Introduction to Sikhism Course at McGill University
Montreal- Fifty-one students have already registered for a course on Sikhism at McGill University this year. This is a significant increase over the registration of 29 students last year. It is an indication of increasing interest in Sikh studies among North American students.
More interestingly, the majority of the class at McGill is non-Indian and non-Sikh. There are 27 Christians, 11 Hindus, 6 Sikhs, 2 Muslims and 4 Jews. The class even attracted a Chinese student.
Courses on Sikhism are currently offered at many institutions of higher learning in North America. Among them are included; University of Waterloo, York University, University of Victoria, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Acadia University, Saint Mary's University, University College of Cape Breton, Queen Elizabeth High School, University of Calgary, Stanford University, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of California at Berkley, University of California at Santa Cruz, University of California at Riverside, University of California at San Jose, University of Michigan, Hofstra University, Columbia University, Colby College, and University of Missouri-Columbia.
At McGill, the 3 credit course was started only four years ago. As the Sikh Chaplain at McGill, Manjit Singh submitted the course proposal to the Dean of Religious Studies. Prior to January 2002, McGill had never offered a course on Sikhism. The course was first offered through the generous financial support of the Canadian Sikh Council and Sikh philanthropist, Sardar Baljit Singh Chadha.
Like other institutions of higher learning, the course on Sikhism at McGill had a humble beginning with enrollment that began to increase gradually. However, there was a sudden surge in interest among the McGill students this year.
In September 2004, the Faculty of Religious Studies and the Canadian Sikh Council jointly sponsored an interfaith conference on the Guru Granth at McGill University. This two days conference honored the 400th Anniversary of the compilation of the Holy Scripture. Academic scholars of various religious disciplines and many civic as well as political leaders participated. The quality of presentations and the general enthusiasm of the academics on the newly emerging discipline of studies may have been a contributory factor in increasing the interest of the student community in the Guru Granth studies.
Professor Manjit Singh is the sole instructor. He includes in this course; the development of Sikhism beginning from the fifteenth century, introduction to the history, scripture, beliefs and rituals of the Sikhs. Professor Singh concludes this course with the evolution of the Sikh communities of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and their migrations to North America.
Manjit Singh developed the present course as a labor of love over the years. He is presently developing a higher level course on Sikhism to meet the needs of those who have already taken the introductory course and may like to continue their interest in the Sikh studies. Further, he helps others develop similar courses at their respective campuses. He certainly deserves outstanding recognition for this effort.
For information contact:
Harbans Lal, PhD., D.Litt (hons)
Emeritus Professor and Chairman, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, USA
And
Professor Emeritus, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
6415 Amicable Drive
Arlington, TX 76016
Tel. 817-466-8757
Fax 707-922-7724
Email: japji@comcast.net
XI
Dya Singh Tsunami Concert
The terrible wave of destruction has left millions affected in its wake. Most of the survivors and affected are in urgent need of help, if timely help and support do not reach the survivors, the tragedy may become a bigger one...
Dya Singh.... Bringing the 'world of music' to Sikhs through Gurbani sangeet and taking Gurbani Kirtan (Sikh spiritual music) into the 21st Century and to the mainstream.....
"TSUNAMI APPEAL" Concert(UK) will be held on Sunday 30th January 05 from 3:00 to 5:00pm at
The Hexagon Theatre,
Reading,Berkshire,
United Kingdom RG1 7UA.
By buying the concert tickets, you will not only be helping to raise money(every penny) in return you will be experiencing a unique blend of world music.
Contact Right now:
Ticket Box-Office 0118 9606060.
X
Stop HIV/AIDS in India
Dear Friends,
Association for India’s Development (MD), in partnership with Insaaf International and International Commission of Jurists (Punjab), is initiating a coordinated global effort to organize people and organizations concerned with social justice and health for all to “Stop HIV/AIDS in India.” This effort is focused on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
The first step is to stop the Amendment to the Patents Act of 1970, soon to come before Indian Parliament. We call upon all people and organizations to join us in this endeavor by:
* Signing and disseminating a petition to be submitted to the Government of India through the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. The petition is available at:
It would adversely affect the availability, accessibility and affordability of medicines – thus undermining the right to health. The impacts of the proposed amendment amount to the violation of national and international human rights obligations including the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, India’s Protection of Human Rights Act (1993), Alma Ata Declaration (1978), and the People's Charter for Health (2000). If adopted, India would be trading away its own right to protect public health, as well as the rights of people in other poor countries.
India would no longer be able to produce affordable generic medicines. This especially would affect HIV medicines for second line treatment. The cost of annual treatment in these cases would jump from $250 a year to $700-$3000.
The prices of medicines would shoot up and would affect the millions of people suffering from a wide range of life-threatening and chronic diseases, which including not only HIV infection but also tuberculosis, diabetes, respiratory tract infections, and various forms of cancer.
It would have global repercussions as India plays a unique role in global access to medicines. India is the world's chief exporter of affordable generic drugs, especially to Africa and Asia. This amendment would threaten the survival of millions of indigent people with HIV in these regions.
The proposed Bill would introduce product patents in the fields of food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The product patents would cost both the economy and the consumer heavily. The domestic small-scale industry, a once-promised feature of the dream of a self-reliant, independent India, would further lose ground to unequal competition from multi-national companies.
It is your cause
If you are concerned about increasing HIV/AIDS
The gigantic challenge to stop HIV/AIDS in the world requires a concerted effort from all of us. Worldwide, 60-70 million people have been infected with HIV. Each year 3 million people die of AIDS, including 500,000 children and the disease is an expanding pandemic. Many experts believe India is the “decisive battleground” in the fight against the disease.
If you are concerned about equality and health rights
Poor people are more prone to communicable diseases and stand to lose the most with rising drug prices. Healthcare will increasingly become a privilege of the rich. Health rights for all irrespective of socio-economic status is promised by the Indian constitution and international human rights norms and yet it is not provided. The struggle for actualization would suffer a serious and grave setback.
If you are concerned about gender equality and women’s empowerment
Gender discrimination and lack of female empowerment is a significant risk factor for contracting HIV/AIDS. Women have little power to negotiate safer sexual practices and have little access to family resources. Thus, they will suffer most from rising costs of the medicines.
If you are concerned about international financial institutions putting profits over people
For several years, India resisted pressure from the WTO to amend its Patents Act of 1970. Under an ultimatum from the WTO, India promulgated an ordinance to bring about the changes in its Patents Act. If not stopped, the same changes will become law within the next six months.
If you are concerned about India, its people, and poor people across the globe
India’s present Patents Law allows production of affordable and generic medicines. Not only in India, but elsewhere in other developing countries, poor people benefit from these medicines. UNICEF has stated that there are signs of a rapidly-spreading AIDS epidemic in India. Home to the world's second-largest HIV-positive population with an estimated 5.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS, India acquires nearly 1000 new cases per month. Poor people need generics.
If you are concerned about people dying from preventable causes and diseases
Anti-retroviral drugs are required to prevent HIV especially in mother-to-child transmission. They will become unaffordable not only in India but also in other developing nations. Most of the medicines will be at least 99% more expensive than they are now. That means more disease, suffering, and mortality. India is already facing the challenge of an increase in resistant tuberculosis and mutant strains of malarial parasite. Affordable medicine can deal with this threat.
Please visit www.aidindia.org to know about campaigns of AID like Narmada Awareness, Bhopal Survivors Support, Indo-Pak Peace Campaign and fund raising for Tsunami Victims (surpassing $1 million)
Coordinator: Dr. Vineeta Gupta (guptahr@yahoo.com)
Contacts: Dr. S. M. Bhagat (301-345-5308), Priya Ranjan (priya@aidindia.org)
Sincerely,
Dr. Vineeta Gupta
(On behalf of “Stop HIV/AIDS in India” Campaign volunteer team)
IX
Different Faiths Fighting For Same Cause: Hunger in Chicago
All over the world Sikhs has been feeding the needy on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Sikh Community of Chicago hosted its annual Christmas lunch for the needy at The Salvation Army, Uptown Corps Service Center, 1025 W. Sunnyside Ave. Chicago. Over 800 people were served with traditional Christmas meal. Everyday the Salvation Army serves breakfast and lunch at this center. Sikhs has been pioneers in helping the needy since the founder father of Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev Jee who fed the hungry at an early age.
For the past twelve years Sikh Community of Chicago has been hosting lunch for the needy at the Salvation Army center. The Sikhs of Chicago land has been hosting a meal to the needy since January 1992. Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra was the key person on this project.
On the last Saturday of every month a banner that reads “TODAYS MEAL IS SPONSERED BY THE SIKH COMMUNITY OF CHICAGOLAND” is hung in the dining room. The meal is prepared and served with the help of volunteers of the Sikh community and Salvation Army from 12PM till 1PM.
“We cannot forget your generosity, shown by coming as volunteer to serve the people and also your donation to pay for the meal. We appreciate your commitment”, said Capt. Nancy Power of the Salvation Army.
Mr. Richard Schwab, Vice President of Gold Eagle who has been doing volunteers work for the Salvation Army, told volunteers about the Sikh contribution to their community. Mr Schwab will be visitng the Palatine Gurdware on 9th January 2005 at 10 AM.
Bibi Ajmer Kaur Gakhal, Bibi Baljeet Kaur Gakhal, Dr. Gurbachan Singh Chadda, S. Kamaljeet
Singh Virdee, and Sarwan Singh donated funds for this noble cause. Members of Sikh community and the Captains of Salvation Army appreciate everyone for volunteering their time and resources to make this event successful and we hope that these two different faiths will keep doing their best to fight against hunger.
For more information about food for needy please contact:
Bibi Ajmer Kaur Gakhal 708-496-1283
Bibi Baljeet Kaur Gakhal 847-364-5169
Dr. Gurmukhpal Singh 847-438-0712
Dr. Gurbachan Singh Chadda 847-382-3204
S. Hardial Singh Deol 847-729-2491
S. Iqbal Singh Chopra 847-438-0515
S. Sarwan Singh 847-704-1626
S. Thakar Singh Basati 847-670-1367
This is humble appeal to all of you with roots in India to consider the plight of a new batch of stranded young Indians and Sikhs from Punjab who are sheltered by the Indian community in Tehran Gurudwara Sahib.
They have been illegally migrating to a dream world of their destination - Europe - in search of jobs and money. They were duped by employment agents who mistreat them, starve them and abandon them. The lucky ones some how make it to the small Indian Community and its institutions in Tehran to tell their horror stories suffering from severe cold and in snow without food and without warm clothes and barefoot.
These are cases of deportation from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon where these people are treated in the most inhumane way - without food, clothing and water - and sent to the Iranian borders. These victims walk, sick with hunger and pain, and somehow a few make it to take shelter arranged by the Indian Community at the Tehran Gurudwara Sahib. These young Indian Punjabis, mostly Sikhs, are 18-25 years old.
These young men are abandoned at the border of a country, and when they are captured the border police there takes their shoe laces so they can’t walk. By the time
they reach the Tehran. Some have had to get their fingers or toes amputated from frostbite. A few have lost their lives and are unaccounted for.
The latest group consisting 80 persons arrived in tattered clothes, starving, sick and in pain. They have nothing with them. The small population of Sikhs of about 100 families gives donations for clothes, basic amenities and medical treatment. The Indian volunteers and Gurdwara Sahib notifies the Iranian authorities of the new arrivals so they can be properly documented as illegal immigrants. But instead of being thrown in jail, the Indian volunteers and the Gurdwara makes arrangements with Iranian authorities to allow the migrants to stay at the Gurdwara until they receive authorization to travel back to India. Although the Embassy of India starts the process of giving temporary certificates to travel
back to India, the migrants are subjected to paying tax penalties and charges to the Immigration and Ministry of Labor for clearance. Since the migrants do not have money to pay, the Tehran Indian Community and Sikhs helps them to the best of their ability.
The Current batch is stranded more than two months. The facilities of Gurdwara sahib are limited
and stretched,And no sooner does one batch leaves than another arrives. One cannot see these innocent people suffering, But the means at our end are limited and Guru Nanak’s house is taking care with its divine support with open doors. Although the Gurdwara should not be looked upon as a safe haven for illegal migrants, the hearts of all Indians and Sikhs goes out to these people with full sympathy and support every time they arrive in Tehran, Iran. The young Indians (and Punjabis) are being duped into a death trap with false promises of foreign lands.
Every effort is being made by the Tehran Indian and Sikh community to help the migrants, but it is not enough. A few of the victims need urgent medical attention and hospitalization for suffering from diseases and Typhoid. The daily cost of maintaining food and lodging is $5 - $7 per person. This is being managed by Indian volunteers contributions of the Tehran Sikhs.
We humbly appeal to all the generous Indians ,Sikhs and Punjabis settled worldwide to circulate this appeal and offer voluntary help and join our efforts by contribution relief, food, clothes, medical aid, fresh blankets, sleeping gags, and basic amenities for the people stranded in Tehran.
It is impossible for the Indian Community and the Sikhs in Tehran to ensure that this suffering ends without your support so please come forward generously in helping your people and strengthening our efforts.
Regards
Pervinder Singh
(Social Worker)
Avenue Bucharest, Second Street, No.19
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Tel:+98-21-8737356,8757420,8506192,3933646 Fax:8737356/3933646
cell:09121212253
e mail:pervindersingh@gurugobindsingh.net
VII
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
At the Thanksgiving service held in Indianapolis, K.P. Singh, Tarlochan Singh, Giani Pritam Singh, Lakhbar Singh, Gurjit Singh and others represented the Sikh community. By sharing major American holidays with local communities, Sikhs can not only make their presence felt but also dispel the stereotype and mistaken identity problems that they have faced in recent years. The need for Sikhs to teach Americans about their religion is more pronounced now than ever before, especially when hate related crimes against the community have resulted in post 9/11. Only last week a Sikh owned gas station in Virginia was set on fire. --Editors
The Fifth Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service last Tuesday at The Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul offered reassuring words about God’s boundless benevolence towards all living beings. Catholics, including our host, Archbishop Buechlein, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Quaker, and Sikh representatives led 400 assembled guests in praise and honor of the Wonderful Lord and offered beautiful expressions of gratitude for our countless blessings. I cherished the experience and my unimagined blessings in this lifetime.
