California Assemblyman Introduces Bill to Protect the Kirpan
Posted by Camille in California, News, USA on 02 27th, 2009 | Comments Off on California Assemblyman Introduces Bill to Protect the Kirpan
Assemblyman Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach) has introduced a new bill requiring awareness trainings and instruction on how to approach Sikhs for California’s law enforcement agencies and officers. If passed, California, which is home to the oldest Sikh gurdwara in the U.S. (Stockton) and one of...
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...
“Slumdog Millionaire”: What To Do Once the Glitz And Glamour Is Gone?
Posted by Phulkari in Activism, Human Rights, India, Media, Organizations on 02 26th, 2009 | 14 Comments
Amidst all the “Slumdog Millionaire” Oscar hysteria, some have been asking how are we ACTUALLY going to combat the issues of poverty in Indian slums? I heard on “Entertainment Tonight”, or some show like that, the movie’s directors/producers have set up a trust-fund for the child-stars...
Wayward warriors and Sikh imagery in gang violence
While many may still be reveling in Slumdog’s Sunday limelight, a darker movie about Indo-Canadians in Vancouver (the vast majority of who are Punjabi-Sikh), aiming to shed light on gang violence, is sparking criticism. [See trailer here.]
The film titled “A Warrior’s Religion”...
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...
[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”...
The Roti Club
Photo by Howard Koplowitz.
Swaranjit Singh is running for New York City Council, representing Queens. An underdog in a new campaign for a new voting enclave, he’s running, in part, to ensure that “roti-eating people” have a voice, and a say, in New York’s politics:
“My biggest...
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...
“Don’t Feel Sorry For Me, I Am The Daughter Of A Shaheed”
Posted by Phulkari in Activism, History, Politics, Preservation, Punjab, Sikhi on 02 19th, 2009 | 42 Comments
As the 25th anniversary of “1984” approaches us, TLH posts have covered some activities commemorating this devastating time in our history.
My most vivid memories of “1984” are watching Indira Gandhi’s funeral on television and the border of photos inside my local Gurdwara’s Langar...
Truth and hair- always assert themselves
The conflict between modern ideals of beauty and the requirements of the Sikh faith came up in a prior post. Recently, Sukhmandir Kaur Khalsa spoke eloquently on this issue in an Arkansas publication. Excerpted below are Khalsa’s perspectives on hair, beauty, and truth.
“I liken the...
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...
TOP 10 and WORST 10 American Presidents
Presidents’ Day in the U.S. is kind of a all-in-one holiday, you celebrate Lincoln and Washington’s birthdays while honoring all U.S. Presidents. Some just enjoy the day off too!
On this Presidents’ Day, C-SPAN commemorated the holiday by releasing the results of its 2009 Historians Presidential...
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...
India’s Shoot-Out Cops
Posted by Maple Leaf Sikh in Activism, General, Human Rights, India, Law, Punjab on 02 15th, 2009 | 30 Comments
We recently posted on Ensaaf’s new report that studies the all too common practice of extra-judicial killings (usually referred to as ‘encounters’) and the mass cremations that followed by the Punjab police forces during the 1980s and 1990s. Well it looks like these practices were...
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...
UN grades India’s freedom of religion for religious minorities
The UN Special Rapporteur for freedom of religion or belief visited India last year and just released her report on the country, highlighting, among other things 2 matters that are of special concern to Sikhs: (1) the situation of religious or belief minorities (generally) and (2) justice for victims...
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...
