A Voice for the Voiceless...

A clip from the documentary ""Frontiers of the Faith" aired in the late 1990s on the 'Knowledge Network' pertaining to Human Rights Violations in Panjab:

Please show support in telling the world about the injustices that Sikhs have faced by attending the 'Remembrance March & Freedom Rally' taking place Sunday 7th June 2009 in Central London.
Click here for more info.

Recommended books to read:

- Fighting for Faith & Nation (Cynthia Kepply Mahmood)
An American anthropologist Cynthia Keppley Mahmood explores the world of Sikh militants through their own voices.

- Game of Love (Ed. Harjinder Singh)
A moving collection of stories of sacrifice, devotion, and love of Sikhs that have become martyrs in the past 30 years.

- The Gallant Defender (A. R. Darshi)
This is the first book by a Punjabi Hindu, who was a magistrate and Joint Secretary to the Punjab, paying tribute to the late Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwal, the gallant defender.

- Government Organised Carnage (Gurcharan Singh)
The book presents a horrible eyewitness account of the worst ever genocide of Sikhs in modern history.

Photos of Bedford One-Day Sikhi Camp

On Saturday 23rd May, a one-day camp was held at Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara in Bedford. It was first of a kind event held at the Gurdwara Sahib. The amount of Sangat and children grew as the day went on, which was very good to see. It was great to see the enthusiasm and shardhaa (devotion) of the local Sevadaars. I am sure that the local Sangat will continue to do programmes for the youth.

Below are some photographs for the day:


Bhai Joginder Singh jee's class on 'Gursikhi Jeevan'


Under 10s class.


Young Banita Kaur doing some colouring work.


Children's class on Saakhis (stories).


Bhenji Nirmal Kaur volunteering to share a Saakhi with the rest of the class.


11 to 14 years old group.


Bhaji Vijay Singh's class on 'Gurdwara & Seva'


Sewadaars: Bhaji Randhir Singh and Veer Jagdeep Singh.


General Q&A session at the end of the day.




Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Where will you be on 7th June?

REMEMBRANCE MARCH & FREEDOM RALLY
SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2009
CENTRAL LONDON, UK

Commemorating 25 years of the Sikh Holocaust.

...Time for the international community to stand up against Indian injustice...

Programme:
- Gather for rally at Hyde Park from 11:30am.
- March through central London to Trafalgar Square between 1:30-2:30pm.
- Rally in Trafalgar Square 2:30-4:30pm.

Contact your local Gurdwara for transportation.

Visiting my old Primary Schol (Final Part)....

Continued...

Here are some of the questions the children asked,

"How long is your turban?"
I replied, "The short turban underneath is 2 metres, and the big turban on top is 8 metres of material which folded and then tied." The children reacted with "Wow"... "Awe cool." lol.

"Do you go to sleep with your turban on?"
I replied, "I don't wear big turban to bed. I carefully untie the turban and comb my hair before sleeping and then I tie the short turban (which is always underneath the larger turban) to keep my hair covered."

"What colour turbans do you have and what is your favourite colour turban?"
I replied, "I have black, navy blue, sky blue, saffron - in between yellow and orange, and a white turban. I usually like to wear a dark blue turban." You could hear the children speaking amongst themselves and saying which is their favourite colour. :)

"How long is your hair?"
I replied, "My hair when it is down, nearly reaches my waist." The children again were excited and looked at one another and said, "Wow" and "that's cool."

"What type of food do you eat?"
I replied, "Sikhs are vegetarians that don't eat any meat, fish or eggs. So, we eat lots of vegetables and lentils. We also have Chappattis to eat." This led to the children saying "I like Indian food" and "I like curry as well." Waheguru.

"Can you show us how you tie your turban and see your hair."
I told the children that I would show them how I tie my turban and comb my hair in the next few days but before I do they need to prove to be good children and show maturity and respect.


It was great to see how the children's reaction to me changed afterwards. For the next few days the children would get happy to see me and would shout "Sir, can I please read to you" and "Sir, can you please check my work." It was nice to see how the children who perhaps were scared or confused about the Sikhi Saroop, were now respecting the Sikhi Saroop. It was nice to hear one child say at lunch time, "Sir, I find Sikhs cool. I think Sikhism is nice." The Guru is Great and his Sikhi is Great.