For one brief moment, Faith and Spirit had triumphed over religious and traditional distinctions and intrusive occasional separateness and self-serving interpretations of religious doctrines and revelations about God. Amidst the aura of reverence and joyous sounds created by The Indianapolis Children’s Choir, chants, scriptural readings and musical renditions, the spirit and sanctuary resounded with an unmistakable unity of our shared humanity.
This spiritual and cultural diversity had a beautiful face; it was ours. The sacred readings and renditions had a common language; the language of our soul. Faith was at work: reaffirming, that the ever-present God-Spirit is always on the human side; reminding, that in serving we witness and honor the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
From left, Tarlochan Singh, Narvinder Singh, Giani Pritam Singh, Lakhbar Singh and Gurjit Singh (on the tabla), sing a Sikh hymn at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 23. The hymn’s text tells of God’s constant graciousness to his people.
The Criterion, November 2004
Sikh Presentation of Gratitude
My gratitude spans the entire spectrum of physical, cultural, and spiritual gifts, and those who make them possible. My thoughts are inspired by the Sikh spirituality and traditions, the Light and Wisdom offered by the great religions, and my own personal experiences and affirmations:
Salutation and gratitude to the One Universal Supreme Creator and Sustainer of all Life; God has been hailed in the Sikh Scriptures as the Father and Mother of all living beings and that God is concerned about all that He has created.
Salutation and gratitude to our earthly parents; life-sustaining gifts: air, water, sunlight, vegetation, and Mother Earth; and to the circle of all beings that inhabit and grace the Earth and form the heart and soul of Nature and Creation.
Salutation and gratitude to all those who labor and provide the vital framework and foundation of needed services and essentials for “Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness” of all living beings: workers, merchants, and just about everyone.
Salutation and gratitude to all those who educate, enlighten, and dispel ignorance, doubts, and darkness of thought and spirit; and expand human imagination that bridges the temporal and celestial realms: teachers, scholars, scientists and Enlightened Beings.
Salutation and gratitude to all those who sacrifice for justice and equality, in defense of human dignity, freedoms, and sacred rights; and those who undertake the righteous fight for worthy causes and place the prospects of true liberation, emancipation, and Salvation before us: Martyrs, Saints, soldiers, and Noble Souls.
Salutation and gratitude to all those who tonight fill this sacred space and all natural and man-made sacred spaces of awesome grandeur and beauty where Praise and Honor is offered to the Highest Truth and Self- Created Reality; and where the human spirit contributes to and finds sanctuary, peace, and cherished blessings: worshippers, Archbishop, Rabbis, Religious Teachers, unmatched builders and creators.
Salutation and gratitude to all those who safeguard our civic rights and freedoms, community, and shared humanity: Law enforcement, Police, Fire, City and State officials.
In this spirit, we ask the Almighty Wonderful Lord to grant us this wisdom:
“Recognize all humanity as One Race, One Brotherhood.”
“Know all living beings to be a repository of Divine Light.”
“Honor the sanctity of all faiths” and pray for and build an ever-expanding and all-embracing “Circle of Light” and witness in its universal warmth and glow.
Being people of faith,
And being created in God’s Immaculate Image,
May we imitate His boundless compassion, generosity, and forgiveness as an affirmation of our commitment and spiritual lessons learned, and
Serve Life with humility, joyous gratitude, and Thanksgiving.
From this sacred place and experience, may we carry a little of the unfathomable God-Spirit which showers blessings upon all without limit.
Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
VI
Feeding The Hungry
Wahaguru Jee Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh
Sikh Community of Chicago sponsors Thanksgiving meal 25 November 2004
I want to share information on feeding the
hungry in Chicago, Illinois (USA).
Guru Nanak Dev Jee taught us three principles of life:
1. Kirit Karna 2. Naam Japna 3. Wand Chakna
In December 1991, Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra took the
initiative to prepare meal at Sikh Religious
Society in Palatine, Illinois and took it to the
Salvation Army located at 1025 West Sunnyside Ave,
Chicago to feed the needy.
