A nice encounter at Adelaide Airport...

During the recent trip to Australia, I was at Adelaide Airport, returning back to Melbourne. I went through the security gate and a Panjabi guy who works as a security officer very briefly searched me as part of the procedure. He was very friendly and spoke to me in Panjabi. I asked him how long he's been working there etc. 

There was a lady at the end of the security area who was doing swab tests (I think it is a test for explosives and drugs). She smiled and pulled me across and pointing at the Khanda on my Dastaar said, "Can you kindly tell me what your badge is. I have not not seen it before." I explained, "I am a Sikh. It is the emblem of the Sikh religion." She asked me to walk around and stand next to the desk where she was standing and decided to take a swab of my bag. It felt as if she wanted an excuse for me to stop so she could ask me more questions.

She continued, "So you are a Sikh, as supposed to a Panjabi." I got the feeling that she identifies the word 'Sikh' to a Gursikh and identifies those from Sikh heritage but with cut hair etc are 'Panjabis'. This was quite impressive as most often you have non-Sikhs confused that why some 'Sikhs' keep their hair and wear Dastaars, whilst others cut their hair, or why some 'Sikhs' drink alcohol etc. Similarly, last month an elderly white gentleman who visits prisons asked me, "How many Sikhs are there in this prison?" I replied, "Around twenty." He looked shocked and confused and said, "I have visited and walked around the prison and not seen that many Sikhs. I have only seen one Sikh!... Where are the twenty Sikhs?" I replied, "Sorry, there is only one turbaned Sikh man who has a flowing beard." He then interrupted me and said, "So there are not twenty Sikhs in this prison. There is one Sikh in the prison and there are nineteen people who 'cultural Sikhs' but not actually Sikhs." I said, "Yes they are of Sikh heritage." He smiled and said, "Thought so." Vaheguru. It was quite embarrassing and was a lesson for me how to explain things in the future to someone.

She then asked, "What does the emblem symbolise?... It looks very beautiful." I explained, "The double-edged sword in the middle symbolises that there is one God, the Creator. If there is one God, we are all his children. We believe that the spark of God is within all creation and therefore it is important to treat all humans with dignity and respect." She smiled and said, "You are right. That's what I believe." I continued, "The circle in the middle (the chakkar), symbolises that God is eternal, timeless, and never-ending, and therefore we should connect to Him. The two swords on each side represent that we have responsibility and duty to struggle within us with lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego and how we should strive to struggle and conquer our mind. The other sword, represents the outer struggle for defending humanity and social justice... As Sikhs we are Saint-Warriors. We have been given a mission by God to serve humanity and live a life of higher consciousness." 

Hearing this lady said, "I really like your religion. I love learning about different cultures and people. All the Sikhs I have ever met are so lovely people. You are very peaceful and nice. I glad we met." In mind I thought it would have been good if I had one of the Basics of Sikhi leaflets with the three facts and given it to her to read. 

She was a fairly old lady and she smiled and said, "Do you mind if I shake your hand? Is that allowed in your religion?" I said, "Yes, it's okay. In our religion we treat all other women as our sisters and mothers. You are shaking my hand as my sister." She got really happy hearing this and shook my hand and said good bye to me. 

It was a really nice experience. I generally found Australia people to be very friendly and open-minded. They seem to have a very good impression of Sikhs, which was really good to see and experience. 

 

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Melbourne Vaisakhi Smaagam 2014...

This year I was blessed and fortunate enough to attend Melbourne Vaisakhi Smaagam in Australia. The Smaagam was definitely memorable and full of Guru Sahib's kirpaa. The Smaagam was well attended by both Amritdhari and non-Amritdhari Sangat. It was great to see that people from all different backgrounds enjoyed the Smaagam and felt pyaar in the Sangat. The Smaagam began on Thursday 17th April and ended on Monday 21st April. 

 

The day would begin at 3.30am with Naam Abhiaas and Nitnem, followed by Aasa Ki Vaar keertan. Then after breakfast break a camp was held. In the camp there were discussions and talks for adults and elder children. The topics touched upon were the different historical occasions and events that take place in the month of Vaisaakh, Amrit and the Shaheeds of 1978. For the younger children a special class/creche was organised. 

On Saturday, Bhai Amolak Singh jee from Sydney shared his first hand account of the 1978 Amritsar Massacre and the jeevan of Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee, which was very mind blowing and inspiring. At 3pm there was Sukhmani Sahib jaap and from 4.30pm to 5.30pm there was one hour Simran on the Vaaja. At 5.30pm Sodar Rehraas was recited, followed by the evening Keertan Darbaar.

