Sikhi Parchaar: Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick

Each Gurdwara is part of the Panth, but even more than that each Gurdwara acts as embassy of the Panth and represents the Panth. If we wish to strengthen the Panth, then we have to strengthen our Gurdwaras. If the Panth is a bad state then that is a reflection of our Gurdwaras. Therefore, it is vital that Gurdwaras become the hubs of Sikhi Parchaar and emulate the ideals of Gurmat. Dr. Sangat Singh in his book The Sikhs in History describes the early form of the Gurdwara during the the period of Guru Nanak Dev jee as “the nerve centre of Sikhism in action." In this post, I am going to share a positive role model of what a Gurdwara should be doing and hope Gurdwaras can follow in the same way. 

Guru Nanak Gurdwara on High Street, Smethwick (Birmingham), is the first Gurdwara in the UK and Europe to be started by the Sikh community in 1961. Over the years the Gurdwara has gone over many changes to the physical building, the management and delivery of Sikhi Parchaar. I have the opportunity to visit Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick at least twice a week when I go to work. The management, the past and present, have always been very supportive to me whenever I have needed anything for my work. I have noticed in the past 9 months or so, since a new management committee has come in place, that this Gurdwara has become the leading Gurdwara in the UK for Sikhi Parchaar.

Since last year, the Gurdwara seems to offer something for all ages, men and women, and for the Panjabi speaking Sangat, as well as English speaking Sangat. Every time I go to the Gurdwara, I see a new poster advertising an event or service being provided which makes me feel happy that a Gurdwara is taking Sikhi so seriously. Usually we think of a Gurdwara management with countless of negative examples of Gurdwara committees uninterested in Sikhi, doing anything for Sikhi Parchaar for the Sangat (let alone the youth), and just bothered about booking Akhand Paaths and cashing money of the Sangat. However, those Gurdwaras doing good work, like Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, should be highlighted and shared with the Sangat.

Outside the downstairs main Darbaar Sahib of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, there is a screen which highlights all the programmes of the day.  It great to see a Gurdwara present itself in a way which is up to date with technology and professional looking. There is also a screen displaying the Hukamnama accompanied with translations.

 

One thing I have particularly liked at the Gurdwara is that in the foyer area outside the Langar hall they have two large TV screens. One shows the Paatths and events in each Darbaar Sahib, the other TV screen plays continuous interesting news, songs and short documentary clips relating to the Sikhi. They have clips from Channel 4 News relating to the Sikh community being shown, a documentary by a human rights group called ENSAAF, a documentary showing Sri Harimandir Sahib (Amritsar), and various inspirational Sikh music and Keertan videos. Every time I go past this area I see a handful of people, who perhaps otherwise might not be drawn to Sikhi, looking at the TV screen and watching the clips. A very thoughtful way of portraying the Sikh message to the wider Sangat.

 

Another key thing about this Gurdwara is that they have their own nursery which caters for children from 3 months to 5 years old. For far too long our community has failed to provide our youth at the earliest age a solid foundation of Sikhi through such things as Sikh run nurseries. It is great that children at such a young age are attached to the Gurdwara, exposed to a spiritual and religious environment and are able to absorb values and teachings of Sikhi.

I have taken some random photos of the some of the things that are advertised at the Gurdwara to give a bit of a flavour of what the Gurdwara is offering to the Sangat. Since, I took these photos lots of more events and programmes have been advertised.

Yesterday when I went to the Gurdwara I saw a poster that was advertising that every Sunday, 6pm to 7pm there will be Kathaa in English. A lot of other Gurdwaras have Parchaar in English either in yearly camps, weekly Gurmat classes for a limited Sangat (usually young children) or one off events organised across the year. However, this Gurdwara and Southall Park Avenue Gurdwara are the first Gurdwaras to my knowledge to have weekly English Parchaar for the wider Sangat in the main Darbaar Sahib on a Sunday.

Below are the weekly classes provided by the Gurdwara:

This Gurdwara is definitely a hub for Sikhi and doing a good job in catering for all Sikhi needs and interests. The management committee deserves congratulations in offering all these programmes and fulfilling its duties and obligations to the Panth and Sangat. To my knowledge the current management committee has a lot of youth involved and proves that a good relationship between the elder and younger generation working together for the cause of promoting Sikhi can be successful.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Australia Trip (Part 1)...

