Shall We Forget?...

Death Row...

Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, a graduate in electrical engineering from Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana, served as professor in different technical colleges of Punjab. Like many Sikh youth facing harassment from the Punjab Police, he had managed to escape to Germany in December, 1994, when his father disappeared while in the police custody.

Charges against Bhai Davinder Singh Bhullar were framed by Indian Authorities under the controvercial and now defunct TADA laws of the 1980s and 1990s for an alleged attack on Youth Congress leader Maninder Bitta on September 11, 1993. Germany broke European law by deporting Professor Bhullar to India, as it illegal to deport someone to a country that practices the death penalty.

Professor Bhullar was sentenced to death in 2001 based on a "confession" that was forced upon him using torture, which Amnesty International has flagged up. Furthermore, none of the 133 witnesses produced by the prosecution, while the case was in the lower court, identified Professor Bhullar. For the first time in India’s Supreme Court’s history, someone was sentenced to death on the basis of a split judgment. The presiding judge, Justice Shah acquitted the accused whereas the other two judges, Justice Aggarwal and Justice Passayat upheld the death sentence.

For 16 years he has been kept in solitary confinement, spending 22 hours in a 9x7 cell. The Professor’s mental health has deteriorated and it has become life threatening. Justice Shah acquitted Professor Bhullar stating that the conspiracy theory falls flat as the “rest of the accused who are named in the confessional statement are not convicted or tried.”

Despite appeals for a life sentence instead of capital punishment, the President of India recently announced that the death penalty will be delivered to Professor Bhullar.

Urgent request, please visit www.SikhFederation.com to see how you can help Professor Bhullar.

India is advertising for an executioner for the first executions for those on death row in 7 years - Amnesty International UK describe this as a huge "step back for human rights".

Perhaps what is most disturbing is that both people who are due to be killed, have huge support for their innocence and their is massive doubt over the Indian Government's reasons and evidence.

Read: Amnesty International Article

The last moment before death...

Below is an inspiring post by Bhai Jagjit Singh jee from Wakefield (Leeds) about the last moments of death:

Scene from the Movie 'Sundri', when her soul is accompanied by Panj Singh to the Waheguru's Court.

Subject: Ant-kaal
Author: Bhai Jagjit Singh (Wakefield)

Vaheguru ji ke khalsa vaheguru ji ke fateh Pyaare jio, last weekend I was in the Midlands doing programmes, but the weekend before I was fortunate to attend the Sunday Divaan at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Wakefield Road, Bradford. There was the now usual nice atmosphere, which was enhanced by the manner in which all the Sangat did Sukhmani Sahib together, with everyone participating, especially bibian. Then Bhai Surjit Singh did keertan and veechar which was its usual high standard. In this veechar Bhai Sahib mentioned about the grandmother of Bhenji Rajinder Kaur passing away only days before. At her final moment, Bibi ji was doing simran, then she did some loud Jaikaare, then she said "Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Kee Fateh!!" before breathing her last.

I have heard such stories about many Gursikhs, when they approach their final moment. When that final moment comes, for those blessed enough to be immersed in Naam, that moment is glorious for they complete the cycle of births and death, and witness indescribable illumination. For they have merged with the One. Shaheed Gursikhs spirits come and escort their souls as they merge. May Guru Ji bless us all with such Jeevans that we have such final moments.

It reminded me of a time in Slough, many years ago, when Gursikhs would come together and do Naam Abhiyass. Afterwards elder Gursikhs would occasionally share Gurmat stories. One such elder was Bhai Keval Singh. He is a very respected elder who spent years helping people in their daily lives relate with Gurbani. Whenever any family had hard times and happy occasions, they would invite Bhai Sahib to their house and he would do paath and keertan with them families, regardless if they were religious or not.

On one such occasion, Bhai Sahib was invited to the house of a Panjabi man, who was a heavy drinker and not at all religious. He had become very unwell due to alcoholism, was now passing away. As Bhai Sahib arrived at the house, the family was crying and surrounded a bed where the man was in a bed breathing, but very weak. Everyone knew his time had come. Bhai Sahib requested that everyone be quiet, and he sat next to the man and started doing Sukhmani Sahib. While Bhai Sahib was doing paath, initially the man was slightly more at ease, but after some time the man suddenly screamed and became very uncomfortable. Sensing what was happening, Bhai Sahib stopped doing paath and immediately as he stopped, the man breathed his last.

