Friday, 27 June 2008

Sikh Protest In Mumbai






















































































































































































The Indian Government has taken no serious action against the dera cult leader. Even after a innocent Sikh protester was shot dead. Seeing this the Local Sikhs decided to protest and get there voices heard, so they decided to block some transport roads. However instead of listening to their outcry they were the victims of police brutality!

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Tribute to the Shaheeds

A True Nihang

Poem

Shaheed Bhai Gurjant Singh Ji

Protest demanding the arrest of Ram Rahim for Murder of Balkar Singh

Angry Sikhs derail rail services
Thousands of commuters stranded


The rail-roko agitation by Sikh organisations against firing on Sikh protesters by a security guard of Baba Ram Rahim Singh in Mumbai threw the train traffic on Ludhiana-Amritsar and Ludhiana-Delhi sections in disarray here today.

With no train arriving from Amritsar, Jammu and Delhi side all through the day, thousands of rail passengers faced problems and uncertainty prevailed on the railway station.

According to information at the Ludhiana railway station, several trains like Amritsar-New Delhi Shatabdi Express, Amritsar-Bandra Pashchim Express, Jan Shatabdi, Amritsar-Darbhanga Express, Jammu-Mumbai Superfast Express and Jammu-Indore Malwa Express were detained by protesting Sikhs at Amritsar and Jalandhar.

Similarly, most of the Amritsar and Jammu-bound UP trains were held up midway at Ambala and Sirhind while some trains were terminated at Delhi itself to save the passengers from inconvenience.

The routine hustle and bustle, witnessed at the railway station from where some 36 trains passed out during the day, was missing and the platforms, as also the booking windows, wore a deserted look. The disruption of train movement during the period of protest (from 9 am to 7 pm) also affected the vendors and stalls of eatables who had to miss out on their sale of snacks and beverages.

Intending rail passengers, who had booked their journey tickets in advance for today, remained a confused lot as no information about running of trains in the evening or late night was made available to them at the railway enquiry or reservation counters.

According to station superintendent Ashok Salaria, 3005 UP Howrah-Amritsar Mail and 1057 Dadar-Amrtisar Express trains, which had arrived at the Ludhiana railway station, were terminated here and full refund of fare for the journey from Ludhiana to Amrtisar, was given to passengers.

The Howrah-Amrtisar Mail will commence its return journey to Howrah from Ludhiana this evening on the scheduled time while the other train might resume its journey to Amritsar late in the evening.

Players of four teams of different states, participating in the national 20-20 tournament here were stranded as they postponed their train journey and got their reservation cancelled due to uncertainty of rail traffic and fearing eruption of violence during the protest.

A large number of volunteers of Sikh bodies had blocked railway tracks on the Ludhiana-Ferozepur section near Mullanpur in this district for several hours and disrupted the rail traffic.

A group of Sikh Students Federation (Grewal) workers burnt an effigy of Baba Ram Rahim Singh on Gill Road while activists of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amrtisar) blocked vehicular traffic at Jamalpur on Ludhiana-Chandigarh Road for over two hours.

Meanwhile, the United Church of Northern India, at its meeting, condemned the firing in Mumbai and demanded immediate arrest of the self-styled baba. The meeting also demanded adequate compensation to the kin of the dead and those injured in the firing.


Wednesday, 25 June 2008

Wheres the Human Rights?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWxpQ87C4t4&feature=related (Full Video)



Double standards

The death penalty is outrageous, a person might kill a rapist but the government will say you killed someone now we want to kill you. What a contridiction. Sometimes the governments even kill the wrong person!


We need freedom

We are treated like slaves and beaten like dogs. We raise a voice for our rights! But to the government we are a menece just because we demand what is right!


Falsehood


Falsehood brings dishonour!

The only truth in this world is the Naam (Gurbani) everything else is just a false mirage. If one spends their life trapped in the sensual mirage they will not find God. They are trapped in falsehood, however if one follows the instructions of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji they will avoid falsehood and then come to see the lord of all.

The Great Giver has given the intoxicating drug of falsehood. Ang 15 SGGSJ

God has himself made falsehood apart of his game, the losers of this game indulge in falsehood while the winners obtain the truth and see passed this deception of desire.

If you long for your Husband Lord, O soul-bride, you must know that He is not met by falsehood. Ang 17 SGGSJ

Those who practice falsehood are dogs; those who slander the Guru shall burn in their own fire. Ang 21 SGGSJ

The Gurmukhs do not like falsehood. They are imbued with Truth; they love only Truth. Ang 22 SGGSJ

The true Sikhs don’t indulge in lust, drugs and other worldly pleasures they are intoxicated with the Naam.

Practicing falsehood again and again, people come and go in reincarnation, and forfeit their honor. Ang 23 SGGSJ

The self-willed manmukhs do not obtain the Mansion of the Lord's Presence. The false are plundered by falsehood. Ang 34 SGGSJ

By falsehood and deception, none have found Him. Whatever you plant, you shall eat. Ang 40 SGGSJ

They are engrossed in clinging desires; within their hearts there is ego and falsehood. Ang 47 SGGSJ


