Bhai Surjit Singh

Last week the Sikh Sangat of Bradford were blessed by the presence of a chardi kala gursikh in Bhai Surjit Singh (from India). Sikhi stresses the importance of keeping company with Gursikhs/saintly people, and in my opinion Bhai Surjit Singh was that. He joined the Sangat for Amrit Vela, and then in the evening he carried out veechar. It was really enlightening to hear his discourses. Hopefully the Sangat sat up and took note of what was being said. Bhai Surjit Singh is very knowledgable and is very passionate about Sikhi, and yet still so humble, which is great to see. Bhai Surjit Singh is a regular guest speaker at the annual Khalsa Camp, so there will be other opportunities to see him again.

Bhai Surjit Singhs speeches ranged from 'How should a GurSikh come to the Gurudwara', to discussing the current state of Sikhi both in the western world and back in India. He strongly urged every Sikh to become a prachaarak (preacher), and for everyone to take naam. Bhai Sahib made one statement which will probably stick with me forever:

"If Guru Gobind Singh Ji had to take amrit to become Gobind Singh from Gobind Rai, then how can we just call ourselves Singh or Kaur without amrit? How will we answer the Guru when he asks where we got the name Singh from?"

As one can imagine at this point most us in the sangat bowed our heads in shame.

He also warned of following the naqli sants who drive around in chauffered cars (on the money donated by sangat) etc.. And instead make a direct relationship with Waheguru through Bani.

It often dawns upon me when i listen to such gursikhs, how unfortunate some of us are who still don't have the courage or conviction to take naam. What is holding us back i wonder? is it simply ego, or fear?

Fantasy Football League

Yes folks its that time of the year again. Theres a FREE Fantasy football league. Simply follow the link create your team, and then join the mini league i've created by using the code: 824046-136879

Let the games begin......

Whatever work you wish to accomplish-tell it to the Lord.

Its been some time since my last post. Theres been a lot going on at the Gurudwara in Bradford. A library, and a Sikh Camp for the kids over the past few weeks. I'll post a few pics when i get a chance of the above events, both were huge successes with the kirpa of Waheguru.

Came across the following Kirtan clip by Acapella Jatha on YouTube, and can't stop listening to the soothing words.

The Shabad is as follows:

pourree ||
keethaa lorreeai ka(n)m s har pehi aakheeai ||
Whatever work you wish to accomplish-tell it to the Lord.

kaaraj dhaee savaar sathigur sach saakheeai ||
He will resolve your affairs; the True Guru gives His Guarantee of Truth.

sa(n)thaa sa(n)g nidhhaan a(n)mrith chaakheeai ||
In the Society of the Saints, you shall taste the treasure of the Ambrosial Nectar.

bhai bha(n)jan miharavaan dhaas kee raakheeai ||
The Lord is the Merciful Destroyer of fear; He preserves and protects His slaves.

naanak har gun gaae alakh prabh laakheeai ||20||
O Nanak, sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, and see the Unseen Lord God. ||20||

Translation courtesy of Sikhi To The Max.

And heres the video, enjoy:

Never Forget 1984 Rally - Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square 2007

I attended the ‘Never Forget 84’ demo/rally for the very first time this week – I know it’s shameful that I’ve left it 23 years before attending. I wouldn’t quite say that I was wearing blinkers, or ignorant for that matter for the past 23 years, but I do feel that the true extent of the plight of my brothers and sisters in Panjab was never really explained to me in great detail. I was quite content in thinking that the worst of the trouble was over and we could all get on with our lives. Having visited back home a few times, I felt no one really mentions Khalistan, and therefore nobody wants it anymore. What I failed to realise is that people are too scared to mention the word, and those that do often end up disappearing without trace.

