East London Vaisakhi Camp

This Vaisakhi has been very Chardi Kalaa with all the youth camps that have taken place across the UK. Last week East London held it's Vaisakhi Camp 2008 from Friday 11th April to Saturday 12th April, organised by Bhenji Kuljeet Kaur (aged 18 years old). It is inspirational to see youngsters take initiative and with Guru Sahib's blessings make the effort to organise camps and other types of sewa for youngsters. May Guru Sahib bless the sewadaars with more sewa.

The drive to East London was around two and a half hours. I arrived at Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib, Seven Kings, at 9.30am. The camp began with Naam Simran followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama. Afterwards the campers were divided into three groups. The first session was getting campers to make a Guru period timeline (from 1469 to 1708) which was followed by a talk on the importance of learning Sikh history. The second session was on "The Purpose of Life" by Bhaji Vijay Singh (Hayes). The talk looked at the lives and aims of a Manmukh and Gurmukh and how one can achieve happiness according to Gurbani. After lunch the film "Anokhe Amar Shaheed: Baba Deep Singh" which was followed by Keertan and Samaaptee.

Photos from Day 1 (Friday 11th April):


Bhaji Vijay Singh reading Hukamnama and explaining it in English.



Group 1 making Timeline



Group 2 making Timeline.



Group 3 making Timeline.


On Saturday the camp began with Simran followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama. Bhaji Rupinder Singh led a class on the meaning of Vaisakhi with the younger children. The elder youngsters helped with Nishaan Sahib seva. The second session was on the importance of Sikhi Saroop and a practical lesson on learning how to tie a Dastaar. After lunch there was a session on the importance of taking Amrit and 1978 massacre.

Photos from Day 2 (Saturday 13th April):


Satguru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee


Bhaji doing Simran.



Nishaan Sahib seva.


Dastaar tying session. Bhenji Kuljeet Kaur tying Dastaar on another Bhenji.



Talk on Sikhi Saroop.


Two bhenjis who had Dastaars tied on them.


Group discussion on how we can build upon our Jeevans (spiritual lives).


Group presenting Vichaar on the possible challenges people may face when thinking about taking Amrit and the importance of Khande-Baatay Da Amrit.


Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee