New York-- September 13, 2004. Sikh attendees of United Nations Organization NGOs meeting released the 2004 Declaration of Guiding Principles for Civil Society to nudge forward. These principles are taken from the universal wisdom of Sri Guru Granth Sahib compiled 400 years ago.
The fifty-seventh annual Conference of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) concluded a three days conference at the UN Headquarters in New York. More than 1,800 representatives from 540 organizations based in 93 countries had come together for three days to assess the progress and consider the way forward to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The one hundred eighty-nine member states originally adopted these goals at the Millennium Summit of UNO in 2000. The UNO Summit preceded by a Summit of World Religious Leaders where heads of many Sikh religious organizations participated and a memorandum on Spiritual Ecology was submitted by the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation President, Dr. Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia.
At this year’s meeting, the Sikh representatives and their friends urged that a significant change in attitude would be necessary to unite the world communities to promote the peace and achieve the development goals.
On the First Day of the conference, September 8, the friends of the Sikhs met informally with Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information of the United Nations, Shashi Tharoor, after the plenary session in the General Assembly.
On the next day, September 9, the Sikh delegates with their friends gathered for a brief meditation in the meditation room. A silent prayer for the goodwill of all humanity followed it. Moving out of this room, an informal meeting was held where brief history of the compilation of the Aadi Granth was reviewed to stress its interfaith character, its universal message and its reverence for human rights, justice, peace and freedom of religious practice. It was felt:
1) that the initiatives taken by the compiler of the Aadi Granth were clearly to establish world peace through understanding, gratitude, and reverence for nature.
2) that the ancient wisdom of the Aadi Granth would be of value to the modern world when they are considering its future.
Dr. Harbans Lal of Academy of Guru Granth Studies read a 10- point Declaration as given below. Five member sponsors then signed the Declaration. They were Tatiana Androsov, Harbans Lal, Sat Kiran Kaur Khalsa (Sardarni Sahiba of Sikh Dharma International), Sat Mitar Kaur Khalsa (NGO/DPI/UN Representative of 3HO), and Dyal Singh Khalsa.
On the final day of the conference, September 10, the Sikh group collected again to review the comments and good wishes received from the world faith leaders who could not attend the New York Headquarters. Messages of support for the effort of the Sikh delegation were received from Marcus Braybrooke (President, World Congress of Faiths), Kiranjot Kaur (Shromani Gurdwara Parbhandhal Committee, Amritsar), Jogi Harbhajan Singh (Sri Singh Sahib, Sikh Dharma International), Dr. Inderjit Kaur (Bahi Sahiba, Sikh Dharma International, 3HO), Dr. Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia (Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Chandigarh), Dr. Rajwant Singh (Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) and Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Washington DC.), Alfredo Sfeir-Younis (World Bank), Rajinderjit Kaur (Sikh Women Association and Temple of Understanding), and Pritpal Singh Bindra (Sikh Social and Educational Association Canada), Col. Perminder Singh Randhawa (Sikhya Seekers International, Chandigarh).
During the NGO Conference, the participants held several workshops and day-long panels on many topics. Sikh delegates participated and made comments on applicability of ancient message of the Aadi Granth at many panels. Their contributions were particularly relevant at least three panels entitled; (1) Intolerance, Terrorism and Community Policing; (2) Role of Spirituality in Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution; (3) The Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of the Millennium Development Goals.
Ten Points Declaration of the Guiding Principles for Civil Society
1. To Recognize Presence of Divine Light in every living being.
2. To recognize that the earth is created according to God’s cosmic blueprint and it is therefore intrinsically good. Nature is our mother, our home, our security, our peace, our past and our future. It is our obligation to treat natural things and habitats as our sacred temples and shrines, to be revered and preserved in all their intricate and fragile beauty.
3. God is the Creator and its creative manifestation extends to all humans. Therefore, all humans are intrinsically creative in partnership with God.
4. It is a human destiny to emulate the divine attributes; such as Identity with Truth, Fearlessness, Without Animosity, Eternal Personality, beyond the genetic and mimetic imprisonments, and Free Spirit that lives in Gratitude.
5. To experience Divinity in work and service, in art and science, in philosophy and religion, and in environment and creation.
6. To follow the principles of righteous living by believing in: Human Equality, Human Dignity, Justice, and Human Behaviors that cleanse the Body and the Mind.
7. To build the institutions of altruism and sharing in social infrastructures. Examples are: Langer or free community kitchen attached to every congregation, OR Institutions like Pingalwara for every unfortunate citizen.
8. To be Advocate for those who are most vulnerable in our society.
9. To exert Spiritual and moral responsibility to Guide politics and political institutions, and to provide guidelines for leadership of religious institutions.
10. To build a world order without the culture of “mera Tera” (meaning “mine and yours”) psychology. It is a transgression of the divine principle of unity in god’s creation to profile and divide people in “us “ and “them”
XX
Smithsonian Sikh Exhibit - Virtual Tour
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh
I recently had the pleasure of being invited to attend the opening of
the new Sikh Heritage Gallery in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian last
month. I'm honored to have five of my photographs form part of the
permanent display (four of Darbar Sahib interior and exterior and one of
an American Sikh girl).
The exhibit is a great starting point for us to introduce Sikhs and
Sikhism to the general public and you could not have asked for a better
venue. The Smithsonian is the most visited museum complex in the world
with over 24 million visitors every year.
I have designed a website that offers you a virtual tour of the exhibit,
you can find it at:
I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibit in Washington if you get
a chance. Feel free to use this website to help promote the exhibit to
others. Also get involved with the Smithsonian in supporting their work
and guiding them going forward.
--Sandeep Singh Brar
XIX
Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee
Gurdwara Dera Sahib . Lahore (Pakistan) . email: etpbshrines@yahoo.com, etpbshrines@hotmail.com
Invitation to Pakistan on Gurpurab
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Wahe Guru Ji Ke Fateh!
Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Jee will be celebrated in Pakistan from 23rd November to 3rd December 2004. Main religious functions of the festival will be held at Gurdwara Janamasthan, Nankana Sahib from 24th to 26th November 2004. All necessary arrangements are being made by the Government of Pakistan, Evacuee Trust Property Board and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to celebrate the event in a befitting manner.
You are cordially invited to participate in the said event alongwith your family/ friends for pilgrimage of Gurdwaras in Pakistan. Your presence in the festival will be a great honour for us.
Guru Panth Ka Daas
Shyam Singh
Co-President
XVIII
India: Caste Discrimination and Arbitrary Police Assault
24 August 2004
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information
from its partner organization in West Bengal, Manabadhikar Suraksha
Mancha (MASUM) that a pregnant Dalit woman, Lilabati Chowdhury, was
brutally beaten by a police patrol party of the Beharampore police
station at midnight on 7 August 2004. After the assault, Lilabati was
admitted to the Baharampur Block Hospital in the Karnasubarna area,
where it was reported that the condition of her baby was uncertain.
Furthermore, several uniformed policemen came to the hospital and
warned Lilabati not to speak to anybody about the incident.
Notwithstanding, no action has been taken against those responsible.