As this was my first time at the rally, I think it’s appropriate for me to share this experience. Firstly I’m not a great believer in the march itself. I think if we are doing this to raise the awareness in non Sikhs, then this is the wrong idea. People end up getting stuck in traffic jams, and see all these Sikhs with anti India slogans, posters, etc, they immediately loose any sympathy they have for us. Whereas if a few folk were to approach all the drivers stuck in the jam with literature, and some food to appease them for the delay etc, maybe we would gain some of their support. Secondly I also do not like the idea of burning or hanging effigies, to me this seems a cowardly way of venting your anger, and it also a ‘ritual’ used back on the subcontinent, something we could do without importing to these shores.

Those were my negatives about the day. The positives far out weigh these though. The inspirational speeches by young Sikhs moved everyone in the crowd. There was Paramjit Singh’s daughter, who told us about her father’s plight in a jail in Panjab, charged with carrying explosives, even though there’s no real proof. The UK government refuses to get involved with the judicial process of another country, which is a real shame, as a British citizen I’d certainly expect the UK government to help. A young Sikh lad from Leicester shared his experience of becoming a Gursikh; this guy was really impressive, at such a young age too. Some other speakers also brought up some really interesting points that I was not aware of – like the fact that a Sikh can’t buy land in some neighbouring states, and yet a non Sikh can buy as much land as they like in Panjab – how bizarre you may say, but it’s true. The water situation in Panjab is ridiculous; our water is being distributed to other parts. It wouldn’t be so bad if this water was spare, but the fact that our streams are empty and our water keeps getting diverted elsewhere, really must be annoying. No wonder so many farmers are committing suicide in Panjab. He Sikhs wanted a holy city status for Amritsar, so that we could have a perimeter of a certain distance within which alcohol and drugs would have been prohibited. Instead Amritsar probably has the highest alcohol intake in Panjab.

Some of the speakers were asking for help from the UK government. But I doubt that will ever happen. The two nations are very close, and with India’s economy booming, a cheap workforce to compete against China, the UK will want to keep India on its side. Some may argue that the UK has never helped in cases such as Rwanda, or even more recently Zimbabwe, and so why should they help the Sikhs.

Some of the images displayed on the big screen were horrific. I’ve seen many images before on the net, but one that will stay with me for along time from this rally will be a picture of a mutilated torso of a Sikh being eaten by a dog – really shocking. Pictures of a Sikh woman being chased by 4 men, as she tries to save her honour, again images that will remain etched in the mind for a long time.

The thing that really annoys me is that some of the real culprits (General Brar, KPS Gill, Jagdish Tyler, Sajjan Kumar) are still walking around almost with impunity. The corrupt judicial process in India has failed to give the Sikhs any justice. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji said “when all other means fail, it is only right to pick up the sword”. If the courts fail to punish these people, should the Sikhs sit back and let them get away with it…

On a lighter note, I thought the guy from America was quite funny. He mentioned that he was a close friend of George Bush. I don’t think he realised that Bush is not exactly Mr. popular on these shores. He also managed to plug his new book which is releasing soon. I’m sure he’s a really good chap, but I just found some of speech full of “I did this, and I did that…”

I would definitely go again, even if it is only to the presentation in the square and miss the march. I recommend that everyone should go at least once. I hear that the numbers have been dwindling over the past few years. It’s a shame really that people seem to be forgetting this episode and don’t want to remember the events. In think that the reason we do this is to highlight the human rights abuses, and also ensure that it never happens again..to anyone.

The DSS controversy

Its been a few days since the DSS (Dera Sacha Sauda) controversy occurred back home in Panjab/Haryana. The controversy started when the leader of this sect appeared in an advert dressed as Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and appeared to be preparing amrit in a similar fashion as Guru Ji did.

Alot of people are misunderstanding the situation of being Sikhs fighting amongst themselves. This sect is NOT an offshoot of Sikhism by a long shot. It takes inspiration from all the core religions, and has followers from all walks of life, but mainly the dalit community.

The leader of this sect Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, is a controversial figure himself, who faces rape and murder charges.

Some analysts argue that this is a political move, as the DSS urged everyone to support congress, where as the Sikhs tend to support the Akali Dal.

