CHANDIGARH, Punjab (October 8, 2014)—A incident involving beadbi of Guru Granth Sahib Ji has shocked the Sikh Sangat living worldwide.  A picture has surfaced online, showing Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s parkash inside a salon.  It has been learnt that the parkash was done to inaugurate the opening of the salon.

The saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji was apparently sent by Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Mata Raj Kaur Ji located in Chandigarh.  The Gurdwara Sahib organized a Sukhmani Sahib path for the opening of the beauty parlour, also located in Chandigarh.

Responding to complaints, the Gurdwara management has alleged that it had not committed any mistake as Sikhs ask for well-being of all.

File Photo: Sant Bhindrawale

ABOHAR, Punjan (October 8, 2014)—In a recent case of continued communal hatred, a senior leader of RSS, Rakesh Arora, congratulated his followers on Facebook on the occasion of ‘Dussehra’ by posting a photo of Ravan’s effigy, on which photo of Sikh Hero of 20^th century, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, was morphed.

This communal act of RSS leader has made the Sikh Sangat deeply upset.

District President of Sikh Students Federation Mehta, Bhai Varinder Singh Khalsa informed that he will file case of instigating Religious Sentiments against Rakesh Arora. He said that they have informed the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh, and SGPC President Avtar Makkar, about the matter. Khalsa said Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale is respectable among the entire Sikh Community, and due to this respect, his painting was placed in Central Sikh Museum of Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex.

Khalsa warned Shiv Sena to stop “dirty acts” of instigating Sikh sentiments; otherwise they will take strict action against them. He also urged Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Badal to take strict action against these communal elements of Shiv Sena.

File Photo: Bhai Sukha and Bhai Jinda

AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 8, 2014)—Sri Akhand Path Sahib has been inaugurated for commemorating the 22nd martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha, by their family members and Panthik Jathebandis.

Bhai Jinda and Bhai Sukha were the two Gursikhs who punished General Arun Sri Dhar Vaidya because of his involvement in the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib.  General Vaidya was the commander during the Army invasion of Sri Harmandir Sahib and other Gurdwaras in June 1984.

Chief Sevadar of Gurmat Vidyala Damdami Taksal Ajnala, Bhai Amrik Singh, informed Sikh24 on telephone that Sri Akhand Path Sahib has been inaugurated at the current residence of Bhai Sukha’s respectable father Bapu Mehnga Singh.

Bhai Ajnala said that the arrangements have been made for the celebration of the martyrdom anniversary. He appealed to Sikh Community on behalf of Bhai Sukha’s father, Bapu Mehnga Singh, to attend the programs with great enthusiasm.

AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab (October 9, 2014)— The newly built entrance plaza at Sri Darbar Sahib, holiest Sikh shrine, is all set to be dedicated to the devotees on Bandi Chhod Diwas (Diwali).

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the plaza. He directed the authorities to ensure its completion by Bandi Chhod Diwas in order to make the festival special for devotees.

Talking to media persons, he said the construction work of the Rs 78-crore project was almost complete and a final touch was being given to it.

He asked the concerned officials to conclude the internal decoration and beautification of the plaza, besides reducing congestion around it by prohibiting the vehicles near it for the facilitation of devotees. He directed them to initiate cleanliness work of all roads, streets and other places around the shrine during the night so as to avoid inconvenience to devotees.

Sukhbir said the project to beautify the stretch from Hall Gate to Sri Darbar Sahib would give a unique and traditional look to the entire passage with world-class landscaping, fountains and trees.

Bhai Kulwinderjit Singh Khanpur

MALAUT, Punjab (October 9, 2014)—Bhai Kulwinderjit Singh Khanpur and his aide Bhai Baljinder Singh, who are imprisoned in Tihar Jail Delhi, were presented Tuesday in the court of Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate Bagicha Singh, in a case of assaulting Piara Bhanyare Wala. Their next production has been slated on 22^nd October.

It is noteworthy that Bhanyare wala had hurt Sikh sentiments by committing grave sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He had burnt the holy Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Rattangarh village of District Ropar.

