For the last four weeks, 22 high school and college students gathered in San Antonio, Texas to study leadership from the Sikh perspective. Students from California to England attended classes on Sikh history, theology, and conduct facilitated by the Sikh Research Institute. Sidak catered to the participants through three intense and distinct courses– high school, college, and language.
As a student in the high school program, Gagandeep Kaur, a high school senior from Orange County, California, spent two weeks studying Sikh beliefs through scripture, the Sikh tradition from the times of Guru Nanak Sahib to the present, and various other Sikh-based topics. Gagandeep said that her diverse learning experience at Sidak was vastly greater than any other she had encountered in her life.
“The best thing about Sidak was not just how the teachers were able to educate us, but how they would intrigue us with spiritual, political, and economic issues related to Sikhi,” Gagandeep said.
Baldeep Kaur, a third-year student at Cambridge University, England, said that in addition to the newly gained knowledge, she especially appreciated that the program emphasized the importance of religious life via daily divans. In addition to eight hours of class a day, the daily schedule included morning and evening divans that were operated entirely by attendees.
“The amount of information covered in the two weeks was phenomenal and I was impressed with the variety of subjects that we covered,” Baldeep said. But I really liked the fact that not everything about the program was based on the classroom – it was amazing how we all got the chance to learn through the divan setting every day.”
Balraj Singh, a high school junior from Springfield, Virginia, returned to Sidak for his second year and attended the language program. This program is based on the language of the Guru Granth Sahib and designed to impart tools for interpretation to all participating students.
“It was cool because we got to learn about things that I know will be useful in the future,” Balraj said. “We studied the Gurmukhi script, all the different languages, secondary texts, and a lot more. After doing all of that, I’ve noticed that when I’m reading Gurbani, I can figure out the meanings a lot more easily.”
According to Mansheel Singh, a sophomore at the University of California at Berkeley, the combination of religious knowledge and practice has given him a foundational understanding of the faith and he hopes to utilize his latest understandings to help advance the Sikh community. During the program, Mansheel achieved several firsts: reading from the Guru Granth Sahib, leading a sabad while playing the harmonium, and making parshad.
“Sidak allowed me to take a step forward by evaluating my own life,” Mansheel said. “In a comfortable setting, I was able to identify with Sikh values, learn my first sabad, and make great friendships. I gained such great insights that now I feel like I will be prepared to represent the Sikh community in public.”
Leadership skills were also honed on ‘Speech Night,’ a Sidak event in which participants delivered a ten-minute discourse on Sikh-related subjects to peer participants, Sidak facilitators, and members of the local Sikh community. Manpreet Kaur, a high school junior from Chicago, Illinois, won the high school division with her speech on the gurduara. Lakhpreet Kaur, a junior at the University of Wisconsin, earned first place in the college division after presenting views and fielding questions on Sikh musicology.
Lakhpreet Kaur said that though she enjoyed this event, the entire two weeks helped in reaffirming and strengthening her commitment to the faith.
“Probably the most lasting impression I have is how nice it was to see that there are other Sikhs out there who have the same outlook on Sikhi as I do,” Lakhpreet said. “It gives me hope and inspiration for the betterment of our community.”
Dilpreet Kaur, a high school senior from Centreville, Virginia, said that she came back to Sidak this year because of her great experience in 2004. She added that she learned just as much this year as a participant in the language program and looks forward to returning next summer as an intern for the Sikh Research Institute.
“This program has left me in awe of Sikhi and has made me feel fortunate of my religious heritage,” Dilpreet said. “I had so much fun and I learned so much that now I feel like I have the tools for effective personal development and growth as a Sikh. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, and at the same time, feel a greater appreciation for Sikhi.”
Contact Information Sikh Research Institute
PO Box 690504
San Antonio, TX 78269-0504
Tel: (210) 582-3371
XIV
Intersection of Religion and Politics: Experiences of Central Asia and the United States
Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Location: IREX
2121 K Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20037
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
RSVP: By July 22 to Tova Pertman at tpertman@irex.org or
202-628-8188
Ext. 135
Light lunch will be provided.
Presenters
David W. Montgomery
IREX Fellow
As an IREX fellow, Montgomery recently completed field research in
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. His research addressed how the acquisition of
religious knowledge influences religious practice, as well as the
implications religion has for a construction of identity. He has written
articles on Central Asian politics and security. Montgomery was witness to
Kyrgyz leader Askar Akayev s ejection following the March 2005 protests over
contested elections. Montgomery is a Research Associate at the East-West
Center for Research and Intercultural Dialogue, American University in
Central Asia (Bishkek); a Research Fellow at the Institute on Culture,
Religion and World Affairs, Boston University; and a Ph.D. Candidate in the
Department of Religion at Boston University. Montgomery received his B.A. in
religious studies and pre-medicine in 1991 from Indiana University and his
M.A. in bio-medical ethics from Michigan State University in 1994. He
received his M.A in international relations and religion from Boston
University in 2003.
