Fighting drugs in Punjab through theatre
Amongst the male youth in Punjab, drugs are a serious problem today. With high unemployment rates, and a history of violence in the region, the environment is ripe for drug abuse. A Punjab government survey found that one out of three male students use at least a form of tobacco. And on a recent...
India changes agricultural subsidies to promote soil health
Posted by Reema in Environment, India, Preservation, Punjab, World News on 02 24th, 2010 | 49 Comments
This week, the Wall Street Journal highlighted India’s decision to change some of its agricultural policies, in response to its post-Green Revolution crisis. (Hat tip: Bandana)
In the 1970s, India dramatically increased food production, finally allowing this giant country to feed itself. But government...
Expanding medical schools in the U.S.- finally!
We’ve occasionally touched upon the choice that today’s youth make in choosing a career or path. Enough of our peers are already in, or heading towards medicine, and no encouragement is needed in that direction. But good news- now you pre-med students have more options in the U.S.!
There...
Elite 8 Bhangra- an invitational
College bhangra competitions used to be rare. Now, every region is home to multiple competitions.
It’s great to see bhangra, as an artform, thriving. Though as a competition, it sometimes feels as though the art is lost amongst the flips and pyramids. However, the last few years have seen...
Call for New Sikh bloggers
Posted by Reema in General on 02 3rd, 2010 | 25 Comments
Two years ago, a group of friends started this blog to create a platform where we could discuss issues concerning the Sikh community, in a reflective, self-critical, and progressive way. We envisioned it as a way to continue the conversations that happen in many Sikh conferences around the U.S., between...
Happy Lohri!
Happy Lohri!
Lohri is celebrated around January 13th every year. In Punjab, it marks the beginning of the harshest part of winter. Here’s what you need to get started with your celebration: a giant bonfire, popcorn, sweets, and songs about Dulha Bhatti, a robber who helped the poor.
Lohri...
More Bollywood and Sikhs: Patiala House
This time, Bollywood actually picked an interesting lens through which to depict life in a Punjabi-Sikh household. An upcoming movie, Patiala House, is a look at cross-generation cultural assimilation in Southall.
At heart, says Nikhil, Patiala House is a father-son story. “Like Billy Eliott where...
TOI: Christmas will heal Ludhiana’s Sikhs
In predominantly Christian countries like the U.S., Christmas has become a cultural holiday that even non-Christians celebrate to some extent. Most of us enjoy, at least, taking advantage of days off, eating lots of cakes and pies, and spending time with family and friends.
The Times of India thinks...
Greenhouse gases are bad for our health
Posted by Reema in Environment on 12 9th, 2009 | 32 Comments
It’s official. Greenhouse gases (the ones that trap heat in the atmosphere) are bad for our health! You may have known that for some time now, but the EPA just announced it on Monday so now, it’s official.
The US Environmental Protection Agency today announced its final determination...
Rocket Singh
I normally only watch Bollywood, if ever, to laugh. At the acting, the ridiculous stereotypes, the loony drama.
Though when the bad acting, ridiculous stereotypes, and loony drama are played out by Sikh characters, it’s a little depressing.
A lot of people would probably say that the quality...
Nov. 21: Women in 1984 (SF) & Lahir(NY)
Two great events are happening this Saturday: in San Francisco- “Women in 1984”; in New York- Lahir.
If you’re anywhere near either of these 2 cities, you better be there, or you’ll regret missing out!
Women in 1984
Dr. Cynthia Mahmood (Fighting for Faith and Nation), Navkiran...
Being a Vessel: in Sikhi, and the West
By neglecting art, we’ve been neglecting our spirituality. And perhaps vice versa. Perhaps we could practice receiving a little more, instead of doing, as we normally do.
Most of us, especially in Asian communities that so highly value scientific endeavor, and want the next generation to all...
An interview with Bhindranwale’s son
History often remembers transformative figures through the public images they become. Glimpses and insights into their private lives are rare. So an interview with Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s son is a rare treat.
Ishar was just five years old when Jarnail Singh Brar was anointed the 12th...
Sikhs remember 1984 this November
In keeping with a spirit of Remembrance and quest for Justice as the 25th anniversary of the Nov. 3, 1984 pogrom in Delhi nears, don’t miss out on these East Coast events! Many events have been held nationwide this past year- educating and inspiring young generations of Sikhs. We are getting...
Reviving Trinjan in Punjab
Posted by Reema in Activism, Art, Environment, Preservation, Punjab, Women on 10 21st, 2009 | 4 Comments
How can Punjabi traditions, environmental awareness, and women’s space all be nurtured at the same time? Trinjan. Two organizations in Punjab recently teamed up to begin this. The Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM), working towards sustainable agriculture, conservation of natural resources, environmental...
One Panth
Posted by Reema in Activism on 10 7th, 2009 | 30 Comments
Tragedies have a way of uniting people. As did 1984 for Sikhs. In the 25 years since, divisions have again formed in the panth. But a great new initiative in Toronto is asking people to put aside the differences that keep us apart and unite in remembering 1984. [Hat tip: Mapleleaf Sikh]
Getting back to Sikhi’s treehugging roots
Environmental issues have taken a backseat for way too long. Even under this administration – which promised to create jobs through new and clean energy initiatives, and rejoin the international community to reduce worldwide carbon emissions – environmental issues have taken a backseat...
Breaking the Silence around Punjabi-Sikh Women
Coblogged by Reema and Sundari
There is a deafening silence that surrounds Punjabi-Sikh women. Too often, when discussing challenges that some women may be facing, the conversation is shut down and de-legitimized by one or two angry voices. Interwoven into this is the unrelenting identity debate of...
~Happy International Day of Peace~
Today is a global cease-fire day. Since 2001, every September 21st is declared an International Day of Peace- a day of cease-fire and non-violence by the UN. The unanimous declaration from the UN General Assembly was brought about by the non-profit organization, Peace One Day.
What is the point of...
Sikh paintings auctioned at Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s is having an auction today in New York of South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art including Miniature Paintings.
Sotheby’s September 2009 auction of South Asian Art features a carefully-curated offering of works by leading modern and contemporary Indian artists, accompanied by an...
