Wednesday, January 23, 2013

National Issue of Grooming & Sexual Exploitation...



The Sikh Awareness Society will be doing a talk about the recent grooming and exploitation cases which have become a major issue in the Sikh community. This is an issue which is not only taking place in Leicester, it is happening on a national level.

Date: Friday 25th January 2013
Venue:  Guru Teg Bahadur Gurdwara, East Park Road, Leicester
Time: 6pm


  


About Sikh Awareness Society:
The Sikh Awareness Society (SAS) was established in 1998 amongst growing concerns of the 'grooming' of our youth. In Britain today Sikh youth are still actively targeted on the basis of their religion and history. This historically linked hate-crime causes much emotional distress to the families involved with the majority of these cases ending up in abuse. Under common Punjabi mentality, these issues are still considered 'taboo' and are rarely addressed by the Gurdwara Sahibs, and Sikh community leaders. Therefore the victims of this hate-crime tend to suffer in silence. The SAS was set up to deal with these issues.

To get in touch with SAS or for more information:
Website: www.sasorg.co.uk
Email: sas.helpline@googlemail.com


News articles in chronological order:
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Sunday, January 20, 2013

Story of Bibi Ikjot Kaur...


Growing up in a typical Punjabi family, I only used to go to the Gurdwara a couple times a year to attend weddings; however, I never learned about Sikhi or the existence of God in general until grade 11. 

One day I was browsing the internet for rap videos – hoping that the music would relieve me of the tension that I was feeling from family and friend issues. I questioned what the purpose of my life was and whether it was worth living in a world where all I could see was darkness and misery. I guess this was like an ardaas to Vaheguru ji, because I was immediately given the biggest spiritual awakening of my life. Somehow I accidently clicked on a kirtan video – something which I had never consciously listened to before. 

Listening to it, I wondered how the raagis could be in such bliss. What were they singing? What did they have in life that I didn’t? I asked my mom about the video and she said “look in our Guru Granth Sahib ji, it’s somewhere in the house”. Even though I didn’t know much about Sikhi at the time, I knew that Guru Granth Sahib ji was usually up high in a big Gurdwara. There certainly wasn’t any room in our house that looked like that! I spent hours searching our storage room, which was filled to the ceiling with furniture and boxes. Almost ready to give up, I came across one suitcase on the floor. When I opened it, I burst into tears. In the suitcase was Guru Granth Sahib ji - covered with dirt/dust and some of the angs slightly torn. I couldn’t believe my eyes and instantly felt a connection. From that day on, I vowed to take care of Guru Sahib – eventually transforming the room, my entire family and myself. 

Even though my family and friends initially reacted with hostility to my Sikhi transformation and there was not a lot of sangat in my city, I knew that there was no turning back. After roughly two years of teaching myself Gurmukhi and learning about Rehat Maryada through internet resources, I had an eye-opening jamdhoot experience. Feeling that my time to leave this world was coming soon, I attended the nearest Amrit Sanchaar and was blessed with a new identity and life purpose in August 2012. “One who meets with the Holy True Guru finds the treasure of excellence” (Ang 21).



Note: Thank you to Bhenji Ikjot Kaur for accepting the request to write her personal story and sharing it with the Sangat.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Words of Wisdom...


Yesterday a Giani jee shared some words of wisdom. The topic being discussed was the power of Japji Sahib and Gurbani in general. Giani jee mentioned about Guru Teg Bahadur jee's Shaheedi and how Aurangzeb gave Guru Sahib three choices - 1) show miracles (like a magic show), 2) convert to Islam or 3) accept death. Guru Sahib chose death. Giani jee expanded upon this.

Giani jee said, "When you have a dead body, no one keeps it home. No one wants to give it home. Why? Because it is 'dead'. The value of a person is when they are live. People are accepted and kept home when they are living. Similarly, when someone's soul or spirit is alive they are given a home in the Court of Waheguru and accepted. But if someone's spirit or soul is dead then they are sent away from the Court of Waheguru because dead spirits or souls have no value." Giani jee made the link that becoming a Gursikh, doing Naam Simran, reading Gurbani and following Gurmat gives our spirit or soul life. Our life is our Sikhi, Japji Sahib, the Guru. Without Sikhi, Gurbani, Simran and Guru's Rehat we are spiritually dead. For this reason Guru Sahib and his beloved three Gursikhs accepted the death of the physical body but eternal life of the soul. Even when being tortured to death great Gursikhs recited Japji Sahib and sought spiritual strength and spirit. I was really impressed by this explanation.