The contrast is stark. On one side we have a man who choose alcohol instead of Gurbani, and at his final moment, the Jamdhoot (messengers of death) came for him. While most souls are taken straight away, without worldly reaction, he had Gurbani near him at the last moment. So he saw the Jamdhoots, but they did could not come close while Gurbani was there. So he screamed at their sight, but as soon as the Gurbani stopped he was taken. But the Bibi ji who was blessed with Gurbani in her life at that final moment was greeted by amazing sight that she did a Jaikaara and said Gurfateh.

The question is what will we experience at our final moment? Honestly reflect... If honestly you know at that moment according to the way you live today, you are more likely to see the Jamdhoots... then you still have time to make the necessary change!

Vaheguru ji ke khalsa vaheguru ji ke fateh

--------

Jeweller's Shop...

Just something interesting to share. A few weeks ago Veer Ravjeet Singh was walking home from work and came across an expensive jeweller's shop in Central London which had a mannequin of a Sardaar in it's shop window. The window display is a concept by Jasleen Kaur. The information card in the bottom of the window said that Maharaja of Patiala went to France and tied a Dastaar (turban) on Louis Vuitton, a French designer.

Kesh - The Covenant between Man and God

The Rehat (discipline) of maintaining the sanctity of the Kesh (hair) and not dishonouring it anyway (i.e. cutting, trimming, colouring, or bleaching) was started by Guru Nanak Dev jee. Guru Sahib stresses that keeping Kesh is essential for a Sikh as well as any other human being. Below are quotes from "Makke di Gosht" - Guru Nanak Dev jee's conversation with Muslim scholar/priests, during Guru Sahib's Udaasi (journey) to Mecca.

ਜਵਾਬ ਨਾਨਕ ਸ਼ਾਹ ਸੂਰਾ:
ਸਚੀ ਸੁਨਿਤ ਰਬ ਦੀ ਮੋਇਆ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ਨਾਲ |
ਜੋ ਰਖੇ ਮੋਇ ਅਮਾਨਤੀ ਖਾਸਾ ਬੰਦਾ ਭਾਲਿ |
ਅਵਲ ਸੁੰਨਤ ਮੋਇ ਹੈ ਸਿਰ ਪਰ ਰਖੇ ਕੋਇ |
ਪਾਵੇ ਮਰਾਤਬਾ ਸਯਦੀ ਬਡਾ ਰਿਖੀਸਰ ਹੋਇ |
(ਮੱਕੇ ਮਦੀਨੇ ਦੀ ਗੋਸ਼ਟਿ, ਪੰਨਾ ੧੪੪. ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਯੂਨਿਵਰਸਿਟੀ)
"Courageous Lord Nanak replied: The true divine sunnat (tradition) is the hair brought by birth. Blessed is the one who keeps the hair as a trust of God. The primary sunnat is hair and the one who adorns it on his head acquires the status of a rishi (sage) or a sayyid (master)."
(Conversation of Mecca-Madina, page 144, Punjabi University)

ਮੋਇ ਸਿਰਪਾਉ ਖੁਦਾਇਦਾ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ਬੰਦਾ ਨਾਲ |
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖੇ ਪੀਰ ਜੀ ਫਿਰ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ ਨਾਲ |
ਫਿਰ ਗਇਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਵਿਚਿ ਅਕੇ ਰਖਿ ਨੀਸਾਨ |
ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਰਬ ਦੀ ਭੰਨਨ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ |
(ਮੱਕੇ ਮਦੀਨੇ ਦੀ ਗੋਸ਼ਟਿ, ਪੰਨਾ ੧੪੪. ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਯੂਨਿਵਰਸਿਟੀ)
"Says Nanak, the hair is the blessing of the Lord to man which ought to be presented back. The man has to present himself in the court of Lord with this trust. The one who could not keep the hair intact has is in fact committed breach of trust and is to be regarded as be-eemaan (faithless)."
(Conversation of Mecca-Madina, page 144, Punjabi University)

ਆਖੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਹ ਸਚੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਬਹਾਵਦੀ ਪੀਰ |
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਦੁਇ ਸਿਰ ਗੁੰਮ ਥੀਏ ਜਹੀਰਿ |
(ਮੱਕੇ ਮਦੀਨੇ ਦੀ ਗੋਸ਼ਟਿ, ਪੰਨਾ ੧੩੮. ਪੰਜਾਬੀਯੂਨਿਵਰਸਿਟੀ)
"Says Nanak to Pir Bahavdeen, both Hindus and Muslims by losing the hair in fact have lost head and have become sirgum."
(Conversation of Mecca-Madina, page 138, Punjabi University)

A Sikh's love for their Guru is represented in the maintaining of the Kesh. A Sikh would would not grieve losing an arm, leg or even their own life, but a Sikh could never accept having anyone touch his or her Kesh (hair).

