wmsikhsocs

PRESS RELEASE -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- ARSON Attack on Wolverhampton Sikh Gurdwara. Local priests in narrow escape 20th April 2006 Bilston, West Midlands - Three Sikh Priests were led to safety last night following an arson attempt on a Sikh Gurdwara in Bilston. The emergency services were called out just before 0100 BST to put out fires started using two large bins placed in front of the two doors of the Temple. Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Arthur Street is close to Bilston town centre and was attacked in what is thought to have been a racially motivated act of violence. Local residents are reported to have seen three youths running away from the Gurdwara and alerted the fire crew accordingly. The prompt response of the residents played a large part in saving the lives of the three men. Two fires were started at separate parts of the Temple. The main worship room was saved from the fire by the aluminum shutters in place in front of the main entrance of the Gurdwara itself. The second fire burned through a side door where it spread into the communal kitchens and onto the second floor on which the priests sleeping quarters are situated. Initial estimates place the cost of damages caused by the attack at around £20,000. The three priests were treated for smoke inhalation and shock. Two of the priests have spoken to local residents about the trauma caused to them as a result of the arson attack. Gianni (Priest) Manohar Singh explained that although there have been incidents of racial abuse in the past, nothing was as severe as this attack, “We have received verbal and physical abuse from youths before but nothing of this level…I don’t understand what we have done to deserve this. How will be sleep at night now?†The second Priest, Gianni Tirath Singh feared for his life after he awoke to the fire burning throughout the Gurdwara. While speaking with local residents he exclaimed : “I could see nothing but smoke around me, I couldn’t breathe and thought that this is it, we were going to die for sure.†West Midlands Police are treating the crime as a suspected arson attack and appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information they may have by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Since 9/11 and the recent London bombings there has been an increased number of attacks on the local Sikh community in the area. Community leaders and multi faith networks are aware of the situation and are providing their full support. The community is devastated by the recent incident. -30-

West Midland's Sikhi Week is here once again and it just doesn't stop getting bigger and better than ever! Pay special attention to Guru's langar on campus (this Thurs), Keertan on campus, soul sikher play, charity car wash and candle-lit vigil... It's sure to be kicking so make sure you don't miss out! [align=center:45f00c5641]“The ONE†Aston University Weds 2nd Nov 2-5pm.[/align:45f00c5641] To kick start the week, a great spiritual professor, Bhai Vir Jee, will be leading a discussion on Guru Nanak Dev Jee, the founder of the Sikh faith and the inspiration behind this year’s Sikhi Week. Make sure your there to experience an enlightening encounter of a unique kind! [align=center:45f00c5641]Gurus' Langar on Campus University of Birmingham Thursday 3rd Nov 11-4pm[/align:45f00c5641] Voted best student event of 2004, this year we’re hoping to surpass the revolution that hit the campus of bham last year. In celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday we shall we serving free food to anyone and everyone and offering a truly Sikh experience to all. With a huge marquee in the middle of campus you can’t miss it so make sure your there… Over 2000 other people will be! [align=center:45f00c5641]Food for the Soul University of Birmingham Thursday 3rd Nov 6-9pm[/align:45f00c5641] To continue the party atmosphere of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday we will be getting together in the evening to sing the praises of our creator. With the sun setting on the campus after a truly unique day, there is guaranteed to be a reflective and peaceful atmosphere in the midst of all the hustle of campus life. Join the Keertan in the marquee and stick around for the fireworks display at the end! [align=center:45f00c5641]Soul Sikher Arena Theatre: Wolverhampton. Saturday 5th Nov 7.30pm start[/align:45f00c5641] Join us for an exclusive Sikh Soc showing of the biggest play to hit the town this year. Watch out for laughs, fun and pindu jokes along the way… Make sure you don’t fall out of your seat in laughter! But hurry, tickets are selling as fast as mum’s proatae on a Sunday morning so ring 07974 647772 to make sure you’re not left disappointed! (Tickets £6.50 members/ £8 non-members) [align=center:45f00c5641]Charity Car Wash Guru Nanak Gurdwara car park, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton Sunday 6th Nov 9am start[/align:45f00c5641] To raise money for the tragic earthquake that hit South Asia this month, us students will be getting together to raise some much needed money as well as leaving auntia happy with gleaming new cars! Join us to help out and partake in some true Seva as our first Guru instructed us to do… [align=center:45f00c5641]Dare to be Different… The University of Central England Monday 7th Nov 6-9pm[/align:45f00c5641] With the world turned upside down by recent acts of terrorism and religious debates springing up everywhere, join us for some interesting debate on where we, as Sikhs stand in today’s ever-changing society. Professor Gurnam Singh from the University of Coventry will head this hot topic of debate so make sure you’re there to help us define our identity and role as the future of tomorrow. [align=center:45f00c5641]Flames of Justice Birmingham City Centre: Chamberlain Square Tuesday 8th Nov 4-7pm[/align:45f00c5641] As an act of remembrance, the Sikh community will be holding a candlelit vigil to mark the killing of thousands of Sikhs across India from the 80’s until the present. To this date even after the findings of the latest commission, no one has been prosecuted for the organisation of this horror and 21 years on the Sikh’s still await justice. Join us to light a candle of hope and say a prayer for all those souls awaiting peace. [align=center:45f00c5641] Sikh-ing Meditation The University of Wolverhampton Wednesday 9th November 2-4pm[/align:45f00c5641] This event will be an interactive workshop on the art of Sikh meditation. An experienced teacher, Bhai Jujhar Singh who has a regular meditation class at Birmingham Uni will lead an introductory session that will equip participants with the necessary techniques to begin practicing meditation as a part of daily life. For further details check out www.boss-uk.org or email wmsikhsocs@boss-uk.org for more details...