Sikh-News

29/04/2022

‘Sarbat Da Bhala’ & ‘Chardi Kala’— Understand Two Core Principles of Sikhism

Chardi Kala:
It is an expression that depicts an ever-optimistic, happy and buoyant mind-frame. One might ask how can that be humanly possible— because life often hands us all with obstacles and adversities. There will be moments of happiness, true, but we cannot deny the sorrow that is bound to engulf us at some moments. But the principle of ‘Chardi Kala’ asks us to change our perspective. We cannot always plan or foresee what will happen in our lives or the lives of those we care about, but we should take heart in fact the Almighty sees everything and the world goes on as per His divine will.

Sarbat Da Bhala:
It outlines a core principle of Sikhism, and it signifies a belief that often echoes throughout Sikh scripture.

In Punjabi, the phrase means “welfare of all” or “may good come to all”. By asking Sikhs to include the phrase in every ‘Ardas’, Sikh Gurus had set an exceptionally high moral standard for all adherents to follow i.e. they should pray not only for their own well-being, but for the well-being of everyone. It induces a sense of universal brotherhood, all rooted in Guru Nanak’s philosophy that all human beings are created by God and all should be treated equally. A common analogy used in this context is that of a potter and a goldsmith. A potter creates pots of varying shapes and sizes, but they all have come from the same soil. A goldsmith may make ornaments of wildly different designs, but they all come from the same gold.

28/04/2022

Sri Keshgarh Sahib has the distinction of being the place where Guru Sahib founded the Khalsa Panth. It is here where the first initiation, also called Khande Di Pahul, occurred. The hill we see today is much inundated. Historically, the hill was about ten to fifteen feet higher than its present-day height.

It is agreed that there was another hill alongside it where a tent was set up on the day of foundation of Khalsa. The area was much wider then, as it accommodated thousands of Sikhs that attended the ceremony on that auspicious day. Sadly, much has changed with time. Due to construction of a direct road between Anandpur Sahib and Keshgarh Sahib, many hilltops had to be leveled.

26/04/2022

As pilgrimage to Hemkunt Sahib opens from May 22, let us take a moment to look at the history of the holy site and the story behind it that very few of us know.

Hidden among the snowy Himalayan peaks is the Lokpal lake, the literal translation of which is ‘protector of the world’. It is located in the state of Uttarakhand in North India and lies about 13, 650 feet from the sea-level. The glacial lake sits in the middle of seven mountain peaks, and there stands a Nishaan Sahib on each of them. Its unique location renders it inaccessible for about half of the year as snow blocks all pathways. It is believed that this was the place where a previous incarnation of Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent years in trance of the Almighty. Alternatively, it is also described as a ‘Tap Asthan’ (place of meditation and prayer) of Guru Gobind in another lifetime and it was here that he attained his union with God.

21/04/2022

Congratulations to all on the 400th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Hind di Chadar

18/04/2022

A few decades ago, in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, Vaisakhi was a faraway dream for Punjabi immigrants. They missed the huge celebrations and processions taking place back in their homeland— the jhakis, the fairs, the Nagar Kirtans and gatka displays had become a thing of their past.

Owing to globalization, demographics in Western societies have seen a sea-change as the Punjabi population grew steadily around the world. Over the years, several pockets of Sikh and Punjabi communities were firmly established around the globe, and they brought with them their beliefs, their cuisine and festivals. Today, we can as easily find a frozen paratha in Canada as we can find a cup of Tim Hortons coffee. Punjab and its culture is no longer limited to its area of historical origin, and it has fast become a global phenomenon. ‘Punjabi’ as an identity and ‘Punjabiyat’ as a culture has found a home away from home.


Read more at:
https://www.sikh-news.com/r/a/vaisakhi-outside-punjab-10876

18/04/2022

A 24-year-old Indian National named Jasmeet Kaur has unexpectedly passed away in Toronto, leaving the wider Sikh community in shock and grief.

