Educational
Decision to set up a Religious University
Nanded (KP) - For the 300th anniversary of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Gurgaddi Divas to take place in 2008, the Committee at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib Nanded in Maharastra, have made a decision to set up a religious university. The speakers also said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Kalgi (plume), Shastar (weapons) and other relics laying in British museums would also be brought back. The '300th Anniversary Celebrations Committee' was also formed.
Millionare Sikh to be president of CKD's UK branch
London (KP) - The youngest person to become a millionare, Mr Reuben Singh of UK is likely to be appointed first president of the 103-year-old Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), England chapter. For first time in its history, the CKD is establishing educational centers outside South Asia. It has been reported that A.P.S. Chawla of CKD-England has been in contact with Bhai Chain Singh, a senior Sikh leader of France and desired to open a unit of the CKD in Paris. Similarly, Shamsher Singh of New York had given his consent to set up a unit of the CKD in USA.
Sikh Educational bodies donate land to Punjabi University
Patiala (KP) - Punjabi University, Patiala recieved 15 acre land, worth Rs 25 crore by the management committee of Khalsa High School, Mansa, for setting up of a regional campus in the town. A separate building has been provided by the management of the school for the girls' hostel. The management of TPD Malwa College, Phul (Rampura), in Bathinda district, has also given the entire property of the college, including about 40 acres (worth Rs 50 crore) and a building of the institution, to the university. And the Vishav Gurmat Rohani Mission Charitable Trust, Ratwara Sahib gave 10 acres, worth several crores of rupees, on lease for 99 years to the university for setting up the regional campus. This comes after Punjabi University opened Guru Gobind Singh Rural University at Talwandi Sabo ('Guru Ki Kanshi') located in Bhatinda district, meant for students from the poor families.
Community
40 Muktas' Martyrdom Day to be observed
Amritsar (KP) - The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Bibi Jagir Kaur, today appealed to Sikh sangat on Tuesday to reach Muktsar where 300th martyrdom day of 40-muktas is to be observed from May 1. According to a press release, the SGPC chief said on May 1 Khalsa Sports Fair would be organised followed by a nagar kirtan on May 2 which would commence from Gurdwara Tibi Sahib and culminate at Takht Keshgarh Sahib. A Khalsa Chetna March would start from Anandpur Sahib and end at Sri Darbar Sahib, Muktsar, on May 4.
'Amrit Sanchar' in Delhi - Thousands receive Guru's Gift
New Delhi (KP) - A huge 'Amrit Sanchar' was held this week on Saturday in the main Lakhi Shah Vanjara Hall in Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib. The programme started with the recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib and Nitnem. Thereafter, Hazoori Ragi Bhai Harjit Singh Gurdeep Singh performed Asa Di Var and Shabad Kirtan. Giani Hem Singh Ji explained the historical facts relating to the creation of the Khalsa on March 30, 1699 by Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Reportedly, 13 000 were present at the event.
Increasing apostasy among Sikh youth in Punjab
Jalandhar (KP) - In a report prepared by the Jalandhar-based Punjabi newspaper, Daily Ajit, it comes forward that there is increasing apostasy among Sikh youth in the Punjab countryside. The report says that a majority of Punjabis living in the villages call themselves Sikhs, however only 12% of the youth keep Sikhi saroop, ie keep kesh and wear a turban. It was further stated that only 3,5% were Amritdharis, while the large number of 92% were engaged in some sort of narcotics, such as alcohol or drugs.
No more siropas would be given inside Sri Harimandir Sahib
Amritsar (KP) - In the past, when devotees visited Sri Harimandir Sahib, they were given a siropa for donating a higher amount than Rs 100. According to recent reports, the Executive Committee of SGPC has announced that the devotees would not get siropas any more. There is however a possibility that the siropas could be received outside Sri Darbar Sahib, either at the officies near the Darshani deori or near Parikarma.
Bibi Jagir Kaur: SGPC Staff members' families should also receive Amrit
Amritsar (KP) - Bibi Jagir Kaur, president of the SGPC stated in a press conference on Wednesday at Teja Singh Samundri Hall, near Sri Darbar Sahib that all SGPC staff members' families should also receive Amrit, or action could be taken against them. She said that on April 13, there would be a huge Amrit Sanchar at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and all SGPC members should take there families there.
Political
Madhav: Badal didn't stop release of Sikh youth
Chandigarh (KP) - RSS leader, Ram Madhav stated last week that Parkash Badal did not create any hindrance in the release of Sikh youth who were involved in the Sikh freedom struggle. He denied any such report released by the RSS. However, some weeks ago, Rulda "Singh", spokesman of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, a faction of the Hindu-facist RSS, released a report showing Badal's attempts to stop the release of Sikh youths.
Panthic bodies demand arrest of Dusht Ashutosh
Tarn Taran (KP) - The Khalra Mission Committee (KMC) and other Sikh organisations have demanded the arrest of Ashutosh, head of the Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan (DJJS) also known as Noormehlias for misinterpreting the teaching of Sikh Gurus and the Gurbani. The bodies demanded a ban on the DJJS, withdrawal of cases registered against the Sikh leaders after the clash of Sikh activists and activists of the DJJS here on March 29 and the release on Sikh detainees lodged in different jails in the country. Bhai Ranjit Singh former Jathedar of Sri Akaal Takht, Mr Kirpal Singh Randhawa, Deputy Chairman, Punjab State Human Rights Organisation, Bhai Sawarn Singh of the Shiromani Khalsa Dal, Mr Dalbir Singh, patron of the KMC, and others addressed the conference.