On Saturday night the Gurdwara Sahib organised fireworks display for the young children and Sangat in the car park. Although it can be seen as a waste of money, the positive thing is that neighbours and non-Sikhs in the neighbourhood become curious of what is being celebrated and also children get happy. On Sunday after Aasa Ki Vaar, a special Nagar Keertan was organised. I have been to many Nagar Keertans but this Nagar Keertan was really special. The Nagar Keertan was very short, and was just walking around the Gurdwara Sahib building outside. However, the whole atmosphere was just amazing. The Sangat was so well composed and focused, unlike normal Nagar Keertans were it feels more like a carnival or mela and a question of crowd control. The Keertan was mind blowing and then when the Nishaan Sahib seva  was being done, it was just amazing. Giani Gurdev Singh jee and Singhs sat down and down such josh wala (high spirited) Keertan that all the Sangat I spoke to afterwards, including non-Amritdharis, felt moved and touched.

 

 

On Sunday early afternoon a special class was held for the younger children and they were given prizes. I was so impressed by the children. They were so well behaved and one child, who looked barely 4 years old, recited Basant Kee Vaar from memory. Vaheguru. After the children's class, a special class took place in the main Darbar Sahib. It was a 2 and a half hours session on testimonies of faith. Sangat were invited to come to the front and on the microphone share their personal story of either how their life has changed for the good since taking Amrit, or how reading Gurbani has helped them, or how they wish to take Amrit and seek blessings from the Sangat for their journey. The whole session was just amazing. Sadly, no one was there to record it! The testimonies of faith were just so inspiring. It was great to hear Amritdharis, non-Amritdharis and even a Veer jee who had cut hair, shared how Gurbani, Saadh Sangat, Simran etc have improved their lives. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa the session was so well attended and as a result of it, several ladies decided to start wearing Keski. One lady removed her nose ring, earrings and gold and put it her bag and asked for a Keski to be tied on her. She asked a question in the session that what should one do if they want to take Amrit but their husband doesn't want to. The power of Saadh Sangat and the blessings you get from Saadh Sangat - as soon as the lady got up and walked outside Darbaar Sahib, she rang her husband to tell him she is at the Gurdwara Sahib. Her husband said, "I have been thinking, what if we both take Amrit." She came to me straight away and said how amazing Guru jee and the power of Saadh Sangat is that her husband just rang and said he wants to take Amrit. So much kirpaa.  About 30 or so people took Amrit. Vaheguru!

 

Sunday night was the Rainsbaaee Keertan till 4am. I always love seeing the Panj Pyaare and those who have newly joined the Khalsa walk into the Darbaar Sahib and the Sangat stands to greet them. The Panj Pyaare then did Keertan. One thing I noticed at the Melbourne Smaagam is that both very young children and teenagers actually sit in Darbaar Sahib and listen to the Keertan. Children didn't seem to waste their time. They seemed to have an excitement and hunger for Keertan, which was really inspiring to see.

 

 

 

Photos taken from GSK Fotos.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

"You're a Singh!..."

 

I was walking out of the local shopping centre and I noticed a guy walking towards my direction and looking at me as if he knew me. I struggled to recognise the person and couldn't identify him as anyone I knew. But I realised the guy kept looking at my direction as if he knew me and had a huge smile and an expression on his face like he was astonished.

I smiled back to be friendly. He stopped me and said, "You're a Singh!..." His face was like he was in awe and wonder. Usually you would expect a non-Sikh community that people may look at someone wearing Gurmukhi dress and feel

He a real kushee (happiness) in seeing Sikhi Saroop (Sikh appearance). I replied, "Yes I am a Singh." I was surprised he knew about Singhs because I come from a small town where there hardly any Sikhs and unless someone has been contact with a Sikh, they don't really know of Sikhs. I asked him, "How do you know about Singhs?" With a huge smile he said, "I have met Singhs in Manchester. My friend's friends are Singhs." He seemed speechless after that. It was very humbling to see a non-Sikh by so amazed and thankful to see a Sikh. Just makes you think how amazing our Sikhi Saroop that Guru Gobind Singh jee has blessed us with.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

A Vaisakhi message to share with non-Sikhs...

I always think that Gurpurbs are a wonderful opportunity to share about Sikhi and who we are with the people we work with and the wider community. Below is a short write about Vaisakhi that I shared at work. I found some nice things written on the Internet but nothing that totally satisfied me. So, I took some of the nice things from various articles, added some other things, and put it together. Most people don't want to read too much and are not interested in knowing the full detail, so it is an attempt to give a very brief perspective on what Vaisakhi is about and the key message of Vaisakhi. Please feel free to copy and use or adapt for schools, universities, workplace or local mainstream media. Happy Vaisakhi to everyone!