This month I was blessed with the opportunity of traveling to Australia for doing seva at Khalsa Camp Australia and doing keertan and vichaar at some Gurdware in Sydney and Melbourne. It was great to have darshan of such great Sangat there.

The trip to Australia is very long! I usually do not eat or drink anything on the flight because when I took Amrit the Panj Piaare said that when we are forced to separate from our Kakkaars then we should do an Ardaas and then not eat or drink anything (as a form of protest and love for our Kakkars) until arriving at the destination and being united with our Kakkaars. Although there is no official ruling on what to do about flying, most Panj Piaare give this practical Hukam. Having such a long flight (2 days of traveling) I was thinking it will be a challenge to not drink any water for two days. However, with Guru Sahib's kirpaa I found out that at London Heathrow Airport you can wear a Kirpaan!

Most Sangat do not realise that at Heathrow Airport you can wear a Kirpaan in a Gatra and go on a flight. Sharp items up to 6cm are allowed. The blade of the Kirpan has to be 6cm. There is no restriction on the handle and cover size. I showed the security staff my Kirpaan and said "I am wearing a small Kirpaan". The security staff checking me said, "Yes. That is fine. Thank you." This is particularly useful for long flights. It should be noted that this rule only applies at London Heathrow airport. Other UK airports to my knowledge do not allow any sharp objects to be on you or in hand luggage, irrespective of size.  I bought my 6cm blade Sarbloh Kirpaan from Sikh Missionary Society Shop in Southall.

Arriving at Sydney, Bhaji Govind Singh jee picked me up. Bhai Sahib lives near Bondi Beach. In the afternoon I had an opportunity to go for a walk by myself on the beach. It was extremely hot! Arriving at the beach I was shocked at the amount of people at the beach - young and old. I think on the whole beach I was the most overly dressed person there!

 Not being much of a sunbather I relaxed underneath a tree and breathed in the ocean air (which is apparently good for the health). Although I was dressed in Bana and had a Khanda on my dastaar and wearing a Hazooria (and standing out from everyone there), no one seemed to be bothered or looked at me at a strange way. Everyone looked very relaxed. This very good to see and gave me a good impression of Australians.

In the evening there was a divaan for keertan and vichaar at Glenwood Gurdwara in Sydney. The Gurdwara looks beautiful from outside. With Guru jee's kirpaa there is a good amount of Sangat throughout the week and the Sangat has a lot of concentration, attention and interest during the divaan. There were divaans all week at this Gurdwara and another Gurdwara in a nearby area called Revesby. The Sangat had a lot of pyaar and shardhaa which was very inspiring and motivating.

On Tuesday the local young Sangat arranged a trip to the city area of Sydney and had a day out. It was quite interesting that some Japanese tourists asked us to stop and write congratulations in our language as part of a video they are making for their friend's wedding. They were trying to get as many people from different countries to display congratulations in their country's language.

On the way to Manly Beach, Veer Harman Singh decided to buy burger and fries from a place called Hungry Jacks. The poor Kismat of Veer jee that on arriving at the beach he dropped some fries and invited a whole flock of seagulls to congregate around us (the seagulls looked pretty lethal and not scared of humans!). 

Then he had put his coke on the floor, which some how fell over and the drink went all over the floor (inviting more seagulls!). Then whilst eating his burger a seagull (allegedly) sat on top or touched the burger (as the seagulls became over friendly). So bechaaraa had to put most of his uneaten burger in the bin.  Veer jee reflected that perhaps Guru jee is trying to tell him that he should keep some level of Bibek and not eat from outside restaurants. 

To be continued...

Inspirational News: Story of a Young Gursikh...

A very inspiring news article taken from www.Sikh24.com:

Suraj Kumar to Suraj Singh
– Story of a Young Gursikh

PHILLAUR, Punjab (January 25, 2014)—Recently, in the Village of Phillaur, Khera, at Gurwara Shaheeda Singhan there was a turban tying competition. The centre of attention was a 16 year old amritdhari contestant who had converted to Suraj Singh from Suraj Kumar.

Many at the competition were shocked at the story he narrated about his conversion to Sikhi. His story raised concerns on the inner workings of the Sikhs’ top governing body, the SGPC , which works for the welfare of Sikhs and whose budget is more than that of the regional government.

