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PA, USA: The Sikh owners of two Subway restaurants at Lehigh Valley International Airport say they are being evicted because worried passengers confuse them with Muslims, according to a federal lawsuit.
Suhirdbir Bhasin, Raminder Bhasin and Ishmeet Bhasin say that since taking over the restaurants in 2007 they’ve been subjected to ”racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination” from LVIA management.
The men, who are Sikhs, have long beards and wear turbans, which makes ”passengers and visitors ‘nervous’ or ‘concerned,”’ according to the suit, which alleges civil rights violations and breach of contract.
”Our position is they don’t want people with turbans,” said George S. Kounoupis, the Bethlehem attorney representing the three men. ”To a lot of people, they look like Arabs, but they’re not.”
George F. Doughty, executive director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, which runs LVIA, is a defendant in the lawsuit and said the matter has to do with an ongoing airport renovation project, not ”turbans or racial issues.”
”They have a lease and it’s expired and we are in the process of renovating the building and it includes part of their space,” Doughty said.
”We have a declining level of [passenger] traffic at the moment,” he said, ”and because the space is being included in the renovation, we haven’t made determinations going forward what we’re doing with their franchise or that contract.”
Doughty said the Bhasins, a father, his brother and his son, could be offered a ”short-term” extension and the opportunity to bid on a new lease. But Kounoupis said his clients were already told by Larry Krauter, the authority’s deputy executive director and a defendant, that they would not be returning.
”We’re told we’re out. No discussion. Can’t even bid on it,” Kounoupis said. ”We’re not going to let that happen.”
The Bhasins are seeking monetary damages and want a federal judge to prevent the airport from closing their Subway establishments.
According to the suit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court, the Bhasins paid $250,000 for the franchises in 2007 and financed the purchase, in part, with a $127,000 loan from the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority.
After they began operating the two restaurants and made their initial appearances, the suit says, the problems began.
The defendants showed ”surprise, discomfort and displeasure” at their turbans, the suit says, and ”implemented and formalized” a plan to ”harass and oust the plaintiffs and destroy their business.”
Another restaurant, LA Cafe, had its lease renewed and will be moved within the airport.
Doughty said LA Cafe has three years remaining on a five-year lease, and its lease will be put up for bid when it expires.
Source: By Matt Birkbeck | OF THE MORNING CALL
Dear Mr.Mukandpuri Sat Siri Akal In your last comments you have asked me to give you my identity. Please note that I am a Sikh and profess Sikhism. By face I also look like a Sikh but do not accept everything about Sikhism without sorting out the correctness. I do not believe in whatever is said about Sikhism by our preachers as they usually add something from their own. They have distorted our history and way of life too. One thing I am sure is the Sikh character for which he was appreciated in the past. He was never a thief and was guardian of others women. Many a time Sikhs did sacrificed their lives to save honor of somebody without distinction. In my view it is not necessary to be baptized and then serve others. It was a Sikh character to be truthful and honest. Be he a soldier or a businessman he must not forget his duties towards others. But today we have lost our old glory and have become selfish. Our so called leaders want to fight for the management of Gurdwaras as they keep their eyes on the income of the place of worship. Many a time you see pictures published in the newspapers Sikhs fighting inside the very precincts of the Gurdwaras and some of them without turbans as it might have fallen during the skirmishes. How shameful it is that police had to be called to maintain peace. Do you think they want to worship inside or clean the shoes or serve in the LANGAR for which they are fighting? They are fighting to control GURU KI GOLAK fot their nefarious activities. We should hang our head in shame. I remember and old joke Sikhs were celebrating Guru Gobind Singhs birthday in a Gurdwara in Kalkatta, an outsider asked a local why so many Sikhs are there. They are celebrating the birthday of a big taxi driver as Sikh were known only as taxi drivers at that time. It was a joke at that time but I am afraid what type of fragrance we are leaving in our neighborhood. Please forgive me if I have offended any body which is not my intention. How would you feel when you read in the newspaper that liquor is freely distributed amongst the members to get their vote for the management of such and such Gur..Parbandhak Committee? We must not tolerate it and revolt against it.Please create public opinion so that we may achieve our object. Thank you.
Respected Proud Singh ji, Sat Sri Akal,
Sikh brotherhood is leaderless in all aspects and sikhs are busy in collecting money and materials in all over the world. One thing the sikhs living overseas has some awairness and they are coming back to their religion, many being beptised and they are opening schools with punjabi language compalsary as a subject. In my recent visits to UK, CANADA AND USA, i have took a clear note of this. But in Punjab punjabi language and sikhi is in danger. SAD has been hijacked by Badals and they have cut the roots of AISSF. All religious institutions has become corrupt and are used by leaders like their personal property, all babas and so called saints are masands. All situations are worst than the early twenties and need a reform movement. Raje shinh, makadam kute, jae jagaan, bathe sute. Proud singh ji further exchange of ideas will only possible with your identification and my identyfication is clear, my views are clear. Thanks very much.
Dear Mr.Mukandpuri:- I have gone through you comments over animal sacrifice but beg to write that I do not agree that this all the influence of RSS. We should accept the harsh fact our religious leadership is sleeping over the issue. They should have brought those Dakhani Sikhs in Punjab and give them better education by giving scholarship to their children so that they may learn our ways of life. When these children will go back to their land they may quit those bad habits which we feel are not acceptable. One thing more I want to bring out today. Punjab has quite a good number of Saints in every community living here in the past. But now we have them too many. Every third or fourth village has their own Baba and they have big number of clouts spread all over in India and abroad. Some of them are doing good social work but of them are doing all types of mischief. They spread ignorance amongst the simple masses. Some are having rich following, they have most modern means of transport, a comfortable living and air conditioned life. They go abroad quite often with their entourage and collect funds inthe name of building Gurudwaras,repairing the old ones, running hospitals, orphanages and educational institutions. Some are doing good work but many of them are only competing others. They spend huge sums in making sarovers with the Gurudwaras, cut every old tree and pave the way for marbled pathway without considering the effect of heat on the bare feet of the walkers. In that competition they have destroyed many old buildings, relics and works of art and have replaced those with the modern cemented structure. They have no sense of persevering nor they employ any expert opinion If a work is going then money is coming in. In this way their popularity is increasing through this blind destruction. Many of these saints are having every type of bad characters amongst their followers like smugglers,boot leggers and drug peddlers. Politicians do protect them and keep their vote and money bank intact. I am trying to tell in these lines that these ignorant people are destroying our heritage unintentionally. The office of the SGPC should create a department with experts, who could identify all the historic buildings, relics, paintings and works of art. They should also devise guidelines how to preserve those before any major work is done. We have lost enough, let us save what is left before it is too late.