On the fourth day I brought in some Dastaar material. I first showed the children how I tie a Dastaar. Before I started I got all the children to promise that they would behave and not touch the Dastaar material or touch my hair and remain calm. They all agreed and sat in silence. I placed a sheet on the floor and untied my Dastaar slowly. I showed my Kanghaa and how a Sikh combs his hair. When they saw my Kesh, it was nice that they appreciated that the Kesh were special and they all thought the long Kesh is beautiful.

I haven't shown my Kesh to other school children, but I made an exception with these children because over the few days they showed great respect for Sikhi and they were genuinely curious to see how I tie my Kesh and what lies "underneath the turban". I tied my Dastaar and even the teachers were fascinated.

Four volunteers were chosen and they got Dastaars tied on them.

It was so nice to see the children say "Sir, can I keep the turban on my head all day." I said that is fine. One person asked if he could remove his Dastaar after the session finished but all the other three children went to playtime wearing their blue and kesri dastaars. One girl's Dastaar came off as she was running! Waheguru! (She looked so sad with her Dastaar off!) But the other boy and girl had their Dastaars on when they came back from lunch. At home time the girl and boy asked if they could wear the Dastaar home as they really liked it and wanted to show their parents. So I said that is fine. Then other children (including a young Muslim boy) came and asked if I could tie a Dastaar on them so that they could go home wearing a Dastaar. As I only had two Dastaars left, I picked one girl and one boy and promised the others they could wear a Dastaar the next day.

It is amazing how much of a difference can be made if people go to schools or invite school children to the Gurdwara and talk to them about Sikhi and allow them to ask questions. I found that over the one week I spent with the children they learnt a lot about Sikhi and the biggest thing is that they learnt to respect and admire Sikhi Saroop and the Sikh faith.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Visiting my old Primary Schol (Part 2)....

Continued...

Everyday, after break (11am) the children have "Reflection Time" session. All the children sit in a circle. The teacher lights some candles and places them in the middle of the circle and switches the lights off. It is really relaxing! During the session the teacher usually discusses what's happening in the news, a faith issue or children share their concerns or worries. It is amazing how mature some of these children are.

The teacher asked whether I would mind leading the "Reflection Time" session and I could use it as an opportunity to talk about Sikhi. So I happily agreed. After the children came in from their break, they sat down in a circle and I sat on a chair. I explained that I was going to explain about my faith and that they can ask me questions as well.

I started with saying, "Okay, let's start with me asking you all a question. I look different from you and that's why today when you walked into the classroom some of you looked at me and were surprised. So, what makes me look different to you?" All the children excitedly put their hands up. (It's amazing how some children who are eager to answer try and stretch their arms upwards and make a sound like they are about to explode or something! Waheguru). One girl answered, "You have that thing around your head." "Very good. But does anyone know what this (pointing at the Dastaar) is called?" I said. There were only one or two children who knew that it was called "turban". So I got all the children to repeat the word "turban" and asked them again what I was wearing on my head and they all said "a turban".

Then I asked the children, "There is something else that makes me look different you. Can anyone think what that is." One boy answered "You have a beard." "Very good. Do you think I cut my beard or hair?" They all said, "No."

I explained that many people across the world from different cultures and religions wear turbans for different reasons. Turbans are worn in different styles according to the culture and they come in different colours. It was explained that 99% of the people who wear turbans in the UK are followers of the Sikh religion.

Its difficult to explain something new to children (even adults!) of another culture, so it can be helpful to share comparisons. So, when explaining who Guru Nanak Dev jee is to the children, I said, "Jesus founded the Christian religion. Muhammad founded the Muslim religion. Just as these special people found these religions, which special person sent by God founded the Sikh religion?" No one had heard of Guru Nanak Dev jee but most of the children knew that Sikhs came from India. So I got all the children to repeat "Guru Nanak" (slowly so that they can learn to pronounce it correctly).

It was mentioned how God sent Guru Nanak jee with a special message of how people should live truthful lives and remember God. We then went through the three golden rules given by Guru Nanak Dev jee:- 1) Working and living honestly, 2) Sharing with others, and 3) Always remembering and thanking God. I would stop and ask the children questions to see how much they had learnt and I was surprised that they remembered most of what had been told.

As the session was coming to an end (it was only 15 minutes or so), I asked if anyone had any questions for me. Everyone's arms went up wanting to ask questions.

To be continued...

Visting my old Primary School... (Part 1)

A few weeks ago I spent a week at my old primary school as part of work experience. I helped out in a Year 5 class (9-10 years old). There were about twenty three or so pupils.

