Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Sweden Sikh Family Camp 2014...


The annual Sweden Sikh Family Camp was held at Gurdwara Sangat Sahib in Tullinge, Stockholm, from Monday 21st July to Sunday 27th July. The camp was attended by children and adults. Gursikhs from Denmark also attended the camp. The camp seva was led by local sevadaars as well as sevadaars from UK and Amsterdam (Holland). The camp was a week of amazing sangat, amrit-vela, classes for adults and children, jokes and laughs, inspiration, pyaar and Naam rang. One child named Prabhjot Singh, aged 12, told Veer Jaskarn Singh (Holland), "Bhajee this camp should not just be for one week, but for the whole year!" It was encouraging to know that the children really enjoyed the camp and didn't want the camp to end so soon.

It was worth sharing something about 7 year old Gursimrat Singh from UK who attended the camp with his family from Denmark. He showed great knowledge of Sikhi and also thirst for learning more. A very special child! He does a beautiful ardaas every time before he eats food. Also, he didn't eat bubble gum offered by another child, and also didn't eat pasta and pizza offered to him because he said he was ensure of the ingredients. Vaheguru! At the age of 7 he does full Nitnem (daily prayers) every day, ties his own dumallaa, and is very polite. Veer Jaskarn Singh (Holland) shared with me that after his history classes about 1978 and 1984 with Gursimrat Singh's group, when all the other children would go outside to play in the garden or eat Langar, he would ask Veer jee, "Can I please stay longer with you to study? I want to study more... Can please you tell me more Saakhis?"  He was very eager to learn more about the jeevans of great Gursikhs. This is Guru's Kirpaa (Grace) and also the the hard work and investment that his parents have done to raise such a great Gursikh child.

There was one mona veer jee from India who had come to Sweden for a holiday with his wife. Veer jee shared with us that he usually never sits more longer than 15 minutes in the Gurdwara but during the camp was he sitting in the divaan for classes from 10.30am to 5pm. He also said that he never sat for listening Rehraas Sahib before. Veer jee was so interested and inspired by Sikh modern history that that he shared that he wished such camps where you can learn Gurbani and history were available in Panjab. He would after the camp ask questions and enjoy learning more about what was covered in the classes. Veer jee shared the sorry state of parchaar and gurdwaras in villages in Panjab. A nice thing to share is that Veer jee's daughter who was about 14 or so months old would keep repeating "Vaheguru" in such a deep and clear voice. She made the whole camp remember Vaheguru! Coincidentally the baby's name is "Gursimran Kaur".

Over the week camp there were classes on Sikh history (from 1849 to present day), teachings from Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, 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. The great weather, scenic Gurdwara surroundings and being in the Sangat of Gursikhs helped to make the camp great. 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. All the children worked really hard to get materials ready and were really excited to present for the Sangat.

Some photos:

 Amrit vela sunrise

 Gurdwara Sahib with its beautiful garden
 
 Workshop on Sangat with the 8 - 13 years old group, led by Veer Jaskarn Singh (Holland) and Bhenji Parubhjit Kaur (Holland)

The youngest group of campers


Veer Rajpal Singh (Holland) teaching the youngest group

Veer Jagdeep Singh (UK) teaching the middle group keertan

History class with the adults group


The youngest group learning to sing the Gurus names

Fun activities for young and old. "Grape and spoon race/game course."

 
Fun activities. Campers firing arrow to hit targets (not people - plastic cups!)

Musical chairs in Sikhi style - without chairs and everyone chanting Vaheguru!

Middle group class on Gurbani and how to respect Gurbani

Class on "Nindya" - slander. A very interesting class with the adults group led by Veer Jaskarn Singh (Holland), especially the scenario and group discussions at the end!

 Group work in class about "nindya"


Watching the movie "Apnaa Mool Pachhaan". The movie had some really nice messages about Gurmat and Sikh history.

 In the evening adults and sevadaars having fun in the Gurdwara garden (not sure of the name of the game)


Bheni Parubhjit Kaur (Holland) teaching the basics of Sikhi to youngest group

 
 Children having fun outside

 Children preparing for Sunday divaan

Veer Jagdeep Singh (UK) helping the middle group to prepare for their presentations for Sunday divaan



 On the last day of the camp all the campers had a test - including the adults! The adults did the test in groups. They were tested on what they had learnt in the history classes which covered Sikh history from 1849 to present day. It was good to know that the adults had paid attention and remembered key information from the classes.

