Sikh Gay Parade slanders the Sikh faith

Loud and proud

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

News Source: www.asianpacificpost.com

Wed. July 23 2008 - More often than not, homosexuality within the South Asian community is frowned upon. But slowly, that's starting to change says a support group for gay and lesbian Sikhs in Metro Vancouver.

This year, Sher Vancouver is coming out loud and proud with its first ever float in Vancouver's annual Gay Pride Parade.

"Even we don't know what the float looks like yet," says Sher Vancouver founder, Amar Sangha.

"The woman in charge of decorating it has kept it a secret so I guess we'll all have to wait until the day of the parade to find out.

But we do know that it's not just going to be a Sikh float — it's going to be a South Asian float."

Sangha, 36, started Sher Vancouver in April after realizing that the South Asian gay community had no support group that fully understood the cultural challenges it was up against. Sher, which now has over 50 members, acts as a beacon of compassion for those struggling to come out to their families and friends.

"There is a generational difference for how Sikhs look at homosexuality," says Sangha, who lives in North Delta.

"Most younger and educated people who are familiar with Western culture are supportive. But in the end, the more people who come out of the closet, the easier I think it will be for South Asian gays to come out."

Sangha, a proud Sikh, says it was difficult to tell his family he is gay. To this day, his sexuality raises a gambit of issues, including how the family presents itself to the rest of the Sikh community, including its more traditional elements.

"My mom was supportive but my dad and his family still feel being gay is a choice," he says.

"They don't want me to be out in the media as they suffer a backlash every time I do an interview so I'm trying to tone it down."

Despite a culture that largely condemns homosexuality, there is nothing about the Sikh faith itself that takes a definitive stand on homosexuality one way or the other, says Sangha.

"The Sikh holy text isn't really solid on the issue," he explains. "It espouses tolerance and acceptance so even though it doesn't say anything about homosexuality, many people feel these values can be applied to all aspects of the human race.

"These are universal rights. They should include all gays and lesbians."

By founding Sher Vancouver and creating a strong presence in the media and in the community, Sangha hopes more gay Sikhs will be encouraged to come out.

So far, his group has raised $1,200 toward the construction of its $1,800 parade float.

"We're in a bit of a cash crunch," he admits. "Anyone interested in making a donation can e-mail me at amar_sangha@hotmail.com

Sikhi Stance On Homosexuality!

Sikhi teaches the path of truthful living and righteousness. The definition of truthful living is when you live a life according to Gods will. When one is corrupted by darkness and evil desires they live a life based on sin. Sikhs do not even cut their hair as they believe the hair have been put their according to Gods will. Anyone with common sense will know that God has created man and women to reproduce, this is a law of nature and a design of Gods will. Homosexaulity is against the will of God, in the same way as cutting ones hair is to a Sikh. Homosexuality is illegal amongst Sikh ethics and the Sikh code of conduct. The doors of the Gurdwara are open to anyone without any discrimination, but Sikh institutes will not carry out:

1: The Sikh initiation (Amrit ceremony) of a Homosexual person who refuses to stop having homosexual relationships after Amrit.

2: A Homosexual wedding.

3: Recommend the adoption or fostering of Sikh children to Homosexual couples.

The above three situations are there to protect Sikh ethics; any institute going against these is breaking the code of Sikh ethics.

In Sikhi Homosexuality is seen as devil like behaviour, although Sikhs do not see as a crime like some other religions. A person has the right to do what they want behind closed doors. But Sikhi in general does see homosexuality as a form of Maya (illusion) which keeps one away from Gods will. Homosexuality is defiantly seen as a form of Anti-Social behaviour by the Sikh religion. Gurbani tells us that evil instincts that lead us away from God are caused by the uncontrolled mind and dark energies within us. If a person does not meditate on God, this uncontrolled mind just keeps on increasing in its path of corruption and filthy desires.

This leaflet is not intended to offend homosexuals, but it is giving the honest view of homosexuality by the Sikh religion.