Bhai Kulwinderjit Singh and Bhai Baljinder Singh were brought by the police on train.

While leaving for Delhi, Bhai Kulwinder Singh Khanpur said, “Dual standard of legal system are implemented in India. For both majority and minorities, legal standards are different, due to which the Sikh nation is not getting justice anywhere in the sub-continent.”

“Sikhs are being attacked by the anti-Sikh forces, suitable example of which is the attack on Gurdwara Sahib in Nagpur”, he said, adding, “These incidents point out that the RSS is ruling over here through its political wing BJP.”

He also described the incidents of Saharanpur, Hydrabad, Mujaffar Nagar etc. that took place in the tenure of Modi. He opined these incidents are a matter of grave concern.

He told that he was suffering from a problem of ulcers, due to which he is becoming mentally and physically weak. He said he had appealed to the court about this, but they were ignoring his problem.

Bhai Baljinder Singh said the establishment of a sovereign Sikh state “Khalistan” has become the need of the hour in order to sustain our existence. He said until we don’t have our homeland free, Indian rulers will continue to deliver injustice to us.

The Sikh freedom fighter made an appeal to the entire Sikh community to attend the 22^nd Martyrdom Anniversary of Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda in Ratnewal of Sri Ganga Nagar (Rajasthan), Gadli village of District Amrisar and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.  

FRIDKOT, Punjab (October 9, 2014)—Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday granted bail to noted Sikh preacher and chief of Panthik Sewa Lehar Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal in the Jaito case that was reopened against him by Faridkot police. As per sources, he may be released from Faridkot jail on Oct 9.

Many suggest that this is a clear case of vendetta politics. as the ruling Badal Dal punished him for playing a key role in the formation of a separate Gurdwara management body for the Haryana state. Also, he helped newly formed Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Managemnt Committee (HSGMC) in taking over some Sikh shrines of Haryana. Giving prize to him, leadership of HSGMC nominated him as its member.

His counsel also told Punjab and Haryana High Court that the Punjab government under a vendetta politics booked him and arrested him in various old cases.

Prior to this, Baba Daduwal had got bail in three cases. However, he was not set free as bail in the Jaito case was yet to be granted by High Court.

Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal was arrested by Faridkot police from Kot Shamir village of Bathinda district on August 21 night.

Management Committee of the Gurdwara in Hario Khurd village explains the incident of tearing of Angs of Guru Granth Sahib to Jagjivan Singh Khirnia

LUDHIANA, Punjab (October 9, 2014)—It has learnt that some unidentified elements have committed beadbi by tearing 183 Angs (pages) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha in Hario Khurd village near Samrala. The sacrilege of the Sikh Guru has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments.

The incident came to light when the Granthi of the Gurdwara Sahib was to take a Hukamanama (edict). He was shocked to see that 183 Angs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib were torn from various places, and the torn Angs were roughly folded.

As per news published by Punjabi Tribune, SP (D) Khanna Satinderpal Singh, DSP Samrala Sukh Amritpal Singh and SHO Ashwani Kumar rushed to the spot. Leaders of ruling SAD have asked the police officials to trace the miscreant at the earliest. He also appealed to the Sikhs to maintain peace.

On other hand, President of the Management Committee of the Gurdwara and others have filed a complaint with the Khanna police.

AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 9, 2014)—A large Nagar Kirtan was organized today with fathomless devotion and zeal from Sri Akal Takht Sahib for celebrating the 480^th Birthday Anniversary of Guru Ram Das Sahib Ji, started with the blissful echo of a trumpet and ovation ‘Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal’. Decorated in the patronage of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and leadership of Five Beloved (Panj Piare), SGPC inaugurated this Nagar Kirtan with the help of Sikh Sangat after performing prayer (Ardas) at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Holy scripture of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was gracefully seated in Golden Palanquin by Sikh Sangat while bringing it to Guru Ramdas Saran, where the Golden Palanquin was seated in Chariot decorated with flowers. Sewa of Whisk (Chaur ) was performed by Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh Ji. Students of various schools and colleges, bands, religious societies, taksals, nihang dals and gatka akharas participated while singing Holy Gurbani Shabads.