Happy Vaisaakhi  to everyone! 

Vaisaakh is the second month in the Sikh Calendar. This month coincides with April and May in the Gregorian or Julian calendar that are used in the West.  Vaisaakhi, one of the high holidays on the Sikh calendar, takes place on the first of the lunar month of Vaisaakh, which falls usually 13th or 14th April each year. This year it falls on Monday 14th April, however celebrations take place throughout the whole month.  

What is the Sikh festival of Vaisaakhi all about? 

 Historically a harvest festival in Panjab (northern India), Vaisaakhi also marks the day that in 1699, the “Khalsa” movement - a collective body of initiated Sikhs who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity - was inaugurated by the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. 

The inauguration of the Khalsa was a pivotal event in Sikh history which gave the Sikh faith its final form.  The Khalsa are those Sikhs who have accepted the Sikh initiation or “khande kee paahul” and commit to live to their lives in the service of God and his creation through seva (selfless community work), simran (meditation and prayer), and living a life of higher consciousness that promotes inner happiness, good health and holiness.    

Initiated Sikhs take on a common name, “Singh” (meaning ‘lion’) for men and “Kaur” (meaning “Princess”) for women. Initiated Sikhs also commit to the maintaining a distinct identity and the five Sikh articles of faith or “kakkaars”. 

On the Vaisaakhi of 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji formalized the call to all Sikhs to stand up against injustice, caste discrimination, sexism and oppression. Throughout the Khalsa, has helped the down trodden and fought against injustices, not only against Sikhs but other faiths and communities. 

Although Sikhs are a minority in India, making up less than 2% of the total population, the Sikhs formed a sizeable portion of the Indian Voluntary Army that volunteered to fight, defend and sacrifice their lives for Europe and Britain’s freedom during both World Wars. Approximately quarter of a million Sikh men fought and died in these Wars, which illustrates the Khalsa’s philosophy and ethos. In this tradition, Vaisaakhi celebrations are an opportunity for Sikhs to revitalize their commitment to break down prejudice and hostility, and to join with others to work collaboratively towards healthier local and global communities. 

Vaisaakhi celebrations are more than a celebration of the Khalsa movement; it is also celebration of community, friendship and generosity. Vaisaakhi celebrations include: large colourful processions in cities with large Sikh populations; display of Gatka (Sikh martial arts); setting up Langars (The Guru’s Holy Kitchens) inside and outside of Gurdwaras, which offer free vegetarian meals to the whole community irrespective of religion, colour or gender; and Keertan, sessions dedicated to singing joyful hymns from the Guru’s Holy Writings.

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A modern day 'Sarwan Put'...

Bhai Gurdaas Ji mentions a person named 'Sarwan' as a role model for being a son and serving one's parents.

ਹੋਵੈ ਸਰਵਣ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋਈ ||੧੧||

"Rare is any obedient son like Sarwan of mythology who was most obedient to his blind parents.(11)"
(Bhai Gurdaas Jee: Vaar 37, Pauri 11)

In ancient India, there once lived a sage named Shantunu and his wife. Both were very old and blind. The couple had a young son named Sarwan. Sarwan had devoted his life to serving his blind parents. He took care of each and every wish of his parents. Sarwan's whole life centred around serving his parents.  Once his parents said to him, "Son, we are old and do not have much time to live. Before we die we wish to go on a pilgrimage to Bharat's holy places." Sarwan agreed at once to fulfill their wish. He made a kavad, a special carrier, for his parents. He carried the kavad on his shoulder and they left on the pilgrimage. Sarwan was so devoted to his parents that he did not feel their weight.

A few months later, they reached the outskirts of Ayodhya.  Sarwan's parents were very thirsty. He went to the nearby river to get some water for his parents who he had left behind at a spot. As he went to get the water, King Dashrath, who had gone hunting for a deer in the forest, mistakenly fired at Sarwan thinking it was deer. When he cried out, the King came and asked for forgiveness. However, Sarwan was more concerned about his parents than his injuries. "My old parents, are very thirsty. Please take this water to them and quench their thirst." After saying this he died. Dashrath took the water to the blind couple. He told them about his mistake and about their dear son's accidental death. The parents were very sad to hear this and wished to be taken to Sarwan. Dashrath carried the kavad and took them to the body. The old couple grieved at their son's death. Dashrath bowed at their feet and begged for forgiveness.  Sarwan's Father said, "King, we do not want to curse you, as the power to curse is only in God's hands. But we can see your future. As we shall die shortly longing for our son, you too shall die longing for your son." Soon they died, longing for their dear son. Dashrath, too died, longing for his son Ram Chandar when he went to exile.