Suraj Singh said at Gurwara Shaheeda Singhan, that he and his mother sacrificed a lot for him to receive Amrit baptism, wherein his father left his mother, leaving them both homeless. Not only this, after the incident, no one amongst his relatives talks to them. He said his family looks at him with scorn.

Suraj Singh, is the son of Satan Bhagat, resident of Lallu Nagar, District Kathiar, Bihar Hall, who is now residing at Punjab Village, Khanori. When he was 6 months old, his family came to Punjab to earn a living as laborers.  When he grew up, he was sent to the government school of Khanori.  

When he was older, one of the students gifted him the biography of Guru Gobind Singh. After reading it, he was so inspired, that he decided to become a Sikh of the Guru. During this time, he stopped trimming his hair. Due to poverty, his parents did not take things seriously and meanwhile his grandmother passed away. Due to this, Suraj was surrounded by many hardships because according to their custom, if anyone in the family dies, all boys of the house have to trim their hair—a custom against Sikh values.

Initially, Suraj revolted against this, but when nobody in his family supported him, he ran away from home and hid at a Gurdwara Sahib in Khloti. To abide by the custom, the family kept on searching for Suraj Singh before his grandmother’s cremation, but they could not find him for 2 months. When they found him after 2 months, he had received Amrit and was Suraj Singh now.

Suraj Singh’s mother is a laborer in the village to earn a living for both of them. Only Suraj Singh’s classmate Jaskaran Singh, and another villager, Gurdeep Singh have helped them.

Reports from locals say that Suraj Singh was taken to SGPC President Avtar Makkar to seek help but he was turned away immediately. Suraj Singh did not get turned off from Sikhi after this incident, but rather he is studying and spreading the word about Sikhism in different villages—he is becoming an example for Sikhs.

Suraj Singh said that in today’s modern world boys from the Sikh community consider turban and long hair out of style—they trim their hair and use tobacco and other intoxicating substances. He feels that Sikh youth should consider their religion the best. By looking at Suraj Singh’s love and passion for the religion, NRI Satnam Singh Khera from Canada, awarded him a cash prize.

http://www.sikh24.com/2014/01/suraj-kumar-to-suraj-singh-story-of-a-young-gursikh/#.UuQmQ7TLc1l

Video: 'Friendship'...

I came across a really good video made by Baljinder Singh for SikhNet's Youth Online Film Festival. This story is related with a Hindu girl who discovers Sikhi. 

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Some common mistakes made in reciting Nitnem...

I've been lucky to have Sangat of Gursikhs who have corrected me and others in the way we recite Nitnem. It is amazing that when getting Santhiaa (Gurbani training) or reciting Gurbani in front of elders to hear, how many mistakes we make unknowingly. Hopefully, awareness of these common mistakes and more, can help us to prevent making these mistakes. Below is list of ten common mistakes made in uchaaran (pronunciation) of Nitnem brought to the attention by elder Gursikhs. Please feel to add more by leaving a comment.

1) ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

Incorrect Uchaaran: ਏਕ ੳਂਕਾਰ - eik onkaar
Correct Uchaaran: ਇਕ ਓਅੰਕਾਰ - ek o-ankaar 

2) ਸਹਸ ਸਿਆਣਪਾ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਤ ਇਕ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥ (Japji Sahib)
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਹੋਇ - hoe
Correct Uchaaran: ਹੋਹਿ - hohe

3)  ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥ (Japji Sahib)
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਸੁਣੀਐ - sunnee-ai (means: listen)
Correct Uchaaran: ਸੁਣਿਐ - sunni-ai (means: by listening)

4) ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਬੁਰਿਆਈਆ ਵਾਚੈ ਧਰਮੁ ਹਦੂਰਿ ॥ (Japji Sahib)
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਵਾਜੈ - vaajai (means: play)
Correct Uchaaran: ਵਾਚੈ - vaachai (means: read out)

5) ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਗੁਫਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਰਖਿ ਕੈ ਵਾਜਾ ਪਵਣੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ||
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ,  ਗੁਫਾ... - har jeeo, gufaa....
Correct Uchaaran: ਹਰਿ,  ਜੀਉ ਗੁਫਾ... - har, jeeo gufaa... (ਜੀਉ means: soul) 

6) ਜਿਨ ਕਉ ਲਗੀ ਪਿਆਸ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸੇਇ ਖਾਹਿ ॥ (Rehraas Sahib - Benti Shabads at end)
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਸੇਈ - se-ee 
Correct Uchaaran: ਸੇਇ - se-e

7) ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੇਖਣਾ ਸ੍ਰਵਣੀ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਉ ||
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ   - netree (means: an eye)
Correct Uchaaran: ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀਂ  - netree(n) (means: eyes - note: the bindi (nasal sound) at end of the word makes it plural)

8) ਰਖੇ ਰਖਣਹਾਰਿ ਆਪਿ ਉਬਾਰਿਅਨੁ || (Rehraas Sahib - Benti Shabads at end)
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਉਬਾਰੀਅਨੁ  - ubaareean
Correct Uchaaran: ਉਬਾਰਿਅਨੁ - ubaraaen

9) ਫਿਰ ਅੰਗਦ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਅਮਰਦਾਸੁ ਰਾਮਦਾਸੈ ਹੋਈਂ ਸਹਾਇ ॥ (Ardaas)
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਹੋਏ - hoe
Correct Uchaaran: ਹੋਈਂ - hoee(n)

10) ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸਿਮਰਿਐ ਘਰ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਆਵੈ ਧਾਇ ॥ (Ardaas)
Incorrect Uchaaran: ਗੁਰ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸਿਮਰੀਐ - gur teg bahaadar simree-ai
Correct Uchaaran: ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸਿਮਰਿਐ - teg bahaadar simri-ai

Please help to sign this petition...

Sikhs are demanding a resolution by the British Parliament condemning the action of former UK premier Margaret Thatcher for her alleged role in the attack on Sri Harimandir Sahib (Golden temple, Amritsar) in 1984. Following the declassification of information that Special Air Service (SAS) of the UK was involved in the Sri Harimandir Sahib attack in 1984.

All Sikhs across the world are urged to take a few moments to sign the petition thereby show the strength of feeling and solidarity. It is utmost important that a unified approach is maintained and we obtain maximum signatures to ensure a full disclosure.

Please sign the petition below:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59219

Khalsa Camp Australia 2014 Coming Soon! Apply Now.

Khalsa Camp Australia 2014

Discover the spirit within!

Join other youth from Australia and New Zealand for an inspirational, spiritually recharging and fun filled week at Khalsa Camp in Australia. Explore the essence of Sikhi in a relaxed and open environment.

Date: 15 - 19 January 2014

Limited spaces left. Apply now to avoid disappointment.

For more information and to apply, visit:  

www.khalsacamp.com.au 

For information on Divaans taking place before Khalsa Camp by the speakers invited to Khalsa Camp Australia from the UK, please see poster below. Check www.facebook.com/khalsacampaustralia
 in case any changes take place in the schedule for divaans.

Amsterdam December 2013 Sikh Family Camp...

From 25th to 29th December 2013 a Sikh Family Camp was held at Guru Nanak Sahib Gurdwara in Amsterdam, Holland. The first Sikh Family Camp was held three years ago. Year after year the camp has grown in its success and the Sangat, young and old, have taken benefit of Gurmat Vichaar. Bibi Mandeep Kaur jee who is a Sikh Chaplain in the army, Bhai Vijay Singh jee who has been involved in Parchaar at camps for the past 6 years attended the camp, and Daas attended the camp from the UK for seva. The camp was attended by families from different parts of Holland and even a family from Germany.

The camp was divided into three groups - under 10s, 11+ years and then parents/adults. The camp included lectures, discussions, Gurbani Jaap for the Chardikala of the Panth, Keertan, and activities. Local youngsters contributed by teaching the younger groups. Bhenji Mandeep Kaur jee's lectures were based on inspirational Sikh women in history and what we can all, irrespective of gender, can learn from their life and virtues. Daas' lectures were on the tradition of Shaheedi started by Guru Arjan Dev jee and the history of the elder and younger Sahibzaade. Bhai Vijay Singh jee's lectures were on Bhai Gurbaksh Singh jee's hunger strike, concept of death in Gurmat, and general youth issues.

The atmosphere of this particular camp was very special. The was great ambiance and feeling of love. The Keertan on Saturday night was breath taking. The two hours or so of Keertan felt like a full night Rainsbaaee. May Guru Sahib continue blessing the Sangat of Amsterdam and may Guru Sahib bless the local youth with seva and carrying on the mission of Sikhi to the next generation.