It was nice to meet some of my old primary school teachers, and hearing them say "Manvir! You have grown so tall" and "I feel old looking at you." Waheguru. When I was younger, my primary school looked and felt like a big place, but going back there now, it felt much smaller!

On Monday morning I sat inside the classroom waiting for the teacher to open the doors and bring the children in from outside. As the children hung up their coats and entered the classroom, I got different reactions from the children. Some children stared at me and looked bit scared, a few children looked at me and started to smile and giggle, and there were some who didn't notice me at all and sat on the chairs and began reading as normal.

When all the children had settled down, the teacher took the register and then announced, "We have a special visitor with us today. His name is 'Manvir', and he will spending a week with us to see what we get up and helping you out with your work." I was surprised that some children were calling me "Mr. Manvir". Waheguru.

You could see that the children were very curious by the expression on their faces. Living in a town with hardly any Sikhs, and rarely seeing a Pagh-wala (someone wearing a turban), it was expected that the children would be curious to know who I am and why I look different.


To be continued...

Jaswant Singh Khalra: A Martyr of Human Rights

Below is a video from SikhNet's Online Youth Film Festival by 18 year old Raj Singh. This is a small video that focuses on the human rights abuses which have occurred in Panjab by the Government. The video was very well produced and backed up with lots of information.

"This documentary is still a work in progress about human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra. Upon completion of this documentary, there has been some progress in the murder trial case of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Six low-level officials were convicted for the abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. However, the primary architect of this crime, former Director General of Police KPS Gill, has not been held accountable. Despite Special Police Officer Kuldip Singh's testimony, who witnessed KPS Gill interrogate Jaswant Singh Khalra in illegal detention, the Central Bureau of Investigation refused to investigate or prosecute KPS Gill for his role in Jaswant Singh Khalra's abduction, torture and murder."

- Raj Singh, aged 18

"One is sincere, one is charitable, one is devoted to the truth, one is courageous - these are the things that make one a Sikh."
-Cynthia Keppley Mahmood (p.29, Fighting for Faith & Nation)

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee

Two more Gurdwaras get burnt in UK...

Only recently Sikhs were devastated knowing that Bow Gurdwara in East London had been burnt down and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's pavitar saroops had been reduced to ash in the fire. Sadly, in the past few days there have been two more Gurdwara fires in the UK.

On Wednesday 6th May at 11.30pm, Gurdwara Sri Guru HarKrishan Sahib Ji in Greater Manchester caught fire. The ground floor offices and the first floor (the Langar Hall) of the Gurdwara Sahib were destroyed. An investigation is under way but the fire is not thought to be suspicious. Thankfully, with Guru jee's kirpaa, the Darbaar Sahib and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's saroops were left untouched by the fire.

Photos of the burnt Gurdwara Sahib building (from Sikh World TV wordpress):





Coincidentally the next day, a Gurdwara Sahib in Doncaster caught fire after a large quantity of plastic pallets went up in flames at the trading estate where the Gurdwara in situated. The fire-fighters spent two hours tackling the blaze and are treating the incident as suspicious. It is thought the blaze started after a number of plastic loading pallets belonging to the Big Red Shed specialist distributors company were set alight in an area between the Gurdwara Sahib and another building. So far there have been no reports whether the Darbaar Sahib and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's saroops have been affected by the fire or not.


Hearing this sad news, it should be a wake up call for the Sikh community to rethink about the safety and protection of our Gurdwara Sahibs. What fire precautions are in place at our local Gurdwara Sahibs? These tragic incidents can be avoided with forward-thinking and planning. Guru Kirpaa kare.


News links:
- Huge blaze destroys Sikh Temple
- Intruders start blaze at trading estate

Episode 3 India Trip: Unique Home

Continued...

Panjab is land of the Great Gurus, the land of prosperity, and the land of great saints and warriors.

Yet, inexplicably, it is stained with the sin of killing its baby daughters.

According to the Punjabi University, every fifth household in Punjab commits female foeticide.

During a recent trip to India, we went to the local gurdwara in Preet Nagar in Jalandhar, Punjab.

Bhai Parminder Singh from Amritsar (a parchaarak - preacher - sent by the Dharam Parchaar Committee, Amritsar) was doing kathaa (discourse) that evening. His kathaa was very simple, but effective. The way he spoke was very easy to understand and he got across our Guru's message really well.

Bhai Sahib said something which echoed in my ears: "Mothers have made their wombs into graveyards."