The current situation is that the Sikh Clergy have demanded an apology - which has not been forthcoming. Thousands of protesters have turned to the streets armed on both sides of the dispute. So far there has been one death in this latest episode.

Throughout history many pakhandi's have pretended to be Guru's ( Just look at how many pakhandis flocked to Baba Bakala once Guru HarKrishan Ji had signalled that the next Guru would be found there). Even jealous siblings formed seperate sects once they were unworthy of being Gurus. More recently the Nirankaris under Lachmann Singh again tied to malign/dilute the Sikh faith. The Nirankari leader (who had been supported by the congress party) tried to mock the Guru and the Panj Pyare, by saying he would create 'Sat Sitaarey' (Seven Stars). That particular conflict led to bloodshed. I have an awfull feeling that the current situation is very similar to the Nirankari episode, and one cannot help but draw some parallels between the two.

The pacifists are beating the old "sikh Extremists" drum, other words recently being touted are over reaction, no freedom of speech etc..

My own feeling is that what this baba has done is totally out of order. He should apologise, but i doubt that will happen. There will be bloodshed once again in Panjab. I believe that the initial protests were peaceful, but later turned violent once the opposition turned up armed.

I personally don't believe in the peaceful protest, it doesn't achieve anything - as it needs both sides to be on the same level (understanding the issues). This guy has basically mocked the Guru, and the pacifists want Sikhs to sit back and let the mocking continue. If you let it go this once, then be assured next time the mocking will increase in level. When will it stop and at what point do you say enough is enough?

Its ok to say that this guy has a freedom speech, but at what cost, and with freedom of speech there should be some form of responsibility. Freedom of Speech doesn't mean that someone can go and imitate the prophets of a faith.

Guru Ji himself said "When all other means have been exhausted it is righteous to pick up the sword". I'm not suggesting that all the Sikhs should go around killing everyone in the DSS sect, but its leader needs to think about the consequences of his ridiculous act.

Panj Review

As promised on one of my earlier posts, here’s my review of “Panj”, the 5^th offering by Immortal Productions. I’ve had the CD for about a week now, and It is stunning. It contain tracks by the regular shaheedi crew (IP, Jagowale, Tigerstyle, XS-BASS,Shveta), and also some new blood to this genre (G.N.E, Crative Boy, Kanwar, Des-c, and Balwinder Matewaria). It’s a 12 track album, and it is different from the previous releases in that there is a lot of English content in this one.

Track 1 – Intro. As with all Shaheedi releases the intro is just advising that this album is to pay homage to the shaheeds, and please refrain from playing in clubs etc.

Track 2 – Singh Soormeh. XS-BASS and Kulwinder Singh Johal (of Tru Skool and the specialist fame) collaborate on the opening track. It’s a very hard hitting track about the brave Sikhs who gave their lives for the Guru, and the freedom fight there after, without the slightest fear of death. Excellent track to open with. You can hear the full track HERE.

Track 3 – Son of a Sardar. Tigerstyle introduce the vocals of Kanwar on this Hip Hop flavoured track. Most of the content is in English, so the youngsters will definitely relate to this. Again the track pays homage to the great Sikh martyrs like Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. I say kudos to Tigerstyle with their experimenting on this track. One of my favourites on the album. You can hear the full track HERE.

Track 4 – Raaj Khalse Da . Surinder Singh & Narinder Singh join forces with Jagowale to bring this acoustic track. It really is a great track, the acoustics complement the vocals of the ever impressive Jagowale. The track is about how victory will always be the Khalsa’s, whoever they take the battlefield against. Mindblowing track.

Track 5 – State of the Union. America’s G.N.E featuring AK sentaali (AK47) bring this rap type track. The track urges the Sikh nation to rise and unify, to create a new chapter in world history. How long are we gonna sit back idly and talk about the injustices we have been handed out, and actually do something about it…. The message is hard hitting, and stirs the soul. You can hear the full track HERE.

