The Sikh Channel Reviewed By Frontline Punjabi Youth Sevadars
The Sikh Channel is the first channel dedicated to the Sikh Faith. It is totally devoted to Dharmic seva.
Positives:
Negatives:
· The writing going across the screen giving pump to the people who donated money (this is anti sikhi) as it is all to do with ego. You learn nothing from reading them.
· The protest for bow Gurdwara should have been going across the screen, not a name of a person that gave £10 pound. Waheguru knows all; there is no need to mention who gave money, if someone is giving money to get their name across the screen. They will not reap fruits of their seva as their motive is pump and ego.
· The channel could be more Panthic; it is good to see the dedication to Gurbani. But why not put up details of the bow protest (going across the screen) as that is also for the stakar of Gurbani.
· Instead of the names for pump, Sikhi events and darbars across the country should be going across the screen.
· Sikhi is about miri and piri and I have not seen the panthic side to the channel yet. Like its 25 years since June the information about the rally and documentaries about the Sikh genocide should be playing and all the darbars held in the remembrance of the victims should be going against the screen.
Interview with Killa from Sikh Unit by Simran Kaur (May 15th 2009– Barking Gurdwara)
Simran Kaur: Killa there is two days left until the new album is launched, do you have any words about this?
Killa: Big up Gadget boy and ambition and all da manz dat showed support on this project. The album is issued based on a lot of social issues that a lot of Punjabi youth go through. It includes a lot of pain and experience. It isn’t really aimed at religious people too much; it’s aimed at your average person.
Other then that I will let the Album do the talking. It is called “Singhs Talking the Hardest” It was produced by an upcoming producer called Gadget boy. Gadget boy is normally a beat maker and has made hit beats from other big artists who sell tunes in HMV. So I was blessed to be working with him, he also told me this is his first production were he has had to produce and edit vocals too, so the album has been an experience for every one.
Out 17th May 2009 on www.sikhunit.co.uk
Simran Kaur: Your last Album was called Public demand, and I thought that was your last Album?
The last album was actually meant to be the double CD called “No more MR Nice Guy”, but we kept on getting fan mail and requests to make more so we made one after called Public demand (hence the name) which was meant to be the last one yeah. But a lot of incidents in life and general peer pressure made us do this one, as I saw a need for a Sikh Unit Album juts concentrating on everyday living.
Simran Kaur: Do you have any words for the youth?
Killa: The album has all the words, but I do want to take this opportunity to discuss important issues regarding spirituality.
First of all I must state that I am not the most spiritual person at all, but I will narrate from my own experience so that others may learn from my errors (that’s the least I can do man).
The whole aim of Sikhi is to get your soul merging back with Akal purakh. Until we don’t follow Sikhi in a genuine manner our soul will keep on being reincarnated and transmigrate through different live forms. But if we follow The Gurus Hukam and get the Gurus kirpa we can get to Suchkhand (liberation from life and death).
The Only two things that are guaranteed in life are birth and death, you are born and you die. Everyone you see will die, no one is immune from physical death.
Fact of Life: No Matter how serious we may take life, to God it is a game, a form of entertainment like a puppet show. In Principle it’s like a kid playing a Gameboy, no matter what happens in the game, the kid knows it’s a game in the back of his head. This is how we should treat life, but it is hard to have this outlook. But it is this attitude and the love for Sikhi that has helped the Khalsa Fauj give sacrifices for humanity and justice.
Kuljug: Gurbani tells us that we are living in Kuljug. Kuljug is a dark force of energy which has an aim of keeping people away from truth and Waheguru.
Kuljug works in numerous ways; it has slaves like Maya and the 5 internal demons in our bodies (Lust, attachment, ego, anger, and greed).
Kuljug is very powerful; Maya is the illusions such as family, friends and money. We dwell in these things so much sometimes we forget that all this is tempory. Maya is a deception created by Kuljug to distract us from focusing on waheguru and trust me it is very successful at that.
Note: Kuljug was created and is controlled by Waheguru (It is all apart of his game).
The five inner demons dwell in our mind and constantly attack our being and keep us trapped in their clutches through out life. They are very powerful; to get away from their clutches is an extremely hard battle.
Basically kuljug twits the whole mentality of righteousness ion the world. For example what is seemed right is deemed as wrong. In schools instead of telling kid about how immodest dressing and meat is wrong. They serve meat as school dinners and the school uniform consists of mini skirts. This is how polluted and corrupt the world becomes in kuljug. Daughters have no shame, i.e. perform sexual acts on a porno video they don’t care that one day there own dad or brothers may watch it. This is how powerful kuljug is, and we are all victims to its attacks.