Bhai Sahib was speaking about abortion and how many Punjabis - not to mention the greater, all-pervasive problem across India - are killing their baby daughters before being born. I was glad to hear this active parchaar being done in the gurdwaras of Punjab.

The next day, my mum and I went to visit a place called "Unique Home", which is being run by the Bhai Ghanayya Ji Charitable Trust.

The Trust was established in 1993 with the goal of working towards the "Moral, Social, Cultural and Economic uplift of orphan children without any distinction of Caste, Creed and Religion".

The Unique Home looks after unwanted, unclaimed or orphaned children who have been discarded or neglected by society. Baby girls are found by roadsides, dumped near streams, or even left during the night in a baby cradle outside the Home.

The Unique Home is currently looking after 52 girls, mostly young children.

Receptacle where unwanted babies are dropped off anonymously.


The cradle receptacle, as seen from the interior of the Home.

The main spirit behind this institution is Bibi Prakaash Kaur, whose aim is to rehabilitate those people whom society has disowned. The current seva is being done by Bibi Gurdip Kaur, who is the President of Bhai Ghanayya Ji Charitable Trust. Despite her old age, she is fully devoted to the service of the children.

Even though we had visited the Home without advance notice, we received a very warm welcome from the sevadaars.

When we entered, a young girl, probably 11 years old, shared a GurFateh with us and asked us to take a seat in the office room for visitors. Bibi Gurdip Kaur was away that day; another Sardarni was looking after all the children alone.

She came downstairs and warmly greeted us. She offered to get the children ready for us to meet them. Whilst we waited, a young girl aged perhaps 13 or so, came and asked us "What would you like to drink?"

I replied, "We are fine, thank you."
The girl then said, "We don't have anything to offer you. But can you kindly accept a cup of tea made by me as a form of parshaad (gift) from all the children?" I was left speechless and moved by the young girl's innocent love and accepted to drink a cup of tea made by her.

After a little while, the Bibi in charge came to get us and took us upstairs.

The home itself was much smaller than I had expected. She took us to a room that had a number of metal baby cradles. Inside the cradles were babies that had been abandoned or dropped off and were now being cared for at the Home.

It was really sad to see that there were at least a dozen or so, and I thought: how does one or two of these Sardarnis manage to change all their nappies and look after them all, in addition to looking after the elder children.

There was one little girl with Down Syndrome, standing there, smiling away at us. The Bibi hugged the girl and began to do simran with her. It was beautiful to see the Down Syndrome child hugging the elder woman and repeating "Waheguru ... Waheguru ..." after her.

I was amazed at the seva of these women who have given up their own lives, their own families, and their own aspirations, to live in the Guru's Hukam (Will) and dedicate their lives to rebuilding the lives of children who otherwise wouldn't have any life.

We learnt that the older girls in the home took care of the younger babies and they all supported each other as one large family. It was amazing to hear how some of the elder girls of the Home had been inspired by the dedication of Bibi Gurdip Kaur, elected not to get married and to commit their own lives to the care of the younger children.

Waheguru! These were the hidden gems of Punjab that were quietly going about, doing their seva.

After spending some time talking to the Bibi, we learnt about the astounding work they did by ensuring that all the girls were educated in English schools and, at a later stage, married into suitable homes.

All of this is done without any government support or funding, which is an immense challenge for the founder, Bibi Prakaash Kaur, and the other Gursikh caregivers.

Near the end of our visit, all the children got together and repeated the panj pauriaan of Japji Sahib and had a group photo taken with us. It was so nice to see the children get excited over seeing their own photo in the camera. There was one young girl (less than two years old), who had tears in her eyes.

But when you wiped them, the tears still didn't seem to disappear. It was as if the girl had permanent tears in her eyes. It was sad to see.

Despite our attempts to cheer her up, she looked very, very sad. Only the Guru knows what trauma the child had gone through. May Waheguru do kirpaa (shower His blessings) on all these children and the sevadaars.

Please do support the Bhai Ghanayya Ji Charitable Trust and the Unique Home by visiting the Home and giving a small donation or donating some clothes. Any help and support would be greatly appreciated by the sevadaars.

And please pass this request on to all your relatives and friends who are going to visit Panjab in the near future.

Their address is: The Unique Home, 1082-B Model House, Taran Wali Gali, Jalandhar, Panjab. Tel: 01.81.227.6066

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhai Hai Sikhee

Defending the Truth....

