Shahid e Azam

In honour of Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji's 101st birthday (which I know, was last month); I've decided to post about his sacrifice and what it means to me.

I feel like not enough people know about Bhagat Singh. For me, he was my greatest inspiration - even more than Sri Guroo Gobind Singh Ji and all. It's mostly because I read and researched Bhagat Singh well before learning anything about Sikhi.

Bhagat Singh filled me with the urge and passion to make a difference in India. After learning about his eternal sacrifice, I don't think I could handle it if I did absolutely nothing to try and make India even a smidge better. Bhagat Singh died with the belief that he would make the youth in India 'rise to the occassion'. In some respects it happened, but after 1947, Indians have become complacent, India is not free, despite the removal of the British. All Indians are a slave to themselves and to it's tyrannical government. India is one of the most corrupt countries in the world depsite it's being the 'largest democracy'. I'm sure Bhagat Singh would 'turn in his grave' if he saw what's going on right now.

Bhagat Singh was in favour of secularism and socialism. Now, I'm not really a socialist (because I don't think that mankind is quite ready for socialism), but I suppose I do have some socialist values - I suppose quite in line with traditional Labour views....but I'm a secularist despite being and amritdhari sikh (ironic eh).

People always ask me "Why are you not Khalistani? What has 'mother India' ever done for her Sikhs? What about all those Shaheed sikhs slaughtered by their fellow brothers in the 1980's-90's?"

To tell you the truth, my answers seem weak to those people, but to me they are what keep me going. Belief in mankind...is that such a bad thing? How can you look into the face of an impoverished child and ignore him, simply because he is not sikh or a khalistani? or because his father may have been a rioter? I hate to use the phrase 'to tarr all with the same brush is an injustice' - but it's TRUE. I believe in a Khalistan (a land of the pure) to some extent. But not what the common idea of Khalistan is (read previous post on Khalistan for more info).

India is really a glorious place, and despite what many sikhs belief, it consists of much more than just Punjab :O I love India and I love Indians. I have so many Indian friends from all over the subcontinent - Gujurat, Goa, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Bangalore, Delhi, Bihar, Calcutta and more. And, despite a common misconception, not all Indians hate Sikhs...it's true, I swear!

The problem with India is the Government and it's Institutions , as well as the Police. The judiciary is BEGINNING to become more independent but it's taking time. I know it sounds so simple and easy to say but if every child/youth (and there's a HECK of a lot) cut down on the bollywood films and desi clubbing and drugging; and got up and joined the police force, judiciary, government etc. then India would change a heck of a lot faster. The problem is persuading people to do this. The typical 'what can vone man do yaar?' comes out and the revolution has ended before it's started....And yet when you go on Youtube and Internet Forums you read the posts from Internet warriors who are ready to fight to the death in support of Truth...I wish we could all practise what we preach (including me, before you say it).

It's so easy to sit in the UK and USA and whatever and say these things I know. But until I can do my part physically, this is how I'm going to do it... haha with 'Internet Parchaar'. If I can inspire just ONE person, then I'm content. This is my seva. You can take it or leave it.

Focussing on helping Sikhs is not a bad thing either! I really rate the people going out to India everyday to help the Widows as a result of the Delhi Riots, the people getting youths off of drugs in Punjab, helping the families of Shaheeds and much more.

I think it's just human nature to serve those we have some kind of common identity or affiliation with.

Baghat Singh, Batukeshwar Dutt, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandrashekar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Lahiri, Kartar Singh Sarabha and many more fought for the freedom and spirit of ALL Indians and in their honour, so do I. Haha I know these are big words coming from a 19 year old, but Bhagat Singh was only 24 years old when he tasted the cold steel of martyrdom.

Inquilaab Zindaabad.

Some interesting films (if you don't like reading haha) on Bhagat Singh and more :

'The Legend Of Bhagat Singh' by Rajkumar Santoshi

'Rang De Basanti' by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

'Yuva' by Mani Ratnam

Read:

'Why Am I An Atheist' by Bhagat Singh

http://shahidbhagatsingh.org/

Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ji

Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ji born, Jetha....Vaheguroo, what can I say about such a true Mahatma (great soul) i'm not going to go into His whole life story as so many websites are available which would be able to do a better job.

Today is a special day as it is Guroo Ji's Avtaar Purab - the day that Guroo Ji came into this world.

