July 2010 - GNFA.org

Sandesa
sMdysw
YO U R C O N N E C T I O N T O G N FA
Issue 5
July 2010
Guru Nanak Foundation of America
Mark Your Calendar
ieSk Kyfdw A~g dy nwl if~Tw
dwn isMG koml
July 30: Youth Divan
Sept 1: Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Parkash Utsav
mIAW mIr ny jW lwl loh auqy, rwm dws jI dw nOinhwl if~Tw [
Sept 18: Jaap Sahib Paath Recital
hoieAw hwloN byhwl sI hwl auhdw, hwie hwie aus kIqw jW hwl if~Tw [
Oct 10: Guru Ramdas Ji
Parkash Divas
auhdy mn iv~c KlblI m~c auTI, auhny dunIAW c AwauNdw Bucwl if~Tw [
auhnUM grkdI id~sI zmIn swrI, aultw huMdw pwqwl if~Tw [
AweI hoS qW AwKdw Xw A~lw, swkw A~j mY byimswl ifTw [
pihlI vwr jhwn qy KVy m~Qy, ieSk Kyfdw A~g dy nwl if~Tw [
Inside this issue:
From Chairman‘s Desk
2
GNFA Committees
3
Camp Sahib - GNFA
4
eys j~g dy swirAW iPrikAW dw, mYN ieiqhws swrw Pol- Pwl if~Tw [
Paath Recital Results
6
AYpr AwSk lwlW dI lVI AMdr, Arjn nwl dw nW su~cw lwl if~Tw [
Kids & Teens‘ Corner
11
huMdy Awey ny eyQy ShId bhuqy, eydW kOeI nW Gwldw Gwl if~Tw [
Guru Arjan Dev Ji Article
12
eys qrW nhIN kdy vI A~j qIkr, ieSk Kyfdw A~g dy nwl if~Tw [
Poem on Guru Arjan DevJi 14
r~bw myirAw mYnUM smJw CyqI, ieh mYN Kvwb ifTw jW iKAwl if~Tw [
myry kol qW iehdw jvwb koeI nw, ikho ijhw mY A~j svwl if~Tw [
ru~K Drm dw lw ijs CW kIqI, Eho loh au~qy bYTw svI jwvy [
Twrn leI srovr bxwey ijhnyN, Eh dyg AMdr bYTw kVI jwvy [
ijhny j~g nUM suKW dI mxI id~qI, Eho ijMd nUM duKW ivc jVI jwvy [
sV sV Awp sMswr nUM kry Cwnx, Pu~l J~VI vWgUM AYpr JVI jwvy [
qwrn leI bxwieAw jhwj ijhny, Eho zulm dI Jldw Jwl ifTw [
A~g KyfdI ieSk dy nwl if~TI, ieSk Kyfdw A~g dy nwl if~Tw [
www.gnfa.org
Khalsa School
16
I Find Hope in History
18
Gurmat Sangeet
20
GNFA Yearbook
22
Treasurer‘s Report
24
Parents‘ Corner
27
Healing through Gurbani
28
Obituary
30
sM d y s w
Sandesa
From the desk of the Chairman
Dear Sadh Sangat ji,
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh.
How does one begin to say thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of the new management; or for the good
wishes and assistance the sevadaars have received; or for the financial support to update and modernize the kitchen. There
simply are not enough words to say ―thank you, thank you, thank you.‖
The new year at GNFA is off to a strong start. Let me share with you some of the accomplishments.
Kitchen Renovation: As promised, the kitchen work is well on its way to completion, made possible by generous donations
from sadh sangat. The only remaining items are to get two new burners and install the kitchen hood. We have the funds for
the two new burners; however, we need 4 to 5 families to donate for the hood work. Our cost is estimated to be around
$10,000 for the hood purchase and it‘s installation. With this, the kitchen renovation will be complete and we can move on to
other items on our agenda.
Khalsa School: Once again, kudos to the Education Committee and the many volunteers for the great seva they have done for
the year 2009-2010. Khalsa School had 165 students who learned to speak Punjabi, write in Gurmukhi, participate in bani
vichaar, and study Sikh history. Most importantly, Khalsa School is helping build camaraderie and long lasting friendships
among our youth.
Youth Kirtan Sammelan: What can I say but simply ―WOW‖!!! I witnessed first hand the enthusiasm our youngsters have in learning shabad kirtan in its truest form. The Annual Youth Kirtan Sammelan, in which over 150 children participated this May – 10 gurdwaras and organizations from Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania took part; over 50 people volunteered their services -- has become the jewel in the
crown of GNFA. It started as a primarily GNFA event with 75 children taking part in 2005 and has evolved into
an east coast gurmat sangeet event. Our goal is to build this into a national event with participation from youth
from all over the United States.
Youth Summer Camp: As always, this year‘s youth summer camp was very successful. 40 youngsters learned
kirtan, Sikh history, public speaking skills, theatrical performance, environmentalism, and information on various
career paths. Please see the many photo frames in the langar hall with their poems -- they are simply priceless.
The management committee thanks everyone who volunteered his or her time and effort for this wonderful program.
New Committees: A Welcoming/Hospitality committee has been set up to help orient newcomers to GNFA. An Outreach
Committee has been formed to implement community outreach programs. This brings the total number of GNFA committees to
18, with 120 sevadaars. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of them for their devoted seva.
While the accomplishments are indeed commendable, there is still a lot of work to be done. We need to become one and
work together to pay off the mortgage. This is our number one priority right now. It takes precedence over everything. The
Bond committee is working very hard to get the paper work done so that GNFA bonds can be issued to the sangat. If enough
individuals buy these bonds, GNFA would save over $200,000 in the next four years in interest. With the money saved we
could even pay off some of the bonds that were issued. There will be more information coming in the next few months on this
matter.
GNFA has been my home for over 30 years, and it will continue to be my home for many more. I am personally humbled by
the good wishes and helpful advice I have received from the sadh sangat. With the grace of the Almighty, and the united
resolve of the sadh sangat, we will overcome any and all obstacles and together build a GNFA we can all be proud of.
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh.
Parminder Singh Ahuja (Sonny), Chairman
Sandesa is published quarterly by
Guru Nanak Foundation of America,12917 Old Columbia Pike Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 e-mail : [email protected]
Sandesa Staff 2010-2011:
Arvinder Kaur, Harsharan Kaur, Sarabjeet K Bhutani, Indermeet K Ahuja, Ravneet Singh, Sameena Kaur, Atam Parkash Singh
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Issue 5
July 2010
GNFA Committees 2010
www.gnfa.org
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Sandesa
Camp Sahib—GNFA Youth Summer Camp
by Anmol Kaur Walha
After attending Camp Sewa in summer 2009, I couldn‘t wait to come back for Camp Sahib this summer.
I was not disappointed; the camp exceeded my expectations. It was even better than last year! The week
long camp, attended by 40 campers, ran from June 28 to July 2 at GNFA.
