Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Sikhs who wear turbans and have unshorn hair

Sikhs who wear turbans and have unshorn hair are regularly decreasing in numbers. The shocking trends can be verified by standing at the gates of any gurudwara worldwide. Please view our slide show presentation : Khalso mero roop hai khaas on the left side of this page. Looking forward for your valued comments on the decreasing numbers.
Best regards
SikhsIndia

Monday, March 30, 2009

Sikh blogs & Sikh websites

If you have a Sikh Blog or a Sikh Website or a Sikh web portal, please mail us a few lines about your blog, website, portal for uploading on our sikh blog.
Best regards
SikhsIndia
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
www.sohnijodi.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/sikhsindia

Sunday, March 29, 2009

shrinking number of young Sikhs who wear turbans and have unshorn hair

The rapidly shrinking number of young Sikhs who wear turbans and have unshorn hair has alarmed many in this religious minority of 20 million. Although there are no formal surveys, community groups say that only 25 percent of Sikhs younger than 30 follow the practice. Many young Sikhs say the daily tedium of combing and tying up their long hair and a desire to assimilate are pushing them to give up the turban, a sacred symbol of a religion founded in the 15th century.
read complete report as & at :
A Ritual Slowly Unravels In India
Alarm Grows as More Sikh Youths Give Up Turbans
By Rama LakshmiWashington Post Foreign Service Sunday, March 29, 2009;
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/28/AR2009032801901.html with THANKS.

Anti-Sikh riots case: CBI files final report

Staff Reporter : हिंदू

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation filed the final report on the probe into a 1984 anti-Sikh riot case involving the former Union Minister, Jagdish Tytler, in a court here on Saturday।
He is now the Congress candidate for North-East Delhi.
The CBI submitted the report in a sealed cover to Metropolitan Magistrate Ram Lal Meena. The court will consider the report on April 2.
The report was filed after the agency examined Jasbir Singh, a California-based witness, whom it earlier declared untraceable. The witness submitted an affidavit against Mr. Tytler before the Nanavati Commission, which went into the riots. Protesters gathered outside the court complex, shouting slogans against Congress leaders, including Mr. Tytler, demanding that the culprits be punished.
The Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that the Centre was misusing the CBI to give Mr. Tytler a clean chit.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/29/stories/2009032960731400.htm
विथ थैंक्स

Nishan-e-Sikhi tower - A ray of hope for youth

March 27th, 2009 by Varinder Walia

Khadur Sahib: Keeping in view the falling standards of education in Punjab and loss of life values elsewhere, the Nishan-e-Sikhi Charitable Trust under the patronage of the Baba Sewa Singh Kaar Sewa, Khadoor Sahib, thought out to provide attractive venues to students, teachers, preachers, professionals, sports people and the general public in the walk of life।

The Nishan-e-Sikhi tower under construction is in a four-acre land and is financially supported with donations by Thakral family and Sikh sangat. It will provide a bouquet of religious education, spiritual awareness, cultural understanding, historic information, vocational knowledge, national cohesion and entertainment options.

The exhibits and contents already prepared for museum and other directorates will be interesting and of great educative value in multiple fields to the competitors, researchers and other visitors.

In all, there will be eight directorates in the eight-story tower. A team of professionals is on the job to turn the projects into reality. The directorates will include Multimedia Sikh Museum, Training Institute for IAS, IPS and IFS; Olympic Training Institute For Sports, Bilingual Sikh Preachers Training Institute, Drug Therapist Training Institute, Environment Institute, Digital Library, and Play and Learn Institute for Children. All the directorates will be equipped with latest technology of the world so that youth could compete in the fast moving world.

Encouraged with the successful adventure of building up the future of progeny, it was further planned to erect the multi-storey educational centre with the name “Nishan-e-Sikhi” to prepare and help the youth in the different fields to compete in the fast moving world.

Khadoor Sahib is sanctified town now in district Tarn Taran. It was visited by eight Sikh Gurus. Gurmukhi alphabet was modified here by Guru Angad Dev who opened the first school of Gurmukhi lipi and started a planned campaign against drugs at this place.