Rain of flower petals was laid by a special rirplane. Hundreds of Sikh devotees were doing sewa of cleaning the road in front of the Chariot containing the Golden Palanquin. Western Sikhs of Miri Piri Academy, Chheharta, were depicting their artistic skills of operating Khalsa Weaponry. As the Nagar Kirtan reached near Chowk Ghantaghar, torrential rain started, but the devotees covered the Palanquin with a tarpaulin.

Despite the torrential rain, the devotee’s zeal didn’t cool down and the Nagar Kirtan remained moving without any obstacle. Started from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, this Nagar Kirtan came back at 3:30 pm after going through Brahm Boota Market, Katra Ahluwalia, Chowk Ghantaghar, Bazaar Mai Sewa, Chawal Mandi, Dal Mandi, Chowk Dhab Basti Ram, Chowk Lachhmansar, Chowk Moni, Chowk Karodi, Chowk Baba Sahib, Chowk Paragdas and Guru Ramdas Saran.

Absence of SGPC members, Ministers and Administrating Officers Noted by Sikh Sangat

It is worth mentioning that where the local and foreign Sikh devotees participated in the Nagar Kirtan with great enthusiasm, all the SGPC members except one, Akali-BJP leaders, Senior Akali leaders, SGPC president, administrating officers residing in this holy city populated by Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, were absent at this Nagar Kirtan. SGPC officers and staff also attended the Nagar Kirtan only for a few minutes. Only Congress MLA Om Parkash Soni participated in the Nagar Kirtan.

Deepmala and Amrit Sanchaar will be held today

SGPC Secretary Manjit Singh stated that a beautiful exhibition of weapons will be organized at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Ji on the birthday of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji from 8:30 am to 12:00 am. Religious ceremonies will be performed during the whole day at Diwan Hall, Sri Manji Sahib. A firework show will be performed after Rehras at Sri Harmandir Sahib. A special Poetic Function will be organized at Sri Manji Sahib from 8 pm tonight.

FARIDKOT, Punjab (October 10, 2014)—Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal, who was earlier granted bail in a number of cases, was again re-arrested by the police.  The police arrest took place in a rather dramatic fashion as he was again put into custody minutes after being released.

More details are being awaited on the re-arrest of Baba Daduwal, however as per unconfirmed reports, he was arrested on fresh charges under sections 107 & 151 of CrPC preventive measures.

It is noteworthy that Baba Daduwal had earlier secured bail in 7 cases that were pending against him.  It has been alleged that he was arrested due to his involvement in the Haryana Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

Baba Baljit Singh will remain under judicial remand until October 17.

Background

Baba Daduwal was initially arrested on August 21, shortly after the by-polls were concluded in Punjab for two seats of Patiala and Talwandi Sabo.  It was alleged by followers and supporters of Baba Daduwal that police had wanted to frame his arrest for a long time, however to avoid any unnecessary issues during elections, he remand was delayed until elections were conducted.  Baba Baljit Singh was wanted by the police under a number of cases, however his involvement and support for the HGPC irked the Punjab Government.

It should be noted that Baba Daduwal was successful in taking control of historic Gurdwara Sahib in Guhla-Cheeka (Haryana) from the SGPC after formation of separate management committee for Haryana Gurdwaras.

Most cases registered against him were under the Arms Act.

AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 10, 2014)—Due to growing demand for Akhand Path Sahibs at Sri Harmandir Sahib, five new rooms have been constructed by Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuri Wale.  The rooms will help cater to Sikh sangat, who have been showing extra-interest in organizing Akhand Path Sahibs at the holy shrine.

According to the resolution of the internal committee of SGPC, Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuri Wale today handed over the five new rooms for Sri Akhand Path Sahib near Dukh Bhanjni Beri in Sri Harmandir Sahib after completing Kar sewa. Before this, Hazoori Ragi Bhai Ravinder Singh performed Gurbani Kirtan and then Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was performed.