Then this morning whilst doing Sehaj Paatth I came across these lines in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee on ang 142 that relates to what Giani jee was explaining:
ਮਃ ੧ ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥
First Mehl, Shalok:

ਸੋ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜੀਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
They alone are truly alive, whose minds are filled with the Lord. O Nanak! (Other than those who Bandagi - devotion to God,) no one else is truly alive.

ਜੇ ਜੀਵੈ ਪਤਿ ਲਥੀ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਹਰਾਮੁ ਜੇਤਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ If one (without Naam) does live then departs (from here) with dishonor. Whatever they eat and drink (here) is all 'haraam', impure.

ਰਾਜਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਮਾਲਿ ਰੰਗੁ ॥ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਤਾ ਨਚੈ ਨੰਗੁ ॥
Intoxicated with power and thrilled with wealth, they delight in their pleasures, and dance about shamelessly (meaning, gloats).

ਨਾਨਕ ਠਗਿਆ ਮੁਠਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪਤਿ ਗਇਆ ਗਵਾਇ ॥੧॥
O Nanak! They are deluded and defrauded. Without the Lord's Name, they lose their honour and depart.||1||
(Ang 142)


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Back to Sikhi: Inspiring Transformations... (Series 14)

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈ ਗਏ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਚਲੇ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਜੀਉ ||੧੯||
"The Gurmukhs reap their profits and leave, while the self-willed manmukhs lose their investment and depart. ||19||"
(Ang 74)
Continuing photos of people who have reverted back or found the True Guru's Path. Many people who are looking for strength and confidence to follow the Guru's Path find these transformation pictures and stories of people's experiences of Sikhi very inspiring and motivating. If anyone else would like to share their story of how they came in or came back into Sikhi and share photos with the Sangat then please email me. (Email address is given in the profile section).






ਨਟ ਪੜਤਾਲ ਮਹਲਾ ੫
Natt Partaal, Fifth Mehl:
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਕੋਊ ਹੈ ਮੇਰੋ ਸਾਜਨੁ ਮੀਤੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਨਾਵੈ ਨੀਤ ॥
Is there any friend or companion of mine, who will constantly share the Lord's Name with me?

ਬਿਨਸੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਬਿਪਰੀਤਿ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਅਰਪਉ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਚੀਤੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Will he rid me of my pains and evil tendencies? I would surrender my mind, body, consciousness and everything. ||1||Pause||

ਕੋਈ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਆਪਨ ਕੀਤ ॥ ਸੰਗਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਮਨੁ ਸੀਤ ॥
ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਦੀਤ ॥੧॥
How rare is that one whom the Lord makes His own, and whose mind is sewn into the Lord's Lotus Feet. Granting His Grace, the Lord blesses them with His Praise. ||1||
ਹਰਿ ਭਜਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਜੀਤ ॥ ਕੋਟਿ ਪਤਿਤ ਹੋਹਿ ਪੁਨੀਤ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਕੀਤ ॥੨॥੧॥੧੦॥੧੯॥
Vibrating, meditating on the Lord, they are victorious in their precious human life,
and millions of sinners are sanctified. Slave Nanak is a sacrifice, a sacrifice to Him. ||2||1||10||19||(Ang 980)
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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Lorhi and Sikhi...

In this lecture Dr.Sukhpreet Singh Udhoke talks about what relation of LOHRI has with Sikhi:

  

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Uplifting Weekend...

Photo showing how seva of Guru Sahib is done at a Gurdwara in Walsall

Last Friday evening there was a house Keertan programme in Walsall. I arrived slightly early as I was working nearby. When I went inside the tent where the Diwaan was take place, I was taken aback at how beautiful the Palki Sahib and the arrangement for Satguru Ji's throne had been made. I was told that Satguru Jee's Saroop was coming from the new Gurdwara in Walsall and that the local Gurdwara sevadaars came over to the house and set up the Palki Sahib and everything else. I was told that the Gurdwara Sahib don't just allow someone to take Guru Sahib's home, but instead they come over and do all the arrangements and make sure it is a suitable place and there is enough satkaar (respect) etc. I found this very pleasing to hear.

