Circuit Bhangra, Colombia and the Power of YouTube
Posted by Jodha in Bhangra on 03 6th, 2012 | 17 Comments
A friend recently forwarded me the following video.
A few notes may suffice. What is unusual is not the ‘performative’ style that has become modern (post-1947) bhangra, nor even the type of stage (we saw Signature earlier on Britain’s Got Talent that achieve the highest level of...
Another Sikholarly Success in 2012
This past weekend, CSU East Bay’s Ethnic Studies Department and Sikh Studies Chair along with the Jakara Movement held its third annual Sikholars Conference. Along with the 11 graduate students from all over North America, nearly 100 community members came together to share and engage in their research...
A Tool in the War on Terror
Posted by Jodha in USA on 02 6th, 2012 | 10 Comments
It isn’t new in our community. A colonial official promises us money, land, and riches. Hundreds of thousands of Sikh javaans found themselves in the deserts of Iraq, the jungles of Burma, or even in the mountainous regions of France during WWI and WII seeking greater opportunities. One need...
The Face of Human Rights in India
Communities on the periphery of the Indian State, be they Sikhs, Kashmiris, Christians in Nagaland, or even Bengalis and Bangladeshis have long seen the brutality of the “world’s largest hypocrisy.” Despite claims of democracy, progress, and growth, the facade is held together by...
J.Korps 2011 – SUJH and Border Angels
Posted by Jodha in Activism, California, Human Rights on 01 27th, 2012 | Comments Off on J.Korps 2011 – SUJH and Border Angels
First off, my sincere apologies to all in delaying the posting of this entry for far too long. Over winter break, nearly 20 students participated in the Jakara j.Korps initiative that seeks to explore the issue of immigration. Here is a photo-essay composed by Josh Singh.
During winter break 2011...
Sikholars 2012 Abstracts Announced
Since the inception of Sikholars: Graduate Sikh Conference, we have featured it here on The Langar Hall. The past two years have been huge successes and the third year will prove no different. A terrific agenda of evidence and research-based topics, as well as current thinking and new ideas will...
Sikhs doing Seva
For many of us school is out and the holidays are upon us. Throughout the season, many Sikhs throughout the world engage in seva to support members of the community in which they live. We expect this year to be no different.
We hope that commenters will use this section to highlight events or drives...
Help UNITED SIKHS Win!
Seems to be a rather slow week for me and the fellow langa(w)riters. Maybe we’re at #occupywallstreet, or preparing for Fauja Singh’s appearance at SikhLens this weekend in Los Angeles, or who knows what else we’re doing. Still one thing we all made sure to do is vote for United...
Slavery in Punjab
While most focus on Al-Jazeera’s coverage of the Middle East for its importance in today’s media landscape, slowly their incisive programs and documentaries have gained an audience amongst those serious about global issues throughout the world. I am a huge fan of their English service and...
Amrit Bains Tells It Like It Is
Sit down with my cousins in Punjab for more than a few minutes and in-between their reckless driving and ear-pumping tracks of Jazzy B and Gippy Grewal, they will often give their commentary about how Punjabi music is now trash and doesn’t represent the “true” culture. Ask if they...
Fauja Singh – 100 years and runnin’
Posted by Jodha in Sports on 10 17th, 2011 | 6 Comments
With Bhangras and Jakaras – our very own beloved Fauja Singh crossed the finish line to be the first 100 year old to complete a marathon – thus also setting a world record. Running in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he may have been last in the pack – but he finished first...
DAY OF ACTION – In Sacramento THIS Sunday
Posted by Jodha in Events on 10 13th, 2011 | 3 Comments
The tragic murder of two of our grandfathers – S. Gurmej Singh Atwal and S. Surinder Singh – in Elk Grove earlier this year, shocked both the Sikh and local communities. The murderers still roam free.
This Sunday, if you are in the Sacramento area, or if you can reach there, please come...
Reflecting on a SAFAR
Posted by Jodha in Events on 10 12th, 2011 | 11 Comments
This post is a bit late, but every bit still important. Last week, the first “Sikh Feminist conference” – SAFAR – was held at the University of Toronto. The conference brought together academics, activists, and community members to reflect on the meanings and experiences of gender in a Sikh...
Sikholars 2012 – Call For Papers
Posted by Jodha in Events on 10 10th, 2011 | 6 Comments
For the past two years, the Jakara Movement has created a forum for budding scholars and researchers, working on various projects Sikh, to come together, share, and challenge each one another.
Over this period, it has become an extremely popular venue for community members, activists, and researchers...
Shield of Faith Movie
Posted by Jodha in Film on 09 23rd, 2011 | 23 Comments
While Breakaway/SpeedySinghs seems to be the talk of the town, earlier this week, a friend (pagh salute: download!) pointed this new movie to me. It seems it is still in production and is a labor of love for Sikh-Australian, Rupinder Singh. On the internet there are few details about the movie.
Here...
2011 SGPC Election (Mis)Results
Posted by Jodha in Punjab on 09 22nd, 2011 | 18 Comments
The results are in and much to no one’s surprise – Badal and his cronies won.
If you ran against the don, he sent his goons.
If your supporters were going to come out and vote, they captured the booth and made sure your supporters were turned away.
If they thought it was going to be close – they...
UPDATED: Darbar Sahib Exhibit in London
Posted by Jodha in UK on 09 14th, 2011 | 20 Comments
For Update – see bottom of post
Although far from my home (hopefully @blighty and @joo kay singh can share), is an intriguing exhibit celebrating our beloved Darbar Sahib (erroneously called the Golden Temple) at Amritsar.
Nearly 80 artefacts from the past 200 years have been collected for this...
Why September 11 Didn’t Matter – part 1
Posted by Jodha in History on 09 13th, 2011 | 48 Comments
I waited a few days. The title may be sacrilegious, but bear with me and let me explain.
Undoubtedly, for the lives lost in the World Trade Center, for victims such as Balbir Singh Sodhi, for the innocents and “collateral damage” dehumanized and murdered in the hundreds of thousands (and rising)...
Trying to Create a New Path Between Chitta-Neela
I have shared my views on Manpreet Badal and the PPP in the past. I still stand by my analysis, but as the election draws nearer, the youth of Punjab are making their voices heard.
Recently Manpreet Badal has been visiting the US this month and gaining more and more popularity among the non-voting...
The Three Deadliest Words
Posted by Jodha in Women on 08 25th, 2011 | 10 Comments
The issue of sex-selective abortion is not new here in The Langar Hall. A number of our bloggers have commented on this complex issue in the past; and even early community initiatives have been supported as well.
Recently I saw the official trailer of a documentary – It’s A Girl –...