If the mind is polluted, then the body is polluted, and the tongue is polluted as well. With false mouths, people speak falsehood. How can they be made pure? Without the Holy Water of the Shabad, they are not cleansed. From the True One alone comes Truth. O soul-bride, without virtue, what happiness can there be? The Husband Lord enjoys her with pleasure and delight; she is at peace in the love of the True Word of the Shabad. When the Husband goes away, the bride suffers in the pain of separation, like the fish in shallow water, crying for mercy. As it pleases the Will of the Husband Lord, peace is obtained, when He Himself casts His Glance of Grace. Praise your Husband Lord, together with your bridesmaids and friends. The body is beautified, and the mind is fascinated. Imbued with His Love, we are enraptured. Adorned with the Shabad, the beautiful bride enjoys her Husband with virtue. The soul-bride is of no use at all, if she is evil and without virtue. She does not find peace in this world or the next; she burns in falsehood and corruption.Coming and going are very difficult for that bride who is abandoned and forgotten by her Husband Lord. The beautiful soul-bride of the Husband Lord-by what sensual pleasures has she been doomed? She is of no use to her Husband if she babbles in useless arguments. At the Door of His Home, she finds no shelter; she is discarded for seeking other pleasures. The Pandits, the religious scholars, read their books, but they do not understand the real meaning. They give instructions to others, and then walk away, but they deal in Maya themselves. Speaking falsehood, they wander around the world, while those who remain true to the Shabad are excellent and exalted. There are so many Pandits and astrologers who ponder over the Vedas. They glorify their disputes and arguments, and in these controversies they continue coming and going. Without the Guru, they are not released from their karma, although they speak and listen and preach and explain. They all call themselves virtuous, but I have no virtue at all. With the Lord as her Husband, the soul-bride is happy; I, too, love that God. O Nanak, through the Shabad, union is obtained; there is no more separation. Ang 55 SGGSJ

Film Star Says Sorry to the SIkhs

akshay.jpg
Mumbai: Akshay Kumar's latest film Singh is King is wading through troubled waters as the Sikh community hold their objections to Akshay's looks in the film.

Producer Vipul Shah held a press conference to clear the air of controversy surrounding the film which he says has no intentions of offending any person or community.

"If I've made a mistake, lord forgive me and I will try to rectify my mistake," says an apologetic Akshay.

The objection was towards Akshay's look and some scenes in the film. He flew down from South Africa to re-shoot some parts of the film and attended a press conference on Friday evening in Mumbai to clear the air.

"We wanted to make sure that the community is happy with the film, that is why we went up to them and showed the film to them. There are some changes they expected us to make and we have done that," says filmmaker Vipul.

"Lot of changes are done but thing which have been already shot cannot reset again," explains Akshay.

While members of the community who have been authorized by the censor board to view the film have finally given it a thumbs up though they feel the damage is done.

"At least in the future, whosoever wants to portray Sikhs or Punjabis in their films should be sensitive towards the community and come to us before hand, after damaging it's only damage control that can be done," says Sardar Manmohan Singh of Sri Guru Singh Sabha

Must Buy This DVD


Amar Khalsa is set during the period 1716 to 1783, among the bloodiest periods of the Sikh history. The policy of Mughal rulers was total extinction of Sikhs. Among the most tyrants was Mir Mannu, Governor of Lahore in 1748. Sikhs faced worst onslaught at the hands of Mir Mannu and his men. Sikhs had to leave comforts of their homes and face hardships in jungles, hills and deserts. Moving military columns were sent to hunt them down. Rewards were announced for those who brought Sikhs dead or alive.

When there were no more Sikhs in the homes, Mir Mannu ordered his forces to seize Sikh women and children. He gave them the choice to give up their faith or face cruel- inhuman tortures and death. But none could be wavered form their steadfast faith and love for Sikhi. Women were starved, their children cut into pieces before them and placed in their laps. Brave mothers saw their infants killed and hung on spear points. It is believed that 250,000 Sikh men & women, young, old and children were killed during Mir Manu’s reign.

AMAR KHALSA is an adaptation of Bhai Vir Singh ji’s historical novel “Bijai Singh”. It is the story of Ram Lal, son of Chuharr Mall, a rich Hindu officer of Mir Mannu. Awed by the valiant deeds of Guru Gobind Singh ji’s Khalsa, Ram Lal chose to become a Sikh and gets a gursikh name Bijai Singh. Mir Mannu’s reign was a period of inexorable hostilities for Sikhs and it wasn’t to be any exceptions for Bijai Singh. Bijai Singh, shunned by his father had to give up comforts of his lavish parental house. His young wife Sheel Kaur and son Waryam Singh also endure all adversities with him and gladly accept hardships of staying in jungles. Bijai Singh and his family are constantly hunted by Mughal forces and eventually get caught. Khalsa forces attack Lahore to free Sikh women and children from Mir Mannu’ brutal atrocities. Sheel Kaur, Waryam Singh and other Sikh prisoners are freed. In the ensuing battle Bijai Singh attains martyrdom but not before Mir Mannu is killed.


Frontline comments:
Very realistic and histroic film, it takes you back to them hard hitting times. It caputures your attention all the way and makes you feel as if you were there. It is a must see and should be owned by every Sikh.
Purchase the film:

http://www.dtfbooks.com/Pages/ShowProducts.php?cID=NjEz

Shaheed Bhai Balkar Singh Ji

ਮਰਣੁ ਮੁਣਸਾ ਸੂਰਿਆ ਹਕੁ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਹੋਇ ਮਰਨਿ ਪਰਵਾਣੋ ॥

The death of brave heroes is blessed, if granted by the Creator.

Shaheed Bhai Balkar Singh Ji - murdered by criminals of the Sirsa Sauda Cult

Scenes of the Shaheed Singh’s Antim-Sanskar Procession :

Thousands of Sikhs attended the final rites for Shaheed Bhai Balkar Singh, who was gunned down onn June 20th 2008 by the body guards of criminal Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the Mulund suburb of Bombay. Sikhs all over India and the globe have protested this cowardly act by the Sirsa Sauda cultists.