 
Sunday divaan Sangat

Guru jee 

 
Sunday divaan - Keertan by Veer Rajpal Singh (Holland). Veer jee beautifully sung a Shabad of Guru Gobind Singh jee from Dasam Granth: ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਕੇ ਬਚ੍ਯਾ ਦੂਧ ਪੂਤ ਕੇ ਦਿਵ੍ਯਾ ਰੋਗ ਸੋਗ ਕੇ ਮਿਟ੍ਯਾ ਕਿਧੌ ਮਾਨੀ ਮਹਾ ਮਾਨ ਹੋ || "praan ke bachya doodh poot ke divyaa rog sog ke mittyaa kidho maanee mahaa maan ho." ("You are the Saviour of life. The provider of milk and offspring, the eradicator of suffering and grief, and are venerable and deserve high esteem.")

Sunday divaan - youngest group of children sing "Aagya Bhe-ee Akaal Kee..." and sing all the Gurus names to the Sangat

A young camper reciting Mool Mantar paatth to the Sangat

Bhenji aged 5 and Veer jee aged 6 reciting the Gurus names to the Sangat

Sehajneet Singh, Gurpreet Kaur and Bhavdeep Kaur presenting what they have learnt about 1986 Sarbat Khalsa and Operations Black Thunder I and II.

This group talked about the history of the 1978 Amritsar massacre. The young Singh speaking on the microphone was reciting the poem 'Kurbani' written by Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee.

Veer jee presenting some facts about modern Sikh history he learnt at the camp has short cut hair but he showed great enthusiasm in learning about Sikhi and Sikh history.

 
The child pictured above came late to the Sunday divaan and missed the presentations that the young campers did, but he requested at the end if he could speak. He recited the Gurus names in Sangat having learnt them during the camp. This shows the effort that the children put in and the fact that having the opportunity had a really positive effect on them. When Veer Jasdeep Singh (UK) gave him Panjabi work and other things to do in class, he would go home and do extra and then give it to him the next day, even if he didn't tell him to. This illustrates the dedication and thirst for Sikhi of the children.

Bhai Sajjan Singh jee, local main sevadaar, thanking the Sangat at the end

 Sangat group photo



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Monday, July 21, 2014

Saabat Soorat Dastaar Siraa..

Below is a video of Bhai Harpreet Singh from Melbourne, Australia. I met Bhai Sahib in April 2014 during the Melbourne Vaisakhi Smaagam. Bhai Sahib jee is renowned for tying very neat and beautiful Dumalaa. Please watch the video and the spirit and love of Bhai Sahib to tie a Dastaar despite only having one hand. 

 


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Friday, July 04, 2014

Boiled Alive: Shaheed Bhai Gurdev Singh 'Debu'

Shaheed Bhai Dyala jee


In 1675 Bhai Dyala jee, who was arrested with Guru Teg Bahadar jee and two other Gursikhs, was boiled alive on the orders of Aurangzeb for refusing to leave Sikhi. 312 years later, history repeated. On 3rd July 1987, Bhai Gurdev Singh 'Debu' was boiled alive by Panjab Police for the crime of fighting for the freedom struggle and Sikh cause against state terror and oppression.

Bhai Gurdev Singh 'Debu'

The body of Shaheed Bhai Gurdev Singh after villagers recovered it from the Police


Please watch interview of Bhai Gurdev Singh's sister on the life and shaheedi of Bhai Sahib:





Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

First TV commercial in US featuring Sikhs...

I just came across this video today on the Internet of a TV commercial that is being aired in the US...



A message from SALDEF, a Sikh American civil rights and educational organization:
"Starting the week of June 30th and running through July 27, 2014, Comcast will donate one million dollars in airtime on cable channels on Comcast to air a PSA featuring Waris Ahluwalia, a Sikh American actor and designer, recognizing Sikh Americans as a vibrant part of America’s cultural tapestry. Using a SALDEF-created script, the PSA demonstrates through words and images how Sikh Americans’ values are America’s values, including a love of service, family, and community."


This is a great initiative by Sikhs in America. It would be great to see such adverts across the world to help bring Sikhs to the forefront and expose the great contributions Sikhs have and are making to society. Hopefully such videos will dismiss many people's misconceptions of Sikhs and create a greater understanding and appreciation of Sikh identity.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

'Game of Love' - New Sikhi blog...

Message to Sangat:

Sewadaars of Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bradford have set up a new blog to share inspirational articles based on Gurmat with the Sangat.




Monday, June 23, 2014

Summer Sikh camps for under 16s...

