give my worn Kachheray!!). He agreed that when he next has holidays and going to India, he will get Kachheray sown. Waheguru. Just to add, Sooraj was only 10 years old. Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Guru Ke Piayaare!


Keertan towards the end of the Diwaan.


Atwal Uncle jee (part of the Gurdwara Parbandhaks), Jathedaar jee and Baba Nirmal Singh (President of the Gurdwara Sahib)


Very inspirational camp. Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teri Sikh!

Duisburg Gurmat Camp, Germany (Part 2)

Continued...

This was the timetable for the camp which was posted up on the wall in the Langar Hall. It was quite funny that some people mistakenly thought it was a "Jantree" (calendar with Gurpurb and Sangrand dates) and went closer to have a look.


8 to 10 years old class on Mudhlee Vidiyaa (basic knowledge of Gurmat).


Elder group's photo on a trip outside.


Shastars used for Gatka


Bhajee Ranjit Singh jee and Veer Damandeep Singh doing a demonstration.


Amritpal Singh and Lakhpreet Singh doing Gatka.


Bhai Maha Singh jee leading Gatka class.



Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee taught children about the different Raags and how to find different music to a Shabad within a Raag. There was a lot of terminology and theory! It's always refreshing to see the European children's love for Keertan and learning Gurmat Sangeet.


Gurbaani Santhiyaa class for 11 to 14 years old, led by Bhajee Sukhwinder Singh


Q & A class.


On the last day of the camp there was a dastaar tying competition for all the girls and boys. The girls tied better dastaars than the boys! It was was impressive to see the different styles of Dastaars and the pride taken in tying it.

On Saturday 29th September there was a Rainsbai Keertan in the evening. First there was a Gatka demonstration performed by the campers followed by Rehraas Sahib and then the Rainsbai Keertan. The majority of the Keertan was done by the youngsters. The Keertan was done in Chardi Kalaa and sung beautifully. Also Bhai Jasvir Singh Khalsa (Paris), Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (UK) and others performed Keertan.


Pinky Bhenji doing Keertan.


Bhenji Kiranpreet Kaur & Bhenji Komalpreet Kaur doing Keertan.


Young Bhenji doing Keertan. She is only 6 years old!


The young Bhenji looking in Chardi Kalaa!


Group photo with Bhajee Barinder Singh from Cologne (left) and Bhajee Karamveer Singh from Paris (right)


Sangat.


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Bhai Jasveer Singh Khalsa (Paris) doign Keertan.


Sangat.


Bhajee Sukhwinder Singh (UK) doing Keertan.

(More photos of the Rainsbai Kirtan on Flickr)

To be continued...

Duisburg Gurmat Camp, Germany (Part 1)

Daas has been away for the past week attending a Gurmat Camp that was held for Sikh youngsters in Duisburg, Germany. The camp was held from Sunday 23rd September to Sunday 30th September at Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib, Duisburg. Bhajee Ranjit Singh from Germany (who has done immense seva in inspiring and attracting the Sikh youth towards Sikhi through Gurmat & Keertan classes, and organising camps) organised the camp with the help of Duisburg Gurdwara Sahib and the Sangat from the surrounding areas. Bhajee Sukhwinder Singh from Birmingham also came to the camp a few days into the camp and held classes and did great Keertan seva.

Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee went to pick me up from the airport. Once my luggage arrived I decided to go the bathroom and put my Kirpaan back on. I thought I would go to the disabled toilet, considering the arrivals area was nearly empty and it would be easier to put my Kirpaan on there. Waheguru. Well, Germany's airport is more advanced than UK. Even the toilet doors electronically opened. I tried opening the door but it wouldn't. I pushed the button and got in but then the door didn't close. Neither did the button work to close it nor could I yank the door shut. It was slightly embarrassing! Eventually I got my Siri Sahib back and then looked for the exit doors. I couldn't find them! I found a door but it was shut so I pushed it open and got out. It was slightly strange that all the people on the plane had some how got off the plane but I was all alone when coming out. I couldn't see Bhajee so I thought he must be late. 10 minutes later Bhajee came to me and said where had I been. I realised that I had got out of the wrong door and hence no one was there! Waheguru. Drama!

