When is an Encounter just an Encounter
Not in India! In India, the state only engages in what is euphemistically called “fake encounters.” While many in the Sikh community remember the tragic events of 1984, in many ways the events did not just transform the Sikh nation, but has had a lasting effect on the Indian state.
Rarely do...
Sikh Spiritual Model of Counseling
Despite the rich linguistic flexibility of Punjabi, it is telling that we do not have a single term for ‘depression.’ Mental health has been an ongoing conversation since the inception of the blog, repeatedly highlighted by Sundari and others. Often treatment is not sought and if it is sought...
When Ridiculous People Say Even More Ridiculous Things
Posted by Jodha in Film on 02 27th, 2009 | 4 Comments
We have talked about ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ many times here at TLH. We have criticized the corporate double-standards, celebrated dhols, and even discussed ways to get involved.
Yes, many have jumped on the Slumdog bandwagon (TLH included!). However, this one takes the cake. The Congress-led...
[The Times of India] needs a [NEW Columnist]
I have blogged about this issue before and since I find it so irritating, expect me to highlight them over and over. The most recent re-incarnation of the ‘abuse’ of the ‘Punjab Lesson’ comes from the always problematic Times of India. Swaminathan Aiyar, a libertarian columnist, in his “Swaminomics”...
Sikhs, Immortal Technique, and 1984
2009 marks the 25th year since the events of 1984. Tragedy and the vibrancy of life mark the ‘story’ that is 1984 and beyond. There will be many activities I assume over the next few months and I will do my best to stay informed and encourage participation by our readers, writers, and beyond.
Last...
Remembering Kirtan Class
Posted by Jodha in Sikhi on 02 16th, 2009 | Comments Off on Remembering Kirtan Class
I have my own memories of kirtan class. During my prepubescent days, learning the harmonium was an option, but then as puberty struck this male, I quickly switched to the tabla. My days were soon coming to an end as I was entering 8th grade and I overnight, radically I came to believe I was “too...
Brutal Attack on a Sikh Man in Italy
Posted by Jodha in Europe on 02 9th, 2009 | 5 Comments
In a brutal attack, a homeless Sikh man, Navtej Singh Sidhu, in Italy was attacked and set on fire. While news of our brothers and sisters in Italy does not always feature prominently in The Langar Hall, the horrific nature of this attack has received international press and proper condemnation from...
The INDIA Lobby and US Foreign Policy
In 2006, Professors John Mearsheimer (University of Chicago) and Stephen Walt (Harvard) published a book titled The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy. In the book, Mearsheimer and Walt raise the following point – that since 1967, America’s relationship with Israel has been the centerpiece...
On Sikhs, Nukes, Pakistan, and India
In the previous post, I had summarized a Stratfor report on the strong possibility of an Indian strike on Pakistan. Some Sikh groups in the UK, recently, released a formal appeal asking the Indian government to remove Indian nukes from the Punjab territory. Additional copies were given to the Pakistani...
Price of an Honor Killing
Posted by Jodha in USA on 02 2nd, 2009 | 6 Comments
Although the Hothi murder has been covered by my fellow Langa(w)riters, the case has re-appeared in the news.
To catch everyone up, in 2007 Gurparkash Singh Khalsa is alleged to have killed Ajmer Singh Hothi in Stockton, after he felt “dishonored” by a relationship and possible aborted pregnancy...
Film on Fremont
The city of Fremont in the Bay Area probably doesn’t need much introduction for most California Sikhs. A turn onto Gurdwara Road takes one into the residential area that houses the famous Fremont Gurdwara. A site of community energy, it has also been sporadically the site of community violence. ...
The Future of Panjab?
Posted by Jodha in Punjab on 01 26th, 2009 | 12 Comments
Bleak is all I can say!
Some posts require a soundtrack – click on the following to play along as you read.
Last week, Raja Parkash Badal crowned his son, the young prince, the new Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. In a move unprecedented even in the nepotistic land that is India, Parkash Singh Badal...
Sikh or Indian?
Posted by Jodha in California on 01 19th, 2009 | 60 Comments
At Stockton’s Sikh Temple on Friday morning, State Sen. Leland Yee, a San Francisco Democrat, asked whether members of the faith identify themselves more as Indians or as Sikhs.
That’s a controversial point, to be honest,” temple representative Sarabjit Singh said.[link]
The question...
UPDATED: Whither a Voice: Sikhs and Palestine
Posted by Jodha in Activism on 01 12th, 2009 | 203 Comments
While emotions often run high on this issue, an email from a friend struck me enough to think about and create a forum for the issue.
As current estimates has over 850 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths, the tragedy in Gaza will be continued with Israeli strikes. Throughout the world, we have seen breath-taking...
The Langar Hall in 2008
Posted by Jodha in Musings on 12 29th, 2008 | 5 Comments
As we approach the calendar year 2008, it also marks a year of our existence.
Looking at our top 10 posts in terms of the number of hits, I guess it is sort of a mixed bag on how The Langar Hall is finding its voice. Our top hit getters were usually part of the “first comers” rule. Our bloggers...
Santa (Singh?) at the Akal Takht
Posted by Jodha in General on 12 27th, 2008 | Comments Off on Santa (Singh?) at the Akal Takht
Although other bloggers have touched upon different aspect of Christmas and the holiday season, while viewing Sepia Mutiny I saw an interesting video of the NORAD-tracked Santa at the Taj Mahal.
However, at the end of the video (cue to :24), I couldn’t help but notice a very familiar Sikh site. ...
On Sikh Sheroes and Heroes
Last night, I watched a great awards program. No it wasn’t the Emmy’s or Grammy’s (I only know one person that watches those!). It was far more meaningful.
It is called CNN Heroes.
CNN launched its second annual global search for ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary deeds in February....
Sikh Post of the Year?: A Stark Contrast
The Sikh blogosphere is still very young and still in its incipient phases. While one day I hope we will have something like this (ahem, Mr.Sikhnet any takers?), for now, we will try to (at times) highlight some of the best of the blogs.
SidhuSaaheb’s blog has been a favorite of mine for years. ...
A GREAT Sikh Tradition
I know not whether it is an ‘old tradition‘ or a ‘family tradition’; I only know it seems to be a great tradition. Last week, Camille bulletin board-ed a winter clothing distribution in Central California being sponsored by Mike Sandhu of Sandhu Brothers Farms.
The Tracy Press...
The Downfall of Us All
A recent study by Heriot Watt University (UK) has published some “ground-breaking results”. A group of psychologists that study family and personal relationships studied 40 romantic-comedy “rom-coms” [always women’s favorites] box office hits between 1995 and 2005, including You’ve...