When we went to the Gurdwara Sahib to bring Satguru Jee's Saroop to the house, I was moved by the pyaar and respect that the local Sevadaars done the seva and have maintained the Gurdwara Sahib. The local sevadaars covered the front car seat with a nice rug and and placed a large pillow covered with a white cloth on the seat. Then they rolled out white material from the Sach Khand room to the car. I was really impressed by the organisation and co-ordination of the seva.

It was nice to see so many young children do keertan at the programme. Usually children rarely get a chance to do Keertan. Afterwards other Gursikhs did Keertan. The programme was very uplifting.

After the programme at Amrit-vela I drove up to Derby Singh Sabha Gurdwara as a stop off point before going to Bradford on Sunday to do a talk at Gurdwara Singh Sabha. Whilst at Derby I was told that that Singh Sahib Giani Raam Singh of Damdami Taksaal (Sangravan) was going to visit the Gurdwara Sahib that evening to meet the elder Gursikhs of Akhand Kirtani Jatha and that it was welcome to come along to meet Singh Sahib jee if I wished. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa, daas got to meet Singh Sahib and other Gursikhs that accompanied him. It was lovely hearing Bhai Sahib share inspiring stories of past Gursikhs and share a strong message of Panthic Eikta.


Sometimes issues like whether Mool Mantar is up to "Gurprasaad" or "Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach", whether Raagmala is read or not, and which length Rehraas Sahib one reads (i.e. Akal Takht Sahib version, Taskaal version, Nanaksar version, Sri Hazoor Sahib version or Nihang Singh version etc - each claiming to be the "sampooran" version) are made so divisive in the the Sikh youth, in particular in this country and on the Internet. In particular its not an issue of our different personal Rehats or what we believe about Maryada - the issue really is when some people use these differences to make hateful and upsetting comments such as "they are not Sikhs, we are Sikhs," "they don't believe in the Guru, but we do," "they will go to hell etc for doing paath up to their...", or reverting to abusive language towards others.

It was so uplifting hearing Giani Raam Singh's views on this particular matter which seems to be growing in the Sikh youth in UK and on the Internet. Singh Sahib Jee is the nephew of Baba Giani Kartar Singh jee Bhindranwale and studied in Damdami Taksaal under Baba Giani Gurbachan Singh jee Bhindranwale and Baba Giani Kartar Singh jee Bhindranwale.  Bhai Sahib shared a story and said, "Someone asked me where is Mool Mantar up to. I told him that I have not come to create rifts in the Sangat or divide Sikhs with my personal view. The main thing is how much abhiaas (repetition) of Mool Mantar you do, regardless whether it is up to "Gurprasaad" or "Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach". You will reap equal rewards for repetition of any Bani that you do with love. Tell me, how much Mool Mantar abhiaas do you do?" The guy apparently said he doesn't do any which Giani jee says shows how people who do abhiaas and are focused on building their jeevan are not bothered by these small issues. 

Singh Sahib jee shared stories of how the Mahapurkhs of Taksaal enjoyed attending Akhand Kirtani Jatha rainsbaaees and that every Barsi of Baba Kartar Singh jee Jatha Singhs would do a Rainsbaaee at Mehta Chaunk. Giani Jee and other Gursikhs (of both Damdami Taksaal and Akhand Kirtani Jatha) who had come from India and done Sangat of Baba Jarnail Singh jee Bhindranwale shared that in India there was no problem and divisions. Gursikhs shared that no one asked anyone if they were a 'Taksali' or 'Jatha Singh' - they read Bani together and done Simran together and the length of Rehraas, the length of Mool Mantar and Raagmala being read or not at the end of an Akhand Paath was not made an issue - people just go on with things and weren't bothered losing sleep over these minor differences. It was shared during the time Sant Jarnail Singh jee Bhindranwale stayed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Raagmala was not read, however Sant Ji had no issue and attended the bhogs. It was shared in the meeting that Sant Ji scolded his nephew who tried to force the Granthi Singh to read Raagmala, saying that one can never force one's personal Maryada on the Panth and we should always respect the Maryada of Sri Akal Takht Sahib - despite strongly believing in Raagmala.