The love of Maya is enticing; without teeth, it has eaten up the world. The self-willed manmukhs are eaten away, while the Gurmukhs are saved; they focus their consciousness on the True Name. Without the Name, the world wanders around insane; the Gurmukhs come to see this. Ang 643 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Everything else is false. Whatever pleases Your Will is acceptable. Ang 16 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The blind have forgotten the Naam, the Name of the Lord. The self-willed manmukhs are in utter darkness. Ang 19 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

O Nanak, the Boat of Truth will ferry you across; contemplate the Guru. Ang 20 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The Gurmukh knows the Divine Light, while the foolish self-willed manmukh gropes around in the darkness. Ang 20 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

She has neither modesty or self-discipline; the self-willed manmukh constantly tells lies, and is ruined by the bad karma of evil deeds. Ang 786 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Frontlinepunjabi youth:

You cant be a sikh and gay, it dont work its like trying to put two swords in one case. This poeple if they want to be gay be gay but dont use the word sikh, because if you were sikh you wouldnt be a gay. They are slandering the sikh faith and going against the teachings of sri guru granth sahib ji.

Email that amar sangha geeza man, and tell him to keep the word sikh out of it.

Details of Bhai Harmander Singh jis shaheedi

Haryana Cult Clash Claims life of another Singh

Friday 18th of July 2008

Panthic Weekly News Bureau

One Singh was killed and dozens injured in the latest attacks on Sikhs

Dabwali, Haryana (KP) - The conflict between the Sikh Nation and the Sirsa based Sauda cult took another turn for the worst when clashes between cultists and Sikh protestors claimed another Sikh youth's life in the town of Dabwali in Haryana.

Furious over the latest murder, members of the Sikh community clashed with cultists for several hours before authorities managed to control the situation in the border districts of Bathinda, Mukatsar, Faridkot, and Sirsa. Tensions also flared in the districts of SriGanganagar, and Hanumangarh on the border with Rajasthan.

On Saturday, thousands of Sikhs gathered in large numbers at Shaheed Bhai Harmandir Singh's native town of Dabwali to pay tribute to the Sikh Nation's third Shaheed in the anti-Sauda Dera agitation.

Shaheed Harmandar Singh

Bhai Harmandir Singh, who was also known as Mandar Singh in the community, was a local leader of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha. His body was cremated according to Sikh rites after being taken from a local Haryana Gurdwara Sahib in a huge procession and show of strength by the Sikhs.

The Shaheed Singh's body, draped by siropas (robes of honor) presented by Sikh organizations, was carried on top of a large vehicle with his father Sardar Mohinder Singh, Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh, and other prominent Sikh leaders, and members of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha.

Emotions on Edge as 3rd Sikh Martyr is Cremated

Passions were on edge as the large numbers of mourners raised loud Jaikaras of 'Bole so Nihal, Sat Sri Akal' and 'Shaheed Harmandar Singh Amar Rahay.' Slogans against the Sirsa dera and its criminal chief were also raised through the procession.

After the Shaheed's body was brought to Dabwali's cremation ground, an emotional farewell was given by the martyr's parents, elder brother, and wife Manjit Kaur. His surviving daughter, Sukhandeep Kaur, 5, and son Gurcharn Singh, who is only two and half years old, seemed oblivious to the tragedy that occurred in their family.

The Funeral fire for Bhai Harmandir Singh's body was lit by the shaheed's father and elder brother, along with Jathedar Nandgarh and Avtar Singh Makkar of the SGPC.

After the antim-saskar, Sikh leaders such as Simranjit Singh Maan, Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal, Daljit Singh Bittu, eulogized the martyr at the local Gurdwara at Dabwali.

There was a huge presence of local police, Border Security Forces, and Rapid Action Forces throughout the area, in which the entire border area between the districts of Bathinda and Mukatsar had been sealed and a curfew put in place. Only during the antim-saskar procession was the curfew lifted for about two and a half hours.

Shaheedi

According to eyewitnesses, a local 'naam-charcha' (Sirsa cult meeting) was being organized at the residence of Sundar Dass Mehta on Friday. Volunteers of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha, including Bhai Harmandir Singh, complained to the local police officials about the meeting, but officials, who themselves sympathize with the cultists, turned a blind eye to the issue.

When the Singhs, numbering only 15-20, began to protest outside Mehta's residence, they were violently confronted by the cultists whose numbers had now surged into the hundreds-heavily armed. In the initial attack, dozens of cultists ambushed Bhai Harmandir Singh with sharp weapons and latthis (staffs), several others were injured in this melee.