Respected Proud singh ji, Sat Sri Akal
It is very bad that an innocent animal’s head was cut in Gurudawara Sahib and his head was taken in side and the blood was used to give tilak to the Shastras. The thing came in my mind that Takhat Hajoor Sahib and Takhat Patna Sahib all most Badal Dal and their nominated president of SGPC and Jathedars of Akal Thakhat. Takhats in punjab and other nominations in Darbar Sahib are all under the Direct and Indirect influance of RSS, due to dependence of Badal Dal with BJP, the political wing of RSS. This lust of political power and to transfere the same political power to next generation is done on the cost of Religion, more over the sikh code of conduct prepared by Panth after a lot of discussions, debates with in time of one and a half decades is not in practice the historical Gurudawara Sahib under the managment of SGPC. All the so called Samperdawa and Taksal have their own cod of conduct, they have done mischieve with Gurubani, Translation ( Katha ) and recitation. But Hazoor Sahib and Patna Sahib are allmost under their ( RSS ) influence. Hazoor Sihab and Head quarter of RSS ( Nagpur ) are very close to each other being in same state MAHARASHTRA. OUR RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL PEOPLE ARE ON SALE IRRESPECTIVE OF ON WHICH PLACE THEY HAVE BEEN SEATED. Priest class is uneducated and without spirtual knowledge. To justify the sacrificing of animals in Sanatan Mat in Manders Of Devi Durga and to put Rithuals in SiKhism and to take away the Sikhs from Sikh center, Sri Darbar Sahib, This all is done. Secondly after the physical death of Baba Nanak at Kartarpur ( Pakistan ) , all stories are adultrated in life history of Gurus’ and to pollute the Sikh history. There is no doubt that the Sikhs of Guru Nanak were both from Hindus and Muslims. The story of cloth sheet is totaly false and look like a blind faith or to defame Baba Nanak. But in Their memory later on the Hindu/ Sikhs build the gurudawara sahib and the muslim Sikhs a mazar. At the times of Baba Nanak said Hindu Annha ( blind ) and Turak kanna ( one eye blind ) But now Sikhs are not only BLIND But also DEAF and DUMB. AT these times this is not the work of one or two persons to make awairness because we are not Baba Nanak but a Global organisation of Missionaries are needed who preach according Gurmat to bring back the fallen Sikhs and to make know the world one by the Sikh Philosophy and teachings of Gurus according Gurmat because Sikhism a Global concept and Goodwill for all.
Dear Mr.Mukandpuri During last week I was busy in some personal affairs and could not write you. During this period I have one video on YOU TUBE showing killing of an innocent animal in the very precinct of Gurudwara Hazoor Sahib. I do not know when and how this disgusting ceremony has started. The head of the slain animal was taken inside the holy precinct to hold tilak ceremony on the displayed weapons (shashters) with the oozing blood of the animal. Please stop this barberric act which is not acceptable by the cultured society of today. I have seen one photograph in the recently published Punjabi book showing the Gurudwara Kartarpur (Ravi) where Guru Nanak was cremated. Onthe very page showing the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur (Narowal Pakistan) there is another photograph showing Mazar Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. An explanation is given that when Baba Nanak died. There was a dispute over the ownership of the dead body. Hindus/Sikhs wanted to own it saying that he was their Guru whereas Muslims were saying that he was their Peer. Later when they lifted the cloth sheet they did not find any deadbody but instead there were two flowers. They devided the sheet cloth in two. Hindus/Sikhs cremated it alongwith one flower and Muslims burried it. On the Samad there is the Gurudwara and on burial ground there is a Mazar. In one way this shows the acceptability of our Gurus philosophy but on the other hand the disappearance of deadbody must be probed as miracles like this have no place in our religion. Our Guru taught the pandas of Hardwar by throwing water to the other direction, if it cannot reach his fields than how can their water reach the sun at such a long distance. Similarly he asked the Mecca people to drag his feet to that direction where GOD is not.Just to make them realise that God is omnipresent. The man who was preaching/teaching in such a scientific way all during his life and was so successful during his life time,such miracles are not disirable. I do not know why sane people keep quiet and let the public remain ignorent.
Respected Proud Singh ji, Sat Sri Akal, No in Sikhism miracals has no place. Guru Sahiban restored Gurbani as SGGS, But in all religions to attract people towards the religions many things has been added which in practical not possible, although a firm believe can cure to some extent and if you have concentrated mind,then you can gain many things. But their is need to feed the society with pure contents in all aspects. If you have some proposal then if you like you can share with me. One thing we have to procede with care, because this is a very sentimental and sensitive issue.
Dear Mr.Mukandpuri I have gone through your last comments and those are universal truths so do not need any further comments. Please tell me do we SIKHS believe in miracles? I think your answer would be NO. as miracles are condemned by our Great Gurus. Tell me how many of us have challenged the stories attached with Nanak from his childhood till after his death. Story like Sarap Chayia, unspoiled fodder fields, disappearance in the rivulet, correctness of the Modikhana stocks and so many more and at the end disappearance of his dead body. Personally I feel all religions of the world depend upon miracles in one form or the other. Hinduism is full of stories of their religious Gods and Goddesses. Similarly Christians bestows SAINTHOOD to their miracle performers. Mother Tressa is the latest addition in this series, who was made saint after her death recently. Guru Teg Bahadur refused to perform any miracle and was sentenced to death. KARAMAAT KEHAR HAI is taught to us.Atal Rai had to give his life for interfearance in the Gods will. Senior PARCHARAKS like Sant Singh Maskeen was succumbed to miracles. He introduced a cancer ridden Gujrati as cured by listening an AKAND PATH just outside Harimandir Sahib. He kept on harping that tune and introduced that Gujrati family to many influential families of Amritsar. That Gujrati disappeared immediately after Maskeensjis death and never heard their after. People should come forward to expose such pepole and their utterances.