When Sikhs were ethnically cleansed in Delhi during the 1984 anti-Sikh programs, the Hindu mobs would first cut the Kesh (hair) of a Sikh and then put a tyre around their head and burn them alive. Someone may think, why cut their hair when they are going to kill them anyway? The whole purpose of cutting the hair was to dishonour a Sikh through the greatest insult a Sikh could imagine and then murder them.

Amsterdam Smaagam...

From Wednesday to Saturday a Gurmat Camp was held at Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Amsterdam, Holland, which was attended by about 90 children. From Saturday to Sunday a Keertan Smaagam was held with a Rainsbaaee Keertan on Saturday night. With Guru jee's kirpaa, the local Sangat are becoming stronger in their Sikhi. Since the last Sikh Family Camp in December, Guru jee has brought a positive change to the Sangat. Many young bhenjis who used to wear a Dastaar when coming to the Gurdwara and learning Gatka have begun wearing the Dastaar permanently and wearing it to school. Some Veer jees have decided to keep their Kesh. And many of the Sangat, young and old have begun doing daily Nitnem and Amrit-vela. May Guru Sahib continue to bless the Sangat.

Some photos from the Smaagam (from Bhai Amrik Singh's Flickr):


Bhai Abinash Singh doing Keertan


Bibi Ishpreet Kaur doing Keertan with her son, Tavgun Singh, playing Tablaa. I think he is 2 or 3 years old. Vaheguru!


Bibi Kuldeep Kaur doing Keertan


Bhai Jasbir Singh doing Keertan



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Keertan Videos from Derby Smaagam

Saturday night (Rainsbaaee) - Bhai Parminder Singh Jee (Australia)


More keertan videos from Derby 2011 Vaisakhi Smaagam upload by Bhenji Harsimrat Kaur here.

Derby Akhand Keertan Smaagam...

Last week was the Vaisakhi Akhand Keertan Smaagam. Smaagam literally means "programme" or "event." The Smaagam was from Monday 18th April to Sunday 24th April at Singh Sabha Gurdwara and Guru Arjan Dev Jee Gurdwara. The Smaagam was in tribute to 50 years of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee's leaving this earthly abode and in tribute to Shaheeds (martyrs) of the Vaisakhi 1978 massacre that took place in Amritsar. With Guru jee's kirpaa, the Smaagam was really successful and had a great Naam-filled atmosphere! Accomodation was provided by the Gurdwara Sahib for the Sangat to stay over. Being with the Sangat felt like being at home and having a family reunion.

From Monday to Wednesday, there was a Sri Akhand Paatth Sahib jee from a Larreevaar Saroop (which has joined up writing without any spaces) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. One person who was fortunate to attend the Akhand Paatth Sahib said that one of the Gurmukh Pyaare who seemed very elderly was reading Paatth with such high spirits and was singing Gurbani in a sweet melody rather than reading. The person said it seemed as if the Gurmukh Pyaare knew Gurbani off by heart and was in great ecstasy. It makes you think that when Gurbani is read with love, rass (sweetness) and pyaar (love) it not only has a great affect on the reader but also those in the Sangat listening. Vaheguru!

From Thursday to Saturday, Aasa Dee Vaar Keertan took place. Every day from 2pm to 4pm there was a seminar and discussion that took place with knowledgeable Gursikhs on Gurbani and the Gurbani vichaar of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee. On Saturday, Neil Carleton, a speaker from the V&A museum, came to do a talk about Sikh artillery and explained about the Shastars (weapons) of the time of Baba Banda Singh jee Bahadar and Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. The following day there was a presentation and vichaar by Bhai Joginder Singh jee, Bhai Jagjit Singh jee and Dr. Virk about the life, Rehat (discipline), sacrifice and service to the Khalsa Panth. With Guru jee's kirpaa the foundation stone for a monument in memory of the all Shaheeds of the Khalsa Panth and in memory of the 6 holocausts the Sikh nation has faced was laid by the Panj Pyaare.

