Religion, Poverty and the Group of Twenty
The G20 summit, which will take place in London on April 2nd, will bring together world leaders representing 85% of the world’s output to discuss issues affecting the international financial system.  The goal of this summit is to encourage world leaders to make three committments: First, to take...
Under the Lemon Trees
“A young woman scarcely had time to weave the fragile fabric of her dreams in our town.”  This is one of the opening lines of Bhira Backhaus’ debut novel, Under the Lemon Trees.  The novel – published this month – is set in a small town in Northern California, and...
Sikh Style
Remember that one particular Kenneth Cole ad in NYC that caught our eye?  Yes, the picture of the sardar who received much admiration from Sikhs and non-Sikhs around the globe.  Well, as it turns out – he’s back.  Sonny Caberwal is being featured in GQ’s upcoming Spring/Summer...
London Gurdwara Damaged by Fire
Recent news from East London is that Gurdwara Sikh Sangat has been substantially destroyed in an attempted arson attack.  An official statement of the Executive Committee of the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat states that, On Monday the 16th March 2009 at approximately 1.30pm, whilst some women were attending...
A United Front for Sikh Student Organizations
What exactly is the function of a Sikh Student Association?  Is it simply to bring Sikh students together on campus for token meetings?  Is it to celebrate Vaisakhi by organizing bhangra parties?  Is it a platform to mobilize students to act upon issues impacting Sikh youth and the Sikh community? ...
Fighting Back Against Abuse
If Baldev Mutta’s cellphone rings in the middle of a meeting, he picks it up. If it beeps over dinnertime or at midnight, he answers it. And if he has to go out to pick up a woman and find her a spot at a shelter at 3 a.m., he will do it. “It can mean the difference between life and death...
Sometimes the poorest of men are the richest
Yes, I’m going to dare to talk about a film other than Slumdog Millionaire.  This past weekend, I watched a film called Amal and I can’t stop thinking about it.  While this movie has been shown at several independent film festivals, it hasn’t received the attention I think it deserves...
Sikh Spirit
I know, from personal experience, that Sikh student organizations are always looking for a way to “get involved” and participate in a good cause.  So, when I read about a recent initiative encouraging this type of active involvement, I cheered (abeit silenty… and to myself).  The...
Where Do We Go From Here
The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a group working to present stories that convey the “richness and diversity of Asian American experiences” to the broadcast audience.  They do this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media. ...
Dhols at the Oscars
Judging from everyone’s facebook status (yes, this is what it has come to), people are excited about the numerous awards Slumdog Millionaire won at last night’s Oscars (yes, Jodha, I watch the Oscars too).  As was anticipated, the rag-to-riches film won Picture of the Year.  Among it’s...
Teaching Religion in Schools
Growing up where I did, singing hymns and listening to the Our Father, Who Art in Heaven prayer were a daily occurrence.  There was only one religion taught in my school.  It was a point of discontent for those of us who followed other faiths and after years of students petitioning to be exempted...
How serious are you about preserving Sikh culture?
Michael Singh, a filmmaker, has been attempting for years to finish a documentary on his experiences during 1984.  However, without support from the Sikh community (yes, money) he has found himself unable to complete this work.  His goal has been to make a one-hour documentary based on materials...
Crimes Against Humanity
A few days ago we covered the story of Lakhwinder Kahlon – a father who was sentenced to life for the murder of his two-year-old daughter in B.C., Canada.  Along the same lines we are hearing news about Moninder Singh Pandher who today was convicted of murdering a young girl, the first verdict...
A Daughter’s Murder
Last year we heard the story of Lakhwinder Kahlon, a Delta, B.C. man who had been arrested for the murder of his two-year-old daughter, Rajwinder.  This past week, Lakhwinder received an automatic life term when he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.  The father, who admitted to strangling and...
Sikh Teenager Held in Asylum Detention Center
Satnam Singh Gurwara, a 16-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, is currently being held in a detention center in Manchester, UK after his application for asylum was denied.  His mother, is begging officials to show “humanity” and release her teenage son from the detention center.  The Home...
The Rise and Fall of Sikh Girls
It’s been a long time coming but Sikhs all across the globe seem to be making more of an effort to celebrate Lohri today, not only for their sons but also for their daughters.  In Tarn Taran, Punjab, this year’s Lohri’s celebrations were dedicated to the 101 baby girls who live...
A Look at The Story of India
Co-blogged by Phulkari and Sundari Perhaps like many of you, last night was spent watching The Story of India – a BBC series being aired on PBS.  The six-part series (which our UK langarites may have already seen as it was aired in the UK in 2007) is narrated by historian Michael Wood and covers...
Sikh Authors at the Jaipur Literature Festival
I was excited to come across information about the Jaipur Literature Festival which will be held January 21st through the 25th in Rajasthan (mainly excited because it will coincide with a trip I’m planning to take to the area!).  The festival is directed by author and historian, William Dalrymple.  Entering...
Preserving a Sikh Shrine in Iraq
In a significant development, the Government of Iraq has decided to rebuild the 15th century Sikh Guru Guru Nanak Dev’s shrine which was destroyed in the 2003 war in Baghdad. [link]  Guru Nanak Dev Ji is said to have visited the place on his way back from Mecca where he stopped to speak with religious...
Sikh Students Coming Together
We tend to complain a lot.  Really, we do.   We complain about the lack of activisim by Sikh youth.  We complain about not being able to understand Gurbani or be able to do Kirtan.  We complain about the disconnect between Sikh elders and Sikh youth.  It’s the status quo – to spend...
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