She was found unresponsive at her Residence on Friday, April 15.

Jasmeet, originally from New Delhi, came to Canada on a student visa in 2020. She was studying in George Brown College and was about to receive her graduation in this month.

Her parents used up their life savings with great hopes to build her future.

A fundraiser has been launched by Jasvinder Singh to cover the cost of repatriating the body to India and to help her family pay the loan they took for her education.

04/04/2022

75-year-old Sikh man attacked on early morning walk in Queens, NY

Singh has only been in the country for two weeks on a visitors visa.

It was very hard for Singh to speak because of the pain. The blood was still fresh on his sleeves and jacket.

The police say, the assault was unprovoked, and left him with a broken nose and severe bruising.

31/03/2022

Prominent Congressmen including the members of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus introduced resolution 1007, titled 'Supporting the designation of Baisakhi, April 14, of each year, as National Sikh Day' in the house on March 28, 2022.

The resolution recognizes the contributions of Sikh community, which originated in Punjab and began immigrating into the US over 100 years ago. It says the community played an important role in developing the US and that Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion with nearly 30,000,000 adherents, roughly 1,000,000 of whom call the US home.

Sikh bodies hailed the resolution to celebrate Baisakhi as 'National Sikh Day'. Sikh caucus committee, Sikh coordination committee, and American Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC) thanked the congressmen for introducing the resolution.

Pritpal Singh coordinator of AGPC said that this will not only help in generating awareness about Sikh Religion, culture, and customs in the US but also help in bringing down the cases of hate crime.

30/03/2022

Congratulations to all on the eve of Gurgaddi Dihara of Guru Har Rai Sahib ji

24/03/2022

Three schoolboys have been arrested after what a city school described as an "abhorrent attack" on some of its Sikh pupils last week. During the incident a boy's turban is said to have been removed by force and the Police are treating the incident as a hate crime.

The incident took place outside Judgemeadow Community College, in Marydene Drive, Evington, on Friday, March 18. A number of videos have since been posted on social media showing what appeared to be an altercation between several young people.

Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews confirmed three 14-year-old boys were arrested and have since been released on police bail while officers carry out further inquiries.

https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/boys-arrested-after-attack-on-sikh-school-boys-10870

Three schoolboys have been arrested after what a city school described as an "abhorrent attack" on some of its Sikh pupils last week. During the incident a boy's turban is said to have been removed by force and the Polic

22/03/2022

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announces public holiday on March 23

The Punjab assembly also passed a resolution to install statues of freedom fighter and father of the constitution BR in the assembly premises.

Source: Punjab

21/03/2022

Article: Birds and their significance in Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Birds mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib ji

1. Sheldrake
2. Cuckoo
3. Nightingale
4. Accipter Virgatus, Northern Goshawk
5. Sparrow
6. Swan
7. Duck
8. Crane
9. Heron
10. Crow
11. Pigeon
12. Parrot
13. Peacock
14. Hawk-Falcon
15. Eagle

🙏

17/03/2022

Congratulations🎉

United States of America's Marine Corps ( ) Sikh soldier Sukhbir Singh Toor, who is the first serving Sikh soldier in the forces, has been promoted to the rank of Captain from Lieutenant.

In its 246-year-old history, it is the first time that USMC allowed an individual to wear a turban and keep a beard while performing his normal duties.

16/03/2022

Bhagwant Mann takes oath as Punjab CM, quotes Bhagat Singh

After taking oath as CM of Punjab, Mann appealed to all the newly elected MLAs to not get arrogant. "I appeal to you all (newly-elected MLAs) to not get arrogant. We have to respect even those who didn't vote for us." he said

“Ishq karna sabka paidaishi haq hai, kyun na is baar watan ki sarzamin ko mehboob bana liya jaye,” Mann quoted Bhagat Singh as he told the attendees that there was a special reason behind choosing Khatkar Kalan as their oath-taking ceremony venue.

