Time

I've been so busy lately, it's not even funny. Drawing, writing, law work and more. It's hectic. On top of it is 'student life', trying to stay in touch with family AND be able to get up at Amrit Vela (early in the morning). *SIGH* I can't wait til Christmas...It'll be a nice break.

I've started writing my autobiography (unofficially)...I was talking to a friend lately and she was pretty astounded at my life-story so far (how do you write that without sounding conceited?)...she told me to write a book. So, yeah, I am. It's so difficult though. I've drawn up a timetable to try and fit everything into my day. Ontop of revision as well...maybe I'm doing too much at one time?

Someone asked me if I'm looking to get married recently. That was rather random to be honest. I haven't spoken to her in a while , and I got an SMS asking me the 'dreaded' question. But I was surprised at my own answer... Since I was a kid my parents pretty much scared the daylights out of me when it came to the issue of marriage (amongst other family members). When I went to answer, I actually found myself hesitating... Don't get me wrong - I said 'no'. But not because I feel I'm too young or I want a career or whatever... It was just timing and, I want to find my own husband - that's where this SMS was heading (it was to hook some Singh up) . I'm not afraid of the prospect of marriage, nor kids. I love kids. I brought my sister up, so there's nothing to fear there.

The text got me thinking though. I never REALLY thought stragetically about my future. (it gets kinda difficult if you live my life to be able to to predict what's gonna happen TOMORROW) hahaha. The past few days I've been kinda formulating a plan. I know, you never know what's gonna happen. But, at least now, I have a kinda goal in life...A light at the end of the tunnel to head toward.

For now though, I'm trying to live in the moment. I'm reading more, writing more, listening more, talking less, etc. (I'm sure you can imagine)....

The future is NOW.

Indeed

I haven't posted in the last few days. Simply because I was worried I'd write something I'd regret in anger and wouldn't be able to take it back. Anger can get the best of us, what can I say? I know the past 5 days have been pretty crucial writing times for sikhs but I gotta admit. I've been busy. It's reading week for the law students here. I got a lot of work to do my Monday (great...)
I've also been busying myself with writing to Indian Newspapers on their shocking bias and clear apathy in articles regarding 1984.
I'm not going to go into a history about 1984. There are countless websites on the issue (and no, I don't mean the novel - I'm talking about the anti-sikh pogroms of Delhi, d'uh!!!) I won't retell the tragic stories, which can also be read elsewhere. However, I will voice my disatisfaction with the Indian State and it's clear disregard for Human Rights - forget Sikhs, but christians, muslims, dalits, women and tribal people - anyone who's a minority basically is at risk in India of having to deal with; prejudice, attack, racism, segregation and much more. It gets me angry just thinking about it...........worlds' largest democracy my ass...
**DEEP BREATH**
Don't get me wrong, I still love India....I just don't like the State. I went to a lecture on Monday on the issues, the sequence of events etc. with sources and facts backed up by non-sikhs - which made the facts seem more 'real' in a sense (not that sikh sources are any lower - just sometimes you need to hear things from 'other' people). It was really good.

ANYWAY.....

My brother is coming to stay with me tomorrow!! It's gonna be epic. We've really missed eachother since I moved out - since we're so close in age (less than a year) and spend so much time together. I can't wait!
I have SO much work to do - but simultaniously I'm working for a script for a film for next years sikhnet film festival ( I was inspired by Atlanta's Angad Singh). I can't wait to start shooting in January, if all goes well! Wish me luck.
I'm also trying to fit in painting AND work on my graphic novel on sikhism - which was put on hold a LONG time ago cos of college work n the whole family dilemma. SO at the moment all seems to be going well.... we shall see eh??

This doesn't really go with what I wrote about just now, but I like it - stood out to me :

galee bhisath n jaaeeai shhuttai sach kamaae

By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth.

Get off your ass!

The British National Party (known for nazi/fascist views and policies) has come into the spotlight recently in the UK, since they featured on BBC's Question Time. Now, I don't disagree with the principle that these views should be listened to - else how else can we counter them? Voltaire said something like 'I dissaprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it...' We live in a democracy and as such we have to respect other peoples rights to freedom of speech. However, it is widely known that the BNP's views insight hatred much like the many 'islamic militant fundamentalists' they oppose, the only difference is the BNP is a political party! Therefore their right to say things on a public platform is quite controversial (as I'm sure you can imagine)...

Then again if we don't let these views come to the platform; they''ll end up being forced underground; will create more anonymous support; and hatred will spread; with violence increasing.

If we expose their policies and show them up for the sham that they are, we can do a lot more.