Joseph K. Grieboski
Founder and President
Institute on Religion and Public Policy
The Institute on Religion and Public Policy is a non-profit, non-partisan
organization dedicated to the research and encouragement of cooperation
between religion, ethics and morality and government, politics, and policy
in both the domestic and foreign arenas. Joseph K. Grieboski founded the
Institute on Religion and Public Policy in 1999. With extensive experience
in American politics, international affairs, national security, and
inter-religious issues, Grieboski provides a unique commentary on America's
history, politics, the lives of the American people, and America’s place in
the international system. Prior to founding the Institute, Grieboski held
leadership posts in both the public and private sectors, and has
multifaceted experience in high-level political, diplomatic, and religious
activity.
Grieboski is a lecturer for the Close Up Foundation and has
lectured for the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence,
and Diplomacy, and for the Washington Semester Program on Peace and Conflict
Resolution at American University. Grieboski is also a faculty member of the
Boston University Institute on Religion and World Affairs (IRWA) Seminar
"Religion and Democracy." A contributor to academic, religious, and
political journals and magazines, Grieboski holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Foreign Service and a Master's in National Security Studies, both
from Georgetown University.
About IREX - IREX (the International Research & Exchanges Board) is an
international nonprofit organization specializing in education, independent
media, Internet development, and civil society programs. Through training,
partnerships, education, research, and grant programs, IREX develops the
capacity of individuals and institutions to contribute to their societies.
Since its founding in 1968, IREX has supported over 20,000 students,
scholars, policymakers, business leaders, journalists, and other
professionals.
XIII
WSC-AR Unequivocally Condemns All Terrorism, India's Demonization of Sikh
Community
PRESS RELEASE
World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR)
28 June 2005
Once again, there are very disturbing news reports from the Sikh Homeland
of Punjab in South Asia. A new wave of mass arrests and detentions of young
Sikhs has been unleashed by India in the last month. This is in gross
violation of civil liberties and political freedoms guaranteed by the
Indian Constitution and by the International Covenants and Conventions on
Human Rights.
Mr. Amolak Singh, Chairperson of World Sikh Council - America Region
(WSC-AR) remarked, "We condemn in the strongest terms the efforts of the
Government of India to demonize the Sikh community. We call upon the Indian
Government to end its genocidal attempts against religious minorities."
Dr. Anahat Kaur, Vice-Chairperson of WSC-AR said, "The Sikh experience in
India demonstrates a relentless pattern of religious persecution under the
guise of democracy while flouting the ideals of peace, justice, and human
rights". She added, "These actions hardly seem worthy of a democratic nation."
The Sikh nation continues to seek transparency and accountability.
Thousands of Sikhs continue to languish in jail for decades without charge
or trial. Thousands more have become the victims of enforced
disappearances, custodial deaths, extra-judicial killings, and illegal
cremations. This history makes the new wave of mass arrests all the more
ominous.
WSC-AR unequivocally condemns and opposes all terrorism, including state
terrorism, and urges the Government of India to stop this gross violation
of human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Sikhs and other national
minorities.
We are particularly concerned for the health and safety of Mr. Simranjit
Singh Mann, who was recently arrested in Punjab. Mr. Mann has been
subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment in India's torture chambers in the
1980's. He was only released when he was elected by a landslide to a seat
in the Indian Parliament while still in jail. We strongly urge the Indian
Government to abide by its own laws and immediately release these prisoners
of conscience.
While India's current Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh has been rightly
credited for the liberalization of the Indian economy, he should not let
the Indian polity continue in the genocidal era of India's state terrorism
of the 1980s and 1990s. We call upon the Indian Prime Minister to clearly
outline the steps his government will take to provide transparency and
accountability in the treatment of religious minorities, and what measures
he will take to safeguard their constitutionally provided freedoms during
his July 2005 visit to the United States.
WSC-AR fully supports the efforts of India's National Human Rights
Commission and other human rights organizations who are trying to stop this
newest wave of religious persecution and political oppression. We further
appeal to the United Nations, the United States Government, the European
Union and all freedom loving people to hold India, often called the world's
largest democracy, responsible for the gross violations of civil liberties
and fundamental freedoms of its people.
Since its independence from British Colonial rule in 1947, India has
persecuted its religious minorities, including Christians, Muslims, and
Sikhs, in the name of national integration.
