First Sikh Police Officer with Turban in New Zealand

What a great guy. This video will make you smile.

Rise in Sikh Extremism or Rise in Hysteria? Canadian Sikhs Setting the Record Straight

Rise in Extremism or Rise in Hysteria? Canadian Sikhs Setting the Record Straight (WSO Media Release)

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 25, 2010) - It has been a tough month for Canadian Sikhs. The festival of Vaisakhi is supposed to be a time of celebration – when Sikhs have a public opportunity to share their values and explain their faith to their fellow Canadians. Instead, numerous incidents have occurred in recent weeks shifting the focus away from the Sikh principles of equality, compassion, freedom of expression, and religious freedom. Fuelled by misinformation and irresponsible leadership, public hysteria has grown over a supposed increase in extremism in the Sikh community. Here are the myths and realities behind the current controversy.

Myth: Extremism in the Sikh community is on the rise and is worse than it was 25 years ago.

Reality: This myth was first perpetuated by the Government of India for its own political interests, and quickly sealed with a stamp of approval by some opportunistic politicians. There is no evidence of any rise in extremism, and politicians or media who assert otherwise should provide proof of their claims. What there has been a rise in, is the Sikh community's involvement in larger social causes. Whether raising millions of dollars for Canadian hospitals, sending volunteer teams to Haiti, setting up food kitchens to feed the homeless, or organizing blood drives for the Red Cross, Canadian Sikhs are at the forefront of social activism across the country. 

Some recent threats against Ujjal Dosanjh have been made by unknown persons claiming to be Sikh. These have been used to support the indictment that extremism is rampant and on the rise in the Canadian Sikh community. Nothing could be further from the truth. Canadian Sikhs unanimously agree that the threatening comments posted on Facebook are reprehensible and deserve unqualified condemnation. These are criminal matters that must be addressed by the police, and the perpetrators need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 

If an entire community is to be indicted based on anonymous posts made on internet sites, then the hateful comments posted in recent weeks against the Sikh community on several Canadian news sites, could arguably be used to show a rise in racism in Canada. No doubt, in their defence, Canadians would say, nothing could be further from the truth. 

What Canadians should really be concerned about is the rise in extremism in Canadian politics. Knee jerk reactions and marginalization of visible minorities has become the flavor of the day. Whether it is proposed legislation to ban the Muslim woman's right to wear a niqab, or a call for an end to multiculturalism, or a review of "religious accommodation", these are but examples of the fall-out from the mass hysteria that is being generated in Canadian society. The Sikhs are just the most recent victims of this frenzy. 

Myth: Sikhs who support Khalistan are extremists and terrorists

Reality: One need only to look at the case of Quebec, to know that separatism does not equal terrorism. The Bloc Quebecois which is a separatist party wishing to break Quebec away from Canada, sits in the Federal Parliament. The Parti Quebecois, another separatist party, governed Quebec for several years. No one would legitimately suggest that Quebec separatists are extremists or terrorists. Yet, the same courtesy is not extended to Sikhs who may support the right of self determination for those Sikhs living in India. 

There are many Sikhs who support the idea of an independent Sikh state, most commonly called Khalistan. As with Quebec separatism, this issue has been in existence in the Sikh community for decades (since at least the independence of India in 1947). Peacefully advocating for the right of a people to self-determination is a right protected by the United Nations, and promoted andsupported (at least in the case of Quebec) by the Canadian government. Canadian Sikhs should have the same right to peacefully and legally discuss these issues. 

Myth: Recent violence in Brampton is related to extremism and Khalistan

Reality: There is nothing to suggest that recent events in Brampton are in any way linked to each other, to extremism, or to the call for Khalistan. On April 2^nd an altercation occurred at the Sikh Lehar Centre during a protest in relation to a figure in the Sikh community. A different and unrelated incident occurred on April 18^th at the Guru Nanak Sikh Centre, over the control over the management of the Gurdwara. In each incident there was some unacceptable and criminal behavior by some isolated trouble-makers that resulted in violence. The matters are being investigated by the police. Khalistan had nothing to do with either incident, and the wrongful parties in both situations have been condemned by the larger Sikh community.

Myth: India is in danger from a rise in Sikh extremism as reflected by recent warnings to the Canadian Government.