AHRC notes with great concern that these arbitrary acts of violence
and assault by police officers throughout India occur with great
frequency. Furthermore, no action is taken against the responsible
officers, particularly when the violence is committed against members
of scheduled castes or minorities. Your urgent action to address this
issue is required.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
(UA-109-2004: INDIA: Pregnant Dalit woman assaulted by West Bengal
police)
Detailed Information
Victim: Lilabati Chowdhury, wife of Chhutka Chowdhury, belongs to
the scheduled caste (Dalits)
Perpetrators: Police force of Beharampore Police Station,
Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India
Date of incident: 7 August 2004
Time of incident: about midnight (12 ‘o’ clock)
Place of incident: Pakamati-Mohula (village), Murshidabad, West
Bengal
Lilabati Chowdhury, seven months pregnant and mother of two children,
was brutally beaten by a police patrol party of the Beharampore
police station at midnight on 7 August 2004. The police officers had
entered Lilabati’s mud house allegedly looking for her husband and
had prodded her awake with their batons. Lilabati had been sleeping
in the courtyard with her children.
Lilabati’s husband, Chhutka Chowdhury, is a daily wage laborer who
catches fish in his spare time. The Chowdhury family belong to the
Dalit community and are very poor. On the night of August 7, Chhutka
was fishing in the nearby river, which is what Lilabati told the
police. However, the police continued searching for him in other
houses. Desperately, Lilabati asked the police why they were being
harassed when there was no complaint against them, which was
confirmed by the subsequent statement of the neighboring villagers.
Lilabati also protested against the vulgar language used by the
police towards her. The police then brutally assaulted Lilabati with
their batons, seriously injuring a woman who was heavily pregnant.
Lilabati was admitted to the Baharampur Block Hospital in the
Karnasubarna area, where it was reported that the condition of her
baby was uncertain.
Furthermore, several uniformed policemen came to the hospital late at
night without informing the hospital authority and warned Lilabati
not to speak to anybody about the incident. The policemen also left
Rs.100 on Lilabati’s bed and told her to purchase some fruits with
the money. The next day, the medical officer at the hospital said
that while he was informed by hospital staff that some male policemen
in uniform had come to the hospital and had gone directly to the
female ward last night, the police officers did not obtain permission
and nor had they been informed of their visit.
When asked about the entire incident, the Deputy Police Super of
Murshidabad district, Sahabul Hossein, said, “I do not know of any
such incident. No one has reported anything to me. After proper
enquiry, steps will be taken if necessary.”
The villagers stated that Chhutka’s family was innocent and were not
involved with any disputed village affairs. They failed to understand
why the police assaulted Lilabati in her house. As of yet, no action
has been taken against those responsible.
AHRC notes with great concern that these arbitrary acts of violence
and assault by police officers throughout India occur with great
frequency. Furthermore, no action is taken against the responsible
officers, particularly when the violence is committed against members
of scheduled castes or minorities.
Suggested Action
Please write to the authorities below to express your serious concern
at the assault of Lilabati by the police.
1. Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharyya
Chief Minister and Home Minister of West Bengal
Writers Buildings, Kolkata-1
West Bengal
INDIA
Fax: +91-33-2214 5480
Email: cm@writerscal.gov.in {mailto:cm@writerscal.gov.in}
2. Justice Shyamal Kumar Sen
Chairman
West Bengal Human Rights Commission
Bhavani Bhavan
Alipur, Kolkata-27
West Bengal
INDIA
Fax: +91-33-2479 9633
Email: wbhrc@cal3.vsnl.net.in
3. Justice J. S. Anand
National Human Rights Commission
Sardar Patel Bhaven, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi 110 001
INDIA
Tel: +91 11 2 334 0891 / 2334 7065
Fax: +91 11 2 334 0016
E-mail: nhrc@ren.nic.in {mailto:nhrc@ren.nic.in}
4. The Chairperson
The National Commission for Women
4, Deendayal Upadhyay Marg,
New Delhi 110 002
INDIA
E-mail: member_secretary@ncw-india.org
{mailto:member_secretary@ncw-india.org}
5. Dr. Bizay Sonkar Shastri
Chairman
National Commission for SCs/STs
5th Floor, Loknayak Bhawan,
Khan Market,
New Delhi-110 003
Tel: +91 11 2 4632298 / 2 4620435
E-mail: chairman-ncscst@ncscst.nic.in
{mailto:chairman-ncscst@ncscst.nic.in}
6. Mr. Doudou Diene
Special Rapporteur on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and
Related Intolerance
Room 4-041
OHCHR
Palais Wilson,
Rue des Paquis 52, Geneva
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 9179271
Fax: +41 22 9179050
XVII
8th Summer Program in Punjab Studies
Chandigarh, July 4-August 14, 2004
I am glad to report that the 8th Summer Program in Punjab Studies went
well. We had a group of sixteen participants, two of whom were university
professors, seven doctoral students, three recent BAs, three
undergraduates, and a human rights activist. They came from twelve
universities (Coventry, London, Lund, Harvard, New York, Northern Virginia
College, Punjab, Rochester, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, Rochester, and
Rutgers), and their areas of research ranged from anthropology, economics,
ethnomusicology, history, law, linguistics, literature, religion, to
sociology.
It was gratifying to see participants' general satisfaction with the
program. The precise ranking they assigned to various aspects was as
follows:
(Shinder Thandi and Gibb Schreffler did not fill the evaluation forms.
Karam Malhotra of Punjab University did not participate in travel part
of the program)
In the category of additional comments, some of the sentiments expressed
regarding the program read:" "an academic carnival;" "intellectually
transformative;" "an invaluable experience that I will carry for the rest
of my life;" "the greatest trip of my life;" "great gift of a valuable
experience;" "Even though I have been to India before, I learned so much
more about not only Punjabi culture but India in general;" "Extraordinary
access to some of the best-known scholars and writers in the Punjab;" "A
thorough and well-rounded introduction to the region. I was moved by the
opportunity to see the Goindval Pothis;" "I am sure that a more well
organized or more informative foreign study program could not be found."
The continued success of the program is primarily due to the fruitful
interaction between students eager to learn about the Punjab and local
luminaries with distinguished careers in wide array of fields willing to
impart their experiences and knowledge. Over the years, the program seems
to have created a special space for itself in Chandigarh's summer
activities. As Surjit Pater, the leading Punjabi poet, put it: "Monsoon may
or may not come to the Punjab but the Punjab Studies Program friends are
here every summer. We wait for them and feel honored to receive them." It
is a life-time opportunity for me to create this meeting point between the
great minds of the Punjab and the upcoming generation of scholars in the
West.
--Gurinder Singh Mann
XVI
Sad Indian National in Dubai
We received this email with a request to publish it. The [mis]treatment of Indian nationals by some of the Embassy/Consulate staff is most unfortunate. We hope the concerned authorities will take cognizance of this issue and direct remedial action. -- Editors
His Excellency,
I hope you are fine and may God bless you.
Through this email I seek your opinion on the conduct of the junior and the senior staff of the Indian Embassy (Consulate) in Dubai (Bur Dubai). I would like to request you to follow-up on some of my concerns:
1) Why do we not get proper response and service from the embassy staff?
2) Why are the charges (fees) so high for some services?
3) Why the people, who do not have high salaries, not treated properly by our Consular General?
4) Why does our work get done properly only if we know someone in the embassy?
