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Tuesday 7 October 2008
A new Site By Muslim Gangs
www.sikh4aweek.blogspot.com
UK Sikh School neglects care of Gurdwara
Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Chigwell (UK) Chigwell, London (KP) - Last week it was brought to Panthic Weekly's attention that Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Chigwell, London, is doing beadbi (violating the sanctity) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by showing gross neglect and lack of care in managing and maintaining the Gurdwara which is within the school. The same school hosts the controversial ‘Sikh Student Camp’ every year. The same camp has come under the thick criticism for wrong parchaar, lack of observance of Gurmat Maryada, and a lack of discipline on behalf of camp sewadars. It was claimed by members of the Sikh Sangat that “the Chigwell sikh school are unaware of what their role is towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.” Concerned members of the Sikh community reported that no one cleans the Gurdwara within the school and it looks in a sorry state. One Sangat member described their findings as, "I couldn't believe what I saw. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is kept in a small cupboard like room, which is really untidy and a sheer embarrassment. I also found Gutke Sahibs just laying around at the back.” Students who attend the Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College have also contacted Panthic Weekly in regards to gross beadbi (violation) of the Gurdwara within the school. One concerned pupil wrote, “A non-Sikh ‘couple’ were ‘making-out’ in the back of the Gurdwara, and much more has and is still going on in the Gurdwara within the school. The school has students from all different faiths and no one shows respect for the Gurdwara.” Another pupil of the school claimed that, “People swear in the Gurdwara. There is no discipline. They have no Amritdhari person to do Guru Mahraaj’s sewa. The tabla and vajas are kept on the side and many of them are broken. Also people pick out dry Parshaad themselves and there is no basic Maryada kept by pupils or enforced by the school staff. The children are told to wear hats in Darbar Sahib if they don’t like wearing rumaals.” Photos of Beadbi: It is disheartening for the whole Sikh community to see the deterioration of our Gurdwaras. Anyone institution, Gurdwara, or school who has set up a Guru Darbaar, has the responsibility to maintain the Sikh Rehat Maryada. We are celebrating 300 years of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji being bestowed eternal guruship by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, yet sections of the Sikh community have still not learnt how to treat Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji the utmost respect, reverence, and care. It seems beadbi has been taking place for a number of years while the school retains a name of a school based on ethics of the Sikh faith, but it does not function in adherence of the basic tenants. This comes with no surprise with the school being given to the ‘Sikh Student Camp’ to hold a yearly summer camp, which has been widely reported as having many problems it self. Panthic Weekly urges the local community along with the UK Sikh Sangat to contact Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Chigwell, and ask them to take appropriate action: Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College
Gutka Sahibs kept in boxes stacked up together
Gutka Sahibs kept uncovered with little care and attention
Sachkhand is a small cupboard like room which is used for storage as well as for the resting place for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Vajas and Tablas dumped in a corner of Darbar Sahib next to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, alongside bags of rubbish
Bags littering the way to get to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Roding Lane
Chigwell
Essex
IG7 6BQ
E-mail : info@ggskcollege.co.uk
Phone: 020 8559 9160
Disappointing Sikh Student Camp 2008
Letter to Editor, by HS Bhatia
Sat Sri Akal.
I was shocked by what my friend told me about this Sikh Student Camp 2008 and I am utterly disappointed.
The information given by my friend’s son about this Sikh Student Camp:
2) There was an informative talk on Guru Arjun Dev and Shabad Hazaray story. He enjoyed the talk and information given. An American Sikh was the speaker. The speaker got the campers to make lines in the Darbar Hall. The girls were asked to face the boys in lines. The speaker got the boys to sing one line of Shabad Hazaray to the girls and the girls were made to sing the next line of Shabad hazaray to the boys. This is totally wrong and unacceptable. Shabad Hazary are for God’s praise and should not be used for singing to girls and this nonsense. This is worse than fake sant Babas who do nonsensical parchar.