How to defeat Kuljug and Get back to Waheguru.
Gurbani is our main weapon to destroy all the dark energies with in us. Gurbani instructs the mind and keeps it focused on righteousness and truth. Gurbani releases an energy called Naam, which is a divine light and this purifies our minds and body.
But how much Gurbani do we do?
We waste alot of time watching films, talking crap etc; we should try and read Angs from SGGSJ daily. (Maharaj is on the net these days it isn’t a hard task)
Nitnem – is the daily prayers that a Sikh is meant to read. These create a shield and defend us against kuljugs attacks.
How many of us miss our nitnem?
Amritvela – are the early morning hours in which a Sikh is meant to wake up and meditate on waheguru. The Guru does more Kirpa at amritvela, Gurbani gives many reasons for waking up at amritvela, I am not going to go into them, and all you need to know is that it is a hukam (command) from the Guru. (We always keep questioning things, sometimes we just need to learn to take orders and show some humility).
How many people Miss Amritvela?
Seva – means selfless service in which we use our hands or money to help others and expect nothing in return, this is essential.
When is the last time you cleaned the toilets in the Gurdwara?
The Khalsa Fauj – Amrit is the start of journey, some people think if you take Amrit that’s it you get to God. Taking Amrit is like enrolling in the School of the Guru, now you have to learn from Gurbani and complete the course of Gursikhi.
The Khalsa army has always fought for righteousness and humanity. Sikhi is not about locking yourself up from the world and just doing Gurbani as a lot of people seem to think these days. Real Sikhs make things happen with Guru Ji’s Kirpa.
This interview is not an attack on anyone, and nor am I talking down to anyone, I myself have a crap jeevan and am just evaluating my life discussing downfalls in my life and in turn raising some points for others to think about. Please do ardass for the Chardikala of the Panth!!
WJKK WJKF
www.Sikhunit.co.uk - deticated to our little Sista Harpreet Kaur
So-called ‘Guru’ Jaspal Singh (right) dismisses Gurbani Raags as ‘outdated’
and ridicules Sikh Rehat that bans Kirtan by non-Sikhs
* Akal Takht Jathedar directs Gurdwara management committee to not allow him to utilize stage for his performances
* Suspicious baba now touring historical Gurdwaras, touting to replace 'outdated' Gurmat Sangeet with popular non-traditional raags.
IMLI SAHIB, Indore, India (KP)—Controversy erupted at the historic Gurdwara Imli Sahib, Indore when a self-styled musician-guru's visit was protested by various Sikh groups due to his anti-Panthic activities and anti-Gurmat remarks.
At the center of the debate is a charlatan saint who often refers to himself as an expert in "Shashtri Sangeet" and is also known as Baba Jaspal Singh Americawale and Sant Bhai Sahib Bhai Jaspal Singh Americawale.
| "(Raags in Guru Granth Sahib Ji) are "absolutely outdated..." |
According to local sevadars of Indore, the Baba is worshipped as a guru-like personality by his followers and has made very offensive comments regarding Gurbani Raags and the Sikh Rehat Maryada.
The Baba is touring various cities across India with a musical group that includes several clean-shaven non-Sikhs who play various stringed instruments. He defends using non-Sikhs in his musical 'kirtani' groups erroneously claiming that Bhai Mardana Ji and Bhai Bala Ji were also non-Sikhs during Guru Nanak Dev Ji's time.
A brochure highlighting the controversial baba’s visit to Indore, where the baba stayed with some RSS activists
The Indore program, organized at the historic Gurdwara Imli Sahib, was booked by the local Singh Sabha and an organization linked to the Baba, the International Society for Gurbani Consciousness.
The baba has been staying at the residence of a rich Panjabi named Gurmeet Narang. Interestingly, Gurmeet's brother, Ajit Narang, is well known in RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) circles. Ajit Narang has been coordinating various RSS yatras in the Madhya Pardes area, and both Narang brothers keep statues of the Hindu diety Ganesh in their homes.
Such is the reveration of his followers that his host Gurmeet Narang, in an interview with the national newspaper Dainik Bhaskar, on page 6 of the May 9th 2009 edition, refers to him as "Guru Jaspal Singh Ji."
GS Narang refers to Jaspal as Guru Jaspal Singh Ji
(Dainik Bhaskar pg 6 – May 9th, 2009)
The baba's connections to the pro-RSS Narang family has raised the suspicions of sevadars from Shahbaaz Khalsa, GURSIKH, Baleyo Charag Mission, and the Akhand Kirtani Jatha.