Crooks and Scammers Target Sikh Yatrees

Hemkunt Sahib (KP) – Sikhs have always been dearly attached to their religious places—especially those of historical significance. Sri Hemkunt Sahib is one of those places that draws Sangat in large numbers throughout its open season. Sikhs from all over the world, especially from the United States, Canada and England visit Hemkunt Sahib in Jathas to seek the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

As the number of Sikh pilgrims is increasing incrementally at Sri Hemkunt Sahib, so is the ill-treatment that Sikhs get from the local residents of Uttarakhand. Local Sikhs belonging to the State have expressed concerns over the way Sikh pilgrims are treated by the shopkeepers and restaurant owners located on the main Hemkunt Sahib path. The recent news of the arrest of thirteen Singhs at Hemkunt Sahib has left everyone surprised while no one seems to have an answer to the increasing problems.

Baba Sukhdev Singh (Ber Kalaa), while speaking to the press about these problems, said that the thirteen Singhs were wrongfully arrested after they had a quarrel with local resident who were misbehaving. Whether or not these Singhs were released remains unknown to Baba Sukhdev Singh. According to the press statement by Baba Sukhdev Singh, similar incidents also took place recently in the areas of Chameli, Karanprayag, and Nandprayag. During these incidents, Sikh pilgrims were attacked by local residents who also injured many by throwing stones at them.

The state of Uttarakhand is greatly dependent on tariffs and spending by Sikh Sangat on their visit to Hemkunt Sahib. Sikh Sangat that arrives here spends huge sums of money without care and the local shopkeepers also gain by overcharging them for products and services. Considering the part that large numbers of visitors to Hemkunt Sahib plays in the development of the State, the local Government should also do its part in helping to ensure a safe environment for the visiting Sikhs.

Gurbani Quotes From Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji



Some Quotes from Bani of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

“I establish thee as my son, that you spread My Path. Go and instruct humans in Righteousness and the Moral Law. Make people desist from evil.”

“I stood up, with joined palms, and bowing my head to Lord God, I said: Thy Path I shall spread only if Thou be at my back. For this was I born into the world, I utter only how and what God uttered to me, for I am the enemy of no one. He who calls me God will surely burn in the fire of hell. For I am only the servant of God: doubt not the veracity of this statement. I am but the slave of the Supreme Being come to witness His Play. I tell the world only what God said to me, for I will not be silenced through fear of the mere mortals. I utter as is the Instruction of God, for I consider no one greater than Him. I am pleased not with any religious garb, so I shall sow the seeds of the Unaccountable One. Nay, I worship not stones, nor am I attracted by denomintional coats. I utter only the name of the Infinite and so attain unto the Supreme Being. I wear not matted hair, nor ear-rings, nor have regard for any such ritual, and do only what God bids me do. I repeat only the Name of One God who fulfills us, at all places.” Translation of Quote from Bachiter Natak (Dasam Granth)

"All men are the same though they appear different.
The bright and the dark, the ugly and the beautiful,
The Hindus and the Muslims have developed in accordance with their different surroundings;
all human beings have the same eyes, the same ears,
the same body build composed of earth, air, fire and water.
The names Allah and Abhekh are for the same God;
the same is referred to in the Puranas and the Quran.
All human beings are the reflection of one and the same Lord.
Recognise ye the whole human race as one."

"He who repeats the Name of Him whose light is unquenchable,
who bestows not a thought on any one but the one God,
Who has full love and confidence in God;
who puts no faith, even by mistake, in fasting or worshipping his ancestors.
Who only recognises the one God, puts no faith in alms, penance and austerities.
In whose heart the light of the perfect one shines,
only he can be recognised as a pure member of the Khalsa."

"It is of no avail to sit closing both eyes and meditating like a crane.
This world is lost, and the next also, for those who go about bathing in the seas, desiring salvation.
They pass their lives In vain dwelling in the midst of sin.
I speak verily; hear me all - God is realised only through love." (Swayya 9)

"Some worship stones, put them on their heads or hang them round their necks.
Some insist that God is in the South, others bow their heads to the West.
Some fools worship idols; others waste their time with worshipping the dead.
The whole world is entangled in false ceremonies and has not found God's secret." (Swayya 10)

  • When all other methods in resolving an affair or problem fail, it is just and pious to take to the sword. (22)
  • Do not be rash in striking your sword on helpless innocent beings; otherwise the Providence will shed your blood.


Priase of the Khalsa Panth By Guru Gobind Singh Ji


All the battles I have won against tyranny, I have fought with the backing of the Khalsa

Through them I have been able to bestow gifts,

Through their help I have escaped from harm,

The love and generosity of these Sikhs have enriched my heart and home.

Through their grace I have attained all learning; through their help in battle I have slain all my enemies.

I was born to serve them, through them I reached eminence.

What would I have been without their kind and ready help?

There are millions of insignificant people like me; true service is the service of these people.

