Bhai Moninder Singh Canada - Confronting Indian Interference in Sikh Affairs

https://sikhsiyasat.net/2019/04/17/confronting-indian-interference-in-sikh-affairs-op-ed/

Bhai Manvir Singh U.K. - Discussion on Brexit and Sikhs

 

Op/Ed – A Sikh perspective: The UK’s divorce with the European Union by Bhai Manvir Singh

https://www.sikh24.com/2020/02/03/op-ed-a-sikh-perspective-the-uks-divorce-with-the-european-union/

  

News and previous discussions relating to Brexit and Sikhs living in Great Britain and Europe:

  Brexit vote sparks ‘open season for racists’ say workers at Sikh soup kitchen by Kirsteen Paterson
https://www.thenational.scot/news/14903894.brexit-vote-sparks-open-season-for-racists-say-workers-at-sikh-soup-kitchen/

Akaal Channel discussion by Bhai Jagjit Singh

 Why Sikhs becoming ‘ready for another vote’ on Brexit is ‘the right thing to do’ by Bhai Randeep Singh

https://www.sikhpa.com/why-sikhs-becoming-ready-for-another-vote-on-brexit-is-the-right-thing-to-do/

Vishav Darpan Brexit 31st Jan 2020 by Bhai Sardul Singh Marwaha

Sikhs will now be recognized as an ethnic group in USA

Economic Times: Sikhs to be counted as separate ethnic group in US census for first time  
Read more at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/sikhs-to-be-counted-as-separate-ethnic-group-in-us-census-for-first-time/articleshow/73271587.cms?from=mdr

Sikh24: SGPC welcomes USA’s move of recognizing Sikhs as a separate ethnicity 
https://www.sikh24.com/2020/01/17/sgpc-welcomes-usas-move-of-recognizing-sikhs-as-a-separate-ethnicity/#.XkA3ESOnw2w

United Sikhs: HISTORIC VICTORY: SIKHS TO BE COUNTED AS SEPARATE ETHNIC GROUP IN U.S. CENSUS 2020
https://unitedsikhs.org/historic-victory-sikhs-to-be-counted-as-separate-ethnic-group-in-u-s-census-2020/

Sikhs to be counted as separate ethnic group in US census for first time

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/sikhs-to-be-counted-as-separate-ethnic-group-in-us-census-for-first-time/articleshow/73271587.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Sikhs to be counted as separate ethnic group in US census for first time

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/sikhs-to-be-counted-as-separate-ethnic-group-in-us-census-for-first-time/articleshow/73271587.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Dr Gurnam Singh U.K. - Sikhs and the Census unwrapped

‘Sikhs are not to be given a separate Tick Box in the next census’
Author: Dr Gurnam Singh U.K.

The Office for National Statistics has given its verdict on the question of a separate census category for Sikhs as an ethnic group. Based on qualitative and quantitative research the broad conclusions of the ONS are that there is considerable support for a separate sikh ethnic box amongst leaders of Gurdwaras and Sikh organisations but not amongst the younger sections. 
 
I suspect also that this reflects a split between ‘religious’ Sikhs who may have a firm sense of identity and/or are regular attendees at Gurdwaras and ‘secular Sikhs’ who are more likely to adopt a more fluid sense of identity. The research identified considerable confusion amongst the younger Sikhs about the question of Sikhism being a faith or ethnicity. To fully answer this question, more research is clearly needed and this confusion may well be a symptom of not having an ethnicity box.

The ONS report does concede that there is a need to more accurately measure the Sikh presence in the UK in order to inform better public policy towards this group. They intend to address this by providing an option to chose Sikh ethnicity from the ‘Other’ category under the ethnicity section in the online version. They are also recommending other mechanisms to correlate the ‘religion’ data with data from the ‘other’ option in the ethnicity section.
Sikh organisations such as the Sikh Federation UK and Sikh MP Preet Gill will be disappointment about this outcome as they were confidently predicting the ethnicity box for Sikhs had been conceded by the Government. Others, such as Lord Indarjit Singh, who were arguing about the dangers of conflating a religious category of Sikh with ethnicity, would have damaging effects, will be pleased. Their argument was that such a move would create confusion amongst non Panjabi Sikhs and those who chose the Sikh other but were from non Panjab.

This issue is probably going to rumble along but Sikhs in the UK have another 10 years to work on building consensu, which means carrying the vast majority of the community with you and not relying on eco chambers. Yes there is a significant number, even perhaps over 100,000 that have expressed a desire for a separate Sikh ethnicity box, but that means 2/3 or the community are either agnostic or opposed to this and their opinions need to be changed. 

