The Olympics in Vancouver are in full swing. This context of this particular picture was well-advertised via Facebook. Still it is worth posting (pagh salute jag): Click here to enjoy others
The caption reads:
Jarnail Sahota carries the torch across a bridge in Ashcroft, British Columbia on Day 100 of the relay, February 6th, 2010.
“Grand harmony aims at elevating every unit of social and cultural life to the height of heroic majesty”
– Harinder Singh Mehboob (1937-2010)
Revered Punjabi poet, Harinder Singh Mehboob, passed away on Sunday night leaving behind a significant mark on the map of Punjabi literature. Mehboob, who had also worked as Principal of Khalsa College Gardhiwala, had written Sahji Rachio Khalsa and Jhanan Di Raat, a book on poetry which he received an award for in 1991. The Sahiyta Award was not without controversy. Regardless, Mehboob’s work will continue to be appreciated by the community:
Jhanan Di Raat which wins Sahitya Akademi Award for Punjabi is his second major publication. A collection of over two hundred poems, written over a period of three decades, in seven anthologies of poetry now published as one volume, Jhanan Di Raat is a formidable work both in conception and in content. The stylistic range and virtuosity reflected by this 828 page volume is enormous; and while the ideological orientation and the concerns of the age as reflected in the poems change gradually, the poet’s warm humanism is always extent.
The poet’s synthesis of the folk poetic traditions with contemporary trends is a distinctive feature; and a recurrent theme is his deep nostalgia for the past glory of Punjab. For its variety of styles, images and metaphors, its vastness of scope, its amalgamation of modern diction with folk-forms and its poetic intensity, this work is regarded as an outstanding contribution to Indian poetry in Punjabi. [link]
He will be remembered and appreciated for elevating Punjabi literature and for his important contributions to the Qaum.
As previously announced, the Sikholars: Sikh Graduate Student Conference is OPEN to the general public. All members of the public are cordially welcome and invited to attend the conference.
The conference will be held at the Cypress Lounge in the Tressider Union on the Stanford University Campus. Directions can be found here.
The schedule for SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20th, 2010 is as follows:
9:00-10:00am – Welcome and Introductions
10:00-12:00pm – Beneath the Surface (Erik Resly, Iqbal Kaur Gill, Kamal Kaur Arora) Resp: Puneet Kaur
12:00-12:45pm – Lunch
12:45-2:45pm – Locality: Past and Present (Mette Bach, Bandana Kaur, Preet Kaur) Resp: Naindeep Singh
2:45-3:00pm – Break
3:00-5:30pm – Beyond Borders (Ajeet Matharu, Harjant Gill, Arvinder Kang, Mandeep Kaur) Resp: Rahuldeep Singh
5:30-5:55pm Open Discussion
5:55-6pm – Closing Comments
6pm – Stanford SSA Event
Abstracts can be viewed here. Hope those in the Bay Area can attend!
In some way I know I shouldn’t even be writing this. I am giving an idiot the fame that he seeks, but doesn’t deserve. Oh well, here we go.
So Rajinder Singh is an idiot. Rajinder Singh wants to be the first non-white to join the British National Party (BNP) in the UK. To those from elsewhere, the BNP is similar to the KKK, without the sheets and ropes. For years they had limited (if that’s the right word) their membership to people of “Caucasian origin.” The Equality and Human Rights Commission had threatened them with a court injunction if they did not open up their ranks.
Playing on the issue of anti-immigration and Muslimophobia, the fast blinkers (read conservatives) are making some noise in the wake of the economic downturn. However, due to a court ruling and a willing lackey, it seems the BNP is about to gain Rajinder.
For the cameras, Rajinder has decided to label himself a Sikh and wear a turban.
Singh – admits he’s only wearing it for my ¬ benefit. He’s not a religious man and is clean shaven, but he wore a turban the first time he ever had “media exposure” – on BNPTV, the party’s online ¬channel – and has decided to do so whenever speaking to the media because “the message carries more weight” coming from a turban-wearing Sikh.[link]
My question – does wearing a turban give him more ‘weight’ amongst Sikhs or non-Sikhs?
We know there is a sizable Sikh population in Pakistan, despite many Sikhs who were forced to migrate to India during partition. In 2008, the Pakistani Sikh Anand Marriage Act was passed in Pakistani, which allowed Sikhs in their marriage certificates as Sikhs. Currently in India, Sikhs are identified as Hindus in marriage certificates.
Interestingly, I came across this music video by Jassi Singh Lailpura (i.e. Jasbir Singh) , a Pakistani Sikh.
