Get Ready for first Gurmat Camp of 2009 in Delhi. Sikhisidak Group has planned to host the second Gurmat Camp Bacheyaan Di Fulwari on Birth Day of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 5th January 2009 at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi.

You can read more about the Gurmat Camp and what are the events planned :

 Gurmat Camp - Bacheyaan Di Fulwari Details 

Posters and More Details about the event will be posted soon here on AmritSarovar Blog.

For any query, information and news on the camp, kindly contact us at info@amritsarovar.com

Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee went for its annual elections yesterday. Avtar Singh Makkar who has been on chair for last 3 years was unanimous choice of all present members during the annual election held on 22th November,2008 for term of one year. The annual election process took place at Teja Singh Samundari Hall in Golden Temple complex,Amritsar.Makkar will be 42nd president of the cash rich SGPC which has annual budget of $80 million or Rs 3.25 bn.

Unlike last time, this time there was one more name of Karnail Singh Panjoli who is SGPC member from Fatehgarh Sahib in picture as one of members from Haryana proposed the name but since Akali Dal has a commanding majority, Avtar Singh Makkar got his fourth term.SGPC Secretary S.Harbeant Singh made the announcement.Yesterday all the rights to elect the new president was given to Shiromani Akali Dal chief S.Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Former SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur and Kirpal Singh Banduagar were other two names in picture pre-elections but today Bibi Jagir Kaur was first of two members proposing name of S. Avtar Singh Makkar for post of president of rich religious body.Other member to propose the name of Avtar Singh Makkar was Alwinder Pal Singh Pakhoke to which all the members in house agreed without need of any poll.

Speaking after his election as President one more time,he said that SGPC has always fought for the right of sikhs and will continue to do in future.Making promotion of religion and fight against female foeticide as his main targets for coming year.

All the other senior post and seat in executive council were also decided in the house most of which gives clear command to Shiromani Akali Dal Badal in SGPC. Raghujit Singh Virk was selected Senior Vice President while Kewal Singh Badal was selected as Junior Vice President. Sukhdev Singh Bhaur is once again General Secretary.So no change in top management took place and all the senior management got term extension for another year. Also decision for 11 executive members committee was taken.These are: Baba Tek Singh Dhanola, Rajinder Singh Mehta, Dayal Singh Koliawali, Bibi Harbhjan Kaur, Surjit Singh Garhi, Karnail Singh Panjoli, Mohan Singh Bhangi, Sukhwinder Singh Chabbal, Suba Singh Dhabwali, Nirmail Singh and Baba Baldev Singh Khalsa from Haryana.

Celebrating 300 year celebrations of Gurta-Gaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikh Students Association of San Jose State University is organizing a conference on concept of Shabad Guru  in collaboration of other Sikh organizations of northern california on Saturday, 29th November 2008. The conference is scheduled from 9 AM to 4 PM and includes talks and discussions from sikh scholars.

The conference will be held at Room 189 • Engineering Dept. • San Jose State University One Washington Square • San José, California.

As told by Harinder Singh,Various eminent sikh scholars will be delivering lectures  emphasizing the concept of Shabad Guru.

Key Speakers in this conference will be Prof. Darshan Singh,Historian, HOD Guru Nanak Sikh Studies Punjab University,Prof. of Emerites who will be speaking on Concept of Shabad Guru.
There will be talk by Prof. Gurdarshan Singh, HOD Deptt of History in Punjab University and he will be talking on Sri Guru Granth Sahib - Scripture or Guru Head? .Also, a talk is scheduled on Sovereignty: The Sikh Perspective which will be taken by S. Karamjit Singh, Senior Journalist and Sikh Writer.Sikh Scholar and Political Strategist Dr Amarjit Singh would be speaking on Guru Granth and Guru Panth and S Prabhsharandeep Singh [Sikh Thinker] will be taking the view of Guru Granth Sahib Ji , Sikhi and secular space.

If you are attending this conference, please get in touch with us at info@amritsarovar.com

During a visit to the city of the Golden Temple on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi reached out to Sikhs terming “absolutely wrong” the riots against this community in 1984 following the assassination of his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi(who ordered Operation Bluestar).

“The 1984 riots were absolutely wrong. They [the perpetrators] should be brought to justice,” he said in reply to a question at a press conference here.

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Mata Kaulan Ji Bhalai Kendar Trust under the able guidance of Bhai Guriqbal Singh Ji went a step furthur in promoting sikhism. After success of Anokhe Amar Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji, The trust in collaboration with Shemaroo Video today launched Katra Katra Amrit Da - a telefilm depicting the history of Dukhbhanjani Sahib. As told by Bhai Guriqbal Singh ji, this telefilm explains the history of Dukhbhanjani Sahib and the saakhi of Bhai Saalo Ji who was sikh disciple of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. As told to sources, the story moves into flashback from London Sikh family where it explains the history of how Bibi Rajni married a leper and when he took bath in the Amrit Sarovar under Dukhbhanjani Beri, he found himself hale and healthy. 

