Leamington Spa Weekend Camp (Part 1)

This weekend, from Friday to Sunday, there was a Gurmat Camp held at Leamington Spa Gurdwara. As all camps held at Leamington, the camp was great and well organised by the local sevadaars. Around 80 children attended the camp. Adults also attended and participated in the camp.

On Friday, after the morning Diwaan and Hukamnama with explanation, there was a time-line workshop. There were cards with the names and dates of the Ten Guru Sahibs and also cards with pictures and short information on (1) the rulers of India during the times of the Gurus, (2) rulers and events in English history, and (3) general world history (inventions, discoveries and events). The campers were grouped up and had to make a timeline and arrange the cards in some sort of order and stick them on to a large sheet of paper as well as discuss each card.







From the exercise the children firstly learnt that the Guru Sahibs did not live thousands of years ago but lived during fairly modern world history (for example, King Henry VIII lived at the same time of Guru Amardaas Sahib jee). Secondly, the children had an opportunity to discuss the lives of Guru Sahibs and enrich their knowledge of how socially and spiritually advanced the Guru Sahibs were in comparison to the world at the time.

After completing the time-lines each group presented how they had arranged their group time-line. Each person in the group had to remember a different fact from the line and share it with the Sangat when they presented:








The session concluded with going through the whole time and discussing the history of the Guru Sahibs and what they achieved in comparison to what was happening in the world.


After lunch (chips, beans and pasta!) there was self-defence class. After eating so much Langar I was hoping that no one was sick in the self defence class in case someone was thrown around or poked in the stomach. Waheguru. It was a useful lesson for everyone and Bhaji leading the class gave some really good general safety tips which young and old should be mindful of in order to avoid trouble and protect oneself.


Bhaji Galjinder Singh showing a few self-defence moves on Bhaji Kamal Singh.


Waheguru. Looks like the Bhenji in the pink top is waving to someone :)


Waheguru. These two young boys were so cute.


Bhaji Galjinder Singh showing a move on a camper. Waheguru, it looks like Bhaji is slapping the boy! (Note: no one was harmed during the taking of this photo. lol).


Someone's looking for a fight.


Erm, I wouldn't personally recommend doing this straight after eating loads of chips, beans and pasta!


The two girls in the back look like they are trying new self-defence moves! The girl in pink looks like she is trying out the "aunty looking angry" move to scare the other girl. lol.


In the late afternoon the campers were divided up. The younger group went with Bhaji Kamal Singh to make board games on life, death and reincarnation, and the elder group had a talk by two young local bhenjis who did a nice presentation on the Journeys (Udasis) of Guru Nanak Sahib jee. Both classes enjoyed themselves and learnt lots!



Bhaji Kamal Singh and children designing a board game.


Bhenji Harpreet Kaur and Bhenji Keerat Kaur leading the class on the Udasis of Guru Nanak Sahib jee.


The Bhenjis also went through Saakhis of Guru Sahib as they explained the great Journeys.


For the closing diwaan children did Simran through Keertan followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama explained in English. All the children like doing Simran and it really inspiring to see people jumping on the Vaaja and so eager to do Simran! Afterwards people would be asking "Can we do more Simran" and "Can we do more Keertan... please?" Waheguru. So many great and blessed souls.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhee.


To be continued...

From a Weed to a Rose

I came across an article on the DiscoverSikhi.com forum. The article is called, "From a Weed to a Rose: Transformation of a Humbled Man", written by Bhai Jagdeesh Singh (California). Bhai Sahib was born in a Hindu family and took Amrit and become a Sikh in his 30s when living in America. He writes about his visit to India to see his family and attend a Keertan Smaagam (programme). His brother was very sick and his death was near. In a conversation with his brother Bhai Sahib suggested the only way to free oneself from their karmic account and be set free from Maya is through Amrit. His brother agreed to take Amrit and listening to the discipline (Rehat) of the Khalsa he agreed to adopt the Guru's teachings.

Below is an extract from the article Bhai Sahib has written that really moved me:

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"...Finally on January 20th 2004, his day came to take Amrit. I told him to take a full shower and wear clean clothes. I gave him a new kacchera and tied a new turban on his head. He was a bit nervous. He gave me a big hug. I could feel his body shivering. I started slowly and softly doing simran while I held him in my arms. I felt his body getting calmer and his shivering dissipating by the calming effect of the Naam.