Track 6 – Satnaam Waheguru – Tigerstyle once again with Shveta (who appeared on the excellent “mukhon Satnaam Bolda” on the Shaheedi 400 album), bring a blockbuster. This is a really mellow track, which urges the listener to discover the light of God which dwells in us all. I was really impressed by the male vocals on this track too, but there is no mention of the male singer on the credits. Nevertheless a great track, and i cn see it being on repeat on my CD for some time.

Track 7 – interlude by Immortal Productions and Crative Boy. A Short rap track which recalls the bravery shown by Baba Deep Singh Ji, and how we should all be proud of our heritage.

Track 8 – Sardari. Immortal Productions featuring Bhai Balkar Singh Chola Sahib. This is yet another hard hitting track about all those Singhs that are cutting their hair (Kesh Qatil). How we are trying to be fashionable, by removing Guru Ji’s nishani or stamp. Sikhs were made to stand out from the crowd by their appearance, and yet the youth are neglecting their unique identity. The Guru Ji made us unique so we could not hide, instead we would rise and outshine the regular people of society. Excellent lyrics.

Track 9 – Forget What Divides us. Manpreet Singh and Raxstar. The track tackles the caste system, even though Guru Ji abolished the caste system. We are still stuck in stigma’s such as the Caste system, ignoring the basic tennents of our faith – “Recognise all mankind as one”. I think some of the older generation need to take note of this track, as I feel the younger generation are now understanding that caste has no place in Sikhi.

Another great track.

Track 10 – Baba Deep Singh Shaheed. Immortal Productions featuring Jagowale. This song retells the account of Baba Deep Singh Ji’s shaheedi in typical Jagowale’s style.Another wake up call for the Sikhs…

Track 11 – Nishaney Kaumaan De. Tigerstyle feat Des-C. Des-C makes his debut on the Shaheedi series with this track. This particular track is about the importance of the Nishaan Sahib, it is more than simply a flag which shows where the nearest Gurudwara is.

Track 12 – Wake up Call – Money Spinner feat Balwinder Matewaria. This track pays homage to those shaheed who defended Shri Harmandir Sahib from the attacks by the Indian Army against enormous odds. They fulfilled the 10^th Masters pledge that ‘One Sikh will battle 125,000 men’.

Overall thoughts: Wow, this is simply stunning. They’ve taken the Shaheedi series to a new level, with the added dimensions of rap and hip hop which were not really present before. Buy it now from HERE.

Trouble at Vaisakhi Mela

What should have been a great day for families and an opportunity for Sikhs to celebrate the birth of Khalsa, was spoilt by a stabbing in Handsworth park - Birmingham. Read HERE for full story.

There are all sorts of rumours flying about, concerning what happened and why. To be honest i'm not interested in adding further fuel to this. It's a shame that this attack took place, that too on the day Sikhs were celebrating the birth of Khalsa. It's about time Sikhs put politics aside and showed some unity. There is no dispute that cannot be resolved through dialogue, particularly as both parties are Sikh.

The incident has led to several arrests over the last couple of days. There is speculation that the mela maybe cancelled going forward, even mela's at Wolves and Coventry are under doubt as we stand. It would be a shame if due to the actions of a few, thousands will not be able to celebrate going forward.

The Handsworth Mela is notorious for attracting trouble, mainly between Sikh and Pakistani "boys". Like other melas there is plenty of anti-sikh behaviour by the Sikh youth (drinking and smoking). Maybe this incident will awaken them, and get them to sort themselves out.

The previous week there was a incident at the Smethwick mela when some Pakistani boys attacked women,old men and kids with hockey sticks, after a few of them had been involved in a scuffle with some Sikh boys earlier in the day. Again the mela is open to anyone, but surely these boys turn up every year to cause trouble, and this needs to be stopped. I'm not saying that the sikh lads involved are clear of any blame, but the fact is the Pakistani youth shouldn't really be causing trouble at such an event. Melas themselves are usually an excuse for the youth to mingle with the opposite sex, which is one of the reasons i find them a waste of time, money and resources. We need to be educating the youth on Sikhi, not encouraging the activities that go on in mela's.