Reality: This is a myth created by the Government of India for its own political gain. Since the early 1980`s, Sikhs in Canada have been concerned about the plight of their families and other minorities in India, and have continuously raised these human rights concerns in the international arena. Canadian Sikhs have tried to expose the continuous suppression of religious minorities across the sub-continent; the alarming rate of genetic mutations in Panjab due to the Indian government`s failure to regulate the use of pesticides; and the shocking rate of depletion of Panjab`s ground water. As the Sikh community becomes even better educated and gains in its ability to expose these abuses in India, the Indian government`s desire to marginalize and suppress the Sikhs` voices also increases. 

In February 1987 four Indian diplomats were expelled from Canada for undercover activities to destabilize Sikh diaspora. This was confirmed by no other than one of the expelled diplomats, M.K.Dhar in his book "Open Secrets". These activities continue to date. The clear bias and un-relentless attack on Canadian Sikhs is only too apparent in a recent interview with CBC Radio, by India's High Commissioner to Ottawa, Shashishekhar Madhukar Gavai. Mr. Gavai said, `` The rise of Sikh extremism anywhere is a legitimate concern for us. And I think it should be a cause of worry to Canadians as well." He went on to say, "I mean this clearly shows the mindset of these people. They are violent, they are extremists and you know they want to suppress a freedom and voices of reason…"

Such comments from an Indian diplomat about the Canadian Sikh community are highly offensive and irresponsible. Rather than being condemned unilaterally by Canadian politicians as they should have been, some politicians have irresponsibly used these comments to score political points for personal gain. These same politicians turn to the Sikh community each election year, going on speaking tours in Sikh places of worship, in a blatant attempt to gain votes. 

Sikhs in India have suffered ongoing human rights abuses and have yet to receive justice for the massacre of thousands of Sikhs in November 1984. Several of those implicated in leading the massacre continue to hold ministerial positions in India's governing Congress Party. Before indicting Sikhs as being "extremists" who are bent on suppressing freedom and the voice of reason, Canadians should ask India to explain why it has been repeatedly identified by Amnesty International and other human rights groups as a persistent violator of basic human rights. 

Myth: There is a sense of pervading fear in the Sikh community and mainstream voices are silenced.

Reality: If mainstream voices felt frightened and silenced, then the publication of this document would not be possible. The Sikh community feels safe, and does not feel threatened by mythical extremists. Mainstream, rational voices compose the overwhelming majority of the Sikh community. There is an ongoing push to expose and sideline the few bad apples that surface from time to time and give the Sikh community a bad name, irrespective of what political stripe they wear. Whenever irresponsible comments have been made by some isolated individuals in the Sikh community, they have been publicly denounced by the community, which loudly asserts its Sikh and Canadian values. Just because some media have failed to report these denunciations, does not mean that mainstream Sikh voices have been silenced. One need only to review the numerous press releases and statements given by mainstream Sikh organizations such as WSO over the years and in recent weeks, to understand this. 

Myth: Vaisakhi parades are hijacked by extremist and radical elements in the Sikh community

Reality: The only people hijacking Vaisakhi parades are the opportunistic and self-serving politicians who attend them every year in an effort to gain votes and score political points. It is these few politicians making irresponsible and ill-thought statements that have once again aided in casting a shadow over Vaisakhi celebrations this year. 

Vaisakhi parades are an opportunity for Canadian Sikhs to share their faith and culture with their neighbours. Tens of thousands of people gather for parades across Canada, which are great fun, well organized and peaceful. In all the years that these parades have been held, despite numbers reaching as high as one hundred thousand attendees, there has never been even one violent incident. Thousands of people are generously fed for free over an event that lasts several hours. And when the event is over, the city streets are left cleaner than when the event started. In stark contrast, the post Stanley Cup playoff celebrations on the streets of Vancouver have posed a greater threat to public safety.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.

Please visit www.worldsikh.ca or www.twitter.com/worldsikhorg for further information.

How are we being helped by God?

Sammy, a religious man, was caught in his house during a flood.

He climbed up to his roof and prayed, asking God to save him. Sammy saw a wood plank in the water and let it float by. "God will rescue me," he said to himself. After some time, a man came by in a boat and offered him a lift but Sammy declined. "God will rescue me," he told the man. The water continued to rise; it was up to his neck when a helicopter flew overhead. Sammy waved it off saying "God will rescue me." Finally, Sammy drowned.

Next thing he knew, Sammy was in heaven, where he was greeted by God. "Why didn't you rescue me?" Sammy asked. "I tried!" God answered, "I sent a wood plank, I sent a boat, I sent a helicopter..." (Link)

Regarding Recent Events in the Sikh-Canadian Community

A must-read opinion piece by Jagtaran Singh on his blog about current events in the Sikh-Canadian community.