In the second series in same tele-film , another saakhi depicted is of Bhai Salo Ji who used to head one side of Kar-Sewa during construction of Golden Temple. The telefilm is being marketed by Shemaroo Entertainment, Written, Directed and Produced by famous director Jaswinder Singh Chahal and Music is given by Rajinder Pappu. Shabads in this telefilm have been sung by Bhai Guriqbal Singh Ji, Bibi Prabhjot Kaur Ji Khalsa Batale wale and punjabi singer Sabar Koti. Its a Dreams Films Production for Mata Kaulan Ji Bhalai Kendar Trust.

If you watch this telefilm, do let us know your review and feedback at info@amritsarovar.com.

On Tuesday, November 11th 2008, Swaran Singh went a step closer to an entry in Guinness Book of World Record for a feat which every sikh is going to be proud of. Residing in Surrey, Canada Sarwan Singh’s beard was measured 2.36 meters or 7.7 3/4 ft at fully packed, Akal Academy in Surrey BC, . Sarwan Singh is teaching music at Akal Academy in Surrey,BC.

The results of the beard measuring will now be submitted to Guinness Book of World Records for official recognition and the 2.3 meters in length, measurement on Tuesday, made his beard the longest in the whole world. The previous record was held by Shamsher Singh of Punjab, India, with a beard last measured at 1.83 metres in 1977.

“This is history in the making,” said Dr. Pargat S Bhurji, the principal and president of Akal Academy, where Singh is a popular and respected music teacher. “Mr. Sarwan Singh is a devout, humble, spiritual man and his beard is considered as a divine gift. He’s blessed, he’s gifted. Hair is a divine gift. So this is a divine gift from God,” said Dr. Bhurji. Singh stood on a stool while his beard was dipped in water, brushed and then measured three times on a flat service with a measuring tape as the judges, media and over 200 other witnesses looked on.You can have a look at the pic where beard is being measured for official entry. 

Celebrations of 539th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continue all across the globe with people remembering the guru’s teaching and paying obeisance. Following is a round up of some celebrations. As we continue to get more information, we will keep updating this post.

Gurmat Camp in Rakab Ganj Sahib - Celebrating Gurpurab of sri guru nanak dev ji, Sikhisidak - a group of sikh volunteers in Delhi, organized ‘Bacheyan di Fulwari’ - A gurmat camp for children at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in New  Delhi on Thursday.As told by Harmeet Singh from Sikhisidak, it turned to be a huge success with more than 600 children attending various workshops on sikh history,turban tying,gurbani learning and many more presentations.Following a successful camp, such events are being planned across the delhi region.

Norco Sangat Celebrates Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab -After a long time, the Norco Gurdwara opened its doors to host a celebration like no other. The Sikh Gurdwara Sadh Sangat hosted Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Prakash Divas. The Gurdwara was decorated with lights and ornaments as hundreds of people gathered for the celebration at the Gurdwara. Ragi Jathas from all over the world performed Kirtan, as well as, members of the International Institute of Gurmat Studies. Community members welcomed one another at the Gurdwara as they provided langar and a homely atmosphere for everyone who attended the celebrations [IE]

Hyderabad Sangat Celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti - 539th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji was celebrated on thursday with thousands of Sikh devotees and other community faiths celebrating it with religious fervour, gaiety and devotion by offering prayers.The major attraction of the concluding event was jointly organised under the aegis of Prabhandak Committees, Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha, Ashok Bazar and Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad where over 25,000 to 30,000 Sikh devotees and other community faith participated in the “VISHAAL KEERTAN DARBAR” (MASS CONGREGATION) by offering prayers to Guru Granth SahIb Ji (Holy Scripture of Sikhs) at N T R Stadium, near Indira Park.[Sikhnet]
 
Badal visits Golden Temple -At Sri Harmandir Sahib,Thousands of devotees paying obeisance at the shrine since the early hours of Thursday. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday cleaned shoes and utensils at the Golden Temple,Amritsar as the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated across the state.

Badal, accompanied by his wife, Surinder Kaur, reached the Golden Temple complex to pay obeisance. They first went to the shoes counter of the shrine and cleaned footwear of devotees who had come to the shrine.Later, both went to the Langar hall where they partook of the food and then washed the utensils.Badal even served Langar to the devotees.

If you have any news,pictures and videos to share on celebrations of Gurpurab, mail them at info@amritsarovar.com . we will be updating this post with same.

Its back again. Last year on 15th november to officially start celebrations of 300 years of Gurtagaddi Day celebrations of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, there was an appeal from Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib [Nanded] to celebrate Simran Diwas when every Sikh across the globe in all the countries of world sat for 15 minutes at 4.30 PM IST and recited simran.

i attended the samagam of Bhai Guriqbal Singh ji in amritsar and had an amazing time reciting WAHEGURU and MulMantar ‘EK ONKAR SATNAM KARTA PURAKH NIRBHAU NIRVAIR AKAL MURAT AJOONI SAI BHANg GURPARASAD’ for 15 minutes from 4.30-4.45 pm.

Its again happening on 15th November 2008, 1630 Indian Standard Time.