Chief Granthi Giani Jagtar Singh, Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Baba Darshan Singh, Baba Shinda Singh, Baba Sukha Singh, Secretary Satbir Singh, Manjit Singh, Additional Secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhoora Kohna, Skattar Singh, Manager Partap Singh, Kulwinder Singh Ramdas, Swinderpal Singh, Inderpal Singh etc. were present during the function.

While Akhand Path Sahibs help Sikh sangat feel a sense of connection, a new trend has arisen in which people merely pay for Gurbani paths without caring to listen to the Gurbani being read.  Therefore, some suggest that the SGPC must ensure that the families organizing Akhand Path Sahibs are paying full attention to Gurbani and that Akhand Path Sahibs are not merely organized as a ritual.

SRI AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 10, 2014)—The Khalsa Panth on Thursday observed the martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Bhai Harjinder Singh. A religious function was organized at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Gadli (native village of Bhai Jinda) near Jandiala Guru of District Amritsar, Karanpur (native village of Bhai Sukha) of district Ganganagar (Rajasthan), Village Wadala Johal of District Amritsar.

Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and Sikh ledears in Shaheedi Samgam

Bhai Sukha and Bhai Jinda were great warriors of the Sikh nation who fought for the freedom of Sikhs  assassinated General Arun Kumar Vaidya under whose command the Indian army attacked Sri Darbar Sahib, the holiest Sikh shrine, in first week of month of June in 1984. Bhai Sukha and Jinda had punished Vaidya as per Sikh traditions. The duo had openly admitted their action during trial and happily accepted the death sentence awarded by the Indian court. They had attained martyrdom on 9 October 1992 in Yerwada jail, Pune (Maharashtra). Abdullah, the hangman, in an interview in 2011 revealed that Bhai Sukha-Jinda had raised freedom slogans while going to the gallows.

To mark the martyrdom anniversary, a large number of Sikhs attended the Shaheedi Smagam, including leaders of various Panthik organizations, Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, Granthis of Sri Darbar Sahib gathered at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, family members of Shaheed Singhs and representatives of various Sikh organizations, including Akali Dal Panch Pardhani (ADPP) leaders Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu, Bhai Kulvir Singh Barapind, Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, Bhai Amrik Singh Issru, Bhai Baldev Singh Sirsa, Bhai Mandhir Singh and Dal Khasla leaders Bhai Harcharanjit Singh Dhami and Bhai Kanwarpal Singh. All paid rich tribute to the martyrs during the samagam.

Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was held this morning near Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which was followed by Gurbani Kirtan and Ardas.

Sikh Sangat observed martyrdom of Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda on large scale at Gadli (Sri Amritsar), native village of Bhai Jinda. Sikh Youth Fedareation Bhindranwala (Amritsar) led by Dr. Gurjinder Singh made special efforts to organize the Shaheedi Samagam here.

Paying homage to the martyrs, Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said that the Sikh nation would keep on giving respect to those Singhs who sacrice their lives for the Panth. On the occasion, Bhai Jinda’s sister Bibi Balwinder Kaur, brother Bhai Bhupinder Singh and Bhai Nirbhai Singh presented him photo copies of hand written letters written by Bhai Jinda.

Captain Harcharan Singh Rode, Bhai Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, president AISSF, Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind, Bhai Waryam Singh, brother of Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh Agwan, Mohinder Singh additional manager Sri Darbar Sahib, Jaswinder Singh additional secertory SGPC, Bhai Nirmal Singh Nimma, aide of Bhai Sukha-Jinda, Parmjit Singh Dhadi UK, Karamjit Singh Sunam, Navtej Singh Gaggu, Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu, Bhai Baljit Singh Khalsa, editor-in-chief “Vangar” magazine, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Baba Gajjan Singh, Damdami Taksal Sangranwan Chief Singh Sahib Giani Ram Singh Khalsa, Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala etc. attended the Samagam to pay to tribute to the Martyrs.