At that time few dedicated Sikhs decided that we
should do once a month what Guru Nanak Dev jee
taught us: feeding hungry people. Since then, a group of dedicated Sikhs in the Chicago area has been
feeding lunch once a month to the needy since
1992 at the Salvation Army Center.
A group of people used to cook this meal at the
Gurdwara Sahib in Palatine and take it
to the Salvation Army. As the number of Sikhs increased, cooking at the Gurdwara kitchen got difficult and members of Sikh community felt the need to let Salvation Army prepare the food instead of cooking it in the Gurdwara kitchen.
Today the way this program is being run is that a Sikh
family sponsors this meal under the banner "TODAY'S
MEAL SPONSORED BY SIKH COMMUNITY OF CHICAGO LAND".
Lunch meal is prepared by The Salvation Army as they regularly do to feed the hungry. The family that sponsors the meal must do the following:
1. Go to the feeding at The Salvation Army center and do sewa (voluntary service).
2. Give the Check for the costs incurred in sponsoring the meal to The Salvation Army and not to any other organization.
On Thanksgiving and Christmas, a traditional meal
is served at the same center of The Salvation Army.
Approximate 800 meals are prepared on each of these
two events. The Sikh Community of Chicago started
sponsoring these two meals in 1994. A few families
shared the cost in the early years. Now the Thanksgiving
meal is sponsored by Punjabi Heritage
Organization under the banner "SIKH COMMUNITY OF
CHICAGO LAND".
Punjabi Heritage Organization is a non-profit
organization and they do lot of Punjabi Cultural
activities in Chicago land. Personally I, as a member
of the Sikh Community, have very high regards for the
Punjabi Heritage Organization and lot of other
individuals who donate their hard earned money
and time for this noble cause on the Thanksgiving Day and
throughout the year.
Again on Christmas Day about 800 meals are sponsored by the
Gakhal family. Harbhajan Singh Gakhal came to
Chicago in late 50's and settled here. Mr. Gakhal
and his younger brother Karamvir Singh Gakhal were
very loving people and always tried to do a lot for
Sikhi and people from India. Mrs Ajmer
Kaur Gakhal and Baljit Kaur Gakhal have been
sponsoring this Christmas meal in the memory of
their beloved husbands.
There are many individuals, Waheguru knows their
Names, who are behind this effort. May Waheguru bless
all of us to do this kind of sewa everywhere.
We, as members of the Sikh community, will love to help start this kind of sewa in other cities in North
America. Anyone interested can contact me at 847-704-1626
or email me at sarwan2001@yahoo.com
Sarwan Singh
V
Festivals of Diwali and Eid
Recently Diwali and Eid were celebrated by Hindus and Muslims around the world. Rehman Faiz, Chairperson Religious Peace Research Organization, Lahore (Pakistan) has sent us his greetings for publication with the hope that it will promote religious tolerance and harmony. --Editors
Rehman Faiz
It is fascinating that two religious celebrations, Diwali and Eid are being celebrated around the world simultaneously. Surprisingly the innate insight behind the two traditions has much in common as far as the religious objectives and goals are concerned. The sharing beauties of Diwali and Eid can help us reach the common ground of religious practice, and ultimately in developing better religious harmony among the followers of these two traditions.
Diwali or Deepavali is a five-day Hindu festival, which occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika (in October/November). Diwali means “rows of lighted lamps” (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array) and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. It symbolizes age-old religious tradition, which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights, even today projects the rich and everlasting values of religious commandments and teaches to uphold the true standards of life.
Muslim tradition Eid ul Fitr marks the end of a month long fast during the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It is on the first day of Shawwal that Muslims celebrate Eid, which means “festivity” in Arabic. Eid is celebrated after the sighting of the new crescent on the previous evening. It is on this day that the world’s 1.2 billion Muslims celebrate the joyous holiday called Eid ul-Fitr, “the Festival of Fast Breaking”. On this day Muslims celebrate a month-long achievement which was performed for the sole purpose of pleasing and serving God.
Diwali or Deepavali
The fourteenth day of the dark half of Aashwayuja to the second day of bright half of Kaartik. If there is one occasion which is all joy for Hindus around the world, it is Deepaavali - the Festival of Lights. Even the humblest of huts will be lighted by a row of earthen lamps. Crackers resound and light up the earth and the sky. The faces of boys and girls flow with a rare charm in their dazzling hues and colors. Illumination - deepotsavas - in temples and all sacred places of worship and on the banks of rivers symbolize the scattering of spiritual radiance all round from these holy centers. The radiant sight of everybody adorned with new and bright clothes, especially women wearing beautiful ornaments, captures the social mood of the people.
