Norway Trip (Part 1)

For the past week Daas has been away. Last Tuesday, Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh jee (Sukhi Baba) and Daas went to Oslo in Norway to do seva in a Gurmat Camp organised by Bhaji Sumeet Singh and the local Sangat for youngsters as well as parents. Bhaji Jujhar Singh jee also went from Birmingham to do seva in the camp.

Daas and Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh travelled from London because we had to arrive back in London. The flight to Norway was from London City Airport. Although the flight was at 5.05pm, Bhaji set off from home at 10am and I set off from home at 11am to catch the train to London. It reminded me of the long journey people have to take from Panjab to Delhi! Unfortunately I forgot to pack my Parothay with me to eat on the way to the airport! Waheguru. We arrived at Oslo Gurdwara Sahib at about 9.30pm or so.

Due to a large number of children, the camp was divided into two. From Wednesday 19th March to Thursday 20th March, there was a two day camp for 12+ years. For under 12 years and also parents, a two day camp was held from Friday 21st March to Saturday 22nd March. Daas only attended the elder children's camp because I had to return back to England on Friday to attend Sukhmani Sahib da Paatth programme and on the following day the Anand Kaaraj of Bhaji Gurpreet Singh from Woolwich. Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh and Bhaji Jujhar Singh stayed till Sunday.

The camp had a great turn out. Approximately 100 people participated in the two days camp for 12+ years. Bhaji Sumeet Singh and Bhaji Sandeep Singh along with the rest of the Sangat worked hard to get the camp organised.

The camp started Simran and Keertan of Aasa Di Vaar by Bhaji Sukhwinder, followed by Breakfast (Porathay and Chaa Paani). At 10am there was Japji Sahib, the theme Shabad, Ardaas and Hukamnama that was explained. Afterwards everyone was divided into four groups based on age. There was one class before lunch, one class after lunch, and afterwards there was a Q&A session which included the whole Sangat. In the evening the theme Shabad was explained and sung followed by Rehraas Sahib and Sukhaasan.

The theme Shabad was:

ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਮੀਤ ਚਲਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਚਾਲੀ ॥
Gursikẖ mīṯ cẖalhu gur cẖālī.
O Sikhs of the Guru, O friends, walk on the Guru's Path.

ਜੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਕਹੈ ਸੋਈ ਭਲ ਮਾਨਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਥਾ ਨਿਰਾਲੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jo gur kahai so­ī bẖal mānhu har har kathā nirālī. ||1|| rahā­o.
Whatever the Guru says, accept that as good; the sermon of the Lord is unique and wonderful. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 677 - Read Full Shabad)

Discussing why they are proud to be Sikhs.


Discussing the problems Sikhs face in Norway and the possible solutions.


Discussing how young Sikhs in Norway can do Sikhi Parchaar in terms of short term and long term projects and ideas.


Parents discussing what the role of mothers is in the home, in the local community and Panth in doing Gurmat Parchaar.


Children presenting to everyone else.


Parents presenting their vichaar to everyone.


Chardi Kalaa Singhs - Bhaji Sumeet Singh jee and Bhaji Sandeep Singh jee.


Lunch.



Bhaji Jujhar Singh brought his Taus (instrument made by Guru Gobind Singh jee) and did classes on Gurmat Sangeet and also relaxation exercises.



Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh jee teaching Keertan.



Bhenji Siri Dharma Kaur jee from Oslo (who has graduated from Miri-Piri Academy in Amritsar) teaching Gatka.



Daas doing a talk with the elder youngsters.


Q&A session before Rehraas Sahib.



Evening Rehraas Sahib da Paatth.


Always a blessing to see Mata jee when going to Norway. She radiates so much peace!


Evening Langar.


To be continued...