Some photos from the camp:

Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee Maharaaj

 Bhai Vijay Singh jee doing Hukamnama vichaar

 Under 10s class

 Bhenji Mandeep Kaur jee lecture on Sikh women

 Questions and answers session

Amrita Kaur and Prabhki Kaur, both age 5 from UK, with their fellow sister from Holland. The young bhenji in the white dastaar came to the camp with pig tails and after spending one day in the camp cried to her parents that she wanted to wear a Dastaar and have her hair tied up like her fellow sisters. Vaheguru!

 

 Lecture on Mata Sahib Kaur jee.

 Lecture on what we learn from the lives of inspirational Sikh women. Vaheguru!

Adult men's group having a discussion

 Adult women's group having a discussion

 Bhai Jaswinder Singh jee preparing the under 10s group to present what they have learnt in the camp to the rest of the Sangat. The children were very excited to show what they had learnt!

Sunday divaan lecture on Kurbani of Chhote Sahibzaade

Bhenji Mandeep Kaur jee honouring the campers with medals

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Do Sikhs celebrate Christmas?...

Christmas and New Year is a great time to get together as its a public holiday and everyone tries to be a good mood and share generosity and kindness. During the cold and dark time of year it is nice to see lights lit up and and people reflecting over the past year and try to plan forward for the next.

Most Panjabis of Sikh heritage living in the West on Christmas day will buy alcohol, a big fat turkey, and eat Christmas pudding (which has alcohol in it). On Christmas day the atmosphere in many homes is like a party, the booze is flowing, the smell of meat fills the house and children are engrossed in what gift they have got. Yet, we forget a big part of what makes us who we are!

Sadly many people of Sikh heritage forget during the Christmas holidays there are key historical events that are remembered. December doesn't mark one Sikh's martyrdom but countless martyrdoms. For this reason Christmas time is a sombre time for Sikhs for paying homage and respects for those who sacrificed their lives for us.

21st December

On this day the Battle of Chamkaur took place. Guru jee and his 40 Sikhs fortified a mud house on a hill in the village of Chamkaur whilst the Mughal army led by Wazir Khan pursued them. In a bloody battle, the 2 elder sons (Sahibzaadey) of Guru Gobind Singh jee Maharaaj, Baba Ajeet Singh jee aged 17 and Baba Jujhar Singh jee aged 15, and 36 of Guru jee's beloved Sikhs were martyred fighting against an army of hundred thousand Mughals.

26th December

On this day the younger sons (Sahibzaadey) of Guru Gobind Singh jee, aged 7 and 5, were barbarically bricked alive for refusing to embrace Islam and give up their faith. Hearing the news of the martyrdom of her grandchildren, Mata Gujjar Kaur jee, who had been kept imprisoned in a cold tower with her younger grandchildren, embraced martyrdom and breathed her last.

I suppose December for Sikhs is a period of "thanks-giving". Thanks-giving to whom? To four incredible Sahibzaadey, Mata Gujjar Kaur jee and the other countless Shaheeds (martyrs) who split their blood for us and sacrificed their tomorrow for our today. We enjoy the freedom of being Sikhs because of their sacrifices. If anyone was planning to have a Turkey or drink alcohol this Christmas, perhaps take some time to reflect upon how Baba Fateh Singh jee at the age of 5 and Baba Zoravar Singh jee at the age of 7 sacrificed their lives but not their Sikhi. Could those who eat meat and drink alcohol, sacrifice their turkey and drink in their loving memory?

May Guru jee guide us all to be proud Sikhs who live the Guru's Teachings.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Two young Singhs educate their school...

Carrying on from the previous post about the two young Singhs. Today I was kindly sent photographs of the two Singhs when they went to school today. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa, Himmat (aged 6) and Bhagat Singh (aged 9) share information about Bhai Gurbaksh Singh in school and to the teachers. Here are some pictures of their awareness campaign today at school:

Young Singhs with some posters about the Sikh cause

Elder school students (who are non-Sikhs) supporting the young two Singhs in their cause

Young two Singhs' teacher who said in his career he has never seen his students go on hunger strike and for a cause like this. He was very proud of his students.

I am very proud of these two wonderful Singhs. They have the wisdom of elders and deserve to be called "Baba". I am sure Bhai Gurbaksh Singh would be delighted to hear about these two young Singhs and would also be very proud.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Two young Singhs pyaar for the Sikh nation...