ਸਿੰਘ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੋ ਨੇਹ ਸੁ ਕਰਨੋ ਵੈਰ ਭਾਵ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਪਰਹਰਨੋ ||
"A Singh should love another Singh. One should not have feelings of hatred in the mind (for one another)."
(Rehitnama Bhai Desa Singh jee)

Singh Sahib shared that during 1984 there were attempts by external forces to create rifts between Taksaal and Jatha Singhs by spreading false rumours and lies, however with Guru Sahib's kirpaa love between the Gursikhs remained. Singh Sahib and other Gursikhs recollected their memories of the 1978 Vaisakhi massacre where Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh of Akhand Kirtani Jatha attained martydom with 12 other Gursikhs whilst protesting against the disrespect shown towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by the fake Nirankari government supported cult. Sant jee knew that Bhai Fauja Singh jee and other Singhs of Akhand Kirtani Jatha don't read Raagmala and do Mool Mantar abhiaas up to "Gurprasaad," however this was not even an issue worth considering when Sant jee went to the Rainsbaaee Keertan in Amritsar before the massacre and asked Singhs to gather to give a reply to the fake Nirankari cult who was insulting Guru Sahib. Sant jee did Ardaas for all the Singhs and afterwards did their sanskaar (funeral rites). Sadly, today it sometimes feels that we don't consider one another even Amritdharis because of different views on Maryada and treat someone worst than an atheist, yet the Mahapurkhs of both Jathebandis showed pyaar and treated one another as pooran gursikhs.

Sant Ji (Damdami Taksaal) with Bhai Amolak Singh (AKJ) after the bloody massacre of 1978 Vaisakhi

At the time, both Mukhis (leaders) of Damdami Taksaal (Baba Thakur Singh jee) and Akhand Kirtani Jatha (Jathedaar Bhai Raam Singh jee)

It was shared that after 1984 great attempts were made by external forces to create a rift between these two Jathebandis through planting people to spread misinformation because both groups were on the forefront of spreading Sikhi and defending the Sikh faith. Both groups shared that there was need to send a message of unity and love so that we can tackle the bigger issues of growing fake Gurus in Panjab that are attacking Sikhi, Sikh youth drifting away from Sikhi, and how crime and immorality is increasing in Panjab.

In particular both groups gave a strong message of Panthic unity and emphasized that one particular Jathebandi or organisation is not the Panth and that everyone must remember that our first priority and allegiance is to the Khalsa Panth and then our individual organizations. Although both groups have different views on whether Raagmala is Bani, the length of Mool Mantar, Kesh or Keski the Kakkaar etc, both groups came to an agreement that they would respect the Panthic Sikh Rehit Maryada authorized by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib and authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a basis for commonality and unity and agree to disagree on the 1% differences they had and focus on the 99% things they had in common. Both groups made a written agreement that emphasized that all Gursikhs should avoid causing splits or divisions on Panthic issues which the Panth has yet not come to a decision, and show love for another rather than hatred and ill-feeling.
ਵੈਰ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਮਿਟੇ ਤਿਹ ਮਨ ਤੇ ||
ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜੋ ਸੁਨਤੇ ||
"Hatred and alienation depart from those who, as Gurmukh, listen to the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises." (Ang 259)

Singh Sahib Giani Raam Singh of Damdami Taksaal with Jathedaar Bhai Raghbir Singh of Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK and other Gursikhs sharing a stage for the Sangat TV programme.
On Sunday afternoon, after coming back from Bradford, I came back to Derby where a live programme was held that was televised on Sangat TV (Sky channel 847). Gursikhs from both Jathebandis shared the message of Panthic unity and love via the media to the wider Sangat. It was so nice when everyone on the stage from the different Jathebandis done Naam Simran together.
ਹੋਇ ਇਕਤ੍ਰ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਦੂਰਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ||
ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੈ ਕੇ ਹੋਵਹੁ ਜੋੜੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੈਸਹੁ ਸਫਾ ਵਿਛਾਇ ||੧|| 
"Come and join together, O my companions; dispel your sense of duality and let yourselves be lovingly absorbed in the Lord. Let yourselves be joined to the Name of the Lord; become Gurmukh, spread out your mat, and sit down. ||1||"
(Ang 1185)

