How SikhISM became a ‘peaceful’ Religion
Yesterday’s news about the attack on KS Brar has excited, angered, inspired, and agitated many Sikhs throughout the world.
Many have questioned the Indian media’s initial assumption, before even the facts had arrived. Still others are wondering if the news is even factual. I have seen numerous...
From Stockton to Oak Creek and back to Stockton – Sept 22, 2012
Posted by Jodha in USA on 09 14th, 2012 | 5 Comments
The history of the Sikhs in the United States is known well in specific circles. Bhagat Singh Thind’s famous failed case for legal recognition by the US Supreme Court, iconic images of Stockton Gurdwara, traces of the Punjabi-Mexican experience, memories of the Ghadari Babas are generally remembered...
A Sikh’s Response to “What Next?” – After the Oak Creek Gurdwara Massacre
Posted by Jodha in USA on 08 8th, 2012 | 12 Comments
The news is still a shock. The question of “why” has been one that I have heard most often. Followed by “what next?”
It is this second question that most interests me, as well.
The responses have been varied.
There are some that have called out that we are all American Sikhs, although most...
Sikh Book Club – Uncle Swami – Part 1
Posted by Jodha in Book Club on 07 16th, 2012 | 8 Comments
Co-blogged by Jodha and Mewa.
See introduction here.
In order to give some format to this, I’ll attempt to summarize major points of each chapter and then conclude the post with a bit of my own thoughts, analysis, questions, and/or comments. Looking forward to your comments and thoughts! We’ll...
Akal Takht, Caste Gurdwaras, and Pledging Begampura
Posted by Jodha in Activism on 07 13th, 2012 | 11 Comments
My last post on the issue of Building Begampura: Confronting Caste raised much concerns and a host of opinions. I am personally committed to raise the voice against apartheid, discrimination, and humiliation that continues to occur in our community due to caste.
Since my last post, jathedar Gurbachan...
Sikh Book Club Announcement – Uncle Swami
Posted by Jodha in USA on 07 8th, 2012 | 13 Comments
It has been nearly four years since we last attempted this. Back then, we attempted TLH’s very first book club, by examining Gurharpal Singh’s and Darshan Singh Tatla’s Sikhs in Britain: The Making of a Community. This round we are suggesting Vijay Prasad’s Uncle Swami.
Although...
Bhujangi Youth Academy 2012 – REGISTER NOW!
Last year the Jakara Movement held the first ever Bhujangi Youth Academy camp, aimed at young “at-risk” Sikh males, ages 13-17. It was a HUGE success. You can see the previous description and reflections write-up from last year.
This year the camp is happening again.
WHEN: July 15-24, 2012
WHERE:...
Gold Medalist – Man Kaur (95)
Posted by Jodha in Sports on 06 15th, 2012 | 6 Comments
Olympic season will soon be upon us. This year the Games will be held in London. Hopefully we’ll be able to feature biographies on a number of our Sikh athletes that will be competing.
While Fauja Singh has become a celebrity in our community, he is not alone.
Man Kaur, aged 95, of Chandigarh...
Building Begampura: Confronting Caste
Caste is one of those dark secrets in our community. Some defend it as “culture”, others downplay its discriminatory effects, and some go even as far as to blame the victims of the violence itself.
Many have documented the ongoing apartheid that exists in our villages and in our minds.
Some scholars...
In the Shadow of the Shaheed: Beant and Satwant’s Badla and the JAKARA Album
Co-blogged by JooKay Singh and Jodha
Our fellow langa(w)r-iter – Navdeep Singh highlighted the dominant pop genre of Punjabi music that celebrates nihilism and suicide through political complicity and destitution. Today, we highlight another form of music that has reached new heights in the shadow...
Sikholars Canada 2012 – Call for Papers
Posted by Jodha in Events on 04 5th, 2012 | 27 Comments
Following the success of the third Sikholars conference in February, the Jakara Movement is allying with the Canadian Sikh Coalition to bring the conference to British Columbia.
This unique forum brings together researchers, budding scholars, and community members in conversations about some of the most...
UPDATED: Echoes of New Phases and some Updates
UPDATED: All of a sudden I remembered a video from KPS Gill. Readers on this site are aware of this murderous sadist, but maybe it is still worthwhile to juxtapose his lies with the findings announced this week.
All of our attention shifted towards Punjab last week. There was some interesting developments...
SSP Suspended in Gurdaspur due to Sikh Sangat Pressure and Other Updates
Posted by Jodha in General on 03 31st, 2012 | 5 Comments
News has started to trickle on this day that Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana was initially scheduled to be hung. Due to the stay ordered by President Patil of India, there is an indefinite delay.
On Gurdaspur
News media are reporting the Punjab Police has suspended SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police)...
Ranjeet Singh – CORRECTION and Other Updates
Posted by Jodha in Punjab on 03 30th, 2012 | 10 Comments
It has now been confirmed by Navkiran Singh, well-known human rights advocate and a lawyer for Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, that Ranjeet Singh is in critical condition, but is alive. Our apologies for the incorrect information, but one can understand that with information from Punjab being limited,...
Fallen Singh – Jaspal Singh, Update, and Shiv Sena
Posted by Jodha in Punjab on 03 29th, 2012 | 12 Comments
Details are murky, so to do a full analysis at this point is difficult. Right now, we stand to document the events. According to numerous reports, Shiv Sena from mainly Gujarat and Maharastra are entering Punjab. Gurdaspur has been a long-time stronghold of the Shiv Sena as well. Those that are...
Why We Salute Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana
Posted by Jodha in Punjab on 03 28th, 2012 | 7 Comments
News of the Punjab bandh have overwhelmingly described it as a success. The community is in a wait-and-see mode. Unfortunately I feel that the political machine is already manipulating the system to create disenchantment and disillusion.
Some are claiming that the “stay” against execution...
UPDATED: “Stay” of Execution Announced – Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana
Posted by Jodha in Punjab on 03 28th, 2012 | 4 Comments
UPDATE: In accordance to Badal’s great game, he allowed for the bandh, but won’t let this moment fall from his bony and corrupt grasp. He has already imprisoned all those that may possibly post a challenge to him. Daljit Singh Bittu and others are being imprisoned throughout Punjab as...
Worldwide Events in Honor of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana
Posted by Jodha in Activism on 03 26th, 2012 | 15 Comments
This post is a community work-in-progress. Facebook events are popping up by the hour. I am hoping we supplement the fine effort’s of Berkeley SSF’s Facebook page – Global Movement for Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana. Send links, suggestions, and details in the comment-section and...
The Wonder of the Shaheed – Shaheed da Gazab – Bhai Sahib Balwant Singh Rajoana
Posted by Jodha in Activism on 03 22nd, 2012 | 19 Comments
Kaum shaheed Guru dey buhey
Kar suthee Ardasaan
Nation at the Guru’s door
I was asleep after Ardas
These lines penned by the Panth’s last poet – Harinder Singh Mehboob. These lines ring true today, as they did nearly three decades ago.
It is the blood of the martyr that stirs a slumbering nation;...
Plutocratic Politics of the Punjab 2012 and An NRP’s Guide to Understanding Punjab Politics
WARNING: This is long!
Last week, the Punjab election results surprised many. Most pundits had believed the cycle of anti-incumbency would continue and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) would fall to the Congress Party, under Captain Amrinder Singh’s leadership. The results were stunning and after...