5) Why are we not given any facility for social gathering by our Consulate in Dubai, and only people with money and fame are treated better? We are treated like (Shree (late) Mahatam Gandhiji) with insult.
If we ask or try to approach the staff, we are told that they cannot help us and that we need to inform the Government in New Delhi. Further they ask us to go and see what facilities Filipino, Pakistani, and other embassies have made available for their citizens.
With whom are we supposed to discuss this matter, if they can’t help us? Why has some of the staff not been replaced since they are impolite. Sometimes it is extremely difficult to leave work and go to the Embassy, and the Indian Association is of no use.
It appears that most of the work gets done only through bribe, and the attitude of the embassy staff toward us is demeaning. Nobody is willing to listen to our pleas. I would appreciate if your Excellency could look into this matter.
Thank you,
Sharon Fernandes
Sad Indian national in Dubai
XV
Tarlochan Singh felicitated by ‘Punjab Intellectia’
Washington DC- Tarlochan Singh, member Indian Parliament and Chairman of the Minorities Commission was given dinner reception by the Punjab Intellecticia on July 22, 2004. Mrs. Tarlochan Singh was present. Harbhajan Singh, formerly of World Bank who coordinates the group formed a few years ago to promote periodic consensus on Punjab problems welcomed the guests and over-viewed the current situation in Punjab, India. Tarlochan Singh who was also the Chief Guest summarized the problems and opportunities currently facing Punjab. Most of the core members of the Intellectia made brief presentations and participated in the discussion.
The group expressed concern on the rapid downward trend economically and in the quality of education in Punjab. Tarlochan Singh said that there was a ray of hope in the current thaw in relationship between India and Pakistan. Punjabi communities in India and Pakistan will benefit from trade opportunities and sharing of art and culture.
The core group members come mainly from The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Federal Reserve Bank-Washington and various academics in USA. They possess multi-country experience in dealing with such issues around the globe. Notable those present were Dr. Shamsher Singh, Dr. Prem Garg, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Dr. Harban Lal, Dr. D.S. Dhinsa, Dr. and Mrs. U.S. Bawa, Brig. Gurdip S. Grewal, Mr. Mohinder S. Mudhar, Mr. Balwant S. Garcha, Mr. Surjeet S. Sidhu and Harbhajan Singh. Taranjit Kaur and Harleen Kaur hosted the dinner. Washington journalist Anju Kaur was also present.
-- Harbans Lal
XIV
WSC-AR to Decline Invitation to White House Event To Resolve Kirpaan Issue for Future Events
August 15, 2004
Contact: Dr. Tarunjit Singh, Secretary General, 614-210-0591,
contact@worldsikhcouncil.org
The Chairman of World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) has been
invited to a White House event to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the
installation of Granth Sahib, to be held at the Eisenhower building on
August 18th. WSC-AR appreciates the sentiments of the Executive Branch to
recognize such a historic event in the Sikh faith.
Mr. Kuldeep Singh, Chairman of WSC-AR, has decided not to attend the event
as it involves compromising the principles of the very faith that we
profess. In a phone conversation, a White House staffer informed WSC-AR
that due to security issues no Sikh will be allowed to enter the building
without first removing their Kirpaan. The WSC-AR has explained the
significance of the Kirpaan and that asking Sikhs to remove their Kirpaan
is not only offensive but is to deny them their legitimate right to
practice their faith.
The White House staffer that the WSC-AR spoke with was duly concerned and
explained that Dr. Rajwant Singh, as organizer of the event, will be
calling the invited guests and request that they wear a medallion with a
small Kirpaan image in it instead of their usual Kirpaan. WSC-AR reiterated
its objection and asked if there were any other options open to resolve the
issue. The staffer responded that a special request for an exemption to the
rule could be made but she was quite confident that it would not be
approved given the short time frame. She was helpful in suggesting that
the issue may be discussed in advance for future events to avoid the
current unfortunate situation.
It is surprising that the White House was not even aware of the Kirpaan
issue until asked by WSC-AR, but we are gratified that there is genuine
concern. Sikhs have been preferentially victimized post 9/11 and have had
many difficulties with law enforcement agencies. WSC-AR appreciates the
White House concern and looks forward to working with the Executive Branch
and other branches of our government in the future.
On September 1, 1604, Siri Guru Arjan Sahib formally installed the Granth
Sahib (a compilation of Gurbani up to that time) at Siri Harmandar Sahib,
Amristar in the South Asian region of Punjab. Later, the bani of Siri Guru
Tegh Bahadar Sahib was added and in 1708 Siri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
bestowed guruship on the Granth Sahib. Since then, Sikhs refer to it as
Siri Guru Granth Sahib and consider it to be the divine word of God.
WSC-AR is a representative and elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and
institutions in the United States. Its members include 28 Gurdwaras (Sikh
places of worship) and 8 other Sikh institutions across the nation.
XIII
Workshop on Culture and Everyday Life
Mumbai (India), January 2005
Culture has today become a central arena of contestation in the social and political life of India. Forces of globalisation and communalism have entered the sphere of culture as never before and seek to alter it to suit their own ends. The communal forces in particular attempt to transform every day to day cultural practice into a religious one and further change it into a communal practice. This is also part of a design to create a homogenous communal culture that would deny and destroy pluralities as well as syncretic practices.
Vikas Adhyayan Kendra therefore plans to organize a workshop on Culture and Everyday Life in January 2005 for young scholars and activists active in the field of culture. The workshop will aim to understand the contestations in the field of culture, the ‘cultural interventions’ attempted by the reactionary forces, and develop democratic and secular counters to these interventions.
The seven day workshop will deal with the topics of Concept of Culture; Popular Culture; Cultural Processes; Culture, State and Market; and Towards Resistance. The workshop will consist of lectures, readings, discussions, writings, and discussions with activists.
Applications are invited from young scholars and activists actively engaged in study and practice in the field of culture. Only thirty (30) persons can participate in the workshop. The interested persons should write to Vikas Adhyayan Kendra with their detailed bio-data, detailing particularly their involvement in the field of culture, and the reasons for their interest in the workshop.
Brochures about the workshop and formal application forms will be sent to the short-listed participants.
The course fee is Rs. 500/-.
Accommodation and food as well as all course material will be provided by the organisers. Travel grants may be considered for a few exceptional deserving candidates.
The course will be coordinated by Prof. R. M. Bapat. Advisor to the course is Prof. K. N. Panikkar.
Contact: edit@vakindia.org
XII
Indo-Pak Peace Rally
Come join Indians and Pakistanis of the DC Metro Area
to
celebrate their Independence as
a Day of Peace
for
Nonviolent Conflict Resolution of ALL issues
MARCH FOR PEACE
When: 4pm, Saturday, August 14th, 2004.
Where: Indian Embassy, 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, by
the Dupont Circle Metro (North Exit).
Rain Location: Rm. 1201, Physics Dept, University of Maryland at College Park
Web & Signup: http://www.aidindia.org/id/ Email Info: info@aidindia.org
Media Covergae: Aaj-Tak (India), VoA (Hindi, Urdu and English services)
News Asia , India Abroad etc.
Please note that in case of inclement weather, meeting will be held at
rain-location which university of Maryland, College Park.