In the May 2003 report "Reduced to Ashes: The Insurgency and Human Rights in Punjab" (www.punjabjustice.org), Mr. Ram Narayan Kumar, one of India's
leading human rights activist, presents overwhelming evidence (along with
over 600 case histories) of massive human rights abuses of Sikhs by police,
and the contributions at all levels of the state and national government as
well the Indian judiciary towards police impunity.
The report presents evidence to show that "The four fundamentals of the
Indian democracy, embedded in its republican Constitution, are: [1] The
guarantees of inalienable rights to all citizens; [2] A democratic
legislature; [3] An independent judiciary; and [4] The freedom of
discourse. On the strength of these constitutional features, India claims
to be the largest functional democracy in the world where widespread human
rights abuses, systematic persecution of estranged communities and
suppression of political dissent cannot occur. However, the experiences of
the Sikhs of Punjab show that as a demonised community targeted for abuse
by the authorities, they had no protection from the leaders of the
supposedly independent institutions, including the judiciary, either in
shielding their fundamental rights against imminent violations or in
obtaining acknowledgement and legal restitution of wrongs. Freedom of
discourse remained an empty promise when even the higher judiciary joined
the chorus to turn the page and obliterate the victims' memory on the
ground that a public discussion and scrutiny focusing on past abuses and
role of institutions would undermine the interests of peace and social order."
The WSC-AR is a representative and elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and
institutions in the United States. Its members include 37 Gurdwaras (Sikh
places of worship) and other Sikh institutions across the nation.
XII
All Party Meet on State Onslaught
PRESS RELEASE
International Human Rights Organisation
210, New District Judicial Complex, Ludhiana (Punjab)
28 June 2005
All Panthic and political parties, including Human Rights and Kisan Union groups, will meet here on July 2, at Circuit House, to deliberate upon the recent state offensive launched against political activists and innocent people of Punjab in the wake of the army operation “Bluestar” anniversary and the arrest of Babbar Khalsa activist Jagtar Singh Hawara.
The meeting has been convened after consulting representatives of the SAD (1920), SAD (Longowal), Shiromani Khalsa Dal (SKD), SSF, Dal Khalsa, Khalsa Panchayat, all human rights groups and BKUs, Damdami Taksal, including DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna, SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjoli, Manjit Singh Calcutta, Jathedar Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, according to the International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO) chairperson D S Gill and SAD (A) general secretary Charan Singh Lohara,
They added that all those, who have respect for human rights and dignity of the people, felt the urgent need to counter the political onslaught let loose by the state police, which had resulted in hundreds of arrests, torture, disappearances of persons and their false implication in criminal cases.
“A few of them may be involved in some criminal acts, but hundreds others have been harassed, nabbed and tortured only because they had any proximity with Hawara or his relations”, they said. These innocent persons and Sikh leaders such as SAD(A) president Simranjit Singh Mann and Dal Khalsa leaders, they added, had been booked in false cases to create terror in the minds of media prone people in the state and elsewhere.
All these matters would be discussed at the all party and Panthic meet and efforts would be made to devise ways and means to counter the sinister political designs of the government and others who are bent upon to disturb peace, the peace of the grave, of course, just to gain political mileage in Punjab.
XI
Saudis Release Christian Detainees
PRESS RELEASE
Institute on Religion and Public Policy
9 June 2005
Washington, DC - Saudi Officials yesterday announced the release of seven
Christians who had been arrested for practicing Christianity in the Kingdom.
Of the released, six were arrested on May 28 in an extensive raid carried
out by the Muttawa in Riyadh. The other individual released is Samkutty
Varghese, an Indian Protestant, in jail since March.
In Saudi Arabia, public expression of any faith other than Wahabbist Islam
is illegal. All seven had been caught with Christian items - including
Bibles, crosses, and teaching materials. Their release was contingent upon
each Christian signing a renunciation to non-Muslim religious practice,
which they had been carrying out privately in their homes. Such practice in
theory is permitted by law in the Kingdom
A Saudi official speaking in Cairo denied allegations that the Kingdom
arrests and tortures Christians. The official stated that such allegations
run counter to Islamic policies of tolerance. The official, speaking to the
Saudi Press Agency (SPA), explained that the allegations “don’t go with the
principles and values of the Kingdom and above all our tolerant Islamic
belief which guarantees the rights of Muslims and residents of different
religions and ethnicities alike.”