3) We been taught from day one that there is One God. This is how the Guru Granth Sahib starts with Ek Onkar. He says that in one of the camp talks by someone called Mr. Panesar, he said that there is ‘no God’. People send their children to learn about God and they at this camp say there is no God and that God is human beings. This Mr. Panesar taught them a concentration technique, focusing on a dot and that there is no benefit in repeating Waheguru. This is a lie. Since my childhood I have been told and learnt that a Sikh repeats Satnam Waheguru Simran and concentration should be on the sound of Sirman. Where does this technique of focusing on dots in your mind come from? Sounds like a cult Baba technique.
4) I was shocked to hear that day one was a Bhangra day. He said that a DJ was invited to the camp who was swearing and saying rude things. Is this a Sikh camp or a Bhangra camp?
5) In a Q&A class, the American Sikh, Mr. Panesar and others were answering questions to campers. I am disgusted to know that the speakers told campers that homosexual relationships are allowed in Sikhism, that same-sex marriages should be permitted in Gurdwaras, that Sikhs can find their own partners and marry outside Sikhism. These views are totally inappropriate and are preaching totally wrong things. We bring up children and teach them to be respectable and marry a Sikh girl and not to get into relationships with others.
6) It was disheartening to hear that a camp leader who was wearing a nihung turban and big beard told campers that there is no need to keep Kesh to be a Sikh. How can someone keep turban and beard and say such a thing? The same camp leader said that the discipline a baptized Sikh has to follow is wearing the 5 Ks and no other rules need to be followed. Sikhism is a way of life and by wearing 5 Ks alone is not religion. This misguiding youngsters that it is okay to do anything you feel like.
7) I was shocked to know that a Mona (clean shaven) was given lead sewa in the Darbar. Being a Sikh camp I would have thought that if they could not find any Amrithdari Sikh to do sewa of the Guru Granth Sahib and do bhog of Sahaj Path then at least they could have asked Gurdwara Gianis to come.
8) My friend has always taught his children that keeping Kesh is important. But this camp has left negative impression on his son. He was sent to learn more about Sikhism because of the bad things you hear about happening in universities. But instead of bringing closer to Sikhism they have encouraged him that it is okay for a Sikh to go clubbing and parties. He no longer wears turban and instead ties a patka. This is shameful for his family.
I hope Panthic Weekly and Panjab Radio will both act on this matter. As I find it very serious matter and need action taking as soon as possible.
Sat Sri Akal
HS Bhatia
Is Project Naad now supporting Dera Jhoota Sauda Sirsa Cult ? (Editorial) Friday 25th of July 2008
In the past year or so a website has emerged called “Project Naad” (www.projectnaad.com). This website claims to be a charitable organization which is committed to “producing high quality freely distributable content for propagating the Sikh way of life.” Project Naad states that the content of their website is intended for university students, Gurdwaras and Interfaith work. In theory the website and the motivation of ‘Project Naad’ seems very good. However, after close analysis of the Project Naad website, the content of their articles & leaflets, and comments posted on various message boards & forums, it is apparent this website is doing anti-Gurmat parchaar in the guise of Sikhi.
We were shocked to read a statement from ProjectNaad.com, posted on the SikhNet discussion board on 2nd July 2008, which showed open support for Dera Jhoota Sauda and it’s leader ‘Ram Raheem’. The full statement can be read on the Discover Sikhi messageboard. Panthic Weekly presents the objectionable statements written by the Project Naad website with replies from the Gurmat perspective (kindly provided by ‘Sikh Answers’):
QUOTE 1) There is some discussion about defining a sikh. There is not one answer and it depends how inclusive or exclusive we want to be. We at ProjectNaad would suggest that every living creature is a Sikh.... i.e. on a journey to realise truth. The traditional orders (sampardayas) in sikhi such as Nirmalas and Seva Panthis all have people who do not have the form of the Guru yet are 110% sikh
Anyone who does not faithfully believe in Khande Di Pahul (Amrit) and the Panj Kakaar, cannot be a Sikh. Modern Nirmalas and Udasis do not believe in Amrit or the Panj Kakaar and therefore are not Sikh. Anyone who practices and believes in the Sikh tenets is a Sikh. To argue that everyone is a Sikh is a wishy washy statement. Would you expect a Muslim to do Granthi Singh duty? Or would you allow a Christian to do Nishaan Sahib seva because he is a Sikh in your eyes? A Sikh has a set discipline, code of conduct and way of life. According to Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Guru Khalsa Panth anyone who lives outside this conduct and discipline does not qualify as a Sikh. Everyone and anyone has a right to claim to be a Sikh.
