Gurmat Sangeet

An extract from an article from www.gurmatsangeetproject.com about the inaugural Gurmat Sangeet Darbar held 29-30 October, in Boston, USA.

The tradition of Gurmat Sangeet has been evolving from the times of the Gurus to the present. Historically this has largely been an oral tradition, which has been handed from generation to generation often from father to son in families that have been associated with Gurmat Sangeet since the times of the Gurus. The absence of a written tradition and the lack of a consistent framework for the documentation and preservation of Gurmat Sangeet has had a devastating effect, as this centuries-old system for the transmission of the tradition has broken down under the pressures of the modern world.

Baba Mardana Ji, first Kirtani in Sikh history, who accompanied Guru Nanak Dev Ji and did sewa of playing the Rabaab (rubeck) while Guru Ji sang Gurbaani.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji teaching handicapped persons how to play traditional instruments (Saaj), some which were actually designed by the Gurus themselves.

Drawing by W. Carpenter of Sri Harmandar in 1858, showing the Guru's Court open and Kirtani doing Raag Kirtan using traditional Gurmat Sangeet instruments.

Fortunately, at the turn of the century, a system for musical notation invented by Pandit Vishnu Narain Bhatkhande was adopted for use by S. Gian Singh Abbotabad, who under the auspices of the SGPC, produced two volumes titled Gurbani Sangeet in 1961. These volumes represented the first notable effort to document centuries old compositions that define Gurmat Sangeet and preserve them for posterity. This work was followed by other notable works by Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Gurcharan Singh as well as Gyani Dyal Singh of the Rakab Ganj Kirtan Vidyalay.

Despite these excellent efforts, Gurmat Sangeet suffered the onslaught of ‘modernization’, driven largely by the lure of popularity and financial gain, particularly in the last four decades. Ragis increasingly switched to popular tunes which required less effort and could be plagiarized from readily available sources such as film music, discovering that pandering to popular taste was often the shortest path to popularity and riches. The problem was exacerbated by the ready availability of very cheap mass marketed recordings, which further strengthened the grip of the banal form of Kirtan to the detriment of the Gurmat Sangeet tradition.

In recent times, particularly in the Sikh Diaspora, we have been fortunate to witness a reanissance of sorts, where young Sikhs in particular are beginning to show interest in understanding and preserving the traditions of Gurmat Sangeet.

Some Kirtan in Raag in accordance to the title Raag, which Guru Sahib wrote and intended it to be sung in:

Mouli dhartu mouliya akash
Manmmet Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Satpreet Singh
Raag Basant

Preet preet guriya mohan lalna
Manmmet Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Satpreet Singh
Raag Soohee

Har jas gavoh bhagwan
Rupinder Singh, Nampreet Singh, Shamsher Singh
Raag KaanRa

Har charan saran gobind dukh bhanjana
Bhai Gupal Singh
Raag Dhanaasri

Gun nad dhun anand bhed
Sonia Kaur
Yaman Kalyaan

Ramiya hou barak tera
Sonia Kaur
Raag Aasa

Halt sukh palat sukh
Amrit Kaur, Mehr Kaur
Raag Dhanaasri

At pritam man mohana
Amrit Kaur, Mehr Kaur
Raag BihaagRa

For more info on Gurmat Sangeet or to download Kirtan visit:
www.gurmatsangeetproject.com

Dhan Baba Zorawar Singh Ji

Today is the Birth day of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji. Tributes go to the Great Souls who made the Supreme Sacrifice. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru ke Pyaare.

Pardip Singh's Birthday Bash!!

Last week it was Leamington Spa's Dhadi prodigy, my friend - Bhai Sahib Pardip Singh's 21st birthday! He is studying at University of Birmingham, and living out in halls of residence. Here are some photos from his birthday party bash, which he celebrated with his friends in Birmingham.


Pardip Singh's Birthday Card.


This reminds me of Sundays at the Gurdwara, when the Granthi Sahib gives a Siropa or Gutka to whoever's Akhand Paath it was on the weekend. By the way its of Pardeep Singh and Mandev Singh, who had just finished doing Rehraas Sahib da Paath.


"Smile for the camera!!" Bhaji Charan-Kamal Singh (aka 'Chan') and Bhaji Pardip Singh (looking bit serious I must say).


Main guest (Indy Bhaji) arrives for the Birthday Bash. I wonder what's in the bag?