Our daily routine started with breakfast. Then we had morning diwan, we did arts and craft activities,
learned kirtan, had gurmat classes and had discussions about our lives as Sikh children. Bishen veerji, Tejbir
Uncle, and Gajinder Uncle worked with us on public speaking skills. We played sports for an hour each day
- we played with balls, chalk and also learned new games from each other.
The Panj Pyare were the central theme at camp this year. We learned a lot about them. For example, we
learned that Daya means compassion, Dharam means faith, Himmat means courage, Mokham means selfconfidence and Sahib means prince.
The other theme of the camp was going green. In order to help the environment, we used reusable, washable plastic dishes, rather than single-use styrofoam ones.
We had guest speakers who talked to us about possible careers. One speaker came from the Sikh Human
Development Foundation (SHDF). He talked to us about his organization which provides scholarships to
needy Sikhs in India and how we can all help them.
On July 1, we took a trip to Washington D.C. We visited The Air and Space Museum. During our tour, I
learned a lot of interesting facts. For example, I learned that in order to qualify as a planet, you must orbit
the sun, be a sphere, and have debris in your orbit. We also learned about missions to the moon. After visiting the museum, we moved on to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. At the festival, they had a Sikh display
where they had turban tying and mehndi.
On July 2, the last day of camp, we did a lot of things. First, we practiced for the evening diwan. Then, we
went to see a movie. We watched ―Avatar: The Last Airbender.‖ When we came back, we practiced some
more. Later we read the poems we had written about our experience at the camp to our parents. These
decorated and framed poems are on display in the langar hall. After that, the campers and youth counselors sang shabad keertan and gave speeches in the evening diwan. We also performed a skit, a reenactment about the Panj Pyare on Vaisakhi in 1699. All the children got a speaking role.
I would like to thank Arvinder aunty, Harpreet aunty and all of the other parents who worked so hard to
make this camp amazing. I would also like to thank all the youth counselors — Soni didi, Gurpreet
veerji, Ramneek didi, Jasneet didi, Harneet didi, Haneet veerji, Bishen veerji, Harluxsh veerji, Amarpreet
veerji, Jasmin didi, Gagandeep veerji, and Navneet didi — who helped and put in a lot of effort in making
this camp a huge success. I hope the aunties only remember the times we were GOOD!
All my friends and I had a really awesome week and can't wait until next year.
www.gnfa.org
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Issue 5
July 2010
Blessings
In the morning dew, I saw the buds going green to blue
I saw the bees, in the trees
I saw the fish in the ocean, and the people wearing lotion
I saw the sun, and everyone having fun.
What I learned from Camp Sahib was to help the environment.
What I learned were the blessings.
Let‘s be green, don‘t be mean.
by Jaskiran Kaur
taking a break
at the National Air & Space Museum in DC
Panj Pyare Skit
Lion‘s Pride
Guest Speaker - Bobby Bahra
www.gnfa.org
Proud Singhs
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sM d y s w
Sandesa
photos by Kunwar S Goomer
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Issue 5
July 2010
Youth Diwan at GNFA on Friday, July 30, 2010
Sadh Sangat is invited to participate with family and friends
Program to be conducted entirely by the youth
7:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Rehraas Sahib
8:00 pm - 9:15 pm: Shabad Kirtan and Speeches
Sign up for kirtan or speech by contacting
Amar Raj Singh, Youth Committee Coordinator
[email protected] 301.728.7619
www.gnfa.org
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MOTHER’S DAY
BLESSINGS
photos by Sarabjeet Bhutani
www.gnfa.org
8
THE JOYS OF
FATHER’S DAY
photos by Keat Bhutani
www.gnfa.org
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Sandesa
Vaisakhi Spirit
photos by: Sarabjeet Bhutani
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Issue 5
July 2010
Elephant
Camel
Monkey
Horse
Cat
Cow
Dog
Deer
Teens’ Corner
When I die, bury me deep, ten feet down, fast asleep
Place my math book on my head, tell my teacher I am dead.
Place my geography book on my chest, tell my teacher how I am at rest
Place my physics book in my hand, tell my teacher nothing I understand.
Place my English book on my left, tell my teacher I tried my best
Also tell my teachers not to cry, for they are those who made me die.
by Navneet Kaur
Blue skies
Kites up high
Miles below
Smiles will glow.
Winds blow
Oceans flow
Miles ahead
Laughter grows.
Happy summer in a day
Makes the sorrows blow away
Make someone smile today
Tomorrow make them laugh away.
by Vargun K. Sodhi
The Panj Pyare were an embodiment of leadership.
They represented the qualities a leader should have.
Faith, Compassion, Courage, Self-Confidence.
These four qualities equal leadership.
Do you have them?
by Japjyot S. Goomer
www.gnfa.org
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sM d y s w