The Panthic Sikh Rehit Maryada states:
In addition to this, there are various Puraatan (old) Rahitnamas that convey the Hukam of Dashmesh Pita about a Sikh is one who has Kesh:
ਜਬ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਸਬ ਸਿ੍ਰਸਿਟ ਉਪਾਈ । ਤਬ ਹੀ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹਿ ਬਨਾਈ ।ਤਨ ਇਸ ਕੇ ਸਿਰ ਕੇਸ ਜੁ ਦੀਨੋ । ਸੋ ਇਹ ਤਨ ਸ਼ਿੰਗਾਰਿਹ ਕੀਨੋ ।ਦਾੜ੍ਹਾ ਮੁੱਛ ਸਿਰ ਕੇਸ ਬਨਾਈ । ਹੈ ਇਹ ਦਿ੍ੜ ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਰਜ਼ਾਈ ।ਮੇਟ ਰਜ਼ਾਇ ਜੁ ਸੀਸ ਮੁੰਡਾਵੈ । ਕਹੁ ਤੇ ਜਗ ਕੈਸੇ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਵੈ ।
“God created the whole universe and then he fashioned the human body. He gave man a beard, mustaches and hair on the head. He who submits to His Will steadfastly adheres to them. They who deny His Will how will they find God in this world?”(Bhai Desa Singh Rahitnama)
ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤ ਰੱਬ ਦੀ, ਭੰਨੇ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ।ਦਰਗਹਿ ਢੋਈ ਨਾ ਮਿਲੇ, ਕਾਫ਼ਰ, ਕੁੱਤਾ, ਸ਼ੈਤਾਨ।
"God has made the human perfect, but the dishonourable destroy it.They will find no place in the Court of God, like the unbeliever, dog and Satanist."(Guru Nanak, Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala)
ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਛਾਪ ਸਿਰ ਕੇਸ ਕੀ ਪਾਹੁਲ, ਦੇਇ ਉਤਾਰ ਸੋ ਬੇਮੁਖ ਜਾਨਹੁ।ਬੇਟੇ ਕੋ ਬੰਧੁ ਕੋ ਛਾਪ ਮੁੰਡਾਵਤ, ਜਮ ਦੁਖ ਭੋਗ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਤ ਪਛਾਨਹੁ।"
The Guru's stamp is Kesh and (Khandi di) Pahul, one who removes (their Kesh) is known as an apostate (bemukh).One who shaves the stamp (of the Guru) of their child (i.e. cut their children's hair), realise that person will suffer a terrible death and known as a ghost." (Bhai Sahib Singh Rahtinama)
In addition to this Gurbani states:
ਸੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਸਖਾ ਬੰਧਪੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਜਿ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਵੈ ॥
"They alone are a Sikh, a friend, a relative and a sibling, who walks in the Way of the Guru's Will."(Ang 601)
QUOTE 2) Deras form a very important part of Punjab in terms of providing social, economic and spiritual services to society. They in fact provide the perfect model for propagating sikh dharma. One of the central reasons for why deras are so popular is the sgpc itself. If you create a Gurdwara in Punjab it comes under the automatic ownership of the sgpc. No one wants this and so people set up deras.
Are these observations based on research or speculation whilst sitting on the computer? If you have lived in Panjab then you will know that Deras are places for drugs, exploitation, sexual slavery, and misconduct. What happens behind close doors and what is preached on stage are different. Please refer to reports given to Panjab Police. I am sure you can access these files via media and direct.