Some Singhs came and took us in their van to where the Amrit Sanchaar was taking place in "Raani Baagh". When we got there Sukhmani Sahib was running. After Sodar da Paatth and Ardas, Singhs made preparations for the Amrit Sanchaar seva. I desired to be at my brother’s side when it was his time to pesh (be present before) in front of the Guru as he was rather weak and was likely to need moral support. However the Singhs from inside the Guru’s Darbaar called me inside during the interview process, now in progress, done to select suitable Singhs to participate in the Panj Piaarey seva instead. They commanded me that I take seva in Panj Piaarey. I folded my hands and humbly said that I wanted to be next to my brother when it was time to present himself as a candidate for Amrit. They said he would need to ‘pesh’ alone but I was to do the seva. I could only listen to the will of Singhs and do as they told me to do.

When it was time, my brother sat with all the other candidates who were to pesh in front of Guru Sahib. Daasra was given seva in the Panj itself. Knowing the delicate protocol of Panj Piaarey seva, having done this seva over the years, daas stood at such a position that my brother would not be influenced so much by my physical proximity there. When he came inside, he bowed his head to Guru Sahib and repeated "Waheguru". Since he could not stand well on his own, the Panj gave him permission to lean against the wall to complete the interview.

The Panj Piaarey asked him why he had come to Guru Sahib’s court. He answered:

"I have come to pay my debts with Guru Gobind Singh. I am an "akrit-ghan" (ungrateful) Hindu who has overlooked the kurbanee (sacrifice) of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev jee’s teachings. Guru Gobind Singh has given his 4 sahibzaadey (sons), his army and himself for Hindustan and we as a nation turned our faces from Guru Sahib. If my body skin were made into "chappals" (sandals), I could not repay the dues for what he has given to us and to Hindustan.

I came here in Dargaah (court) to ask for his apology and be forgiven the sins I have done to him. Maybe Guru, in His kindness will take me out of this Hindu "joonee" (lifetime or existence) and bless me with his Amrit that I may serve Him as a Sikh. I have for years been watching my youngest brother growing spiritually so far from us as an Amritdhaaree baptized Singh. I have been watching his love and devotion developing and observed him changing so much from who he was before. He became a very pious soul now. I want the Guru to kindly grant me the same baksheesh (blessing) so that in this life and coming lives I can serve Guru Gobind Singh and perhaps repay my debt to him.”

Hearing his plea, the Panj Piaarey became very sentimental and taken aback. I also was stunned and tears welled in my eyes. I had no idea where within him this came from. I had never said anything of this kind to him. The Panj Piaarey asked him if he would sacrifice his life and head to Guru jee. My brother answered: "If my body is cut piece by piece I still am not be able to repay the dues of Guru Gobind Singh. Kaadrey hardhaar Guru Gobind Singh, Be Khasaaraa yaar Guru Gobind Singh.” He kept going and on about the virtues of Guru Gobind Singh. I was standing at a distance listening to his painful heartfelt discourse. I had never suspected the incredible love that was sitting in his soul for Guru Gobind Singh jee.

The Panj Piaarey decreed that he was to be given full Amrit and, among other instructions, he was not to cut his hair for his remaining life. He gave his promise to Guru Sahib, did Mathaa tekh (bowed in obeisance) and went outside..."

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Taken from:
http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?/topic/9565-from-a-weed-to-a-rose/

Saturday at Gravesend

Last Saturday, "British Sikhs: Past, Present and Future" was held at Woodville Halls, Windmill Street, Gravesend. It was a free event organised by the Gravesham Borough Council, North West Kent Racial Equality Council and the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend.

The event showcased a photographic exhibition, including material from the V&A museum in central London. Local Gravesend children and Bhai Sewa Singh Lalie jee did Shabad Keertan. This was followed with talks by various speakers, including the local Lord Mayor, Gravesham MP Adam Holloway, Bhai Harjinder Singh (Man in Blue), Ravjeet Singh and others. Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara also performed Gatka. Over 500 people attended the event.

The event was a celebration of Sikhs in Britain, in particular Gravesend area. It was a recognition and celebration of the Sikh community living in Britain. It was probably the first of the kind programme that I have attended. Sikhs and non-Sikhs both attended the event and it was good to see how we can celebrate our diversity and uniqueness in society whilst living and mixing peacefully with members of other communities.