Over 75 youngsters from the local area as well as other parts of Germany attended the camp. Some children travelled 1 to 2 hours daily to attend the camp. Their devotion was overwhelming. Two boys came daily to the camp by bus, which took them one and a half hours. Despite the distance they even attended the early morning Amrit-Vela simran and Nitnem and took the 1am bus from where they live. Waheguru. The week long camp involved a series of classes from Keertan, Sikh History, Gurbaani Santhiyaa (training in how to pronounce and understand Gurbaani), Gatka (Sikh martial arts), training in how to tie Dastaars & Keskis (large and small turbans) and Q & A sessions. One day of the camp everyone went for a day out to the local park which is very peaceful and tranquil place.

The children were amazing and had so much enthusiasm, pyaar and dedication. There were new faces compared to the last camp in April. All the children and their parents had so much pyaar and enthusiasm. The local Granthi Singh, Giani Baba Makhan Singh jee, who does great seva in teaching the local children was away in India so everyone missed his presence in the camp.

The camp atmosphere was great. Daas met Chardi Kalaa naujawan - Bhajee Barinder Singh and his 2 brothers, Veer Ramandeep Singh & his brother, Veer Damandeep Singh, and 16 years old, Veer Tanveer Singh (who made a promise in Guru Sahib's Hazoori (presence) in the last camp that he would stop cutting his Kesh, and with Guru's Kirpaa in this camp he was wearing a Dumalaa and his aura was glowing with Chardi Kalaa). There were times of uncontrollable laughter (so much so that I needed to take my asthma inhaler everyday! Waheguru!). Hearing the personal stories of some of the Veer jees and Bhenjees and their struggles and challenges in becoming and maintaining their Sikhi brought tears to everyone's eyes and a feeling of bairaag. It was incredible to see the colours of Waheguru unfold.

The youngsters of Germany are a credit to the Panth (nation) and are showing great progress in Sikhi. May Waheguru keep them in Chardi Kalaa and bless them with more enthusiasm, spirit and strength in becoming strong Sikhs and inspiring other youngsters. The words to sum up the feeling at the end of the camp were: "Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi" (Blessed is the Guru, Blessed is Your Sikhi).

Some photos:


Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee addressing the children.


Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee's elder group Gatka class.


The campers' mothers joined in the fun and played a game of balancing a lemon on spoon held in their mouth. Some of them ran quite fast and did well! (Some nearly banged into the wall as they got to the finishing side. Waheguru).


Last April's camp speciality was Moolee (Parothay, Sabjee, Achaar and Salad), but this camp's speciality was PIZZA. Waheguru. Three days running there was Pizza (in the afternoon and because there were so many Pizzas, it was given out in the evening as well. At first the children screamed and ran to the Langar hall when they heard they were getting Pizza. Waheguru. By the end of the camp the children said, "I don't want Pizza... I want to eat Roti" (makes a nice change!)


Paramjeet Kaur Aunty jee with the younger children's class.


Bhajee Barinder Singh (who is studying Physics at university in Germany) talking to children about being Sikh and living in Germany.


On Thursday everyone went to the local park and lake.


Sitting down on some rocks and relaxing.


Bhai Maha Singh jee Paris Waale (a Chardi Kalaa and amazing Gursikh who recently received the gift of Amrit with his whole family) and Daas were competing to see who get the highest on the swings but unfortunately my swing got twisted and I started to swing sidewards and nearly had Bhai Sahib's foot on my face. lol. Waheguru!


Bhai Sukhwinder Singh jee (UK) competing against Bhai Maha Singh jee (France)


Children playing with the sand and water.


Eikpreet Singh (Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee's son).


Group photo of Chardi Kalaa Singhs - Bhai Ramandeep Singh, Bhai Maha Singh jee, Bhai Tanveer Singh and Bhai Damandeep Singh.


Autny jees sitting down and relaxing.


Veer Damandeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh with Gajmeet Singh and his cousin on the walk back to the Gurdwara.


Aunty jee tied a Dastaar for the first time. Her three daughters since the last camp started to a tie a dastaar regularly everytime they come to the Gurdwara and are working towards taking Amrit and wearing a Dastaar to school as well. Also her youngest son kept his Kesh since the last camp. Everyone was proud to have a photo to capture how nice they looked in the form and image that Guru Gobind Singh jee blessed his children.


Late afternoon class of questions and answers.


In the evening we used to do Rehraas Sahib through Keertan.


Everyone eating Langar.

To be continued...