Below are pictures (taken from Scottish Sikhs Flickr) of the Sunday night Rainsbaaee Keertan:

Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Sangat at Rainsbaaee Keertan


Master Niranjan Singh jee (Canada). Vaheguru!


Bhai Manmohan Singh jee (California)


Bhai Jagdev Singh jee (France)


Bhai Manjeet Singh jee (Glasgow)


Bhai Sahib from India who looks and sounds like Dr. Tejinderpal Singh jee (Dulla Veer jee).


Bhai Parminder Singh jee (Australia). Vaheguru! Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.


Panj Pyaare after Amrit Sanchaar. Vaheguru! With Guru jee's kirpaa approximately 100 or so people took Amrit. The Amrit Sanchaar started 4pm and finished at 3.30am.


NOTE:

The next Smaagam is this week at Leamington & Warwick Gurdwara Sahib with a Rainsbaaee Keertan on Saturday 30th April. Visit www.akj.org for more details.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Seva of the Panth...

Below is a letter of Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee sent to his wife Bibi Amarjeet Kaur jee whilst he was in prison. Bhai Sahib stressed that just doing Naam Simran and Paath and focusing on our own personal life alone is not good enough. Neither is focusing on seva of the Panth whilst ignoring and not putting in practice Rehat (discipline), Amrit-Vela and Naam Simran. Bhai Sahib instilled spirit of seva, simran and sacrifice in the youth of the time. May Guru jee bless us all with the devotion, Rehat and spirit shown by Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru ke Pyaare!

Respected Amarjeet Kaur jeeo,

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh!


I have accepted your advice and have forgotten that Singh. He can do whatever he wants. What is it to us?

Otherwise, I have a request I want to make of you. We have finished our worldly lives and taken birth in the Guru’s house and even more than that, we have enlisted in the Guru’s army. It is the responsibility of every Sikh born in the Guru’s house that he does some seva, and we have as of yet not been able to do this seva with our own hands. But we certainly should do some seva. You should consider the case you are fighting as seva of Gursikhi and do so in a heartfelt, happy and thankful spirit, knowing that Satguru jee is teaching something and something good will come out of this lesson.

If you stay laughing and happy, then know that His Will is sweet. There is almost no Sikh spirit left in Singhs now. If you stay laughing and happy, then forget just Fauja Singh, know that you will break the jail of the entire world. If you lose this battle or feel scared/worried, and if you go sit alone in regret, then know that the living example of Sikhi has begun to falter. Become like how Singhs and Singhnees are supposed to be. Make your life embody those principles. That hot air (hard time) you are in now, should become cool after touching your body. Those jungles that you must go through should remain laughing by your spirit for years to come. Those oceans which you must cross, their deepness and terror should always be reduced. Those paths that you are going to walk on, should forever bear your marks. That life which rises above cowardice becomes like a spring of love. It becomes a tower of sacrifice. Those people who call sacrifice “being destroyed”, let them say it. This is what suits them. Those people who enjoy sleeping on their comfortable beds, and call this “life”, let them talk. This is their delusion.

Those who see jail and the noose as Manmat, let them rest. They cannot resolve any affair of the Kaum (nation). Those who become terrified by the crackle of the gun, let them Jap Naam so their cowardice can be eliminated.

Those who cannot protect their own life, faith and daughters and sisters, let them act smart because they cannot do kurbani (sacrifice). Those who are attached to their daughters, sons, properties, wealth, jobs etc. let them remain intoxicated in that. They know a lot of excuses and they cannot bear any hardships due to their nature.

Do not feel bad about those who use the excuse of bhagti (devotional worship) and do not pay attention to the work of the Kaum. This is their karma.

Don’t speak to the frog in the well about the ocean. Understanding the ocean is not something it is capable of doing. Those Kaums who smoke cigarettes and use tobacco are rising to new heights. The Singh children of Dasam Guru, the free Kaums, are crying for the Saviour.

Sat Sri Akaal to the Sarbat Khalsa.

Fauja Singh

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Vaisakhi...