Regarding recent events in the Sikh community
Jagtaran Singh

Sikhs have been in the news a lot lately, but sadly, it has been for all the wrong reasons; fist- fights at places of worship, thinly veiled threats, and some rather serious political gaffes. Now I regularly talk about Sikhism with my friends – whether it’s in the context of social justice, spirituality or just philosophy in general. Being in law school, the political elements of the faith also come up – whether it’s due to certain political ideologies or because of requirements of the faith (like the kirpan or turban).

Sikhism is a relatively young religion. It’s only 500 years old and it’s still experiencing some growing pains. Lucky for us, we’re in a society and a time when violence is something that is fiercely opposed, making it less likely that these growing pains will translate into problems as grand and unfortunate as many other faiths have. Yes we have some internal squabbles, and yes we have arguments and even fights about religious dogma. As much as I wish it weren’t so, it is. We’re working on it, of that I can assure you. But know this: no one is more angered and offended by the recent violence and problems than the Sikh community itself. We’re used to being thought of as “those hard working people with turbans, beards, and big orange parades”, even sometimes as “those people with all those Charter challenges”, but we certainly don’t like being thought of as “those people with all those fights”.

As a friend pointed out, these unfortunate events put me in the rather unenviable position of being my community’s apologist. Here’s the thing though – I’m not going to apologize. You see, we live in a country known for its tolerance of minorities, and indeed even its acceptance of those from different cultures. While it’s not hard to find latent racism (keep your community problems in your own country!), for the most part even hard right-leaning groups will have something positive to say about the Sikh community. The thing is, this is our country, whether some folks like it or not. And when you accept Sikhs into your country, you accept any internal community issues that may come along with them. The same goes for any group that immigrates to Canada. People who think otherwise need to brush up on the Orangeman’s day parade in Toronto, or the Israel and Palestine issue that flairs up not too infrequently.

And yet, I think it’s a good thing these community problems are in the news (though its not particularly hard for Sikhs, as they really tend to put the “visible” in visible minority). And hopefully the media can report the news and try not to sensationalize the stories in an unhelpful way. The way that some of the reporting has gone on, one can’t help but wonder sometimes. With all that in mind, we as a community need to be transparent about these issues we are facing – and knowing that we are being watched serves as good reason to take care when dealing with our community problems. It’s important to remember, though, that we not only have the watchful Canadian eye to be thankful for, but also the Canadian community’s support. Today I read an op-ed piece in The StarPhoenix, a Saskatchewan newspaper which talked about the recent series of unhappy events taking place in the Sikh community. The piece ended on a great sentiment that really brought out my pride in being a Canadian Sikh.

“Sikhs have a long and positive history of contributing to Canada's society and cultural mosaic. Those who have stood fast against the violence need to know they have the support of all Canadians.”

Though I had no doubts, it certainly felt good to be reassured.

Jasjot Singh Ghuman - Vaisakhi Mela

Now this is what a Vaisakhi music video should be all about. Jasjot Singh Ghuman's debut single from his new album, produced by Tru Skool. He's a got a great voice, plus he's a sabat soorat Sardar (meaning he's got a turban and uncut beard). I think this guy's got a future on bhangra scene. Enjoy.

Making the Environment a Sikh Cause

Here's a link to a great article written by Jagtaran Singh on Sikhism and Environmentalism a couple of years back.

Interestingly enough, it is reposted on the webiste of Earth Day Canada’s conservation program called EcoAction Teams. As a part of the organizations’s new direction and mandate, they want to provide culturally-relevant environmental information to diverse, multicultural groups in Canada.

I've heard first hand from several individuals working wtih environmental groups about the challenges they've had working with different cultural groups. Often this is the result of language difficulties and challenges communicating the imperatives of taking individual action (i.e. recycling, composting, etc).

For Sikhs, supporting environmental causes should be a no-brainer. Throughout their divinely reveled poetry, our Gurus used the natural environment around them to describe an individual's relationship with the Creator. References to the flora and fauna are found throughout the Guru Granth Sahib. These references will quickly lose their meaning if there are no more birds, flowers or trees to relate to.

Sikhs have traditionally had two occupations, soldiers or farmers. We either defend the land or work the land. Both can be tied into caring for the environment. Sikhs should be taking a lead role in preserving our ecological diversity for future generations and working to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Our homeland of Punjab is seeing the immediate and severe consequences of climate change, deforestation, water table reduction, pesticide/fertilizer over-reliance and general over-farming. The epidemic of farmer suicides is undeniable. The status quo can not last for long and if Sikhs need to take the lead on redefining Punjab's agricultural policies.

