Friday, September 06, 2013

Wake up call: Sikh Girls targets of gangs of sexual predators

On Tuesday 3rd September, the Inside Out programme on BBC 1 (UK) uncovered the hidden scandal of sexual grooming of young Sikh girls by Muslim men, particularly from Pakistani origin. Breaking their silence, they speak to Chris Rogers about their experiences at the hands of these predatory men and why justice is being denied to them by their own community and the police:

Sikh Ethics Special on Sikh Channel broadcasted a show following the BBC London Inside Out documentary shown on Tuesday 3rd September 2013 that uncovered the sexual grooming of young Sikh girls. Bhai Mohan Singh and team discuss the work of the Sikh Awareness Society (S.A.S) in combating the plague of grooming blighting the UK:
If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this show, for further information or to support, please call the Sikh Awareness Society in confidence on 07780 601351 or 07930 522475, Email on sas.helpline@googlemail.com or visit http://www.sasorg.co.uk




News articles relating to Pakistani Muslim in the UK sexually preying on girls and grooming them to sexually exploit them in chronological order:
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Monday, September 02, 2013

"I am willing to die for Sikhi..."

 
There was an interesting Sikhi group discussion that took place with a group. A veer who was Mona (cut haired) said something on the lines of, "Mone have more pyaar for Sikhi sometimes and are willing to give their lives to stop disrespect of Gurdwaras and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.... Mone sometimes have more pyaar than Sikhi than Amritdharis..." Another comment was, "I would be willing to die for Sikhi. If Sikhi was attacked I would go and give my life for Sikhi." 
 
Daas asked, "It is easy to die. You just got to stand and get rained with bullets and you will die in a few seconds. It could be over pretty quickly. However, how many of you would be willing to LIVE for the Guru?" Everyone's face went blank.
 
"Are you willing to die for the Guru? Who here loves Guru so much that you are willing to live for the Guru - i.e. truly die for the Guru by giving your mind to the Guru? Come on, which one would be willing to sacrifice their appearance for the Guru and keep their Kesh? Who would be able to sacrifice their sleep for the Guru and wake up Amrit-vela every day? Who would be willing to sacrifice their time and do Nitnem, Simran and read Gurbani daily? Now, this where the test of pyaar comes. We can all stick our chests out and say we are willing to die for the Guru, but what is more difficult - to die for the Guru, or live for the Guru?... The Guru accepts those who die that have lived Guru - otherwise they will have to come back to earth until they get liberated through Gursikhi."
 
Someone said, "Mone became shaheed defending Sri Harimandir Sahib... some of them might not of have had time to keep their Kesh and take Amrit" Daas replied, "That's good that they fought to defend Sri Harimandir Sahib. They respect worthy. Guru jee would reward their actions and sacrifice by them being born again in a Gursikh family. Liberation is only through Naam and Gurmat and therefore Guru would bless such souls."
 
Someone else said, "I would go to defend Sri Harimandir Sahib if it was attacked again. I would not be able to sit back and watch..." Daas replied, "Dear Veer, Gurbani says ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਰਤਨਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ || Guru jee tells us that our body is Har Mandir - the House of God. Our body is a Gurdwara in which Guru jee sitting inside of us. What does Har Mandir Sahib or any Gurdwara have on the top?" Someone replied, "a dome." "Yes - a Gummat (dome). You have destroyed your Gummat (dome) - by cutting your God-given Kesh and not wearing a Dastaar - and defiled and disrespected Harimandir Sahib of the body by pumping drugs, tobacco, meat, and alcohol in it - Is this not hurting the Guru? Is this not disrespect of Harimandir Sahib? Why are you not running to prevent this sacrilege?"
 
One veer replied, "You right! You are speaking the truth. I have not thought about it like that." Everyone agreed and shook their head in agreement. I apologised to the veers if they were offending by the vichaar. They replied that they were not offended and appreciated hearing the truth and that they hope that they can hopefully one day become Sikhs and earn Sikhi. Vaheguru!
 
 
Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee! 
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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Meeting an American lady...

 

On Wednesday 14th August I was on a flight to the USA. As I came on board, I looked at my seat and saw an American lady sitting in the next seat and an American man sitting two seats away. I sat down and said "Hi" to the lady and the man. The lady looked at me and I could tell she was bit apprehensive and perhaps bit nervous to sit by me.

During the journey the American lady looked at the Khanda on my dastaar and said, "Excuse me, what is that you are wearing on your turban." I explained the meaning of the Khanda. "This is the symbol of the Sikh religion. The double-edge sword in the middle represents there is one God, the circle (chakar) represents he is never-ending and eternal. The swords on the side represent the social and spiritual struggle of a Sikh. A Sikh strives to fight social injustice and also fight the vices inside of himself or herself." I explained that Sikhs are Spiritual Warriors and fought to defend others. I explained about Guru Teg Bahadur Jee's Kurbani and the Sikhs struggle for social justice for all. Then I explained the inner battle is with lust, anger, greed, emotional attachment and ego. She was very impressed by the philosophy of the Khanda.