The sevadars further discovered that the self-styled musician Baba was also mocking the traditional raags included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, labeling them as "outdated." Instead, he was introducing his own raags, which according to him were more popular with the Sangat than the traditional raags in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
(click to listen to audio)
Baba Jaspal states that the traditional Gurbani Raags in
Guru Granth Sahib Ji are "absolutely outdated."
These statements outraged the local sevadars. They immediately contacted Giani Gurbachan Singh, appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and updated him on the Baba's mischievous statements on Gurbani Raags and also the fact that he was attempting to utilize the kirtan stage of this historical sacred Gurdwara for his musical performances which were being conducted by non-Sikhs.
According to the sevadars, the Jathedar immediately sent a message to the Gurdwara Sahib Committee members and Singh Sabha president Gurdeep Singh Bhatia directing them not to allow the controversial Baba on stage.
The Baba became incensed that his programs were being blocked by pressure from local Sikh organizations. According to several eyewitnesses, he touted that he did not care about Sri Akal Takht Sahib or the Sikh Rahit Maryada. At the same time, he did not want to deal with the protesting Singhs directly and made several attempts to first appease them, and later tried to threaten and intimidate them.
Upon realizing the situation, he reportedly backed down and instead held a private performance at the Narang residence.
Baba Jaspal Sitting on a chair with a special pedestal to rest his feet.
His followers routinely bow their heads under his special foot-rest.
The sevadars warned the Sangat to stay alert of the mis-parchar being spewed by this Baba and be aware of his political connections to RSS related individuals and blamed the baba for attempting to create a personality cult around him.
According to the Baba's publicist, the Baba hails from Los Angeles, California and was an "experienced master of the art of exposition." He is quoted to be a disciple of "Baba Isher Singh Ji Rara Sahib" who is referred to as his Master, and also became a disciple of Ustad Mehndi Hassan, and Srimati Lakshmi Devi. He claims to be one of the only experts in classical music and flouts that he performs across the globe at all major Gurdwaras because there is nobody else with his vast knowledge and skills.
Khalsa Press has attempted to contact Jaspal Singh for the charges laid against him by the Sangat, but he has been unavailable for comments.
Security camera stills of Rajiv Kumar who committed beadbi due to SGPC lapses
* Akal Takht Jathedar summons sevadars who protested beadbi
AMRITSAR SAHIB (KP) – Sikh Sangat based in Punjab and Western Countries has been shocked at the recent act of sacrilege at Sri Harmandir Sahib in which a Hindu man sat down on the peehra sahib on which parkash of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is done. Panthic organizations are now questioning the security of Darbar Sahib and the role of SGPC in the blasphemy that shocked the hearts of the entire Nation. Interestingly, as the Police have arrested the person responsible for the beadbi, there have been reports of the SGPC secretly trying to cover up for the incident.
Background of the Incident
It was on April 26th when the incident took place at the Darbar Sahib premises. Early at dawn, a Hindu man, Rajiv Kumar (21), of Golbagh area (close to Seetla Mandir) entered the premises from the back side of Darbar Sahib where choola is distributed to the sangat.
Without considering the maryada or sanctity of the place, he tossed off the sheathing from pehra sahib where Guru Sahib’s saroop is parkash and then sat down on it himself. Sevadars successfully pulled him off the pehra sahib and took him to room 13 where police was called. SGPC employees had also reached the room at the same time and started to interrogate the person.
In the mean time, the Amritsar Sahib police also showed up and questioned the man and cordoned the area so that no one was allowed near the scene. Several Singhs however made their way into the room despite the blockade. A Jatha of Singhs belonging to the Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee was amongst the sangat that entered the room. When they wished to question the person, the police and SGPC officials refused and expressed their wish to take the person to the police station at once.
In no time, the situation became sensitive and members of both sides attacked the other. Weapons were drawn which resulted in injuries to several persons. Finally the tensions were eased and the police took away the man, along with the Singhs of Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee and several other sevadars involved in the incident.
Surprising Media Cover Up
Although the SGPC President has apologized for the incident and asked for forgiveness, Sikh Sangat have expressed their fury over the row of incidents. Interestingly, now the police and SGPC reports claim that the man was mentally instable, however one of the earliest statements by the Amritsar Sahib police claim that that man was arrested in a sound condition, without any medical issues. At the time of his arrest, an identification card along with a mobile phone was taken from his possession.
During the interrogation, the man expressed that he had a vision from Guru Nanak Dev Ji who inspired him to take up the pehra sahib at Sri Harmandir Sahib. The person who was arrested is said to be a regular visitor to Sri Darbar Sahib.