He also gave an interview on a morning Pakistani television show where he talked more abut his music and life. Lailpura believes that a Pakistani is not defined by a religion or race, but by someone who believes it to be their country. It is obvious from the interview that he is a proud Punjabi Sikh from Pakistan. He talks about the impact of Partition on a Sikh woman. You can watch his interview below.
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 a movement going back to the basics of the traditional art form, which has been wonderful to see.
In the crowd of competitions, it is natural to try to distinguish oneself. This year, DC will play host to an invitational bhangra competition called the “Elite 8.” It won’t change bhangra competitions, but it may heighten the profiles of the teams who were invited.
Check out more info for the competition and teams competing, here.
French legislators are currently considering a ban that would prevent Muslim women the right to wear full-body veils in public areas such as buses, trains, hospitals, restaurants, schools and other public places. Since 2004, head scarves and other signs of religious affiliation have been banned from public schools by a government determined to enforce France’s tradition of strict secularism amid fears of growing fundamentalism. Although Sikhs have also been fighting for their right to wear turbans in France – what will an overt ban, which sends a clear statement to its citizens about religious tolerance, mean to other minority groups in the country?
Identifying the burqa as alien to French culture, say the ban’s critics, also fans xenophobic sentiment. What will be declared un-French next? The sari? The Sikh turban? Day-Glo bicycle shorts? [link]
Interestingly – there are only about 2,000 Muslim women in France who wear these veils. Many say that France, a country that prides itself on liberal democracy, is simply taking away the individual freedom to make a choice. As an Op-Ed piece in the NYT asks, “Why the French obsession with the burqa? After all, as the French government itself has conceded, only about 1,900 women wear the full-body covering. So why are over half of the respondents in recent public opinion polls in favor of a ban on it?”
There has been much in the news in Sikhdom with repercussions for years to come. The news of Professor Darshan Singh Ragi, former head of the Akal Takht, and even the Nanakshahi deserve time and commentary. I will leave those for another day.
In some ways with even greater repercussions has been the announcement by members of Dera Sach Khand Ballan of the removal of the Guru Granth Sahib from their places of worship. It is key to point out that NOT all people that identify themselves as Ravidasia are part of Dera Sach Khand Ballan and many vehemently oppose some of their policies and tenants. Still their following is significant and important. Talk of the removal of the Guru Granth Sahib had been in the works since the unfortunate events in Vienna last year. Even at that time, I had asked the question, “How large is the tent that is the Sikh Qaum”?
I commended the Singh Sabha for their achievements in their time and place:
Despite the various attacks on the Singh Sabha movement for only promoting Khalsa hegemony and other spurious slanders by neo-Sanatans, post-colonialists attempting to form neo-Brahman ‘intelligentsias’, those that believe they ‘own’ the Sikh identity, some Hindu chauvinist groups, and various beatniks, the movement was in fact very broad-minded and fought to enlarge the tent that is the Sikh Qaum.
They understood the difference between public and private aspects. In private, people may have their own practices, beliefs, etc. and while the Singh Sabha sought to bring these more in line with the practices and principles of Gurbani, they did allow some diversity in private. In public, we come together and stand by the Panthic rehat maryada.[link]
The Dera Sach Khand Ballan has now made the political move to ‘declare’ a new religion and call for the removal of the Guru Granth Sahib. It is important to NOTE that the move is being pushed by a section of the Ravidassia community and has found much opposition as well.
Amarjit Kaur, 39, was critically shot on Wednesday afternoon in Vallejo, California as she sold ice cream out of an ice cream truck near a school. The Bay Area television news reported last night that police believe the reason for the shooting was two fold. First it was a robbery by a 15-year male. Secondly, Kaur’s inability to understand that the English-speaking 15-year old was asking for money caused him to shoot her out of frustration and anger.
As a widowed mother of three and a recent immigrant to the United States, Kaur’s case highlights the struggle that immigrant woman go through to support their families. Her strength to sell ice cream out of a truck while not completely understanding English shows perseverance during adversity but also highlights the risk new immigrants take to build lives for themselves and their families in the United States.
You would imagine that selling ice cream to primarily children would not be high risk. However, Harish Joshi reported that he was held-up twice while operating an ice cream truck in Richmond (California Bay Area).
Kuldeep Malhan, Kaur’s brother-in-law said a fund has been set-up to help support the family at Bank of America, account No. 488019845001. Please donate to help with Kaur’s medical bills and other living expenses while she is unable to work because of her injuries.
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 the sporadic and short times that we are able to meet face-to-face.
We wanted to create a safe space for conversations that we felt were critical, but didn’t see happening as much as they were needed.
Since that beginning, our readership has grown, our vision has grown, and now, so too must our capacity.