In Panjabi folklore and across India, a good son is called "Sarwan Putt". As Sarwan stood for sincere service, duty and devotion to his parents.     

Recently in the news I came across a modern example of a "Sarwan Putt" which was very humbling and moving to read about. Please read below:

Loving son takes his paralysed dad to Chinese university and rigs up special bed so he can stay the full term

• Father is paralysed, mother is mentally disabled from battle with meningitis
• Took care of his mother for most of his life, but still got into top university
• Guo Shijun manages to take care of his father full time and earn top marks
• He has since earned a scholarship to help him pay for school and care

By Luke Garratt

Published: 17:30, 21 January 2014 | Updated: 17:32, 21 January 2014

Most people could forgive Guo Shijun if he gave up on his dream of a university education: because of his full time commitments to caring for his paralysed father and sick mother, he is spread incredibly thin.

Most people would forgive him, but it is possible Shijun wouldn't forgive himself, as instead of giving up his studies, he persuaded university officials to let his father to stay in his dorm for the full term, after he was paralysed in a building accident.

Shijun still managed to get a place at a top university, and, impressed with his dedication in the face of insurmountable odds, they let him bring his father to university with him to lighten his load.

Chinese student Guo Shijun (right) prepares a meal for his father in his dorm while his father (left), who is paralysed from the waist down, rests in the specially installed bed

Guo Shijun takes a picture with his father. For most of his life he has been a young carer, and his workload only doubled when his father became disabled

Shijun, now 20, came from a poor family and had a tough childhood, as his mother was left mentally disabled when he was younger following a battle with meningitis. She was cared for during his formative years by him and his father, and despite this responsibility, he still managed to get top grades at school.

His already tough workload got worse when his father was injured after falling 15 meters off of a bridge he was working on in the city of Liuan in the Anhui province in the centre of China, becoming paralysed from the waist down.

Shijun's grandparents took over care duties for his mother, but they couldn't look after his father as well, so he rented a small room near his university dormitory and moved his father in, so that he didn't have to keep rushing to check up on him between lessons and during lunch. 

Despite insurmountable odds, Guo Shijun has managed to earn top marks at university, and a scholarship for his good grades

Guo Shijun installed his father in his dorm room so that he wouldn't have to go far to check on him between lectures

To keep up his studies he paid for university by borrowing money from friends and relatives until he finished. These costs, amount to £2000 a year for tuition alone, not accounting for food, bills and the cost of care for his parents.


However, despite the huge handicap to his studies, he managed to earn a scholarship to help him on his way.

Talking about his experiences, Shijun said: 'I can't say life is easy but the only way out of the problem is through hard work so I'm not complaining.
'I think once I graduate things will get much better.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2543442/Loving-son-takes-paralysed-dad-Chinese-university-rigs-special-bed-stay-term.html#ixzz2y2hpF2lJ

"Sikhs are lovely people..."

"Sikhs are lovely people...." How many times have you heard someone at work or you meet say this. It really makes me think how blessed we are to be Sikhs and how amazing Guru jee and Sikhi are. 

This week I had a Christian priest I work with me say, "Thank you for everything and being here." I asked, "Are you thanking God?" He replied, "No- I am talking to you." The conversation turned and he said, "Sikhs are lovely people." "All the Sikh people here (referring to work) are just lovely and peaceful people. They vibrate peace and tranquility and just get on with life..." I tried to turn the conversation in to saying people of all faiths are nice etc. However, the Christian priest said, "...No. Sikhs in particular have a wonderful vibration, feel, and they don't clash with anyone and get along with everyone. Sikhs have a wonderful presence about them..." 

Soon, after this conversation, another elderly Christian who came to visit us and I started talking. He said he was a retired Headteacher from a school in West Midlands. I said, "Did you have many Sikh students?" The man's face lit up and said, "Yes. Many. I must say I loved having Sikh children at my school. They were just wonderful. Sikhs are wonderful people. They have such a good work ethic and work with the school rather than working against us. They support their children and always want the best and are helpful to the school. I think Sikhs are wonderful.... I really mean that." 

It's amazing, how the world generally perceives Sikhs as a whole. It reminds me of another story when I first started my part time job whilst studying my Masters - but I will save that for another time. 

I went back to my Sikhi class and told the group about the compliments from the Christian priest and Christian volunteer and we reflected on how we such a huge responsibility when we represent Sikhi either in appearance, name, or association. As Sikhs we have such great expectations of behaviour to strive to keep and do our best to always give a positive impression which reflects the message of Guru Nanak Dev jee. We are not perfect and are 'bhulanhaar', but we can only daily pray that Guru jee gives us strength to strive to live the life he wants and shine Sikhi through our lives that the world feels the warmth, beauty and peace of Sikhi.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!