Respected Proud Singh Je,
I have read your precious words, When the ninth Guru Teg Bahadur Je martyred in Dehli with the orders of tyrrani mugal king Aurangjeb in dehli, then no body came forward to took away head and body of Guru Teg Bahadur because of fear that who will come must be beheaded then all sikhs like me and you declared that they are not their sikhs. but Bhai JETA later on beptised and named JIWAN SINGH took the head to Anandpur Sahib and toled the hole story to then Gobind Rai about sikhs, then GURU JE said in future Their Sikh would be physically perfact and will be so brave that One will fight with One and a Quarter of enemy. Near about a year or some less They given massages to sikh all over area up to where Their sikhs live and given a command to have their Kesh. So on they day of Bashakhy of 1699, They beptised the Five Beloved and then took Amrit from the Five beloved and on that day about 20000 ( twenty thousands ) took Amrit and in large no sikhs like me and you ran away due to cowardness.You have written about bravery of sikh i admire you and you asked about intoxicants useing being a sikh that is very very bad and shameful, i aggre with you 100%. Sikhs have lost their glory. But i have noticed a basic weakness of a so called sikh But you started blaming Sikh Guru Sahiban and said so much about Sikh Philosophy. But one thing we sikhs Including me are talking more and we are taking in practice much less the teachings of Guru Sahibans. Now please tell me but and how we should do concreate and please join hands to do this our common cause. Please come in the ground with full identity so that at least we two first be improve ourself and then do some thing more for other people but one thing physical perfactness is much easy with useing SINGHS AND KAURS in the end of our names and stop writing sub cast with our names and then move towards purity of mind with Waheguru’s Grace. First we to be honest to our motive. SAT SRI AKAL.
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Dear Mr.Mukandpuri
With due regards what you said of kakars and a part of the sikh history I would like to tell you that not much research work has been done on the actual life of Guru Gobind Singh but one thing is there that he did send messages in the form of Hukamnamas about two years before the actual formation of KHALSA ie.Baisakhi of 1699. He had advised the people better known as SIKHS to reach Anandpur to celebrate the Baisakhi day without shorn hair.Both hair and nails are parts of our body and both are given to us by the Allmighty whom we address Wahiguru. Just for argument sake should we keep on growing nails as these are given to us by Wahiguru and any thing given by Wahiguru should be kept intact. Guru Gobind Singh wanted us to be brave and wanted us to look different from others who could be recognised amongst thousands. With long hair on head as well as beard on face we look positively different from the other people living in India. To cover the hair on the head a Pagri or Dastar is required and by wearing that we could be arrested easily in that period of tyranny leading to torture or beheaded.Only very brave in mind and physic could chose this formation. Thus KHALSA became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice for the cause of others. People used to say in other parts of India if a SARDAR is sitting in a railway compartment they are not to worry he is automatic helper or guard. All our old and modern history is full of our saga of bravery. Only the other day I was reading the comments of a British officer during first world war writing” You cannot stop a Sikh soldier having a sword in his hand to face any number of opponents. Battle of Multan and Peshawar during Ranjit Singhs time and of Sarah Garhi battle during British rule are just a few of hundreds of stories of our bravery. Books should be written to tell our own children,friends and other communities the distinction we got through these brave deeds of our people. Actually we are still living in the well and have forgotten great oceans around us. We should refrain to criticise our brothers and make them outcast, but find a way and mean to understand their problems. We are told not to take any form of intoxicants but our thought is usually restricted to Tobaco uses. Hemp (BHANG) is commonly used by NIHANGS even in their managed Gurdwaras. Opium is also commonly used in the villages. Bhuki is used during harvesting season. Liquor is very favorite drink in our community and is openly used in all our community functions. Most of our so called leaders participate in such functions and never raise any finger to not to use it. We must be very clear about the use of intoxicants. We must tell people the harm it is playing in the well-being of family life. It’s bad effects on family economy, children education and worst of all, it’s ill effects on health of the consumers.
It is of no use talking, talking and talking and doing nothing concrete to solve the problems faced by the community. Nothing is going to happen if someone has shorn hair to get a suitable job but what will happen if one is found drunk, lying in a gutter with a turban and long hair scattered around. Please excuse me for my blunt remarks.
A respected punjabi poet has rightly said….
“eh mazhab na hoya, hoyi mombatti
pighal gayi fauran laggi dhupp tatti.”
Sat Sri Akal.
Respected Proud Singh je, Sat Sri Akal, I have read your comments, for the sake of truth and from the core of my heart, i am 100% aggre with you of your 1st. paragraph except last two lines. In Sikhism EKA NARY JATI is considered. You have said about Guru Gobind Singh ji that they have three wives. Guru je have to marry Mata Sunder Kaur je and Mata Jito je under very diffirent circumstances. Third Mata Sahib kaur je were only Mata of Khalsa Panth and they were never wife of Guru je. The most Four Things Are 1. To murder un shoran Kesh because they are given by Waheguru je, 2. To do sex any other lady without his wife 3. To eat Halal meat 4. To uses Tobacoo and other intoxicants. About explanation of Gursikh or Sikh you are right but Sikhism have other aspacts also as physical perfactness.Those who are baptised are called Singh or Khalsa. In five Kakars First is Kesh, In four Most bad things due to which he does not remaines Sikh is called a Fallen or Patit That means he is no more a sikh, just with one reference from GGS je you or me can not justify any particular explanation. Third in Ardass it is said to remain sikhi with Kesh and Suase ( Prans ) and fourth again in Ardass to ask for Sikhi dan And Kesh dan and all danas after Kesh dans. The question arises that why only Kesh are mentioned in every aspect why not other four Kakars The reason is Kesh are a precious gift of Waheguru as other parts of body but the other four Kakars we can buy from the shops. so that is why to cut the Kesh are considered as the murder of kesh, so mister Proud singh i think you must have respect to the kesh.