I came across an old speech delivered in the Indian Parliament by Sardaar Simranjit Singh Mann, who then was a MP from Panjab. Listening to the speech I was inspired by Mr. Mann's courage to speak and defend the truth in the true spirit of being a Sikh.

Request: I would recommend just sparing a few minutes and watching the whole video!

May Guru jee grant us all with the courage, fearlessness and blessings to stand up for the Truth.


Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Sikhee.

Episode 2 India Trip: The Dastaar Shop

When we went to Jalandhar we went shopping to buy a few things. As I needed to get some new Dastaar material my relatives took me to 'Paghri House' shop in Renak Bazaar. When I arrived there I asked for some black and navy blue Dastaar material. The shopkeeper asked where I had come from. I replied, "I am from England." Then he asked, "When did you settle in England?" I replied, "I have been born and brought up in England." The shopkeeper looked over the moon and decided to shake my hand and then gave me a hug! I was bit surprised by the reaction considering the amount of people from UK, Canada and America come to Jalandhar!

The shopkeeper then asked, "Do you wear jeans and trousers?" I said, "I wear Baana (Kurta Pyjama). In the case of going to work etc I would wear trouser shirt uniform." Hearing this he got really overjoyed.

The shopkeeper sat down and we had a conversation. The shopkeeper said, "I am so happy to see a Gursikh born abroad in this day and age when Panjab is seeing a storm of youngsters cutting their hair, throwing away their Dastaars, and turning to drugs." It was very touching to see Bhai Sahib being so emotional when he was speaking. You could feel the pain and anguish he was feeling at the state of Panjab and the Panjabi Sikhs. He shared that as time goes by he is getting fewer and fewer customers and the number of youngsters who had flowing uncut beards has gone down.

That morning the shopkeeper said that he heard Kathaa on 'Chardikala Channel' (a local TV channel I assume) early in the morning (about 4am) from Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi. With watery eyes the shopkeeper shared what the Gyani jee at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib had said:

"Wake up O people of Panjab! Wake up! You ungrateful people! The Guru gave us life worth living for, the Guru gave us everything! Guru Gobind Singh jee sacrificed his four sons, mother, father and everything he had for the sake of us, and now we repay the Guru with cutting our hair, drinking alcohol, shunning our Dastaars and turning to drugs. O people of Panjab wake up! How will we ever repay the debt of Kalgidhaar Paatshaah! Where has the Sikhee of my dear Panjab gone? Where has the Sikhee of my dear Panjab gone?"

The shopkeeper told me that as the Gyani jee did Katha he was crying and couldn't control his tears. He said the he was speaking the truth from his heart and the Kathaa made him cry.

Although we may think the whole Panjab gone asleep, there are souls who are are wide awake and following Guru jee's Path. One day the awaken souls will awaken the minds of the others. May Guru jee do Kirpaa.


To be continued...

A Message for Waheguru...

On 27th March 2009, the first ever Sikhi Camp was held at Ramgarhia Gurdwara in Coventry. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa there was a really good turn out of children and adults. The classes were divided into age groups and the invited speakers did classes with each group. The atmosphere of the camp was really inspiring and uplifting and the children seemed to have enjoyed themselves.

In the 5 to 7 years old group I gave the children a small piece of paper and asked them to write a question for Waheguru and any message they wished to give Waheguru in one sentence. Below are some of the responses the children wrote! :)

"How do I get to God?"


"Can you come down from the sky and when we do Paatth do you see us for real?
Can Guru came down from the sky."


"How did you get sent to the world?
I am scared of you!"


"What do you use for your pillow?
Thank you for the world."


"Where do you live?
How did you make all the animals and humans?
Thank you for looking after me."



Dhan Guru, Dhan Teree Sikhee

In Loving Memory of Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh Jee

16th April marks the Barsee (death anniversary) of Gurmukh Pyaare, Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee, who passed away in 1961. Bhai Randheer Singh jee was a great Gursikh, keertani, freedom fighter, reformer, theologian, hero of the Lahore Conspiracy Case, and the first prisoner of Gurdwara Reform Movement. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF BHAI RANDHEER SINGH JEE

Childhood

Bhai Randheer Singh jee was born on 7th July 1878 in village Narangwal (Ludhiana district). At birth his parents named him 'Basant Singh'. His father, Bhai Natha Singh, was a learned scholar of Panjabi, Urdu, Persian and English, who initially worked as a District Inspector of Schools but later rose to the rank of a Judge in the High Court of the State of Nabha. As a Judge, he became well known for combining justice with mercy, compassion and humanity. His mother, Mata Panjab Kaur, was a very pious and devoted Sikh. Bhai Sahib was successful in his studies and was not only an intelligent and committed student but also a good sportsman. He had a great memory, which later served him in reproducing details of his experiences during his prison life.