Aaah!! How cute! lol. It reminds me of when someone gets married and all the uncle jis and aunty jis shove loads of laddoos and barfi in the boy's mouth!


Bhai Sahib takes opportunity to show off his Dhadi lecturing skills.


Sat Naam, Waaheguroo! Bhai Sahib Bhai Pardeep Singh doing Ardaas before the Pavitar Cake (eggless of course!) ready to do Bhog.


Cake cutting ceremony. Waheguru. Reminds me of weddings.


Group photo.


Pardip Singh checking his presents.


Rupinder Kaur giving out Langar. Going with the wedding theme - first of all I thought it looked like Rupinder was drawing a pattern on the floor, like aunty jis and the boy's sister do on the night before the wedding.


Someone's feeling hungry!


Singhs eating Langar Paani.


Tinsel wale Baba Ji giving darshan and blessings to the Sangat.


Tinsel wale Baba Ji addressing the followers and giving a lecture (after he drank half a bottle of Ribena!)

Peace of Sukhmani Sahib

For past few days I have been bit stressed with an essay, which is due tomorrow. Today I downloaded Sukhmani Sahib from the internet and loaded it on my ipod. I remembered that during my A-Levels I would listen to Sukhmani Sahib, while revising. So I thought I would listen to Sukhmani Sahib going to the library.

WAHEGUROO! Listening to Sukhmani today while going to the library and doing my work was AMAZING. So peaceful!! I felt stressed before, but listening to Sukhmani Sahib I felt care-free. I felt nothing to worry and felt reassured about my studies etc.

The feeling was so beautiful that I kept playing Sukhmani Sahib one after another. The feeling was like a child gets when his mother embraces and hugs him. Today, as I was on the bus I peered out of the window and saw a family. The 5 yr old child was skipping along the pavement with his mum. It was so nice that the father, mother and child were smiling, laughing and having a good time. The child seemed care-free and on top of the world.

Listening to Sukhmani Sahib I felt as if Guru Ji was hugging me and saying "Don't worry, you have nothing to worry about".

Strange feeling, but nice.

I definately recommend on listening to Sukhmani Sahib during the day and get the feeling of "Sukh" (peace) in this busy and hectic life. :)

Download Sukhmani Sahib Audio

Nirvana - Grand Finale of London Sikhi Week '05

To finish off London Sikhi Week 2005, and the week’s commemoration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday, students from across London got together on Wednesday evening, 23rd November, to sing the praises of the Creator, and join in the universal language of devotional music given to us by Guru Nanak Dev Ji for the individual to communicate with the Divine. With the sun setting and the beautiful view of London’s lighted sky line, there was a reflective and peaceful atmosphere in the midst of all the hustle of Central London.

Here are some photos:


Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie doing Classical Raag Kirtan - very nice!


Translations of all the shabad were provided on a projector screen. So everyone could understand the meaning of the Shabad. And for those who couldn't read Panjabi, there was also romanised text on the projector screen.


Bhenji Dilpreet Kaur (wearing blue chunni). I don't know whose bags they are. Looks like someone has just come from India and brought their luggage with them.


Sant Baba Pritpal Singh Ji, LSE wale, contemplating on the Shabad Keertan.


Nice to know that we were all focused on the Kirtan! lol. It looks like these Bhenjis from LSE have seen a popstar or filmstar walking into the room. Wonder who it could be?


The night-time view of London from 28th floor of Guy's Tower




Students listening to Kirtan.


I don't know what is happening to me in the picture!! If anyone has any further information please let me know. Thank you!


Bhenji Jasvir Kaur, Bhenji Amanroop Kaur and Bhaji Pritpal Singh (aka Sant Baba Pritpal Singh Ji, LSE wale) sang a shabad really beautifully. It looks like there is a divine glowing light coming out of Hardeep Singh's shoulder (usually i thought divine light shines out of the head!). Ermm... or it could be a reflection of the flash. Rab Jaane!


The Happy Singh is Harjeet Singh, President of King's Sikh Soc. Next to him is Antony Singh. And the bhenji which looks like has veiled her face (as if she is living in Afghanistan or something) is Bhenji Simrit Kaur. "Bhenji no need to hide your face!" Aah Bechaari. :)


Guru-Ka-Langar (SHOLAY BHATOORAY!!) being served to Sangat and visitors


Looks like Tejpal Singh is tasting the Langar to make sure its fit for the Sangat to eat and giving his seal of approval. :)

Sikhi Workshop at Gosford Hill School...