Some photos from the event (taken from www.SolaRider.org and www.SikhRoots.com):


The main display in the exhibition area.


Photographs of the old and new Gurdwara building.


Photographs from the past and present of Sikhs in Gravesend.


Visitors viewing the exhibition.


The main organiser, Bhenji Gurneet Kaur, gave the opening talk.


Bhai Sewa Singh Lalie jee and Gravesend children doing Keertan.


Bhai Ravjeet Singh did a talk on Sikhs in Britain in the past.


Bhai Harjinder Singh (Man in Blue) talking about Sikhs in the present.


Gatka demonstration.


Group photo at the end.


Outside the council building they had two Nishan Sahibs flying in the air alongside the British flag.


Outside building.

I hope that Sikhs in other areas of UK also organise similar programmes with their local councils and Racial Equality Councils. This is a great way of doing Parchaar, getting exposure in the media and providing a greater understanding of the Sikh identity across the wider community. Sikhs in Britain have contributed to society economically, academically, and socially. This should be recognised and celebrated. This year is ideal for communities to organise such programmes as it is the 300 years Gurpurb of Guru Granth Sahib jee being given eternal Gurship in October 1708.

Langar on Campus - UCL, Tues. 5th Feb.

Announcement from UCL Sikh Society:

‘Guru Ka Langar’ an event being held by UCL Sikh Society at University College London on the Tuesday 5th of February...

This is the first time Guru Ka Langar is being provided at UCL, and during the day we expect to serve between 1000 and 1500 meals to people from all walks of life. It is a truly unique and visually-stunning tradition and with media coverage we aim to raise awareness of the positive side to faith, and how religious organisations are helping the world rather than destroying it. Furthermore, in a world where religion causes such controversy, the values affirmed in Guru Ka Langar have the potential to create a more peaceful and harmonic multi-cultural society.

The event is open to all students and staff at UCL, London’s faith leaders, members of parliament and other dignitaries, and finally people of all ages in the local area. Guru Ka Langar will be served from 10am to 4pm and guests will be arriving continuously throughout this time...

Please see www.uclsikhsociety.co.uk for more details, and please do not hesitate to contact sikh.society@ucl.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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Gurdwara Visit by School Children

On Tuesday school children visited Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Cross Road, in Coventry. Usually a Bhenji does the seva of showing the students around and doing a short talk, but she couldn't get time off work so Daas had the opportunity to do seva. Local bhajis also came to help out - Bhaji Govinder Singh and Ravneet Singh. Around 50 children or so, aged 9 years old, came. Their teacher said that they were to start their Sikh religion project in a few weeks time, so the visit was to get them a glimpse of the Sikh religion and the Gurdwara before studying it at school.

They took off their shoes, covered their heads and washed their hands and then few at a time went to the Darbaar Sahib and were shown how to do Matha Tekh and then received Parshaad. In Darbaar Sahib they were told that this place is called the "Gurdwara" and that they were sitting in the "Darbaar Sahib". I got them to repeat key words so that they could remember the words correctly. They were told that in the Gurdwara the main part is the Darbaar Sahib.

I asked them, "What is the main focus of the Darbaar Sahib?" One boy answered "The Book" (pointing towards Guru Sahib). The worst thing was that this boy was from a Panjabi Sikh family! I explained that, "Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh Sacred Scripture, which is the Word of God. It's more special than a "Book" because it's the Word of God and is the Guru of the Sikhs. Sikhs don't like Guru Granth Sahib to be called a Book because its considered very special." Then they were all asked about the purpose of people coming to the Darbaar Sahib. They then replied, "To pray", "To talk to God", "To think in your mind" and "Sing together".

The talk in the Darbaar Sahib was short and then everyone moved to the Langar Hall where mats were laid out for them to sit. Here, the fundamentals of Sikhi were explained in basic language. I asked, "Who is the founder of the Sikh religion?". Again, the boy from the Panjabi Sikh family, put his hand up and replied, "It's Guru Gobind Singh". Waheguru. I said, "Well done, but not quite right." So I got them all to repeat "Guru Nanak". To help them understand, I asked, "Who founded Christianity?" They all said "Jesus". "Who founded Islam?" They said "Muhammad". "Similarly, the Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak. He went around the world telling people to be good, remember God, not to be nasty to others and see God within all".