Sandesa
swihb sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI
sMKyp jIvn qy mhwn Shwdq
- hrjwp isMG
nwnw gurU Amrdws jI qoN “doihqw bwxI kw boihQw” vr pRwpq qy mQurw B`t Anuswr
“Drin ggn nv KMf mih joiq sÍrUpI rihE Bir ]
Bin mQurw kCu Bydu nhI guru Arjunu prqK´ hir ]”
dw jIvn s~c-mu`c hI AlOikk, vwihgurU dy sB guxw BrpUr, bhup~KI qy hr pwisEN sMpUrn sI [ ij~Qy mhwn AnuBvI Swier,
sMgIqkwr qy rwg ividAW dy mhW pMfq sn [ auQy nwl hI sB BwrqI BwSwvW qy ArbI, PwrsI dy vI DurMrdr igAwnI sn [ aunHW
dI ijMdgI dw tIcw isrP Dwrimk aupdyS dyxw hI nhIN sgoN aunHW jnqw dy du~K su~K qy lokW dy mnuKI hkW dI rwKI leI qy mnuKI
suqMqrqw leI pUrw qwx lwieAw, BwvyN aunHW nUM ies kwrx Awpxy qn dI AwhUqI vI dyxI peI [
aunHW dw srIrk jnm goieMdvwl ivKy mwqw BwnI dI kuKoN qy ipqw guru rwmdws jI gRih 15 ApRYl 1563 eI: nUM hoieAw [ aunHW ny hr
duinAwvI irSqw AwigAwkwrI spu~qR, hmdrd BweI qy pUrn guris~K dw kmwl drjy dI sMXog dyK ky guru nwnk dyv jI dy rwj jog
qKq (gur g~dI) qy 28 Agsq 1581 eI: nUM ibTw id~qw [
hux q~k guris~KI dy nwm dI “nwm mwrg” dI lihr kwPI dUr -dUr q~k PYl geI sI [ ies nUM sdIvI qIk AgvweI dyx leI gurU
jI ny do mhwn kMm kIqy jo aunHW nUM dUr idRStI drswauNdy hn [
srb sWJy Drm gRMQ (Awid sRI gRMQ swihb) iqAwr krnw[ ijs ivc bgYr iksy jwq-pwq nslI ivqkry dy iek eISvr vwdI
inrgux dy pujwrI gurUAW, sMqW, BgqW qy musilm PkIrW dI bwxI Swml kIqI[iesnUM rwgW Anuswr qrqIb dyx sMkln qy
sMpwdn krx leI aunHW nUM iqMn swl lgy[ iPr aus vyly dy cotI dy ivdvwn guris~K BweI gurdws jI pwsoN ilKvwieAw
[ sRI hirmMdr swihb ivKy sqMbr 1604 eI: nUM pRkwS kIqw [
“KqRI, bRhwmx, Sudr, vYs aupdyS chMu vrnW ko sWJw” vwk nUM AmlI jwmw dyx Kwqr srb sWJw Drm mMdr sRI hirmMdr
swihb auswrnw [ ies dy cwr drvwjy r~K ky AYlwn kIqw hr idSw qoN, hr Drm qy hr jwqI dw pRwxI ieQoN Awqmk SWqI
lYx dw h~kdwr hY [ SWqI dy puMj gurUu jI ny srb sWJI vwlqw drswaux leI ies hirmMdr dI pihlI ie~t muslmwn
PkIr sWeI mIAW mIr jI pwsoN rKvweI [ ieh dunIAW dy Dwrmk ieiqhws iv~c AwpxI imswl Awp hY [
gurmiq dy AmlI p~K, AwrQk Aqy smwjk loVW dI pUrqI leI pihlw Sihr AMimRqsr vswieAw ijs ivc 52 iksmW dy v~Kv~K ikiqAW vwly lokW nUM Awpxy koloN Krc dy ky Abwd kIqw [
Sihr qrn qwrn vswieAw [ ijs ivc srovr dy nwl gurduAwrw bxw ky qn qy mn dy rogW dy ielwj dw pRbMD kIqw [ nwl hI
kohVIAW dy kohV dUr krn vwsqy AwpxI iksm dw pihlw hspqwl clwieAw [“kljug mih kIrqnu prDwnw” kIrqn
BgqI nUM idRV krvwaun leI hr gurbwxI Sbd nUM rwg ivc gwien krn dI rIq clweI[ AwpxI AgvweI ivc cMgy cMgy
kIrqnIAW nUM ivSyS snmwn dy ky drbwr swihb ivKy invwjdy rhy [ ieh iprq Aj q~k suc~jy FMg nwl cl rhI hY [
gurU swihb Awp auc kOtI dy kIrqnIey sn [Awp ny sRI guru gRMQ swihb ivc 30 rwgW dw pRXog kIqw [srMdw ijhw koml swj
Awp jI dI hI kwF hY [
hux svwl pYdw huMdw hY ik ieho ijhy lok syvk, praukwrI qy SWqI dy Avqwr nUM smyN dI srkwr ny Asih qy Akih kSt dy ky
ShId ikauN kIqw ? iesdy ieiqhwskwrW ny keI kwrx dsy hn[
1. v~fy Brw ipRQI cMd dI ^wrbwjI ik gurg~dI mYnUM ikauN nhIN imlI ! keI vwr gurU jI qy jwnlyvw hmly krvwey, smyN
dy hwkmW nUM aukswieAw qy BVkwieAw [ sulbI Kwn qy sulhI Kwn POjW lY ky gurU jI nUM igRPqwr krn vI Awey [ pr
rwh ivc mwry gey [ jYsw sRI guru gRMQ swihb ivc drj bwxI qoN pqw lgdw hY “sulhI qy nwrwiex rwKu ]
sulhI kw hwQu khI n phucY sulhI hoie mUAw nwpwku ]”
2. ktVpMQI krm kWfI bRwhmxW dw swVw ik gurU dy is~K iehnW nUM dwn dCxw nhIN idMdy qy Xog siqkwr nhIN krdy sgoN
mKOl aufwauNdy hn qyy ihMdU mirAwdw dw aulMGn kr rhy hn [ ienHW vI keI vwr hkUmq pws iSkwieqW kIqIAW ik
ies gurU Gr nUM bMd krvwieAw jwvy[
3. jhWgIr bwdSwh dw iek Aihlkwr dIvwn cMdU, ijs ny AwpxI bytI dw irSqw gurU jI dy spuqr sRI hirgoibMd nwl
krnw cwihAw [ pr gurU kI sMgq ny ies gl qy irSqw Tukrw idqw ik cMdU ny gurU Gr pRqI bhuq hI GtIAw Sbd
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Issue 5
July 2010
vrqy sn [ ies ny vI keI JUTy ieljwm qy iSkwieqW bwdSwh pws lweIAW ik gurU jI Apxy gRMQ ivc muslmwn
mirAwdw nUM burw Blw kih rhy hn [ ihMdU AvqwrW dI vI inKydI kr rhy hn [ smyN dI srkwr dy iKlwP jMqw nUM
BVkw rhy hn [ ies auTdI Awvwj nUM bMd krvwieAw jwvy [
auprokq iSkwieqW dw Asl kwrx gurU jI dw aucwirAw ieh Sbd Bwsdw hY [ jo ienHW ktVpMQIAW nUM jihr ligAw :
BYrau mhlw 5 ]
vrq n rhau n mh rmdwnw ]iqsu syvI jo rKY indwnw ]1]
eyku gusweI Alhu myrw ]ihMdU qurk duhW nybyrw ]1] rhwau ]
hj kwbY jwau n qIrQ pUjw ]eyko syvI Avru n dUjw ]2]
pUjw krau n invwj gujwrau ]eyk inrMkwr ly irdY nmskwrau ]3]
nw hm ihMdU n muslmwn ]Alh rwm ky ipMfu prwn ]4]
jdoN vI sMswr ivc s~c dI Awvwj sUrj vWg auTdI hY qW smyN dI srkwr iesnUM brdwSq nhIN kr skdI[ ausnUM ApxI hoNd dw Kqrw
bx jWdw hY [ p~Cm ivc sukrwq nUM s~c bolx Kwqr zihr dw ipAwlw pIxw ipAw [eIsw msIh nUM sUlI qy cVnw ipA [muq~sbI
mulwixAw nUM vI ies s~c dI Awvwz, jo gurU Arjn dyv jI bulMd kr rhy sn [bhuq kOVI qy auhnW dI AihmIAq GtwauNdI lgI so
aus nUM vkq dy hukmrwn bwdSwh jhWgIr nUM jo ienHW mOlwixAW dI Sih qy rwj kr irhw sI nUM kdI bhwny bxw ky aukswieAw qy aus
qoN gurUu jI dI hsqI Kqm krn dw hukmnwmw kFwieAw ik ies qoN bgwvq dI bO AwauNdI hY qy sjw mOq hY [
jhWgIr ny Awpxy rojnwmcy “quzik-jhWgIrI” ivc ies dw kuJ iesqrHW ijkr kIqw hY [ BweI vIr isMG jI ny aus Purmwn dw
aul`Qw kIqw hY !