On a local level here in Canada, our Gurdwaras should become centers of environmental innovation. With the busiest gurdwaras having thousands of people regularly attending services, there's no reason why they can't be doing everything possible to reduce their environmental footprint. Take a look at how traditional gurdwara langars are run (from the steel plates and spoons used for serving to the wood ashes used to clean them) and you'll see there is very little waste. There are many lessons to learn from our how our insititutions were originally conceived, as opposed to what they've become today. This is where organizations like EcoAction Teams can partner with local Sikh institutions help advise them on implementing best practices.

We are at a environmental tipping point in Punjab and it should serve as a rallying cry for Sikhs around to world to take up environment concerns as a Panthic (community) cause.

Issues with Sikhi To The Max 2 and Windows 7

If you're having problems running STTM2 on Windows 7, check out this post. It will help you get things sorted out.

SikhRI's Harinder Singh talking about Vaisakhi

Who is the Khalsa?

That person who focuses on the Divine Light day and night, and never puts even a little bit of faith in anyone else except the One Vahiguru.

That person who has complete faith and love and even by forgetfulness, does not put any faith in fasting, worship of dead people, tombs of the dead people, and places of so called saints.

That person who does not pay attention to holy pilgrimage centers, charity, acts of pity, difficult meditation poses, and restraint if all of these are done without remembering Vahiguru, the One.

And that Person in whose heart the light of the Perfect One shines, that one is to be recognized as a pure member of the Khalsa.

- Guru Gobind Singh, 33 Savaye

(Taken from Sikh Research Institute's Vaisakhi email)

Vaisakhi: Celebrating The Sikh Nation

It was in 1699 A.D., that Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Master, inaugurated the Khalsa Brotherhood as his Nam-dyed Commune of Saint-Soldiers. The inspired personality of this Brotherhood is songstrung, love-strung, strong and gentle, fearless, death despising, selfless — seeking no reward for self-sacrifice in the name of the Master, living like heroes, sweetly exhilarated, elevated above sorry details of things, wishing well to the whole universe of life, and desiring nothing but the lyrical repetition of His Name. The Name -Nam, breath by breath, is the Truth, the Personal Truth, and the Whole Truth for the Brothers of the Tress-Knot of Guru Gobind Singh.

This ideal group of Spirit-born people, which has been the dream and art creation of Guru Nanak, was named Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh, who he declared as his Son, his own image, the reflection of the Guru-personality, born of his blood. The Commune was named the `Khalsa Panth', which the Guru planted as the Root of the' Kingdom of Righteousness' in the garden of Anandpur, the City of Joy, to be the Ideal future International State of man.

By creating the Khalsa, the Guru has given birth to a New Race, with a universal religion of faith in man and fired it with the spiritual passion for progress.

- Prof Puran Singh, The Sikh Nation

Jack Layton presents petition on Komagata Maru

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 13, 2010

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LAYTON INTRODUCES PETITION ON KOMAGATA MARU IN PARLIAMENT

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OTTAWA – This morning, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton presented a petition calling on the federal government to officially apology in the House of Commons on the Komagata Maru tragedy.

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“The Conservatives have proven they have a heart when it comes to saying sorry to communities such as the First Nations and Aboriginals over the residential school abuse and the Chinese head tax – now it’s time to apologize to the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim communities who suffered from the Komagata Maru,” said Layton.

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“Today is Vaisakhi – the Sikhs’ New Year, celebrated all around the world. It’s in this spirit of celebration that I presented a petition signed by more than 4,600 Canadians, demanding this government apologize for the mistreatment and denial of basic necessities and legal rights on May 23, 1914, to Indians who were on board the Komagata Maru.”

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Sixty-three days after arriving in Canada, the passengers were not allowed to disembark off their ship and all 356 passengers were forced to leave Canada, as dictated by the racist, discriminatory and exclusionary policies of the government of the day.

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“This petition was a Canada-wide, community effort, but particular thanks goes to the Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation of Canada, and to Sahib Thind and Jasbir Sandhu,” said Layton.

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In his address in the House of Commons, Layton expressed the need to use today’s auspicious Vaiaskhi day to recognize an historical wrong. He stressed this is an opportunity for the government to issue a heartfelt and sincere apology, correct the historical injustice and offer a chance for healing and reconciliation. And this is an opportunity to create awareness so that this kind of tragedy never happens again.

