The Sikh Activist Network

With Honor of Hosting Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra,

The Sikh Activist Network in association with The World Sikh Organization will be holding a 2 Day event to uncover and remember the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra and the disappearance/murders of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab.

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SCHEDULE

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DAY 1

September 11th, 1-6pm
Sheriden College (Room H131)
To Register Email:  info@sikhactivist.net

The first day will be a youth event, with free admission.  On this day, attendees will have the honor to meet with Jaswant Singh Khalra's wife and engage in a series of workshops including:

• Intimate discussion with Bibi Khalra
• Joining and working on  SAN’s first ever Graffiti Mural project
• Viewing of a Documentary Film on Torture in Punjab
• Discussing current human rights abuses in Punjab
• Meeting with those who witnessed torture by the Punjab Police

DAY 2

September 12th, 5-9pm
Dixie Gurughar, Hall #5

On the following day, The Sikh Activist Network, The World Sikh Organization, OntarioSikhs, SikhVibes and various other youth organizations will hold a Memorial Keertan in Memory of Jaswant Singh Khalra.

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What’s the Story of Jaswant Singh Khalra?

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In the late 1990′s Amnesty International named Jaswant Singh Khalra one of their Human Rights Defenders to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.  The acheivement, however was bitter-sweet.

The achievement highlighted Jaswant Singh Khalra’s unveiling of evidence regardingthe  thousands of illegal cremations/murders conducted by the Punjab Police in their cover-up to systematically target, torture and murder Punjabi Sikh Youth.  In only 1 of 17 districts in Punjab, Jaswant Singh Khalra unravelled the Punjab Polices murder of approximately 3000 youth.

After the Indian Supreme Court rejected Jaswant Singh Khalra’s effort to bring his evidence to court, stating that since the murders did not concern him directly he had no right to present them, he traveled the world to bring international attention to the issue.  In June 1995, he spoke on Canadian Parliament and in September 1995, after receiving threats from the Punjab police upon his return to Punjab, Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted.  It witness testimony it was later revealed that Jaswant Singh Khalra had been abducted by 4 Punjab Police officers on September 6th, kept in illegal custody and tortured until October 24th and murdered the same evening by the police, after being cut into pieces and thrown into the river Sutlej.  Five police officers were eventually sentenced to life in prison for his abduction and murder, but the chief architects of systematic killings, including former Punjab Police Chief KP Gill, remain free.

Even after receiving threats stating that if he did not stop his work, that he too would become an unidentified body from the Punjab Police, Jaswant Singh Khalra remained dedicated.  On the 15 year Anniversary of his Disappearance and Murder, we salute his great soul.

sooraa so pehichaaneeai j larai dheen kae haeth ||
He alone is known as a spiritual hero, who fights in defense of religion.

purajaa purajaa katt marai kabehoo n shhaaddai khaeth ||2||2||
He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle. ||2||2||

Written By: G Singh.

All Sikhs have been affected by the events of 1984 and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale. While we as Sikhs are very fortunate to have many videos, pictures, and audio files of the great Gursikhs of the time, very few video or audio clips exist which document the life of Sant Ji during the months leading up to the attacks on the Akal Takhat. During the last few days, rare footage has surfaced showing Sant Ji conducting an interview during the months preceding the attacks. They go to show his Chardi Kala, fearlessness, and never-waning spirit which continues to be an inspiration to us all.

jo inMdw kry siqgur pUry kI iqsu krqw mwr idvwvY ]
jo ni(n)dhaa karae sathigur poorae kee this karathaa maar dhivaavai ||

Written by: G Singh

The Sikh people are no strangers to religious persecution and attacks on the very principles that define their religion. Two of our Gurus gave their lives defending the rights and freedoms of not only the Sikhs, but those of other peoples as well. Our ancestors had their scalps removed, were cut limb by limb, were bricked alive, Sikh mothers watched their infant children slaughtered in front of their eyes, and our elders lived in forests surviving on a diet of leaves and tree bark. Regardless of the atrocities they suffered, our ancestors always remained in “Chardi Kala” or High Spirits and above all else, they were united as a nation. There was one thing in common with all the Sikhs endured: All attacks on their person and their religion came from external forces.

But that was then and this is now. In 2010, the vast majority of attacks on the foundations of Sikh faith are coming from those who have flowing beards, carry the 5 Ks, and are dressed in the Khalsa Bana.

For example, 15 Gurdwaras across the UK have allowed meat and/or alcohol on Gurdwara premises and in the Gurus Langar.

This is happening despite the teachings of our Gurus which strictly forbid the consumption of both and an Akal Takhat Sandesh from 2006 strictly forbidding any type of meat products being served in Gurdwaras, abandoning the principle of a low common denominator and complete exclusivity for the most common dietary restrictions in the eastern traditions.