During Vaisakhi (14th April 2011), the Sikhs remember the faith and devotion of the Panj Pyaare, and also the sacrifices of innocent people in Jallianwala Bagh in 1919 and the bold sacrifice of the 13 Gursikhs who died in 1978 whilst peacefully protesting against disrespect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. May Guru Jee bless all of us with Rehat (discipline), devotion, and desire to follow his Path. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

Nishkam Primary School...

With Waheguru's kirpaa, the first Sikh Primary School in Birmingham is opening September 2011. At the moment there is a Nishkam Nursery which has children from Hindu, Muslim and other backgrounds as well as Sikh children. Below is a video about the school:

Nishkam Primary School Video from Be Inspired Films on Vimeo.

There is a positive newspaper article about the new Sikh school as well. See link.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

BBC documentary,,,

The BBC has for the first-time made a special 30-minute programme called ‘The Story of Vaisakhi’.

The programme aims to increase awareness of non-Sikhs about how Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created a blueprint for a Sikhs’ distinctive and unique visual identity.

The film explores themes, such as, tolerance, equality, humility, dignity and an active concern for others.

Many including the Sikh Federation (UK) have contributed to this film to provide an introduction to this annual Sikh festival.

It has been confirmed ‘The Story of Vaisakhi’ will be shown on Sunday 10 April 2011 on BBC 1 at 1.15pm (UK time) and the film can be seen across Europe via satellite.

"Stop your car..."

Today I stopped over at the local shop to buy some groceries. On the way out of the shop I sat in my car. A man pulled up in a car next to me. I could feel as if he was looking at me. The man then looked away, so I didn't think much of it. I was pulling out my car, when the same man gets out of the car and stands in front of the car and waves me to stop. I thought perhaps my car tyre has a puncture or something.

I put the window down, and the man said, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I saw you wearing a turban and wanted to ask you a question." I smiled and said, "What is your question." He said, "Do Hindus wear turbans?... Ermm... Are you Sikh?" I replied, "Well, some Hindus in India might wear a turban for cultural reasons, however Sikhs wear a turban because it is a part of their religion." He smiled and said, "I have been waiting for a long time to find someone wearing a turban to ask that question. Thank you for that. My grandfather fought in World War 2 in Burma. He used tell me that the Sikhs are a brave people and that they are courageous. He has a lot of respect for Sikhs. I am glad I met you. Sorry for taking your time." He smiled and walked away.

It was a strange but pleasant meeting. Amazing how much respect the man had for the Dastaar and Sikhi.


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Bibi Harvinder Kaur Jee is back again!

Good news - Bibi Harvinder Kaur Khalsa (former celebrity, Alexandra Aitken) returns back to Coventry to inspire the Sangat. Bibi jee will be doing a follow up talk and question & answers session with her husband, Bhai Inderjot Singh. Bhai Sahib will be telling his amazing story of transformation to a Gursikh. This is another opportunity to be inspired if you missed the first talk by Bibi Harvinder Kaur. For more info: www.facebook.com/sikh.inspirations

Friday 8th April 2011
7pm to 9pm
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
47-49 Cross Road, Coventry, CV6 5GR.

Old Kirtan Video...

An old video of Giani Gurdev Singh jee doing Keertan which Veer Japnaam Singh found. Bhai Sahib is a Kirtani of Akhand Kirtani Jatha and been trained in Gurbani with Damdami Taksaal.

Waheguru.

Anand Karaj highlights...

Video of Bhai Harbir Singh jee and Bhenji Darshan Kaur jee's Anand Kaaraj that took place on Saturday 18th December:

http://vimeo.com/18394688

On the day of the wedding it snowed so much that a 1 hour journey to get back from Slough, took 8 hours! Vaheguru. Definitely an unforgettable wedding.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Inspirations - Bhai Joginder Singh Jee...

After last week's inspiring talk with Bibi Angad Kaur, a white English lady who embraced the Sikh faith and took Amrit, this Friday Bhai Joginder Singh jee will be inspiring the Sangat with an open Q&A. This is an ideal opportunity to get your questions answered with direct and straight answers supported by Gurbani. Programme details below:

Friday 1st April 2011
7pm to 9pm
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
47-49 Cross Road, Coventry, CV6 5GR.

Shaheed Bibi Balbir Kaur Jee...