Here is a link to the full report for those interested in looking at the detail.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk


https://www.facebook.com/gurnam.s.khela/posts/10158110858538761

Creating Safe Schools: Sikh Awareness Presentations Impact 1,200 Students

Ishmeet Kaur, Sikh community member and parent in New York state, discusses how she was empowered by the Sikh Coalition to go from leading presentations to her children’s classes to working with the Monroe-Woodbury School District to conduct more than 35 Sikh awareness presentations that impacted more than 1,200 students and faculty members. Through her efforts, the Sikh Coalition and volunteers were able to engage in effective techniques to teach every 6th and 9th grader in the Monroe-Woodbury School District about Sikhism, including the Sikh faith, traditions, and community. Ishmeet advocated for her school district to do more to raise Sikh awareness in their classrooms over the course of eight years. Over four days, the Sikh Coalition conducted presentations, providing students and educators alike with a diverse learning experience that has helped them understand what Sikhi is all about as well as the similarities and differences amongst Sikhism and other major world religions.

"Pakhand" exposed - Dr Sukhpreet Singh Ji Udhoke

This video is a necessity of these days, particularly for Sikh families.

 

Norwegian Prime Minister on Sikh Issues

Exclusive Interview with Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg on Sikh Issues

Dr Raminder Singh - Thoughts on "Punjabi" as an ethnicity option for U.K. citizens

Very interesting and persuasive argument presented by Dr Raminder Singh for recognition of Panjabi ethnicity in the U.K. census..

Bhai Satpal Singh U.K. - Vaisakhi message

Wonderfully inspirational words by Bhai Satpal Singh U.K. on this Vaisakhi day about the true purpose of the Khalsa. To serve the Khalsa is to serve humanity. When we reduce the Khalsa to a tradition, physical appearance, cultural practice or religious order, we diminish the Khalsa. The true Khalsa is the perfect embodiment of virtue. Of virtuous thoughts, virtuous actions and virtuous living.

As the world appears to be descending into barbarism, there was never a more pressing time for the Khalsa Panth to step up to provide an alternative to hate and greed. A Panth (path) that cares for and protects people and the planet.

Discussion on Lust and Spirituality by Bhai Satpal Singh U.K. - A must watch for youngsters struggling with issues

PART 1



PART 2

Sikhs in America: A History of Hate

Demonized as immigrants. Mistaken for Muslims. For more than a century, Sikhs in the U.S. have faced suspicion and violence.

by A.C. Thompson, ProPublica August 4, 2017

READ ARTICLE
https://www.propublica.org/article/sikhs-in-america-hate-crime-victims-and-bias

Bhai Kulbir Singh Canada - Straight Talk about Clothes We Wear!!

Author: Bhai Kulbir Singh Canada
Taken from: http://www.gurmatbibek.com/contents.php?id=6163