Representative of Damdami Taksaal, Giani Raam Singh jee, and Jathedaar of AKJ UK embrace one another give one another Siropas as a sign of respect and love

It was one great step for inspiring the young and old, to not hate one another for our differences. However instead by united while different and still consider one another as pyaare Gursikhs of the True Perfect Guru.
ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖ ਗੁਰ ਸਿਖ ਪੂਜ ਕੈ ਭਾਇ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੈ ਭਾਣਾ ਭਾਵੈ||
ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਨ ਆਪੁ ਗਣਾਵੈ ||੧੨||
"Who Loves another Sikh and embraces the Love, Devotion, and fear of God. They efface their ego and do not assert themselves."
(Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdaas Jee: Vaar 6, Pauri 12)



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Back to Sikhi: Inspiring Transformations... (Series 13)

ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਕੰਉ ਹੰਉ ਸਦਾ ਨਮਸਕਾਰੀ ਜੋ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਗੁਰਸਿਖੁ ਚਲਿਆ ||੧੮||
"I bow forever in deepest respect to that Sikh of the Guru, who walks in the Way of the Guru. ||18||"
(Ang 593)












ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਗੁਰਸਿਖੜਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਨਿਵਿ ਨਿਵਿ ਲਾਗਉ ਪਾਇ ਜੀਉ ||
"When I see a Sikh of the Guru, I humbly bow and fall at his feet."(Ang 763)

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Friday, January 04, 2013

Discovering Sikhi - From Ellie to Nirmal Kaur...

The story of Bibi Nirmal Kaur jee. A must read!...
 
 
I come from a mixed Christian-Jewish background but my parents were both non-religious and I never had religious education at school - I skipped the lesson! I wasnt concerned with religion till much later on. I was around 22 and on holiday in Turkey. My hotel was next to a mosque. The call to prayer could be heard loud and clear, even at 5am, but instead of annoying me, it was kind of a soothing sound and I used to get up and watch from the window old men praying inside the mosque. I used to think, "Wow! Waking up so early and going to pray, I wish I was so faithful..." Many years later I converted to Islam. I wasn't brainwashed into it but I thought it was the only way to feel pure and go to heaven, at that moment in time.
 
Islam made me very depressed and isolated. I was constantly questioning my faith, and the Qur'an was so terrifying in its images of Hell and punishments for sinners and apostates, and it clearly put women in a subordinate role to men - they were there to please men and to make babies! Women have to obey, failing that, their husband actually had the right to beat them. Islam makes men very intolerant of women, other religions and especially homosexuals! According to the Qur'an you should identify gays and take them to the highest cliff and throw them down. All punishments in Islam are terrifying and cruel, including the slaughter of animals for consumption (halal) but, cutting a long story short, I was becoming an emotional wreck. On top of that, my best friend is gay and he would constantly question me with phrases such as "How can you be my friend if you believe gays should be killed?" I can honestly say that change came to me all of a sudden in no more than a week. It can only be described as a blessing and a miracle.
 
I stopped wearing the hijab, praying and fasting. I developed a strong dislike, almost hate, for everything Islamic. I started being promiscuous although I never drank or smoked. After some time I felt again something was wrong, I felt empty inside, which was obvious. I was dating this Panjabi man who was from a Sikh family and although a "Mona" i was determined to find out more about the roots of his religion.
 
In the house which he shared with other people, seemed to be so humble and quiet. Feel curious I went through the Internet and I started reading pages from Guru Granth Sahib Ji. I bought two books and started learning the Panjabi language. I finally went to the Gurdwara with my boyfriend and I was fascinated. Music in Islam is totally banned and punishments are so harsh like cutting a thief's hand. When I looked into Sikhi I just couldnt stop smiling. I thought "O my God! What a dream! What an incredible religion!" Music, kirtan, and Simran, all play an essential role! What a Holy Miracle Guru Granth Sahib Ji is! What about punishments? Throwing people from cliffs? Cutting off hands? No! Just lots of Sewa in the Gurdwara's Langar! Wow! The Langar was another incredible all-voluntary based function of the Gurdwara! No other religon has an open-door-to-all policy, and as far as I know the only religious place where you can have a great meal for free, although donations are greatly appreciated!
 