Receiving Amrit
Since the day his father gave him a Gutka of Japji Sahib to read during his college studies, Bhai Randheer Singh jee developed a spiritual thirst and yearning for Waheguru. On 14th June 1903, Bhai Sahib along with his Muslim friend, Maulvi Kareem Baksh, took Amrit. As a result of him taking Amrit with a Muslim he was despised of by the Sikhs of his own village and some of his relatives; the Brahmanical influenced 'Pujari' (custodian) of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib refused to accept Karaah Parshaad offered by Bhai Sahib and he was denied the right to do Keertan. Despite this Bhai Sahib remained steadfast and practising Guru's ordained Rehat (discipline) became the passion of his life, even at the risk of losing his health and life.


Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee Revealing Gurmantar
Bhai Randheer Singhjee firmly believed that receiving Amrit was a spiritual rebirth and not a mere ritual, provided that the Amrit Sanchaar is conducted strictly in accordance to the rules and procedures laid down by Guru Sahib. At the time of his own Amrit Sanchaar, Bhai Sahib was left disturbed and confused about the true Gurmantar because an intruding outsider told him the Gurmantar rather than the Panj Pyaare. He felt that there was a Mystic Word prescribed as Gurumantar for the Sikhs which also formed the central theme of Gurbani - a particular 'Naam' - and it was possible to repeat it with every breath. He firmly believed that only through constant repetition of, and meditation on, this Mystic Word could complete self realization and oneness with Waheguru be attained. Believing Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee to be the embodiment of the Ten Gurus, Bhai Sahib did an Ardaas for the Great Guru to reveal the true Gurmantar and give him Naam. In a miraculous incident the Hukamnama from Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee indicated correctly that "Waheguru" was the Gurmantar and he was blessed with the technique of its constant repetition. Receiving Naam, Bhai Sahib was yearned to now attain Waheguru through devotion and practice of Naam and devotional service of Guru Sahib.


The Gurdwara Reform Movement
After his Divine-experience Bhai Sahib resigned his Government job and dedicated his life in the service of the Panth (nation). He took the initiative in fearlessly clearing the malpractices in the various historical Gurdwaras. Once, at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib on Gurpurb, he fearlessly protested and stopped a Patit Raagi (who was known for committing adultery) to do Keertan. It was for such deeds of Gurdwara reform that he has been referred to as the pioneer of the Gurdwara Reform Movement. In 1914, when the British demolished the wall of the historical Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in New Delhi to beautify the surroundings of the then newly built Parliament House, Bhai Sahib was the first to protest publicly against this desecration of the Holy Shrine, and announce his specific plans to spearhead the agitation until the razed wall was restored. He was also instrumental in organizing two large Panthic Conferences in this connection, at Patti in District Amritsar, and at Lahore, to pass the Resolutions condemning the British action, and demanding the restoration of the razed wall. These conferences were the first of their kind after the British occupation of Panjab.


The Freedom Movement
Being a Gursikh Bhai Randheer Singh jee could not tolerate the oppression and slavery imposed by the British rulers. He joined the Ghadar ("Revolution") Movement that had active members in the USA and Canada. Bhai Sahib was the only leader of note from Panjab who, along with his companions, participated in that revolt. The Ghadar movement was betrayed and their British came to know of their plans. On 9th May 1915 Bhai Randheer Singh jee and his companions were arrested and tried in what is commonly known as the Second Lahore Conspiracy case. In 1916, at the age of 38, with a wife and three young children to provide for, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and his property was confiscated. His eldest daughter (10 at the time), who could not bear being separated from her dear father, died within a month of his imprisonment. His son Balbir Singh was only 6 years old and his daughter Daler Kaur was just 2.