“For the first time we have come to the village of a martyr. Bhagat Singh should be remembered everyday,” he added.

14/03/2022

5 Indian students died in a road accident near Toronto in Canada at 3.45 am local time on Sat. The deceased have been identified as
1. Harpreet Singh
2. Jaspinder Singh
3. Karanpal Singh
4. Mohit Chouhan
5. Pawan Kumar

Two other injured students were rushed to the hospital

Read more: https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/five-indian-students-killed-in-road-accident-in-canada-10865

09/03/2022

For the first time ever, a combat helmet has been created keeping the Sikh soldier in mind.

Kanpur-based Global Defense and Homeland Security Company MKU has come out with a dedicated combat helmet, called Veer, which is capable of providing all-round ballistic protection against bullets and also fragments of up to Level IIIA.

"We observed a need for better head protection for our Sikh troops," said MKU’s Chairman Manoj Gupta, adding, "Despite having contributed so much towards national security and defense in India, and across the world, the Sikh soldiers do not have adequate head protection against ballistic threats that can be comfortably worn, without having to compromise on their faith or identity."

According to MKU, Sikh soldiers can comfortably wear the helmet over their under-turban cloth.



https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/veer-helmet-for-sikh-soldiers-10863

For the first time ever, a combat helmet has been created keeping the Sikh soldier in mind. Kanpur-based Global Defense and Homeland Security Company MKU has come out with a dedicated combat helmet, called Veer, which is

25/02/2022

HC interim order not applicable on turban-wearing students: BC Nagesh

In a relief to the Sikh community students wearing Turban, the state government on Thursday clarified that the high court’s interim order while hearing the petitions pertaining to the Hijab is not applicable to the Sikh community students.

There was confusion among the parents and in the education circles over the turban-wearing Sikh community students after Mount Carmel College in Bengaluru reportedly asked a Sikh student to remove the turban while complying with the high court’s interim order.

Clarifying the issue, Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh said that wearing the turban is the Constitutional right for the Sikh community people and the high court’s interim order is only applicable to the wearing of hijab, saffron stole and religious flags.

“The Constitution has given right for the people from the Sikh community to wear turbans and the interim order of the high court pertaining to petitions on wearing of Hijab is not applicable to Sikh community students,” the minister clarified.

In the meantime, the management representatives of Mount Carmel PU College also denied the reports that they had asked a Sikh community girl to remove the turban. The college authorities revealed that they had only asked the girl if it is ‘possible’ for her to attend the classes without the turban as she turned up at the college without the turban on a particular day.

Dr Sr M Genevieve, the administrator of the college, clarified that they never forced the girl to remove the turban or restrained her from wearing a turban. “Only after a few other minority students raised objections to the turban, we had asked the student if it is possible for her to attend the class without the Turban as she turned up at the college, a few days ago, without wearing the turban. We neither forced nor insisted on the girl to remove the turban.”

Gurucharan Singh, the parent, said, “It is true that the college never forced our daughter to remove the turban and they have allowed her to wear it. But recently she was called separately and asked if she could remove the turban in the classroom”.

“Later, I wrote an email to the principal and there was no response from the college for a week. But later, the college authorities spoke to me over the phone and I have explained to them that it is our Constitutional right to wear the turban.”

Source: Deccan Herald

23/02/2022

Many Congratulations 🎉

University of Texas at Austin senior Jaskaran Singh, a 21-year-old from Plano, has been crowned as the Jeopardy! 2022 Finals Champion.

https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/jaskaran-wins-jeopardy-national-college-championship-10862


Jeopardy!

21/02/2022

Jeopardy is an American television game show that features a quiz competition in which contestants are presented with general knowledge clues in the form of answers, and must phrase their responses in the form of questions.

16/02/2022

If we trace etymology of the word “Chaur”, we would find that the word is rooted in old Punjabi. It usually refers to the tuft at the end of a lion’s or yak’s tail, and how they use it to whisk away flies, to fan, brush or to simply wave it overhead.