I am not inclined to serve others of higher caste:

Charity will bear fruit in this and the next world, if given to such worthy people as these, all other sacrifices and charities are profitless. From toe to toe, whatever I call my own, all I possess and carry, I dedicate to these people

Sarbloh Granth- Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji


The Historic Period of Sipanji


SIPANJI

Sipanji is a Persian word meaning eight ("seh" is three and "panj" is five). Guru Gobind Singh ji had used this word in Verse No 107 of Zafarnama (the Letter of Victory) that he wrote to Aurangzeb in 1705. In this verse, he has referred to the world as " Sipanji Sarai" meaning an inn where people come to stay for just eight days and at the end of this period, yield their places to others who follow them. This period of Sipanji ie; eight days (from 20 December 1704 to 27 December 1704) earlier was a decisive period in the history of our nation. This was the period in which extreme hardships were suffered, extreme sacrifices made and extreme heroes gifted to the nation. Historical records are not available to show what actually happened, hour by hour, during these eight days. However an effort has been made, in the following pages, to reconstruct the events of Sipanji. (Having failed to defeat the Khalsa force in battle, the combined forces of Aurangzeb and the Hill Chieftains had laid siege to Anandpur in the summer of 1704. The Mughals and the Hill Chiefs had sworn on Koran and Cow that if Guru ji leaves Anandpur, he will not be harmed. Their dishonesty was tested by Guru ji, when these forces attacked a cart full of useless articles that was sent out of the fort. But with the running out of the provisions, the morale of the Sikhs began to wilt. Their suffering had almost reached an end of human endurance; some even renounced and deserte Guru ji. An autographed letter was also received from Aurangzeb who promised safe passage to the Guru ji and his Sikhs.; this hardened the resolve of the Sikhs to leave Anandpur. Finally under pressure from the Sikhs and his mother, Guru ji had decided to leave Anandpur)

First Day (20th December 1704)

There is hectic activity going on inside the Anandpur fort. All-important manuscripts, articles of personal luggage, war materials etc have been packed. Things that cannot be carried have been torched. All wait for the nightfall. At about mid night, Guru ji with his family members and 500 strong Khalsa force leaves Anandpur fort. The night is dark and bitterly cold. The rain has made the tracks muddy which make it difficult for the convoy to move fast. After going by Kiratpur and Nimohgarh, Guru ji heads for Ropar. In the meantime, the enemy forces have come to know that Guru ji has left Anandpur fort. Throwing their oaths to the wind, they give a chase; the Khalsa force engages them in battle at different locations on the way; this goes on throughout. Guruji with family members and a small force has reached the banks of Sirsa, which is in spate on account of rains.

Second Day (21st December 1704)

It is early morning. The river has subsided and can be negotiated. The party begins to wade through the water; forty Sikhs and Guruji's family members are able to go across. The rest have perished in combat. In the process of crossing of Sirsa, some of the rare manuscripts are lost. After crossing Sirsa, Guruji with 40 Sikhs, two eldest Sahibzadas, Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur move towards Ropar. On the way, someone has brought news to Guruji that not only the axis forces from Anandpur side are in hot pursuit; there is a large imperial army ahead of his route to Ropar. Guruji changes his route and heads for Chamkaur where he reaches by evening. He stations himself on a mud house or haveili and takes a defensive position to give battle to the enemy. By nightfall, the imperial forces reach Chamkaur and surround the village. Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur, in the company of a trusted Sikh proceed towards Ropar and spend the night at his house. Earlier in the morning, in the confusion of crossing Sirsa, Mata Gujriji with Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and a faithful attendant are separated from the main party. In the biting cold of early dawn, they walk through the thick jungle. Their bodies are benumbed with cold. Some way across, they are met by the family cook, Gangu Brahmin, who offers to give them shelter in his house; the offer is gratefully accepted. On reaching there, they are put up in the hinder most portion of the house. They sleep on a straw mat spread on the floor.

Third Day (22nd December 1704)

Early in the morning, a section of the Mughal force advances towards the mud house that has been turned into a fortress. This attacking force is met with a volley of bullets and arrows; many fall to the ground. Sections after section of their force attacks but every time are repulsed. When the enemy tries to force the gate open, the Sikhs come out in the open to give them battle. This goes on throughout the day. The advance of the imperial force is checked every time they try to scale the wall. The enemy suffers heavy casualties; many eat the dust after getting hit by the gold tipped arrows of Guruji. Nahar, one of the Generals of the Mughal forces has tasted a gold tipped arrow and left for the other world. Many of the enemy troops, out of fear, are seen hiding behind a wall. Sahibzada Ajit Singh has realised that the odds have turned against the defenders. With the blessings of the Master, he is seen piercing into the enemy ranks with a lance in his hand. And when the odds get still stiffer, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh also leaps into the enemy ranks; shooting and killing them. At the end of the day, three of the Panj Piaras, both the Sahibzadas, and most of the defenders have attained martyrdom. Only five Sikhs are left inside the fortress with Guruji. The Mughal force, being unsuccessful till now, retires to take stock of the situation and plan new strategy for the next day. Inside the fortress, the five Sikhs are begging the Master to leave for his safety; he is adamant in staying on with his Sikhs till the end. Ultimately the Sikhs, after due consultation with each other, have passed a Gurmata, asking him to leave the fortress. He has no other option but to accept their edict. Accordingly, accompanied by three Sikhs, he leaves the fortress in the dead of night leaving two of them inside and heads towards village Kheri. The sky is clear. It is a moonlit night that makes it easier for distant things to be seen. (Guruji has described in Verse 42 of Zafarnama that during that night the moon was shining with all its glory). However Guruji gets separated from the three Sikhs in their escape bid. Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur leave Ropar for Delhi in the company of the trusted Sikh at whose house they had spent the previous night. (They reach there safely after a few days trip).Mata Gujri and the two young Sahibzadas continue to stay at the house of Gangu Brahmin.

Fourth Day (23rd December 1704)

Guruji reaches Kheri village before daybreak. It is extremely cold. He has neither slept nor eaten anything for days. Thirst, hunger, and fatigue have totally exhausted him. He takes tender leaves and milk of the Akk plant; since nothing else is available here. His courage is strong like steel but limbs are weak. He is in the cluster of trees. The night falls and the Master is lying under the canopy of heaven; he is singing in praise of the Almighty. It is here that he composes the famous hymn “The disciple’s message to the dear Friend". After a few hours rest, he starts again in the direction of Malwa. It is difficult to keep moving on. So he lies down and rests in a garden in Machhiwara which belongs to a Masand named Gulaba. Mata Gujri and the two young Sahibzadas continue to be at the house of Gangu Brahmin.