We are looking for passionate Sikhs who share our dedication to our community and faith, to join in contributing to the broad array of conversations that take place on The Langar Hall’s pages. Do you enjoy writing? Are you interested in engaging in conversation with other Sikhs from throughout the world? If so, send an email to admin@thelangarhall.com and let us know you’re interested.
We don’t always talk about Sikh issues, but instead, share the common thread of being Sikh. Our Sikh heritage shapes our worldview. Our interests and perspectives, however, are as varied as any group of individuals. Whether you’re interested in art, music, literature, politics, movies, or social activism, if you’re rooted in Sikhi, and have an inclination to write, we want to hear from you.
We’d love to have contributors that are as global as our diaspora. In the past, most of our bloggers have been from North America. However, we post about events that happen all over the world. We want to hear from you whether you’re in Australia, Kenya, India, the U.S., or anywhere else in the world. No matter where you are, if you’re interested in blogging for The Langar Hall, let us know! Email admin@thelangarhall.com.
Over the past few months, we have come across various articles in the media depicting the state of affairs for students of Indian origin living in Australia. Attacks against Indians (allegedly racially motivated) and, what was perceived to be, a poor response by the police and leaders sparked protests in both Australia and India. Widespread media coverage in India has been especially critical of Australia’s handling of this violence. On the other hand, however, the Indian media’s coverage has been likened to hysteria by many in Australia. Many are saying that the Indian media has done more harm than good in their coverage of the events, and in doing so, have shadowed the real problems faced by students in Australia.
So what exactly is going on? A few days ago we received an email from a TLH reader in Australia who wanted to share his perspective on the situation:
I am a year 12 student from Australia about to go into university and I would just like to express some opnions which I hope you could take to the readers of The Langer Hall. Recently there has been much uproar in the Indian media and community about these so-called racist attacks on Indian students in Australia. It really pained me to hear how such events could occur in what has developed to be one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Having just finished school I can say that the range of cultures and backgrounds which I have been exposed to…has been awesome. In my fifteen years as a turbaned boy I have not once felt like this country holds any form of racist ideas against me. My father has been a turbaned bus driver, and now a train driver for many years and he expresses similar ideas to me… Just recently the news begins to appear through investigations by Australian Police that many of these attacks on Indian students..were in fact carried out by other Indian students. I am not saying that all the attacks that occur…are by Indians…but i am raising the point that Australia is not as bad as many people make it seem. I see in Indian newspapers everyday that there was some attack on an Indian and they request Indians to stop going to Australia. Yet not one paper made mention of the fact that it was Indian students who had been arrested for the murders. Well I suppose that is expected in India… [-KS]
The Multifaith Calendar is looking for art submissions under the theme “Celebrating Diversity”. They would like to feature art from as many different faith groups as possible. This calendar is a great educational tool that lists and explains holidays that are important to 14 different world faiths including Sikhism.
The theme for the 2011 edition is: Celebrating Diversity. Work can be of any medium. The interpretation of the theme will be determined by the collection, so we invite artists to submit images that capture a unique or poignant expression of art or people celebrating their faith. We are looking to showcase a diversity of faiths in the collection. We encourage all artists to submit images, including artists who have had their work showcased in past Multifaith Calendars. [link]
Sounds like a great project and a wonderful opportunity for the many developing artists in our community. Submissions are due by February 28th, 2010. For more information, please see: www.multifaithcalendar.org
I came across this amazing video of a white guy singing a traditional Punjabi song, while playing a drum, in an outside mall area (hat tip: Satwinder). Often we wonder how Punjabi will be preserved. I think one of the unique ways is through music.
I hope you enjoy it as you begin your weekend!
On our weekly library trips, I find myself going through shelf after shelf of children’s books trying to find something both entertaining and challenging for my young and enthusiastic readers. Often times, the books we find are one-dimensional; either instructive, or funny, or downright silly. Rarely do I come across a book that strikes a balance of being both educational and inspiring…this is what I found in A Lion’s Mane by Navjot Kaur
A Lion’s Mane is about the journey of a young Sikh boy who while discovering why he has his long mane (kesh), also learns about the principles of his faith. Concepts like patience, generosity, wisdom, and courage are all woven in to his beautiful red dastaar that guide you through the story.
In addition to the captivating illustrations, it is the simple messages that are reinforced throughout the story that I found particularly meaningful and easy for children to process. Statements like,
“When we learn something new, it makes each of us stronger”
“Being a Khalsa knight gives me the courage to stand up to bullies”
Although I have read several children’s books that touch on the Sikh experience, what I appreciate most about A Lion’s Mane, is how Sikh religious and cultural principles are raised in the context of other cultures and communities with similar principles. I had no idea of the symbolic role the lion played in Native American Hopi culture. In explaining who we are to non-Sikh communities, I think it is just as important to share how our traditions are similar as it is to show how we are different. This pushed me to learn a bit more about some of the other people and cultures mentioned. I found the glossary most useful in explaining to my children who is Wangari Mathai and what the Anishinaabe tribe is.