QUOTE 3) Everyone has the right to practice whatever religion they want in whatever way. So for people who think that Deras should be closed...we would suggest you read the definition of of a Democracy.
Everyone has a right to live the life they wish. Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed himself for the fundamental human right of being able to live freely. However, a Sikh nor any law abiding citizen will condone behaviour or actions that insult others and cause harm. Dera of Ram Rahim has murdered journalists, cases of rape are filed against him and his dera, and in addition to this he is been investigated for fraud. Should the authorities allow these fat cats to continue exploitation and illegal activities under the garb of religion? Freedom is supported by the Khalsa, but Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom shows that a Sikh has and never will accept insult.
QUOTE 4) whether a Dera has illegal things going on inside or not is completely insignificant. The first woman president of the SGPC was rumoured to have killed her own daughter...lord knows what happens behind our own closed doors. So lets now point fingers at other peoples oppression or corruption because we are not clean by a long shot.
It is worrying that you think rape, murder, exploitation, and sexual slavery, as well as fraud under the garb of religion is "insignificant." The ancient Pandits and Maulvis had a similar thought.
ਓਇ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ ॥੧॥ਐਸੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਭਾਵਹਿ ॥
"They are not called Saints of the Lord - they are thugs of Benares. 1 Such 'saints' are not pleasing to me."(Ang 476)
Two wrongs don't make a right. Yes, Bibi Jagir Kaur murdered her daughter in an honour killing. This is totally wrong and she was removed as SGPC President. Also a criminal investigation was launched. Whereas Bibi Jagir Kaur murdered one person (her own daughter), these Deras, particular Ram Rahim has murdered 4 people up now (2 Sikhs and 2 journalists). In addition to this criminal cases are currently being processed which included rape, sexual slavery, exploitation and fraud. These Babas and Deras are abusing the masses and yet we focus on individual who have committed one crime?
QUOTE 5) We should give many condolences and blessings to the innocent person who was caught in this whole thing.
This is very good. We should pray for those killed. We should also realise who has killed who. If you analyze the whole saga objectively then you will know that no one person from the Dera has been murdered or raped by Sikhs. On the other hand, the Dera has initiated attacks on the Sikhs (verbally and physically) and also raped its own followers. Merely praying for people is not the actions of the Khalsa. The Khalsa should also have the courage and spirit to stand up to tyranny and injustice in whatever disguise it comes under.
QUOTE 6) We need to learn be less reactive as a community at the smallest things. This way we don't need to worry about bad press as much because people will not have ammunition against us.
If insulting Guru Gobind Singh Ji is "smallest thing" to you, then it is very shameful. Sikhs have not bad press. The bias media and vilified the innocent Sikhs protesting against a direct attack on the Sikhs. Would you also condemn the actions of Sikhs in 1978 who protested against the Nakli Nirankaris and got martyred? Learn from the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji - a Sikh will never accept insult and will always live and die with honour. If you are uncomfortable with this concept then you need to read Gurbani and re-visit Sikh history.
QUOTE 7) we hear talk of someone impersonating Guru Gobind Singh yet I fail to see how this is disrespectful when khalsa sikhs are supposed to impersonate Guru Gobind Singh ji in thought, word and deed? Also he did an Amrit ceremnoy with 7 people instead of 5. So what? He isn't asking sikhs to change their ceremonies and in a demcractic state he can practice his brand of spirituality however he chooses and wear whatever clothes he wants.
The Khalsa is the living image of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Khalsa collectively, represented in the form of 5 Sikhs is the GURU physically. No individual Sikh is the Guru. Our actions should reflect Guru Jis. A son is the image of his father. The son aspires to follow his father in thought, word and deed. However, the son can never brag that he is his father? The son is still the son, the father is still the father.