Program
Please gather in front of the Indian Embassy. There will be a brief
poetry, speech and skit session to underline the importance of peace
and celebrate our independence followed by petition delivery to Indian
embassy. Then, we will march to Pakistani Embassy (walk to Dupont
Circle Metro Stationi, take the metro train to VanNess/UDC metro
station and then walk to Pakistani embassy) to deliver a peace
petition on behalf of the Indian and Pakistani communities of greater
Washington.
This is a joint appeal to both the governements from peace
loving people from both the countries. We believe that it is time to
lead both the countries to a new era of peace and prosperity.
Background
Over the last couple of years peace-minded Indians and Pakistanis
have increasingly cooperated on issues to promote peace in the
subcontinent. Marches and events have been organized to inform the
two government's of their displeasure at growing hostilities and
very recently to congratulate them for their initiatives. This
joint celebration is aimed to giving the peace process a serious
push from the diaspora. Similar events are being organized across
the globe. The Indo-Pak community has played a prominent role in
this process of reconciliation and we intend to play an even
larger one. Come join us to strenghthen the resolve for peace.
For more information contact:
Prof. Mohan Bhagat - sb27@umail.umd.edu, 301-345-5308(h), 301-405-6159(w)
Priya Ranjan - priya@aidindia.org, 301-422-4441(h)
Sofia Checa - scheca@socy.umd.edu
Rohit Tripathi - soul_force@yahoo.com
XI
Antique Guru Granth Sahib
waheguru ji ka khalsa
waheguru ji ki fateh
I belong to a Gursikh family; I beg to submit before you that I have an antique Guru Granth Sahib. It’s height, length, and width, is one (1) inch with edges that are plated in gold. It has all 1430 pages and can be read only with the help of a magnifying glass.
This type of miniature Guru Granth Sahib is available in the museum at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. But that is incomplete. The manager of the museum told me that the history of this antique Guru Granth Sahib is not available and someone had told him that it was printed in Germany during World War II for Sikh
soldiers. Please inform me if you know anything more about its history. This Guru Granth Sahib has been in our family for generations.
At the moment I am facing terrible financial problems so I have
decided to sell it. I am aware that no Gursikh can think of selling it, but my financial problems have compelled me to take this extreme decision. I request you to please use your
contacts in Gursikh families or Gurdwara Sahibs that may be interested in buying it from me.
I am not quoting any price because Guru Granth Sahib is priceless. I wish that it can be bought by a Gursikh or a Sikh institution. A non-Sikh antique collector from Canada had shown interest and had offered me a price but I had hesitated since I wanted it to stay within the Sikh community. My financial condition has worsened since, and I am now open to any buyer –- Sikh or non-Sikh.
Your cooperation in this matter will be highly appreciated.
--Inderpal Singh
singpal@hotmail.com
X
Caste in Canada: Hidden Disability
Vancouver: While many may claim that Canada and the rest of the world
outside of India is caste free, a recent case of caste-based confrontation
in Vancouver (Canada) proves otherwise.
Last week two cab drives in the lower mainland had an argument that resulted
in one drivier (of upper caste) assaulting and uttering castist remarks
against another driver (Dalit) in Vancoover. The Dalit driver made an
appeal to the management which acted immediately and revoked the
taxi-drivers privilges of the offender and suspended him from driving.
After twelve days, the alleged driver appologized to the victim in writing and
agreed to not make any further castist remarks aginst the other driver, or
against any one else in the future.
While the management of the involved taxi company must be commended for
intervening immediately and acting appropriately, this incident highlights
a symptom of castism, a "hidden disabilty" that is beginning to show its
ugglier side in Canada.
By accepting the written apology from the offender, the victim driver agreed
to take no further action.
IX
Punjab River Water: Petition to Chief Justice of
India
While appreciating the bold step taken by Amarinder Singh in
adopting the Termination Act, we must understand that his strength can
only be a well informed and keenly vigilant people. We cannot leave
everything to him alone because for continuance in power he is dependant upon
the forces by no means friendly to us.
No matter what way we look at it, “we the people,” are
ultimately responsible. We just have to wake up to our responsibilities. This is
the lesson of our history. The Guru stopped the constant stream of
invasions upon our land not by working a miracle but by showing us how we
can ourselves do it. The Punjab was wrested from Ahmed Shah Abdali who
had made it a part of his Afghan empire and the most well-known general
of Asia went from the Punjab nursing his wounds and eventually died of
depression and injury.
Today it is a legal battle, a battle of nerves, a battle for
putting up a united front and of exposing the misdeeds of the enemy. We
must demonstrate convincingly to the entire world that the Punjab has
been treated as a colony of India since 1947. We must not be found
wanting.
Let us today make a small beginning. It would be preferable to
use the addresses and letterheads of the local River Water Forums, but
if you have not formed any, please copy the following letter on other
available letterheads, sign and send copies to the Chief Justice of
India, the President of India, the PM of India and to the Chief Minister of
the Punjab.
--Punjab River Water Forum
Chandigarh
Tel: 0172-2544920
Dear Mr. Chief Justice,
Some farmers of Kissan Sabha and other Punjabis had filed four
petitions in the Punjab & Haryana High Court in January of the year
1982. The purpose of these writs was to challenge the constitutional
validity of sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966. On
14-11-1983, The Honorable Supreme Court transferred these cases to
itself under (?) Article 139(A) of the constitution. It is the contention
of the Punjab farmers as well as constitutional experts that the above
quoted sections violate the riparian principle enshrined in the
constitution of India. These sections also facilitate the exploitation of the
Punjab river water in a downright colonial tradition.
We the undersigned are concerned about the fate of the Punjab
which squarely depends upon whether it will be able to retain its own
river water or not. We request the Honorable Court through you to give a
judicial finding on these cases taken up by the Court 21 years ago and
never heard of again.
We further believe that the Honorable Supreme Court cannot
render proper and legal advice to the President of India over the Punjab
Termination of Agreements Act 2004 unless it first pronounces upon the
maintainability of the above mentioned writ petitions pending before the
Supreme Court since 1983.
Yours faithfully,
VIII
Celebrate 400th Anniversary of Installation of Granth
Sahib Chicago, September 4-5, 2004
August 5, 2004
Contact: Dr. Tarunjit Singh, Secretary General, 614-210-0591, contact@worldsikhcouncil.org
The Sikh community will gather at the Palatine Gurdwara Sahib in Chicago on
September 4-5, 2004 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the installation
of Granth Sahib on September 1, 1604.
On September 1, 1604, Siri Guru Arjan Sahib formally installed the Granth
Sahib (a compilation of Gurbani up to that time) at Siri Harmandar Sahib,
Amristar in the South Asian region of Punjab. Later, the bani of Siri Guru
Tegh Bahadar Sahib was added and in 1708 Siri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
bestowed guruship on the Granth Sahib. Since then, Sikhs refer to it as
Siri Guru Granth Sahib and consider it to be the divine word of God.
Sikhs across the globe will be celebrating this historic occasion. In the
US, the World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR), the Sikh Religious
Society of Chicago, and Gurdwaras of the Midwest region will be jointly
organizing the celebrations in Chicago.
A Nagar Kirtan (prayerful procession) will inaugurate the program on
Saturday, September 4 at 10 AM in the city of Palatine, Illinois. Following
the procession, a seminar on the "The Message of Siri Guru Granth Sahib"
will be held in the afternoon. Several notable scholars, who have studied
gurbani carefully, have been invited to speak at the seminar.
