ਵਿਚਾਰ: ਯੂ.ਕੇ. ਤੇ ਯੂਰਪੀਅਨ ਯੂਨੀਅਨ ਦਾ 'ਤਲਾਕ' । A Sikh perspective: The UK's divorce with the European Union

The United Kingdom's divorce with the European Union finally went through on Friday 31st January. But what does this divorce mean for Sikhs living in the UK and mainland Europe?

A Sikh perspective: 
The UK's divorce with the European Union

Author: Manvir Singh

A Sikh perspective against Brexit

With Brexit, it's going to be more difficult for our Sikh brothers and sisters living in continental Europe to fight for their rights and liberties. Sikhs in mainland Europe are less established in the communities and political systems of their respective countries in comparison to Sikhs in the UK. For this reason, Sikhs in mainland Europe had traditionally relied on the support of UK Sikhs to represent them via British politicians in the European Parliament. With the United Kingdom's divorce with the European Union, Sikhs in Europe have lost a significant amount of political influence in European politics which governs them. 

Many Sikhs from mainland Europe, in particular Italy, had taken advantage of the UK's membership in the European Union and migrated to the UK. I feel that the UK offers the most religious freedom for Sikhs out of all the European countries. In the UK we don't need to worry about wearing the Kirpan or the Dastaar. It would be unbelievable to think that a child in the UK would be barred from a school or university for wearing a Dastaar or not be allowed to have a front-line job like working in a bank, school, civil service etc because of their visible Sikh identity. The reason for this is that Sikhs in the UK have already faced their challenges to safeguard their rights in the 1970s and 80s. 

However, countries like France currently have outright bans on wearing any religious headgear in any government school or public service job. Countries like Denmark do not allow Sikhs to wear the Kirpan (wearing it underneath your clothes is even illegal!). Countries like Belgium and Germany have certain schools which don't allow children to wear a Dastaar or even keep their heads covered. Most mainland European countries would not allow Sikhs to wear a Dastaar openly or visibly in government jobs. 

In short, intolerance towards religion in the name of secularism is increasing in mainland Europe. Some may say this is influenced by the growth in Islamic extremism. However, whatever the causes are, it effects Sikhs living in Europe. Therefore, after attaining citizenship, many European Sikhs have moved to the UK. With this divorce, the chance for Sikhs to move to the UK from mainland Europe decrease. For Sikhs in mainland Europe who don't want to migrate, there will be more inconvenience for those wishing to visit the UK to meet their relatives or attend Samaagams (religious events). 

For Sikhs living in the UK, Brexit has been reported as being a factor for the increase of hate crimes against minorities and the growing voice of white nationalism and intolerance towards those perceived to be a threat to "british-ness". This has led to a hateful rhetoric towards immigrants and immigration in the UK. As a visibly identifiable minority community in the UK, Sikhs often suffer the brunt of racism and racist attacks. 

A Sikh perspective for Brexit

European Sikhs are facing the brunt of a growing trend of intolerance towards religion in mainland Europe, from education to work. There is also a growing resistance against looking different in public life. Countries like France don't accept any ID photo with someone wearing a Dastaar. Also children have been told to remove their Dastaar if they wish to continue studying in school. Sikh legal experts have taken this case to the United Nations. Despite the United Nations direction to France for the right of Sikhs to wear the Dastaar to be safeguarded, the ruling has been ignored by the French government. 

The European Parliament is made up of European politicians. Even though the UK was part of the European Parliament, they do not form a majority. Most mainland European countries having little historic ties with Punjab or Sikhs, and having no need for Sikh votes (as Sikhs are a small minority in all European countries and in a lot of places don't have the right to vote as they are not gained citizenship). Keeping this in mind, there is little or no hope for Sikh interests to be defended by European politicians in the midst of a growing trend against religion being seen in public life. 