Saudi Arabia was designated by the United States Department of State as a
”Country of Particular Concern for Severe Violations of Religious Freedom”
last year. A report accused the Saudis of “particularly severe violations”
of religious freedom. Joseph K. Grieboski, President of the Institute on
Religion and Public Policy, stated that “Saudi Arabia not only unashamedly
suppresses fundamental rights of individuals living within the Kingdom and
disregards international covenants on religious freedom, but also by these
incidents, openly contradicts itself.”
After their release, local press sources - referring to telephone calls from
the prison - reported that the Christian prisoners were subjected to abuse.
Four of the released prisoners have been repatriated to India, while the
other three are awaiting a decision as to whether or not they will be
allowed to remain in Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi Arabia, all forms of religious expression are banned except
Wahabbist Islam. Saudi Arabia has their own religious police, the Muttawa,
who have a reputation for violations of religious freedom for non-Muslims.
The Saudi Royal Family has recently permitted non-Muslims to practice their
own religion in the privacy of their homes. However, from the evidence of
recent arrests, it is clear that the seriousness to protect the rights of
non-Muslims is essentially non-existent.
Mr. Grieboski added that “The time has come for Saudi Arabia to uphold
fundamental rights and to conduct the reciprocity of free exercise of faith
that Muslims enjoy throughout the world. The Saudi record is one of direct
violations of religious rights, and no matter the rhetoric, their actions
speak louder than any words.”
X
Third Sikh Holocaust Event in Chicago
Sponsored by the Institute for Conflict and Peace Studies and the Sikh Religious Society
Chicago, IL June 5, 2005. The Institute for Conflict and Peace Studies (IFCAPS) and Sikh Religious Society, Palatine organized a three day program to focus on Holocaust and genocide studies. On 4th June, 2005, a conference was held on Holocaust memorials and their impact in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. The research papers were presented by Dr. I.J Singh (New York), Dr. Amrik Singh (California), Dr. Swaranjeet Singh of IFCAPS. Prof. Jaginder Singh (Chicago), Dr. Amarjit Singh of KAC Washington, and S. Kulwant Singh (SRS).
Dr. Swaranjeet Singh, Executive Director of Institute for Conflict and Peace Studies (IFCAPS), underlined the importance of promoting peace through resolving nagging conflicts in society. He identified more than 150 explosive spots for the escalation of conflicts. In the second phase, he said that efforts can be made to resolve them for promoting peace in the society. He further declared that the role of IFCAPS was academic and recommendatory in nature. He said he vowed to undertake the conflict studies under IFCAPS as there was hardly any endeavor made in that area. It would benefit not only South Asia but also the other marginalized communities of the world where conflicts were taking a big toll on the society. Dr. Swaranjeet Singh showed his deep concern at the growing trend of animating Sikh history. The animation of Sikh Gurus and Sahibzadas can?t be accepted as it is not different from theatrical production. He said there should be a debate before anything like this raises its ugly head to confuse the masses.
The following decisions were taken by IFCAPS at the conference:
· The entry of Indian Army into the Darbar Sahib on June ,1984, would be observed as Third Sikh Holocaust (Ghalughara)
· The attack on Sikhs following the death of Indira Gandhi would be observed as Fourth Holocaust.
· 28th October every year would be observed as Sikhs Human Rights Day.
· Efforts will be made to set up Punjab Archives
Dr. I.J. Singh, a prominent Sikh scholar, held that the effect of holocaust was tremendous on younger generations. Referring to the attack on Darbar Sahib by Indian Army in 1984, he said that it was not a civilized way to resolve the conflict. The use of force to exterminate innocent visitors in Darbar Sahib, Amritsar was horrendous and tragic. The entire community was traumatized and there was very little effort made to resolve the conflict with good faith. Peace can be promoted only if conflicts are analyzed and solutions are provided. His focus was on the Diaspora Sikh response to this event in Sikh history. Dr. I.J. Singh expressed the need for an oral history project so that the events of 1984 are never forgotten.
Dr. Amrik Singh, a representative of IFCAPS in California, analyzed elements that constitute holocausts. The pattern was same in all holocausts that took place in the world. The majority community has exaggerated view of its own superiority and wants all others to accept subsidiary position. If any one doesn?t accept the lower grading and becomes an eyesore, a biting attack would take place in the garb of some veiled threat to the fabric of society. Referring to 1984, he said that it was a very systematic invasion on the patriotic people who were in the forefront of freedom struggle. Indian Army was given 48 hours to clean up therefore, the operation was done in accelerated manner without giving any thought to the loss of life of innocent people.
Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev presented his paper on Akal Takhat and its importance. He said that the institution of Akal Takhat was misused many a time in the history of the Sikhs. Dr. Amarjit Singh of the Khalistan Affairs Center analyzed the resolution passed at Akal Takhat in 1986 and said that it was still relevant. He gave a number of reasons to justify the demand of Khalistan. Mr. Kulwant Singh Hundal spoke on the rampant use of drugs in Punjab villages. The youth of Punjab was threatened to be consumed away in the addiction to many intoxicants. How to wean the youth away from harmful use of drug was the major thrust of his paper.
Harvind Kaur conducted the seminar in a very efficient manner giving equal opportunity to the audience who wanted to participate in the debate. A documentary written and directed by Harvind Kaur was screened. The short film titles ?Keep the Faith? gives basic information about the turban and shows how a turban is tied. The documentary is now available in DVD format. Schools, institutions and other interested individuals can contact IFCAPS (info@ifcaps.org) for a copy of it.
A candle light vigil was held late in the evening at the Palatine Gurudwara to commemorate the Third Holocaust that took place on Darbar Sahib from June 3, to June 6, 1984. More than 200 Sikhs took part in the vigil. A soulful tribute was paid to the memory of all devotees who exemplified calm, courage and sacrifice in the face of death. The artillery, mortar guns, tanks and missiles were used to kill innocent civilians in the Darbar Sahib. It may be the only incident in the history of the world when army turned their aim at their own people. Along with a few speeches the attendees did simran and viewed a slide show of photographs of the actual attack in June 1984.
Another attractive event of the three day program was a discussion of the panel of representatives of different communities held on 5th June , 2005. The Documentary ?Final Solution? produced by Rakesh Sharma was shown. It wasfollowed by a penal discussion. Mr. Dinesh Sampat of Hindu Community, Mr. Joe Anthony of the Christian, Mr. Rahul Depankar of Buddhist & Dalit, Mr. Inthiaze and Mr. Rasheed Ahmad of Muslim community, and Mr. Baldev Singh of the Sikh community participated in the Panel Discussion. Mr. Rajinder Singh Mago moderated the discussion in an appreciable manner. First of all, Dinesh Sampat of Hindu community said that Vedas are scriptures of universal values. All the principles of Vedas, if followed in their letter and spirit can end many problems that plague our society today.
Mr. Anthony said that Christian community was under a great threat under the communal leadership of India, but their meaningful intervention from USA helped in punishing the guilty ones. Mr. Rasheed expressed a great hope of intercommunity relationships and appreciated the organizers for holding the event. Mr. Inthiaz also held that if no effort is made to resolve the conflicts, they can plague the whole society.
Most exponent of all member participants was Dr. Rahul Depankar who said that he had had the opportunity to speak in Sikh Gurudwaras about the condition of Dalits. He said Guru Granth Sahib doesn?t support any discrimination of Dalits and seeks to provide equal opportunities to the have-nots. However, he wasn?t happy with the practices that allow Sikhs to treat Dalits like most Brahmins do. Mr. Baldev Singh spoke about attempts made to isolate Sikh community from the rest of the country. The feelings of hatred were created for political purposes and to overshadow overwhelming contribution of Sikhs in the freedom struggle. The ghostly past of 1984 can never be forgotten, whereas all out efforts have been to erase the tragedy from the memory of the people. The façade of secularism and democracy was against the minority community, he added.
The Board of Panel adopted unanimously a motion concerning the controversial decision of French Government to deny the religious rights of some people. They resolved to write to the Government of India about officially taking the matter with their French counterpart. The response to the panel discussion was really a salutary one. The audience requested more such programs.
IX
Desist Opposing Proposed Memorial
PRESS RELEASE
2 June 2005
Ludhiana - The International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO) today condemned the Punjab government and certain Sikh groups for opposing the SGPC move to build a memorial for martyrs of Dharam Yudh Morcha, calling upon the SGPC leadership to take into confidence all Panthic organisatins and human rights groups before going ahead for this noble move.
While asking the state government to desist from opposing the proposed memorial for martyrs of the Indian army operation Bluestar 1984 for which Congress (I) led central government was responsible, the IHRO said, in a statement here today, that Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh and deputy CM, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, should not intervene in this religiously sensitive matter.
Instead of indulging in this political stupidity, the IHRO chairperson D S Gill, secretary-general M S Grewal and secretary Jatinder Singh Sandhu said that they (CM & Deputy CM) should counsel Sonia Gandhi to apologise at Akal Takht, on June 6, for the sins committed by her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi and husband Rajiv Gandhi, in the June 1984 army attack on Darbar Sahib and the November’ 84 Sikh carnage.
Otherwise, they added, the nomination of a Sikh as PM, Army chief or State CM (who resigned in protest against operation Bluestar), a few emotion-packed measures, will not do the trick.