Fifth Day (24th December 1704) By a strange coincidence, the three Sikhs who had separated from the Master when they came out of Chamkaur fortress have again met him at the garden in Machhiwara. They have informed Guruji that the Mughal forces are still in hot pursuit. But the Master cannot walk because of blisters in his feet; he is carried to the well nearby where he takes bath after many days. Gulaba has also come to know about Guruji's presence in his garden. He is much pleased and takes him to his house for nourishment and shelter. Gangu Brahmin, in order to get into the good books of the local Mughal official, treacherously informs him about presence of Mata Gujri and the two Sahibzadas at his house. They are arrested immediately and taken to Sirhind where they are confined in a fort.

Sixth Day (25th December 1704)

Guruji's presence at Gulaba's house has been noticed by his neighbours. Gulaba is scared lest the Mughal forces come to know about it. He has refused shelter to Guruji and asks him to leave. There is no resentment or sorrow at Gulaba's lack of heart. Before leaving Guruji wants to meet Gurdevi, the lady, who has been yearning to meet the Master for whom she has been weaving cloth for some time. The Master brings joy to Gurdevi by visiting her and accepting the cloth. At the suggestion of the two Muslim followers, who have also joined him, the cloth is dyed in blue, made into robes and all six (including Guruji) dress up as Muslim faqirs. Four of them carry him in a litter with one Sikh waving Chauri over him. For all, the Master is now the Uch Da Pir or Spiritual Chief of Saints of Uch. (They travel in safety towards Hehar in Ludhiana District, Raikot, Jatpura, and finally to Dina where he stayed for quite some time and wrote Zafarnama). The young Sahibzadas have been summoned before Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind. Before leaving the fort of the confinement, their grand mother exhorts them to be true to the ideals of their grandfather and father. On reaching the court of the Governor, the young souls refuse to bow before him when asked to do so. Both brothers are cajoled into taking up Islam, which is refused, with a firm no. They are offered best of life if they change their religion. Their reply that they will prefer to die rather than live as renegades, infuriates the Governor who thunders that he will give them one more day to think ; if they don’t change their views they will be tortured. The Sahibzadas are taken back to the fort.

Seventh Day (26th December 1704)

The Sahibzadas are again brought to the court of Wazir Khan. He again suggests to them to take up Islam which is spurned ever more vigorously. The Governor is at the end of his wits and cannot swallow the adamant attitude of the young children. He gives them last chance to think over his proposal otherwise they should be ready to face dire consequences. They are again taken to the fort. Mata Gujriji is aware of what is in store for the young princes. She reinforces their resolve on remaining firm in their conviction.

Eighth Day (27th December 1704)

The two brothers are again taken to the Governor's court, where the same offer is made and is again rejected. The Governor is convinced by now that the young Sahibzadas will not yield on their religion .He announces his verdict: they are to be bricked alive and then beheaded. Some one in the gathering objects to this punishment for the young boys. The Quazi intervenes to say that the holy law has given them choice between Islam and death; it is they who have chosen death. The brothers have been made to stand near each other. A mason starts building a wall around them. An executioner with drawn sword is also standing nearby. So are the Quazi with a copy of Kuran in his hand and an official of the Governor's court to ensure that the orders are carried out properly. The wall has come up to the shoulder height; the Governor again visits the young princes and again offers them freedom if they take up Islam; he gets the same reply. There upon, on a nod from the Governor, Prince Zorawar Singh's head is severed from his body. At this stage prince Fateh Singh is again asked to accept Islam if he wants to avoid the fate of elder brother. His reply: be quick so that I can meet my elder brother. He is also beheaded. When Mata Gujri hears of the violent end of her grand children, she closes her eyes and soon she is together with the slain princes.

How do we remember the Heroes? The above is a short history of Sipanji - the most tragic period of our nation. A period, which gave us our greatest heroes. The tyrants furnished the situation to them; their courage provided the theme for their great deeds. Where can we find a handful of newly trained combatants taking on the might of an empire (Guruji has described their numbers as forty verses ten lakh in Verse No 19 of Zafarnama). Sahibzadas Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, knowing fully well what awaits them in the battlefield outside the Chamkaur fortress, willingly let a charge against the enemy forces and sacrificed their lives. Countless others who had faith in the Master gave their lives for a cause in which they had unflinching faith. The young princes could not be coerced into taking up Islam in spite of threat of death; their indomitable spirit could not be broken. A grand mother sends her grandsons to embrace death rather than let them change their faith. And finally the hero of heroes, Guru Gobind Singh, who gave everything he had, his father, his four sons, his mother, his dearest Khalsa for bringing an end to tyranny. How do we observe this period of Sipanji and remember our heroes. To begin with, we may narrate their deeds to our children. Over a period of time, this will become part of our folklore. The heroes are the beacons who light up our path in the journey of our lives. The greatest inspiration to a young mind is the hero he decides to emulate. We may also take the children to the sites where these heroic deeds were performed especially during Sipanji. The more adventurous may actually walk in their footsteps from Anandpur Sahib to Chamkaur Sahib on 20/21 December every year. International shooting / archery competitions (the main weapons used by the heroes) may be organised each year. People may like to have Sehaj Path at their homes during this period of eight days. Finally, since this was a period of extreme pain for the creator of the Khalsa, people may like to dispense with indulgence in merry making during Sipanji. Even though 22 December is also a joyous occasion for the nation (Guru Gobind Singhji was born on this day in 1666), the day can still be celebrated with solemnity. The above are only some of the suggestions as to how we can observe Sipanji and remember our heroes. Ultimately every individual, every family decides as to what we should do, if at all any thing has to be done, during this period. The purpose of this write up is to bring home to every one that there was a short period in our history when extreme sacrifices were made by its heroes in the formative years of the nation.