If the UK remained in the European Union, there would have been a danger that the freedoms that UK Sikhs have achieved in this country would come under threat from intolerant European politicians. A growing threat of radical Islam to Europe has negatively impacted on Sikhs and law-abiding Muslims.

By getting out of the European Union, the UK Sikh voice is likely to become more stronger and the UK's good-will towards Sikhs and religion in general will likely to either increase without European constraints or at least be safeguarded as it is now. 

Conclusion

A large proportion of the UK's public have lost faith in the integrity of politicians and the political system. People have began questioning the validity and truthfulness of claims made by politicians of both sides of the political argument. Discontent with politicians involved in expense scandals, growing fears of government cuts to essential services, and a desire for making society better than it is, led many to vote Brexit. However, the reality of situation will unfold only with time. 

Gurbani teaches us to prepared for the future and have far-sightedness: "...ਦੇ ਲੰਮੀ ਨਦਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲੀਐ ॥" ("...look ahead to the future with foresight."). According to Gurbani, far-sightedness comes from spirituality and our connection with the Divine. Gurbani says, "ਸੋ ਪੜਿਆ ਸੋ ਪੰਡਿਤੁ ਬੀਨਾ ਜਿਨੑੀ ਕਮਾਣਾ ਨਾਉ ॥" ("They alone are learned, wise, and scholars, who accumulate the spiritual-wealth through connecting with the Divine."). There is no greater preparation for the future than grounding ourselves with the spirituality laid in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and remaining ready for the unknown through allowing the Guru's virtues and glory to shine through our thoughts and actions.

Bhai Gagandeep Singh, an inspiring ambassador for Sikhs in Spain on a Spanish talk show

The way forward for European Sikhs is instill Gurmat values and thinking in their children as well as focus on getting their children educated. When young spiritually-strong and educated Gursikhs in different European countries become lawyers, doctors, writers, and journalists, they will be able to express their own narrative to the wider society and respective government. Building links with local communities and host community politicians will create stronger ties. A simple thing like regularly inviting politicians, teachers and police to the Gurdwara, explaining Sikhi to them, sharing Langar with them and having friendly dialogue will build bridges with decision-makers, who then become mindful and respectful of Sikhs.

Bhai Ranjit Singh, a French law graduate, speaking in a French TV debate with French politicians

Hopefully, one day, the young talented Gursikhs of European countries can reach influential positions where they can influence law-makers to safeguard Sikh rights like the pioneering Sikhs did in UK. There is already some young Gursikhs who are active in Europe and made a positive contribution for Sikhs living in their country. Early pioneers for Sikh rights faced many challenges and had to engage in peaceful protests to gain the right to wear the Dastaar on the buses or the right not to wear the helmet. Sikhs got into politics at first as local councillors and then eventually we got to a point where we have a Sikh proudly wearing a Dastaar in parliament. If Europe has young Gursikhs who are strong in their Sikhi, attached to Gurbani and dedicated to Simran,  then their presence and aura will leave a positive effect on those they speak to. It is now time for the European Sikhs to venture out of their communities and engage in the wider community.

Sharing Sikhi with the German public, Bhai Damandeep Singh of 'Sikh Verband Deutschland'

Similarly, Sikhs in the UK can continue to help European Sikhs by keeping ties with the embassies of different European countries and continue to provide support to communities in Europe who are struggling with issues. With UK Sikhs history of fighting against racism, equal opportunities and safeguarding of religious articles of faith, we have a wealth of experience and expertise to guide our European brothers and sisters in helping to build a fairer and respectful society for all.

ਡੈਨਿਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੱਚੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰਦੇ । Children discuss about Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Danish

On 8th December, I had the opportunity to talk about Guru Nanak Dev Ji during Sunday Divaan at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Copenhagen, Denmark. The local children's Sikhi class also attended the talk. Afterwards, the children got together and were asked to recollect in Danish what they had learnt about Guru Nanak Dev Ji and had the opportunity to hear more about the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The children were very well composed and focused and showed great enthusiasm to learn about Sikhi. 