At the village Wadala Johal (Amritsar), the martyrdom day of Bhai Sukha-Jinda was observed by other faction of Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala led by Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala. Here also, a large scale religious function was organized following Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, which was attended by a great number of Sikh sangat.

AMRITSAR SAHIB (October 10, 2014)—The annual raag darbar in commemoration of Guru Raam Das Ji was organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee.  This heavenly Raag Darbar at Diwan Hall of Sri Manji Sahib is organized every year.  This year’s raag darbar was held from 7 pm to 1 am.

A lot of Raagi Jathas performed kirtan sewa of singing Gurbani hymns in raag based classical style. Hazoori Ragi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Bhai Sarabjit Singh Ji Laddi, Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant, Bhai Rai Singh, Bhai Gurinder Singh Batala, Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa, Bhai Balbir Singh, Bhai Jaspinder Singh, Bhai Inderjit Singh, and Bibi Ashupreet Kaur were the main attraction who delighted Sikh Sangat by performing Raag based Kirtan.

These raagis were given time for performing kirtan sewa by Chief Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh Ji, Additional Chief Granthi Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh Ludhiana, and Singh Sahib Giani Mann Singh. Elaborative information about raags that were sung by the Raagis was given to Sikh Sangat. Religious Personalities Singh Sahib Giani Gurminder Singh, Giani Amarjit Singh, Giani Mohan Singh, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar were also present there.

While Congratulating the Sikh Sangat, President of SGPC, Avtar Singh Makkar, said Sri Guru Ram Das Ji adopted positive traits of Sewa (Service), Simran (Meditation), and Nimrata (Humbleness) in his life and completed the journey from  a servant to position of Guru. He said the Holy Scripture written by Guru Ram Das Ji gives motivation to follow a spiritual path while disclosing the mystery of life.

He said by following the holy scripture of Guru Ram Das Ji, where we can make our life easy and joyful, we can also become experts in the spiritual field. He said while adopting the feature of Sewa (Service), we should be ready all the time for serving Humanity.

While talking about the destruction caused by floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the SGPC President said that the SGPC is continuously trying every possible way to help the flood victims by following the path depicted by Guru Sahib. He added, “Efforts are ongoing for providing shelter to flood victims.”

AISSF Chief Bhai Karnail Singh Peermohammed and Sikh genocide victim Bibi Jagdish Kaur addressing press conference in Sri Amritsar Sahib

AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab (October 11, 2014)—To challenge the 30 years of impunity of the Congress party leaders who orchestrated the 1984 genocide of Sikhs, and to highlight the practice of politics that has overshadowed the “Issue of Justice” for the victims, All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) gave a call for ‘Punjab Bandh” on November 1^st.

2014 November will be 30 years since, after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Congress leaders organized and orchestrated genocidal attacks targeting the Sikh community throughout India. The attacks on Sikh lives, properties and places of worship were carried out in a meticulous and identical manner resulting in more than 30,000 Sikhs being killed, with most of them burnt alive, hundreds of Sikh women being raped, Sikh Gurdwaras being burnt, Sikh properties looted and more than 300,000 Sikhs being uprooted and displaced.

Justifying the call for November 1^st “Punjab Bandh,” AISSF President Karnail Singh Peermohammad, along with Bibi Jagdish Kaur who was prime witness to the Sajjan Kumar case, her son Gurdeep Singh Goldy , Kanwarbir Singh Gill senior leader of International Sikh Organization, Jagmohan Singh, Bibi Balwinder Kaur, Charnjit Singh Amritsar stated that after having lost faith with the Indian legal system, 1984 Sikh genocide victims have now approached the people of Punjab for their support to seek justice.

The Federation President stated, to show solidarity with 1984 Sikh genocide victims, “We appeal to the people of Punjab and the SAD (Badal) government to support the November 1^st “Bandh” call and keep government offices, businesses and educational institutions closed for a day.”

AISSF President stated that despite recommendations of the Nanavati Commission, successive Congress governments shielded the high ranking Congress leaders from prosecution for their role in November 1984. “Since BJP-SAD is now in power at Delhi, victims demand that cases should be filed against Kamal Nath, Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler.”