Sunday, 22 June 2008

New Film Dealing with Everyday Issues


http://oceanofpearls.com/trailer.htm

I dont know if its a good film or what message it protrays becuase i havent seen it. But from the trailer it seems like it deals with issues that face people in reality.

Madman on the MIC

Armed Muslim Gangs are operating in LONDON

Every leaf is the enemy of the Sikhs



This time has come again!

Basic Teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Basic Teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

There is one God; the creator off everything, Waheguru is the supreme soul. Waheguru is our true mother and father.

Salvation is when our soul merges back into Waheguru

Waheguru is unborn, self-existent, immortal, truth, without fear, without hate. The world is a fake drama, like a dream. Waheguru is beyond birth and death.

Deeds and devotion determine salvation, not caste, status and colour etc

We must respect all beings and faiths. (Guru Nanak Dev Ji had a Muslim and a Hindu accompany him throughout his travels when spreading his message of truth)

Forceful conversion into any faith is an evil deed. Every person has the right to freely think, and freely pursue a faith of their choice. (In 1675, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the 9th Sikh Guru gave his life for another faith to protect this principle)

Women have equal status as men and should not be treated as inferior (Sri Guru Granth sahib Ji, says that women are the ones that give birth to kings and saints, why should they be treated as inferior?)

Despite having comfort, luxury and prosperity, there is no true contentment without spiritual and moral foundation.

Human life form is a precious opportunity to get salvation; it will go to waste, if it is squandered away in false egocentric attachment with materialism.

Equality of all is important, all our souls are from the same Lord, therefore everyone should have equal rights, regardless of sex, status, religion, colour etc. We should have no discrimination, and should treat people the way we would want to be treated.

We must work and earn honestly.

We should help the poor and needy, a minimum of 10% of our earnings should be given to charity.

We must be kind and helpful.

We must reject rituals, superstitions, omens, incantation (magic spells) and amulets.

We should share and never be greedy or selfish.

A Sikh should only believe in Sri Guru Granth sahib Ji as the true guru. If they do not they are not a Sikh.

Sikhi & Organ Donation

Sikhism & Organ donation

A guide to organ donation

What is organ donation?

Organ donation is the gift of an organ to help someone else who needs a transplant. Hundreds of people lives are saved each year by an organ transplant. Organs that can be donated by people who have died are the heart, lungs, kidneys, Liver, pancreas and small bowel. Tissues such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas can also be used to help others.

When can organ donation take place?

Doctors and nurses are committed to doing everything possible to save life. Organs are only removed for transplantation once all attempts to save life have failed and after death has been certified by a doctor or doctors who are entirely independent of the transplantation team. Most donated organs come from people who die from a serve brain injury and who receive treatment from a ventilator in an intensive care unit. The brain injury damages vital centers in the brain stem which are essential to maintain life. No one can live once these centers have been destroyed. Tests can show conclusively when this has happened. In some circumstances, patients who die in hospital but are not on a ventilator may also donate. They are called non-heart beating donors.

Consent

The consent or lack of objection, of those closest to the patient is always sought before organs can be donated. This is why it is so important for people to discuss their wishes with their loved ones. Donation is an individual choice and views differ even within the same religious groups. Many families who agree to organ donation have said “It helps to know that some good has come from our loss”

Care and respect

The removal of organs is carried out with greatest care and respect. The family can see the body afterwards and staff can contact a Chaplin or local religious leaders if the family wishes.

Where does Sikhi stand in regards to Organ donation?

The Sikh philosophy and teachings place great emphasis on the importance of giving to others, hence the free kitchen at every Sikh temple. Sikhs have in the past put others before themselves a great example of this is when Sri Guru Teg bahadur Ji sacrificed his live (he was beheaded) to defend the rights of the Hindu religion (a faith which he didn’t even practice). If Guru JI can give his life for the betterment of others, the least we can do is give our organs once we are dead to benefit others.

Through goodness and truth, the dead establish a bond with the living. Ang 143 SGGSJ

Real life example of how a Sikh man helped save five lives because he decided to become an organ donator when he was alive!

Jagmohan Singh Taank

Sikh Jagmohan Singh Taank fulfilled his Guru’s teachings when he donated his organs for transplant to help others. The thoughtful 6ft “gentle giant” made the final decision to donate much easier for his family by carrying a donor card and letting them know of his wish to donate organs before his death.

Jagmohan known as “Monna” to his family was a fit 26 year old security officer when he complained of a serve headache; he then collapsed and was rushed to an intensive care unit in Coventry, west midlands in August 2002.