Dear mister Mukundpuri
It is good to know about your well-being after a long time, from your letter of 19th. In your absence, one mister Harry Singh carried your flag in his own way. Is he Hari Singh? Or someone from Tom, Dick and Harry family. You have mentioned about the philosophy of sarbansdani with three jewels, that is honest earnings, sharing it with others and meditate with Gods. How many of us are practicing honest earnings and sharing it with others. In practice, what we see today is quite different. We are one of the most dishonest people on earth. Honest people are only those who do not get a chance to become dishonest. there are some very simple people who do not ask questions and bow their head before any idol or murty as they do not want to face any hidden powers’ wrath. The number of honest people is very very small and does not fit even in the old saying SALT IN FLOUR. How many do really meditate? Inside of everybody is like that of a person whom BABA NANAK told that he is not saying namaaz but is worried about the welfare of the newborn offspring of his mare. We are saying something at one time, but are practicing differently at the same time. there is very little concentration of mind. These are harsh realities of life. One thing more I would like to tell you for your kind knowledge that Guru Gobind Singh did not say a word about polygamy as he himself had three wives.
You have asked a personal question, “Are you a Gursikh or ……….” .
Who is Gursikh? What is the difinition of Gursikh?? I think a person who believes and has faith in Gurbani is a Gursikh. He may or may not be an amritdhari. Gursikhi is absolutely a personal feeling towards Sikhism. He may not be showing the outer form of special form of head-dress, clothing or beards. Gursikhi is not monoply of a particullar group dictating their own explanations and dis-owning those who do not tow their line. Their is a Gurshabad…
“GUR SATGUR KA JO SIKH AKHAAYE, SO BHALKE UTHH HAR NAAM DHIYAAYE…………..”
It does explain the characteristic of a Gursikh and does not need any other explanation. I do not know who are the enemies of Sikhism, but certainly those are the people who become spokesmen of Guru, imposing their own ideals in the garb of Guru’s ideals. All our historic Gurudwaras have four doors inviting everybody from all directions.
SAT SRI AKAAL.
Respected MR.Proud Singh ji, Sat sri akal, after many days i am again on line. Sikhism came in existance having foundation laid by Guru Nanak Dev ji, watered by 8 more Guru Sahiban and put roof by SARBANS, DANI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI, with philosophy having Physical Perfactness and Purity of mind and with three jewels having honest earning, share it with others and meditate on GODS’ name condeming intoxicants, polygammy and raised their voice in favoir of ladies with equal rights. They preached to live truthful living and to serve the society and needy. They preached that socialy all are of equal statuts and no body is up or down by birth. ONE THING CLEAR THAT DEVOTION CAN NOT BE BUYED WITH MONEY. IT IS INDIVIDUAL NOT SOCIAL AND WHO WILL RECITE THE GODS’ NAME WITH CONCENTRATION, HE WILL GET SALVATION WITH HIS GRACE. SIKH RELIGION HAS ALSO GET A SET BACK WITH THE EMERGANCE OF PHATHIES AND RAGGIES WHO HAS MAKE IT BUSSINESS AND IT IS AGAINST THE WILL AND PREACHINGS OF GREAT GURU SAHIBANS and SIKH PHILOSOPHY. THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL TO CONVEY THEIR MASSAGE THAT COMMON PEOPLE HAS NO NEED TO MEDITATE ON GODS’ NAME AND RECITE BANI, THEY GIVE THEM MONEY AND THEY WILL DO PATH ON THEIR BEHAFE.SO MR. PROUD SINGH PLEASE TELL ME ONE THING ARE YOU A GURSIKH OR AN ENEMY OF SIKHISM WITH A NAME—————-
Dear Mr. Singh. It is nice to read your comments and future of our relations to GURUBANI using the latest gadgets. Sometime I wonder how are we are treating Guru Granth Sahib as if it is a live PERSON. During winter we cover GGS with heavy warm clothes (Rumalas) and during summer period we use muslin like light clothes. I have heard some Gurudwaras in rich localities have installed air conditioners in the SUKHASAN ASTHAN. We have forgotten the valuable teachings and sermons and its implications in our daily life. We do not remember that Guru Nanak accepted Bhai Laalos invitation of course bread and rejected Malik Bhagos superfine food. We have started treading a wrong path and have gone stray. Our guides are mislead and they are misleading us. No body dare to challenge all those ritual makers who have become master of ceremonies. Once I have seen that before starting Siri Akhand Path an earthen pitcher filled with water was placed beside it and a coconut covered with red cloth was put on the pitcher. At the time of BHOG ceremony that water from the pitcher was given as AMRIT and pieces of broken coconut were distributed as PARSAD. Some wise persons to come forward to guide the people at large. SAT SIRI AKAL
Dear Mr. Proud, I apologize on late accessing on sharing thoughts.
Firstly I would like to share my thought on the AKHAND PAATH. Akhand mean continuous without any stopping and nonstop binding of human to God through Bani as medium. But in my knowledge people take mislead of this, they think Akhand path must be done in unbroken way, must be 3 days and handling over the pathi to recite without bothering to listen and understand the meaning , even they don’t have time they still bent to perform Akhand path in order to get boon from Waheguru.
In olden times pathi are hired, not because they are near to GGS or God, just because they have Giyan of Raags and Gurmukhi and that time people do listen bani heartily. But in today worlds every Sikh knows how to read Gurmukhi so need of Pathi is not require every time. In my sense, if we keep Akhand Paath, and let paathi to perform without listening or present themselves during recitation for 2-3 days, this seems a wholly Pakhand and formalities. When, Guruji said we must keep Akhand path from Pathi’s and we should not touch GGS in order to happy Wahegur. What use if we keep Akhand path, when we unable to attend. God is happy if we recite by ourselves or at least listen and consider.