On Sunday, September 5, a morning of Kirtan (congregational prayers) with
many famous Kirtaniyas (singers specializing in Sikh religious music) and
youth groups will be held. Sabads (prayers) will be performed in the
original Raags as written by the Sikh Gurus. In the afternoon, Kirtan will
be continue along various religious themes.
The World Sikh Council - America Region invites all Sikhs, Gurdwaras, and
institutions to join us in Chicago for this historic and wonderful
opportunity for fellowship and celebration. All participants are welcome to
attend. Questions or suggestions for the event can be e-mailed to
contact@worldsikhcouncil.org.
WSC-AR is a representative and elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and
institutions in the United States. Its members include 28 Gurdwaras (Sikh
places of worship) and 8 other Sikh institutions across the nation. WSC-AR
works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level
focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and the well-being of humankind.
There are 25 million Sikhs in the world today. Sikhs first arrived in the
United States about a century ago and number almost half a million today.
VII
Press Statement of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) to the Press corp of Amritsar - 28.7.2004
1. The Shiromani Akali Dal(Amritsar) is concerned by the steep hike in the Union defence budget by 27%, which is unwarranted and unprecedented for a poor, underdeveloped country like India. India is already a formidable military power, with a nuclear deterrent in South Asia. This thoughtless expenditure will only start an arms race in the region. Our party wants the Union government to make the quality of life of its people better. We want more expenditure on poverty alleviation, better education, employment opportunities, more irrigation facilities in Kandi area, Banur, Rajpura, Mansa, Abohar, Fazalka, Patti etc. Endless supply of electricity. The phenomenal rise in military expenditure will ruin this country. The policies of the Congress in this respect are no better than the last ultra-nationalist, right-wing Union government of the BJP.
2. The present Union government, like the previous BJP government has pledged to keep a military relationship with the theocratic state of Israel. The Congress which swears by secularism cannot afford to run with the hares and hunt with hounds and tarnish this country’s image with the Islamic world. We want an annulment of this unholy accord.
3. Like the previous BJP Union government, this Congress led government has said it will issue national identity cards. This step will be highly detrimental to the security of the minorities, as the Sikhs became victims of genocide by majority in 1984 and the Muslims in Gujrat recently. It is always the police that leads the majority community mobs to the habitats of the minorities. Our party condemns all these right-wing policies of the present Union government. They have all been borrowed from the BJP.
4. The Shiromani Akali Dal(Amritsar) feels that the present Panjab government is not doing enough for the state. The infra-structure of the state has been totally damaged. All roads need major repairs. The health and education system has broken down. Corruption is rampant. The present Chief Minister is not interested in improving the Rajasansi Airport, which is a gateway to the economies of Central Asia and the Islamic world. Instead he wants to waste the states time and money on another airport near Phillaur. We disapprove of this Mohammad Tughlaq plan.
5. The Shiromani Akali Dal(Amritsar) fails to understand the rationale of Presidential reference to the Supreme Court by the Union government on the waters issue. As per the constitution of India, water is a state subject and the state has sovereign rights to legislate on this list. Did any other Union government make a Presidential reference on any water issue to the Supreme Court in the past? This is totally discriminatory to the Panjab. Our party condemns the termination act on the ground that it allows Panjab’s waters to be carried to Rajasthan and Haryana. This act by the Chief Minister and the leader of the opposition, Mr. Badal, proves yet again that the Congress and Badal party are hand in glove with forces inimical to the interests of the Panjab state, as by this perfidious act they have destroyed the riparian principle, and given a handle to the Supreme Court to give a decision against the Panjab state.
6. The Shiromani Akali Dal(Amritsar) applauds the decisions of the Andhra Pradesh government in granting free electricity to the farmers and making reservations for Muslims in jobs and other spheres. We appeal to the Union and Panjab governments to follows this precedent.
7. Wagah and Hussainiwala border posts must be opened for trade, commerce, religious pilgrimage, student exchanges and tourism with our friendly neighbour Pakistan.
8. The barbed-wire fencing on the Panjab border with Pakistan must be uprooted as we Sikhs feel that the Indian state suspects our loyalty.
9. The Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) is not satisfied with the NHRC’s order of 2097 youth cremated in Amritsar district. Our party wants the Supreme Court and NHRC to investigate the entire scope of genocide committed against the Sikh peoples, where ever it occurred. Why have the Supreme Court and NHRC limited the perpetration of this crime to Amritsar district only? I am placing a copy of the letter I have written to the previous Chief Justice of India, Justice V.N. Khare for the perusal of hon’ble members of the Amritsar press corp. They may see for themselves how the Supreme Court and NHRC discriminates against the Sikh peoples. For us Sikhs the Indian judiciary and NHRC are Kangroo Courts. We condemn them and repose no faith in them.
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum complex and research organization. Composed of 16 museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and 2 museums in New York City, the Smithsonian's exhibitions attract international visitors to get a glimpse into its vast collection numbering over 142 million objects. It has a distinction of the most visited museum of the world.
The museum inaugurated the Sikh Heritage Gallery on July 24, 2004, and opened its door to public on July 25. The exhibits will be revolving but the gallery was established for an indefinite period. The gallery was originally scheduled to open in 2005 but was completed earlier to coincide it with the Quad-Centennial Celebration of the First Installation of the Guru Granth in Amritsar. The Guru Granth was finally completed by Guru Gobind Singh and was canonized as the eternal Sikh Guru in 1708.
The exhibition explores the history, culture, and beliefs of the Sikh people, who follow a 500-year-old faith -- founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539 A.D.) -- based on belief in One Spirit One World, equality, truthful living, and service. Their beliefs are contained in the scripture of the Guru Granth completion of which is also exhibited. Highlights included a model of the Golden Temple, paintings of events from life histories of Sikh gurus, and miniature-style paintings to introduce the complex and diverse social history and aesthetics of the Punjab region. There are paintings and artifacts of ceremonies depicting the thriving Sikh community of 23 million worldwide.
A special event was held night before the opening to auction several private works from artists that were featured in the Sikh Heritage Gallery. The artists donated half of the collected proceeds to the Sikh Heritage Foundation. Youth program exhibited the modern Sikh youth culture with live performances, dresses, dances, music, and language.
July 24 was full of programs beginning with a symposium on Sikh art and a gallery preview. The day was concluded with an evening gala, plenary speeches and dinner. Live performance of singing hymns from the Guru Granth by Dya Singh of Australia and his group thundered the auditorium. Dya Singh showed a special talent of involving the whole audience in this experience.
Among the speaker were included, Dr. Hans-Dieter Sues, Dr. Paul M. Taylor, Dr. Harinder Singh Sahuta, Sardar Sohan Singh Chaudhary, Amarpreet Singh Malik, Artists, Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh, Appana Kaur, Dr. Jeevan Singh Deol, Kirtan Singh Khalsa, Hanna Szczepanowski, and others.
There were several keynote speakers in the plenary session. Sirdar Tarlochan Singh, Member of Indian Parliament and Chairman of the Minority Commission of India, brought greetings from the Government of India. He characterized this event as a milestone in the Sikh history of North American. He was pleased to see the Sikh image drifting away from any glorification of militancy to the Sikh contributions toward serving humanity. He paid tributes to the Sikh scholar-historian, Max Arthur MaCauliffe, who opened the first Western gateway to study of Sikhism over a century ago. He wished Dr. Taylor to follow the MaCauliffe’s foot steps.
Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany and Amrik Singh Chatha both narrated the history of various efforts to preserve and promote Sikh art in North America. Mar. 12, 2003 saw the Asian Art Museum/Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture to dedicate a Sikh art gallery. This gallery was underwritten by the Sikh Foundation, a foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting Sikh art and literature. It is also instrumental in establishing Sikh Chairs in the University of California system.
One may recall that the Smithsonian Institution's Sikh Heritage Fund held its earlier Heritage event on June 17, 2002, at the National Museum of Natural History Rotunda, Washington D.C. The ambassadors from Pakistan and India participated besides many Sikh artists and academicians.
At the conclusion a meeting of Sikh academicians and philanthropists was held in Washington Hotel of Washington DC on July 25, 2004 to review plans for future promotion of the Sikh heritage. Over a dozens speakers made presentations.
Drs. Taylor and Deol outlined the future collection of Sikh art for exhibition in the Smithsonian. Rattanjit Singh Sondhe discussed TV and other media depicting Sikh culture. Nirmal Singh Nilvi presented proposals to revive visits to Gurdwara Kartarpur. Surinderpal Singh Mac and Raghbir Singh Baasi talked about the mistaken Sikh identity. Dr. Bhai Harbans Lal described a need for monumental project to make the town of Nader ready for the Tercentennial Celebration of the Canonization of Guru Granth as the Eternal Guru. He was pleased that the Marashtra Government has begun widening the roads and expansion of bus station as well as railway station. Harbhajan Singh spoke on the Sikh project with the National Geographic Association. Dr. Baljit Singh Sidhu described projects providing health services to the poor in Punjab. Several speakers were there to seek promotion of the Sikh Heritage Society which supports the programs at the Smithsonian.
Compiled from Dr. Harbans Lal's interview with BBC, London.
V
World’s Largest Religious Forum Celebrates Guru Granth Centennial
Barcelona - A uniquely impressive assembly of spiritual intellectuals and activists celebrated the Quad-Centennial of the First Installation of Sikh Scripture, the Aadi Guru Granth Sahib, in a world-class city of Spain. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination where the state of Catalonia built the UNESCO Center to host the Universal Forum of Cultures. The Parliament of the World’s Religions chose this venue to hold their 2004 gathering. The last gathering was held in Cape Town in South Africa.
Against the awe-inspiring background of sparkling ocean, over a hundred Sikh scholars mingled with 8000 other delegates from 75 countries representing nearly a hundred spiritual and religious traditions. Several hundreds additional Sikh devotees stormed the meeting to exhibit their solidarity and make themselves known on the global scene. They were there in record numbers offering impressive gamut of programs and presentations.
The occasion was the 2004 Parliament of the World’s Religions. The Parliament met in Barcelona from July 6-14, 2004, to deepen spirituality, and foster understanding and respect in the midst of diversity of beliefs in the newly emerging global environments. The Sikh congregations arose to the occasion and claimed their respectful place in the world communities. Their participation was a significant advance on their previous participations, such as the same parliament held in Cape Town and Chicago, and the United Nations Summit of World Religious Leaders in New York in 2000.
Sikhs were major partners in the organization of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. The Guru Nanak Nishkam Jatha of Birmingham, England, under the leadership of Bhai Mohinder Singh, was a major partner and supporter of the Parliament. Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra was in the management of the Council of the Parliament of World’s Religions (Chicago) as a member of the Board of Trustees. Rajinder Singh Mago was member of the Executive Committee of the Council. There were Sikh members of various planning committees. Sikhs were active in organizing the pre-Parliament meeting in New Delhi, Vancouver, Chicago, and Dallas. Local Sikh congregations of Barcelona worked for months to assist in myriads of projects to help the organizers of the parliament in holding this meeting.
In the Parliament itself, Sikhs participated in a broad ranging celebration of their spiritual heritage as manifested in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They took part in equally broad ranging deliberations on the challenging conditions they are facing within and without Sikh institutions. Sikh scholars and artists participated in 41 different programs and made 65 different presentations.
There were over a dozen of musical presentations of the Sikh holy hymns, several exhibitions of the Sikh history and beliefs, and above all, the Sikhs erected a large replica of their central holy place, Sri Harmander Sahib, located in the Golden City of Amritsar in India. Information on Sikhism was disseminated through exhibits, paintings and free distribution of the Sikh literature.
The Sikh presence in Barcelona was so over-powering that a local newspaper called the event as the Parliament by the Sikhs. Actually this reporter was reporting on the Parliament by the Sea that was erected separately to provide a walk through time which consisted of exhibits depicting the evolution of the earth and life, and a “sacred space” set aside for prayer, meditation and contemplation. Sikhs organized a Gurdwara at this site.
Although the Guru Granth celebration was mingled with every other program of the Parliament, the Parliament by the Sea was the major venue for a week-long celebration of the quad-centennial of the first completion of the Sikh scripture. The scripture was later finalized and was ceremoniously canonized in 1807. Sikhs are now beginning to prepare for the next celebration in 2008 of the Ter-Centennial of their book of hymns acquiring the rank of their eternal guru.
At the venue on the sea, daily meditations and singing of holy hymns were organized. The community kitchen (langer) was served without cost to over 5000 visitors every day. True to their traditions started by Guru Nanak with his feeding of the starving holy men of different faiths, the Sikhs at the Parliament really reached to the heart of the attending delegates. Here they also received and honored leaders of the world faiths. They were invited to make presentations and mingle with their Sikh hosts. Some even joined to serve langer.
The community kitchen by Sikhs attracted most people. It seemed that the religious definition which surrounded many traditions provided a new meaning for this occasion. It made the gathering spiritually very colorful. It was clear that the Sikhs were sharing a Buddhist's love of Lord Buddha, a Jew’s love of the Almighty, a Hindus love of Lord Krishna, a Muslim's love of the Prophet Mohammed, and a Zoroastrian's love of Zarathustra. All walls had come down. Sikhs were freely sharing a Bahai's love of God, a Native American's love of the Creator, and a Christian love of Christ.
Although Sikh scholars were invited by many organizations to make presentations in their global programs, the Parliament scheduled many symposia specifically for the Sikhs to spread their message on the eve of their celebration. Space is not enough to list all of the Sikh presentations. There is a plan to separately publish most of them. Here, I may give some highlights as illustrations.
There was a symposium entitled, Sri Guru Granth Sahib – Quad-centennial Celebration of Interfaith Scripture. Other symposia on the Guru Granth were, Guru Granth Sahib Promoting Religious Pluralism, Equality, Social and Economic Justice; Sikh Spirituality as an Interfaith Message of the Guru Granth Sahib; Spiritual Power as Envisioned through Sri Guru Granth Sahib; Ideological Roadblocks on Pathways to Peace and Suggested Solutions from Sri Guru Granth. A movie on Guru Granth and World Ecology especially prepared by the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Chandigarh, was screened and discussed. Other movies on topics like, Guru Granth Sahib, Mistaken Sikh Identity, Sikh Altruism as practiced in Pingalwara in Amritsar, and others, were scheduled.