When other members of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha found out about the situation, they quickly arrived at the scene and took possession of the Shaheed Singh's body, and in protest closed down the Delhi-Dabwali highway.

Police attack Protesting Singhs

According to press reports, the deputy commissioner Oma Shankar, and senior police captain Venktarmun, soon arrived at the protest scene and attempted to disperse the protesting Singhs using the infamous 'lathi-charge' tactic in which half a dozens more Singhs were injured directly due to police brutality.

As reports of the mistreatment of the Sikhs in Haryana spread, more Sangat began to pour into the town of Dabwali, in which during the evening the Sikh protesters began to retaliate against the authorities and Sirsa cultists. It took several hours and reinforcements from neighboring districts before the Police could contain the situation.

As in the past, local government officials are suspected of sympathizing with and protecting the cult dera members, and are being partly blamed for the death of Harmandir Singh. They include deputy commissioner Oma Shankar, a sub-inspector Dalip Singh, and local patwari.

What you must know if Guru Ji is coming to your house?

Introduction:

There are all sorts of reasons why people want to have the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at their houses. In sad times we need strength, in times of happiness we say thank you and at some occasion we seek the Gurus blessings. Whatever the reason we must remember one thing that your house must have a Gurdwara Atmosphere in the presence of Sri Guru Granth sahib Ji to show utmost respect to Guru Ji.

A few points to be aware of:

• The reason why we are seeking Guru Ji’s blessings. Some “Sikhs” may be opening an off licence and therefore want Guru Ji’s blessings before the Grand opening. This is ridiculous as the Guru would never bless corrupt practices which they preached against. Guru Nanak Dev Ji refused a meal at the palace of a King due to the same principle.

• In the Darbar (room where Guru Ji‘s parkash is) there should be no photos of the deceased (dead), living humans, and idols present. The platform of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should be the highest and the focal point of the Darbar. No photo of a person should be placed in front of Guru Ji, that is a Anti-Sikh ritual which is forbidden, as Sikhs do not bow to photos or idols.

• There should be no meat, alcohol (drugs) or tobacco present within the premises.

• Nobody should rest or walk in the room above Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

• Head should be covered at all times.

All the above are basic principles in order to maintain a high level of respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Please keep them in mind for the next time you plan to have Darshan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at your house.

Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji ki Fateh.

Written by Professor Daljit Singh, Chairman of Sikh Institutes Amritsar. Bsc honours in Sikh studies and university lecturer of Sikh studies.

Review of Current Nagar Kirtans

Historic Trend

Nagar Kirtans started of in Punjab, but the old Nagar Kirtans weren’t like the ones we see today. At Amrit-vela early in the morning when people used to go to the local Gurdwara on the way they would Sing Kirtan, people came out of their houses when they heard the Kirtan and joined the Nagar Kirtan. Therefore a lot of people walked to the Gurdwara in the form of sangat. Infact everyday there could be a few Small Nagar Kirtans in one pind (village) as people got together from different directions. So these types of Nagar Kirtans used to happen every Amrit-vela.

Why was they done?

• Act as an alarm for the people still sleeping.
• For spiritual benefit of the soul (better then talking crap on the way to a Gurdwara).
• They formed some sort of safety for the common civilian who wanted to go to the Gurdwara at Amrit-vela when it is dark (Punjab had no lights in them days and thieves and rapists used to work at night).

Current Trend

These days Nagar Kirtans are conducted in a different manner for a different objective. Instead of going to the Gurdwara the Nagar Kirtan starts from the Gurdwara and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is paraded with Sangat across local streets. The idea is to show the local community Sikh principals of sharing, as food is distributed by Sikhs to all without discrimination and to spread awareness of the Sikh faith.

Positive aspects

• Links with other Sikhs are made.
• Good day to get Parchaar (guidance) out to the Sangat.
• Shows unity.

Negative Aspects

• The dress sense of a lot of people is a disgrace (some people forget they are in Sangat form) they wear enticing clothing. The men mostly wear caps and hoodies instead of ramals. They show of their Tattoos and big chests. It’s more of a pulling field (flirting) then anything else for a lot of youth.
• The Dhol has been introduced which creates a carnival atmosphere; people start to dance and sing explicit lyrics. (More of a Nagar Bhangra then Nagar Kirtan Scene is created).
• An opportunity for non-Sikhs to wear Karas (pretend to be Sikhs) and deceive our women folk.
• Some people bring intoxications and are buzzing throughout the procession.
• Young couples meet up and sneak of to side roads and parks to indulge in lustful activities.
• A lot of the above activities portray Sikhs in the wrong way and brings shame and dishonour to our nation.