Also, In Rochester, New York, The Gurdwara committee has banned Amritdhari Sikhs from entering the Gurdwara with their Kirpans, joining the Gurdwara Committee, or taking part in the Gurdwaras functions/activities in any way, shape, or form.  This highlights a discrimination against practicing Sikhs. Lastly, in the GTA, we have witnessed a brawl between rival committees on Gurdwara property involving weapons such as hammers and box cutters.

Now for the latest development: Surinder Singh, a ragi for Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Society of Alberta, has been allegedly caught on tape slandering Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in the Gurdwara and in a room where Pothi Sahibs, Gutka Sahibs, and Sainches of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are kept. The language used by the Ragi is highly offensive to our mothers and sisters and we can only imagine what was going through his head when he uttered such things.  Although the politics of this Gurdwara may remain unknown to many of us, it is within the right of the community to questions such behaviour and investigate the authenticity of this recording.

It is time we as a community increase the level of accountability, get together and let hold these Gurdwara committees to a standard of knowing that we will not tolerate attacks on our faith and the teachings of our Gurus and will exhaust all peaceful means to oppose their perversion of Sikh tradition and their discriminatory behaviour.

Below are the numbers of the Jathedars of the 5 Takhats to which we can voice our concerns, the numbers and addresses of the 15 Gurdwaras that have allowed meat and/or alcohol, and the Gurdwara in Edmonton which is hosting Surinder Singh. Please take time out of your day and, if possible, let these committees know that we demand the enforcement of Sikh principles in Gurdwaras, that we will not tolerate Beadbi of our Gurus and ancestors, and to demand that strict action be taken against Ragi Surinder Singh. (more…)

“SIKHS FOR JUSTICE” UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF SHRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB URGES YOU TO JOIN 1984 SIKH GENOCIDE CONFERENCE

To Recognize Sikh Massacre as “Genocide”, Recognize Sikhism as a Separate Religion.

More than 30, 000 Sikhs were massacred throughout India in 3 Days.

STAND FOR JUSTICE

Date: SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH , 2010
Time: 5:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
Contribution: $ 100  (free for students/youth)

Place: CROWN BANQUET HALL,
6835 PROFESSIONAL COURT,
MISSISSAUGA, ON
CANADA, L4V 1X6

Calling all Sikh sisters!

Find an empowering place to unite and contribute ideas on how we can improve the status of women.  Come out and join us for a  social gathering in a space only for  those who self identify as Sikh women between the ages of 15-30.

It’s important for a community to support its “local” and homegrown talent.  In todays world, the artists are the orators/storytellers of our community. With their art they act as ambassadors in telling our story to the world, while they inspire and evoke emotions right at home. With this in mind, that is why we often look to provide a platform and space for artists to showcase any positive work on this website. This time around we want to highlight the work of 2 Artists we haven’t mentioned in the past.  But, we’ll definitely be showcasing more of their stuff in the future.

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SAINT SOLDIER

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Click here to find out what inspired this track and/or download it by clicking here

Biography

Saint Soldier was born in Punjab, India in 1984, a politically tumultuous time in the country for certain ethnic and religious groups. As for many Sikh families, it was not a hospitable place to be at the time. Shortly afterwards, he and his family moved out of the country to United Arab Emirates and then to Canada to pursue better opportunities and a healthier environment. Following an enjoyable but oblivious childhood in an immigrant neighborhood in Calgary, Alberta, he moved with his family to live in British Columbia, and now resides in Coquitlam, BC. His music entails a variety of topics and has been influenced by controversial social issues that face South Asian youth of his generation, but issues that are perhaps relatable to youth from many backgrounds. The music is a rebellion against cultural and religious indoctrination of our young generation which has lead to hypocrisy and empty ritualism. As such, Saint Soldier’s music is a discussion and rebirth of old ideas in a new, more up-lifting, organic and realistic manner that young people may find they can relate to. Although he knows that the name Saint Soldier and the content of his music may not align with main-stream views, he believes he is on the right path and if anyone may not agree, he is unaffected by this.

Contact

• Facebook
• Bandcamp
• Record Label Website

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DUSTY LOOPS

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This brothers a talented, visual artists and producer, check out this video below. We’ll be posting more of his stuff shortly

Visual Art

Contact

• Website
• Myspace
• Twitter

Just heads up to all the women that KAURS UNITED TORONTO will be holding a 4 day outdoor retreat this year.  For more information visit kaursunited.org/toronto2010. The camp will be from Aug 12-15.

The information below is taken from Kaursunited.org

Mind, Body, and Soul

At this year’s Kaurs United Toronto Camp you will learn to connect and uplift your Mind, Body, and Soul. Why is this the theme of this year’s Camp? Sikh women need to enlighten their mind, let their body be natural, and reconnect their soul. We are all capable of creating an atmosphere full of energy of Love, Unity, Peace, and Happiness! The power of unity is indescribable! This spiritual awakening can only be sought if you look to grow, learn, meditate, and enlighten you Mind, Body, and Soul. Excited yet? Well keep reading forward.