Denmark Sikh Family Camp, July 2016...

From 1st July to 3rd July, a three-day Sikh Family camp was held at Gurdwara Singh Sabha Copenhagen in Denmark. The camp was attended by children and adults. Bhai Rajpal Singh and Bibi Prabhujit Kaur from Holland came to do seva of leading classes for children. Approximately fifty people attended the camp over the three-days. This camp was a follow on camp from April's camp. It was good to see that the enthusiasm and devotion of the Sangat is flourishing. As last time, the Sangat shared so much positivity and inspiration that it was a great privilege to be there.

The main topics that the parents and adults class covered over the camp were (i) life and teachings of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji; (ii) how Rehat helps the mind;  (iii) Panthic Ekta and working together; and (iv) Punjabi Vs. Gurmat wedding traditions. The younger children learnt Saakhis, basics of Gurmat, teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the authors of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gatka.

Some photos from the camp:

 

Morning Divaan


Adults/parents class

 Afternoon group work session with adults class

 Afternoon group work session with adults class

 Afternoon group work session with adults class

 Afternoon group work session with adults class

 Afternoon group work session with adults class

 Afternoon group work session with adults class

Afternoon group work session with adults class

 Younger campers playing football

Younger campers learning Gatka from Bhai Jaspal Singh (Sweden)


Younger campers learning Gatka

Afternoon class with adults

Gurdwara Baba Ji teaching Gatka

Evening Divaan - Rehraas Sahib

 
Evening Divaan

 Sunday Divaan - Bhai Rajpal Singh concluding the camp

Sunday Divaan

 Camper presenting to the Sangat what she has learnt

Campers receiving prizes

Campers receiving prizes

Campers receiving prizes

 

 

Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

 

A Story of Faith...

 

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ਕਾ ਹਲਤੁ ਪਲਤੁ ਸਵਾਰੈ ||
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਿਖ ਕਉ ਜੀਅ ਨਾਲਿ ਸਮਾਰੈ ||੧||

"The True Guru arranges this world and the next for His Sikh.
O Nanak, with the fullness of His heart, the True Guru mends His Sikh. ||1||"
(Gauree M:5, 286)

During the first week of this month there was a Sikh family camp held in Copenhagen, Denmark. During the camp, the wife of Bhai Lakhdeep Singh (pictured in photograph at the end) asked to share a short personal story about the power of Guru Ji just before I left the Gurdwara to catch my flight back to the UK. Bhenji shared, "I come from a Gursikh family. My mother has great faith in Guru Ji and also told us not to falter in our Sikhi, Guru Ji will help us everywhere, and turning away from the Guru is greater than death."

 

Bhenji's brother migrated to Australia from India for the purpose of studying. He had a job to pay for his rent, food, and university fees. One day Bhenji received a phone call when she was in India from her younger brother, saying: "Dear sister, it has been 3 months and I have lost my job. I have not told mum as she will worry. It is becoming difficult to pay for the rent, food and university fees... It is difficult to get a job and I am struggling." Bhenji sensed that her brother was perhaps considering turning his back to Guru Ji by cutting his hair, in order to get a job.

 

Bhenji got emotional and responded back to her brother, "Dear younger brother, please promise me you will not turn your back to the Guru. The Guru is great and will take care of all. To cut your hair and shun Sikhi will mean that you have died for us. You will kill your mother whilst she is alive if you give up your Nitnem and cut your hair. Younger brother, promise me you will not cut your hair or give up your Nitnem. The Guru is great and will look after you, as long as you stay strong your faith in the Guru."

 

When her brother got off the phone, he realised that his flat mate, who had cut-hair, had overheard the phone conversation. The flat mate, said to him, "Dear brother, I will pay your rent, food and university fees until you get a job, as long you promise as your sister says that you will not cut your hair, give up Nitnem and turn your back to Sikhi. You don't have to worry about anything."