“goieMdvwl, jo dirAw ibAws dy kMfy qy siQq hY, pIrW bjurgW dy Bys ivc (gurU) Arjn nwm dw iek ihMdU rihMdw sI [ ausny bhuq
swry Boly-Bwly ihMdU qy bysmJ mUrK muslmwnW nUM Awpxy qrIikAW dw isdkI bxw, AwpxI bzurgI qy Kudw nwl nzdIkI dw Fol bhuq
aucw vjwieAw hoieAw sI [ lok ausnUM siqgurU kihMdy sn qy swry pwisAW qoN PrybI qy Pryb dy pujwrI aus pws Aw ky pUrw ieqkwd
zwihr krdy sn [ iqMn cwr pIVIAW qoN iek JUT dI dukwn grm sI [kwPI dyr qoN myry mn ivc ieh iKAwl AWdw sI ik ieh JUT dI
dukwn nUM bMd kIqw jwvy jW aus nUM muslmwnW dy m~q ivc ilAwieAw jwvy [
ienHW idnHW ivc (myrw puq~r) Kusro bgwvq krky ies dy fyry pu~jw [ ies (gurU) Arjn ny Kusro dy m~Qy kysr dw iqlk lwieAw qy aus
dI mwlI iemdwd vI kIqI [ jd ieh Kbr myrI kMnI peI, mYN ausdy JUT nUM cMgI qrHW jwxdw sW so mY qurMq hukm kIqw aus nUM bMdI
bxw hwzr kIqw jwvy [ausdw mws Asbwb qy b~cy murqjw KW dy hvwly krky knMUn “Xwsw” Anuswr kVI sjw dy ky Kqm kr idqw
jwvy !”
ieh swry Purmwn nUM isry cwVn leI murqzw KW ny gurU jI nUM AMimRqsr qoN lhOr ilAWdw qy dIvwn cMd dy hvwly kr id~qw [ aus ny
hI gurU jI nUM aubldI dyg ivc aubwilAw, q~qI qvI qy ibTwieAw, qpdI ryq dy kVCy srIr qy pvwey [ qIjy idn ClnI hoey srIr nUM
dirAw rwvI ivc fob idqw [
SWqI dy puMj DMn DMn gurU Arjn dyv jI ieh sB kSt shwrdy hoey vwihgurU dy Bwxy ivc AfOl rhy qy “qyrw kIAw mITw lwgy” dI Dun
hI Alwpdy hry [JUTI hkUmq vloN ieh julm krn dI A~q sI pr gurU jI ny iKVy m~Qy julm sihx dI vI A~q kr ivKweI [ srb
SkqImwn huMidAW vI vwihgurU nUM A~g SWq krn leI Ardws nhIN kIqI [ikauNik aunHW AwpUM imswl bxw ky Awaux vwly isrVI s~cy
isKW dw isdk pkw krnw sI [ iesy leI hI sdw auhnW nUM “ShIdW dw isrqwj” kih ky Xwd krdy hW [
kroVW vwr aunHW nUM ies cwnx munwrw bnMx qy fMfauq bMdnw, nmskwr hY [
Bin mQurw kCu Bydu nhI guru Arjunu prqK´ hir ]
not:-Xwsw dy knUMn nUM mMgol kbIly dy hukmrwn cMgyz KW ny 13vIN sdI iv~c lwgU kIqw sI [ ieh knUMn iksy mzHbI AwgU jW bhuq
v~fI rUhwnI qwkq rKx vwly PkIr jW sMq leI vriqAw jWdw sI [ jdoN iksI AYsy ivAkqI dIAW hrkqW inrol rqjnIqk hox qy
hkUmq dy kMmW iv~c rukwvtW pwauNdIAW hox qW ausdw piv~qr KUn zmIn qy ful~x nw idqw jwvy Aqy pwxI iv~c aubwl ky jW hor qsIhy
dy ky dirAw dy fUMgy pwxI iv~c su~t ky srIr dw AMq kIqw jwvy [
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DMn gurU Arjn dyv jI ShIdW dy isrqwj
- SrnjIq kOr
ipqw gurU rwmdws jI Aqy mwqw BwnI dIAW AKW dy qwry sI,
DMn gurU Arjn dyv sB leI hrmn ipAwry sI [
15 ApRYL 1563 eI: dw auh suBwgw idhwVw sI,
jd gurU Arjn dyv jI ny ies DrqI qy Avqwr DwirAw sI [
nwnw gurU Amrdws jI dw jd mMjw Awp ny ihlwieAw sI,
doihqw bwxI kw boihQw kih ky Awp vifAwieAw sI [
“gurU gRMQ” swihb jI dI sQwpnw krky ieh vwk s~c kr ivKwieAw sI,
vyKo nwnw jI dI BivK-bwxI nUM hjUr ny s~c kr ivKwieAw sI [
2312 Sbd 31 rwgW ivc aucwry sn Awp ny,
jo su~cy moqIAW dI qrHW gurU gRMQ swihb ivc proey sn Awp ny [
“mwqw gMgw jI” dy isr dy isrqwj sn Awp,
“hir goibMd swihb jI” dy ipqw rUpI mwx sn Awp [
suKmnI swihb dI bwxI ivc jIvn dw swr id~qw,
prmwqmw, sMqW, BgqW qy gurU dw sumyl smJw id~qw [
SihnSwh jhWgIr dy rwj kwl dw auh smW sI,
cMdU jhWgIr dw bVw v~fw cw-plUsIAw smiJAw jWdw sI [
injI svwrQ dI Kwqr pMjvyN nwnk jI qy kihr krvw id~qw,
qsIihAW BrI ShIdI dw hukm Awp leI suxvw id~qw [
jhWgIr vI Gt Akl dw mwlk hI inkilAw sI,
hwV mhIny dI vrHdI A~g vI nw vyKI jwlm ny,
siqgurU jI nUM q~qI qvI qy ibTw grm ryq sIs qy pvweI jwlm ny [
aubldy pwxI dI dyg iv~c ibTw ky kihr dw AMq hI kmw id~qw,
gurU jI ny siqgurU dw Bwxw im~Tw mMnx dw aupdyS sWeIN mIAW mIr nUM s~mJw id~qw [
AMq rwvI dirAw iv~c ieSnwn krn Awp cly gey,
ShIdI dw jwm pI ky “Srn” dw ihrdw jKmI kr gey [
jY hovy, jY hovy „gurU Arjn dyv jI” Awp dI jY hovy,
s`B dyvqy P`ul vrsWaNudy “gurU Arjn dyv” quhwfI jY hovy [
Correction:
The article sRI gurU gRMQ swihb dIAwN ivAwiKAw pRxwlIAwN in the April 2010 issue of Sandesa was written by S. Phula Singh.
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Place: GNFA Khalsa School
Trailer #4, door 2
Time : 10:45 to 12:00 noon every Sunday
The classes are open for all age groups!
Requirements:
Regular in attendance
Able to read Gurmukhi
During class we will be learning about:
Overall organization & structure of Guru Granth Sahibji
Gurbani’s significance
Vyakaran or grammar
Ucharan or pronunciation
Arth bodh , Vocabulary
You will need:
Prof Sahib Singhji's satik/pothi #1 for all to start with
Rahey-al ( wooden stand for pothis)
For more information:
S. Phula Singh Ji
Jatinder Dusaj Ji (410-551-8010)
DHARMIK COMMITTEE, GNFA
There‘s an information packed website
…70,000 hits since June 2009
…Upcoming events calendar
…Archived kirtan diwans
…Committee information
…Sandesa newsletter
…Langar bookings
…and much, much more!