15 Minutes on 15 November.

Lets promise ourselves and recite Gurmantar WAHEGURU or Mool Mantar [Ek Onkar to Gurprasad]

This is the Poster. Save it. Print it. Distribute it. Share it.

Share the pictures,videos and your experiences on Simran Diwas at info@amritsarovar.com

Many Indian Political leaders gave their wishes and greeted the Sikh community on occassion of 539th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Apart from messages of President of India, Smt Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, many more political and religious leaders wished Sikh community on Gurprab and conveyed their greetings.

Message from President of India - Smt. Pratibha Patil
On the auspicious occasion of the birthday of Guru Nanak Devji, I convey my heartiest greetings to all my fellow citizens.Guru Nanak Devji’s teachings of love, brotherhood, truthfulness, sacrifice and the importance of leading a righteous life as a way to attaining spiritual progress are of eternal relevance. Let us resolve to deeply understand his noble teachings and rededicate ourselves to the cause of humanity, equality, brotherhood and harmony, She added. [ANI]

Gurpurab Greetings from Vice President of India -Mr Hamid Ansari

“I extend my greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the holy and joyous occasion of Guru Nanak’s Birthday. The divine teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism are a beacon of light to mankind guiding us on the path of peace, harmony and righteousness. His message of truth, humanism, righteousness and tolerance has universal relevance to rid mankind of violence, injustice and exploitation.

Let us derive inspiration from the holy teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his birth anniversary and strive towards creating a just and peaceful society”. [PIB]

Gurpurab Greetings by Prime Minister of India - Dr Manmohan Singh

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak’s birthday. In his message, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that Guru Nanak’s life and message of brotherhood, equality of man and universal values is an inspiration for all humanity. The Prime Minister said that by following the teachings of Guru Nanak ji, we can rise above narrow considerations and promote the idea of unity of all mankind. [PIB]

Message by Chief Minister Of Punjab - Parkash Singh Badal

“Guru Nanak Dev ji was a great spiritual ambassador who showed us the path of salvation by spreading the cult of devotion to God and message of love, compassion and spirituality amongst the mankind. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji envisioned a casteless society free of rituals in order to attain salvation thereby redeeming the suffering humanity who had lost all hopes and optimism in their lives due to the oppression of foreign invaders, injustice of contemporary rulers and custodians of religious & social traditions. Guru Ji motivated the humanity with new ideas, aims, aspirations and exhorted them to dispense with the maladies of hypocrisy, falsehood, pretensions and caste-prejudices.   “Guru ji’s teachings are still relevant today especially in the present complex and materialistic society”, said Badal.

The Chief Minister appealed the people to imbibe the spirit of service and humility as preached by the Great Guru and strive hard for carving out a peaceful, prosperous and healthy society by following the precious legacy of Guru ji and celebrate this occasion with utmost devotion and dedication rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.[PNL]

Share the news of celebrations,greetings and messages on Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji at info@amritsarovar.com .

A BBC radio presenter has been sacked for making alleged racist remarks after she told a taxi firm not to send a driver wearing a turban to pick up her daughter as it would “freak her out”.

Forty-year-old Sam Mason who joined BBC Radio Bristol in September’08 called the taxi company off-air when she was presenting the radio’s afternoon programme.

She allegedly told the cab operator “not to send an Asian driver to pick up her daughter. A guy with a turban on is going to freak her out.”

“I know this sounds really racist, but I’m not being please. An English person would be great, a female would be better,” she further added.

When her request was refused, she is alleged to have said: “You’ve managed it before.”

The taxi operator routinely records messages in case of complaints and later passed a transcript of the conversation on to The Sun, who subsequently contacted the BBC.

Mason was suspended and sacked 24 hours later. She was later informed by station officials on Saturday that she would no longer work for the BBC.

The transcript records how she ordered a taxi to take her 14-year-old from her Clifton house to her grandparents’ home.

A BBC spokesman said: “Although Sam Mason’s remarks were not made on-air, her comments were completely unacceptable and, for that reason, she has been informed that she will no longer be working for the BBC with immediate effect.”

According to The Sun, the transcript of the conversation runs as follows.

Mason: “I know this sounds really racist, but I’m not being . . . please, don’t send anyone like, you know what I mean. An English person would be great, a female would be better.”

Operator: “We would class that as being racist. We can’t penalise the Asian drivers and just send an English one.”

Mason: “You’ve managed it before.”

Operator: “Right, OK. I don’t agree with it personally.”

Mason: “It’s not your 14-year-old girl who’s, you know, is it?”

Operator: “Yes, but that’s racist to say you don’t want an Asian driver.”

Mason: “If it were me I wouldn’t care if it had two heads, but it’s my little girl we are talking about.”

Mason, is then handed to a male taxi operator and tells him that his female colleague has “a bad attitude”.

She adds: “I work at the BBC. I’m far from racist and that uneducated woman has no right to call me one.” She says

of her daughter: “I don’t want her to turn up with a guy with a turban on. It’s going to freak her out.  She’s not used to Asians.”

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