ਸਲੋਕ || ਕਬੀਰਾ ਮਰਤਾ ਮਰਤਾ ਜਗੁ ਮੁਆ ਮਰਿ ਭਿ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਕੋਇ ||
ਐਸੀ ਮਰਨੀ ਜੋ ਮਰੈ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਮਰਨਾ ਹੋਇ ||੧||
"O Kabeer! In this world people die every day, but none knows how to die. Whosoever dies, let them die such a death that they may not have to die again."
Ang 555

A GLIMPSE AT THE MARTYRDOM OF
SHAHEED BIBI BALBIR KAUR JEE

Sikhs under British Raj

During the British Raaj, the Sikh Gurdware were under the control of Nirmala and Udaasi Mahants (caretakers) who had introduced anti-Sikh practices such as consuming meat, drugs, alcohol and even dancing prostitutes in Sikh institutions. Realising the spirit and threat of the Sikhs uprising to seek freedom, the British made the Mahants more powerful and ensured that the Sikhs didn't control or manage their own Gurdware. The Singh Sabha and Akali Movements rejuvenated the spirit, faith and consciousness of the Sikh population, which led to a non-violent movement to free the Sikh Gurdware from corrupt non-Sikh control and re-introduce Gurmat Maryada in Sikh institutions.


The State of Nabha
The Maharaja of Nabha, Ripudaman Singh, was a Gursikh minded ruler. He considered himself a humble servant of the Panth and supported the Akali Movement in freeing the Gurdware from the clutches of the Mahants. In protest against the British oppression of the Sikhs, the Akalis promoted that all Sikhs should wear black dastaars (turbans), as black was a colour of protest. Nabha was the only state in Punjab were Sikhs could freely wear black dastaars, keep their beards flowing and wearing Baanaa (Khalsa attire) without being arrested. Elsewhere Sikhs wearing black dastaars were arrested and put in jail, as they were suspected as troublemakers. Fearing a Sikh uprising with the help of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, the Maharaja was arrested and taken to Delhi.


Protest against Maharaja Ripudaman Singh's expulsion
In protest the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC), working in collaboration with the Shiromani Akali Dal, conducted Akhand Paath Sahibs at various places to openly express their outrage at this injustice and demanded the reinstatement of the Maharaja. Sikhs in Jaito initiated an Akhand Paath Sahib of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee at the Gurdwara Sahib. Unfortunately, it was not allowed to be completed. Soldiers forcibly arrested the Singhs performing the Akhand Paath and committed sacrilege. This was an attack on the Guru and the Panth. This was an open challenge to Guru Khalsa Panth's freedom and honour.


Protest against Jaito Gurdwara sacrilege
Akali leaders decided to accept this challenge. They immediately announced a non-violent morcha (movement) for the resumption and completion of the interrupted Akhand Paath, this happened in 1924. An Ardaas was done at Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, and the Khalsa vowed to complete 101 Sri Akhand Paaths in response to the sacrilege. Thousands of Sikh men, women and children flocked to Amritsar ready to shed their lives for the respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. After seeking blessings at Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, a Jatha of 500 Sikhs was sent to march to Jaito. Walking in a column of 4, bare footed, with black dastaars on their head and repeating "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru..." they vowed to peacefully march to Jaito. The group of peaceful protesters sent from Amritsar were known as "Shaheedi Jathas" (group of martyrs), as they accepted death before they began. Some Singhs did Ardaas at Sri Akaal Takht Sahib that their home, land and money all goes to the Panth after they die and another lady cried out that she is unfortunate that Vaheguru only blessed her with one son, because if she had two, she would send both to attain martyrdom for the respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Bibi Balbir Kaur meets the Shaheedi Jatha
Soon they the Shaheedi Jatha reached its first rest-stop. Although the British had warned that any person serving food or water to the Jathas sent from Amritsar would be punished, villagers in their hundreds flocked to do the seva (selfless service) of the Singhs and Singhnia. One of these villagers serving the Jatha was Bibi Balbir Kaur jee. She joined the Jatha but was asked by the Jathedaar to return. Bibi jee's eyes filled with tears. She said, "Veer! Do not stop me from serving the living martyrs of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Seva is the only essence of this life. Beside we never know when death will come upon us. I plead for permission to continue for Guru's sake. Let me proceed." Jathedaar could not break her heart. He reluctantly gave permission, especially when faced with her utter display of self-sacrifice.