Visit the GNFA website !
www.gnfa.org
and stay informed!
www.gnfa.org
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Khalsa School Diary
With the grace of Waheguru, GNFA Khalsa School has stood the test of time. Except for the damaged trailer, it has been smooth sailing. Years of hard work, careful planning and implementation of
school polices by sevadaars is reflected in multiple ways. It has not only helped our youth connect
with their Sikhi tradition, culture, history and language but has inspired our youth to appreciate and
understand the need to preserve and follow the teachings of the Gurus. This is no less than a Renaissance. The days of identity crisis, lack of belonging, living as foreigners in America is giving way to
acceptance of our rich Sikhi roots and living as Americans Sikhs.
GNFA Khalsa School was the first school to adopt the The Sojhi Curriculum developed by Sikh Research Institute. This has come as a blessing for teachers and students bored by traditional out-dated
teaching methods followed by gurdwara- run sunday schools. The enrollment for the year 2009-2010
was 165. All classes were packed to capacity. The grades go from kindergarten through sixth. This
year, those graduating from the sixth grade will move up to seventh grade. Twenty teachers and a
seven- member school committee headed by S.Gajinder Singh, the coordinator of the Education Committee, have been tirelessly working for this cause. Some teachers have been with the school for over
six years. We at Khalsa School, have a nice tradition of recognizing the teachers and appreciating
the efforts put in by the students. We have pizza treats and bowling outings.
The school, organized two special workshops this year: A workshop ―Getting to Know Waheguru‖by
Jasmine Kaur(Sikh Ri) was held especially for young children, ages 6-10. The workshop was unique as
the children walked through a Shabad by Bhagat Kabir ji, using materials from nature. A Gurmat
Sangeet workshop by Prof. Surinder Singh (Raj Academy,London) was held April. The call was to revive Gurus‘ musicology and the use of string instruments while performing kirtan. Both the workshops
were highly motivating for young and old alike.
Our new school year 2010-2011 begins after Labor Day. Registrations will be open on all Sundays in
August. The registration fee is $150.00 per student payable to GNFA. We have a new trailer in the
process of being installed to replace the damaged one. Now, do we need a new school building? The
debate continues as we go on with our share of good work here with the grace of Waheguru.
Raj Academy Workshop
Sikh Research Institute Workshop
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Issue 5
July 2010
Exam Time
Exam done—Bowling fun
Teacher Recognition—Sarbpreet Singh
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I Find Hope in History
Opinion by a local Sikh Youth
Througout our history, we have faced numeous adversaries both internally and externally, from a time when
Sikhs were hunted under the tyranny of the Mughal rulers, to the mid-1800s when Sikhs faced the British Army, who
very cleverly divided and dismantled the legendary Sikh Raj. Then in 1984, thousands of Sikhs were killed at the
hands of their own government. Twenty-six years later, the families of those massacred in 1984 still wait for justice.
The western world has given the Sikh community an opportunity to succeed financially and to practice their faith
freely, yet at the same time, Sikhs in the U.S and elsewhere have become targets to hate crimes and discrimination at
their schools and their work places. As we struggle to maintain a balance between the western society and our Sikhi,
we neglect the importance of passing on our Sikh traditions and culture to our children. In other words, the seeds we
sow today will determine the fruits we bear tomorrow. The future of Sikhi depends on our investment in the Sikh
Youth.
Anger seems to stir up in many Sikh households over the keeping of kes. Many parents try in more ways than one to
make sure their children maintain their Sikh identity, while the children, due to many factors, are rebelling and letting
go of their Sikh identity. On the other hand, many families, fearful that their children will not overcome the many
challenges that come with keeping kes, cut their childrens‘ kes, thus removing the opportunity to walk on the path of
their ancestors. The debate of keeping or not keeping kes is not an issue in the opinion of my grandmother. She says
that ―If Sikh‘s kept their identity through so many tough times, how come living in America where people sport pink
and green hair and so many others can be accepted then why would you cut your hair? You look beautiful with your
dastaar.‖ She shares these anecdotes with us every time the family talks about a Sangat member letting go of their
Sikh identity. It is fairly a black and white issue for my grandmother, but for the Sikh youth of today, there are many
gray areas like peer pressure, fear, popular trends, lack of knowledge/inspiration, role models and support that
come into play.
Peer pressure plays an important role in the strengths and weaknesses of a child‘s personality. This does not imply
that having a group of Sikh friends ensures that your child will maintain a Sikh identity but surrounding your child with
Sikh friends provides a positive platform through which he/she can grow and actively learn more about Sikhi.There
are so many examples of Sikhs that grew up in small towns and went to school where they were the only brown face
around and did not stray away from Sikhi. A friend that accepts you for who you are and is willing to stand up for
your right to your identity is a true friend.
At a young age, the meaning of a true friend is limited to similar interests in cars, clothes, activities, food, and many
other things that really matter to the growing child. Many times parents turn a blind eye or are unaware of their childrens‘ activities, their friends and their company. Peer pressure can make or break your child‘s life, whether it is a
Sikh lifestyle or a healthy lifestyle in general. A monkey see, monkey do theory applies here; a simple example is
the clothes that are sometimes a norm within western society have made their way to Sikh homes today. A desire to
assimilate has made it possible for Sikh parents to allow their sons and daughters to wear clothes they were never
allowed to wear when they were growing up. The Sikh youth should not need to assimilate to a point where they lose
touch with their own traditions and culture in order to fit into another. This requires equilibrium between the two cultures that the Sikh youth experience everyday and will only be reached if we actively keep tract of it.
As commonly seen in many Punjabi populated areas in the west, as well as in India, there exists a generational
change in the appearance of a Sikh. This is in reference to the popular trend of three generations of men where the
grandfather is seen with a beard and turban; followed by his son with a turban but trimmed beard and finally the
grandson who in a crowd of merely 5 men could not be identified as a Sikh. This point cannot be emphasized
enough. There are countless examples exhibited in our history that our identity is unique and a gift from Guru Sahib
that we should uphold with great honor. Why should we relinquish it so carelessly when our Shaheeds have sacrificed
their lives in order to preserve it?
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This is where role models play a very important role in the lives of children. As children, one of our most important
teachers is the television and the people on it; whether it is wrestlers, sports stars, actors, actresses or singers. I remember growing up with my room wall filled with famous wrestlers and maybe a basketball player or two – over
the years however, those posters got replaced with those of revolutionaries like the Sahibzade, Baba Deep Singh,
Mai Bhago, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and others who I find a sense of belonging and inspiration in. While attending Sikh camps all over the country, I have found inspiration in young children
who stand proud of their Sikh identity and do not shy away from letting their American friends know why they wear
a kirpan or keep their kes.
While writing this article I distracted myself at least 12 times with Facebook and texting, both of which are slowly
replacing verbal communication. While it is becoming easier to connect to friends and family through this new technology, the up and coming generation of children are unable to verbally communicate with their friends, family and
teachers due to a constant addiction to acronym based messaging and social networking. The Internet has made
many things a lot easier for us than they used to be and the possibilities are endless, but it has also given children a
secure place within which they can lead their private lives that their parents might be unaware of.