 

Bhenji's brother didn't find a job for one full year, and during the full year, his flat mate who had cut hair himself, paid for his rent, fees, and food with no strings attached other than the condition that he doesn't turn his back to his Guru.

 

Amazing story of keeping faith and how Guru Ji looks after all our affairs.

ਸਲੋਕੁ ਮਃ ੫ || ਧਰਣਿ ਸੁਵੰਨੀ ਖੜ ਰਤਨ ਜੜਾਵੀ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮਨਿ ਵੁਠਾ ||
ਸਭੇ ਕਾਜ ਸੁਹੇਲੜੇ ਥੀਏ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਠਾ ||੧||

"Salok, Fifth Nanak: Like the beautiful earth, adorned with jewels of grass - such is the mind, within which the Love of the Lord abides. O Nanak! All the affairs of the individual are easily resolved when the Guru, Satguru Nanak, is pleased. ||1||"
(Gauree M:5, 322)

Part 2 - Denmark Sikh Family Camp - Inspirational Stories

Story from the Sikh Family Camp held from 22-24 April, 2016, in Denmark:

ਪੂਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਕੀ ਆਸੀਸ ||
ਨਿਮਖ ਨ ਬਿਸਰਉ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ ਕਉ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਭਜਹੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||

"O son, this is your mother's hope and prayer, that you may never forget the Lord, even for an instant. May you ever vibrate upon the Lord of the Universe. ||1||Pause||"
(Goojree M:5, 496)

At the Denmark Sikh Family Camp I met Bhai Lakhdeep Singh, his wife and young child. Bhai Lakhdeep Singh can always be seen doing seva in the Langar or Chaur Sahib seva. I had an opportunity to talk to him and find out about his journey into Sikhi. 

Bhai Lakhdeep Singh has a disabled child called Kabir-jyot Singh ('Kabir' literally meaning 'magnificent', and 'Jyot' meaning 'light'). Truly, Bhai Lakhdeep Singh and his wife have accepted their disabled child as the great light in their lives which has made them see and appreciate life and Vahiguru. Kabir-jyot Singh was not born disable, but when still a baby he became ill and the hospital doctors in Punjab gave him to much oxygen which resulted in brain damage. It was inspirational to see how both Bhai Sahib and wife accepted Vahiguru's Will and do not see their child as a burden or punishment from Vahiguru, but a blessing from Vahiguru which helps them to remember Vahiguru. "Kabir-Jyot gives us so much happiness. He is the joy of our lives. He keeps us remembering Vahiguru. We are thankful we have have been given this opportunity to do his seva" said Bhai Lakhdeep Singh. 

Bhai Lakhdeep Singh shared his mother had taken Amrit and was very religious minded. However, his father was not Amritdhari and drank alcohol. His mother had inspired and encouraged him to visit the Gurdwara, do Seva and instilled in him Sikh values. However, during college he got into the wrong company and ended up visiting the barber's shop. The long Kes (hair) his mother had proudly taken care of since childhood, was cut by the barber and placed into an envelope. 

Bhai Sahib came home and opened the gate of the house. When his mother saw him with a shaven face and cut hair, she began crying and slapped him in the face. Slapping him on the face, she said, "What have you have! What have you done! I begged and begged the Guru to have you and now this what you have done? I went to Baba Buddha Ji's Asthaan (place) to do Ardaas to have you. O what have you done? I looked after your Kes with such love and devotion. How will I face my Guru?" 

ਬਚਨ ਹੈ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਕਿ ਜੇ ਕੋਈ ਸਿਖ ਦਾ ਬੇਟਾ ਹੋਇ ਔਰ ਮੋਨਾ ਹੋਇ ਜਾਵੇ, ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਜੜ ਸੁੱਕੀ,
ਔਰ ਜੋ ਮੋਨਾ ਸਿਖ ਹੋਇ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਿਸ ਕੀ ਜੜ ਹਰੀ | 

“The sermon of the Guru is that if a son of a Sikh becomes ‘Mona’ (cut-haired) then his roots have dried up; and if a ‘Mona’ becomes a Sikh, then their roots have become fresh with life.