“Justice for the 1984 victims does not mean “Votes” for political leaders who use this issue during elections but ‘Convictions” of those responsible for the Sikh Genocide added Peermohammad.

The Sikh human rights groups have developed a consensus that the recent discoveries of mass killings of Sikhs in more than 100 cities throughout India proves that November 1984 is genocide as defined in Article 2 of the UN Convention on genocide. The gravity, scale, organized and intentional nature of these genocidal attacks was concealed by the Indian governments by portraying them as “Anti-Sikh Pogroms of Delhi.” The recently discovered evidence shows that more than 37,000 claims for deaths and injuries were filed by the victims of November 1984, out of which more than 20,000 claims were by victims who were attacked outside of Delhi.

AISSF, 1984 victims and human rights activists have started a “Torch of Justice” campaign which will pass through Hondh-Chillar, Kanpur, Bokaro, Jharkhand and Delhi. A delegation of Sikh genocide survivors and AISSF will carry the “Torch of Justice” from Delhi to New York reaching U.N. headquarters on November 7^th.

AMRITSAR, Punjab (October 11, 2014)—SGPC member and Chief of Akali Dal Panch Pardhani, Bhai Kulbir Singh Barapind, released a message at Sri Akal Takht Sahib regarding the organizational structure of the Shiromani Akali Dal Panch Pardhani. This was his first visit to Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib after his release from jail. Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu, Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, Bhai Amrik Singh Eesrhu, Baba Hardeep Singh, Bhai Baldev Singh Sirsa, Bhai Mandhir Singh and other workers of Akali Dal Panch Pardhani were present with him on this occasion.

The following message was released by Bhai Barapind on the martydom day of Bhai Jinda and Sukha -

Bhai Bittu & Bhai Barapind

We salute Shaheed Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha along with all the martyrs who got martyred while struggling for Khalistan and welfare of all communities. We are struggling for Khalistan from the last three decades in different forms. We are proud of armed period of this struggle. We tried to move on the struggle according to our capabilities while strolling publically through Akali Dal Panch Pardhani, after the termination of armed struggle. Till today, we are trying to establish the Khalsa emperor in this sub-continent India by destroying the Biparvadi Emperor from roots.

In this struggle of freedom, other groups also kept participating and are also struggling today. Despite of this, lack of public movement is notable. The fall of spiritual feeling in Panth is responsible for it. This is notable in falling spiritual feeling in Panth, not of following right direction for assumed destination, lack of required effort and hard work, and rising appetite for personal benefits. Murder of a leader of Sikh Students Federation in January, 1990 was result of this spiritual fall. Till our Political Culture doesn’t adopt the Principles of Gurmat  , chances of real Panthik union are negligible. And union without adopting Gurmat will also not permanent.

Biparvadi Political System has mould the Sikh Organizations (that participate in Election Procedure under this system) to such an extent that only those leaders are emerging out of these Organizations on political and religious level that are acceptable to Biparvadi Group. Under such conditions, leader like Badal and Amrinder Singh are emerging on behalf of Sikh Leadership.

Circumstances of today are such that struggling groups are victim of stagnation and due to unprincipled activities of Sikh Organizations working in favor of Biparvadi Political System, fall of spiritual feeling among the Panth is increasing. Society is moving away from Moral values and truthful activities, due to which there is confusion about strategy and policy for moving the struggle forward. It is the need of time that we should search for serious strategy to reach our destination. Keeping these circumstances in mind, we announce to break up the Organizational Structure of Akali Dal Panch Pardhani. We will present next policy and Organizational Structure to Panth till 30^th November after analyzing ourselves and discussing with Intellectual Personalities of Sikh Panth. 

SRINAGAR, Jammu & Kashmir (October 11, 2014)—The SGPC team has completed a survey for the flood hit areas of Sri Nagar.  This report will now be shared with the SGPC executive team.  SGPC team in Sri Nagar has been traversing every home in flood hit areas of Kahsmir to collect information of damage for the last five days.