The IHRO has called upon all Panthic organisations and Sikh political and social groups, including the SGPC and the people of Punjab who have respect for Sikh tenets and human rights, to converge on June 6 at Akal Takht; declare Akal Takht (ground floor) gallery as Shaheedi Gallery and mark a place in Darbar Sahib complex to construct ‘Minar-e-Shaheedan’.
Akal Takht Shaheed Gallery should be designated for all those who have laid down their lives, defending Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib right from Baba Deep Singh and Nihang Baba Gurbax Singh to Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his combatants, while Minar-e-Shaheedan should stand for all those who laid down their lives in Dharam Yudh Morcha (1984-94), said the IHRO statement.
The IHRO will also dedicate its research work conducted during this decade to these martyrs, in the form of a book, in the coming few months.
VIII
On Indian Nationalism
Statement to Chandigarh Press Corp on June 1, 2005
The Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) does not want to discuss the issue of the allegations of Mr. Gohur Ayub in detail today. At the same time it wants to state that the politicians who got a right to form the Indian state in 1947 on the basis of communal bifurcation of the Indian sub-continent, after 58 years of running the Indian state have not been able to create an Indian nationality, but instead have successfully created a Hindu nationalism and a Hindu Rasthra.
Therefore when Indian nationalism has not been created then the allegations against top officers, in the armed forces receiving bribes are correct. The Tehlka sting operation has also proved this. Two top Air Force officers now living in Australia had also sold military secrets(Larkin brothers).
The Handerson Brooks report on the 1965 battle with Pakistan hasn’t been made public because of Mr. Gohur’s allegations and other weaknesses of the Indian’s system of nationalism remain concealed in it. The Defence Minister doesn’t need to order a fresh probe into what Mr. Gohur says. Just have that report made public and the cat will be out of the bag!
The late Morarji Desai who rose to lead his country as Prime Minister was found to sell secrets to the American CIA. The Pulitzer Prize winner and investigative journalist Seymour M. Hersh proved beyond a shadow of doubt that Morarji Desai was a paid agent of the CIA. Morarji Desai went all the way to America to file a suit in a court of law. But the court relied on the professional documentation of Hersh and arrived at the verdict that truly Desai had received monies from the American treasury.
Today the Bofors case has fallen through because of slip-shod investigation. When the Indians have no national interest then obviously Money Bags influence decisions. Because the leaders of 1947 and post 1947 failed to create an Indian nationalism the Governor of Behar who recently dissolved the assembly for the reason of horse trading, was himself involved in this business.
In fact it is not the fault of the leaders of and post 1947. The Hindus have never had a nation state in their history and hence have a loyalty to their religion only. They have, thus created the Hindu Rasthra. God Bless us all.
VII
G.B. Singh on Mancow Show
Hear G.B. Singh’s interview on Mancow Radio Show, WKQX Chicago; Q 101 FM
Day & Time: Thursday June 2, 2005 at 810 A.M. Central.
G.B. Singh is the author of Gandhi: Behind the Mask of Divinity.
VI
Mothers and Daughters
The Delta based artist cum activist Arminder (Amy) Ghuman provided not only an afternoon of great performances, but also a forum for health care providers to share valuable information on diabetes, nutrition, and women’s health related topics such as breast cancer.
“I believe it is very important for women of all ages to bond together,
share their experience and exchange information relevant to their unique
needs”, says Ghuman of Trinjana, the Punjabi Folk Academy.
Dr. Kang, associate professor at UBC (Canada) shared information on mental
health while Dianne Chappel of Fraser Health Authority provided information
on women and depression including its symptoms, incidences, risk factors, and
treatment options. Dr. Grewal provided information on breast cancer and
self-examination techniques and Amrit Beinhaker on preventing and managing diabetes, a deadly disease effecting south Asians
more so than the general population.
Based in Delta, the academy attracts women of all ages and shares with them
educational information blended with cultural performances. The academy has
earned a legacy for raising funds in support of the Delta Hospital. Funds
raised at ‘mothers and daughters’ event will go towards the construction of
a women’s ward, which will be tributed to ‘Mata Gujriji’.
While giddha and other dance items were performed largely by students of the
academy, a surprise song item was sung by the prominent singer K.S. Makhan.
Anu Bhmra, the popular news anchor with Channel M, kept the moment alive and
facilitated the event with deep enthusiasm.
Chetna Association of Canada and Janta Sewak Society commends organizations
such as Trinjana for taking initiatives that are educational as
well as cultural. Sudarashan Bakshi of Janta Sewak Society collected many of the door prizes.