Sikh organizations have ruled out the possibility that Rajiv was mentally instable. They are blaming the SGPC for covering up the incident for unknown reasons. The subsequent incidents that took place after the sacrilege lead to increased speculation:
1. Singhs of the Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee were attacked by the SGPC Task Force as they tried to enter the room where Rajiv Kumar was locked. They were asked to leave the matter up to the police.
2. In past, the Satkar Committee members have been forced into rough time with thanks to numerous clashes with the SGPC. The SGPC, along with current and previous Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar have tried numerous times to summon members of the Satkar Committee.
3. The Sikh Sangat always faces extreme treatment through SGPC members and local Sangat when trying to have darshan of Guru Granth Sahib’s saroops when being taken to Akal Takht Sahib. SGPC Task Force security is deployed to ensure any mishap. Where was the Task Force earlier when the incident took place?
4. Where were the Ragi Jathas and several Granthi and Hazoori Sevadars at the time of the incident?
5. What possible interest does the SGPC have in covering up the incident?
Obviously the incident leads to one conclusion: The SGPC has failed in its operation and administration of historical Gurdwara Sahibs. This is the sole purpose of the body, however over the years it has developed into a political organization rather than a religious committee which was originally formed to look over the well-being of our Gurdwara Sahibs and historical institutes.
Follow Up Incidents Lead to Increased Anguish over SGPC Officials
Following the major sacrilege incident and roughing/arrests of Satkar Committee members and local sevadars, Sikh Sangat in different areas have burnt effigies of the SGPC President Avtar Makkar and Manager Harbhajan Singh. Effigies were burnt by the sangat to express their dismay with the SGPC President.
While in the past Sikh Sangat has largely supported the work of Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee, they have faced harsh times due to conflict with the SGPC. Similarly, the Akal Takht Sahib has already issued summons to several Singhs belonging to the Satkar Committee and Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindrawala) in relation to the recent incident.
Facing the wrath of Sangat: Avtar Makkar and Darbar Sahib Manager Harbhajan Singh
The summons was issued on request of the SGPC President who termed burning of his effigy as a “religious misconduct”. Interestingly, the summon was issued after the sevadars of Satkar Committee, along with Jatha of Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal submitted a memorandum to Akal Takht Sahib seeking strict action against Makkar and Manager Harbhajan Singh.
Panthic Weekly strongly condemns the sacrilege of Harmandir Sahib and Guru Granth Sahib’s peerha sahib. The summons of sevadars committed to reverence of Guru Granth Sahib is also disappointing. We appeal to Akal Takht Sahib to deliver the justice in this case and punish the culprits. Sevadars of Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee led by Bhai Amrik Singh and Bhai Balbir Singh ought to be honored for their dedication for Guru Khalsa Panth.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (KP) — Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Campaign, North America was notified that a Sindhi temple based in Jackson Heights, NY was doing parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib alongside pictures and statues of Hindu deities in the same complex. Satya Narayan Mandir which organizers claim is “a place to worship together” also offers services such as Sehaj Path Sahib and Akhand Path Sahib at the mandir and at homes of devotees.
Panthic maryada and Sri Akal Takht Sahib guidelines forbid the parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at any places of worship other than Sikh Gurdwaras. The practice of installing Guru Granth Sahib along with pictures and statues is also unacceptable, as Guru Granth Sahib’s message clearly condemns the worship or reverence of artifacts. It has also come to the notice of the Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Campaign that statues of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are also installed at the temple.
Sacred saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji being kept alongside Hindu idols
A Shivling along with idols of Hindu deities being kept in the same premises as Guru Granth Sahib Ji
In addition to Sikh ceremonies, the temple also offers other services which are not in line with Gurmat, and also makes its facilities available to the community at ‘reasonable rates.’ Discourses on Bhagwad Gita are delivered daily at the premises, while asa-ki-vaar and hanuman chalisa are recited on a weekly basis. On a monthly basis, the temple also organized ‘Satya Naryan Puja’ and ‘Bahrano’ (special services for the full moon).
Hindu baptism, ‘mundan’ (hair shaving) and other rituals are also carried out at the temple’s premises.
The Respect for Guru Granth Sahib Committee, North America (www.satkar.org) has appealed to the New York Sangat to contact the Sindhi Temple and remove parkash of Guru Granth Sahib from this Hindu mandir immediately and assure that such beadbi is not repeated again at that mandir.