Kaurs United Camps provide you with amazing sangat, inspiring and motivating workshops, personal discussions, the ultimate blessings, an awakening of the senses, and much more! The prospect to come together and unite with Sikh women in one another’s companionship doesn’t come too often. You will not only enjoy, laugh, grow, learn, but also cry, be moved by stories, and have an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

This year’s Camp is an overnight camp, held at Camp Sauline Retreat Center, and this is what you should look forward to:

• Girls and women your age who are also there to learn and grow.
• Well-organized, inspirational workshops and lectures by a variety of speakers, suited to Sikh girls and women like yourself.
• Personal discussions on a variety of topics.
• Early morning (Amrit Vela) meditation and Nitnem as well as evening Kirtan.
• Exciting recreational activities including:
  • swimming
  • yoga
  • hiking
  • arts and crafts
  • sports
  • the renowned annual Kaurs United talent show
  • and more.
• Beautiful, serene, and safe surroundings.
• The opportunity to bond with the Guru and his daughters over the course of three energizing, moving days.

Above all, before launching this adventure, Kaurs United Sevadaars took this Hukamnama to get Guru Ji’s Blessing.

“Simran in the park” is  grassroots community building. The Network will be meditating in the warm summer breeze with a crew of  youth, joined by elders strolling in the park every Wednesday this summer.

For those of you interested,  “Simran in the park” is held at the park on Kaiser Drive in Mississauga. It will continue for the duration of the summer on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm.

“Simran in the park” was amazing! Grassroots community organizing at its finest. Meditating in the warm summer breeze with a crew of  youth, joined by elders strolling in the park, was dope!

For those of you interested, this was actually the first edition of “Simran in the park” which was held at the park on Kaiser Drive in Mississauga. It will continue for the duration of the summer on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm.

Also, beginning next week, we’ll be hitting up a different park on Thursdays as well.  Who knows, maybe we’ll start doing open mics in your community park next!

Anyways, check out the images below or visit the gallery

[View with PicLens]

Jul 21, 2010 11:48 ET

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – July 21, 2010) – The Word Sikh Organization of Canada is disappointed that both Stephen Harper’s government and Michael Ignatieff’s Opposition Liberals have failed to provide proof of the so-called Sikh extremism they claim is on the rise in Canada.

The WSO, a human rights group, requested both politicians provide evidence to back-up their claims that there is growing radicalism among Canadian Sikhs. The Prime Minister’s Office responded with a form letter stating that the WSO’s “comments have been noted,” while Mr. Ignatieff’s office did not even acknowledge receipt of the letter.

“Canadian Sikhs are experiencing a backlash because of these reckless claims made by elected officials. And yet neither the Prime Minister’s Office, nor the man who wants to replace him in the job, can be bothered to furnish us with evidence, ” says WSO Senior Policy Advisor Gian Singh Sandhu. “I think they owe every Canadian evidence that what they’re saying is true.”

WSO Canada President Prem Singh Vinning adds that the baseless comments repeated in news media are encouraging attacks on a visible minority and he fears there could be serious consequence for Canada’s more than 400,000 Sikhs. The WSO has requested that these politicians either provide proof of what they’re claiming, or correct the public record.

“The hateful comments we’re seeing online are particularly ugly and they’re escalating. And they often follow news stories in which these baseless claims are made,” Mr. Vinning says. “I think it’s time for the politicians making these claims to take some responsibility for their comments and prove that what they’re saying is true.”

The WSO also notes that Vancouver Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh has been quoted in Canadian and Indian media claiming radicalism is on the rise and that even ‘peaceful campaigns’ organized by Sikhs are suspect:

“(Extremism) is much more entrenched, much more sophisticated (than it was in 1985)…it is much more moderate in appearance than you might otherwise see,” Mr. Dosanjh told the Toronto Sun. “People run peaceful campaigns and behind the peaceful campaigns is the evil design to hurt other people and to dismember other countries.”

During his speech at an Air India memorial Stephen Harper called on Canadians to marginalize “extremists…who seek to import the battles of India’s past.”

But Mr. Sandhu says the Sikh community has no idea who these supposed extremists are, and doubts they even exist.
“If Mr. Harper has evidence of terrorist activities, we would like him to make it public, otherwise his words taint the entire community unfairly.”

As Mr. Ignatieff’s bus tour makes its way across Canada and Prime Minister Harper attends various events over the summer, WSO asks Sikh Canadians to ask both leaders for evidence supporting their comments about the so-called rise in extremism in the community.

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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.