His family flocked to his side, including his parents who flew in from Canada, and had time with him before the fight to save his life was judged hopeless. Monna’s Sister Mrs. Harjeet kaur Oghra said “for 3 days he lay in hospital the steady stream of people who came in to see him overwhelmed us. All these people wanted to see him, thank him, to say goodbye and to pledge their support to our family. People of every color, religion and age came to that little hospital cubicle to say farewell to the heart and soul of an angel. He was cared for by a fantastic team of medical professionals but in the end it was hopeless. There was no sign of life except the ventilator keeping him breathing- which he could not do on his own. No flicker of an eye or little cough - no sign at all that he was alive. Monna carried a donor card in his wallet; it was just like him to have planned for others in death when there was nothing else he could do to help them in life. We had an agonizing decision to make about the donation but we knew his wishes and his life time desire to live by Sikh teachings. As a family we came to the decision that monna was entitled to have his wishes fulfilled and live through the people who desperately needed him to give them a second chance at life. My parents agreed that the doctors could call the recipients to tell them they were going to get the chance that they had dreamed of since their diagnosis. Monna’s organs were transplanted into five people that day. Monna did his humanitarian duty and fulfilled his life as an honorable Sikh and in his Guru’s teachings, he gave hope to others. The fact that he helped give five people after his death, gives his death a meaning, like a silver lining on the darkest cloud imaginable. He died a young hero who recognized his true purpose in life is to help others; his gifts gave back a mother her child, a father back to his children, brothers back to their sisters and a son back to his parents. It is so important that the Asian community become aware of organ donation. Very few Asians donate there organs even though there is such a long waiting list of patients desperately needing them”.

To register, on the NHS Organ Donor register online visit:

www.uktransplant.org.uk

or ring 0845 60 60 400 for more info

Cancer Cured


When recitation of Gurbani cured me of deadly cancer, I experienced God.

If God is with me, who can be against me?

Not even the deadliest disease of cancer can take my life away and that is exactly the divinely inspiring message of the truly miraculous story of my victorious battle against bone cancer which was medically diagnosed to be multiple myloma.

It was the continuous recitation of Gurbani that not only cured me of bone cancer that had already destroyed most of my bones in my skeleton, but also shattered my will to live. The blessings of Guru Granth Sahib not only triggered and accelerated the processes of complete and total cure in my body, but the Guru also enabled me to experience God. This also inspired me to pursue Nam therapy to totally and permanently get rid of otherwise fatal bone cancer.


Can Shabad-Kirtan and faithful recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib save me from fatal clutches of cancer?

Can such a miracle happen?

These were the posers that repeatedly crossed my mind and also dominated my dreams. Initially, I dismissed such ideas and being a science researcher with American educational background, I did not even believe in the existence of God. I have always been taught by my American scientists, teachers and professors that our life and the universe are governed by the irrefutable and irreversible laws of science and that God was nothing but a 'concept' or an illusion invented by timid and non-scientific minds. Hence, I have never been to any place of worship and also never prayed. But not anymore.

It was April 27th 2002 when three different teams of oncologists and hematologists from Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad presented me with the unanimous medical investigation reports based on their repeatedly unanimous findings, they passed their judgment with one voice that my life is going to end in a few days as the deadly cancer called multiple myloma has ruined most of my bones that are functionally vital for my survival. On April 29th, I had completed three and half years of painful life as a terminally bed-ridden cancer patient. I was slowly dying of cancer. The bony structures of my right ear had been eaten away by bone cancer that gave me total deafness in my right ear. Repeated audio graphs done by several E.N.T. surgeons proved beyond doubt that the decibel loss was irreversible and so immense that Dr. A.B.R. Desai in Mumbai, who is reputed to be the final authority on E.N.T. ailments, told me that there was something very tragically wrong with the bones in my right year and after trying several treatments, Dr. Desai told me that he has no medicine for my ailment and that I will never be able to hear with my right ear. The reputed E.N.T. surgeon Dr. Farida Wadia of civil hospital was of the opinion that if the loss of hearing in the right ear was not due to nerve deafness and was really a symptomatic manifestation of some un-diagnosed ailment then the hearing will return after that un-diagnosed ailment is cured. Is she blessed with 6th, 7th and 8th sense? I guess say so because that is exactly how the events ran their course.

Dr. Farida Wadia was also using her imagination like telescope in time and exactly predicting things which were yet to come. Later, it was Dr. Kiran Shah, the senior most reputed oncologist hematologist in Surat who himself performed bone marrow analysis and gave me the shocking news that I am not only suffering from bone cancer called multiple myloma but the cancer has already destroyed much of my vital bones. As per his advise, electrophoresis of the blood and MRI - [ magnetic resonance imaging] - of brain and skull as well as Citi Scan were also done at Mahavir General Hospital which confirmed beyond doubt that I am slowly but surely dying of bone cancer. I had been loosing appetite and had developed dislike for food. [anorexia nervosa] in between, I had also suffered from tumor on the right side of my head which gave me excruciating headache and giddiness. I lost orientation and would fall after walking for 30 seconds. As soon as cancer was diagnosed, I was immediately admitted to a government civil hospital and six chemotherapy sessions were administered – one every 28th day. This further destroyed my appetite and all the hair on my head and body were gone. I suffered these agonies for more than three and half years when on April 27th 2002, three teams of doctors and oncologists advised me that I should prepare my will as I had only a few days left.

Now, this was the phase when the divine miracle began to take shape. It was Sardar Kesar Singh, the owner of reputed " Kwality Group of Hotels and Restaurants" in Surat and his son Sardar Manjeet Singh, who suggested to me that I should undertake a pilgrimage to the holy Golden Temple at Amritsar and offer Akhand Paath and Ardaas with complete faith and total devotion and pray before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to cure me of my cancer and bless me with good vibrant health and long life to remain in his service. I initially, took this suggestion very lightly and argued back that I do not understand Punjabi or Gurmukhi and would therefore, not follow any word of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and whatever brief knowledge of Sikhism and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji I acquired was in April of 1999, when I wrote six researched articles on the 300 years of Khalsa celebrations published in the Indian press. But, Sardar Kesar Singh, who is also the president of Gurdwara at Udhana-Surat, convinced me that Sri Guru Granth Sahib's blessings are not restricted to those who speak or understand Punjabi or Gurmukhi. It is the faith and sincere devotion to the Guru which makes you worthy of his blessings.