Steadfast in Jail
During his 15 years in prison Bhai Sahib faced many sufferings, not for any political or personal reasons, but only because of his determination to live strictly in accordance with the Khalsa Code of Conduct. In Multan jail, one of the hottest places in India (now in Pakistan) with temperatures going up to 122°F in May and June, he remained without food and water continuously for 40 days. This was because he was not allowed to prepare his food himself according to the Gurmat principles and he would not take food prepared by non-Amritdharis. He was chained to iron gates in the open for many days to face the scorching heat of the sun and bear the brunt of hot winds. At night he was put into a 6' x 4' cell without ventilation. This is only one instance of the many tortures inflicted upon him. On two occasions Bhai Sahib's family gave him up as dead. Even after suffering such inhuman tortures, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and never once wavered from following strictly the Khalsa Code of Conduct. Due to Bhai Sahib's sacrifices the Jail Manual was amended to allow Sikh prisoners to wear a small turban (Keski), Kachhehra, and Karra. When the Khalsa Panth came to know of his tortuous sufferings, the whole Panth observed a special Ardaas for Bhai Randheer Singh jee and the other Gursikhs on 1st February 1923.


Meeting with Shaheed Bhagat Singh
Prior to his release from prison in Lahore, the well-known Shaheed Bhagat Singh, who was waiting execution in the same prison, expressed a desire to meet Bhai Sahib before his death. On being approached, Bhai Sahib refused to see him saying "...he has violated the basic tenets of Sikhi by shaving off his hair and hence I do not want to see him." Bhagat Singh was quick to express his repentance and also confessed that he, in fact, was an atheist at heart. He further told Bhai Sahib that even then, perhaps, he would have kept the Sikh appearance, but if he had done that he would have lost the friendship and sympathy of his Hindu comrades and would not have received so much publicity in the press. After a 2 hour meeting with Bhai Sahib, he became a true Sikh at heart and accepted to keep his hair unshorn, and went to the gallows as a true believer in Waheguru.


Release from Prison & Honour from the Panth
Soon after his release in 1930, Bhai Sahib was honoured by Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib with a Hukumnama (edict) and a robe of honour, recognizing his steadfastness in faith and selfless sacrifices. He is the second person to have been honoured by Sri Akaal Takht Sahib during the 19th century, the other person being Baba Kharak Singh jee, the renowned Panthic leader of the late 1920s. Afterwards, the other (then) three Takhts also honoured him in the same way, thus making him the only single person to have been honoured from all the (then) Takhts in the last 100 years of Sikh history. Robes of honour and a gold medallion were also sent to him by the Sikhs of U.S.A. and Canada. He was selected as one of the Panj Pyaare to inaugurate the Kaar Sevaa of the sarovar of Gurdwara Tarn Taaran Sahib, and to lay the foundation stones of the new buildings of the Gurdwaras at Panja Sahib and Shaheedganj Nankana Sahib, besides those of the Bungas at Patna Sahib and Kavi Darbaar Asthaan at Paonta Sahib.


Gurmat Parchaar
After his release from prison, Bhai Sahib lived for over 30 years during which time he travelled throughout the country and propagated the true Gursikh way of life through Gurbani Keertan and Paatth. A large number of Sikhs were drawn to him magnetically, and he directed them to and brought them in direct touch with the infinite wealth of Gurbani. In this way, the Akhand Kirtani Jatha came to be formed. According to him, the principles of life pointed out in Gurbani and prescribed in the Khalsa Code of Conduct are not merely ideals but completely practical. He himself conformed to and lived in accordance with these principles in letter and spirit, even in the midst of the most unfavourable and tortuous circumstances of jail life. Bhai Sahib wrote about two dozen books on Sikh spirituality and different themes and topics from Gurbani that inspired and continue to inspire countless people.


The Final Moments
In 1961 Bhai Sahib's leg veins became weak due to having spent so much time in the dark dungeons during his imprisoned life, though the rest of his body was healthy. He only had trouble walking about. On 13th April 1961, all the Jatha came to see Bhai Sahib for Vaisakhi. On 14th April he wished good bye to everyone and sent them off. On 16th April Bhai Sahib seemed restless as though the time had arrived for the great soul to leave. At 7.30am Bhai Sahib breathed his last with "Waheguru" on his lips.

"...He was a God-intoxicated man, consumed with religious enthusiasm in the literal sense of the word and 'holding God within' as one would say; yet he was a practical leader capable of dedicated service to humanity and his country. His faith and virtues were near allied and mutually indispensable...With astounding faith and stoicism he suffered all his life for the ideals which form the cornerstone of Sikhism such as Freedom, Justice, Equality and Truth."

(Dr. Tarlochan Singh)

Happy Vaisakhi

Happy Vaisakhi to everyone and congratulations to everyone who took Amrit over the past week. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.