On Tuesday I was invited to come to Gosford Hill School's Sixth Form Centre, which is in a small village called Kidlington, near Oxford to participate in leading a workshop/seminar on "Living in a Multi-Faith society". I was basically asked to talk about Sikhs, Sikhi and about Sikhs living in society. I was invited through a veer ji I know, Charandeep Singh, who attends the Sixth Form. I know veer ji from Oxford Gurdwara.

Well, on Monday after handing in my essay, I travelled to Banbury. Got home and felt tired after the long journey plus I had a bit of cold (will I don't know what it is, all I know is that I been sniffing, sneezing and feeling cold for a few weeks!). My mum made some really tastey sholay pureeaa(n). Yum, yum! PLUS mum made Gajrilaa.

Typical Panjabi mentality - I prepared the workshop and presentation, which I was planning to do at the School, on the night before! Mum, dad and my cousin helped out with suggestions and what to include in the PowerPoint presentation. The end result was that I had a PowerPoint with an introduction to Sikhi (very basic intro), loads of photos of different types of Sikhs (i.e. different age-groups, different ethnicities and Sikhs from different parts of the world), a few lines from Gurbaani to illustrate a few fundamental Sikh principles & values, and at the end I prepared workshop topics. There were four topics - (1) Problems a Sikh may possibly find having unshorn hair and wearing a turban in society, (2) How have Sikhs been effected 9/11 and 7/7 and how can society get over misconceptions, (3) How does the banning of religious symbols in France effect Sikhs, and (4) Name some virtues or values of the Sikh faith which can inspire and benefit individuals and society. In groups they had to discuss these topics, offer solutions and ways of solving the various issues.

THE JOURNEY THERE - I got to Banbury station at 7.50am. I had 3 minutes to get the 7.53am train, which was due to arrive in Oxford at 8.15am, where Charandeep Singh was going to pick me up from. Guess what happens? THE TRAIN IS 20 MINUTES LATE! Waheguroo! Then I thought I will get on the train to Bicester North train, and I will phone Charandeep Singh to pick me up from there instead of Oxford. I get on the train as I am trying to phone Charandeep about the change of places. Guess what happens? MY PHONE BATTERY GOES DEAD! Waheguroo! So I panic and think how will he know I am in Bicester!!! Rab Da Shukar that the train doors had not yet locked, I quickly got out and waited 20 minutes for the train to Oxford.

Eventually I get to Oxford at jus over 8.30am. I am about to pass the barrier. I show my ticket to the train guard to let me through. Guess what happens? "SORRY, YOUR TRAIN TICKET IS INVALID!" Waheguroo, Waheguroo! Apparently my ticket was off-peak ticket, and only peak time tickets were valid during the morning. The bloke looked Asian (Bengali or Gujrati) so I thought he might let me pass anway. But then another train guard comes and say I got to pay for another ticket. So he charges me £7!!

Arriving at the School, Charandeep walked me to his Sixth Form Centre. It was in a secondary school. So as I walked through the playground, it was ALL GORE. I could see people STARING at me and people were POINTING and LAUGHING. Waheguroo! Living in London, you get used to being accepted and no-one see's you as odd. However, for these people I was something new, as they had never seen a turbaned Sikh before. I felt bit weird, reminded me of school when people laughed and mocked me for having kesh. I thought "O mind, keep strong, smile back and look HAPPY!" So that’s what I did.

Entering the Sixth Form, the entire year 13 group were sitting down in their assembly. I could feel everyone looking at me. Chalo, Rab Rakha! The Archbishop of Oxford gave an introduction to the multi-faith conference day by stating the importance of multi-faith dialogue and how we are not the same, but equally we all share common values, which we can all learn and share from.

I did four presentations for four different groups. The Sixth Formers were very mature, respectful and were easy to get along and interact with. I went through the PowerPoint, shared experiences and then got them working on the discussion topics. At the end of each presentation (except the first one, because there was a minor problem with the laptop, i.e. the plug was off and no-one realised!) I showed the Desi DNA video, which came on BBC2 about non-Panjabi white Sikhs living in America. They were very impressed and there perceptions of Sikhs, whom most had very little knowledge of, became very positive.