A boy then asked, "What do you call God?" I replied, "Waheguru - meaning Wonderful Lord. There is one God, the same for everyone. People call God different names but it is the one God whose light is within all of you and everywhere." The basic principles of Sikhi are 1) remember and pray to God (Naam Japo), 2) live & work honestly (Kirat Karo), and 3) share with others (Vand Chhako). Afterwards I asked that if anyone remembered the principles.

I explained that after Guru Nanak Sahib jee there were nine other Gurus, who all shared the same light, spirit and message. I stopped and asked, "So how many Gurus were there?" A girl put her up and said, "ten". I then asked, "Who is the tenth Guru?" I looked at the Panjabi boy who had earlier said that Guru Gobind Singh jee was the first Guru. He now smiled and replied, "Guru Gobind Singh".

It was explained that Guru Nanak founded the religion and the other nine Gurus built upon the religion and it was finally completed by Guru Gobind Singh who made the Sikhs into "Saint-Warriors". Guru Gobind Singh gave the Sikhs a distinct uniform To relate it to the school children I pointed out that just as they were wearing school uniforms, the Sikhs have a uniform too.

I asked them "Why Sikhs don't cut their hair?" There was no reply. I then explained that God has given us an arm (they pointed to their arm), then leg (they pointed to their leg) and similarly, God has given us hair. "As Sikhs we see the hair and body as a gift from God and so we don't cut it. The hair is seen as sacred because when we pray and chant God's Name we believe that all the hair vibrate with God's Name. For example, when you are scared, cold or get an electric shock your hair stand up! Similarly, when a Sikh prays in the morning and meditates, energy passes through the hair and each hair meditates on God, so its special. To keep the hair tidy it is combed everyday, tied up at the top of the head and covered with a turban - which is our crown."

Each of the five K's uniform was explained in brief, trying to relate it to their world of thinking and using other examples to illustrate the purpose of the Kakkaars. To end with the concept of Langar was talked about and the Saakhi of Guru Nanak Sahib jee feeding the hungry. They sounded really interested and one asked, "Will we be getting something to eat as well?" lol.

So the talk ended there and the everyone was requested to sit in lines and were given plates and cups. Some said that they didn't want langar because earlier they had been told that they cannot leave "jooth" (wastage). Quite suprisingly only a few of them had a spoonful of sabjee and a quarter of roti. After a few minutes everyone was asking for roti BY ITSELF. lol. Some had mithhe chowl (sweet rice) but all of them kept asking "Can we have more chappattis". They were really happy just eating roti by itself with no daal or sabjee. Waheguru.

Giani jee then gave everyone chocolates and crisps. Waheguru! It was then mayhem! All the children got hyper because Giani jee was generously given two or three crisp packets per person. lol. Two of the teachers came up to me and said, "I cannot believe this." They were both smiling and said, "We are Christians and go to church. We would never welcome any stranger to the church with this much love and generosity. I am overwhelmed by the love of your people and religion and how welcoming you are. You would never expect this from any other religion. I am truly glad that the chldren were able to come to the Gurdwara and see this." Waheguru.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi! When Goray see Sikhi and share these feelings with you it really makes you appreciate Sikhi and Guru jee.

The purpose of writing the post is that if there are no school visits to your local Gurdwara then please do take up the seva. It doesn't have to be complicated - keep it simple, short, basic, relate to the world of children and keep asking them questions as you speak! Through visiting schools and talking about Sikhi and inviting schools to Gurdware children can grow up knowing who Sikhs are and hopefully take away something from Guru Nanak Sahib jee's message.

NASA & Gurbani

I came across this audio on DiscoverSikhi.com of vichaar by Bhai Bhagwan Singh Johal, a panthik Sikh scholar and Kathaavachik. If you can understand Panjabi then please listen to the audio below:

Download

In short, Bhai Bhagwan Singh's talk is the affects of Gurbani on individuals' lives. In one example, he mentions that there have been two Panjabi sisters who have worked as Astronauts at the NASA space station in America - Kalpana Chawla and Sunita William.