Finally there are our institutions, Gurudwaras, which have a huge responsibility to the youth. Many Sikh youth see no
purpose in attending programs at Gurudwara anymore. There seems to be something that is pushing the youth away
from the Gurudwara and becoming a part of the Sangat. We seem to have been successful in building Gurudwaras
for the future but have ignored to lay a strong foundation for these buildings i.e. the Sikh youth. Our focus remains on
everything but activities involving the youth, a few events a year does not cut it for children who have other options
like parties, clubs, Facebook and television to go to regularly. A constant and regular encouragement and enforcement has to be there to ascertain that the youth feels a sense of belonging at the Gurudwara. As we make investments in our 401K and other retirements plans to secure a comfortable future, the Sikh youth of today needs the
same attention, if not more, than some of us give to our financial security. In simple words, close your eyes and think
of what would your local Gurudwara be like in the next 50 years. Would your children even be a part of the Sangat? Would they help run the Gurudwara, organize youth camps, or teach at the Khalsa School? For those of you
who can proudly say yes of course, your job is not done, the children around you at Gurudwara are like your children too and are the future of Sikhi.
In conclusion when we look at Sikh history, we see that throughout tough times the Sikh nation has maintained a state
of ―Chardi Kala‖ and a state of unity in the face of many injustices. The Sikhs grew stronger after every blow the
oppressor hit them with. Sit back and think about our history where Bhai Taru Singh rather have his scalp removed
than give up his faith, where Guru Arjan Dev Ji was tortured to martyrdom and did not blink, and where Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist, very aware of the dangers to his life, stood up for the murder of innocent
Sikhs and resulted in his own disappearance and murder. This is a drop in the ocean glimpse of our history; our long
list of sacrifices never ceases to end whether it is on the front lines of Kargil or in Haiti doing humanitarian work. Sikhi
is born out of love, sacrifice and honor; and our history has painted a perfect picture of that, but it is our duty to
maintain that image and keep the message timeless.
Note: This opinion piece is a brief glimpse at some of the issues that the Sikh youth face today. The purpose of this is
not to hurt the sentiments of the reader but to bring about a sense of urgency to protect the Sikh way of life.
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Renaissance in Gurmat Sangeet
by Harsharan Kaur
Among young kirtanye of the Sikh diaspora, a most heartening trend is evident. Gurmat sangeet – sacred Sikh heritage
music – is undergoing a revival. Drawing inspiration from kirtanye like Bhai Avtar Singh-Bhai Gurcharan Singh, Sikh
youth are increasingly drawn to listening and performing shabad kirtan as per the tradition established by the Gurus.
The 6th Annual Washington Capital Sikh Youth Kirtan Sammelan provided an excellent example of this revival. Held on
May 29, 2010 at Guru Nanak Foundation of America in Silver Spring, Maryland, this event drew 150 participants, up
from 75 in its inaugural sammelan in 2005. Youth participated in the competition in three age groups: Juniors (7-10
yrs.), Intermediates (11-14 yrs.) and Seniors (15-18 yrs.). Youth younger and older than these age groups were invited
to participate as guest jathas. These participants ranged in age from 4 years to 25 years.
Ten organizations sent participants: Gurmat Sangeet Project - Boston, Bridgewater Gurdwara (Nirmol Jatha) - New Jersey, Sangat of York - Pennsylvania, National Gurdwara – DC, Guru Angad Institute of Sikh Studies(GAISS) - Virginia,
Sikh Sangat of Virginia, Washington Sikh Center - Maryland, Sri Harmandir Sahib Academy -MD, Raag Rattan Jatha MD, and the hosts, Guru Nanak Foundation of America (GNFA) - MD. The jathas were judged on a detailed and rigorous set of criteria that included elements such as purity of sur (notes), accuracy of taal (rhythm), shudh uchharan (accurate
pronounciation), mangalacharan (invocation slok) and several others. Jathas were required to sing the shabad in the nirdharit raag, that is, the raag specified in the sirlekh(heading) of the shabad in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Shabad recitations were performed in the following raags : Bilawal, Bhairo, Todi, Sarang, Kalyan, Dhanasri, Kedara, Gujri, Kannada,
Basant, Asavari, Jaijawanti, Jaitsree, Ramkali and Tilang.
The invited professional jatha was that of Bhai Manpreet Singh, ex-faculty, Department of Gurmat Sangeet in Punjabi
University, Patiala, and now based in New Jersey. This young kirtanya‟s soulful kirtan was much appreciated by the sangat. He was ably accompanied on vocals by Bhai Jaswinder Singh Rathour, Director of Swar Sangeet Academy in Virginia, and on tabla by Bishen Singh (GNFA) and Bhai Sawinder Singh (Sri Harmandir Sahib Academy). Closing remarks
were given by two well-known figures in the gurmat sangeet community. Sardar Baldev Singh of Chicago, who has built
a large collection of gurmat sangeet recordings, described gurmat sangeet as ―a mechanism of communicating a powerful message that Guru Nanak developed.‖ Sardar Sarbpreet Singh of the Gurmat Sangeet Project) of Boston, commended the young kirtanye for being ― a part of a global renaissance in gurmat sangeet.‖
A central part in the success of the sammelan is played by the hazoori raagis of GNFA – Bhai Jagmohan Singh ji, Bhai
Harmohan Singh ji and Bhai Harvinder Singh ji. They contribute generously in time and talent, coaxing, encouraging,
teaching and inspiring the youth to stay deeply engaged with gurmat sangeet.
The sammelan is organized by the dharmik committee of GNFA. It is held annually on the Saturday of the Memorial Day
weekend. This year‘s sammelan as well as earlier ones have been archived both on www.passionfortruthtv.com and
www.gnfa.org.
Junior Jathas: 1st Place & Outstanding Achievement Award: Guru Nanak Foundation of America,MD: Tara K. Khanuja, Satkaran K. Khanuja, Preeta Singh & Nihal Khurana. 2nd Place: Guru Nanak Foundation of America, MD -Saihajleen K. Bahra, Avneet K.Bahra, Jaskeerat K. Sian, Malika K. Ubhi, Nihal Khurana, Manveer Singh & Arjan Singh.
3rd Place: National Gurdwara, DC -- Karandeep Singh, Simer Kaur, Mohmeet Singh, Manvir Singh & Simer
Kaur.
Intermediate Jathas: 1st place and Outstanding Achievement Award: Gurdwara Bridgewater, NJ--Nirmol Jatha:
Prachi Makkar, Anmol Kaur, Harjot S. Sidhu & Surya Makkar.
2nd Place: Sri Harmandir Sahib Academy, MD: Amanpreet Kaur, Jasleen Kaur,Amandeep Kaur, Manpreet Singh, Amolak Singh & Mansimran Kaur. 3rd Place:Washington Sikh Center, MD ,and Guru Angad Institute of Sikh Studies, VA-Sajjan Singh, Jeevan Singh, Kiran Kaur &Saminder Singh.