 (Thankhahnama: Bhai Nand Lal Ji, p. 60)

Being young and immature, Bhai Lakhdeep Singh said that he got the envelope with his cut Kes and threw the envelope at his mother, and said, "Here have you beloved Kes. You did the Ardaas, not me. I don't care what anyone says, I am happy like this." Saying this he walked out in anger from the house. 

When he came back home that night, his mother did not speak to him. Three days had passed and his mother had not spoken to and nor cooked for him. After three days, his grandmother called him over and said, "Son. Do you know that for three days, your mother has not eaten a single grain of food nor a single drop of water. This is because of you. If you want your mother to eat food or drink water, you will have to seek forgiveness from here." Knowing his mother, he knew that she had great faith and courage, and that if she had her mind set to do something she would. It was clear that the mother would happily go without food and happily die if her son had turned his back to his Guru.

Moved by the determination and suffering of his mother, he immediately went to his mother and fell at her feet. He said, "Mata Ji, please forgive me. I have made a mistake. I will never cut my hair again, but please eat some food and have some water."  The mother asked, "If you promise that you will never commit the same mistake you did again, I will eat something my son." They both embraced one another. 

Bhai Lakhdeep Singh said, "My mother's faith and determination gave me Sikhi. If my mother had said, "O well, youngsters are youngsters" or "these things happen" I would not be a Gursikh today. My mother's stubbornness and strict stand made me turn around. That was only time I ever allowed a barber to touch my hair with scissors."

One thing that moved him and deepened his faith again was a CD that was given to him. The audio CD was a divaan of Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale on the Shaheedi of the Chhote Sahibzaade. Hearing the history of the Sahibzaade further strengthened his resolve to follow the Guru and seek the Guru's blessings. Keeping his Kesh and wearing a Dastaar again, he was walking in the village and came across a young Hindu boy who was his friend. He was shocked to see that he had grown his Kes, and wearing a Dastaar. He asked, "What has happened to?" The young man replied, "I have decided to become a Sikh and planning to take Amrit. Let's take Amrit together." Just as company had taken him away from the Guru, the blessed company brought him back to the Guru. Both friends went to Takht Kesgarh Sahib and received the gift of Amrit.

After Amrit, both him and his friend would everyday go the local Gurdwara and do Seva. His father became so angry with him doing Seva that he scolded him and said, "You are always at the Gurdwara. Move your bed to the Gurdwara and stay there. Get out of this house!" When the father went away, the mother would hug him and say, "Don't worry son! I will speak to your father and make him come around. Carry on doing Guru Ji's Seva and visiting the Gurdwara. Never give up on Seva or stop going to the Gurdwara. Go, and remember to come back home."  His mother would always cover him and protect him whilst building up his Sikhi in front of his less understanding and non-religious father. 

Despite not much education due to the circumstances at home, he got married to his wife who is an Advocate and university graduate. He asked his wife that she would have to take Amrit if they wished to get married. She accepted and received Amrit. Both of them showed so much contentment and satisfaction with life, despite the day to day challenges of life, which left a lasting impression on me. 

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਬਚਨ ਤੁਮ੍ਹਾਰੇ ||  ਨਿਰਗੁਣ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||

 ਮਹਾ ਬਿਖਾਦੀ ਦੁਸਟ ਅਪਵਾਦੀ ਤੇ ਪੁਨੀਤ ਸੰਗਾਰੇ ||੧|| 

ਜਨਮ ਭਵੰਤੇ ਨਰਕਿ ਪੜੰਤੇ ਤਿਨ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਕੁਲ ਉਧਾਰੇ ||੨|| 

ਕੋਇ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਮਾਨੈ ਸੇ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹਰਿ ਦੁਆਰੇ ||੩|| 