During the break, the invited speakers were invited to the Staff Room for refreshments. The teacher asked me, "Would you like tea or coffee?" I said "tea". Then I looked around and the other people were drinking tea and coffee out of the staff mugs (which don't exactly look hygienic or nice!) So I quickly changed my mind and said, "Actually I will have a cup of water please." I was expecting to get some Paani (water) in a plastic cup! What happens? I GET WATER IN A STAFF MUG. Waheguroo! I felt sick looking at the mug. I don't know WHY I did, but I thought now the poor woman has brought the water, I better drink some. I took one gulp and THATS IT. I couldn't drink any more. The other invited speakers were from Hindu community (who had some weird views - that "true reality is the person, NOT God"... ermmm that makes sense! NOT!!), a Jewish speaker (seemed nice), a Baptist speaker (very friendly chap), a Muslim speaker (friendly down to earth gentleman) and a Humanist (basically an atheist who believes Humans should give values and morals rather than religion). I got NEGATIVE VIBES from the Humanist. Felt sorry for the poor chap because he seemed clueless about life and about things (I suppose he thought the same about me. lol.) The Hindu guy was getting a bit annoying... he kept ranting on about Hindu priests and how the new laws that priests have to speak English will effect Brahman Pandits from India and eventually the caste system will break down and blah blah blah. The Gore were thinking "caste system??" Then Oxford Mail newspaper-man came down and took photos of the different religions representatives.

JOURNEY BACK TO LONDON - Walking back through the School background, when leaving, I felt school kids STARING and some openly pointed and laughed. Again, I tried to keep smiling and portraying positive vibes. Charandeep's sister and kindly dropped me off me to the train station. Now, I got out my "OFF PEAK" train ticket, as now it was 3pm, so I could use it. The bloke was checking my ticket at the barrier, when another train inspector comes and says, "Oih mate, I saw you in the morning! I told you that your ticket was invalid. You come back again, using same ticket!" I said, "Its OFF-PEAK hours now! What's the problem." I was shocked at him saying, "Your ticket is for Chiltern trains only. Chiltern trains don't go from Oxford." I thought A TRAIN IS A TRAIN! I just wanted to get to London!!!! So they charge me AGAIN! This time £10! Waheguroo!! Expensive journey!


So that was my day travelling to Oxford and Kidlington. I went to Southall on way back to London, considering now I had paid like £17 EXTRA on top of my normal return journey ticket. Went to the Gurdwara Sahib and listened to Kirtan. Then I went back to Halls, dropped off my bags and food, which I had brought from home. On the way to halls I popped by to the weekly King's Simran to say 'Fateh' to everyone. Got back to halls at about 5.30pm. Then straightaway I left for Queen Mary University for the Sikhi Week event. So it was BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

I had bit of headache after all the journey problems. But chalo - Rab De Rang! :)

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare!

A tribute article to my Satguru, Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji and his great Sikhs who gave shaheedi today at Chandni Chowk standing up for justice and against oppression not just for Sikhs, but for all humanity. Just think if the Guru's Sikhs are great, then how great must their Guru be.

When Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji went to sacrifice himself for the freedom of the Hindu nation, and stand up for dharam, righteousness and justice of the whole humanity, Guru Ji also had three other Sikhs who stayed with him and were martyred in front of Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji’s own eyes.

One of these great men was called Bhai Mati Daas Ji. The Qazi, the Muslim priest, asked Bhai Mati Daas Ji:“Accept Islam and you will receive all the happiness’ and comforts of the world. We will give you riches, as many wives as you wish, and make you a courtier of the Mughal royal court.”

Bhai Mati Daas Ji replied: “And if I don’t accept Islam then what will I face?”
“Then you will be faced with death! You will be sawn alive”, said the Qazi.

Bhai Mati Daas said to the Qazi: “O Qazi I have tasted all of the world’s happiness’ and comforts. My family are well off, I have a wife, children and parents. I am healthy and experienced all the world has to offer me… However I have not tasted the teeth of your beloved saw! I would rather taste the teeth of the executioner’s saw than have all the comforts of the world.”

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the executioners to give him a taste of the saw’s teeth. The executioners placed the saw on top of Bhai Mati Daas’ head and sawed downwards up to the length of four fingers. Blood was pouring from his head. His hair was shining bright red. His face was smothered with the colour of blood.

“You have tasted the teeth of the saw. Now tell me if you wish to accept Islam and have all the comforts and riches of the world or face death”, asked the Qazi. Bhai Mati Das Ji replied, “I would rather face death and take on the teeth of the saw than be engulfed in the pain and misery which the comforts of the world bring."