Ones who wear Revealing Clothes

In olden days, there used to be a very fine silk material manufactured in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). It used to be so thin and fine that it used to fit in a box as small as a matchbox. Once Aurangzeb noticed that his daughter was wearing very transparent clothes. He was very upset at her for not wearing proper clothes. At this she said to her father that she was wearing 7 layers of clothes but despite that her body was revealed through them. The disease of exposing their bodies in youth is not a new one. It was also prevalent even in olden days due to which Guru Sahib jee has written this Salok in Gurbani: ਵਾਊ ਸੰਦੇ ਕਪੜੇ ਪਹਿਰਹਿ ਗਰਬਿ ਗਵਾਰ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਲਿ ਨ ਚਲਨੀ ਜਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਹੋਏ ਛਾਰੁ॥2॥ (ਮ:5॥ ਪੰਨਾ 318) Guru Sahib jee has declared that such thin clothes like air are worn by stupid people who are proud of their transient bodies. They think that their bodies are beautiful but they forget that their bodies will perish one day. Just like a flower with time loses its beauty and becomes dry, this body too after hitting the peak in youth, starts its journey towards getting perished. So why be proud of this body which is so fragile. A Gursikh, whether male or female, wears such clothes that are suitable for the son or daughter of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee and the most suitable dress for a Gursikh is Gurmukhi Baana. A Gursikh who wears Gurmukhi Baana, all the time, gets special Kirpa from Guru Sahib jee. Guru Sahib jee provides such Gursikhs special protection because Guru Sahib jee keeps “Birad Baane dee Laaj” i.e. He keeps the honour of His Baana. Now a days, Gursikhs wear such clothes that are totally unsuitable and inappropriate for them to wear, considering that they are ambassadors of Gursikhi wherever they go. To dress up like Manmukhs and exposing body like them, is totally contrary to Gursikhi and as per the Salok of Siri Guru Arjun Dev jee quoted above, such people are definitely stupid and full of false pride. Sikh males build their bodies, which is a good thing to do but to show off their body by wearing tight clothes is against Gurmat. Same way, for our daughters and sisters to wear revealing clothes like tight pants and tops, or flashy suits just shows how ignorant they are about Gurmat. Why would a daughter of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee wear such clothes that reveal her body? A Gursikh’s treasure is Gurmat Naam and Gurmat Shubh Gunn (Gurmukh qualities) and not superficial things like body or flashy clothes. One should think objectively tha if a person gets attracted towards one because of one's outer looks or flashy clothes, then what will happen when this body is no longer in the spring but hits autumn? Such persons who are attracted to you for your looks will not stay always faithful. Such is the way in this dark age of Kaljug that men and women seriously lack good qualities, therefore to attract others, especially the opposite sex, they show off their bodies. This is the height of Kaljug to use Kaam to attract the members of opposite sex. May Guru Sahib jee do Kirpa and bless His Khalsa with Gurmukhi Baana and such wisdom to avoid wearing Manmukhi clothes. Kulbir Singh xkulbirsingh@outlook.com

Sikh Weddings Vs. Punjabi Weddings: A Gurmat Pespective

A must watch video of Bhai Manvir Singh Khalsa explaining difference between Sikh and Punjabi wedding.

Sikhs and Rakhri (ਰੱਖੜੀ) Festival Exposed...

Did Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji really tie a Rakhri as shown in modern day illustrations made? A must watch...

RSS Exposed! Cobrapost Expose: Operation Shuddhikaran

Baba Ranjit Singh Ji exposes Beas Dera

A must watch for all...

Bhai Manvir Singh U.K. - Modern day Punjabi Marriage Ritual Exposed

Article taken from the blog of Bhai Manvir Singh:

http://manvirsingh.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/a-mix-pot-sikh-wedding-modern-day.html

A mix pot "Sikh" wedding: The modern day Punjabi wedding...

What is nowadays labelled as ‘Sikh’ wedding by Punjabis,  in reality are a mix of Hindu, Islamic, Christian and Punjabi traditions. Most people unbeknown to them follow these rituals in good faith and enjoy them thinking they are part and parcel of Sikhi. However, it is usually the case that these rituals and customs are contrary to Sikhi and therefore defeat the objective of having an Anand Karaj, which is to receive the blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Due to a lack of knowledge and awareness about what a ‘Sikh’ wedding in reality should be, most people carry on following popular culture.

6 non-Sikh traditions that people think are part of "Sikh" weddings

(1) Rangoli/ Maaeeyaa (Hinduism)

Rangoli is an ancient Hindu form of drawing for special festivities. It is meant to welcome the Hindu deities into the home for blessings and is an offering of good luck. Before weddings take place, a Rangoli design is made on the floor, which consists of repeating patterns of flowers and geometric shapes made of flour and colour. In this pre-wedding ritual, the bride or groom sits on a stool before the Rangoli pattern and has a a turmeric paste applied to them. This Hindu ritual is meant to make their minds and bodies pure before the marriage ceremony. It is also used to lighten and beautify the skin.

Note: A Sikh would want to invite Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to their home, rather than a deity or goddess. There is no such thing as good luck. Good actions lead to lead good results. Reciting and singing Gurbani brings blessings. One is beautified according to Gurmat by singing Vahiguru's Praises and living in accordance to the Guru's Teachings.

(2) Mehndi Ceremony (Islamic)

Dyeing the hands and feet with henna is something mustahabb (encouraged) for women in Islam, unlike for men. A number of Hadiths indicate that it is highly encouraged. Abu Dawood (4166) narrates, "A woman gestured from behind a screen, with a letter to the Prophet Muhammad in her hand. Prophet Muhammad withdrew his hand and said: “I do not know whether it is the hand of a man or a woman.” She said: It is a woman. He said: “If you were a woman, you would have changed your nails,” meaning, with henna. It is part of the Muslim tradition (Sunnah) for women to dye their hands with henna as instructed by Prophet Muhammad to be differentiated from men.