Every word in GGS is ocean. Reciting of single sentence, make way to God. We can do Shehaj paath. Importance of Akhand paath is only consider if we not only attend but recite , listen and mull over else no meaning in doing stupid rituals while starting Series of Gurbani as AP.
Technically speaking, if people still bent to perform Akhand paath through paathis without making time for attending. I feel there must be some kind of transmitter and a device that might can handover to person who keep AP. So when paathi recite bani, there voice can send over through transmitter on some frequency to supported device. So that the follower can listen to the paath. I know it’s not possible in every Gurdwara and not even outside country. I feel internet solution can provide recitation of banis from very far Gurdwara to their home across country.
For example, if person from USA booked paath at Amritsar and get their turn. A registered website with SGPC can make blocks of html links of peoples booked AP. A remote person who reserved paath and are now in recital can login in site with their unique number provided by site database and listen to paath Such is possible only if Paathi able to utter continuously in the time division period allotted to individuals.
And Yes we have noticed many times, the adamant behaviors, hastiness and materialism of Ragis. Basically we falsely put the Baani performer in high level, we consider them as much professional and true. We do according what they asked and demand. I am not sure about their payments, but regarding CHARAWA people still do sheep walk, some consider CHARAWA next important term after bowing to GGS, some even offer money to ragis the moment they hit “bazza”, some offer in pity. CHARAWA must be according to performance of ragis, it’s not important but it’s offering against something we hear to get meditate in Bani according to Raag mala, not bollywood tunes.
The payments must be according to their real performance.
Gurfathe
Dear Mr.SINGH Have you ever noted how our GURSHABAD is exploited by certain Ragies. They are charging very high fees for their performances fixed on hourly basis. Many a time they are reluctant to extend their time for few minutes even. They are right to a certain extent that they must gain too in this material world. But again there is a limit, they must respect certain norms of society at large. How much money should be paid? Have they got the right to take the CHARAWA money as well. Most people will say yes this is their earning so it is their right. But when they already settled for so much money per hour or so then their right is that money only. Let sane people decide over the issue. SAT SIRI AKAL
Dear Mr.Singh. With due apology I beg to say that reverence, humility or SHARDHA is a mater of heart and not a thing of display but it can be felt anyway. Now I would like to bring before my brother Sikhs another matter of common interest ie.The Performance of Akhandpath. Usually there is a belief of taking GURU ASRA before or after doing work of their choice. Hired Pathies are invited to recite Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib contnously for 48 hours. Sometime recitation is slowed and sometime made fast according to the need of the person or time. Many a time Akhand Paths are recited in the private places to thank THE GURU after fulfillment of their wishes like births, marriages, Greh Parvesh or even deaths of kith and kin. It is good that we take Guruasra but do we find time to sit and listen what is recited. House owners remain busy to attend their guests or other affairs. Many a times pathies are found sleeping in the early hours of the morning as they are performing these DUTIES one after another. Afterall they are also human beings, they do get tired and need rest. In Golden Temple Amritsar akhand paths are booked and recited at different places around Parkarma. BHOGS d take place in absence and HUKAMNAMAS sent by post is the common practice. To get a quick turn of Akand Path you need a recommendation of member of SGPC. Normal turn at a particular place may take ten years or so. I have heard from my elders that in earlier days the performance of Akhand Path was very rare and if there was an occasion people from around far and wide get together to do TAN MAN SEWA and recite Gurbani which is now missing. I am told while in England that there are some people who go and attend path on their own. They come at odd hours on their own vehicles to help house holders. In India I have heard that there are different MARYADAS being performed at the time of Akhandpaths by different sants. Some insist for KESH ISHNAN before sitting TABIA. some insist to recite a particular line of Gurbani after every pause. Some others act in a different way. I do not know if they want to propagate Gurbani or themselves. Let us think impartially. SAT SIRI AKAL.
Dear Proud Sikh.
I feel like we are adjusting Guru according to our will, not practising according to Guru. Instead of systematize Guru level ,the concept of unacceptable facilities in Gurdwara must be minimize. I think except Gurdwaras in India, lots of splendid ways provided to sangat outside India, is enough to make lazy peoples to loose faith from Guru to doctors. Our Sangats needs to know, our Guru is Doctor and above all it is everything.
Might our Sangats taking advantage of our flexible religion that “Guru say nothing, because this spiritual book is normal book for someone’s”. There is lots of such kind of problems we are facing in our religion and we are being much busy to solve out by loosing the real path of our faith teaching.
Our purpose must be to let people understand the purpose of Sikh faith, understanding of SGGS Bani words, our unique faith identity and Sikh kaum to stick to what our shabad Guru, Guru Gobind Singh said to us instead of citing and defining new images in Sikhism.
We all are distress because we are not obeying what Hymns said and saying. Until unless we don’t practise the foundation cause of lightning out Sikhism and Guru teaching , we will get, keep on disturbing and divided by others.
Gurfathe
Dear Mr.Singh. With the change of time and our working modes ie. sitting in the chairs,eating on dining tables,relaxing on sofas, using western type of toilets and western clothing , it is becoming increasingly difficult to sit cross legs in the Gurdwaras. Many a times doctors do advise not to sit cross legs. If we do sit it becomes difficult to get up easily and we see people looking for supports to get up. We see in most of the Gurudwaras run by the community, chairs are set aside in the corners for the use of public, away from the PARKASH ASTHAN. I have seen in some Gurdwaras in USA long benches are placed to sit along with equal number of desks to cover the legs . My suggestion to this problem is that we should raise the platform of PARKASH ASTHAN and provide raised sitting place where such people could sit comfortably.Some societies or enlightened people may come forward with a better idea to solve this ever increasing problem. Suggestions from SGPC are also welcome. Say Siri Akal.
Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fathe
Today the question of identity. Our identity is our Sikhi Saroop. Every race have their own identity and the place they belong, now Sikhs identity becoming Amirtdhari, Sehejdhari, Patit , etc etc. Fashion of not using Singh and Kaur , is leading to confused world about Sikhs identity. People who born in Sikh family know all basics about Sikhi , we happily accept Guru Nanak as Guru for Sikhi, but Not accepting Guru Gobind Singh preaching who gave us a unique identity SIKHI SAROOP. Our raising nose of Sikh identity or Khalsa roop giving chance to destroyer of Sikh religion. Just born is Sikh family but not keeping Sikhi Saroop, visiting Gurdwara seasonally , contributing Daswand , reading only path or else improper way to show we are Sikhs will lead us no where , but lost us else where. Some Sikh proud to say or show to be SIkh, but run to accept the Sikh Saroop.
The Science is evidence , the whole human is become whole human when they keep natural gifts and only Khalsa is perfect example of “Sampoorn Manukh”. We are misleading because we are not understanding Guru Granth Shaib Shabads , that why we are straying ,arguing and fighting.
We think only obeying teaching from Guru Nanak till 9th jot is perfect way of Sikh and Sikh identity and leading to salvation. But Guru Gobind Singh identity is unable to keep in today’s world because we loose our faith to worldly material. The confusion of Turban wearing Sikhs and Afghani/Irani is because of us. Today’s we have Turban wearing with full beard , turban wearing with no beard or fashioned beard or funny funny turban and beard style and so called cut-surds and in our religion that leading people to loose image of real Sikhs identity.
Its our duty and responsibility to keep our identity. Our identity is our Shri Guru Granth Sahib and our Sikhi Saroop. Without Guru no Sikh panth , and no Guru without panth Saroop.
Today the requirement of understanding the Ganth Shabads. I understand the non-understanding the Gurmukhi in Guru Granth Sahib but we can translate to Punjabi and English (without loosing our Punjabi language). We must start program to let people to learn Guru Shabads to lead to Guru Boons.
Guru Fathe
Dear Mr. Mukandpuri. Thank you for your comments but I do not agree with you as I feel we are not above GURUSAHIBANS teachings but interpretations might be different from different perspectives. Even Gurbani translations are different from different persons. We are guided not to indulge in any form of intoxicants. But most of the Sikhs do take SHARAB as if it is a tonic. Most of our family functions are not complete without it. Our preachers are usually mum over the issue. It is taking heavy toll on our health and economy. Do something if you can before it is too late. SAT SIRI AKAL.
MR. Proud Singh ji, your teachings are great and more significant than GURU SAHIBAN. I am at present in usa and am going back to india in the coming days and i will ask people who are known to me here,in india and in other countries where i am planing to go in near future to follow your teachings instead of gurus, so that people got salvation YOUR HOLINESS.
Dear Mr.Mukandpuri It is nice to read your comments. I feel you are angry, when a person loses temper than his power of thinking is impaired so is judgment. Please remain calm you are a learned person. I am sorry if any of my writing does not toe your line. Sikhs profess SARBAT DA BHALLA and you would agree with me, it is the biggest rule GURBANI teaches us. The people who wants welfare for all do not enforce their ideals on others. However you welcome to preach them. Rajputs are also writing SINGH with their name but they are not sikhs and they are using SINGH long before we took it with our name ie. at the time of creation of KHALSA. These are harsh facts and must be accepted in toto. It gives us an identity but it is not our mnoply. There are many ills in our community and we try to highlight it so that some thing should be done to remove those. Inspiteof Baptising through KHANDE BATTE DA AMRIT the down trodden sikhs are merged in the community. They are known as MAZHABI SIKHS and they are living usually on the outer circle of the villages. They have separate Gurudwaras and functions. That Berhamini attitude must go, it has no place in our religion. Let us do something positively and remove this scar from the community. Sat Siri Akal.
Respected Proud ji, one thing which is i did not understand up to now why are you pleading against the teachings of GURUS’. GURU GOBIND SINGH JI HAS SAID THAT WHO WILL MURDER HIS KESH, HE IS NO MORE A SIKH.IN FIVE KAKARS’ AT FIRST PLACE IS KESH, IN FOUR KURAHIT FIRST IS MURDER OF KESH AND IN ARDASS MENTIONED TO HAVE KESH TILL BREATHS AND IN DANS’ KESH DAN COMES AFTER SIKHI DAN.NOW PLEASE TELL ME ARE YOU A SIKH OR A NON SIKH. THE MATERIALISTIC PEOPLE HAVE THEIR LORD GOD IS MONEY. ARE NOT YOU WORKING AGAINST SIKHISM OR SIKH PHILOSOPHY ? AT THE MARTYRDOM OF NINTH GURU TEG BAHADUR SAHIB JI ALL SIKHS DENIED ABOUT BEING A SIKH OF GURUS’ AND FOR TWO DAYS THE HEAD AND DEAD BODY WAS LYING THEIR DUE TO FEAR of Aurangjeb. DOORS OF SIKHISM ARE OPEN FROM THE TIMES OF BABA NANAK. WE ARE THANKLESSNESS PEOPLE. IN THE END OF THIS TOPIC I AND MANY OTHERS WILL CONCLUDE THAT ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ARE ANTI SIKH AND YOU ARE PLAYING IN AND WORKING FOR ANTI SIKH LOBBIES AND MOST DANGROUS PERSON FOR SIKHS WHO BY ALL MEANS AND HARDSHIPS ARE LIVING THEIR LIVES ACCORDING THE TEACHINGS OF GURU SAHIBANS’ THROUGH OUT THE WORLD AND SIKHISM BY ENCOURAGING ANTI SIKH PREACHINGS IN THE CLOTHES OF A SIKH. I PRAY TO WAHEGURU HE BLESS TO LOVE SIKHI AND SIKH WAY OF LIFE. THANKS AND WISH YOU GOOD HEALTH. Jagjit singh mukandpuri.