Kalpana Chawla was a space shuttle mission specialist. She was the first Panjabi to travel into space. Unfortunately, she was killed on 1st February 2003 with 7 crew members in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Whilst in India, Bhai Bhagwan Singh was in Uttranchal (Haryana) where he met Kalpana Chawla's father, Banarsi Lal Chawla. As you would do, Bhai Bhagwan Singh offered his condolences and shared the grief of the loss of a fellow Punjabi sister.

Kalpana's father was a Hindu, however the family have devotion (shardaa) for the House of Guru Nanak. Bhai Sahib asked Kalpana's father to share something about Kalpana's life with him. He replied that she did Nitnem (daily prayers) every morning (as well as being a vegetarian). The family were fortunate enough to have darshan (glimpse) of the late Baba Nand Singh jee in Uttaranchal. Baba jee had an affect on the family and since then they have practised Nitnem and had love for Gurbani.

"Tell more," said Bhai Bhagwan Singh. The father replied, "Kalpana also recited Japji Sahib whilst she worked, and she recited Japji Sahib in space as well." Guru Nanak Sahib Ji explains in Japji Sahib:

ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥

Pāṯālā pāṯāl lakẖ āgāsā āgās.
There are nether worlds beyond the nether worlds and lacs of skies over skies.

ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥

Oṛak oṛak bẖāl thakė vėḏ kahan ik vāṯ.
The scriptures say one thing: searching for God's limits and bounds, (without success) people have grown weary.
(Ang 5)

Not only did she read this, but she experienced this. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji was also present in space (whilst she read Japji Sahib).


Her father said that he had an opportunity to visit the NASA centre at San Jose, America (in September 2004). During his visit he was shown a volume of an English translation of Guru Granth Sahib jee kept at the NASA library. Her father was told that when scientists get tired of searching and searching the universe, when they seek inspiration and need to uplift their souls they turn to read the translations of Guru Nanak's poetry and divine-songs which magnificently describe the awe and wonder of the Universe. There is no other poetry, no other divine-song, no other Scripture, such as the Bani of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji -- Guru Granth Sahib jee.

4 years old child doing Keertan!

I came across this video of 4 year old child, Bhai Kudrat Singh jee, doing Keertan on the Internet. It from the March 2007 Akhand Keertani Jatha Samaagam in New York. It is a very inspirational and spiritually uplifting to see Guru Sahib's kirpaa (grace) on the child. Blessed are his parents who from an early age have inspired their child on the Path of the Guru and who's own Gursikhi Jeevan has undoubtedly affected the Karams and destiny of the child. Waheguru. Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi.

PART 1



PART 2

ਆਪਿ ਲੀਏ ਲੜਿ ਲਾਇ ਦਰਿ ਦਰਵੇਸ ਸੇ ॥
Āp lī­ė laṛ lā­ė ḏar ḏarvės sė.
Those whom the Lord attaches to the hem of His robe, are the true dervishes (saints) at His Door.

ਤਿਨ ਧੰਨੁ ਜਣੇਦੀ ਮਾਉ ਆਏ ਸਫਲੁ ਸੇ ॥੨॥
Ŧin ḏẖan jaṇėḏī mā­o ā­ė safal sė. ||2||
Blessed are the mothers who gave birth to them, and fruitful is their coming into the world. ||2||
(Ang 488)

Inspirational Bibi jee

Last Sunday I was at Southall for a family programme a the Gurdwara. I met an elderly relative from Leicester. She is very old, about 85 years old. Every time I see her, my heart feels as if I have Mata Gujar Kaur jee's darshan. Very strange feeling.

Every time we meet she always gives a big hug. Regardless of who the person is or their age, she will give everyone a big warm hug. At the age of 85 years old, she walks with a walking stick but her face glows! Her pale face looks red with happiness and pyaar for Guru Sahib.

At the Gurdwara she said to me, "My children tell me not to make roti, daal sabjee and do housework. But I tell them, what else should I do? Waheguru has given me hands and feet and I still have life within me. They think I am old but Guru Sahib has still given me strength. " Whilst talking she was holding my hand with one hand and holding her walking stick in the other. Waheguru. Her presence is radiates such peace and serenity.

She smiled and said, "My children say that you brought up us and cared for us, now it is our turn. But I told them, it is not me who looked after you and cared for you - it is the Great Guru and the Giver All who looks after us all... what strength do I have to care for you - it is the Grace and love of the Guru. Thank Him - Waheguru - not me." Waheguru. I was taken aback by her humility and love for the Guru.