Bibi Jee joins the Jatha
Bibi Balbir Kaur jee was 22 years old, full of youth and beautiful. Guru jee's faith and feelings of selfless service for humanity had generated such a glow on her face that she seemed like the embodiment of purity. She was not alone. She was accompanied by her two year old beautiful son. The playful happy face of this child was not only Balbir Kaur's joy but the source of amusement for the whole Jatha. The journey was nearing completion. Jatha prepared to depart from its final rest-stop. The Jathedaar stood on a high spot and pleaded for the return of the accompanying Sangat. The British forces had dug-in with machine gun. This information had previously reached the Jatha. The Jathedaar did not hide this information from anyone. He said, "With Guru's blessing, our Shaheedi (martyrdom) awaits. However, only those GurSikhs, who have Sri Akaal Takhat's Hukam, should proceed further. Others should return and await their turn." The Sangat stopped and let the Jatha proceed. However, not everyone obeyed the Jathedaar's instructions.


Thirst for Martyrdom
The Jathedaar tried to persuade Bibi Balbir Kaur jee to not continue further, however spirit and courageous words made the Jathedaar accept. The British troops awaited the Jatha and opened fire on them. They showered them with rain of bullets. Whilst peacefully reciting "Waheguru... Waheguru... Waheguru..." Singhs courageously fell to the ground. Suddenly Bibi jee was hit by a bullet in her forehead. Her whole face was covered with blood, eyes were covered with blood. However, this did not affect her march. She continued with the chanting of "Waheguru... Waheguru... Waheguru..." with her son in her arms. Suddenly another bullet hit Bibi Balbir Kaur jee's child. The bullet pierced the child through his ear and then hit Balbir Kaur's chest. The child died immediately and proceeded to the Guru's court. Bibi jee kissed his forehead and placed his body with the other martyrs saying "Waheguru look after your given gift." However, she did not stop. Her face had turned yellow from the loss of blood. She had no strength left to continue. Another bullet came straight in Bibi jee's chest, pierced her body and left from the other side. Falling on the ground she embraced martyrdom and her soul left to join her child in Kalgidhar Father's protection.


Summary
Bibi Balbir Kaur jee showed a Gursikh's love, devotion, and fearlessness to maintain the respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Bibi jee sacrificed her life and her son's life for the sake of respect of Guru jee and honour of the Panth. The Gursikhs who participated in the peaceful protest showed that the Panth is more important than our lives and personal interests. For the sake of the Panth Gursikhs sacrificed their homes, sons and lives. May Guru jee bless us all with the spirit, love and devotion of serving the Panth and put Guru jee and the Panth before anything else.



Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Inspirations: Bibi Angad Kaur Jee

Bibi Angad Kaur jee, a white English lady who embraced the Sikh faith and took Amrit, will be sharing her inspirational story and reflections on Gurbani with the Sangat this Friday. Programme details below:

Friday 25th March 2011
7pm to 9pm
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
47-49 Cross Road, Coventry, CV6 5GR.

GIllingham Sikhi Camp....

Video of the Gillingham Sikhi Camp that was held 12th March 2011.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Summary of talk by Bibi Harvinder Kaur Khalsa

Last Friday, Bibi Harvinder Kaur Khalsa, formerly known as Alexandra Aitken who used to be in the circle of celebrities and wealthy people but now an Amritdhari Singhni, visited Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Cross Road, Coventry, to do a talk at the weekly inspirational class that is held every Friday, 7pm to 8.30pm. Bibi jee was accompanied by husband, Veer Inderjot Singh jee. Both had come from Amritsar this month. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa there was a fantastic turn out of Sangat, which included people of all ages.

Bibi Ji definitely had a radiating and peaceful presence. She told the Sangat the she was nervous to speak as this was her first talk. However, despite her initial nerves, Bibi jee presence, talk and way of communicating Gurmat in a simple and practical manner inspired all the Sangat. She soon became comfortable speaking on the stage and share answers to questions that people had asked. Whilst on the stage, she had a sarbloh baattaa (iron bowl) filled with water to drink from.

She started off to explain how she came into Sikhi. Her first encounter with Sikhi was when she visited a Sikh's house and they had keertan playing in the house. Hearing he keertan she became mesmerised and fell in love with sound current of Gurbani. She went on trip to India, and was due to go back to the USA, however her visa expired. This resulted in a further 40 days stay in India. During these 40 days she had a life changing experience and got the opportunity to further her Sikhi and visit Amritsar.