I found Sardar Kesar Singh's advice very much inspiring. Moreover, my sister-in-law Miss Kunti, a staunch devotee of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and a faithful follower of principles of Sikhism since her childhood, was equally instrumental in motivating me to undertake this pilgrimage. She taught me the basic philosophy of Sikhism and brought me a copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in English. My mother-in-law Ms.Shanti Hotchand Khatri, have a separate room at their bungalows at Baroda where they offer prayers, Ardaas and listen to Shabad Kirtans every early morning. Their persuasion proved to be decisive.


So we left by Golden Temple Mail express train which departed from Surat at around 1-15 a.m. on April 29th 2002. We were received by the staff of Golden Temple and particularly Sardar Diljeet Singh Bedi who is in charge of liaisons with press and the public. I being a leading journalist, foreign-educated researcher and U.S.A. trained science writer, was given a VIP treatment and given accommodation in room no. 16 of Sri Arjan Dev Niwas. Since I had only a few days to live according to my doctors, they quickly made preparations for Akhand Paath and Ardaas after I paid Rs 2100 as fees. My wife Kanta, my daughter Halley and my brother-in-law's daughter Puja also sat with me. I was permitted to photograph and tape-record the entire Akhand Paath as well as Shabad Kirtans which I wanted to keep listening till I was to breathe my last on my death - bed.


But I was never to be lying on my death-bed because the moment the Granthi started reciting the Akhand Paath, I began to feel streams of energy entering and flowing thru my body. It rose majestically from the Angs of Shri Guru Granth Sahib like a serene cool flame of light entering my body through my fingers. The excruciating pain which I had suffered while struggling to reach the Golden Temple also disappeared. After 48 hours, I got up on my own two feet and began to feel and enjoy such vibrant health that I almost ran with joy towards Sri Arjan Dev Niwas and quickly climbed the stairs to my room no. 16. My appetite returned. I first took bath and then visited Jaliyanwala Bagh and then went to the 'Hotel Cityheart' and for the first time in three and half years I enjoyed a variety of Punjabi and Chinese foods which I had missed like deserts miss the rains.


We returned to Surat on 18th May 2002 and on 25th May again bone marrow analysis and electrophoresis tests were done on my body. No cancer was detected. Hence, to obtain second medical opinion, the samples were sent to Mumbai and Ahmedabad and medical doctors there also confirmed that the bone cancer is gone. My oncologist at Ahemedabad Dr. Pankaj Shah was preparing for stem cells transplant on me which was to have cost me Rs. nine lakhs. The entire medical world was taken by surprise. All doctors agreed that this is, indeed, a miracle because there is no medicine in Allopathy that can cure deadly cancer within 48 hours and effect a 180 degree change. The latest electrophoresis: serum protein test done is dated April 7th 2003 at Abha Clinical Laboratory. The doctors have signed this medical test report with comments: “no myeloma band."

I have preserved all the medical reports and x-rays done before and after the Akhand Paath and Ardaas at Golden Temple and they all tell the true story of my miraculous cure. Ever since this miracle, I am not only experiencing Guru's vibrations within me but also feel God's spiritual energy within me which inspires me and guides me in thought and deed, and vibrate in unison with him. I am joyfully back to " cheers and gears of life.", soulfully sharing my God-Given spiritual energy with those who love and faithfully listens to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and enrich their mind, body and soul with divinely vibrant health.


Now, I am enjoying the life of Guru-inspired faith and taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and God as my constant companion. It is the miracle and the divine magnetic spell of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which I also realized through Nam therapy that has not

only blessed me with healthy life but considering my greatly vibrant health, spiritual strength and new youthful looks and glamorous shining black hair, the same oncologists tell me that I am totally free of all kinds of diseases. I myself feel so close to the Guru that something tells me that I will live for 125 years and remain in Guru's service and bring true love, happiness and inspiration to all my friends.

My life has taken a spiritual turn. I get sound sleep without any sleeping pills. Since 25th April 2002, I am no longer on any medicine. I read Nitnem and get sound sleep and get up early to read Paath and enjoy Shabad Kirtan on Punjabi TV channel. Guru's teachings have gone a long way in dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Guru has not only changed my destiny but made me a devotee with the faith that is not blind but enlightened.


So often, I see and meet Gurus in my dreams and they taught me a new healthy life-style to give happiness to others. I am never angry. I have no bad habits and always remain jovial. Now, my motto is: ' people enjoy the happiness they feel. But I enjoy the happiness I give. Guru's one of the teachings says: “Kirat Karani and Wand Chhakana." - meaning: earn the fruits of your hard work ‘Naam Japana’; and share your fruits with others with love.

I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when he is silent. There is one God. God is truth. He is the creator of the universe and all beings. He is without fear and without hatred. He is the eternal being and the divine soul, birth less, self enlightened. He is enemy to none. Through grace of the Satguru he is met. Diseases and sins are destroyed by hearing the name of God says Guru Nanak. The Name, revealed to me by Guru's advice, is the breath of my life and the praise of the lord is my life's vocation. "Truth is great but greater than truth is truthful living." says Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

The Khalsa belongs to [the wondrous guru] God; all victory of is the victory of [the Wondrous guru] Wahe Gurujika Khalsa- Wahe Guruji ki Fateh.


Mr Vasu Bhardwaj
Journalist, Science Writer, Corporate Analyst
701-Chinmaya Apartment, Anand Mahal Road, Behind Bhulka
Bhavan, Adajan, Surat, Gujarat-395009
Tel: 0261 – 2690033, 0261 - 224 00 99
Mobile: 09825113636
E-mail vasuamerica@yahoo.com