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਸਦਾ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਹੈ ਸਭਨਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਸਾਰ ॥

Nirbẖa­o saḏā ḏa­i­āl hai sabẖnā karḏā sār.
The Fearless Lord is forever Merciful; He takes care of all.

ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਪਾਈਐ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥੫॥੩॥੩੬॥

Nānak gurmukẖ bujẖī­ai pā­ī­ai mokẖ ḏu­ār. ||5||3||36||
O Nanak, the Gurmukh understands, and finds the Door of Liberation. ||5||3||36||
(Ang 27)

Mata jee talked about her diet and about people eating meat. She said, "Son, I only eat twice a day. Morning and evening. One 'parshaadaa' (roti) with one 'daal' (lentils) - that's it. It keeps me going. I look at these women nowadays and they have red faces. I ask them, "Child! Do you eat meat?" They say "Yes." They have red looking faces because they eat meat and gulp down chicken legs..." Waheguru.

ਗੈਬਾਨ ਹੈਵਾਨ ਹਰਾਮ ਕੁਸਤਨੀ ਮੁਰਦਾਰ ਬਖੋਰਾਇ ॥

Gaibān haivān harām kusṯanī murḏār bakẖorā­ė.
Like a goblin and a beast, the world kills the forbidden and eat dead carcasses of animals.
(Ang 723)

"...People ask, "Mata jee how is your face red." I saw with Guru's Grace my face is red with Naam and Bani and your face is red by eating dead animals. Guru is Great. Satguru, the True Guru looks after us. May we never forget him or leave him. The more we do, the little it is. Waheguru."

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਨਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਹਉ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਤਾਸੁ ॥

Saṯgur sėvan āpṇā ha­o saḏ balihārī ṯās.
I am forever a sacrifice to those who serve their True Guru.

ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਜਿਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ॥੩੧॥

Nānak ṯin mukẖ ujlė jin anṯar nām pargās. ||31||
O Nanak, radiant and bright are the faces of those whose inner beings are illuminated with the Light of the Naam. ||31||
(Ang 1413)

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare. It is amazing how Guru Sahib causes us to meet such wonderful people with great lives. Despite her old age and looking frail, she wakes up Amrit-vela every day and has a cold bath before doing Naam Simran and reading Gurbani. Her family said that they try to persuade her to not to have a cold bath or struggle to get up in the morning, but she doesn't listen to anyone and continues to quietly and with a smile carry on with her Bhagti. She memorised Gurbani as a child and always urges to do extra Banis for Nitnem. Waheguru. May Guru Sahib bless us all with such grace, faith, and love to remember Waheguru, keep Rehat (code of discipline), read Bani and Jap Naam. Guru Raakhaa.

Sikh Smaritans rescue family...

Sikh Samaritans rescue NRI, family from mob
Samod Sarngan
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 04:12 IST

A South African family living in Kharghar in Navi Mumbai had a narrow escape from a mob that attacked them following a misunderstanding in a Nerul mall on Sunday night.

The family got a second life when four Sikhs jumped in to shield them from the mob. In fact, a day after the incident, the Sikhs continued to offer their support to the dishevelled NRI family.

Selvin Chetty had gone with his wife and two children, aged 11 and 14, to D-Mart in Nerul to purchase some biscuits but got caught in a communication gap with a saleswoman at the counter.

“In order to show her the particular brand of biscuit he wanted, Chetty caught hold of her hand, causing confusion among the shoppers, who beat up him,” Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Ramrao Wagh told DNA.

Soon a mob, mostly Nerul residents, started raining blows on Chetty. But the assault on Chetty and his desperate attempts to flee from his attackers caught the eye of Gurinder Singh, who too was shopping with his family.

Rushing to the rescue, Singh warded off the mob and tried to fathom the reason for its fury. When he realised that Chetty was innocent and his life was in danger, Singh, his brother, and their friends formed a wall around Chetty and his wife. Like the Chettys, the Sikh families, too, live in Kharghar.

“We couldn’t stand mute witness to the injustice being done to the couple,” said Singh, a transporter. Denying the charge levelled by D-Mart staff that Chetty tried to molest the saleswoman, he said, “We were there. No such thing happened.”