Through His love and devotion Jetha became Guroo Raam Daas as Guroo Amar Daas' successor who subsequently continued the building of what we now know as Amritsar (was then Raamdaaspur)....Guroo Ji encouraged His sikhs to partake in the joy and sorrow of others and not only quiet meditation; this is also a way of ridding the soul of Ego - which seperates us from the One.

Guroo Ji kept a veeery long beard- as many of the subsequent paintings of him illustrate.

One day Sri Chand - Sri Guroo Naanak Dev Ji's eldest son who was the leader of the Udaasi Sect (ascetics) came to visit Guroo Ji. Baba Sri Chand asked Guroo Ji, in an aim to try and belittle him, why he kept such a long beard? Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ji's reply was as follows:

"So I that I can wipe the dust off of the feet of Holy men such as yourself."

He then proceeded to perform this supreme act of humility...before Baba Sri Chand could stop him and embrace him, explaining, "That's enough. So, this is why I have been deprived of my ancestral heritage - through behaviour and humilty such as this. Now, what more is left of me, that I could offer you for your piety and goodness of heart?"

(Baba Sri Chand had been angry at having Gurooship passed over him when Sri Guroo Nanak dev his father initiated Sri Guroo Angad Dev Ji as successor. Hoping to alter the direction that his father had set down for His sikhs, Baba Sri Chand attempted to install himself as the second Guroo.)

Sri Guroo Raam Daas, I believe is the supreme inspiration of many Western Sikhs - much like Sri Guroo Nanak Dev Ji and Sri Guroo Gobind Singh Ji are to others. But Guroo Ji has a place in all of our hearts for many different reasons.

Dhan Dhan Raam Daas Gur, Jin Siriyaa Thine Suvaariaa

Blessed, Blessed is Guroo Raam Daas, He who created You, exalted You.

Pooree Hooee Karaaamaath Aap Sirajanehaare Dhaaria

Perfect is Your miracle; the Creater Lord Himself has installed You on the throne.

Sources: http://www.mrsikhnet.com/ , http://www.sikhnet.com/, http://www.sikhiwiki.com/

listen live to kirtan at Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ashram Espanola:

www.fateh.sikhnet.com/s/sundaygurudwara

Kirpan Update

Here Ye, Here Ye....Let it be known that with Maharaj's Beant Kirpa and the support of United Sikhs and other Gupt Sangata(n)...I am allowed to carry on wearing my Kirpan at University! The diversity officer at Oxford Brookes University supported my appeal and also confirmed my rights as per UK laws. A big thank you to all those involved.

I've the understanding that a secondary school pupil, J Singh, recently was not as fortunate as I in a similar matter at a Barnet (UK) school.... my love, prayers and support go out to you....may vaheguroo help you in this difficult time, as I know how frustrating it can be.

For more information: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-08-10-2009-00.html

ho maan thaan karo thaeraa ho jaano aapaa

I stand tall: You are my strength. I know that you are mine.

UNI!!!!

Vaheguroo Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguroo Ji Ki Fateh

Sat Naam!

It's been just over a week since I moved to University. And, as promised, I'm posting about my experiences here so far....

First off, I have to say to anyone who doubts Akaal Purakh's power - come to Oxford to witness it. Oxford is the most beautiful City I have ever visited. It is amasingly well maintained; filled with very old (I think medievil) style buildings, glorious parks and fields, a lovely town centre, looooads of old churches and, of course - it's home to both MY university (Oxford Brookes) and Oxford University. I wouldn't compare the campuses because Oxford buildings are by far spectacularly older and Oxford Brookes is more modern as it's a much younger university. The primary mode of transport for most dwellers are, I think, bikes, buses and walkers - which I love because they're much more friendly to the environment and ourselves haha.

There is also a small Gurudwara here as well!! I'm making a visit tomorrow to see where exactly it is, but I'm so glad that Sri Guru Granth Sahib is in my city, so I dont have to go back to London everyweek.

My housemates at Harcourt Hill campus (5 miles from my regular campus) are stars. We all get along incredibly well, they're not heavy drinkers or smokers (thank God) and they're very open-minded people...It's only been a week but we're already a little family haha.