ਕਵਨ ਉਪਮਾ ਦੇਉ ਕਵਨ ਵਡਾਈ ਨਾਨਕ ਖਿਨੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਵਾਰੇ ||੪||੧||੧੪੧|| 

"O True Guru, by Your Words, even the worthless have been saved. ||1||Pause|| Even the most argumentative, vicious and indecent people, have been purified in Your company. ||1|| Those who have wandered in reincarnation, and those who have been consigned to hell - even their families have been redeemed. ||2|| Those whom no one knew, and those whom no one respected - even they have become famous and respected at the Court of the Lord. ||3|| What praise, and what greatness should I attribute to You? Nanak is a sacrifice to You, each and every moment. ||4||1||141||" 

(Aasa M:5, 406)

Part 1 - Denmark Sikh Family Camp - Inspirational Stories

Story from the Sikh Family Camp held from 22-24 April, 2016, in Denmark:

Story of Brother Rakesh

ਜੀਅ ਕੀ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਹਿ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ਕਰਿ ||
ਛੋਡਿ ਸਿਆਣਪ ਸਗਲ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਅਰਪਿ ਧਰਿ ||

"When your soul is feeling sad, offer your prayers to the Guru. Renounce all your cleverness, and dedicate your mind and body to Him." 

(Gujri M:5, 519)

At the end of the Sunday divaan, Bhai Gursewak Singh came to me and said that someone would like to talk to me. I thought it must be someone who is upset with the lecture I had given about Gurmat and felt offended that I spoke about alcohol or Amrit etc. Bhai Gursewak Singh brought to me a Veer jee with cut hair, wearing an orange rumaal and an 'Om' Hindu symbol around his neck. The Veer jee said to me, "Sat Siree Akaal jee." He spoke Hindi. He asked, "Can I take a few of your moments, I wished to talk to you." 

We took a seat at the back of the Darbar Sahib and began talking. The Veer jee introduced himself and said, "My name is Rakesh. I am a Hindu. I am originally from Gujarat. I come here, to the Gurdwara regularly. The one thing I love about Sikhs and the Sikh religion is - simplicity. Everything is so simple and everyone is so welcoming. Although I am a Hindu, I don't get the same inner-peace and joy that I get from the Hindu temple as I get from the Gurdwara Sahib..."

He continued, "I wish to share with you a story about this Gurdwara and how this is a special place for me." He explained that he was married to a Danish lady, who had a daughter from a previous marriage but was accepted by Rakesh as his own. When he arrived in the country he used to go school to learn how to speak Danish. Whilst learning Danish he met a Punjabi aunty who was also learning Danish. One day the Punjabi aunty invited Rakesh to the Gurdwara Sahib because they had an Akhand Paatth Sahib.

Rakesh explained, "From when my daughter was born, her feet were not flat. They were curved upwards. Because she could not place her foot flat, she could not walk. The doctors said that there was no cure and wrote that she would never ever be able to walk." He explained that on the Saturday of the Akhand Paatth Sahib, they visited the Gurdwara Sahib in Copenhagen for the first time. He didn't know much about Sikhs and it was the first time he was visiting a Gurdwara in his life. Rakesh, his Danish wife and daughter which they carried to the Darbaar Sahib, stood before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. 

Rakesh said, "Sardar Ji! My wife and I decided we would pray to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to make our daughter better so that she can walk. My wife and I stood before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji with our hands together and prayed. My wife said to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that if he makes our daughter better, she would raise her as a Sikh. We later had langar and went home." He explained, that evening they arrived home, they noticed their daughter's curled feet had gone one inch down. The following morning they woke up, they noticed their daughter's feet had gone down by another inch. By seven days, both feet of their daughter were straight and touching the ground. Rakesh smiled and said, "The doctors said she could not walk. Within a week Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji blessed our daughter and she is able to walk now. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not just wisdom - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a Power. I know - I have experienced this. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a real, a Living Power. Since then, I come all the time to the Gurdwara, listen to Gurbani and Keertan, and do Seva. I love coming here. It gives me so much peace, joy and satisfaction."  