This festival is celebrated on a grand scale and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of the New Year. As such the blessings of Lakshmi, the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu are invoked with prayers. The Diwali festival dates back to that period when perhaps history was not written, and in its progress through centuries it lighted path of thousands to attain the ultimate good and complete ecstasy. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, is to signify the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness.
There are two mythological legends associated with Dipavali. The first Dipavali was held to celebrate the return of Rama who is a Muryada Parshotam Avtar for the people of Traeta. The devtas were following moral laws by the letter and without mercy these laws are useless. Shri Ram Chander reminded people that the chief quality of Ram - Par Brahm - is mercy.
Shri Ram Chanderji’s name was due to fact that he represented the reflected Light of Ram, the Sun as Moon (Chand) does so. So, Shri Ram Chander was the source of Moonlight, which is imbued with the qualities of Ram, the Sun. People we see with our two naked eyes have within them the Light of Ram, which we cannot see but perceive through their merciful deeds. What we see with our naked eyes is true or sach and what we cannot “see” but only perceive with our “third eye” is absolute Truth or satt.
In northern India, Diwali celebrates Rama’s homecoming, which is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival. Similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.
Eid ul-Fitr
For a Muslim, Eid is a day of thanksgiving. On the day of Eid, fasting is forbidden since this day marks the end of the month-long fast. In the morning of Eid, Muslims are encouraged to enjoy sweet snacks such as dates. Other practices on this special day include bathing and wearing our best clothes. Muslims celebrate Eid by expressing thanks to God by means of distributing alms among the poor and needy and offering special prayers. On this day, gifts are also given to children and loved ones. Eid ul-Fitr is the first of two holidays in Islam. The second holiday is called Eid ul-Azha and falls on the 10th day of Zil Hajj, which is the 12th month and occurs during the Hajj.
Even though fasting is not permitted on the day of ‘Eid yet, the major part of the celebration is not eating or drinking - rather, it is a prayer that brings people together to remember God’s bounties and celebrate His glory and greatness. Apart from their apparent practices, ‘Eid and its celebration in Islam carries a distinct meaning and spirit. Apparently, a holiday is a chance to immerse in worldly pleasures, or to involve oneself in prohibited acts to the utmost. In its real meaning, ‘Eid is an occasion to increase in good deeds. Each ‘Eid marks the conclusion of an important worship, and the determination to continue in obedience and submission to God.
For example, some rejoice in the beginning of the New Year, but not Eid; rejoicing on the dawn upon mankind of a new era of light and peace. Some celebrate the end of the dark winter days and the coming of spring but not Eid; it celebrates the end of the dark, cold night of ignorance and the coming of a warm spring of justice and equality. Some give thanks for the harvest of grain, fruit or cattle, but not Eid; thanking the harvest of the richest blessings of God for soul and intellect, for mind and heart, for living and conduct.
Thus for the followers, ‘Eid is a chance to multiply good deeds by bringing happiness and pleasure to the hearts of people, by helping and supporting the poor and needy, and by getting involved in pastimes that emphasize the strong and serious human character. Zakat-ul-Fitr or Fitrana is a small amount that Muslims are obliged to pay as charity at the end of Ramadan. It is unanimously recognized by all schools of Islamic Law as a pious duty of every Muslim man or woman.
The philosophy behind this practice is that, in the moments of extreme pleasure or sadness, a follower never forgets his or her prime objective to achieve during their worldly life. A follower’s actions are always controlled by this continued remembrance and awareness. Thus ‘Eid is not an occasion to take a vacation from religious responsibilities and commitments, and nor is it a time to waste money through extravagance. It is not fun for the sake of fun. Rather, it is a controlled and directed rejoicing that is of an ultimate and definite benefit for the follower and through him charity and service for rest of humanity.
Philosophy behind Diwali and Eid
The basic theme of these two religious celebrations is to keep in mind the everlasting responsibilities of humans. He who has controlled his mind is really happy and free. Physical freedom is no freedom at all. If one is easily carried away by surging emotions and impulses, if one is under the grip of moods and cravings, how can he or she be really happy? According to the philosophy of religion, man is tossed about hither and thither like a piece of straw in the vast expanse of ocean. He laughs for five minutes and weeps for five hours. What can a spouse, son, friends, money, fame and power do for him when he is under the sway of the impulse of his mind?
The philosophy of religion informs us that practicing religion does not mean abandoning social duties and the responsibilities of life. It does not mean detachment from the world, or a life in a solitary cave in the Himalayas or in a cremation ground. It does not mean living in isolation, or wandering around in groups to preach people. It does not mean developing one’s image as a pious and religious person by wearing special clothes and acquiring a particular look.