To enhance the educational vision, Guru Angad Dev Multimedia Sikh Museum, first of its kind in the world, was set up by Dr Raghbir Singh Bains, social activist of Canada, at Khadur Sahib during the fifth centennial celebrations of the parkash utsav of Guru Angad Dev in 2004. Robotic and touch screen technology was used to educate masses about the Sikh religion, history, culture, philosophy and the Sikh way of life.

The projects scheduled for the Nishan-e-Sikhi tower have been planned very carefully and are expected to provide resources for educationists, learners and professionals to help better plan for the future of education in enhancing the job orientation and life values।

Thanks to : TribuneIndia.com

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sikhs protest prisoner's hair cut

19 Mar 2009, 0345 hrs IST, TNN
AJMER: The members of the Sikh community in Ajmer organized a protest march in the town on Wednesday and demanded the suspension of a jailer of the central jail who allegedly cut the hairs of an undertrail prisoner, Sukhvinder Singh. They warned of a bandh in Ajmer if justice was not done to the prisoner. Hundreds of protesters gathered at the gate of the dargah and marched towards the district headquarters. They were shouting slogans against the jail administration, demanding action against jailer Govind Singh. "This is a shocking incident which has hurt our religious sentiments and we would not allow this," said Guljeet Singh Chabra, a member of the community. "Even if he is a prisoner, he too has the right to practice religion," he added.' The protesters marched towards the collectorate demanding a high-level inquiry into the issue. "The state government should take action against the jail authorities so that such incidents are not repeated," said Narender Singh. "We are not interested in the rules of jail administration but hurting religious feeling is something against Constitution," added Avinash Singh Hura. "If justice is not done, we will call for an Ajmer bandh next week," said Narender Singh. A memorandum was given to the district magistrate demanding suspension of the jailer. Meanwhile, women members called a meeting in Hatibhata Gurdwara and decided that no one shall be allowed to interfere in religious practices. "Keeping hairs is something religious to a Sikh and cutting it is a sin," said Balvinder Kaur of Gurdwara. Meanwhile, deputy inspector general of police, Mukut Behari Purohit, who conducted an inquiry into the incident, submitted his report to the DGP on Wednesday.
With thanks : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Sant Daduwal, over 90 sent in judicial custody

NAVJEEVAN GOPAL Posted: Mar 18, 2009 at 0340 hrs IST

Bathinda: More than 90 Sikh activists, including Sant Samaj leader Baljit Singh Daduwal, who were arrested last night, have been sent in judicial custody till March 24.
The move is aimed at scuttling the proposed Dharam Yudh Morcha from Talwandi Sabo, in which radical Sikh bodies had decided to send 11-member squads of ‘marjeeve’ (persons ready to sacrifice their lives for religion) every Sunday to Salabatpura against dera activities.
First such squad was announced to head towards dera on March 22.
About 32 arrested radicals protested violently in the police vehicle, when they were being taken to Barnala jail, after which they were brought back to Bathinda jail.
Later in the day, Daduwal and eight others were taken by Faridkot police on production warrants in connection with an attempt-to-murder case registered yesterday following the clash between Sikh activists, led by Daduwal, and Faridkot police.
Those arrested by the Bathinda police included Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj chief Baljinder Singh and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha chief Sukhwinder Singh Khalsa.
Meanwhile, Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh did not blame Faridkot police and the administration in the Bajakhana incident.
“They (Punjab government) did not interfere in the religious congregation of the Sikhs. The clash occurred when the congregation was over and Sikh activists were returning. It appears to be a personal clash with the police,” Jathedar Nandgarh said, while talking to The Indian Express over phone about the allegations of the state government’s involvement.
He later added that he had spoken to Sant Samaj leaders and jathedars and a meeting would be held shortly to discuss the issue. “We will discuss the reasons that led to the clash, who was responsible and what was the role of the police,” said Nandgarh.
About the proposed Dharam Yudh Morcha taking off from Talwandi Sabo, he said as per Sikh maryada, he was supposed to offer siropas to Panj Pyaras on that day. “The call for the morcha was given by various Sikh bodies and not me,” the Jathedar clarified.

with thanks : www.indianexpress.com

London gurdwara gutted in suspected racist attack


A pic with thanks from Langer Hall.