The word, therefore, has a dual nature. It refers as much to the act of whisking or waving as it does to the tufted tails of these mighty creatures. It is not far-fetched to imagine how it came to be associated with Chaur Sahib, considering the similar nature of the task.

Anyone, a man, woman or child is allowed to perform the seva while Guru Granth Sahib Ji is open or being read from.



Read more at: https://www.sikh-news.com/r/d/significance-of-chaur-sahib-10858

14/02/2022

Edmonton’s Sikh Community gives back on Valentines Day

Volunteers from Edmonton’s Sikh community are working to deliver 40 care packages of supplies to a local women’s shelter, to give back to the community and raise awareness toward gender-based violence.

Edmonton’s Sangat Youth organization has partnered with the World Sikh Organization of Canada to use donations to buy things the shelter needs, like clothing.

Every year, the partnership puts together care packages and delivers them to local women’s shelters on Valentines Day.

On Sunday, volunteers helped assemble care packages for delivery, including Valentine’s Day cards made by students from a local school.

community

https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/edmonton-sikh-community-gives-back-on-valentines-day-10857

Volunteers from Edmonton’s Sikh community are working to deliver 40 care packages of supplies to a local women’s shelter, to give back to the community and raise awareness toward gender-based violence. Edmonton’s Sangat

10/02/2022

Sri Guru Granth Sahib: A Study of its inner dynamics

Guru Granth Sahib, acknowledged as the most sacrosanct object, a sacred scripture enjoying great veneration, carries unrivaled canonical status in the history of religious texts. It is the collective work of the Great Gurus, the Bhagats and the Saints.

Its vision of man and society, visualized by the first Guru, Guru Nanak and fertilized by his experiences of the world, has become universally acceptable currency of religious discourse. The vision was crystallized further by his equally worthy successors. Under these Great Masters, the traditional social order and culture, alongwith the religious structure underwent a desirable change.

Understanding message of ji

https://www.sikh-news.com/r/a/sri-guru-granth-sahib-study-10856

Guru Granth Sahib, acknowledged as the most sacrosanct object, a sacred scripture enjoying great veneration, carries unrivaled canonical status in the history of religious texts. It is the collective work of the Great Gu

04/02/2022

04/02/2022

Statue of Legendary Hari Singh Nalwa removed in Pakistan

According to an ANI report, which quotes Pakistan Today, the development “hit the sentimental and religious values” of the Sikh community in Pakistan. The eight-foot-tall metal statue had to be removed after some religious parties objected to its installation, a Dawn report said, quoting sources.



https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/legendary-soldier-statue-in-removed-pakistan-10855

A statue of Hari Singh Nalwa has been taken down by the local administration in Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reported by BBC Urdu. According to an ANI report, which quotes Pakistan Today, the develop

02/02/2022

Sikhism & Superstitions do not Converge

Sikhs are discouraged from pilgrimages, fasting, and ritual purification; circumcision; idol or grave worship; and compulsory wearing of the veil for women.

The Sikh Gurus argued that performing all these activities would not bring one closer to God and would not make someone a better human being.



Read more at: https://www.sikh-news.com/r/a/no-superstitions-sikhism-10854

From ‘touchwood’ to a black cat crossing the road, many of us are familiar with numerous superstitious beliefs. We all know someone who practices them, and perhaps we subconsciously follow them too. For example, a widesp

28/01/2022

Katra Ahluwalia: A Legacy of the Sikh-Misl Era

One of the states led by S. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. He founded the Kapurthala State in 1772. Among his lesser-known contributions is the creation of Katra Ahluwalia — a well-planned and secured residential society built near the Golden Temple.


Read more at:
https://www.sikh-news.com/r/a/katra-ahluwalia-sikh-misl-era-10853

21/01/2022

The Lost Palace of Amritsar

There is irrevocable evidence to suggest that there existed a palace near the holy tank at Amritsar when British had annexed Punjab in 1849. It is presumed that the palace belonged to, and was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was known to have multiple residences across his vast empire.