Senior Jathas: 1st place and Outsanding Achievement Award: Guru Nanak Foundation of America, MD: Ramneek
Kaur, Harleen Kaur, Amolak Singh, Nihal Singh & Navraj Singh. 2nd Place: National Gurdwara DC: Jasleen Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Gagandeep Singh, Amandeep Singh, & Jolainder Kaur.
3rd Place: Guru Nanak Foundation of America, MD: Surjit Singh, Manpreet S.Gujral, & Narjit Singh.
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Issue 5
July 2010
1st Place , Juniors, GNFA
2nd Place , Intermediates, Sri Harmandir Sahib Academy
1st Place , Intermediates, Bridgewater Gurdwara, NJ
3rd Place , Juniors, National Gurdwara, DC
1st Place , Seniors, GNFA
3rd Place , Intermediates, Washington Sikh Center
Pictures by Sirmukh S. Manku
Guest Jatha, GAISS
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July 2010
www.gnfa.org
Compiled by Ravneet Singh & Sameena Kaur
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Treasurer’s Report : Income/Expense, Jan - May, 2010
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July 2010
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Issue 5
July 2010
Parents‘ Corner
Chores is Not an Ugly Word
FACT: In 1976, 42 percent of 12th-grade students performed daily household chores; in 1999, only 24 percent
reported doing daily household chores.
Chores: Hardly anyone likes to do them, but they have to get done. Chores teach adolescents a variety of life lessons. They learn the importance of cooperation and self-reliance. They also gain the confidence they need to live
an independent life. And handling chores among their other responsibilities teaches them valuable planning and
scheduling skills. So how do we help our children learn to embrace this less-than-thrilling aspect of daily life?
Positive Family Communication: You can create a climate in which chores are expected, a part of family life.
You may want to ask your children to pick two different chores to do each week. This way they will feel included in
the decision making. Assigning chores can be a good time to talk about gender roles. Girls and boys should share
the same tasks and not be given certain duties because of their gender. Girls can do basic repairs and yard
work, and boys can do cooking and laundry. Both boys and girls need to know how to do each of these jobs.
Responsibility: Chores are an excellent way to teach young people responsibility. They learn to become an integral part of a smooth-running household. This will be invaluable when they move out and live with other roommates
or on their own. Model responsibility in your daily life. Make an effort to get your own chores done.
Family Support: Doing big chores as a group can be a way to bring the family together. For example, plan to
clean out the garage together and make a day of it. Order a pizza, crank up the radio. Encourage your children
and everyone in the family to do little things daily. This teaches basic thoughtfulness. If the trash can is full,
empty it. If you use the last of the toilet paper, get out a fresh roll. And remember to praise your adolescent for
doing a good job. It‘s always nice to feel appreciated.
Some chores that are age appropriate for adolescents:
. Meal preparation: budgeting and shopping for meals; cooking; setting and clearing the
table; serving; cleaning up.
. Cleaning: of their own room; of family areas, including bathroom and kitchen; straightening up; dusting; vacuuming.
. Laundry: sorting by color; washing and drying; folding; putting away.
. Maintenance: yard work; painting; simple repairs; car maintenance; car washing.
. Child care: help with younger brothers and sisters.
. Pet care.
. Recycling.
Once adolescents move on to life after high school, they‘ll be grateful for the basic living skills you‘ve taught them.
From When Parents Ask for Help: Everyday Issues through an Asset-Building Lens, copyright 2003 by Search Institute.
800.888.7828. This handout may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only.
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Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Naam Mission: Healing through Gurbani
The Dharmik Committee hosted a healing camp by the Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Naam Mission at GNFA on July 2526, 2010.
Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Naam Mission is a trust that is dedicated to helping cure people of incurable diseases with
the help of Gurbani. Through the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib we learn that the cause of sickness is
forgetting God and the cure lies in remembering Him. This method of cure makes no distinction of religion, caste,
creed, status, or gender. Anybody and everybody can benefit from this method. The service of Guru is to follow his
teachings in letter and spirit.
This method of cure was defined and initiated by S. Hardial Singh IAS Retd. in 1983. He suffered from heart
enlargement and used to have fever even after mild exertion. He could not be cured with any system of medicine
even by the top most men in the respective fields. He prayed at a historic place sanctified by Sri Guru Gobind
Singh Ji at Gurdwara Paonta Sahib. He got well and his heart size was reduced to normal. He tried this method of
cure under the supervision of expert doctors of Medical College Amritsar and he found similar results. On the
request of patients, the Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Nam Mission was founded by him. Now this mission has many
branches in India and abroad.
What is the medicine or Name Divine? All the verses contained in Guru Granth Sahib are Name Divine. Any one can
choose any verse that would be equally powerful as a medicine. For the convenience of all the world community,
some verses from Guru Granth Sahib related to healing have been chosen by the mission.
This method can be followed by anyone. Singing-listening-love form the basics of healing through Gurbani.The
instructions are simple:
1.Form a group and make copies of the shabads/verses so that all can read and recite
together. One can recite it alone if no other person is available to give you company.
2. No restrictions for taking bath. You can adopt any posture convenient to you.
3. Cover your head while reciting Bani.
4. Correct pronunciation of the verses is emphasized. Sing in a way that any person
can write your spoken words. Listen to the sung words with love.
Dr. Balwant Singh has been holding 5 day healing camps since 1987 regularly
at Ludhiana. Free boarding and lodging are provided to all. To look into testimonials of people cured by
Gurbani, please visit website www.gurunanakhealing.com. People with
diseases like muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes type 1 and 2, celiac disease
sleep apnea, collagen disease, brain cancer, stomach cancer, multiple myeloma and many
other diseases have been cured.
A local Sarab Rog ka Aukhad Nam Mission was formed by Sangat of Maryland on November 2009. Sessions
are held every Saturday either at a local gurudwara sahib
or at the house of a satsangi. Sikhs and non-Sikhs all are welcome. The core sevadaar
group also does the seva of visiting homes of ailing or terminally sick patients,reciting
Bani and praying for the sick. If you would like to participate or volunteer, please e-mail at
[email protected].
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July 2010
Interview with Dr. Balwant Singh
Dr. Balwant Singh, son of Giani Bhagat Singh and Bibi Sant Kaur, was born in
1947 in Said Pur, District Kapurthala, Punjab, India. He. is a medical practitioner
with a degree of MBBS from PU Chandigarh. He served in AMC in Army for 5 years
from 1970-1975. He had the opportunity to serve in the borders during 1971 Indo Pak
war for more than three years. When Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Nam Mission came into
being at Ludhiana. He received active inspiration and guidance from the founder of
the mission S Hardial Singh Ji IAS throughout this time. He had been closely observing
and scrutinizing the healing process of patients through Gurbani for the last 21 years.
He is the pioneer among doctors who had done this work.
What motivated you to join the Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Naam mission?
