Taking Amrit...

Useful links for those planning to take Amrit:
- What advice would you give to someone planning to take Amrit?
http://sikhism101.com/node/293

AMRIT SANCHAAR - Sunday 12th April, 2009

ਪੀਵਹੁ ਪਾਹੁਲ ਖੰਡੇਧਾਰ ਹੋਇ ਜਨਮ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ||
"Drink the Amrit nectar of double edged Khanda sword and accomplish the worth of your birth."

Amrit Sanchar during Rainsbaaee - Sun 12th April, 2009

Guru Nanak Gurdwara,
Well Lane,
Wolverhampton, WV11 1XT

Contact: Jathedaar Bhai Raghbir Singh Jee - 01926 740160


Free Transport from across the country. Contacts:

Southall – Bhai Satnam Singh: 07956 519256
Manchester – Bhai Mandeep Singh: 07791 775671
Birmingham - Bhai Bhupinder Singh: 07725 973836
Coventry - Bhai Taranjit Singh: 07877 888874
Hitchin - Bhai Nachitar Singh: 07828 253496
Derby - Bhai Ajeet Singh: 07533 362911
East London - Bhai Upkar Singh: 07747 770156
Bradford - Bhai Kamaljeet Singh: 07971 185457
Glasgow - Bhai Manjeet Singh: 07833 491570
Southshields - Bhai Karnail Singh: 07801 431855

Upcoming Gurmat Camps...

COVENTRY SIKHI CAMP
Saturday 28th March 2009
9am - 4.30pm

Ramgarhia Gurdwara Coventry
1103 Fosehill Road,
Coventry, CV6 6EP

For more info: Tel - 024 7666 3048



VAISAKHI GURMAT CAMP
Tuesday 14th April - Friday 17th April 2009
9am - 5pm

Guru Nanak Gurdwara,
Edward Street,
West Bromwich, B70 8NP

AGE: 5-16+

For more info & application forms: www.khalsaclub.com / Bhupinder Singh (Bass) – 07725973836

Funeral Details of Late Bhai Nirmal Singh Jee

Bhai Nirmal Singh jee's funeral will take place on Saturday 21st March 2009

9.30am - Body will arrive at Gurdwara Amrit Parchar Dharmik Diwan, 65 Birmingham Road , Oldbury , B69 4EH

11am - Cremation @ West Bromwich Crematorium, Newton Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B71 3SX.


Followed by Paatth, Keertan & Guru Ka Langar at Gurdwara Amrit Parchar Dharmik Diwan, 65 Birmingham Road , Oldbury , B69 4EH.

Announcement

In loving memory of Bhai Nirmal Singh, there will be Keertan everyday 6pm till 8pm at Bhai Nirmal Singhs House. Sehaj Paatth daily from 12noon. Please try to attend and forward message to others.

48 Gainsborough Road, Great Barr, B42 1NA

Funeral (Antim Sanskaar) on Saturday 21st March. Further details to follow.

In Loving Memory of Bhai Nirmal Singh

Today, 13th March 2009, Gurmukh Pyaare Bhai Nirmal Singh jee (UK) passed away in the early hours of Amrit-velaa, having bravely accepted the Hukam of terminal cancer. Bhai Sahib was a Sikh youth parchaarik (preacher) with undying passion Sikhi and sevaa. He was instrumental in starting up parchaar in colleges and universities in the UK over 20 years ago. Through his sevaa in camps, gurdwaras, and universities, he inspired countless youngsters into becoming Sikhs and getting involved with sevaa.

I remember that Bhai Sahib attended Sikhi Camp 2008 despite feeling very weak from the cancer treatment. He did a great talk for the youngsters on building a relationship with Guru jee. Many people opt out of doing sevaa because they can't be bothered or too lazy. However, I remember talking to Bhai Sahib and him saying with a smile on his face, "I would have to die until I stop doing sevaa." He shared stories how in the early days they would go up and down the country to do sevaa in universities and how sometimes they had no money for parchaar material or petrol but having full faith in Guru jee they some how always managed to reach the colleges and universities and do sevaa. It's embarrassing how sometimes we can't be bothered to attend local camps, talks, events or help out with community projects on our door step, when Gurmukhs like Bhai Sahib and others used to drive for hours and hours to far and near places to simply share and spread the word of Guru Nanak, hoping that even one brother or sister could be awakened in finding their Guru. I remember him always radiating happiness and immense pyaar for Sikhi and gratitude to Guru Sahib for all he has given us. Thank you to Guru Sahib for sending such Gursikhs for doing such great sevaa and inspiring me and countless others. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare!