A special ceremony will be organized in the future to celebrate the
opening of the ward at Delta Hospital. For further information, contact Amy Ghuman at 604-612-4586.
V
Kosovo: Current and Future Status
For Immediate Release Contact: Lidiya Zubytska
Press Release Phone: 202-835-8760
Washington, D.C. - Institute on Religion and Public Policy President Joseph
K. Grieboski today submitted written testimony to the International
Relations Committee of the United States House of Representatives hearing
on Kosovo: Current and Future Status.
“I regret to say that the present record of rule of law, protection of the
rights of religious and ethnic minorities and the return/resettlement of
internally displaced people by the Provisional Authority of Kosovo, all of
which are indispensable for democratic governance has been gravely
unsatisfactory in the last 6 years,” Mr. Grieboski stated. “We cannot
discuss a viable political self - rule of Kosovo unless there is a
well-demonstrated long-term commitment on the part of Kosovo power to the
preservation of peace and ethnic diversity of the province through both
legislative and institutional means.”
Today’s hearing was held in anticipation of future status talks regarding
the United Nations-managed province. Since 1999, Kosovo has been under a
United Nations mandate following NATO bombings to end Slobodan Milosevic’s
genocide against Kosovar Albanians.
“Clearly, the problem of internally displaced persons, the incapacity of
Kosovar provisional institutions to prevent violence, and gross mistreatment
of religious minorities in legislative and other socio-political means by
current Kosovo institutions demonstrates the lack of democratic
infrastructure that would prevent the region from further collapse into the
very ethnic and religious violence that the international community
initially intervened to stop and avert. Until the above is guaranteed, the
independence of Kosovo cannot and must not be an option,” Mr. Grieboski
concluded.
Mr. Grieboski’s testimony can be found in full on the Institute on Religion and Public Policy’s website at www.religionandpolicy.org
IV
Fremont Chiropractor Celebrates Vaisakhi 2005
Starting on April 13th to May 13th, 2005, Dr. SS. Khalsa and Dr. T.K. Ahluwalia of Total Living Chiropractic in Fremont California will be sponsoring a food drive in honor and celebration of Vaisakhi 2005, for the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
All new patients will receive the initial consultation and chiropractic examination (approximate value $100) for free with a donation of 5 or more non-perishable food items to the food bank. If you currently experience low back, neck pain, headaches, shoulder or knee problems or other musculo-skeletal problems, this would be an ideal opportunity for you to consult with a chiropractor.
For more information on chiropractic or contributing to the cause please contact Dr. Khalsa at 510-657-5383 or Dr. Ahluwalia 510-759-6361 or email drtarveen@gmail.com. Services are also provided in Punjabi.
The Total Living Chiropractic team would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Vaisakhi may the year ahead bless you with love, health, happiness and prosperity.
Total Living Chiropractic 4152 Bay Street Fremont, CA 94538
III
Penn & Teller to Showcase Gandhi
Penn & Teller turn sacred cows into cheeseburger when they reveal the dirty truth about so-called enlightened spiritual leaders such as Mother Teresa, Gandhi and the Dalai Lama. Penn & Teller: Bullshit! show will air Holier Than Thou on May 23, 2005. This will air on Showtime Networks and will cover Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Dalai Lama, revealing rarely heard truths about them that will both shock true-believers and fascinate skeptics. Through an absorbing mix of in-depth interviews, historical facts and biting wit, Penn & Teller shed new light on these three spiritual icons that viewers may think they know. Appearing in the show will be G. B. Singh, author of Gandhi: Behind the Mask of Divinity.
Visit www.pennandteller.com and check for the times in your area or check the Showtime Networks’ daily schedule.
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Simranjit Singh Mann in Chicago
The Sikh Religious Society invited Sirdar Simranjit Singh Mann President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) to come to Chicago Gurudwara Sahib, Palatine on April 23, 2005. He explained his political views in the context of Ardas, Hukam and Bunga’s.
Mann informed the congregation that Sikhs do not have equal rights in India despite the fact that the Prime Minister is a Sikh, and are still suffering because of the Central Government’s anti-Sikh and anti-minority policies. He was concerned about Sikhs in France who are fighting for their right to wear a turban and felt that the Indian Government did not take any bold step to change the situation. Mann commented on the Indian Government’s denial of the Anand Marriage Act, which was provided by the British in 1909, and boldly asserted that Sikhs need their own homeland. He felt that every Sikh should support this effort so that our next generations does not suffer.
Dr. Amarjit Singh of the Khalistan Affairs Center came here with Mann and explained that the book Soft Target has exposed the role of the Indian Intelligence in the Kanishka episode. Now the Canadian court has decided the case acquitting the two people charged for it.