Conclusion

The Nagar Kirtans these days seem to have more of a negative aspect and I see the situation worsening unless more measures are put in to improve the standards.

The Dhol should be completely taken out of the Nagar Kirtan, unless it is used for a Gatka demo. The Dhols rightful place is in a club or wedding party not a Nagar kirtan being led by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

– By Harpreet Kaur (15) Hackney East London

Sikhs-sponsored shutdown disrupts rail, road traffic in Punjab

Amritsar, July 23: Normal life was hit across Punjab on Wednesday, as activists of several Sikh organizations stopped trains and buses in response to a shutdown call given by Harnam Singh Dhuma, the chief of the Damdami Taksal (Bhindranwala) against the killing of a Sikh in Dabwali in Sirsa District on July 18, allegedly by the followers of the controversial Dera Sacha Sauda.

Sant Samaj activists squatted on railway tracks near Vala village in Amritsar District and stopped the Garib Rath Express, railway officials said.

As a precautionary measure, railway authorities stopped the Amritsar-Delhi Shatabdi Express, the Jan Shatabdi express, the Sachkhand Express and the Amritsar-Delhi Super Express from moving out of the Amritsar Railway Station.

Road traffic on national highways and other roads were also disrupted at Fatehgarh, Phagwara and Moga, officials said.

Some activists staged a protest march on the streets of Amritsar and demanded the arrest of Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh whose security guards had also killed a person from the Sikh community in Mumbai on June 20.

Amrik Singh, an activist of Dam Dami Taksal (Bhindranwala) said that Ram Rahim should be hanged for the killing of three Sikh youths and for copying the dress of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.

Lakhwinder Singh, another activist accused Ram Rahim of committing anti-Sikh activities.

Meanwhile, Samaj convener Harnam Singh Khalsa has assured that the shutdown "will be peaceful and essential services will not be disrupted."

Most private schools in Amritsar and private institutions at several places in Punjab remained closed. (ANI)

Download Sikhi Packs 2008 by Sikh Educational services

The packs cover Sikhi lifestyle and history: They are good for the youth , print them out for universities and schools. These packs were made by Sikh educational services i got the cd from my local Gurdwara thought id share it with you!

Follow this link:

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Cdz with blasphemous covers sold in most UK Gurdwaras

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji demanded that after his departure, Sri Guru Granth Sahib was to be the ever-lasting Guru. It is blasphemous to say otherwise. All the bhagats included in Gurbani were very saintly people, but they were never given Gurship they were seen as saintly devotees. In the Sikh fait there have only been 11 Gurus.

• Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
• Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji
• Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
• Sri Guru Ram Das Ji
• Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
• Sri Guru Hargobind Ji
• Sri Guru Har Rai Ji
• Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji
• Sri Guru Teg Bahahdur Ji
• Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
• Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – Eternal Guru

It is an increasing and disturbing trend that Gurdwara stalls are selling cdz from the namdhari cult and of people like Hans Raj Hans who call Bhagats Guru. If in Gurbani the Bhagats are called Bhagats (not guru) who are we to change this?

Sree Raag, The Word Of Devotee Baynee Jee:

To Be Sung To The Tune Of ""Pehray"":

One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru: O man, when you were coiled in the cradle of the womb, upside-down, you were absorbed in meditation. You took no pride in your perishable body; night and day were all the same to you-you lived unknowing, in the silence of the void. Remember the terrible pain and suffering of those days, now that you have spread out the net of your consciousness far and wide. Leaving the womb, you entered this mortal world; you have forgotten the Lord from your mind. Ang 93 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Raag Gauree, Paday Of Ravi Daas Jee, Gauree Gwaarayree:

One Universal Creator God. Truth Is The Name. Creative Being Personified. By Guru's Grace:

The company I keep is wretched and low, and I am anxious day and night; my actions are crooked, and I am of lowly birth. Ang 345 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

No where in Gurbani are the bhagats called Guru, even dough they were special people whose bani was included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

