Go Vote ! Allez Voter !

If you don't vote, you lose the right to complain about (or take credit for) what happens afterwards.

Amanpreet Singh Murdered In Las Vegas

A sad, sad story from Nevada. The robbery looks random, the murder looks like a hate crime.

Al Jazeera Gets On Ethnic Vote Bandwagon

It looks like the unprecedented courting of the "ethnic" vote by the political parties in this year's federal election is starting to gain international attention. Al Jazeera gets in on the act by profiling Andrew Kania and the Sikh vote in Brampton, Ontario.

Transnational Punjabis in the 21st Century: Beginnings, Junctures and Departures

This looks like it will be an excellent event. It looks like the Whos-Who of Punjabi Sikh academia in North America.

Centennial Conference, 2011
Transnational Punjabis in the 21st Century: Beginnings, Junctures and Departures

The University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC
May 5 – 7, 2011

In honor of the 100 year celebrations of the Sikh Temple National Historic Site in Abbotsford BC, Canada

A century ago in 1908, determined pioneers from Punjab, India came together against many odds to build one of the first Sikh gurdwaras in North America - the Khalsa Diwan Society Gur Sikh Temple - in the small rural community of Abbotsford, BC. The Gurdwara opened in 1911 amidst much fanfare and ceremony. This historically significant gurdwara was designated as a National Historic Site by the Canadian Government in 2002 and is the only gurdwara in the Americas to be bestowed with this honour.

In honour of the Gurdwara’s Centennial the Centre for Indo Canadian Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley is hosting an international conference. The theme of the conference builds on the concept of the juncture as a point in time made critical by an occurrence of important and converging circumstances. The conference poses the idea that the moments and events that have shaped, and continue to shape, the transnational Punjabi imagination as well as its reality in the 21st century comprise a juncture that deserves discussion, analysis, and critique. We seek to better understand the beginnings and points of departures for this transnational cultural community amid its past and present trajectory of immigrant, settler, citizen, activist and leader.

The goal of the conference is to develop a greater understanding of transnational Punjabis in the 21st century as a broad community with an ever-evolving identity, form and ethos of communities. The conference seeks to engage local, national and international scholars on Diaspora, migration, transnationalism, intergenerational and gendered processes, religion, history, language and Literature, art, culture, identity and cultural politics in relation to Punjab and its communities.

For more information or to contact us, please email: satwinder.bains@ufv.ca
Or call: 604 -854-4547; toll free: 1-888-504-7441

For conference details please visit www.ufv.ca/cics/conference


CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Thursday May 5, 2011
7-9 pm Opening Reception with Dr. Eric Davis, Provost and Vice President Academic UFV
Keynote Address: Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, Chairman of the Sikh Foundation
“Transnational Punjabis carving out the road to success”

Invited dignitaries include:
Mrs. Parneet Kaur – Minister of State External Affairs, Government of India (TBC)
Mr. Shashishekhar M. Gavai- Indian High Commissioner to Canada (TBC)
Mr. Ashok Das - Consul General of India

Proclamation: Year of India in Canada 2011

Friday, May 6, 2011
9:00 am Conference opens with Welcome Address by Dr. Mark Evered, Vice Chancellor UFV

Plenary address: Dr. Pal Ahluwalia, Provost and Vice President Academic University of South Australia

Conference Opening address: Dr. Hugh Johnston, Professor Emeritus Simon Fraser University
Honorary Chair: Professor Yvon Dandurand, Associate Vice President Research & Graduate Studies UFV

Invited guest: Hon. Jason Kenny, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism (TBC)
Invited guest: Member of Parliament, Ed Fast (TBC)
Invited guest: Hon. Ida Chong, BC Minister Regional Economic and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism (TBC)
Invited guest: Mayor George Peary, City of Abbotsford

Conference academic panels 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Lunch 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Conference academic panels 1:30pm – 3:30 pm
Evening: Public engagement event

Saturday May 7, 2011
9 am: Opening address: Dr. Jacqueline Nolte – Dean of Arts UFV
10 am – 11:30 am Conference academic panels
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Tour of the National Historic Site Gur Sikh Temple and program
1pm – 3pm Undergraduate Conference: CONSTRUCTS AND CONTRADICTIONS: Negotiation of identity, ethnicity and nationality by South Asian youth
1 – 3pm Undergraduate student papers