ਸਚੀ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਸਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸੁਖੁ ਕੀਜਾ ਹੇ ||੫||

"True is Your Power, and True is GurBani. O my Lord and Master! True is the peace which You give. ||5||"

(Maaroo M:5, 1074)

Denmark Sikh Family Camp, April 2016...

From 22nd April to 24th April, a three-day Sikh Family camp was held at Gurdwara Singh Sabha Copenhagen in Denmark. The camp was attended by children and adults. Bhai Rajpal Singh and Bibi Prabhujit Kaur from Holland came to do seva of leading classes for children. Approximately fifty people attended the camp over the three-days. Going to camps for me is not about teaching the Sangat about Sikhi, but more importantly taking something from the Sangat. I can say that this camp was so inspiring. So many campers and members of the Sangat had so much to give and learn from.

The main topics that the parents and adults class covered over the camp were (i) exploring female foeticide, dowry, why some cultures dislike the birth of girls and the Gurmat perspective; and (ii) exploring the role of family in Gurmat, learning from family relations of the Ten Gurus, and issues affecting children in today's modern world. The younger children learnt Saakhis, basics of Gurmat, why and how we should come to the Gurdwara Sahib, and Panj Vikaar.

Some photos from the camp:
 

 Bhenji Prabhujit Kaur (Holland) with the younger children's class

 Younger children's class

 Family and Gurmat workshop

 Adults workshop - group discussions

  Adults workshop - group discussions

  Adults workshop - group discussions

 Dastaar tying - Bhenji Isha Kaur, from Turkish background from Holland having a Dastaar tied.

 Veer Jasbir Singh playing the Dilruba.

 Question and answers session

 Degh being prepared by Gursikhs

Evening divaan - Bhai Gursewak Singh doing Kirtan of Aarti Aarta

On Sunday morning we visited 9 year-old Deenpal Singh in hospital who wanted to be at the camp but due to ill health was in hospital.

Bhai Subegh Singh Ji, thanking the Sangat at the end of the camp

At the end of Sunday divaan, the younger children presented what they had learnt and received prizes.

Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Sweden Sikh Family Camp 2015...

The annual Sweden Sikh Family Camp was held at Gurdwara Sangat Sahib in Tullinge, Stockholm, from Monday 24th July to Sunday 30th July. The camp was attended by children and adults. Gursikhs from Belgium, Holland and Denmark also attended the camp. Bhai Surjit Singh Ji, especially came from India to speak at the camp. The camp was a week of amazing sangat, amrit-vela, classes for adults and children, inspiration, and pyaar.

Over the week camp there were classes on Sikh history, teachings from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Keertan, learning Panjabi and fundamental concepts of Sikhi such as Seva, Simran, Sangat, and sacrifice. As always it was a pleasure to work with the children and adults as they showed so much enthusiasm to learn. The atmosphere of the camp was great. Despite the rainy weather, the camp was a success. On Sunday nearly all the children that attended the camp came ready wearing dastaars and gurmukhi dress. Each group and child had to present something to the Sangat that they had learnt from the camp.

Some photos:

 Morning Paatth led by campers

Morning Hukamnama vichaar by Bhai Surjit Singh Ji

Campers

 Morning workshop - group work

 Morning workshop - group work

 Morning workshop - Group work

 Adults and parents Gurmat Vichaar class

 A young camper presenting what he has learnt during the Sunday divaan

Sangat during Sunday divaan

 Elder campers presenting what they have learnt to the Sangat

A young camper reciting Mool Mantar

 This young Singh sang an amazing poem about Sikhi Saroop. He had memorised the whole poem as well.

 Kathaa by Bhai Surjit Singh Ji

 Prize giving

Prize giving

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!