Also, it is the responsibility of every BNP-hating person out there to stand up and take some responsibility. Throwing eggs will not make a difference, but work against us in the sense that we create sympathy for these...fiends. We can talk about this in our own little communities and all of us can repeat the same message - 'screw the BNP' , 'sod the BNP' blah blah blah, but we won't get anywhere.

The only way to counter the BNP is to fight back with brains and not brawn. Go to a primary school and/or a high school and do a talk about tolerance! Talk about the many different people, religions, ethinicities we have in this beautiful world. Talk about humanity. We are ONE. We have to educate people from a 'grass root level' or the next generation will follow in the BNP/NF footsteps. We need to spread a message of peace and love and tolerance. All British people, no matter what colour or creed should stand up united against these people.

Most of the people who voted for them tend to be ignorant and poorly educated. They are prejudiced from the beginning.

And don't just go to schools where the population is already pretty diverse - kids are smart, they already tend to be pretty accepting here - go to schools in the middle of nowhere , where they haven't seen a coloured person 'cept on TV. Go to places like Bristol - where racism with youths is rampant.

We can fight this! We just have to get off our asses and make the change ourselves. There's no use in moaning when the storm has already passed and we're picking up the pieces. Think ahead!

It is not mine but YOUR responsibility. YOU are going to do something about it. I will tell you exactly what to do, I will give you the tools but YOU can't wait for someone else to solve this problem. That is why we have a situation we have toda...y. The world does not know about us because we as individuals wait for our community or leaders to do our job. But who is the community, who are the leaders ? It is YOU and I. (Angad Singh Atlanta, Georgia - 16 year old peace activist)

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANNA SEE IN THE WORLD!!!

eehaa khaatt chalahu har laahaa aagai basan suhaelaa 1

In this world, earn the profit of the Lord's Name, and hereafter, you shall dwell in peace. 1

EARN THAT PEACE!

Leave a mark

I was thinking some, I guess 'depressing', thoughts today for some inexplicable reason. I was thinking. I'm a member of twitter, facebook, a blogger and have a lot of "friends" overseas through things like msn, yahoo etc. So I was thinking if I died today, none of them would ever know.

My status would probably stay the same on Facebook and twitter and I've left my blog alone for long periods of time before, so nothing new there eh? Nobody would ever know that I passed away.

That's when Bani really hit me. We talk about how short-term and inpermanent this life is, but I've never truthfully taken it seriously before. I don't think I'm afraid of death, rather I'm afraid...of the prospect of leaving nothing behind.

I'm not self-conceted. I don't want loads of mourners at my funeral or anything like that. But I think I don't want to leave this world having left nothing good behind for me to feel good about...I want to leave a mark (in the good way - not the psychotic Hitler way).

Before any of you start I know that that's not the reason for us being in this world. I do know that. We're here to merge with the Greatest. I know that.

But I consider my 'mark' to be my second priority. And I WILL leave one.

We're footprints in sand close to the shore. We feel firm and bold at first, but slowly we merge with the rest of the beach and we're no more.

pRB kY ismrin dUKu jmu nsY ]

prabh kai simaran dhookh jam nasai

Remembering God, the pain of death is dispelled

Bandi Chhor and Divali

Taken from a facebook message sent to me today. Today is the auspicious occassion of Bandi Chhor Divas (the day of emancipation.)

Divali – Keeping the flame of freedom alight Sikhs throughout the globe will celebrate Divali in October. Divas/lamps will be alight, a jovial festival atmosphere will prevail. Sweets and samosas will be enjoyed, fireworks will set alight the moonlit sky. But why do we really celebrate? Apart from the annual calendar significance? What does Divali mean for us as Sikhs?

The sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee was falsely imprisoned for spurious reasons by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. After some months it was declared that Guru Jee could walk free. Like Guru Jee there were other prisoners of conscience in Gwalior Fort (the prison), specifically 52 Hindu Kings who made a heartfelt plea to Guru Jee begging him to negotiate their release also. The ocean of mercy Guru Jee listened attentively to their plea and showered his grace upon them and told them not to worry and that he would negotiate their release.Guru Jee told the Emperor he would only leave the prison on the condition that the 52 Hindu Kings are freed also.

The Emperor being a man entangled in his own ego and pride of intelligence, replied that Guru Jee could walk free with as many Kings who could hold onto his clothing on the day of his release. Guru the fountain of knowledge easily got around the condition by getting a robe tailored with 52 tassels on it. On the day of His release Guru Jee walked out of Gwalior Fort with all 52 Hindu Kings holding onto one tassel each, this auspicious occasion is referred to as “Bandi Shorr Divas – the day of emancipation.” Guru Jee did not only free the 52 Hindu Kings from prison, He also showered His grace upon them and freed them from the transmigration of the soul, freeing them from the cycle of births and deaths.