A number of SGPC leaders had collected information of damage in Sri Nagar by traversing every home and shop. SGPC General Secretary Daljit S. Bedi said that parameters of help will be decided by the SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar, but the survey team will submit its suggestion report. He said Population of Sri Nagar is 20 lakh, in which more than 15000 Sikhs are populated and near about three thousand Sikh families became victim of floods. He said some houses are totally destroyed, while some are half destroyed. The task of repairing couldn’t be completed because of rain during the night. He suspected that rain may cause more damage. He said a lot houses are in very bad conditions and they can fall at any time, so they should be considered unsafe. There are such people who don’t have shelter on their heads, so they are helpless to live in these houses.

He informed that SGPC team inspected construction work in Khalsa English Medium School Chithisighpura, Anantnag, for the construction of which SGPC is spending Rupees One Crore. This school will be centre for modern education in that area. Construction work is being completed rapidly. Whole team also visited Gurdwara Mattan Sahib.

S. Bedi informed that relief work is continuous at Gurdwara Shaheed Bunga and service of free kitchen is going on like before. Jagjit Singh Additional Secretary, Parminder Singh Dandi, Lakhwinder Singh Badowal and Amritpal Singh are operating relief camp with full efforts. Survey Team will return on 9^th October after completing survey .

Exhibition of “Jalou” inside Sri Darbar Sahib

AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab (October 11, 2014)—The Parkash Gurpurab (birth anniversary) of fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das ji, who is also the founder of Amritsar city, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervour here on Thursday. Countless devotees paid obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib, supreme Sikh shrine, and also took a holy dip in the ‘sarovar’ on the occasion.

‘Jalau’ (show of splendour), was exhibiting rare art effects at the sanctum sanctorum of the holy shrine, Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib. A Kirtan Darbar was also organised at Gurdwara Manji Sahib. SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar felicitated school and college students who excelled in various competitions like quiz and painting, which were held to mark the occasion.

The holy shrine witnessed spectacular fireworks in the evening. Meanwhile, the Gurpurb was also celebrated at the Khalsa College Gurdwara by the Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC). Students of Khalsa College Engineering and Technology (KCET) performed a ‘kirtan’ following the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path while teachers shed light on the life, philosophy and directives of Guru Ram Das. Students recited the Gurbani and shabad in praise of Guru Ram Das who founded Amritsar, then also known as Chak Ramdaspur.

Dr. Inderjit Singh Gagoani, Sikh History Library in-charge, gave an account of the times and teachings of the Guru. KCGC secretaries, including SS Mannan, members SS Chhina, GS Bhatti, principal Jagdish Singh, Khalsa College principal Dr Mehal Singh, Khalsa College of Education principal Dr JS Dhillon, Khalsa College for Women principal Dr Sukhbir Kaur Mahal, KCET principal Dr Amarpal Singh and others were present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH, Punjab (October 13, 2014)—Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa, who sat on hunger strike last year at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Phase-8 of SAS Nagar, Mohali, by initiating expedition “Competing Coercion with Patience”  for the release of imprisoned Sikh prisoners , has declared a few days ago that he will again sit on a hunger strike to campaign for the release of Singhs. But due to the memorandum given to Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Badal and Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji, he has changed his programme.

Bhai Khalsa told Sikh24 that “Bandi Chhod Diwas (Diwali) is on 23^rd October and our committee has got information that the government can do something about this, so, we shall wait for this ’til that time.”

It should be noted that Bhai Gurbaksh Singh had campaigned for the release of Singhs who have already completed their jail terms.

He stated that Akali-BJP government was given a memorandum through Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Government was urged to release imprisoned Singhs quickly without any condition.

Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib also promised us that quick action will be taken by the Punjab Government for the release of imprisoned Singhs, but the government didn’t take any action until now, due to which there is a huge wave of annoyance in the sangat. So, he will again go on hunger strike after Bandi Shod Diwas if no action is taken by the government.