Two young Singhs decide to educate their school on Bhai Gurbaksh Singh and Sikh political prisoners

I want to share a very moving story about the children of a Gurmukh Pyaare Singh from UK. Bhai Sahib has two lovely sons, Bhagat Singh aged 9, and Himmat Singh aged 6. The whole family is very blessed by Guru Sahib.

Whenever I have seen the children at any programmes, they are always dressed in Bana (Khalsa attire). They always come up to me and say a loud warm Fateh and speak Panjabi so well. Nowadays in the UK, even Amritdhari family's children sadly cannot understand or speak Panjabi. However, this family has brought up their children with strong Sikh values and created such an environment at home that Guru Sahib showers His kirpaa.

The children sit in Keertan and sing along as well. To inspire Himmat Singh (aged 6) to read Bani and do Nitnem, Bhenji would tell him, "Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale used to do 21 Japji Sahibs every morning when he was 6 years old." As a result of this, Himmat Singh, along with his brother, in the mornings get out the iPad and listen to Nitnem whilst following along. The children remind me of the Chhote Sahibzaade and are of a similar age, and their parents are just as inspired and motivated by them.

Last Friday Bhai Sahib had a phone call from his children's school. The teacher calling from school said, "...Your both children, both Bhagat Singh and Himmat Singh, didn't have their lunch at lunch time and they have been praying on the bench." The teacher then asked, "Who is Gurbaksh Singh?"

Bhai Sahib jee explained to the school teacher what the the Indian Government is doing to the Sikhs. The school teacher replied, "I am Indian and a Hindu. I am ashamed of what is happening to the Sikhs..."

Bhai Sahib was at work so he sent his wife to the school to persuade the children to eat something. When Bhenji arrived school with some Roti (food). Himmat Singh, aged 6, was crying and broke a small piece of Roti and put it into his elder brother's mouth and said, "Brother! Please eat. Otherwise you will get ill and die... If you eat, then I will eat." Their mother lovingly explained to them that they need to remain strong and healthy to struggle and serve the Panth. The children didn't eat at school.

When the children came home, the mother embraced them both and did Chaupai Sahib Paatth. She then humbly requested her children to eat Parshaada (food). She explained "If the Khalsa of the Guru remains hungry then we cannot struggle for Panth. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh is a blessed soul. We cannot all be as blessed as Bhai Gurbaksh Singh." The children accept their mother's request and ate.

On Sunday the family attended someone's Keertan programme. Afterwards someone asked the young children, "Eat Langar." Himmat Singh, aged 6, replied, "Bhai Gurbaksh Singh is on hunger strike." Everyone was taken aback by the response and felt moved by the young child's hurt and love for the Panth.

The next day, the children went to school and didn't eat anything again. They had taken some printouts about Bhai Gurbaksh Singh jee's hunger strike and cause and put them in their school bag without the knowledge of their parents. As both children didn't eat anything at school during break and lunch and were sitting by themselves, students and staff noticed and got concerned. All the staff and all the students wanted to know why these two Sikh children were not eating. The teacher asked, "What are you trying to prove by not eating?"  The children replied, "We need your help to save Sikhs in India!"

Bhai Sahib was invited to school as the school was taking this as a serious issue. The Headteacher was concerned and wanted to address the matter. Both Bhai Sahib and Bhenji came to school and met with the Headteacher in the office. They were told that the whole school and dinner ladies were concerned that the children had refused lunch. They said that they had heard the whole story about Bhai Gurbaksh Singh jee. Everyone showed interest why the children were not eating and who Sikhs are.

There were Two Hindu teachers sitting in meeting. The Headmaster asked if Bhai Sahib can give further information about Bhai Gurbaksh Singh jee's hunger strike. Bhai Sahib explained that firstly they had never told their children to do anything of this kind and they have decided to act they way they have from what they have seen in the news and their own personal feeling. Bhai Sahib added that Sikhs are a minority and in the Hindu dominated India, Sikhs are mistreated, and whatever is happening in India is hurting the whole family. The UK born Hindu teachers were very supportive of the cause of the Sikhs and were ashamed, along with the other school staff at the injustices committed by India against Sikhs. The Business Manager said, "Himmat, asked me for help. He told me that if I care then I needed to help them because Sikhs who have finished their prison sentences are not being released, and their crime is that they are Sikhs."

