Northern

Interesting conversation last night amongst friends, where one supported Trump.  Her arguement is "he is not afraid to speak his mind, is that something Hilary does? No."  If you read his auto-biography that’s his style: say something outrageous to get you remembered. Doesn’t mean he means it.  But then I then suggested he's like any other politician who says anything to get votes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2016-35758156

If you plan to marry anyone (regardless of if they live in the same city or country as you) you must do back ground checks on them as people will only tell you there good side.  You can ask someone random at their local gurdwara to see what they know about that boy/girl and their family.

You mention the person moving may have little knowledge of local laws or language.  I would suggest that the person moving (before they leave) must understand the language first and have a safe/confidential point of contact in the new city they can go to to talk about any issues or if they are feeling lonely (this can be a relative, friend, or charity).

Here's a useful site article on verifying people online http://disc-digitalsecurity.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/bitesize-guide-verifying-new-virtual.html

There are various elderly care homes in the city where I live, and I'm sure there are some near other members of this forum.  I would definitely recommend this as the elderly really appreciate this.  They can chat with others but you notice the glint in their eyes when a new youngster comes in and has chit-chat with them about any random topic (and they are funny and random at times).  The thing is, there are many more elderly people who live on there own (ie. not in a care home with others) so can you imagine how lonely they get?

There are so many different types of volunteer work we can do.  Whether its helping elderly, teaching kids in a special needs school, cleaning sheets/pruning back trees, cooking for homeless.....etc

: )

A couple of times a month I spend time in an elderly care home sitting and listening with the old people there.  They are so lonely and love that someone young has taken time to be with them because they really have nothing else to do, and rarely visited by their family.  They share some lovely stories and really appreciate any visitor : )

A couple of good charities I support to raise awareness of this are Binti Period and Pink Ladoo

https://www.instagram.com/binti.period/

https://www.instagram.com/pinkladoo/

Lots of good work done to remind people menstruation is a natural part of life.

When a UK citizen decides to marry an Indian national in Panjab, what needs to be done before the Indian partner (and newly weds) move to the UK?

TIA : )

On 9/29/2015 at 7:39 PM, dalsingh101 said:

What's interesting about the art in the Op is that I think the artist is a nonSikh?

Many non-Sikh photographers love capturing photos from Sikh weddings and the Gurudwaras because of the vivid colours and cultural essence there. 

On 9/29/2015 at 7:32 PM, Ragmaala said:

and this http://www.artofpunjab.com/paintings/

Art & paintings are great in introducing children to Sikhi. As a kid, I had access to books which contained paintings of Guru Jis, 4 sahibzades & wars of Guru Saheb. Its a great way to bring Sikhi history & devotion to life.  Hope more people get inspired by Divine and create amazing art for the benefit of all.

Definitely agree that art is a great way to capture and introduce children, as well as teenages into Sikhi if they have not been interested in it before.

I find Instagram and social media a good way too.  There are so many images, and some with quotes, which can intrigue people.

Many valid points.  An important factor is language - when our communities have moved to places like Russia, France, Brasil - we were not quick enough to translate our beautiful gurbani in to a language the locals could understand when they visit the Gurudwara.  This is improving in the English speaking nations like England.

Mind you, you have to also bear in mind that when other religions have expanded so to have the interpretation of their way of life.  I was chatting to a Catholic friend awhile ago and she explained how different Catholic worshippers in Espania differ to those in Latin America and again in parts of Africa.  We do not have to be big in terms of numbers, but united and strong as a sangat where we are now too.

Death tolls in any conflict will vary depending on which source you refer to.

Yes, it is an interesting period we should be aware of.  I haven't read the first book either so will check that one out first.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Stumbled upon this on Instagram and thought I share as some of you here are interested in Moghul history and the life of MahaRaja Ranjit Singh.  I suppose that's one good thing about social media is people can share more imagery of our history for those who cannot access them in person.

It's a shame there are very few peacocks in Panjab now in comparison to 20 years ago.  Increase in motor vehicles and people have threatened there habitat : (

Our department at work often have department meetings at external venues as we do not have offices that can accommodate everyday in our head office.  This week we had our meeting in a room at a local church, and the church often hires out this large room for external functions.  It would be great for our Gurudwaras to think outside the box when it comes to designing new Gurudwaras or redeveloping existing Gurudwaras to think what they can do to assist the wide panth and local committee.

A function room which could be used to hold meetings, or a library should be consider essential.

RE: Language issues.  Slowly I've seen more Gurudwaras benefiting from the Basics of Sikhi approach of having English karthas to keep the younger members of sangat engaged.

Many Gurudwaras are easy targets, not just for money but aware of incidents where food has been raided unfortunately. Important to have internal CCTV in key areas (e.g. kitchen, hallways) as well as external.  Also, for sevadars to assist in overnight security.

Is there a new site which lists locations of the world's Gurudwaras?

My interpretation of sangat is community, but good to raise the question, what is the sangat in the 21st century?

There are those who only attend Gurudwara functions on special occasions i.e. a wedding or Vaisakhi, they are no lesser member of the sangat than someone who goes regularly.

How old were the people going paintballing?  And, what is there awareness of the instruments they had and the suitability of them for bhangra and/or simran?

It is important to protect historical sites of our Guru Jis and ancestors in the motherland, as well as any artifacts especially everyday objects as they show the way of life back in the day.

SImilarly, where people have migrated to other countries and set up Gurudwaras it's vital to maintain and protect these sites.  Central London is the home of the first Gurudara in Europe.  However this isn't greatly maintained for a number of reasons, one being that people want to visit grand lavish Gurudwaras in Kent or Southall.  This Central London Gurudwara should have a museum within there upper floors showing the history of SIkhs in London and wider Europe when they first moved into the area; thus, protecting our heritage.