My elder brother, S.Hardial Singh IAS, then Secretary Education Pb Govt. who had founded the Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad
Nam Mission in Chandigarh in 1983 was interested in spreading the message. He asked me to join him for that and I was
not convinced with his observations that Gurbani can heal all diseases. I was reluctant but my wife, Mrs.Harmit Kaur who
headed the post graduate institution at Ludhiana joined his efforts. Then 1st healing camp was organized at Ludhiana in
1987 under the supervision of S. Hardial Singh ji. The results were stunning for me, about 10 patients of incurable diseases
had participated and all had substantial and remarkable relief. Then my turn around and motivation came about.
What mechanism accounts for healing through Gurbani?
It defies all logical and scientific reasoning. It is beyond me to explain the instant & fast relief we have seen repeatedly..
No body has understood God. Gurbani is God and impossible to comprehend. What I learnt through healing camps are
the following factors which could be responsible for healing:
A. To believe that Gurbani is super power, and keep listening and singing even if you cannot comprehend it.
B. To follow the guidelines of Gurbani after understanding the directives. And I have seen the benefits are proportional
to your complete submission to the orders of Gurbani.
C. To recite or sing Gurbani in a way so that one can write it, read it, and keep repeating the hymns in correct pronunciated form. So it is important to care to read Bani as Guruji wrote it with all laga maatra and bindees without altering it.
(We don‘t pronounce all laga maatras and add bindees as per the spoken language of today). This concept needs to be
changed.
What has been the reaction of physicians in India and in the West to the camps?
The physicians in India are yet to agree with this and not ready to accept it. We have seen patients coming from hospitals
to us and physicians could not explain the relief of healed patients. We are here to treat the patients not the doctors. We
would be able to involve more doctors in seminars which can be held in our up coming prestigious Centre, Guru Amar Dass
Rog Niwaran Kendre, Neelon Kalan, Ludhiana. The doctors in USA are more receptive & inclined to listen and understand
this concept.
What would you say to someone who has confidence solely in modern medicine and is skeptical about healing
through a non-medical approach?
I would request him and his relatives to continue with the medication they are having, so there is no risk involved. As an
experiment the patient himself or his relatives can attend the healing sessions for about 5 days. If they don‘t find any
change then they may not believe in this effect of Bani in healing and continue their medical treatment. I must tell you so
far we have not seen a single patient who was not relieved of his problems to a large extent in more than 23 years of
service. You would be surprised even surgical cases got substantial relief.
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Gurdev Singh Basi (1934-2010)
Gurdev Singh Basi, MA, LLB, whose passion for honesty led him across the atlantic seas, died at the age of 76 in
the arms of his loving wife. He had only been home three hours when he began to feel shortness in breath. The
primary cause of death was determined to be arrythmia.
Mr. Basi was born on February 1, 1934, in the village of Jandiala, Punjab, India. Soon after his birth, his mother
took him to Burma to join his father and his grandparents, who had a well established steel manufacturing business. At tender age of five, accompanied by his grandmother, he returned to the village of Bundala in Punjab.
His mother had decided to stay back in Burma. The aspect of separation from his mother at such an early age
would hound him for the rest of his life.
He completed his elementary and high school education in Bundala. This is where his interest in Journalism took
roots. He was a gifted story-teller. At mere age of seven, using wooden pens and water ink (Kalam & Sihai), he
handwrote a paper which described local domestic news and village activities. He read the paper in the village
square and held a question and answer session. He was a phenomenon and word spread to nearby villages.
Soon after, locals and nearby villagers gathered daily to hear the happenings on both the local and the national
level. Not only could he read and write beautifully, he could tell a great story.
His passion for journalism led him to the position of Professor of Journalism at the Punjab University in Chandigarh
in 1962. During his lifetime, he held the position of editor for several punjabi newsapers and magazines as well
as for the daily magazine of the Congress party published in english. In 1958, he created and edited Vartman, a
punjabi newspaper, in 1968 he published and edited Sangharsh, and in 1970, he developed and edited another
punjabl weekly. He authored several poems, essays and short stories.
Mr. Basi was a close personal friend and a confiadant of Giani Zail Singh, the late President of India. Gianiji, as
he was often called, consulted Mr. Basi before making any political moves. Gianiji respected and admired Mr.
Basi's insightfulness and intelligence. Gianiji refused to move forward without first discussing at length the pros
and cons of a decision with Mr. Basi.
Prior to migrating to United States in 1973, he served as the Public Relations Officer in the Punjab School Education Board in Chandigrah. He was strongly against corruption, bribery and lies. He was not afraid of challenging
positions of authority. On occassion, he would advise his boss against taking an unlawful step. He was open and
honest and liked to surround himself with people who were honest.
Mr. Basi influenced many to achieve the highest and the best. His motto was to live a simple yet fuller life. He was
an intellectual who believed that education was a treasure that can not be stolen. This was evidenced in his personal life. He had three advanced degrees and a degree in law. He was never seen without a dictionary, a book,
a paper or a magazine in his hands. On his grandkids brithdays, he bought books as gifts not toys or clothes. He
valued classic lierature, biographies, religious and political studies. Lately, he was re-reading and analyzing the
Guru Granth Sahib.
He lived his life to the fullest and is sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife Rajwant, his brother Manohar,
his brother-in-law Nirmal Singh, daughters Sujita and Archana, his son Guriqbal, grandkids Eric, Daniel, G. Blake,
H. Gwendolyn and Julia and several family and friends.
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With a
beaming
smile, he
would greet
everyone:
How U
Doin’?
Prabhjot Singh
(1980 – 2010)
Prabhjot Singh – an affable young man and a member of G.N.F.A Sikh Sangat was gunned down by robbers while defending his father in his Check Cashing store in Washington, D.C. on June 17, 2010.
30 year old Prabhjot – popularly known as „Rajan‟ or „Raja‟ by his friends and acquaintances was working
in his store, while two robbers struck his father, Prithvi Paul Singh on the head with the back of a gun and
demanded money. Rajan tried to defend his father in the true spirit of a Sikh and in the struggle that ensued; the robbers shot and killed him.
A true believer in the letter and spirit of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Prabhjot always believed in doing an honest
work to earn a living and helped the needy. Humbleness was his forte. Respect for the elderly was his family heritage. His readiness to fulfill any task assigned to him was his virtue.
As a testimony to his good deeds, the diversity of his well wishers could be seen at the time of his funeral,
which was largely attended by not only a big part of G.N.F.A. Sangat but also by the people from the
area in which he worked – namely N.E. part of Washington, D.C. The Antim Ardas was held at G.N.F.A.
Gurdwara on June 27, 2010 and was largely attended.
May his soul rest in peace and may Waheguru give him a place at His feet so that he may be salvaged
from the circle of birth and death.
Prabhjot Remembered :- Quotes by Neighbors (Excerpted from Press)
"He was a very, very good man and this is
sad and our community is going to suffer."
Brenda Garret.
“He was a very good person. He would
help the homeless like give them jobs
sweeping the parking lot out front.”
Hoan Lai
"If you need somebody he be there for you. I been
knowing him for six year...this man didn't never turn
nobody down. He never did." Diane Kibler
“He was the type of guy that once you got familiar with
him, if you don‟t have food in your house or your lights
were out, he would loan you the money for it until you got
paid.”
Anette Bigesby
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31
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