LETS TACKLE THIS ISSUE:

Hans Raj Hans Contact Details:

Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar,

Near lal rattan cinema

Jallandhar India

Website: http://www.hansrajhans.com/

Phone: +91 181-2231408, 2222588

Email: info@hansrajhans.com

Alcohol continues to be served at Controversial Dera

Fatehgarh Sahib (KP) – Widely known as a historical Sikh center, Fatehgarh Sahib District is now home to thousands of alcohol addicted Sikh youth. A local dera of “Baba Mast Ram,” located in Jattana Khurd, that openly promotes alcoholism has been a concern of the Sikh Community for a while but no actions have been taken by Sikh authorities in its regard. The main problem with the dera is that not only is alcohol served, but that parkash of Guru Granth Sahib is also done there.

A complaint was recently filed by an SGPC member, Ravinder Singh Khalsa from Amloh, regarding the issue of alcoholism and the parkash of Guru Granth Sahib. Avtar Makkar, President SGPC, who is well-acquainted with the issue, assured that after receiving a detailed investigation report, appropriate actions will be taken. Similar complaints have been filed by local Sikh community members, but so far no one has heard their pleas.

Baba Mast Ram Dera attracts a large number of visitors every day, and some vulnerable Sikhs, especially the youth, have fell prey to the anti-Gurmat activities that go on at the dera. According to the report filed by Ravinder Singh Khalsa, people offer alcohol as an offering at the dera. While most people who visit the dera are not Sikhs, many from Sikh families come solely for the desire of free alcohol.

The history of the dera goes back fifty years and the act of offering alcohol has been in practice every since. People offer alcohol in hope their wishes would come true. During the rise of the freedom movement, a ban was put on the dera’s activities and parkash was done instead. However, the same agenda of anti-Gurmat activities has geared up once again and the “congregation” that had reduced in the 80’s and 90’s has started to increase now.

While the SGPC does not hold any governance over the dera, the major concern is that even though parkash is not done inside the actual premises, but nearby, intoxicated persons mistakenly show up where parkash of Guru Granth Sahib is done. Furthermore, another strange practice of some of Baba Mast Ram’s followers is that they sprinkle alcohol on the walls of the dera.

Considering the possible sacrilege, the SGPC is urged by the local sangat to speed-up its processes and put an end to the beadbi that is taking place at the Baba Mast Ram Dera. Sikh leaders from Fatehgarh Sahib District are also appealed to leverage their efforts of promoting anti-drug living within the Sikh masses, especially the youth.

Satkar Committee Clashes with Mehta Pseudo-Nihangs

Supporters of the Nakli-Nihangs attacking Satkar Committee Sevadars, one Singh was seriously injured during the attack

Sri Amritsar Sahib (KP) - Members of Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee clashed with members of a pseudo-Nihang Dera in Mehta that had locked up sacred Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and stopped doing their Parkash at the Gurdwara Sahib. There were also complaints that the Gurdwara had became a place for anti-Gurmat acitivities.

The Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee (India) has been engaged in increasing veneration of Guru Granth Sahib at different places throughout Punjab for a long time. Volunteers of the organization work actively with different Panthic organizations and ensure that proper care is provided to saroops of Guru Granth Sahib wherever parkash is done.

In the past, the Satkar Committee has brought to light some of the most horrendous incidents which have shocked Sikhs worldwide. Amongst many such operations, the most prominent ones include the expose of Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee and the blasphemous business of Chattar Singh Jeevan Singh and Sons located in Sri Amritsar.

Just this past week, after receiving complaints from local residents, the volunteers of the Satkar Committee launched another project to maintain respect of Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s saroops at Gurdwara Singh Bela, located close to Chownk Mehta, which is under the rule of Nihang Baba Sukha Singh. According to complaints by the local Sangat, and observations by the Satkar Committee members, the Nihangs under Baba Sukha Singh weren't providing proper care to the saroops of Guru Granth Sahib and when intervention was sought to rectify this wrongdoing, a huge clash occurred between the Satkar Committee activists who were being supported by local Sangat and the pseudo-mahants of Gurdwara Singh Bela.

The incident took place around 6 AM in the morning when about twenty-five Satkar Committee activists approached Nihang Baba Sukha Singh at his headquarters at Gurdwara Sri Guru Hargobindgarh regarding the issue. Although initially talk started swiftly, the incident took a violent turn after disagreements ensued.