A man may remain in the world and discharge all the duties of his order and stage of life with detachment. He may be a householder. He may live with family and children. But at the same time, he may have perfect mental detachment from everything. He can perform his spiritual practice systematically. That person who has perfect mental detachment while remaining in the world is a hero, indeed. He or she is much better than a holy man who is living in a cave in the Himalayas or wandering around the world as a preacher, because the former has to face innumerable temptations at every moment of his life.
Wherever a man may go, he carries with him his fickle, restless mind, his desires and subconscious impressions. Even if he appears to be a pious person, he still is the same worldly man whether he lives in a world of imagination or not. In that case even the cave becomes a big city for him. If the mind remains quiet, if it is free from attachments, one can be perfectly dispassionate even while living in a mansion in the busiest part of a city like Karachi or Mumbai. When a religious follower detaches from worldly gains and selfish desires his life just becomes a donation, a charity, a forgiveness and a submission. He will only love and serve humanity and not terrorize people with violence. In this manner charity, service and donation are the real demands of both Diwali and Eid.
IV
Fourth International Conference
On
Guru Granth Sahib
Amritsar, December 9-11, 2004
On December 9-11, 2004, the scholars and leaders of all world religions will make presentations and lead discussions on the teachings of the Guru Granth.
Continuing its participation in the Quadri-centennial celebrations of the installation of Sikh scripture in the Harimindir Sahib at Amritsar, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar is holding fourth international conference on Guru Granth Sahib: Challenges and Response in the New Millennium. The conference will bring to the fore the relevance of the message of Guru Granth Sahib to resolve the issues that are facing the global society.
The purpose of the Conference is to arouse awareness on the global relevance of the Guru Granth teachings. The Conference Proceedings will be published in the newly launched journal, the Perspectives on Guru Granth.
The organizers are inviting high ranking academics from all over the world. For further information, contact the followings.
Professor Balwant Singh Dhillon
Conference Director
Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar - 143 005 (Punjab)
Office Phone: 011-91-183-225-8803-09 extension 3245
Home Phone: 011-91-183-225-7624, Fax: 011-91-183-225-8820
Email: balwantdhillon@yahoo.com
Or
Emeritus Professor Harbans Lal
President, Academy of Guru Granth Studies, USA
6415 Amicable Drive
Arlington, Texas 76016
USA
Tel. 817-446-8757
Email: japji@comcast.net
III
Remember 1984
In an effort to commemorate the anti-Sikh atrocities and carnage that occurred 20 years ago in India, the Sikh Research Institute collaborated with Trinity University to host ‘Remember 1984.’ This awareness campaign ran over a span of four days and attracted more than 200 members of the local community.
According to Rupinder Kaur, Program Developer for the Sikh Research Institute, the event was highly successful in imparting new information to interested individuals.
Pete Neville, Director of Coates University Center and Student Activities for Trinity University said he was pleasantly surprised at the large crowds attracted by each program.
Panel discussions
Photo: Raj Singh
“The events of the week broadened perspectives on matters of an important sociopolitical issue and drew very impressive numbers,” Pete said. “At an institution where we have the (fortunate) dilemma of having to choose from among many simultaneous campus activities, to draw 50 people to an event signals success.”
Trinity University Chaplain Reverend Stephen Nickle said that the programming commenced on the first day of November, when the University Chapel hosted an interfaith candlelight vigil dedicated to the victims of human rights violations throughout the world.
“The vigil was a powerful experience for me, precisely because November 1984 lies within the sphere of my adult consciousness, yet I was unaware of the pogrom against Sikhs in India,” Stephen said. “My favorite thing about the vigil was the variety of expressions of piety among the participants – it makes me hopeful to witness the creative breadth of the human family.”
Interfaith candlelight vigil and prayer service for victims of human rights abuses.
Photo: Raj Singh
Stephen added that participating in the candlelight vigil inspired him to educate himself on the 1984 massacres that left tens of thousands of Sikhs dead.
According to Jaspreet Singh, Parliamentarian of Students Creating Awareness of the Sikh Faith (SCASF), for the second event, SCASF organized a display and conversed with University students about the November pogroms of 1984.
Trinity University student Andrew Nestor said he found the interactions valuable and enlightening.
“I learned a lot about of the institutionalized violence committed by the Indian government in the Panjab region against Sikhs,” Andrew said. “The details of the events which began in 1984 were startling in their brutality and inhumanity, but even more so because people have not been educated of the pogroms in India or the rest of the world. Confrontation has only begun and it is important for people to know its significance.”
Jaspreet added that the next day, featured a lecture and presentation from Jaskaran Kaur, who spoke on the topic of a book she recently authored and released – ‘Twenty Years of Impunity: The November 1984 Pogroms of Sikhs in India.’