When the British took over the rule, the palace was given to some missionaries of Amritsar Mission School. Over the years, its purpose was changed again and again. For example, it was repurposed to a prison, then to a court room, and finally to a police station. Later, the British authorities decided to create a clock tower in the same location, accompanied by a courtyard; and thus the palace was demolished.



https://www.sikh-news.com/r/d/the-lost-palace-of-amritsar-10845

How does a society collectively fail to remember something— a person or a monument? It happens when something is overwritten in the pages of history books, when new rulers emerge who care not to preserve the past, when b

19/01/2022

A proposal to expand the Guru Nanak Sikh Heritage Center is set to go before the township zoning board next week.

Guru Nanak Sikh Heritage is seeking preliminary and final major site plan approval with use and bulk variances to construct an 8,000-square-foot recreation building with a basketball court, a 3,380-square-foot mezzanine (an intermediate floor) to accommodate classrooms, and a 510-square-foot, one-bedroom kitchenette addition to accommodate the priest, at 29 Wyckoff Mills Road.
,

18/01/2022

Srinagar: An 18-year-old Sikh youth has become a hero after he jumped into freezing water to rescue a five-year-old girl at Hamdania Colony, Bemina, J&K.

Simranpal Singh, who rescued the girl from drowning, said he heard her screams and immediately went out to rescue her.

Video source: virsa_channel

https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/sikh-youth-jumps-into-freezing-water-to-save-kashmiri-girl-10849

Srinagar: An 18-year-old Sikh youth has become a hero after he jumped into freezing water to rescue a five-year-old girl at Hamdania Colony, Bemina, J&K. Simranpal Singh, who rescued the girl from drowning, said he hear

18/01/2022

India’s Navdeep Kaur has won the award for the Best National Costume at the prestigious Mrs World 2022 pageant in Nevada, Las Vegas.

Kaur represented India at the international stage after winning the title of Mrs India World in 2021.

Navdeep hails from a small town near Odisha’s Steel City, Rourkela.

17/01/2022

Amidst heightened activities by Khalistani miscreants, the Sikh Community has started to push back against anti India forces in the UK. At the heart of this push back is Southall in London, which remains among the largest hubs of Sikh Diaspora in and has a distinction of hoisting UK’s largest and most prominent Gurudwaras.

In an unprecedented move, the community leaders gathered at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall and challenged the objections raised by SGPC president. They passed an unprecedented resolution thanking the Indian Prime Minister for doing so much for the Sikh community and helping to bridge the misunderstandings. They thanked the Indian PM for announcing Dec 26 as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ and declaring it as a public holiday.

December 26, marks the day on which Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (younger pair of Sahibzade) attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall, at the age of 6 and 9 years. Starting from the year 2022, December 26 will be observed as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ every year.

09/01/2022

Happy Gurpurab !!

Today is Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

28/12/2021

Chef Herbert Berger sued for discrimination for asking Sikh employee to remove Kara bracelet

Niranjit Moorah Singh says in 20 yrs of working he never been asked to remove his kara, worn to show his commitment to his faith



Read more at:
https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/top-chef-sued-sikh-religious-discrimination-10844

23/12/2021

The first Sikh temple in is expected to open on New Year’s Eve. It’s in the former Gibby’s Tavern on Cedar St. S., just off Algonquin Blvd.

“We’re so excited to have the Sikh temple here on Cedar Street," said Cindy Campbell, executive director for Downtown Timmins.

Kanwaljit Bains and her husband bought the building to donate to the local Sikh community.