Each and everyone of us also begs for this freedom: forsaking all other doors I have come to your door. Preserve my honour by offering the support of your arm, liberate me, I am your humble servant. (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)I have come to the sanctuary of the formless and emancipating Lord, who destroys all sufferings. (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee, ang 624 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee) May Guru Jee bless us with spiritual and physical liberation also. Bandhi Shorr Divas was months prior to Divali. Upon release from Gwalior Fort Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee made a tour of Delhi and other regions, then arrangements to go to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar were made. When he reached Amritsar Sahib it was Divali and the Sikhs celebrated the release of Guru Jee with fireworks and festivities.

Relevance today:

The world over there are countless prisoners of consciousness, held under false fabricated charges and/or those held for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. Please light a candle for these prisoners, non-Sikhs and Sikhs, don’t forget Guru Jee’s example offreeing Hindu Kings. He was benevolent, humane and had a profound love for one and all, may we develop such divine virtues. May we all endeavour to assist and support such prisoners and at the very least we can all make a heartfelt prayer that Guru Jee blesses all prisoners with Chardi Kala/High Spirits.One cannot begin to imagine losing freedom of movement and action, we can only try to empathise with such prisoners. Regardless of the regime and it’s tyranny, no man-made authority can imprison the Sikh Spirit and Sikhs still happily go to the gallows for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. The Sikh Spirit cannot be imprisoned.

Prominent Sikhs currently imprisoned include Dr. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Deya Singh Lahoria, Bhai Balwant Singh, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Dhadhi and the list goes on and on.

Just imagine being the parent of a child who entered militancy or quite simply ‘disappeared’ in the 80’s and 90’s in Punjab. Many of these parents light a candle at Divali, praying and wishing that the light of hope may still bless them with a vision of a fit and well son or daughter. Or they pray in despair that may God nurture their offspring wherever they may be. So when you light a candle and eat a sweet at Divali, please spare a thought, that you are free and are not bound by the restraints of prison life. Lest we forget, lets light a lamp to ensure the rays of freedom shine through all of humanity.

ahinis bhagath karae dhin raathee houmai maar nicha(n)dh

Night and day, they perform devotional worship, day and night; subduing their ego, they are carefree...

Guroo Amar Daas Ji 29

Harjinder Singh www.akaalpublishers.com

SEE

People say that sikhs are blind. Sikhs aren't blind. They pretend to be. Rather, they are asleep - and need to wake up! A lot of people have e-mailed me (anonomously can I add) about 1984 recently. Perhaps it's because I'm not a 'typical' Khalistani, so they think they can influence my opinions with outrageous propaganda and popicock (to use the nice word). They ACTUALLY believe Sikhs had it coming and that we were behaving like terrorists! This hurts a lot. Albeit I was not born at this time, fine. And, true I'm not the 'typical' Khalistani but that does not mean I don't have a connection with every man, woman and child who was brutally murdered at the hands of tyrants (to say the least). That doesn't mean that I don't support and respect Sant Jarnail Singh and the other Shaheeds. I'm not going to go into the history of Bluestar. There are a billion websites that would do it more justice. But I HAVE to say. It was an unprecedented attack on innocent people (pilgrims actually), planned WELL before it took place, systematically to suppress (if not wipe out) sikhs. No matter what anyone says, the Army was not justified to even set foot in Punjab. Congress has a lot of questions to answer.

The Delhi Riots were NOT riots. There's significant evidence which supports the fact that they were planned in advance with the support of the ruling Congress Party members. Come on, why else were trucks of gasoline, iron bars and machetes brought into the city within moments of Indhira Gandhi's inevitable death, I wouldn't be surprised if they left for their destinations before she died! (but that's just my 2 cents ;P) AND, on top of it all - there were lists of almost every sikh dwelling and business in Delhi! I mean guys seriously, if you're telling me it was 'spur of the moment'....you're seriously deluded.

So this goes out to all the 'sikhs' and 'hindus' out there who sent me a barrage of e-mails after my last "anti-typical khalistani" post....

WAKE UP! Open your eyes and SEE, don't look, SEE...

bhram mehi soee sagal jagath dhha(n)dhh a(n)dhh

The whole world is asleep in doubt; it is blinded by worldly entanglements.

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/