ਸਿਰ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ, ਪਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਸਿਦਕ ਨਾ ਜਾਵੇ ।
“If I have to die, so be it, but may my Sikh faith never go.”
(Sikh proverb)

The Qazi, the executioners and the rest of the crowds were shocked at Bhai Mati Daas’ decision. The executioners asked, “What is your last request?” Bhai Sahib said, “I don’t have one but two requests! Firstly may my body be facing Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji, I never wish to turn my back to my Beloved Guru. Secondly I request you to execute me slowly. I wish to recite ‘Jap Ji Sahib’. So do not saw my tongue off until I utter:

ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥1॥
jinni naam dhiaayiaa, gaye masakhat ghaal; naanak te mukh ujley kehtee chhutee naal. 1.
"Those who have meditated on the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and departed after having worked by the sweat of their brows -O Nanak, their faces are radiant in the Court of the Lord, and many are saved along with them! .1."
(End Salokh (verse) of Japji Sahib, Ang 8, SGGS)

Gurbaani says:

ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥ ਜਹ ਸਾਧੂ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਭਜਨੁ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਨੀਤ ॥
ਣਾ ਹਉ ਣਾ ਤੂੰ ਣਹ ਛੁਟਹਿ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਅਹੁ ਦੂਤ ॥1॥
shalokh. jeh saadhoo gobind bhajan, keertan naanak neet.
Naa hau Naa too(n) Neh chhutehi, nikatt na jaaeeahu doot. 1.
“Salokh: Where the Holy people constantly vibrate on the Kirtan of the Praises of the Lord of the Universe, O Nanak - the Righteous Judge (Recorder of Karma) says, "Do not approach that place, O Messenger of Death, or else neither you nor I shall escape [from God]!"”
(Ang 256, SGGS)

The executioners were moved by this. “People usually ask us to hurry up the execution, so that they feel as little pain possible. We have never been requested to kill somebody slowly.”
The saw was put on Bhai Mati Daas Ji’s head, and the sound and vibration of Japji Sahib began:

“ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
Ek Ounkaar, Sat-naam, Karta Purkh, Nir-bhau, Nir-vair, Akaal Moorat, Ajooni, Sai-bhun(g), Gur-prasaad…”

Bhai Mati Daas showed no sign of distress and continued to recite Japji Sahib. Eventually his body split into two pieces.



Bhai Mati Daas never gave up Sikhi or the support of Gurbani when challenged with death. Bhai Mati Daas didn’t merely utter Gurbani but, he lived Gurbani and put Guru Ji’s Divine words into action.

Now we are not faced with the choice of choosing between torturous deaths, conversion or keeping our Sikh faith.

Have we held on tight to the support of Japji Sahib?
Have we held on to the immortal spirit of Sikhi?
Have we held on to the Guru’s gift of fearlessness and love?

Where did they get their faith, conviction and power from? The answer is Naam, Gurbaani and Rehat. So, I would like to suggest to the readers that if you have missed the starting date of the forty day Japji Sahib reading in commemoration of the young Sahibzaadey, not to worry! We are not to get ‘trapped’ by numbers etc. Perhaps start reading Japji Sahib today or tomorrow and try feeling the Divine Words revealed by Guru Nanak Ji. Don’t do it for yourself, or for your parents (so that they can be proud of you etc). Do it to remember, honour and show appreciation to those who died for our today, for those who lived and breathed Sikhi, and for those who kept the Glory of Sikhi shining forever with their sacrifices.

‘Remember those who laid their lives for our tomorrow.’

BE INSPIRED AND INSPIRE OTHERS!

May Waheguru bless you.


Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam...


Dhan Bhai Mati Daas Ji (martryed by being sawn alive)


Dhan Bhai Dayala Ji (martyred by being boiled alive)


Dhan Bhai Sati Daas Ji (martyred by being burnt alive)


Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji (martyred by being beheaded)

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare!!

Sad story about Chips

Today I went to the library. I've got an essay to hand in tomorrow. So I spent the day in the library, and didn't have time to eat lunch. When it turned 5 o'clock I thought okay, I am going to go now and have something to eat. In my mind I thought "yum, yum, it would be nice to have chips today - its been such a long time since I've had chips."