6pm – 10 pm: Virasat Pioneer Gala and Recognition – Dinner and awards night


CONFERENCE PRESENTERS:
Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, The Sikh Foundation - KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Dr. Pal Singh Ahluwalia University of South Australia – PLENARY ADDRESS
Dr. Gira Bhatt - Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Dr. Balbinder Singh Bhogal- Hofstra University
Dr. Bruce La Brack – University of the Pacific
Dr. Rita Dhamoon – University of the Fraser Valley
Dr. Rajnish Dhawan – University of the Fraser Valley
Dr. Verne Dusenberry – Hamline University
Dr. Nadia Gill – Simon Fraser University
Dr. Michael Hawley – Mount Royal University
Dr. Doris Jakobsh – University of Waterloo
Ranbir Johal – Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Dr. Hugh Johnston – Simon Fraser University
Dr. Om Juneja-Indian Association for Canadian Studies
Dr. Gurinder Singh Mann – University of Santa Barbara
Dr. Nicola Mooney – University of the Fraser Valley
Dr. Anne Murphy - University of British Columbia
Dr. Kamala Nayar – Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Dr. Kanwal Neel – Simon Fraser University
Dr. Michael Nijhawan – York University
Dr. Indira Prahst – Langara College
Dr. Margaret Walton Roberts – University of Wilfred Laurier
Paramjit Sahai – Centre for Rural and Industrial Development
Sharanjit Sandhra – University of the Fraser Valley
DJ Sandhu – University of the Fraser Valley
Dr. Gibb Schreffler – University of Santa Barbara
Dr. Nikky Guninder Kaur Singh – Colby College
Dr. Shinder Thandi – Coventry University
Bhuvinder Vaid – Simon Fraser University

HERstory With Dr. Harshinder Kaur on April 23, 2011

Sikh Activist Network Presents...

HERSTORY - With Dr. Harshinder Kaur

Let's come together and remember our sisters who did not survive. Let's create a safe environment and ensure we have a future generation.

Saturday, April 23 · 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Sheridan College Davis Campus
7899 McLaughlin Road, Brampton

We Will Not Let It Repeat Itself...

For more information, visit www.sikhactivist.net
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124800147594813

Michael Ignatieff's Vaisakhi Message

The Seva Spark

Dine | Dance | Donate

Fundraising Dinner In Support Of The Seva Food Bank

Friday May 6, 2011 at 7 PM

Bombay Palace

200 Advance Blvd, Brampton (map)

Tickets $100

Visit the Seva Food Bank website for more information.

Singh & The UIC Flames

Dipanjot Singh plays for UIC Flames in the NCAA. Not exactly with a dastaar (turban), he even got permission to cover his head during games from the NCAA. A great role model for young Sikhs about what you can achieve with Sikh identity intact.

Showcasing Abbotsford Sikh Pioneers at The Reach

A new exhibit will be opening at The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford, BC this month focusing on showcasing the history of Sikh pioneers.

Our Communities Our Stories: 
Sikh Pioneers - 100 Years of Immigration, Integration and Identity
The Great Hall
April 14 - May 29, 2011

Arriving more than a century ago, determined Sikh pioneers from Punjab, India came together against many odds to establish a community in Abbotsford, anchoring it with one of the first Sikh temples in North America - the Khalsa Diwan Society Sikh Temple (built 1908 - 1911) in Abbotsford, BC. This significant temple has been designated as a National Historic Site by the Canadian Government and is the only one of its kind in the Americas to be bestowed with this honour.

As the only early Sikh temple that has survived intact through the 1st century of settlement, the Gur Sikh Temple is imbued with historic cultural symbolism. It signifies the Sikh pioneers' personal sacrifices, their perseverance against many odds and their resilience to carve out a place for themselves and their families in a very hostile environment. The temple is an important touchstone to their past; its restoration also represents one of the first steps in preserving the century plus long history of Sikhs in Canada.

Historic photos that document the establishment of Abbotsford's Sikh community, family artefacts that illustrate the stories told by pioneers and a glimpse into the Sikh faith provide a fascinating background for the community-wide temple Centennial celebrations.

This exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Khalsa Diwan Society and Centre for Indo Canadian Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley.

What's Wrong With Bhangra?

Jus Reign nails all the things wrong with Bhangra music today. Hilarious.

Make Something of Your Summer at Sidak 2011

What Are You Up To This Summer?

Maybe you've got plans to head to the beach for a few weeks, or go camping or visit a new city. Maybe you're just looking forward to relaxing with a few books or catching a few movies.

That all sounds like fun, no doubt about it. But what do you have planned that's going to stay with you through the rest of college, into your career? What's on the calendar that will serve not just you, but your friends, family and community?

Need a hint!? We're talking about Sidak! Sidak is Sikh Research Institute's annual leadership development retreat especially for older teens, college students and young professionals! It's a two-week adventure that will take you to the Hill Country of San Antonio, where your days will be filled with divans, classroom sessions and presentations to help you develop useful leadership and life skills. You'll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the southwest, meet lots of new friends and teachers who will be a part of your support network for years to come, eat home-cooked meals and develop your talents and passions in a way that will translate into real action when you head back home!

But don't just let us tell you about Sidak, we want to show you!



Spots are filling up fast! We already have applicants from the US, Canada and the UK on our roster and we'd love it if you'd join us!

If you've already been to Sidak and are considering returning, we have added a new multi-session workshop this year: "An Exploration Into the Khalsa Fauj." The workshop will include discussions and study of Sikh military history. The majority of the time will be spent practicing full-contact Gatka techniques (with your consent of course). Develop confidence in your self-defense skills while getting a great workout to boot!