Ram Raheem is not a religion. He is not a separate religion or anything. He says this himself. The whole stunt of pretending to prepare Amrit etc was a stunt to enrage Sikhs. His intent was to "distort" and "mock" the concepts and traditions of the Sikhs. This can never be tolerated and never has done. Look at Sikh history! Disrespect of Sikh institutions, traditions and people has never been accepted and never will!
QUOTE 8) There was some talk about someone putting a price on the head of the chief of this dera. This kind of talk is extremism and will propagate sikhi to the low depths that Muslims have and continue to take their religion to. We need to completely disassociate ourselves with people who make such statements. Also the Media has a field day when someone talks like this. Under no circumstances should our community be resorting to mass hysteria, death threats etc.
If faith and devotion is extremism then do you call cowardice and submission to humiliation faith? The Sikhs put a price on the head of Massa Rangar. Were they wrong to do this? Baba Deep Singh put a price on the head of the Mughals who attacked Darbar Sahib, is this wrong? Whoever has insulted and attempted to annihilate the Sikhs whether it is physically, mentally, or theologically has been dealt with. Please read the pavitar Bani and literature of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and you will understand the concept of Saint-Warrior and Just-War theory in the Sikh faith clearer. At the moment your views reflect that of a Dera mentality.
QUOTE 9 I think the liberal sikhs in the panel made some excellent points. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the wise words of our SikhrealizeSamaritansSikh actress regarding Sikheconomic and social empowerment. Thats the last time i think that bollywood actors are more beauty than brain!
There is only one Sikh and one Guru.
Bhai Gurdaas Ji states:
ਇਕ ਗੁਰੁ ਇਕੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਬਿਦ ਸਿਞਾਣੈ॥"
There is one Guru, and one Sikh who understands the Guru's Shabad."
Again Bhai Gurdas Ji states similarly:
ਇਕੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਇਕੁ ਸਿਖੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਣਿਆ॥"
The Gurmukh understands that there is one Guru and there is one Sikh (i.e. there are not different types or degrees of being a Sikh)."
Gurbani states:
ਸੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਸਖਾ ਬੰਧਪੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਜਿ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਵੈ ॥ਆਪਣੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਜੋ ਚਲੈ ਭਾਈ ਵਿਛੁੜਿ ਚੋਟਾ ਖਾਵੈ ॥"
He alone is a Sikh, a friend, a relative and a sibling, who walks in the Way of the Guru's Will. One who walks according to his own will, O Siblings of Destiny, suffers separation from the Lord, and shall be punished."(Ang 601)
Rahitnama Bhai Desa Singh (oral Hukam of Guru Gobind Singh Ji):
ਰਹਿਤ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਮੁਝ ਕਉ, ਸਿਖ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਰਹਿਣੀ ਰਹੈ ਸੋਈ ਸਿਖ ਮੇਰਾ। ਓਹੁ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਮੈ ਉਸ ਕਾ ਚੇਰਾ। ਰਹਿਤ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਨਹਿ ਸਿਖ ਕਹਾਵੈ, ਰਿਹਤ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਦਰ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਖਾਵੈ। ਰਹਿਤ ਬਿਨ ਸੁਖ ਕਬਹੁੰ ਨ ਲਹੇ। ਤਾਂ ਤੇ ਰਹਿਤ ਸੁ ਦਿ੍ੜ ਕਰ ਰਹੈ। (ਰਿਹਤਨਾਮਾ ਭਾਈ ਦੇਸਾ ਿਸੰਘ ਜੀ)"
One should be cautious of anti-Panthic and anti-Gurmat websites which are targeting the youth and wider Sangat through discreet Parchaar. Project Naad supports Snaatan view of Sikhi that is propagated and supported by UK Nangs and the RSS. In addition to this, the same questionable website has shown open support for the controversial UK Sikh Student Camp that has faced many issues such as promoting watered down version of Sikhi, serious allegations of misconduct with campers, over-friendliness of camp sevadars with campers, and controversial anti-panthic individuals funding the camp. Project Naads open support for Jhoot Sauda has exposed its true face.