“I was moved by the diverse turnout at the lecture and the community's response to the injustices suffered by the victims of the November 1984 pogroms of Sikhs,” Jaskaran said.
Jaskaran also explained that the fourth and final event consisted of a screening of ‘Amu,’ a newly-produced Hollywood movie chronicling an American college student’s struggle to establish her identity after discovering that her parents were victims in the horrific events of 1984. Jaskaran moderated a panel discussion that addressed pressing issues arising from the movie and pondered possible approaches that people might take to reconcile the losses.
C. Mackenzie Brown, Professor and Chair for Trinity University’s Department of Religion, served on the panel and described the dialogue as open and progressive.
“I liked the fact that many in attendance, including those on the panel, were open to considering how to address the ongoing problem of genocide, Mackenzie said. It is critical that we investigate how genocide may be prevented in the future, regardless of who the victims may be.”
Jaskaran concluded that the ‘Remember 1984’ week seemed to be executed precisely and perfectly, which positively reflected the efforts of the Sikh Research Institute.
“The variety of events gave people a comprehensive picture of different dimensions of the massacres,” Jaskaran said. “The awareness week's success in reaching out to a diverse group of people, from students to community leaders, ensures that the world will continue to learn about and remember the 1984 massacres of Sikhs.”
For more information, contact: Simran Singh
Associate Editor
Sikh Research Institute
email: simran.singh@sikhri.org
II
A Small Step by You - A Giant Leap for the Poor
SPRAT - Society for Promotion of Rational Thinking - works in Gujarat,
India, in two directions: sensitizing people toward communal harmony,
rational thinking and scientific temper, and for empowering the
impoverished.
It runs CARAVAN network for integrated socio-economic empowerment of the
poor [serving a daily average of 1,000 persons, both Muslims and Hindus],
TALEEM basic literacy programme teaching women and children in slums
[already educated 3,000 illiterate persons], MUSKAAN recreation park for
the poor children and some modest work in providing sustainable livelihood,
besides organizing surveys, research and publications. Obviously all this
costs money.
SPRAT is led by the noted agro-economist Dr Yoginder Alagh and run full
time by the former banker and management consultant, Mr Hasan Jowher.
Several internationally renowned persons are its Governors and Advisors. It
enjoys Sn 80G exemption from Income Tax and has FCRA registration.
To raise funds we wish to make a presentation to potential donors but are
not adept at fund raising. In the wake of post-Godhra disturbances we
plunged into work with our own funding. In due course, some good Samaritans
chipped in but as the work expanded we need greater support.
International Day of Dalits’ Struggle and World Dignity Day
You may be aware of the fact that the Social Movements International
Network/ World Assembly of Social Movements, in association dalit movements
and mass organisations in India, has given a worldwide call to observe 5
December 2004 as International Day of Dalits’ Struggle and World Dignity
Day.
On this day there is going to be worldwide demonstrative upsurge in London
(UK), Berlin (Germany), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Katmandu (Nepal), and many other
countries by social movements and action groups who would like to express
their support and solidarity to dalit struggle as well as to the broader
struggle against all forms of discrimination and exclusion through candle
light procession, solidarity marches, human chains and media campaigns. This
will be a historic day after the Durban World Conference against Racism.
In India, a Peoples’ Dignity Rally has been planned at Ram Lila Grounds in
Delhi in which more than 50,000 dalits of all religious and sub-caste
backgrounds, minorities, forest people, unorganised workers and women from
all over India will participate. This rally will be organised by the wider
civil society comprising of mass organizations of dalits, adivasis, women,
minorities, unorganized workers and other marginal groups. Apart from this,
a range of programmes from 4th to 6th December 2004 has been conceived to
address the collective and sovereign concerns of these groups.
The Peoples Dignity Rally on 5 December and allied events between 4 to 6
December 2004 could be seen as a collective aspiration to deepen democracy,
challenge the roots of discrimination, exclusion and conflict, and
strengthen the demand for dignity as an ‘inherent and non-negotiable’ right.
The cross-sectoral alliance emerging between diverse mass organisations,
working with different sectoral issues and groups in different regions,
seeks to transform the International Solidarity Call into a dense process
that interconnects the concerns for life, livelihood, participation,
security, peace and dignity.
Various organisations have already initiated countrywide mobilisation
through regional processes. You will appreciate that such a programme with
a broad objective and a huge participation of the Indian society can only be
made posssible if individuals and organisations working in the spirit of
democracy come forward to support this joint endeavour and own this
process. Keeping this in view, we invite you and your organisation to
become part of this mobilisation process.
In solidarity,
Dr. Ramanath Nayak Ph.D.
For Peoples’ Launch of International Day of Dalits’ Struggle - World Dignity
Day
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