According to Singh, the mob decided to teach the NRI couple a lesson “as they couldn’t converse in Hindi and the mob didn’t understand English”. “They pleaded for mercy, but the mob was unrelenting,” he said.

When Chetty ran out of the mall to save himself, the Sikhs kept pace with him. After the mall management pulled down the shutters, they threw a cordon around the couple.

“If it hadn’t been for the Sikh gentlemen, we wouldn’t have survived the mob violence,” Chetty’s wife Priscilla said tearfully a day after the incident.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1145162

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ਦੇਹਿ ਸ਼ਿਵਾ ਬਰੁ ਮੋਹਿ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਭ ਕਰਮਨ ਤੇ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਨ ਟਰੋਂ ॥
dehi shiva bar mohi eihai shub karman te kabhoo'n na taro
O Gracious Lord! Give me this boon that I never ever shirk from doing good deeds.
(Guru Gobind Singh jee)

Do you like drinking cold water?

I was forwarded this email by Bhai Mehtab Singh jee:

EFFECTS OF COLD WATER

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink a hot drink or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this & Send the link to a friend. It could save a life. So, please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

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Waheguru. Thinking about this, if your diet is anything like mine (daal sabjee (with turkaa) and more daal sabjee (with turkaa), plus parothay now and again) then its very worrying! Amount of ghee and butter Panjabis consume is HUGE. Also traditional Langar at the Gurdwara in the West can be very heavy and oily! But unfortunately its a habit that we serve "cold water" with the food and we tend to drink the cold water whilst eating! So we are not doing our body any favours! (Imagine what the ghee looks like when it solidifies - that is what's happening in our body if we drink cold water with our roti ). I now prefer drinking luke warm water with food (but it can be hard to stick to this when at the Gurdwara or someone's house).

Coventry Cross Roads Gurdwara Camp! (Part 2)

....continued

On Sunday there was a MYSTERY TRIP!!! The trip was to the "Think Tank" in Birmingham. It might sound boring when you hear the name of the place, considering children don't want to "think" too much and like to relax and have fun (just like the adults!). However, I was pleasantly surprised. The trip turned out really good and everyone had fun!

Some photos from the trip (taken from www.SevaToTheMax.com):


Waheguru. This boy was in our group. If you met him, you would never forget him! For some reason he decided to dress like a Sunflower. Rab Raakhaa :)


Sat Naam, Waheguru. The most enjoyable part of the museum was this water area for children to play games. Some decided to splash others with the water and get them wet! Waheguroooooo.



2 young Singhs playing with the water. Bechaare, didn't even splash one another or anything. They were youngest children but acted most sensible with the water. Waheguru.


Looks hi-tech!


The 12+ years group. I was with this group. After this photo, I decided to get on to the metal frame. But as I got on, the museum staff person came over and told me off for being on there. Slightly embarrassing!


Bhai Preetam Singh jee's group.


Lunch time. As usual, in full Coventry style, the Langar was Chardi Kalaa. Buns, spring roles, samosay, even ahloo wale parothay! On top of all that there were (egg free) muffins - fruit ones, chocolate ones... you name it, it was there :)


Bhaji Harjinder Singh jee (looking slightly shocked!) and Bhai Amarjeet Singh jee (aka "Baba jee").


This was the Alien zone area.


This was the "Bubbles and Bang" show. There were plenty of bubbles but not many bangs!


Coach trip going back to the Gurdwara.


It was a really good camp! Everyone enjoyed it. If you didn't come this year, I would definitely recommend coming next year! Every Friday Cross Road's Gurdwara has a Khalsa Club from 6pm till 7pm for children up to 14 years old, and afterwards from 7.30pm till 9pm (every fortnight) there is a class for elder youngsters with Bhai Sahib Joginder Singh jee. So if you're local, try and take benefit of these classes. For more details go on www.SevaToTheMax.com. May Waheguru keep the organisers in Chardi Kalaa and bestow them with the gift of doing more seva.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi!

--- HAPPY GURPURB ---
Saturday 5th January 2008 marks 342 years of the Parkaash Diwas of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj. Saariaa nu lakh lakh vadhaayee hove!

Related blog post:
- Short Glimpse at the Life of Dasam Pitaa