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“What better gift to give the community on Vaisakhi than the apology and acknowledgement that they deserve. The Komagata Maru has been an unhealed scar in the Sikh community and in our history,” said Layton.

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“The New Democratic Party was the first to call for an official apology in the House of Commons in January 2007. I hope they won’t waste more years before doing the right thing and apologizing.”

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The petition is below and the link to the Layton’s address in the House of Commons is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEoQeEvnmDU

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For more information, please contact:

Rupinder Kaur, press secretary: 613-222-5048 or rupinder@ndp.ca

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The petition reads:

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“We the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:

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“THAT on May 23rd, 1914 Komagata Maru ship with 376 British Subject passengers of Indian origin, arrived at the Vancouver harbour. On July 25th, 1914 Komagata Maru with 356 passengers was forced to leave under the threat of HMCS Rainbow as per the racist, discriminatory and exclusionist immigration policy of the Government of the day.

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“THAT the passengers were held in communicado, denied basic necessities and their legal and rightful rights were denied. 19 of the departing passengers were killed by the British Government of India and many were imprisoned and their properties expropriated.

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“THAT in a more tolerant modern Canada the tragedy of Komagata Maru remains as a black scar of history that needs to be redressed.

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“THAT the petitioners thank the Prime Minister for acknowledging the tragedy, and initiating public hearings with a view to redress but the petitioners condemn the Jim Abbot report and characterize it as misleading and unfair report.

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“THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Canadian Government and Parliament to issue an apology, to correct the historical wrong and give chance to healing, reconciliation and harmony of the community and put measures in place to prevent such incidents in the future.”

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Australia's Babal Rai

For those of you that follow online Punjabi Youtube sensations, you've probably heard of Australian Babal Rai. Most of his videos to date have been him sitting on a bed or sofa singing with his inebriated friends. Well he's finally got a real gig and a real music video about the life of young Punjabi students going to school in Australia. Decent song with a very watchable video.

VIBC Poster is Instant Classic

Every year, the Vancouver Itnernational Bhangra Celebration outdoes itself with its marketing. Their posters are always a whimsical fusion of the best of Punjabi and Canadian culture. This year is no exception. I love the bhangra dude eating sushi. Quintessential modern Vancouver.

Workshop This Saturday in Mississauga - Asa Ki Var: Beyond Duality

This music is struck in all Sikh temples and in all Sikh hearts every morning. It is, as it were, the sacred bequest of Guru Nanak to his disciples. All the Gurus listened to it; Guru Gobind Singh was so enamored of it, he listened to it every morning. Once when, chased by the Moghul hordes, he had quit the fortress of Anandpur, and the enemy was coming on him in hot pursuit, he made his Sikhs settle down to sing it. The enemy fell upon them during the singing of the Song; all was lost but the Song still remains. Asa-ki-Var This Song is a holy chant. Its tremendous vibration reduces Time to a point; and it rings in the Sikh heart like a hundred bells. Its sound scares the apparitions and ghosts of darkness from the pasture lands, and the Sikh spirit rises supreme and lofty, imbued with the glory of the dawn. is the victor of a thousand battle-fields of death.

- Prof. Puran Singh, Spirit of the Sikh

The Sikh Research Institute and Toronto Sikh Retreats is presenting a workshop this weekend entitled "Asa Ki Var: Beyond Duality". It is a gurbani-based workshop that explores the themes of Asa Ki Var. It will first go into the history and background of the bani. The workshop will then look at the concept of Duality in mind, conduct and community; from thought to action to community. This analysis will all be done using gurbani to inform our thinking.

Here's the details:
Date: 10 April 2010
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Presentation Room, Student Center,
University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM),
Mississauga, ON, Canada (Click here for map)
Registration Fee: $20 (Click Here for online registration)

What happens at the time of death?

I'm still trying to make sense of Eckhart Tolle. I like a lot of what he says, but a lot of it seems fluffy to me (or maybe I haven't thought about it deep enough yet).

One thing that did strike me as interesting are his thoughts on life after death and reincarnation. Watch the video below. In it, Tolle reasons that if by the end of your life, you are still firmly attached to your form (body), your soul will want to experience the body form once again, and you will be reincarnated as a new life form. However, if in this life you have become self-realized and, as a result, unattached to your form, then no need to return to a form. This opens up the opportunity to merge with the global consciousness or God.

Pani by Satinder Sartaj

Looks like Satinder Sartaj is going professional. Here`s his first music video and its a great one.