Sikh Religious Society president Raghvinder Singh Mahal presented the Saropa to Sirdar Simranjit Singh Mann, his wife Bibi Geetinder Kaur and Dr. Amarjit Singh. Bhai Avtar Singh and his ragi jatha did Gurbani Keertan and explained the meaning of the shabads.
Dr. Swaranjeet Singh
SRS Media Coordinator
srsmediagroup@yahoo.com
I
Farmer unions authorise IHRO to take up suicides cases with NHRC
LUDHIANA (Punjab), April 23, 2005- A conclave of prominent farmer organisations of the state authorized the International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO) to plead suicide cases of Punjab farmers at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other related matters with the Centre and state government, while these kisan unions, for the time being, could not come to consensus for addressing other issues collectively because of their ideological differences with each other.
The main reason of discord was the issue of employees’ interests raised by certain kisan organisations affiliated to the Left political parties. BKU groups wanted to stick to farmers’ issues only, while the other three groups wanted to include the employees’ problems as well. There were differences when a BKU leader pointed out that there were too many government employees and most resources were spent on them.
The all-party meeting of kisan organisations was convened by the IHRO at the Circuit House here to deliberate upon the problems faced by the farmers that led to distress and desperation and even large scale suicides. The meeting was attended by representatives of Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) - Lakhowal, BKU (Mann), BKU (Ekta), All India Kirti Kisan Sabha (Punjab), Jamhoori Kisan Sabha and Khetibari Kisan Vikas Front, besides the IHRO. And the IHRO chairperson D S Gill presided over the meeting.
The IHRO secretary-general Mohinder Singh Grewal explained the agenda of the meeting and briefed on the suo motu initiative taken by the NHRC on the plight of the Andhra Pradesh and Kerala states’ debt ridden farmers, many of whom had committed suicides during the recent past.
D. S. Gill further elucidated the issue of farmers’ suicides, saying “It is grave violation of fundamental human right to life enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution for which both the states as well as union governments are responsible as abetters in so far as they have been ignoring agricultural sector in framing policy and programmes of their governments and sleeping over the plight of distressed farming community for long.”
Kisan leaders Manjit Singh Kadian, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Pishora Singh Sidhupur, Prem Singh Bhangoo, Bodh Singh Mansa, Kuldip Singh Grewal, Kulwant Singh Sandhu, Sukhdev Singh Bhopal and Maghar Singh Kulrian expressed their views on the subject matter of the meet.
After three hours’ deliberations, all parties agreed to authorize the IHRO to plead the cause of farmers at the government and legal level. Referring to the suo motu notices issued by the NHRC to the state governments on the issue of farmers’ suicides, the parties wanted that the IHRO should become party to the case and plead the cause of the Punjab farmers.
It was also announced at the meeting that the state government was trying to down play the suicides by farmers as it had only owned up about 7600 suicides by farmers during the last five years, while in actual there were over 13,000. And it was decided that for handling the issues concerned with the Centre, the IHRO delegation would meet the Prime Minister while the issues concerning the state would be taken up at meetings with the Chief Minister.
The meeting noted with concern that while the input costs of agricultural produce had increased manifold during the last few years, the cost of the product was almost frozen. “This disparity, besides other things, is the main cause of depression that leads to suicides, and the meagre increase of Rs 10 in MSP of paddy per quintal is just an eyewash as it hardly helps farmers in form of financial relief,” thus concluded Mr D S Gill.
The kisan leaders observed that despite the Indian economy being prominently agriculture based, the agriculture sector was most ignored and overlooked when it came to formulating the policies. They pointed out that at the time of preparing the Budget, the Finance Minister held meetings with all business and industrial organisations but nobody bothered about the agriculture. No farmers’ organisation was ever taken into confidence.
Punjab, the leaders said, is being ignored by the Centre in providing relief to the families of the deceased farmers in terms of compensation and loan waiver. They pointed out that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Andhra Pradesh in this regard but Punjab was ignored. Punjab too needs humane approach as it is placed second in the country in the number of suicides, they added.
The conclave also asked the IHRO to press the government to make amendments in agrarian matters, especially the harsh measures to recover outstanding loans. The farmers are burdened under farm debts as disparity between farm input and output continues to increase. The farmers are compelled to commit suicides for their inability to repay these loans being offered at high rate of interest, alleged the leaders.
While thanking the kisan leaders for reposing confidence in the IHRO and their cooperation on the issue, its chairperson assured them that “we will do the needful and appoint a committee of agriculture economists under the leadership of IHRO’s national advisor, Dr SS Johl, who is currently abroad.”