Some examples of symposia on the contemporary problems of Sikhs included, Challenges Facing Sikh Identity; Lessons from Phoenix (a Sikh was killed after September 11 terrorist attack); Rethinking Martyrdom through a Sikh Perspective; and Mistaken Identity.
Through this impressive show of enthusiasm among Sikh congregation I was continuously remembering the Guru Nanak’s revealed mantra of ONE SPIRIT ONE WORLD as his first revelation for our age. I was pleased that Vaheguru gave me wisdom to make that mantra as the theme of my own presentations.
The most over powering event was on July 12, when a part of the Plenary Session was designated to the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Guru Granth Sahib. The 3300 capacity auditorium was overflowing with attendance. The famous party of Sikh cantors, Bhai Avtar Singh and Party performed Kirtan for the audience. Then Bhai Mohinder Singh of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Jatha spoke to the audience in an impressive presentation of the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Parliament officials and other world dignitaries paid homage to the Granth Sahib and the Sikhs for brining the universal message to the world attention.
In general, Sikhs impressively engaged in deliberations of their preparedness in facing globalization of their religion and community. They debated on changing culture and inspirations of their Diaspora, contemporary interpretation of their scripture, modernization of their governing institutions, and defining of their relevance in new world, all figured in their presentations.
At the end, it was clear that Sikh participants nearing a thousand in number succeeded in inserting Sikh presence on global map, expose Sikh identities to world faiths, and they aroused appreciation of Sikh tenets among world’s faith leaders. The funny thing was that, true to real Sikh traditions, both attendees and the organizers were all from the gross root Sikh public and Sikh congregations. Representatives of their epic bodies in India were conspicuously absent from this forum as are they frequently absent from any other global platform.
At the end every one hoped that momentum continues to attend to the Sikhs’ global problems and challenges. As they learnt in Barcelona that the Sikh Diaspora could take the major responsibility of disseminating Sikh message in the Western world without looking up to their epic bodies in India’s Punjab. During this historic event in Barcelona, Sikhs gained a unique experience that they did not have earlier to either depend on or seek leadership from their epic bodies in their homeland state of Punjab. They also could do without the well advertised Sikh clergy in the maters of disseminating their theology.
On my flight back from Barcelona, I felt grateful to Vaheguru, the Infinite Wisdom, for giving my community resources, strength and courage by making available many examples from the lives of our Gurus and other holy mentors, to work so well with people of all faiths. They did it all towards the divine mission of achieving world peace and harmony. There were all indications that the gross root Sikh communities had sufficiently matured to take the global responsibilities in the new century.
--Harbans Lal
IV
FOIAC Marks India's Independence with Awards Banquet
Los Angeles, CA – The Friends of Indo-American Community (FOIAC) will hold its annual awards banquet on August 15, 2004 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. The event commemorates India’s 57th Independence Day and will also recognize the impact of the Indian-American business and social community in Los Angeles. The event honors exemplary Indian-Americans, including entrepreneurs, corporate, social and public partners that have contributed to the community growth and development of businesses, and the role of the Indian community in the State of California.
The FOAIC Awards 2004 is a salutation to this fast-growing ethnic minority. The event has attracted stalwarts of both Indian and American corporate, public and social worlds. Invited guests include Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Congressman Ed Royce, LA County Sheriff Lee Baca, Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, State Senator Satveer Chaudhury, State Assemblyman Leeland Yee, and Consul General HHS Vishanathan. Hollywood and Bollywood dignitaries include David Hasselhoff, Alan Thicke, Ashok Amitraj, and Hema Malini. More than 500 million people will view this event worldwide thanks to ZEE TV and TinselTown TV, www.tinseltown.tv.
The awards honor Indian Americans with the vision, leadership and determination to build and sustain growing dynamic businesses and community in California. Awards are given to those individuals who have distinguished themselves in areas such as innovation, community involvement, social activities and personal integrity and influence. In addition to the Dhirubhai Ambani Award - Entrepreneur of the Year award, award recipients will be selected for the following categories:
§ § Mother Theresa Award Humanitarian of the Year: An individual who exemplifies charitable contributions to his/her community.
§ § Mahatma Gandhi Award - Outstanding Individual Contribution to Society: An individual who has demonstrated a commitment to improving society through extraordinary achievements.
§ § Rabindranath Tagore Award - Outstanding Youth of the Year: An individual youth with strong character and leadership, along with willingness to serve and to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
§ § Kalpana Chawla Awards - Outstanding Woman of the Year: A woman who has significantly contributed to her community.
Nominations are now open until August 10, 2004. To submit a nomination, please fax a profile, with detailed contact information, to (714) 577-8592.
The awards banquet begins at 5:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by welcoming remarks, dinner, the keynote address and the presentation of the awards. The program ends with entertainment and dancing including a wonderful array of Indian classical music. Sponsorships for the event and the awards are welcomed. For details, call Kishore Kaul or FOIAC at (562) 572-8751.
Tehran: Providing Shelter to the Victims of Human Trafficking
Over hundred Punjabis, many Sikhs, who are victims of crooked employment and travel agents who promised them jobs overseas, are currently waiting as refugees at the Gurudwara in Tehran. These victims of human trafficking need the help of the Indian and the Sikh community.
On entering the gates of Tehran Gurudawara Sahib without any travel documents they were sent to the Embassy of India (Tehran) Consular Section and introduced to them. The embassy of India provided them a letter for the local police stating that they have come to Iran without travel documents etc. and directed them to the police for introduction.
By virtue of the PRO of Gurudawara Sahib and Sikh community these people were introduced to the local police that would have them officially arrested them, but somehow they are kind and allow them to stay at Gurudawara Sahib which is only providing care and shelter to the needy till their legal process of immigration violation is completed within the stipulated formalities with the cooperation and the full support of the Embassy of India, Tehran.
It should be noted that these illegal immigrants are not staying at the Gurudawara Sahib without the clearance of the police. The Gurudwara is providing them shelter till the issuance of emergency travel documents.
The daily cost of food and lodging per person is US$5-7. Much of the expense are paid by the local Sikh sangat of Iran. The sangat is not involved in paying the airfare for their safe return to their families in Punjab.
We appreciate the efforts of the local Sikh sangat and the goodness of the Iranian people in allowing us to provide shelter to these victims of deceit and fraud.
--Pervinder Singh Chandhok
Tehran, Iran
Gurdwara Sahib Telephone: +98-21-7535025
pervindersingh@gurugobindsingh.net
II
Special Screening of Bawander
Chetna Association of Canada with support of Douglas College Student Union
will organize a special screening of Bawander, a Hindi film (with English
subtitles) on Saturday, August 14 at 1:30 PM at the Douglas College, New
Wstminster Campus, room number 1614.
Bawander is based on a true story, a shocking gang rape of a young married
woman in Rajasthan in the early 1980s. It deals with the culture that still
exists in a chauvinistic, feudal, caste system in modern India. This
powerful story is set in rural Rajasthan where, in spite of being illegal,
the archaic tradition of child marriages still prevail.
Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. For information, call: Paramjit
Kainth at 604-841-8786, Kamlesh Ahir at 604-951-6345, or Jai Birdi at
778-891-3840.