It should be mentioned that the Sikh Community does not oppose the ceremonies of other communities and faiths but the reverence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the utmost important concern of the Sikhs and Sikh practices do not allow the parkash of Guru Sahib at Hindu mandirs.
The temple website can be accessed at http://satyanarayanmandirnewyork.org/
Their address is:
Satya Narayan Mandir
75-15 Woodside Avenue,
Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11373
Phone:
(718) 899-8863
Email: mandirny@yahoo.com
Sikh homes razed by the barbaric Taliban after they refused to pay 'Jazia'
(Photo : AP)
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (KP)—While the wider Panth has turned a blind eye to the plight of Pakistani Gursikhs, the Pakistan Government has allegedly decided to take action on behalf of the 128 Sikh families which have been displaced due to Islamic Fundamentalism. The refugees who have barely escaped conflict are currently staying at Gurdwara Panja Sahib (Hassan Abdal) and Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh (Peshawar). The Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, has assured Sikh refugees and Sikh minorities that their right to exist as a religious minority within a democratic Pakistan will be preserved.
In a press conference last week Minister Bhatti stated, "The present government believes in the principles of tolerance, human equality and peaceful co-existence." The press conference was arranged as an attempt to address and inform the general public on the recent turmoil that Sikhs experienced in Swat, Buner and Orakzai Agency.
In an attempt to reconcile with the displaced and emotionally distraught Sikh refugees, the Minister visited the historical Sikh Gurdwara Panja Sahib located in Hassan Abdal, where the 128 Sikh families have currently taken refuge after undergoing extreme violence at the hands of the Taliban.
During his visit, the Minister expressed that nobody has right to alter the state system which is based on tolerance and acceptance. In addition, he condemned the Jazyia (tax) by the Islamic Fundamentalists. He stated, "minorities in Pakistan are not conquered communities, rather they are sons of the same soil and the government will not allow any faction of society to trample the constitutional rights of the minorities."
He further added that the Jizia not only violates the law, but it is a burden on the judicial process. He elaborated and mentioned that the law of the land as Article 20 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan protects the right for every Pakistani to practice any religion without any discrimination.
While consoling the displaced Sikhs, the minister mentioned that the government will create a relief package for the refugees. The package will include residence, provision of food items, medical and educational facilities—as well as emergency financial assistance of Rs10,000 for each family.
In addition, the government will ensure that displaced Sikhs will be allowed to re-enter their previous residences as soon as the territory is safe and free from terrorism. To assure that the Sikh refugees will not be neglected, a committee of Ministry officers have been created to cater to the displaced refugees. In addition, the Minister has allegedly written a letter to the Governor and Chief Minister for the protection of minorities within these Taliban provinces.
Whether these promises will be kept by Pakistan officials remains obscure. Many skeptics have stated that the Government is making promises to save themselves from embarrassment and avoid the consequences from the American Government. The US has provided the Pakistani Government with millions of dollars to combat the Taliban within the country. If the Sikh community report these atrocities to international agencies, the American Government will eventually find out their money has not been put to use adequately as Taliban are roaming free and imposing Islamic Law on religious minorities.
Sikhs are not the only minority victims of Taliban violence. Christians, Shiite Muslims and others have also witnessed the wrath of the fanatical Taliban. If the Pakistan Government knows the Taliban are roaming in certain regions, why have they not taken swift military action? We cannot expect the Government to help the Sikhs in times of need.
Unfortunately, the wider Panth have not shown much concern towards these Sikh Pakistani Refugees. Many people have mentioned that if this situation would have taken place in Punjab, then there would be more concern. But since the place is in Pakistan, The Panth seems less interested. Pakistani Sikh Brothers and Sisters need our help in these times of turmoil. They have committed a brave act in risking their lives for the sake of not converting from Sikhi. The affluent SPGC should make an attempt to support these refugees as Pakistani Gurdwaras are not as affluent as Gurdwaras in Punjab.
Frontline comments:
it is so sad to see that Guru Gobinds Singh Jis fauj is running away from the taliban, we used to recuse hindu women from the Mughals, we meant to protect the world from injustice and now we are sheep ourselves. Sad state of Sikhs these days.
Coincidentally the next day, a Gurdwara Sahib in Doncaster caught fire after a large quantity of plastic pallets went up in flames at the trading estate where the Gurdwara in situated. The fire-fighters spent two hours tackling the blaze and are treating the incident as suspicious. It is thought the blaze started after a number of plastic loading pallets belonging to the Big Red Shed specialist distributors company were set alight in an area between the Gurdwara Sahib and another building. So far there have been no reports whether the Darbaar Sahib and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's saroops have been affected by the fire or not.
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