They have invited Sikh sangat of Timmins to join them Dec. 31 for prayer, ceremony, and a vegetarian meal to welcome the New Year

Timings: 10 AM onwards
Address: 24 Cedar Street South, Timmins, Ontario P4N 2G4, Canada

Downtown Timmins BIA

Read more at:
https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/timmins-first-sikh-temple-10843

The first Sikh temple in Timmins city is expected to open on New Year’s Eve. It’s in the former Gibby’s Tavern on Cedar St. S., just off Algonquin Blvd. “We’re so excited to have the Sikh temple here on Cedar Street,"

22/12/2021

Today is the of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji & Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji🙏

21/12/2021

An American startup company, QuantumScape Corp. has offered a billion-dollar salary package to its Indian-origin CEO Jagdeep Singh.

develops next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries for use in EVs



Notably, the investors of QuantumScape include Bill Gates, Khosla Ventures, LightSpeed and Volkswagen, among others.

Read more:
https://www.sikh-news.com/r/a/indian-origin-get-billion-dollar-salary-package-10842

20/12/2021

On this day, in 1704
After months of fighting and intimidation Guru Gobind Singh Ji with his entire family and disciples left Anandpur Sahib.

On the first night after they left Anandpur, the Guru's contingent was attacked by the imperial forces. Following a few skirmishes, the Guru and his followers reached the banks of Sirsa river. The group could not keep together while crossing the flooded Sirsa (or Sarsa) river. The Guru's mother, and his two younger sons, Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, strayed away from the main group.

Guru's old servant, Gangu, escorted them to his village, Kheri. His wife Mata Jito, was in another group that also included Mata Sahib Kaur; this group was escorted to Delhi by Jawahar Singh. The flood in the river resulted in several of the Guru's followers getting drowned, and there was heavy loss of property and literature.

18/12/2021

Cigarette advertisement on ‘prasad’ wrapper at Pakistan’s Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara

A massive controversy has emerged since it has been revealed that the Kartarpur Gurdwara Darbar Sahib management committee has used cigarette packaging as wrappers to pack and distribute Kadah Prasad to devotees visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur located in Pakistan’s Narowal district

To***co and cigarette consumption are considered major cardinal sins in Sikhism.



https://www.sikh-news.com/region/news/cigarette-packaging-prasad-kartarpur-gurudwara-10841

A massive controversy has emerged since it has been revealed that the Kartarpur Gurdwara Darbar Sahib management committee has used cigarette packaging as wrappers to pack and distribute Kadah Prasad to devotees visiting

17/12/2021

Being physically challenged can be a hurdle for many, but for Chandeep Singh, it is just a part of life which amplified his resolve to represent India at international sports events. 

Recently, Chandeep Singh clinched a Silver medal for India in the 9th World Para-Taekwondo Championship 2021 held in Istanbul, Turkey which concluded on 12 Dec. He won the medal in the Men’s 80 kg plus event.

Chandeep made his nation and his community proud as he became the first Sikh and first Para Athlete from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India to achieve such a feat at the World level.

He is also a national-level skater and holds a world record for the fastest 100-meters para-skating in an impressive 13.95 seconds.

Chandeep’s life faced a u-turn in the year 2011 when he received a life-threatening electric shock from a 11,000 volt High Tension line. Though Chandeep survived this life threatening electric shock, the damage of it on his body was so devastating that both of his arms had to be amputated due to infection in his arms. 

“After the incident I started to do skating but then I came to know that there are no international events for this sport so I shifted to Taekwondo and made a resolve in my mind that I have to represent my country on an international platform in this sport”, Chandeep said.

Apart from sports, the incident didn’t let him impact his studies. “It was very challenging for me, I continued my studies and completed my B.E in Electrical Engineering from Mahant Bachittar Singh College Of Engineering And Technology, Jammu”, Chandeep said.

16/12/2021

Today in Sikh History, Dec 16, 1634,

Battle of Lahira took place between Sikhs & Mughals

The Battle of Gurusar was the third battle fought by Guru Har Gobind Singh ji near Mehraj with Lala Beg and Qamar Beg. In this battle the Mughals were defeated badly.

According to Piara Singh Padam (a Punjabi writer and academician), the battle took place in 1634 but according to Giani Gian Singh the battle occurred in 1631.