The deadline for Sidak applications is 31 May. Get started today: http://www.sikhri.org/sidak-training-development.html

(Oh yeah, and very important, financial aid is available to those in need!)

More questions? Contact us at: sidak@sikhri.org

Malaysia's Goldkartz

I'm always fascinated to see how Sikhs who have migrated around the world are connected back to their Punjabi and Sikh culture. From Malaysia comes a couple of good-looking Sardars who have launched a bhangra group called Goldkartz.

Two Sikh brothers nicknamed "Malaysia's Bhangra Ambassadors" are trying to become international hit-makers in Punjabi dance music with the help of stars from Britain and India.

The duo officially known as Goldkartz have released an album that is the first serious attempt by a Southeast Asian bhangra recording act to cross over to foreign markets. The CD, titled "24 Karaatz," was launched simultaneously last Friday in Malaysia, Britain, India and other countries.

"We are a fresh product for the bhangra scene," Goldkartz member Manjit Singh Gill said in an interview this week. "We have something different to offer, coming far from the hub of bhangra." (link)

Here they are performing at the launch of their new album "24 Karaatz" which was attended by the first lady of Malaysia. I've chosen to post this video rather than the official video which, unfortunately, is typical club trash. Call me old-fashioned but I bet they'd have a hard time watching their own video with their mothers and sisters. Wishing them the best of luck and more originality and class with their videos.

What is the real wealth?

There's nothing quite like taking a Hukam from the Guru Granth Sahib to reset your perspectives. When you're lucky to receive the Guru's blessing and wisdom, it seems as though your having a conversation with Guru Ji. I've been busy with lots of career and corporate activities and this passage made me stop in my tracks and reflect on what I'm really spending my time doing versus what I should be doing with my life. Here's what Guru Amar Das said to me:

ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥
Ḏẖanāsrī mėhlā 3.
Dhanaasaree, Third Mehl:

ਕਾਚਾ ਧਨੁ ਸੰਚਹਿ ਮੂਰਖ ਗਾਵਾਰ ॥
Kācẖā ḏẖan saʼncẖėh mūrakẖ gāvār.
The ignorant fools amass false wealth.

ਮਨਮੁਖ ਭੂਲੇ ਅੰਧ ਗਾਵਾਰ ॥
Manmukẖ bẖūle anḏẖ gāvār.
The blind, foolish, self-willed manmukhs have gone astray.

ਬਿਖਿਆ ਕੈ ਧਨਿ ਸਦਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Bikẖi▫ā kai ḏẖan saḏā ḏukẖ ho▫e.
Poisonous wealth brings constant pain.

ਨਾ ਸਾਥਿ ਜਾਇ ਨ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
Nā sāth jā▫e na parāpaṯ ho▫e. ||1||
It will not go with you, and it will not yield any profit. ||1||

ਸਾਚਾ ਧਨੁ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਪਾਏ ॥
Sācẖā ḏẖan gurmaṯī pā▫e.
True wealth is obtained through the Guru's Teachings.

ਕਾਚਾ ਧਨੁ ਫੁਨਿ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਏ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Kācẖā ḏẖan fun āvai jā▫e. Rahā▫o.
False wealth continues coming and going. ||Pause||

Chasing dollars to buy houses, cars and lots of stuff isn't going to get you anywhere close to happiness. In many cases its going to make your life miserable. So what's the secret of happiness? What is the source of real peace? Guru Amar Das provides the answer in the very next shabad:

ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥
Ḏẖanāsrī mėhlā 3.
Dhanaasaree, Third Mehl:

ਨਾਵੈ ਕੀ ਕੀਮਤਿ ਮਿਤਿ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
Nāvai kī kīmaṯ miṯ kahī na jā▫e.
The value and worth of the Lord's Name cannot be described.

ਸੇ ਜਨ ਧੰਨੁ ਜਿਨ ਇਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥
Se jan ḏẖan jin ik nām liv lā▫e.
Blessed are those humble beings, who lovingly focus their minds on the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਸਾਚਾ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
Gurmaṯ sācẖī sācẖā vīcẖār.
True are the Guru's Teachings, and True is contemplative meditation.

ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸੇ ਦੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥੧॥
Āpe bakẖse ḏe vīcẖār. ||1||
God Himself forgives, and bestows contemplative meditation. ||1||

ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਚਰਜੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥
Har nām acẖraj parabẖ āp suṇā▫e.
The Lord's Name is wonderful! God Himself imparts it.

ਕਲੀ ਕਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਏ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Kalī kāl vicẖ gurmukẖ pā▫e. ||1|| rahā▫o.
In the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Gurmukhs obtain it. ||1||Pause||

Peace is not obtained through external pursuits but rather internally through connecting to the essence of the Universe - the Naam or the Force the resides in everything, that is everything. Something to ponder when I'm in the middle of a business transaction trying to accumulate more 'wealth'.