One day she wanted to buy some thermal underwear because she was feeling cold. She went to Sikh shop. When she asked for underwear to keep her warm, the Sikh shopkeeper gave her a Kachhera (traditional Sikh shorts), and told her to wear them. Although she found them odd to look at, she decided to buy them and try them on. She said, once she wore the Kachhera, she never turned back. Bibi jee described the spiritual and health benefits of wearing the Kachhera to the Sangat. As well as being comfortable to wear and looking modest, the Kachhera that goes up to knee height and is tight around the knees, traps Calcium in the body which helps to weight controll/loss and the design maintains a constant body temperature. She said that she told her Yoga teacher off for not telling her before that Sikhs wear the Kachhera.

Bibi Jee told the Sangat that the Sikhs are so blessed to be given such a wonderful religion, such an amazing Rehat (code of conduct) and practical message that Sikhs have not done enough to share it with others. She urged all the Sangat to wear Kachhere and experience the spiritual and health benefits of it.

She then went on to explain why she wears Baanaa (traditional Sikh attire). She said that when she saw her husband for the first time, she saw Guru Gobind Singh jee's image in him. She said that her other white Sikh friends would not marry a man that didn't wear full Baanaa all the time because the Baanaa represents total submission, devotion and acceptance of the Guru. She explained how she couldn't understand why someone would want to cut their beard or shave their hair and lose their beauty. The physical appearance and clothes of an individual manifests their personality and inner self and therefore an individual wearing Baanaa shows that her or she loves the Guru.

She told the Sangat that she wears her Baanaa in full pride and that all Sikhs should wear Baanaa with pride and dignity and not shy away from it. Whilst describing the Baanaa, she explained the significance of the Kesh and Keski/Dastaar (turban). It was very uplifting to hear Bibi jee telling all the ladies in the Sangat that as Sikh women they should have their hair knot (jooraa) on the top of their head and it should be covered with a Dastaar. She described the spiritual, health and mental benefits of wearing a Dastaar and having one's jooraa on the top of the head. The way she described it was really positively received by the whole Sangat. She also told the ladies that they should ensure their husbands or children do not cut their beards. If a man is moody, irritable or has headaches, then a woman should check whether her son or husband has abused their Kesh by dyeing it, cutting it or trimming it. She said cutting Kesh is "a big no!" and that women must ensure it never happens in their house. She went further on to explain the importance of lady's hair and why women shouldn't shave, trim or colour their hair.

Near the end she explained the significance of keeping Sarbloh Rehat. Sarbloh means iron. It is a Khalsa tradition that Amrit, Langar, Parshaad and the daily food of a Sikh is prepared in a Sarbloh (pure iron utensils). In modern times, the observance of this tradition has been relaxed by Sikhs, however a small number of Gursikhs have continued to practice the discipline of cooking and eating only from Sarbloh.

Bibi jee explained that her first gift from her husband was a Sarbloh Baattaa. She questioned the gift when receiving it. Being an inquistive person and not accepting anything until having done some research, she began researching reasons behind cooking and eating in Sarbloh. Her research from multiple sources, led her to the conclusion that cooking and eating in Sarbloh was a must and that as a Sikh we should be grateful to our Great Gurus for blessing us with such a tradition. She explained that the core of the earth is Sarbloh (iron), and by eating in Sarbloh one grounds their personality. If someone has scatty thoughts and struggles to remembering things (i.e. "is spaced out") then she recommended that those people cook and eat from Sarbloh. When one cooks food in Sarbloh and recites Gurbani or Naam, the vibrations multiply and so the spiritual benefit of eating in Sarbloh is also multiplied.

She reminded the Sangat that they are lucky to be born in the Sikh faith or at least have some sort of connection with the Guru and Gurdwara. She said she was not so lucky but is thankful that she found out. She urged the Sangat to play Gurbani keertan in their cars, homes, and workplaces so that other white people like herself can take advantage of this spiritual treasure. Even though she doesn't understand Gurmukhi or Gurbani at the moment, she said that the sound current of Gurbani itself is heals and brings peace to the mind and soul. She said that Sikhs need to tell the world that the Gurbani and Naam is the cure for all diseases and that it has power to heal the mind, body and soul. She smiled and said "You have the cure, you have the medicine - and you need to share it with the world!"


It was a very inspirational talk. I haven't done justice to it in this short summary of the talk. Unfortunately there were no recordings, in accordance to Bibi Harvinder Kaur jee's wishes.



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!