I then asked what religion she was. She replied that she was a Catholic. I asked if there were any Sikhs where she lives in USA. She replied, "Do all Sikhs wear the turban?" I replied, "Yes. To be a Sikh you have to have a turban and have unshorn hair."  She said that she hasn't seen many Sikhs where she lives.

I started to ask why she went to England. She explained how her husband was a doctor and was now in hospital. She was quite upset and distressed by the state of husband. She asked what job I do. I explained and then she asked why I was wearing the clothes I am. I explained that I was wearing simple traditional clothes that are supposed to be modest. I explained that the hazooriaa was worn to show that we are the servants of God and striving to stay in the presence of God. She was very impressed and said, "I am glad I am sitting next to a Sikh today. I was feeling down about my husband. I think God wanted me to sit here and see a Sikh." Vaheguru!

She then asked about baptism. I explained, "In our religion, to accept the spiritual Path you have to get baptised. Baptism is a spiritual re-birth. You die and are spiritually reborn. You live, breathe, and serve for God."  She seemed very impressed. I explained the significance of each of the 5 Ks and explained the four Kurehats (cardinal sins). She listened carefully and said, "That sounds really nice." She wondered why I was not eating on the flight. I explained the significance of the Kirpan and how I was separated from my Kirpan and so I wasn't eating. I then explained about Bibek. "We eat spiritual food prepared by spiritually disciplined people. When cooking food we pray and meditate, so that the food has positive energy." She looked at me and said, "Sikhs are pretty "Zen". You very optimistic and positive people. How do you do it?" I replied, "With the Guru's Grace. The Guru gives us strength throuhg prayer, meditation and discipline." The lady smiled. Later on she said, "Do you mind? I write an online journal. I have mentioned that I met a Sikh and written about Sikh religion." I said that is fine.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Dastaar - A crown a Sikh...


On Friday I was walking and two white English guys said "Excuse me Mr. Singh." I went over to the two guys. One of them said, "What is your name sir?" The other guy looked at him and said, "It's obviously Mr. Singh. He is a Sikh." He then asked, "Mr. Singh, where are you from?" I said, "I am born here (i.e. the UK)." He said, "No sir, where your family originally from?" I replied, "Panjab - the land of the Guru, saints and great warriors." Both the guys had a huge warm smile on the face. One of them said, "Mr. Singh, you look and walk like a king." The other guy looks at him and says, "Yes. You look like a Persian king." They smiled and said "bye Mr. Singh" and walked off.

As this happened I remember the following lines attributed to Guru Gobind Singh jee:

ਇਨ ਗਰੀਬ ਸਿਖਨ ਕੋ ਦਿਊਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ || ਯਹ ਯਾਦ ਰਖੇਂ ਹਮਰੀ ਗੁਰਿਆਈ ||
en gareeb sikhan ko de-oo paatshaahee.  yeh yaad rakhe hamree gure'aaee.

"I bestow upon these poor Sikhs kingship. They will remember my guruship."

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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Thursday, August 08, 2013

Sikhing Inspiration - Jathedar Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar

Sikhing inspiration in English/Punjabi from Singh Sabha Bradford.


Bhai Jagjit Singh Ji (UK) - does an excellent talk on the jeevani (life) of Jathedar Sukhdev Singh Babbar who was an icon leader of the Khalistan movement. He was inspired by the Akali Babbars who fought for freedom against the British Raj in India. Jathedar Ji's life was very inspiring as he did a lot of meditation on God and lived a spiritual life but was at the same time fighting against an oppressive rule, living the ideals of a Saint Solider. 

An article on Jathedar Jee's Jeevan: http://www.panthic.org/articles/3474 

  Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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Tuesday, August 06, 2013

UK Government will now take up matter of Sikh Political Prisoners...

News Update from SOPW:


BREAKING NEWS – Downing Street Protest reaches its final night as the matter of Sikh Political Prisoners will now be taken up with the Indian Government.

This afternoon Sikh leaders met with senior officials of the UK government at the Houses of Parliaments to discuss the deep concern amongst the Sikh community regarding the death sentence served to Prof Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and the on going injustices against all Sikh political prisoners in Indian jails.

The meeting was chaired by Lord Inderjit Singh along with three of his press ministers also present was Christopher Layden (head of ‘Human Rights and Democracy’) and Right Hon Hugo Swire (‘Minister of State for foreign and Commonwealth Office’), from the Sikh community there was Bhai Balbir Singh Bains (CEO SOPW), Bhai Gurmail Singh Kandola (Sikh Council UK), Bhai Sewa Singh Lalli (President ‘Khalistan Government in Exile’), Bhai Mohan Singh Thakar (member Khalistan GIE), Bhai Jaspal Singh Bains (SAD – Amritsar), Bhai Baljinder Singh (Downing St protester) and Bhai Gurinderpal Singh (Downing St protester).