Dear Mr. Mukandpuri, from your comments of 30th one thing is clear as some one said,”If you are not part of the solution than you are part of the problem. I just named one Pahara Singh who betrayed the Sikhs but what about those rulers of Malwa states who begged for their protection from East India Company against Maharaja Ranjit Singh and thus forcing him to sign Treaty of Amritsar. Ranjit Singh ruled a huge empire beyond anybody’s imagination for forty long years with his wisdom. If you go through the history of Sikh martyrs then you will note that they were not communal. During storms only those tree fall which do not bend and we must learn lesson from nature. Outer appearance has nothing to do with the GURUS blessings. Guru Gobind Singh refused to accept water from the clean hands of a Sikh who did not work for living. You have asked me to give a call to the fallen Sikhs…………. It is better you try to understand them and their problems. If a chance is given to immigrate 95% of Punjabi youth will be ready and 80%of them will not hesitate to become patits. If there is any doubt you can survey it through news papers. We are talking, talking and do not try to understand their problems. People are yearning for better living. World is moving very fast around us. A cyclist cannot compete with an automobile. WE had to keep our doors open for every body and glide away from narrow mindedness. The Great GURU did not admonish Bhai Ghanya but helped him to continue his mission. WE are trying to change history as per our taste by decorating Baba Nanak with a DASTAR instead of Saily Topy . Baba Budha offered this TOPY (head cover) to all the other five Gurus at the time of TILAK and GURGADI. But we do not reconcile to see Gurus in Saily Topy. In all old embossing, engravings and paintings our baba Nanak is different than that of creations of this century. We should not live in fools’ paradise and remain near the reality.
Very very respected PROUD SINGH JI, Waheguru je ka khalsa, waheguru je ki fateh, I have read your very precious words. Two things came out of our exchange of views are 1.DISCREMATION OF PERSON HAVING BEARD AND TURBAN, I STRONGLY SUPPORT THIS POINT, BUT UNFORTUNATLY A LEARNED PERSON HAVING SO WISDOM CAN NOT UNDERSTAND THE BASIC POINT, WHY ONLY DISCREMATION ONLY WITH SIKHS HAVING BEARDS AND TURBANS? MY POINT IS WHY WE ARE SUFFERING ? THE BASIC AND SIMPLE POINT IS THAT WHEN WE ARE NOT SINCERE ABOUT SIKHISM AND MOST OF OUR PEOPLE BECOMES PATIT WITHOUT ANY REASON AND THE PEOPLE OF WEST KNOW IT VERY WELL, WHY THE TOLERATE OTHERS, BECAUSE THE PREACHERS AND MISSIONARIES OF CHRIASTIANTY AND MUSLIMS ARE BUSY TO DIGEST TO SIKHS BECAUSE WE ARE LOOSING OUR IDENTITY IT SELF, SO FOR THE SAKE OF THE SACRIFICES OF THE TEN GREAT MASTERS AND MORE THAN TWO LAKHS OF SIKHS GOT TO THE MARTYREDOM FOR THE SAKE OF THESE TURBENS AND BEARDS UP TO 1947 BEFORE PARTITION. IF SIKHS WANT TO COUNTER OR MINIMIZE IT WE HAVE TO MAKE STRONG OUR CUMMINITY ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS OF GURU GARANTH SAHIB OTHERWISE THESE THINGS HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. IF WE WANT THAT WE ARE THE ALL INDIANS THEN OTHER CUMMINITIES HAVE NO TURBENS AND NO BEARDS THEN IT DOES NOT MATTER THAT WE MUST HAVE TURBANS AND BEARDS. THE SECOND POINT IS THAT YOU HAVE INDIRECTLY SAID TO ME PAHARA SINGH AND TRAITERS OF SIKH BROTHERHOOD. PLEASE ALLOW ME TO TELL YOUR ACHIEVMENT OR ACHIEVMENTS DONE FOR SIKHISM. PLEASE PARDON ME FOR PERSONALLY ASKING THIS QUESTION TO YOU. PLEASE BLESS ME IN FUTURE ALSO WITH YOUR DIVINE WISDOM AND WISH YOU GOOD HEALTH. WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JI KE FATEH. Jagjit singh mukandpuri
Dear Mr. Mukandpuri. Your comments of 29th are again distressing. You have started a new wedge between Patit and Nonpatit. Leave this issue for Punjab to settle, abroad we are all Indians and Sikhs. If patit Sikhs are coming to Gurdwaras than they better Sikhs by heart. SIKHS KNOW VERY WELL THEIR PAST BUT HAS IT ANY RELEVANCE TO THE CONTEXT OF THIS CASE, WHICH IS SIMPLE MATTER OF DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF BEARD AND TURBAN AND YOU ARE DISOWNING THE PERSON WHO IS SEEKING JUSTICE IN THE COURT OF LAW. Sikh history is full of the role of Pahara Singh. Sikhs are always beaten by their traitor brother’s. Though it is irrelevant here but please be informed that the British exploited the situation after annexing SIKH EMPIRE and took Sikh soldiers in their army. I do not understand why do drag Pakistan and its people in our issue.PLEASE DO NOT FIX HISTORY , LOOK AT THE FUTURE. Sean O’Casey says,”World is a stage and most of us desperately unrehearsed” and in the words of Martin Luther King Jr.’ IN THE END WE WILL NOT REMEMBER THE WORDS OF OUR ENEMIES, BUT THE SILENCE OF OUR FRIENDS” Support the cause if you can or refrain from confusing it.