The past week was taken up by inductions, tours, enrolement, karaoke and the joining of societies. THERE'S NO SIKH SOCIETY AT BROOKES!!! The other sikh students prefer their punjabi origins and created a PUNJABI Society (why am I not surprised) and those interested in Sikhi have to join the Oxford Uni Sikh Soc. but I joined the tennis, law and snowsports society. I've met so many different people here, from many different walks fo life - I'm so glad I didn't go to an 'Asian' Uni - where all the punjabi's, pakistani's etc. go because I wanted to be able to spread my wings a bit in a different atmosphere to West London - the world's a MUCH bigger place.

I've had some trouble in the last few days about my Kirpan though, which was kind of a downer to be honest. BUT I've spoken to United Sikhs and they're behind me so if it comes to the crunch - I'll have their backing...I'm currently awaiting a verdict on whether I can have it on campus (can I point out I DON'T even wear it openly outside!!! That's the funny part...) However, the staff have all been very polite and nice about the matter, they just don't (unsurprisingly) know anything about sikhi.... but it's all in Akaal Purakhs' hands, I leave it to Them to make the decision - another test I suppose....

Man(n)ai muhi chottaa naa khaae

The faithful shall never be struck across the face

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Jap Ji Sahib

Khalsa Camp 2009

Tomorrow, I move into my university room in Oxford... I cannot wait, it really has been a long time coming, with Maharaj's kirpa all seems well...

I know I haven't posted in donkey's but I'm gonna try and make a conscious effort to do so from now on...so you get the perspective of a fully fledged sikh-uni-student...although why you'd wanna read about that is beyond me!

Last month I attended Khalsa Camp for a week. It was my very first sikh camp and I have to say...

One of the greatest experiences of my life. the lectures were absolutely spot on (every one), the sangat is uplifting, the kirtan is beyond devotional and the overall atmosphere is breathtaking.

I would definately recommend sangat to attend next year for a trully spiritual experience.

Stay in Chardi Kalaa!

Peace and LOVE

Time to Wake Up

Technically, it's Vaisakhi today, but a lot of people are celebrating tomorrow. I'm gonna talk today cos I have the time woopee(!)....

My brother turned around and asked me a pretty innocent question yesterday... 'Why do we celebrate Vaisakhi?' I explained but...I was really shocked....I dunno why, I mean I went on facebook today and more people have written about some punjabi singer's death than vaisakhi...

I talk to my brother about my thoughts and it's 'here we go again'.... What's that about? I'm not trying to force amrit on him nor do I preach and tell him to grow his kes. But a little itihaas surely wont kill him or the rest of the youth who 'yawn' at sikh sakian.

I can't wait til I finish school, I'll finally have the free time on my hands to do some english parchaar in gurughars and school more often. Again it's not about force it's about the fact that but knowledge of who we are gives our youths a sense of identity.

You ask any muslim who Mohammeds first wife was they can tell you it was Khadija, or his daughter was Fatima or he established the city of Medina and they've almost certainly read the Qu'ran once in their lifetime at least. You can ask a hindu who Sita was and they can tell you she was the wife of Raam. If you ask them to recite the Gayatri Mantra and they wouldn't hesitate. But if you ask a sikh who the panj pyare was you'd get silence, get em to tell you the names of all the Guru Ji's and they'd hesitate. if they got the names they wouldn't know the order. Ask them to recite at least the first verse of Sri Jap Ji Sahib and they'd look at you blank....

I may sound a little negative and pessimistic, but sometimes you gotta open your eyes in order to change things. There's no point in walking around with your eyes clothes 'staying positive' and ignoring our problems. That's how things get worse. Which is why I have a lot of respect of Mahaan Sant Jarnail Singh Ji because they woke up a lot of youths and did more for the panth that we could possibly imagine.

It's time the panth woke up and smelt the coffee beans....

Love life, live life

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” Ashley Smith

I actually love this quote. I think it's an amasing outlook on love. I would love to fulfill this quote before I die. If it's one thing I can say, it's that I do not wish to die in vain. I life without purpose, fulfilled dreams and goals and excitement; to me is just not worth anything. I have a hundred things I wanna do before I move on. Actually appreciating this wonderful life that Akaal Purakh has given me is one of them.

jwxo siq hovMqo mrxo idRstyx imiQAw ]

jaano sath hova(n)tho marano dhrisattaen mithhiaa

Know for sure that death will come; whatever is seen is false.