So I walked from the library to the Chip Shop near Waterloo Bridge. It takes about twenty to thirty minutes. So I thought I would walk rather than take the bus, and at same time do evening Rehraas Sahib da paath.

By the time I reached near Waterloo station I finished Rehraas Sahib da paath and had done Ardaas. I was looking forward to eat some warm chips in the cold weather. This chip shop is the only one I eat chips from because they cover their heads and it looks clean and hygienic. Plus they cook chips separate to the fish.

I felt an inner conversation with myself. "O mind! Don't have chips today, go home and cook something." Just as I thought this the bus arrived. Now the bus at waterloo campus is always late!! and takes about 30 mins to arrive. So I thought "ermm... shall I take the bus or shall I have chips." I had a choice. I chose "chips"!

Then I got outside the chip shop and thought I better see if I have the money to actually buy the chips. I don't want to go inside and then feel embarrassed if I don't have the right amount of money. So I opened my wallet outside the chip shop, and looked. OH NO! I couldn't see a pound. I thought "O Mind! Don't eat chips, go home and cook something. Don't eat chips." Did I listen? No! I count my five pennies and ten pennies and AT LAST I made a pound. So I went inside.

I waited to order. "I will have a bag of chips please." "Sorry, You will have to wait a few minutes." The man had handled money and stuff and then he went to the freezer to get some chips without washing his hands. I thought errr... come on BASIC HYGIENE. I could hear an inner conversation "I told you! You can still turn around and leave." I thought no, no.... erm as I have ordered; I will pay for it and then it give it to some tramps to eat (note: but usually you never find a tramp when you have something to give them!).

Then I felt a sickening tobacco smell. Where is it coming from? It was one of the workers on a break and talking to the man who was getting the chips from the kitchen. I felt sick. I had enough. Guru Ji had given me like four chances to turn around and go home. So I told the man "Sorry, its taking to long, I got to go."
So I left with no chips

(I don’t know whether there is a morale for the story or not - if there is please let me know. lol. thanks)

'Sikh & You Will Find'

Yesterday, Friday 19th November, there was a talk & discussion held at City University, titled 'Sikh & You Will Find', as part of London Sikhi Week.

Bhenji Navleen Kaur Ji led a fantastic talk about relationships. Bhenji identified the different types of relationships we have i.e. sister, brother, mother, father, husband, social, life partner etc. In particular the talk focused on the Jeevan Saathi (life partner) and how marriage and married life can help one's relationship with Divine, Waheguru.

It was interesting that throughout the talk there was silence and everyone was so attentive. It was obviously a topic, which affects young people and is very relevant for the age group. Bhenji went through the meanings of the four Laava(n) (vows) of the Anand Kaaraj (Sikh marriage ceremony). It was amazing at how Guru Sahib gives practical guidance in the Laava(n) and through following the guidance one can have a successful marriage between husband and wife, and also both can help one another to become one with Waheguru.

Students asked questions and discussions took place. The concept of divorce, perspective on mix religion marriages, how Anand Kaaraj's are merely show nowadays, and the importance of Amrit (Khande Di Pahul) were discussed. It was a really interesting, and nice to hear everyone's vichaar (thoughts). I am sure everyone learnt something from someone, and were all inspired with the Guru's wisdom.

Some photos:



Ice-braker activity. We had to talk to the person sitting infront of us, and behind us and find out 3 things about them. The exercise was to demonstrate how it can be difficult to form social relationships with people, and how one has to take a risk in forming a relationship. However, by doing so you meet someone really interesting who may become your best friend.


Bhenji Navleen Kaur talking about 'Jeevan Saathi'.



Students listening to the talk.


Bhenji Navleen Kaur engaging with the audience.


Samosay being served! Notice the plates - they were really thin and literally the chutney poured off the plate :( (Waheguroo)... Bhenji Kamaldeep Kaur is getting chutney poured into a cup. I don't whether she planned to drink that or dip her Samosa in the cup? Rab Jaane!


Photo of me going up to negotiate with Bhaji how many Samosay I am allowed to have. lol.


Veer Ji's from City Uni, enjoying the Samosay and taking advantage of the photo oppurtunity.


Easy Bhenji on the Samosay! I know they were swaad (tastey) but isn't two plates a bit overboard?


I'm trying to eat the Samosa without the Chutney spelling on my Kurta. (Waheguroo - Life can be challenging. lol).


Everyone relaxing, mingling and chilling out after the talk.