The Headmaster added, "We understand the situation. It is a great shame that India is doing this. We are shocked that such a large and so called democratic country can commit so much tyranny against Sikhs. However, please explain to your children that staying hungry is not the solutions as they are only children." Bhai Sahib and bhenji thanked the school and as the children looked so upset about Bhai Gurbaksh Singh jee's arrest they came home early from school.

Arriving home, Bhagat Singh (age 9) said to his parents, "You did bad today. The English teacher could have helped us." Bhai Sahib lovingly explained to both sons, "Well done for raising awareness today. Now all the school knows about Bhai Gurbaksh Singh and the Sikhs not being released from prisons." The school agreed with the parents that from now on for two weeks Bhenji will feed the children herself with her own hands and bring the children home for lunch.

Very moving to see so much pyaar and dard (feeling) for the Panth from young children born in the UK.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

A Human Rights Campaigner who has NOW been on hunger strike for 27 days....demanding the release of 6 Sikh prisoners who are STILL being detained even after completing their sentences!!

Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Ji talking about his arrest...

A Human Rights Campaigner who has NOW been on hunger strike for 27 days....demanding the release of 6 Sikh prisoners who are STILL being detained even after completing their sentences!!

Former IB Officer and DGP exposes Panjab Government...

In the following video, former Intelligence Bureau officer and Director General Police (Prisons), Shashi Kant, exposes Chief Minister of Panjab, Parkash Badal. He gives a wake up call to the Sikh nation and asks Sikhs to raise their voice to get their rights and challenge injustice and oppression...

A Human Rights Campaigner who has NOW been on hunger strike for 23 days....demanding the release of 6 Sikh prisoners who are STILL being detained even after completing their sentences!!

Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale exposing Panjab Government...

 ਕਲਿ ਕਾਤੀ ਰਾਜੇ ਕਾਸਾਈ ਧਰਮੁ ਪੰਖ ਕਰਿ ਉਡਰਿਆ ॥
This Dark Age of Kalyug is like a knife, and the kings are butchers; (as a result of this) righteousness has sprouted wings and flown away. 

ਕੂੜੁ ਅਮਾਵਸ ਸਚੁ ਚੰਦ੍ਰਮਾ ਦੀਸੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਹ ਚੜਿਆ ॥ 
Falsehood is like the dark moonless night, (in this) the moon of Truth is not visible anywhere.   
(Guru Nanak Dev Jee, ang 145)

A Human Rights Campaigner who has NOW been on hunger strike for 23 days....demanding the release of 6 Sikh prisoners who are STILL being detained even after completing their sentences!!

Nelson Mandela and Bhai Gurbaksh Singh...

Author: Bhai Jagwant Singh, Walsall (UK)

Nelson Mandela left a remarkable legacy. He led the ANC resistance against White apartheid rule and was sentenced to 27 years hard labour in prison. During the height of apartheid in the 80s, leaders such as Margaret Thatcher dismissed Mandela as a 'terrorist' and ironically remarked that the ANC could never come to power in South Africa. To her dismay Mandela was freed a few years later and his presidency heralded the end of apartheid rule. 

Mandela treated Whites and Blacks as equals and was regarded by many as a revolutionary - a man who fought for human rights and justice. These characteristics held Mandela in great esteem by people of all walks of life, and are values that we should all uphold. There are many Mandela's even now throughout the world who sacrifice the comfort of their own lives for the sake of others. One such person is Bhai Gurbaksh Singh. 

Bhai Gurbaksh Singh had the company of great saints such as Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the 80s. At the time of ethnic cleansing in Punjab, he spent most of his youth being tortured by the police and in prison under fabricated charges. Even now there are Sikh political prisoners languishing in India's jails after having served their sentences. To give them a voice, Bhai Sahib underwent a hunger strike for 22 long days to protest their illegal incarceration. 

Thousands came out in support of Bhai Sahib however the authorities, just like South Africa's government at the time, saw him as a threat and abducted him last night. He has been moved to Ropar jail with the view to force feed him and quell any attempts to get justice. However many others have risen to take Bhai Sahib's place and continue this struggle. We all admire and remember Mandela for who he was and what he stood for. However lets practice the values that he preached and stand up for human rights and freedom against oppression, wherever that is in the world...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151719584565194&set=a.23737170193.44433.511550193&type=1&theater

A Human Rights Campaigner who has NOW been on hunger strike for 23 days....demanding the release of 6 Sikh prisoners who are STILL being detained even after completing their sentences!!