After lots of studying, although it's never enough, and the Basics of Sikhi course "Why Guru?", I decided the moment had come for my happiest moment in life so far - the Amrit Sanchar ceremony. To be officially baptized was so overwhelming and I could just feel Waheguru's presence like never before in my life.  I was so proud to enter the Gurdwara as Ellie and leave as Nirmal Kaur wearing my 5 kakkaars.

Sorry for my long story but it was a pleasure sharing it. If I could only help one person to make the right decision, I would be satisfied.
 
-----
 
 
Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
 
 
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Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Norway Sikh Family Camp...

 
 
From Friday 28th December to 30th December 2012, a Sikh Family Camp was held at Shri Guru Nanak Niwas Gurdwara in Drammen (Lier), Norway, organized by the local Sangat. Giani Kulwinder Singh jee (UK), Bhai Vijay Singh jee (UK) and Daas attended the camp to do seva.
 
Approximately 150 people attended the camp. The camp started with Simran and a short introduction by Giani Kulwinder Singh jee. The campers were divided into groups according to age. There was one special group for parents and adults as well. There were three talks/workshops in the day and viewing of a Gurmat video for the whole Sangat.
 
With Guru jee's kirpaa, the camp had a very positive impact on the youth and was able to clarify their doubts and empower them with knowledge of Gurmat  principles. Following the positive feedback from the Sangat, the Gurdwara is now looking to continue on the seva by encouraging local youth to get more involved and take a leading role in seva, for example through starting a weekly Gurmat class etc.

Many elders and youth used the camp to look at themselves and how they can better Sikhs and progress in Sikhi. It was a pleasure to be in their humble Sangat and receive their pyaar, kindness and hospitality. It was promising to see how positive, forward-thinking and accommodating the Gurdwara Management Committee were. May Guru jee continue blessing the Sangat and may Sikhi flourish further.
 
The opening Hukamnama for the camp was:
ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਗਾਈਐ ਆਤਮ ਰੰਗਿ ||
ਸਰਣੀ ਪਾਵਨ ਨਾਮ ਧਿਆਵਨ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਵਨ ਸੰਗਿ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||
"Sing the Praises of the Lord and Master, with the love of your soul. Those who seek His Sanctuary, and meditate on Naam, the Name of the Lord, are blended with the Lord in celestial peace. ||1||Pause||" (Ang 679)

Gurdwara Sahib

View outside from Langar hall

Registration - Bhai Sukhvinder Singh, a young Committee member, who is one the main organizers of the camp
 
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee
 
Giani Kulwinder Singh jee giving the introduction talk
 
Saadh Sangat
 
Giving information about groups

Adults session with Giani Kulwinder Singh jee on Gurbani grammar.

Daas with adults exploring Sikh history and Sikh principals
 
15+ group with Giani Kulwinder Singh jee exploring Sikh history and Sikhi spirit
 
15+ with Daas and Bhai Vijay Singh doing Q&A

Langar time

Langar time

Adult/parent class on Gurmat Rehat

Rehraas Sahib da Paath with Sangat

Evening diwaan Keertan by local Raagi Jatha, Bhai Surinder Singh jee.

Prize giving to younger group

Prize giving to middle group

Prize giving to elder youth group

Local Raagi Jatha, Bhai Surinder Singh jee, during Sunday diwaan. Very sweet keertan and very humble Gursikhs.

Bhai Vijay Singh jee doing Keertan during Sunday diwaan.

Talk during Sunday diwaan on Chhote Sahibzaade's Shaheedi

Giani Kulwinder Singh jee during Sunday diwaan talking about Shaheedi, afterlife and Karam philosophy.

Visit to a mountain in Drammen

With local Veer who is Committee member outside Gurdwara Sahib
 
Giani jee and Daas with Veer Vishavjeet Singh jee, local Chardikala Gursikh
 
 
 
Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
 
 
 


 
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