Video of Giani Gurdev Singh Jee at 2009 UK Vaisakhi Smaagam:



More videos of AKJ UK 2009 Vaisakhi Smaagam on YouTube

Episode 1 India Trip: Arriving in India

(As requested) Daas will share some experiences and photos from my India trip this year:

In February, my mother and I went to India. I planned to visit Sri Harimandir Sahib and have darshan of Gurmukh Pyaare in Panjab.

We travelled on Air India (for the first time!) from Heathrow. In the departure lounge an elderly Singh and his wife came and sat next to us. I shared Guru's Fateh with the Bhai Sahib. We then started talking. I was suprised that the elderly Amritdhari Singh talking to me was the first Sikh judge in the UK and was a retired High Court judge. He told me that he became a judge in the 1960s! It was amazing that someone achieved so much in such a short time when coming to a new country.

The aeroplane journey was suprisngly comfortable. I was bit apprehensive about flying with Air India because I had an image of rude air hostesses, uncomfortable seats, and a lack of space. Surprisingly when we entered the aeroplane the air hostess smiled, put her hands together and said "Namashkaar". When we got to the seats, it wasn't the uncomfortable tight seats I had expected, instead the seats were very clean and spacious! The journey was very comfortable and the airline staff were very respectable to everyone and were courteous!

When we arrived at Delhi Airport we got through the checking very quickly. But it took TWO HOURS to get our luggage. I was shocked how long it took! I think if you check in your luggage early when departing, you luggage comes last when you arrive!

When we got our luggage, I put my Kirpaan on and went to the bathroom to re-tie my dastaar (as it had been a long journey and my pagh looked a bit of a mess!). I noticed that in the bathroom there was a shifty looking man just sitting on a seat near the door offering people toilet paper and hand towels! It just looked bit strange. I thought perhaps this guy is doing some sort of Sevaa. The guy watched me tie my Dastaar and offered me a hand towel (when I didn't need one). I kindly declined his offer. He was also "advising" people on where the vacant toilets were (which weren't exactly hard to spot anyway as the vacant toilets had their doors open!). Chalo, I thought perhaps the man is employed to do this! (Waheguru! Wonder what the job title is?).

I came out and my mum went to the ladies bathroom to freshen up. Whilst she was in the bathroom I started to do Japji Sahib. When I had finished reciting Paatth, my mum came out. She smiled and said, "It is weird, there was a lady standing in the bathroom giving people tissues and telling people where the vacant toilets were, and she was asking people for money." The funny thing was that the lady asked my mum for money and instead my mum ended up giving her a bag of BISCUITS! Sat Naam, Waheguru!

The worst part of the story is that the biscuits had got bashed up in the aeroplane and so the biscuits were more than likely broken up! Anyway, there were still "Blait de Biscuit". My mum gave the lady the biscuits in good will and told her that they were made in France but baked in England (I doubt that lady understood a word and probably didn't care whether they were baked in France or Panjab!). The lady took the biscuits and stared at my mum in shock (must be the first time in her life that she has received a bag of biscuits from someone whilst standing in a public bathroom! lol). Waheguru!

We eventually came out (at last!). The journey from Delhi to Panjab was painful! After 8 hours of sitting down in the car on an uncomfortable seat and with no leg room, I was glad to get to the pind and sit on something more soft! Waheguru.


To be continued...

Amrit Sanchaar & Keertan on Vaisakhi...

Forwarded message:

AMRIT SANCHAAR & AKHAND KEERTAN DARBAAR

With the blessings of Satguru Guru Nanak Dev Jee an Amrit Sanchar and Akhand Keertan Darbaar has been organised for Vaisakhi at Ramgharia Gurdwara Coventry by the Akhand Keertani Jatha.

Date: Tuesday 14th April 2009
Time: 6PM
Location: Ramgarhia Gurdwara Coventry,
1103 Foleshill Road,

Coventry, CV6 6EP.

The Amrit Sanchar will be starting at 6pm sharp, at the same time keertan will be taking place by the youth. Please try and attend the keertan darbar as sevadars for keertan are required

Kakkaars will be provided for those who require them as per seva from the gurdwara sahib.

For those who wish to be blessed with the kirpaa of Amrit please provide your names and those who have any queries ring the number below:

Hardeep Singh - 07969655015

For any gurmat related queries please ring the number below:

Jathehdaar Bhai Sahib Bhai Raghbir Singh Jee - 01926740160