Note: A Sikh wears that which pleases the Guru, not another religion's respected prophets. The Guru is pleased with a Sikh wearing the Panj Kakkaar.

(3) Sehra (Hindu/Mughal)
A Sehra is decorative veil worn by a groom that originates from Northern India from Vedic times. It consists of an embroidered rectangular piece with strings that make up the veil. The stringed veil can be either made of flowers or beads. The Sehra is tied over the groom’s turban. Alternatively the groom’s turban can have the Sehra stitched into it. First, it covers the face of the groom like a veil and protects him from "Nazar" or the "evil eye." Second, it reminds the groom that the search for a life partner is over and a veil across the face indicates he should not look any other lady. Although it originates from Hindu culture, amongst Muslims the Sehra has been patronised and adopted into Islamic culture since the Mughal era where kings wore elaborate looking head gears encrusted with precious pearls and stones during their weddings. In fact, the word ‘Sehra’ literally means a poem sung during a ‘nikah', Muslim wedding ceremony.

Note: Gurbani does not believe in the 'evil eye' concept', and says reciting Vahiguru's Name rids one any perceived evil eyes or bad luck. Secondly, a Sikh lives by the principal of seeing every other woman as his daughter, sister or mother. Throughout Sikh history Sikh's have been known for their high moral character, and this was without the help or reminder of a Sehra or face veil.

(4) Jai Mala (Hindu)

The Var Mala ceremony is known as Jaimala also. The reference of this ritual is found in Vedic literature. In ancient times (during Vedic age), the kings used to arrange the system of selection of the groom by their daughters. They used to invite the son of kings (raaj-kumars) of the friendly states, a grand ceremony was arranged and the girl (or bride) was given the opportunity to select the groom of her choice. In this system, she was free to put the garlands in the neck of her groom of choice. The same concept is followed in modern times too, but with the changes that there is only one bride and groom.

Note: A Sikh couple's union in Gurmat is bound by Gurbani and blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji when one bows before the Guru and walks around the Guru to indicate the Guru is the centre of their lives. A Sikh's union is not made with garlands or necklaces, but bound by the Guru.

(5) Ring Ceremony (Christian)

Early Christian marriages had a ritual to wear the wedding ring in the third finger. As the priest recited during the binding, "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”, he would take the ring and touch the thumb, the index finger, and the middle finger; then, while uttering “Amen”, he would place the ring on the ring finger, which sealed the marriage. Nowadays, it is worn on the fourth finger. The church considers it as a symbol of love and faithfulness. It stands for the promise made between a man and a woman that binds them for eternity in love.

Note: A Sikh wears no symbol of any other religion or belief. A Sikh wears the Panj Kakkaar as their jewellery and symbol of commitment to the Guru.

(6) Throwing of Rice (Hindu/Christian)

In Hinduism as the bride steps out of her parent’s house to be a part of her husband’s family, she pauses at the doorstep to throw handful of coins and rice back over her head thrice. Throwing rice and or money, is a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi (the Hindu Goddess of prosperity and wealth). The bride wishes that her parent’s house always remain prosperous. Coins signify wealth, whereas rice is a symbol of health. This ritual also symbolises that the bride has repaid her parents for her upbringing and for everything they have bestowed on her.  In Christianity, the rice throwing tradition at weddings originates from Paganism. Throwing of rice in marriage ceremony is the same as throwing salt over ones shoulder. It's casting a spell for good luck and a blessing for fertility. In Christianity it was re-interpreted as a reminder to the couple that the primary purpose in marriage is to create a family that will serve and honour the Lord. Therefore, guests symbolically throw rice as a gesture of blessing for the spiritual and physical fruitfulness of the marriage.

Note: According to Gurmat as one acts, he reaps. To throw rice as a blessing is not Gurmat. To wish someone well and give blessings in Sikhi is through reciting Gurbani and doing Simran.

Dera Maryada Vs. Akal Takht Maryada

Views of respected Gursikhs. A must watch.

Gyani Sant Singh Maskeen Ji

Baba Ranjit Singh Dhandrianwale Ji



Bhai Jagraj Singh Ji of Basics of Sikhi

**EXPOSED** Response to Christian Missionary's Attack on Sikhism

A must watch! An insightful response by Singh.

**EXPOSED** Is drinking liquor in limit allowed in Gurbani?

Punjabis are effected by alcoholism and people justifying drinking habits by saying they are drinking for HEALTH REASONS. Please watch Bibi Inderpal Kaur Ji's response!