If you can mail us any pics or more details of the incident

for uploading here, we will be thankful to you.

London gurdwara gutted in suspected racist attack

Press Trust Of India
London, March 18, 2009

One of London's most important gurdwara, housing priceless religious books, has been gutted in a suspected racist attack in Britain, a news report said on Tuesday.
Eye-witnesses on Tuesday said a man, who entered the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat in East London, managed to escape just before flames were first seen.
9-million-pound gurdwara coming up in UK town
A group of women, who had spotted the intruder, tried to put out the raging flames in one of the holiest parts of the gurdwara, which was built at Bow in 1979.
Most of the gurdwara's roof collapsed and worshipers fear all but one of its eight holy books have been destroyed, The Evening Standard newspaper said on Tuesday.
Eye-witnesses described the suspected arsonist as being black or mixed-race. A worshiper said he had noticed racist graffiti on one of the gurdwara's outer walls in the past few weeks.
UK Indian wins racism case against Honda
A criminal investigation has been launched and police and fire investigators are treating the blaze as suspicious.
The building, which dates back to 1854 was formerly a synagogue and before that a chapel. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that 75 per cent of the building and the roof had been damaged by the fire.
"Police are treating this incident as suspicious," a Metropolitan police spokesman was quoted as saying by the British daily.

with thanks Hindustan times & PTI, London

Thousands of Sikhs throng Ram Rai Gurudwara in Dehradun

Thousands of Sikhs throng Ram Rai Gurudwara in Dehradun
Dehradun, Mar 16 (ANI): Thousands of Sikh devotees are thronging the Ram Rai Gurudwara in Dehradun for the annual ‘Jhanda Mela’ or the flag fair.
The two-day festival takes place after ‘Holi’.
The fair begins with the flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the birthday of Guru Ram Rai. People from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh throng the fair.
"The Sikhs come here from across the country. It is believed that whoever comes here to offer prayers, their wishes are fulfilled. This is the reason why the number of people thronging this shrine is increasing every year," said R.K Juyal, a coordinator at the fair.
The devotees said the shrine holds a special place in their heart for it fulfils all their wishes.
"I had come here way back in 1991. I am lucky that I have got a chance to visit it once again in this life time. I have come here to pray for peace in my family," said Kartar Singh, a devotee.
The shrine named after Ram Rai, the seventh Sikh Guru was established in the 17th century in Dehradun.
With thanks : Ashish Goel (ANI)

Friday, March 13, 2009

Khalsa mero roop hai khaas - a slide show presentation.

Khalsa mero roop hai khaas - a slide show presentation can now be viewed
on www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com as well the sikh portal www.sohnijodi.com.
Best regards
SikhsIndia

World record broken : over 25000 donate blood at Anandpur sahib.

Sikhs have shattered the earlier record of blood donation, any where in the world. Sikhs crossed 20000 & touched 25000 Units, way ahead of the last record of 13000 units in a single day. Thanks to the Akal Takht and SGPC which organised such a massive blood donation camp.
This blood will save the life of thousands of persons. More details will be uploaded soon.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Khalso mero roop hai khas - a beautiful slide show presentation

SikhsIndia has launched a beautiful slide show presentation : KHALSO MERO ROOP HAI KHAS. It has been uploaded on our blog. Just click on the widget and when it opens, just read n click to view next slide of the complete presentation. We will anxiously wait for your valued comments.

Its also being mailed to the sikh database with SikhsIndia with a request to download, view and forward to friends and relatives. If you wanna view the presentation, please mail us a request and we will be more than pleased to forward you a copy.