Additional information
In Bawander the heroine Sanwari (played brilliantly by Nandita Das) joins
the national movement of 'Saathin' which hopes to stamp out such social
evils as child marriages. Her courage in fighting this evil and her
encouragement of the other village women to oppose these evils, raises the
ire the upper class landlords. They extract their revenge by brutally gang
raping her in front of her husband Sohan (Raghuvir Yadav).
But even, so cruel a treatment, does not stop Sanwari. Instead of hiding her
shame, she takes the village men by surpise by deciding to fight for
justice. She gets raped all over again, this time, by the so called justice
system that is so corrupted by sexim, chauvinism and political corruption,
that the whole excercise becomes a meaningless charade.
She starts out as an innocent and naive woman, unknowingly used as a pawn in
the political power game between the State and Central Governments. But she
learns and grows during the process, maintaining her courage and her dignity
as a woman, and changes from being a rape victim to a rape activist.
The growing feeling of utter helplessness, frustration and suffering but
underlined with unfailing determination is so poignant and is so touchingly
emoted by Nandita Das, it leaves the audience with no choice but to
empathize with her. Raghuvir Yadav supports Nandita Das extremely well,
mostly being the silent spectator, offering her his strength and faith, his
pain for his wife's suffering so apparent on his face that words were not
required.
Bawandar is full of pain, as we see a virtuous and noble woman attacked in
the most brutal way imaginable. Yet it also contains beauty; of the love and
support from husband and friends, of the beautiful Rajasthani landscape and
its vibrant culture, and of Sanvri Devi's noble spirit. Watch this movie and
you will feel anger and sorrow, but above all admiration", describes one of
the viewer of this film.
Jagmohan Mundra has done excellent work bringing out the very best in cast
and dealing with delicate issues like rape and even masturbation very subtly
and elegantly without the usual histrionics that is typical of most Indian
movies.
Nandita Das won the Best Actress Award in Santa Monica Film Festival. The
picture won a Special Jury Award for Best Foreign Film in Houston
International Film Festival. It won the Best Picture Award in both San Jose
and Bermuda International Film Festival.
I
The AMAN Peace and Conflict Studies Course
(In collaboration with Hamdard University)
Delhi, September 13– October 13, 2004
Overview
This course on peace and conflict, organized by the AMAN Trust, aims at developing and widening intellectual discourse on the subject among individuals working in NGOs, teachers, journalists, students and other concerned citizens. The course will make Indian and South Asian reality a starting point for an investigation of conflict, violence and its many ramifications.
AMAN believes in the need for an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach to conflict in this region. Given the rapidly changing geo-political environment, critical scholars have asked how far the contours and mechanisms of the global system are responsible for generating conflict. This question requires us to explore the inter-connections between ethnic, caste, class, and communal issues in the origins and nature of conflict. Aman will develop conceptual approaches that connect, rather than compartmentalize themes relevant to violence and conflict. We also believe that philosophical and ethical inquiry is a necessary element in such a study.. Our lectures and seminars shall examine the relationship between local and global issues, competing histories and antagonistic polities; and the functions that link ethnic identity, gender, and symbols to political and economic structures.
Duration
The course will be conducted from 13th September to 13th October, 2004. It will be interactive and residential, with two or three units being conducted every day, two in the mornings and one in the afternoon/early evening. Each unit will consist of two hours, and will include a lecture and a discussion.
Costs
The costs for arranging this course are considerable. AMAN will charge a minimum (subsidized) fee of Rs. 5,000/- (five thousand) for an individual and Rs 15,000/- (fifteen thousand) for participants sponsored by NGOs and organizations. The costs are inclusive of accommodation and food but do not include travel.
Sponsoring agencies are required to get in touch with AMAN to discuss their proposed financial support. Sponsored candidates will be subject to the same criteria as the rest; and admitted on the basis of their application
Application requirements
Participants ability to comprehend lectures and other forms of discussion in English is necessary, although the course is open to those who wish to speak and submit their course work in Hindi.
Prospective participants are required to send following information by 20th July 2004.
. Date of Birth
. Educational qualification
. Current Work Experience (100-200 words)
. Other interests (100-200 words)
. Why you want to attend the course (500-800 words)
. Name and Contacts of two referees
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available. Those who wish to apply for this should send us reasons for their request. (200 words)
Course Structure
The course will consist of the following six rubrics, whose contents will be supplied in greater detail to participants over the weeks preceding the course. A certain number of Seminars will also be arranged. Packets of reading materials will be made available and certain written work will be expected from participants. Applicants need to be prepared for intensive work. They will be awarded a certificate of completion based upon this and their contribution to the interactive sessions and seminars.
Rubric 1: Ethical and Philosophical Perspectives on Violence
Lead Instructor: Purushottam Agrawal
The aim of this course will be to develop informed ethical and philosophical perspectives on violence and conflict. The lectures will examine ideas of Justice and Compassion; the concept of Evil; the idea of the fundamental schism; in-groups and out-groups; love, hatred and violence; how various religious traditions relate with these issues; pagan and monotheistic religions; the concept of spirituality without religion; and psychoanalytical theories of violence. We will employ insights from creative literature to evaluate ethical stances. There will be commentaries on scriptures, their interpretation and relation to everyday practices; literary creativity and issues of violence/non-violence; and analyses of texts such as the Shrimadbhagvadgita. There will be an analysis of the Nirguna epistemology with particular focus on Kabir. The following themes will be discussed:
1.understanding 'violence in itself'.
2.the Spiritual and the religious.
3.theologies of violence and non-violence.
4.poetry as scripture- the case of the Mahabharta.
5.poetry, ethics and epistemology- reading Kabir.
6.violence, non-violence and exclusion in religious traditions.
7.the concept of evil.
8.poetry after Auschwitz.
Rubric 2: Aspects of twentieth century world history
Lead Instructor: Dilip Simeon
This survey aims to introduce the formative political issues of the 20th
century, with a focus on basic facts as well as perspective. It will
begin with a session on the significance of history from the standpoint
of human evolution. An argument will be developed, to the effect that
the crises of the 20th century represent a turning point of immense
magnitude, with serious implications for human survival. Analytical
interests will include the history of the international labor movement,
democracy and social democracy; the Great War, the new world order and
the rise of nationalism; the global impact of the Bolshevik revolution;
the emergence and significance of fascism; the Second World War, the
Cold War and its long-term effects; the Vietnam war and its impact,
the global political crisis of 1968; the origins of the Palestine/ Israel
conflict, and the history of international peace movements.
Rubric 3: Gender, Armed Conflict and Political Violence
Lead Instructors: Urvashi Butalia
This module aims to provide an understanding of the changing nature of wars and conflicts the world over. More specifically, it looks at the increasingly complex ways in which the gendered impact of violent conflict plays itself out in the lives of men and women. It looks particularly at women as actors, agents, victims, perpetrators and at the many other roles that lie in between these definitions. It examines the economic, political, cultural and historical contexts in which conflicts are taking place the world over, and at the different ways, in terms of treaties, covenants, international courts, tribunals, peace agreements that are being used to 'settle' conflicts. How far do these take account of the specific needs of women? Further, it contrasts these with the more 'informal' attempts of women's groups to work towards peace, asking why these go unnoticed, particularly when they are the ones that attempt to address the long standing impact of conflict and political violence in people's lives.
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