The clash became so callous that blind gun fire by Nihangs almost took the life of one Singh as he was shot in his kidney. Bhai Gurdeyal Singh, age 35, son of Bhai Natha Singh of village Nadala Distt. Kapurthala had to be admitted to Sri Guru Ramdaas Sahib hospital in Sri Amritsar. The incident was brought under control after invention by Mehta Chownk Police. Bhai Gurdeyal Singh had to undergo an immediate operation but he is still in critical condition.

After the incident, Nihangs Baba Sukha Singh and Baba Sukhwinder Singh were both transported to a safe place to ensure no further incidents take place. Baba Sukha Singh, who enjoys close proximity with Government Officials, had filed a case against Baba Balbir Singh Mucchal, President of Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee under penal code section DEB, C2G, CIB, ADH, ADI. In addition, at least another 15 members of the Satkar Committee have also been booked while the clash had left a number severely injured.

The Satkar Committee activists have had to face Punjab Police backlash quite often as they are committed to preserving the respect of Guru Granth Sahib. During several incidents in the past, the volunteers of the Committee have also taken actions against Government sponsored deras which were not preserving proper maryada. Although Akal Takhat Sahib also bars parkash of Guru Granth Sahib at such places, it has come to light that individuals such as Parkash Badal, Sukhbir Badal, Surinder Badal, Avtar Makkar, including appointed Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti visit deras where Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s parkash is done despite a lack of implementation of proper maryada. The recent incident involving Baba Sulakhan Sinh (of village Panjwar, near Tarn Taaran Sahib) exposed the hypocrisy of Jathedar Vedanti and the Badals. During the incident, which was also reported by Panthic Weekly in detail, several activists of the Satkar Committee were booked by the police and several were injured during the violent clash which included blind firing.

Bhai Amrik Singh, Jathedar Damdami Taksal (Third Faction) had became a target of the police during the Baba Sulakhan Sinh Dera campaign and had to go underground. Baba Balbir Singh, who is a close associate of Bhai Amrik Singh, had to face serious consequences in the case but he remained committed to the cause. Following the expose of Baba Sulakhan Sinh, Jathedar Vedanti also tried to summon activists of the Satkar Committee but failed as the Sikh Sangat provided support to the cause.

Sikh Sangat in Punjab and outside is appealed to join in the cause with the Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee and ensure that respect of Guru Granth Sahib is preserved. Sikh organizations should also come together to support the activists and provide assistance to those injured during the clash.

One rider dies in Sikh Charity Bike ride 2008

The Sikh Charity bike ride has been running fro several years and has brought honour and fame to the Sikh community at a global level. The Sikh principals of struggling for others and helping others are shown in this noble event.

However this year (2008) the main highlights were the tragic death of a rider and the finishing at a mela.

A lot of the participants are saying that there should have been a marshall at the spot of the accident as it was a dangerous spot. (If not done already the route should be rehearsed and all danger spots should be marked)

A lot of participants were not happy with finishing in a mela. The melas are full of corrupt music, violence and sexual behavior. It was not a wise decision to finish a Sikh charity bike ride in such an atmosphere. Fights tend to break out and there are other considerable risks to be taken in account at melas. The bike ride always used to finish at a Gurdwara and a kirtan diwan used to be done (This is more positive and more sikhi is involved).

It is ironic that for the first time in history that it was not finished in a Gurdwara and look at what the highlights are.

Because of the long distance a lot of the Sangat feel due to safety reasons the age of participants should be increased from 14 to 16 or 18 as minimum.

Our prayers and heart goes out for the deceased and his family. I hope the organizers have learned from the mistakes made.