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. ” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Last week, in celebration of Dr. King’s legacy, the DC Metro satellite of Kid’s Against Hunger drew volunteers all across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area for a hugely successful meal packaging event.
Kid’s Against Hunger (KAH) is a non-profit organization with the mission to significantly reduce the number of hungry children in the United States and to feed starving children throughout the world. This is accomplished through partnering with satellite organizations who raise funds, organize volunteers, and arrange events where meal packets (consisting of soy, rice, vegetable blend, and flavored vitamin powder) are filled, sealed, and packed for a population in need. Meals are then transported through KAH’s broad network of humanitarian organizations.
Something remarkable has been happening over the past week. When an earthquake hit Haiti last week, individuals rallied together to raise awareness via facebook updates and email messages to raise funds and send aid to the devastated area.
In a similar way, the entire Sikh community came together this week to support two Sikh organizations who were competing in the $1 Million Chase Community Giving Campaign. Emails were sent out in support, facebook and twitter updates were constantly being posted, Sikhs were reaching out to each other and also to non-Sikhs to involve them in the process. The potential of building the first Sikh Museum in North America got the global Sikh community excited about the impact a group of committed people can have. Imagine a building dedicated to Sikh history, a place for future generations to pay homage to the deep and meaningful history of the Sikh Qaum. The point is, we no longer have to imagine these dreams. The possibility is real and if we, as a community, can mobilize – there isn’t anything we can’t do.
There is still time to VOTE. All it takes is one click on Facebook to support these initiatives and participate in one of the most notable mobilizations we’ve seen in our community. Voting ends in 24 hours – don’t delay, vote now!
VOTE for Jakara Movement: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/674186
VOTE for Sikhcess: http://www.sikhcess.org/
Drug abuse is an epidemic that is hitting Punjab at high rates. We hear about Punjabi men being addicted to drugs and the ramifications of their addiction on them and their families.
Prerna Suri of Al Jazeera reports on the devastating effects of drugs in Amritsar. The city’s location near Pakistan and Afghanistan has made it a primary target for drug trade and abuse. According to the report, seventy percent of youth (15-35 years) in Amritsar are addicted to heroin.
Suri highlights how the drug trade happens, its effects on those who abuse narcotics, and the ramifications of drug abuse for the addicits’ families.
I am a strong believer that Sikhi can play a strong role in both the prevention and recovery from drug abuse. Rather than allow drugs to take over our spiritual capital, we can use our spiritual strength to help heal those who are suffering from drug abuse and prevent others from entering this kind of addiction. You can read about one Sikh’s experience of visiting Akal Charitable De-addiction Centre , a drug recovery program in Sangrur, Punjab.
The opportunity is now. We can make the first ever Sikh Women’s Domestic Violence Shelter.
Did you know a woman is battered in the US every 9 minutes. We cannot stand idle. We must take a stand!
HOW: you need to vote NOW: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/674186
HOW DO I VOTE: You can only vote if you are a ‘fan’ of Chase Bank Community Giving. If you are not sure how to do this, follow this simple instructional video
WHAT DO I DO AFTER VOTING:
1) Donate your profile picture for 1 week, until January 22nd. Use the purple SILENCE HIDES VIOLENCE on the right.
2) Encourage ALL your friends and family – Sikh and non-Sikh to vote by inviting them to this group, messaging them on Facebook chat, and telling them you will not leave them alone until they vote.
We are currently behind in the numbers, but if everyone on this list takes 20 seconds out of their time to vote, we will be in first place. IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOU!
For more information, visit www.end-dv.com
We can do this together! Only together! Inspire and be inspired!
Gur Fateh!
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 is usually celebrated in the outdoors by friends and family who get together and have a bonfire in the evening. Lohri signifies onset of intense winter in Punjab and surrounding areas. Cold weather is good for wheat hence farmers celebrate Lohri so that their crops lead to a good harvest.
During the day, children go from door to door singing folk songs in praise of Dulha Bhatti, a thief in folklore who helps the poor and fights for their rights. These children are given sweets and savories, and occasionally, money. These collections are known as Lohri, and they are distributed at night during the festival. Some may be offered to the sacred fire. Peanuts, popcorn and other food items are also thrown into the fire as an offering to the God of Fire, Agni. [wikipedia]
Usually, in Punjab, families have an especially large Lohri celebration if a boy has been born in the family in the prior year. We’re talking DJs, catered food, and dancing all night in the streets (at least in the city).
This year, you can make Lohri special by donating to Ladoos: Pink & Blue.