The leaders from the Sikh community highlighted that the Downing Street protests had continued now for 117 days and their frustration that it had not until now been taken all that seriously. They explained in great detail the plight of Sikh political prisoners, Lord Inderjit Singh and all the Ministers listened carefully as the Sikh leaders gave details of the case of Prof Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and how protests had taken place all over the world for his execution to be stopped and demanding his imminent release, considering his health had deteriorated so substantially and the dubious circumstances which had led to him being found guilty in the charges in the first place.

Bhai Balbir Singh Bains gave more in depth details as to how Sikhs are constantly being picked up, having false cases registered against them and are thrown into prisons where without legal support their cases are never brought to court for a judge to decide whether the accused are in fact guilty at all, he explained where the prisoners are fortunate enough to be able to afford lawyers or where they are provided by SOPW the prisoners are usually acquitted because there is never any credible evidence against them. Bhai Balbir Singh Bains also expressed concern that the SOPW volunteers in India are constantly being harassed by the National Intelligence Agency, who interrogate them almost on a weekly basis in an attempt to deter them from assisting the political prisoners in any way despite the fact that SOPW is a UK registered charity, all our payments are made via bank accounts, the trustees have numerously welcomed any official from the Indian Government to visit the UK and discuss any concerns they may have with them in a civilised and diplomatic manner.

Lord Inderjit Singh and the Ministers expressed deep concern for the matters that were raised and confirmed that they would be writing to the Indian Prime Minister and the Indian Home Minister to highlight them, Lord Inderjit Singh also confirmed he would be writing to Prime Minister David Cameron regarding the difficulties that SOPW are encountering.

At the meeting Sikh leaders and in particular those that have regularly attended the Downing Street protest encouraged by the positive response they received from Lord Inderjit Singh and the Ministers and after a short consultation and mutual agreement they announced that the protest would end today. To mark the end to the 117 day long protest there will be a kirtan programme taking place tonight at Downing Street, so we ask as much of the Sangat as possible to attend as a final show of support for Prof Davinderpal Singh Bhullar and all the Sikh political Prisoners that are languishing now in Indian Jails and on behalf of their supporters worldwide.

Finally we would like to express our sincerest thanks and appreciation to all those that remained positive about the Downing Street protest, supported and promoted it but most of all to those that that spent all day handing out leaflets, explaining to passers-by the purpose of their presence and then slept all night on the pavements of London for their voice to be at some stage heard and today it finally was, so please attend also to thank these incredibly passionate and dedicated protesters, who we are all so so proud of.

REF: SOPW06082013IS
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Sunday, August 04, 2013

Gurbani Veechaar: Bhai Surjit Singh Jee (India)

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Sweden Summer Gurmat Camp 2013...

 
From Monday 22nd July to Sunday 28th July, a family Gurmat Camp took place in Sweden. The camp was attended by around one-hundred and fifty or so Sangat, aged from three to adults. Over the week camp there were classes on Gursikhi Jeevan, Gurbani, Keertan, Youth and Social, and Sikh History. I have been too many camps but the children of this camp were so well behave and so well composed. The children were so eager to learn about Sikhi. The atmosphere of the camp was great. The great weather, scenic Gurdwara surroundings and being in the Sangat of Chardikala Naam-Abhiaasi Gursikhs helped to make the camp great.

Some photos:

 Satgru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee

Children during the morning assembly reading Paath

11-14 year old group preparing answers to questions that non-Sikhs might ask them about Sikhi

Sangat recapping on pronunciation of Panjabi alphabet

Learning Keertan

 
The front of the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara is so beautiful with a scenic garden.

Bhai Parmjeet Singh jee, a tireless sevadaar who is an inspiration.

3-4 year old children learning Panjabi


Exercise session


Ladies exercise


Football


Children and sevadaars playing Kokla-Chhapakki

Break time

Children enjoying ice-cream


Children playing Gatka in their free time

Children leading Paath recitation.

Afternoon lecture for elder group

Youth and family issues workshop

Youth and family issues workshop


Middle group's class in the Gurdwara garden during the wonderful weather


Children and sevadaars playing Kokla-Chhapakki

 Saturday night Rainsbaaee Keertan

Bhai Ranjit Singh Denmark doing Keertan

Bhai Prabhdeep Singh Denmark doing Keertan

Bhai Nachhatar Singh Sweden doing Keertan

 Rainsbaaee Keertan

 
Sunday morning. The children were so eager to practice Keertan that they got the Vaaja Tablaa out in the Gurdwara garden. Vaheguru!

 
Sunday diwaan. All the campers presented something that they had learnt at the camp. Bhai Sajjan Singh jee asked them questions and they gave the answers to the Sangat. Very nice programme.


Sunday diwaan. Bhenji Raminder Kaur Denmark doing Keertan.

 
 A young child, probably three years old, reciting Mool Mantar to the Sangat.

The middle group presenting to the Sangat.

Bhai Sajjan Singh jee, a Chardikala local Gursikh who organised the camp.



Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
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