Dera Ashram Attacked

Sikh-Dera clash leaves one dead

Published: Saturday, 19 July, 2008, 08:05 AM Doha Time

Sikhs protest against the Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Ram Rahim Singh in Chandigarh yesterday

DABWALI (Haryana): Curfew was imposed in a town in Haryana’s Sirsa district yesterday after a Sikh man was killed by Dera Sacha Sauda sect followers in a clash.
Sikh activists set nearly 15 shops and about 10 houses belonging to the Dera sect followers ablaze in Dabwali town after the Sikh man was killed yesterday morning.
Trouble started after about 10 Sikh activists tried to stop a ‘naam charcha’ (prayer meeting) of the Dera followers in this town on the border of Punjab and Haryana, about 350km from state capital Chandigarh.
Dera followers retaliated by pelting stones, and in the ensuing violence, a Sikh activist, Mandar Singh, was killed. Police said he had sustained a head injury.
The death triggered retaliatory violence by the Sikh community as they set fire to several establishments belong to Dera followers.
District officials and police reinforcements rushed to the spot to maintain law and order. The police were put on alert in Sirsa town, where the headquarters of the sect led by Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh is located.
Gurmit Ram Rahim has been involved in a controversy with the Sikh community since May last year after he attired himself like the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh, during a ceremony. This led to violence in Punjab, Haryana and several other states as Sikhs protested the Dera chief’s actions and demanded his arrest.
The hostility between the sect and Sikhs was re-ignited last month when a private security guard of the Dera chief killed a Sikh youth outside a Mumbai mall when some Sikhs protested Gurmit Ram Rahim’s presence there. – IANS

NDTV Correspondent

Saturday, July 19, 2008 (New Delhi)

The situation in Haryana's Sirsa district continues to remain tense after clashes between a group of Sikhs and the supporters of Dera Sacha Sauda on Friday night in which one person was killed and 30 injured.

Violence had spread to nearby areas after the Sikhs attacked an ashram belonging to the Dera and set it on fire.

Army has been put on standby in case of an emergency and both Punjab and Haryana have been put on high alert.

The Dera chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been at loggerheads with the Sikh clergy for alleged blasphemy after he wore clothes similar to those of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.

New Sikh Unit freestyle tribute to Shaheed Bhai Mandar Singh

Shaheed Saroop of Bhai Mandar Singh Ji

Bhai Mandar Singh is the third murdered Sikh by the cult of "sucha suada" dera. Rip Singh.

downlaod the tune by clicking the following link:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/du7ar0

Company Punjabi Mall disrespects Gurbani

Gurbani being Disrespected

Every tukh (word) of Gurbani is directly from God. Infact Gurbani is the Light of God. Gurbani is there to guide us to merge back with God. It is a Great Disrespect to use Gurbani as a fashion symbol.

To degrade Ikonkar as a fashion symbol on everyday house hold accessories is outrageous. Is this holding Gurbani in high regards? Every bit of Gurbani is our living Guru!

People could be drinking anything from the mugs, and washing it next to meat stuff with all other dirty dishes. The tops get sweaty and people will wash them with their boxers and socks. Kids will leave their bags on the floor etc. The baby will shit and puke all over that baby top. Sikhs wear turbans not hats and these people have the cheek to put Gurbani on a hat. What will that person be cooking with that apron on; plus an apron is there to protect against dirt and these people have the cheek to put Gurbani on it. Gurbani on postcards will end up on the floor (Gurbani is the guru the guru is bani) This new trend of using Gurbani as a fashion symbol is disgusting and so disrespectful. This is an insult to the Sikh faith and this company is making a mockery of the Sikhs Holy scriptures.

http://www.cafepress.com/panjabmall

their contact details: info@panjabmall.com

Panjab Mall : Ikonkar Designs

	Tile Coaster people might use this tile in bathrroom $7.50	Tote Bag $17.99
Jr. Raglan $25.99	Baseball Jersey $21.99	Hooded Sweatshirt $32.99
Jr. Hoodie $32.99	Long Sleeve T-Shirt $23.99	Sweatshirt $25.99
Jr. Hoodie $32.99	Women's Tracksuit $47.99	Kids Hoodie $23.99
Kids Baseball Jersey $18.99	Infant/Toddler T-Shirt $16.99	Kids T-Shirt $18.99
Ash Grey T-Shirt $22.99	Organic Cotton Tee $24.99	Value T-shirt

Check out the cool designs. If you don't find one you're looking for, be sure to e-mail us at info@panjabmall.com. We'll be happy to provide a custom design. Please choose a design to see our product selections!

Ikonkar 1 This Ikonkar is drawn in calligraphy.

Ikonkar 2 This Ikonkar design is very free flowing and includes an abstract circle element in the background.

Mul-Mantra Mul-Mantra written in calligraphic style. This script is very unique and not commonly found.