 
30 June – 6 July 2014
Austria Chalda Vaheer Gurmat Camp (Age: 4  – 18)
Gurdwara Nanaksar Vienna, Wien, Austria 

7 – 20 July 2014
Paris Chalda Vaheer Gurmat Camp (Age: 4  – 18)
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Lot 1919 No. 85/386, 1618 - Rue De La Ferme, 93000 Bobigny, France
Tel: +33 6 05 92 80 52


19 – 20 July 2014
Sikh Unity Camp (All ages)
9am to 5pm
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Grant St, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 9HD
Register: www.singhsabhabradford.com


19 – 23 July 2014
South Shields Gurmat Camp
(Age: 5+)
Gurdwara Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas, 
West Way, South Shields, NE33 4
 

21 – 27 July 2014
Sweden Sikh Family Camp
(Age: 5 – Adults)
Gurdwara Sangat Sahib Förening Dymmelkärrsv. 23 14650 Tullinge, Stockholm.
Tel +46 (0) 8-778 14 14 


21 – 27 July 2014
Holland Chalda Vaheer Gurmat Camps
(Age: 4 – 18)
2 day camps in both Amsterdam Gurdwaras and Rotterdam Gurdwara.


27 July 2 August 2014
Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh Memorial Gurmat Camp
(Age: 8 –15)
Nanaksar Gurdwara, Wellington Street, Pleck, Walsall



4 – 8 August 2014  
Slough Sikh Family Camp (Age: 5+ – Adults)
Khalsa Primary School
Khalsa Primary School, Wexham Road, Slough, SL2 5QR
www.khalsaprimaryschool.com


3 – 8 August 2014  

Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara South Birmingham
629-635 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, B11 4LS
www.facebook.com/pages/SNA-Gurmat-Camps/151467354934736
www.sna.org.uk

4 – 8 August 2014
Slough Sikh Family Camp
(Age: 5+ – Adults)
Khalsa Primary School
Khalsa Primary School, Wexham Road, Slough, SL2 5QR
www.khalsaprimaryschool.com

4 – 8 August 2014
Caldmore Walsall Gurmat Camp
(Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara, West Bromwich Street, Walsall, WS1 4DE
https://www.facebook.com/GuruNanakGurdwara


10 – 15 August 2014
Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp
(Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Har Rai Gurdwara 128 High St, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6JW
www.facebook.com/pages/SNA-Gurmat-Camps/151467354934736
www.sna.org.uk


11 – 15 August 2014

Southall Sikhi Camp
(Singh Sabha Southall) (Age: 7 – 15)
£10 fee and induction on 11th August
Khalsa Primary School, Norwood Green Rd, Southall, Middlesex UB2 4LA


11 – 15 August 2014
South London Sikh Youth Gurmat Summer Camp 
(Age: 8 – 21)
Under 12s £15 fee;  Over 12s £20 fee.
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 1 Calderwood Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6QW
info@southlondonsikhyouth.com

18 – 24 August 2014
Connect 2 Sikhi Camp
(Age: 7 – 16)
East London, venue TBC
www.facebook.com/pages/Connect2Sikhi/344775912276305
www.connect2sikhi.com


 

Friday, June 20, 2014

Khalsa Camp 2014 - Book Now...




Still undecided on your plans for this summer?

Looking for a relaxing but uplifting experience?


Then book a place at Khalsa Camp this year to end your summer holidays with an experience that will spiritually uplift you and aid your journey in Discovering the Spirit Within!

There is less then two weeks left for anyone wishing to take advantage of the early birds discount, so don’t miss your chance to get a place at the UK’s most premium and longest running Sikhi Camp.

Khalsa Camp provides accommodation and food for attendees for the 5-day duration of the camp. The content of the camp is a mixture of talks, discussions, seminars, Kirtan, Simran and activities. We always work hard to bring the most enlightening, inspiring and educational experience you can imagine within a 5-day period.


With us conducting Khalsa Camps around the world and being well-established internationally, you're in the best hands possible to learn about your Guru and grow your Sikhi.

No matter what stage of Sikhi you are at in your life, there is one focus at Khalsa Camp - to provide you with the tools to help you 'Discover the Spirit Within'.

Places are going fast, so book now to avoid disappointment!


 
Please note Khalsa Camp is for anyone aged 16+. If you have any questions you can email us at info@khalsacamp.co.uk



 
Early Bird bookers fee £150, which includes:

* Inspiring international guest speakers - including the renowned Bhai Paramjit Singh Khalsa Anandpur Sahib wale
* Top class facilities with en-suite rooms
* Wide range of fun activities
* Open andrelaxed atmosphere
* Over 300 people from all backgrounds
* Transportation from around the UK
* Food, accommodation & more included
* Genuine spiritually uplifting experience
* All this for just £150 until 30th June 2014!