Best regards
Team
http://www.sohnijodi.com/
http://www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com/
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/sikhsindia

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Akal Takht accuses Sidhu of hurting Sikh sentiments

Akal Takht accuses Sidhu of hurting Sikh sentiments
5 Mar 2009, 2202 hrs IST, PTI


AMRITSAR: After spinner Harbhajan Singh, it was the turn of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu to earn the ire of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, which today accused him of taking part in "yagna" and wearing a thread across his body and allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs. The Akal Takht asked BJP MP Sidhu to come out with an apology to it "to pacify the anger of Sikh community before the situation could turn more serious". Akal Takht Jathedar Gyani Gurbachan Singh said numerous complaints were received at Akal Takht against Sidhu alleging he had committed acts which were against the practice of Sikh community and hurting Sikh sentiments. Jathedar said a complaint received by the Akal Takht said Sidhu, along with his party activist district-level BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna, took part in a "havan yagna" held at the residence of Punjab cabinet Minister Lakshmi Kanta Chawla. Jathedar alleged 'Divya Joyti Jagran Sansthan' was behind the 'yagna' at Chawla's residence and Akal Takht considered "this organization as anti-Sikh since it had indulged in blasphemous acts for a long time against Sikhs".
with thanks : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Thursday, March 5, 2009

where are we heading for - a wake up call for the Sikh Community


In Punjab the Turban is disappearing fast. Upto 90% of sikh families in Punjab have atleast a couple of members without a turban. Trimming of beards has become a fashion. In all the cities of India and in every part of Punjab, we can find the sikh youth with trimmed beards. Nearly 70% of youth in Punjab are in the grip of Drugs. This menace is blooming amongst the children and in a rapid manner, threatening the life of the youth of the State of Punjab. The sex ratio in Punjab is not improving inspite of best efforts of various organisations. Even the holy city Amritsar has 818 girls for 1000 boys, resulting into polygamy. May i ask from the Sikh leaders, Sikh politicians, Sikh masses that where are we heading for. Isn't it a wake up call for the sikh community. Please give it a serious thought and mail us your most valued comments.


Best Regards


SikhsIndia




Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Sikh Heritage Gallery at Santa Barbara Museum

Sikh Heritage Gallery at Santa Barbara Museum
Tuesday, 03.03.2009, 06:24am (GMT-7)
India Post News ServiceSANTA BARBARA: Over 400 people got together to celebrate the opening of the Sikh Heritage Galleryat the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Bhupinder Kaur emceed the event. It began with Shabad Kirtan by Bhai Sarabjit Singh and his Jatha. Museum Executive Director Karl Hutterer was the first to speak. "When Dr. Paul Michael Taylor, Director of the Smithsonian called asking if we'd like the exhibit, I jumped at the chance," he saidFollowing Hutterer was Sikh Heritage Foundation co-founder Dr. Sohan Singh Chaudhury. Chaudhury emphasized the importance of the exhibition as it aims to clear many misconceptions on Sikhs and Sikh religion. "We are not an off-shoot of Hinduism, or some minor religious cult. We are the world's fifth major religion, and our ethnicity cannot be separated from that religion." Other luminaries that addressed the gathering include S Surinder Singh, Dr Narinder Singh Kapany, Bibi Ji Bai Sahiba Inderjeet Kaur, to mention a few. The program ended with breathtaking Bhangra and Giddha by So Cal students.The gallery was packed with a wide range of items. Ancient swords and other artifacts stood next to modern paintings of and by Sikhs, and vintage pics of Sikh soldiers during the First World War, pictures paintings and models of Sri Harmandir Sahib along with a host of religious and cultural paraphernalia. However, one does feel that it is a little incomplete. There is not a whole lot on contemporary Sikhs e.g. Sikh professionals, entrepreneurs, the role of Sikhs in India's military, Sikh Generals, Admirals and fighter pilots. The gallery could do a little more to demonstrate the Sikh success story in greater detail.The entire event was at no charge to the public. A free show, in effect but the value of the event was priceless. The exhibition will be there till early May.

with thanks : indiapost.com & Mr. JS Bedi

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sohnijodi a sikh web portal crosses 10,00,000 hits


We are pleased to say THANKS to our most valued visitors, as just with your support, we crossed the milestone of 10,00,000 hits on our sikh web portal http://www.sohnijodi.com/.
Please mail us your most valued comments as well suggestions.
Best Regards
SikhsIndia