Very very respected s. PROUD SINGH JI, Waheguru je ka khalsa, waheguru je ke fateh. I have gone through your precious views. I have by mistake written s. Ganga Singh Dhillon to Principal S. Ganga Singh and thanks a lot you have taken it very big clerical mistake. The basic point of all this is that we Sikhs has a significance physical appearance. But we can not be successful to tell the people about our identity of our localaties and Govts. At the same time people of pakisitan has no specific physical appearance, but they are known every where. I agree with you that the Sikhs has to face very problems, but the sikhs were known to british people long before the first world war, because after 1849, the British has started to take sikhs in their forces and with sikh saroop and GURU GARANTH SAHIB were allways with sikh forces and sikhs solidiers fought with great bravery in first world war and second world war with their physical perfactness. But in the lust of material life ,we became fallen,stoped using SINGS AND KAURS just to earn some more money, Which was earned BY TENTH GURU GOBIND SINGH JI BY SACRIFICING HIS WHOLE FAMILY. Similarly at the MARTYREDOM OF GURU TEG BAHADUR JI ALL SIKHS DENIED THAT THEY ARE NOT THE SIKHS OF BABA NANAK JOT. When the sikhs has cut their kesh and not using SINGH AND KAUR after their names then GURU will not stand with us.No body will come to make sure of our identity .I appriciate the pakistanies for their identity known by world. The second most important fact is that USA GOVT. was and is standing in favour of Pakisitan. The wonder thought is that we great sikhs and the Gurudawaras’ built with the donations of patit sikhs but we will not follow the BABA NANAK JOT. IN the end i request PROUD SINGH JI GIVE A CALL TO FALLEN SIKHS TO BECOME THE SIKHS OF GREAT GURUS’ IN SPITE OF DEFENDING THE FALLEN SIKHS AND THOSE WHO ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS OF TEN GREAT MASTERS WHO HAS GIVEN A LOGICAL AND A GLOBAL BROTHERHOOD AND THEY PREACHED THE RELIGIOUN OF THE LORD GOD AND GIVEN GREAT SACRIFICES. I hope that you will bless me in future also with your wisdom. WAHEGURU JE KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JE KE FATEH.
Dear Sardar Mukundpuri,
I have gone through your comments and that of Mr. G.S. Bhasin’s too. The issue is not sikh history and the facts revealed by you. Facts cannot be altered. Now the period is not of abdalis and of sikhs living in jungles or hills and on horses. Here the issue is bearded and turbaned sikh family being thrown out of a running business just because their looks are confused. Instead of rallying around the people being harassed, you are confusing the issue by mixing it with ‘sikh’ and ‘singh’ . I have lived in London from 1955 onwards. In those days, it was difficult to find eleven turbaned and bearded sikhs to be taken in executive committee to run the gurudwara at Shepherd’s Bush, London. If you don’t want to support the cause, then please do not mislead others.It is surprising to note that many of white Americans have supported the cause without reservation and the so called “sikh/singh” like you cannot think straight.
Also please note that Principal Ganga Singh of Sikh Missionary College, Amritsar and Ganga Singh Dhillon (mentioned by you) are two different personalities and not the same.
SAR SRI AKAAL.
Respected G.S. ( ? ) JI, Yes to some extent you are right, I know the hardships of forgion settlers, i my self has tasted it. Principal GANGA SINGH DHILLON HAS REMOVED HIS KESH FOR HIS GIRL FRIEND ONLY AND THAT LADY HAS LEFT HIM ALONE AFTER HE REMOVED HIS KESH AND SAID THAT SHE LOVED HIM BEING A SIKH BUT NOT A FALLEN SIKH. SECOND, IN GURBANI IT IS WRITTEN ‘ TAN MAN TERA , DHAN BHEE TERA. IF THE ALMIGHTY GIVEN US THIS BODY PHYSICALLY FIT, THEN WE CAN EARN MONEY AND MORE OVER IN SIKHISM EVERY THING IS GIVEN BY LORD GOD, ( GUR PARSHAD ). IT IS LOOK LIKE THAT MY BROTHER DOES NOT KNOW THE SIKH PHILOSOPHY AND GURBANI. A FALLEN ( PATIT ) SIKH IS NO MORE A SIKH. IN MY OPINION IF SIKHI IS SAVED WHEN SIKHS HAVE THEIR HOUSE ON HORSE BACKS AND HALF POPULATION WAS GOT SACRIFICED IN A SINGLE DAY FIGHTING WITH AHMED SHAH ABDALI IN VADDA GALLUKARA (BIG HOLOCAUST ) THEN SIKHI CAN REVIVE WITHOUT THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PATIT SIKHS BUT JUST WITH SMALLER BUILDINGS. I HUMBLY REQUEST YOU PLEASE KNOW THE FACTS AND LEARN THE BASICS OF SIKHISM. I PRAY WAHEGURU JI TO BLESS ALL WITH THEIR LOVE. WAHEGURU JI KA KHAKSA, WAHEGURU JE KI FATEH.
DEAR MR MUKANDPURI I DONT KNOW WHY CERTAIN PEOPLE ALWAYS TRY TO FIND CHEAP WAY TO FIND FAME.PLEASE READ THE HISTORY OF SIKH SETTLERS ABROAD. THE DIFFICULTY THEY HAD ENCOUNTERED AT THAT TIME. EVEN SIKH PREACHERS LIKE PRINCIPAL GANGA SINGH GOT HIS HAIR REMOVED. IN OUR GUDWARAS WE FIND MORE THAN FIFTY PERCENT SIKHS WITH TURBANS BUT
WITHOUT HAIR AND THESE GURDWARAS ARE BEING RUN WITH THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS OF MONEY AND SERVICE. IF YOU WANT TO SEE MR SUHIRDBIR SEE IT THE FACE BOOK. MY HUMBLE ADVISE TO YOU IS DONT WRITE WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE FACTS.
THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT THING IS, ARE WE SIKHS?FROM THE NAMES OF ABOVE GIVEN THREE PERSONS WHO ARE THE OWNERS OF RESTAURANTS IT DOES NOT SEEMS THAT THEY ARE SIKHS. A SIKH GENTALMAN’S NAME MUST HAVE WORD SINGH AND AFTER THAT NOT ANY SUB-CAST. IN THEY SAME WAY A SIKH LADY HAS KAUR AFTER HER NAME. WE HAVE SACRIFICED SIKHI (SIKHISM )FOR WORLDLY MATERIALS.WE HAVE FORGET THE TEACHINGS TEN GREAT MASTERS.A FALLEN SIKH IS NO MORE A SIKH. GURU SAHIBAN HAS MADE US LIONS AND PRINCESSES.NO BODY WILL COME FARWORD TO TELL ABOUT THE IDENTITY OF SIKHS. THEY HAVE TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF SIKHISM THEN THEY WILL BE RESPECTED AND NOT BE MISTAKEN AS ANY ONE ELSE. LIVE WITH PHYSICAL PERFACTNESS AND PURITY OF MIND. THEN YOU WILL GET AN HONOUR EVERY WHERE.. WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA, WHAHEGURU JI KE FATEH.