In June 2007, when Bhai Sahib got diagnosed with cancer, an Ardaas Benti Keertan Darbaar was held for him by the Sangat in Birmingham. During that time (12th June 2007) Bhai Jagjit Singh (Leeds) sent an email out to the Sangat where he talked about Bhai Sahib:

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji kefateh

Pyaare jeeo, I first came across Veer Nirmal Singh back in 1992, when I attended Khalsa Camp as a mona. Veer Jee did a talk at the camp, which like so many caught one's attention and imagination. When he spoke, he had a blend of humour, strength, compassion, and a spirit about Sikhi and Sikh history. I remember leaving his talk really thinking about the words he spoke, and the message.

I think over the years hundreds, if not thousands of Sikh youth in UK have probably heard veer jee speak at various sikh youth events. He is a popular figure amongst the Sikh youth, who bridges the tribalistic jathebandic divides. Having got to know him over the years, he has always come across as a sevadaar who is dedicated to the Sikh youth, a person who has inner strength, and yet the ability to be compassionate.

He has spent 3 decades doing seva with the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and BOSS, inspiring youngsters to be disciplined and proud of Sikhi. As one of the eldest of all the youth, he was regarded with dignitary type status. On the rare occasion that any issues would arise within the youth seva, he was often the person that people would speak to resolve issues. He is seen as someone who would say what needs to be said and deal with issues without being a politician. Hence, we as those younger than him regard him as a honest soul with integrity.

It is unfortunate to hear that veer jee has now contracted cancer and has only been given a short while left to live. Such is bhaanaa, and ultimately none of us know when our time will come. This is why we should remember Guru jee at all times, so that we fulfil this lifetime as our last, and break the cycle of life and death.

The sangat has decided to hold a keertan darbaar as an ardaas benti for veer jee This is a person who spent the prime of his life dedicated to helping so many youth on their path to their Guru. Hence it would only be fitting if all the youth came together and sang Guru Jee's praises, and did an ardaas benti for his Chardi kala and for his family.

AUDIOS OF BHAI SAHIB:
Sikhi Camp 2008 - Relationship with Guru Jee

Sikhi Camp 2007 - Tuesday Evening Talk

PHOTOS OF BHAI SAHIB:
Sikh Marriages & Relationships Open Forum at Wolverhampton Uni (Nov 2007):



Open Session with elder youth at 2007 Coventry Christmas Camp



Talk at Boss Sikhi Camp 2007:




Text Message written by Bhai Nirmal Singh jee:

"If ever you should get this message then it means my soul has left this earthly existence. Thank you for all love, kindness, support, and friendship that you all gave me. Sorry I could not text you all individually, I am in too much pain. Don't cry over my departure but smile that we met in this life. I hope you did come by to see me and give me a hug and say GurFateh to me. Pray for my soul and do Ardaas. Be strong and positive. And if anybody cries, pull their ears. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh."

Bhai Sahib knew his journey in this world was coming near an end and that Shaheed Singhs were waiting to take him to Sachkhand. He had been in a hospice because he was suffering a lot of pain, but he requested this week that he be allowed to go home. Last night Gursikhs gathered and did Keertan for 6 hours. Bhai Sahib listened to the Keertan and then everyone did Nitnem. As Anand Sahib was completed, Bhai Nirmal Singh jee breathed his last breath with joy and peace.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਚਿਲਆ ॥
gurmukh janam savaar dargeh chaliaa||
Spending this life fruitfully Gurmukh goes to the other world.
(Bhai Gurdaas jee)

Great Kathaa...

I found great Kathaa and other Gurbani files on GurmatChanan.com. The website is really good and has a large list of keertan, kathaa, Sikh related videos etc.

There are loads of great Kathaavachiks listed. Just need to find the time to listen to their Kathaa! Below are a few of the many Kathaa files from the website:

Giani Guriqbal Singh jee (Mata Kaulan Wale):
Ardaas de 7 Daan (Recommended!)
Sikhi Sidak
Gursikhi de Ehi Nishaani


Giani Sant Singh jee Maskeen:
Dasam Granth
Maa


Bhai Paramjeet Singh Khalsa
Salok Baba Fareed Jee



For more Kathaa files, click here.

Back from India

I haven't been able to update the blog because I've been away on holiday.

I will post some photos and stories from my trip in India soon.